Yamaha PSR E 353 Review

We rated the Yamaha PSR E 353 a 7.5/10. This instrument is a good starting point for many players. That being said, it’s a little out of date. The PSR E 353 really excels in its portability. Since it’s a shorter keyboard under 10 pounds, it’s super easy to travel with. Also, the other big selling points for this one include its connectivity (ISO and Bluetooth), learning tools, and touch-sensitive keyboard.

Overview

Yamaha is known not just for its quality, but also for their out-of-the-box ingenuity, and thus, for pioneering groundbreaking ideas. If you are looking for an affordable electric piano, then looking to the brand Yamaha is a great start. Also, any budding pianist would be lucky to start out with a Yamaha. Today, we are taking a look at the PSR E 353. Let’s have a look at this instruments’ details in this PSR E353 Review. 

PSR E 353 Features

In particular, the PSR E 353 has quite a few features for its price range. Let’s check them out:

Ultra-Wide Stereo DSP button: The DSP stereo button on this instrument greatly improves the sound.

Backlit LCD Screen: The LCD screen helps you to read and follow along with presets and programs like Yamaha’s Y.E.S.

It is a Light and Compact Instrument: With it being so light and compact, you can take this keyboard anywhere!

Many Voice Options: From traditional piano sounds to wacky drums and laughing voices, you’ll never get bored with all this piano has to offer! This feature is especially fun for beginners and for kids. 

Specifications

• Width: 37-3/16”
• Height: 4-13/16”
• Number of keys: 61
• Weight: 9.70 pounds
• Voices: 196 panel voices
• Preset Songs: 154

As we said earlier, this keyboard is known for being compact and light. It really is impressive that this just-under-ten-pound keyboard could hold so many voices and preset songs. Also, it’s a lot in a small instrument package! Now, who is the PSR E 353 suitable for?

Who Is It Suitable For?

The PSR E 353 is best suited for beginners. This is a good piano to start on if you are looking for something with a lot of voices, as well as touch sensitivity. Due to the lack of weighted keys and the smaller keyboard, it is better for novices (though, intermediate players may enjoy having this piano for low-key performances due to its lightness and portability).

PSR E 353 Unboxing

In case you can’t try out the PSR E 353 before you purchase it, then you can check out this instrument unboxing here:

Unlike the videos we have featured in our other articles, this unboxing doesn’t feature any commentary, but rather, serves as an example for the piano’s general sounds. If you watch it, you’ll probably notice how many silly and clunky voices there actually are on this thing. That being said, there are a handful of respectable piano tones to be had here. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

Of course, there a quite a few benefits to the Yamaha PSRE353. This is a 61-Key Portable Keyboard. 

• Portability is the main aspect of the Yamaha PSR E353 as it’s only 10 pounds
• It can be taken anywhere for practice
• It has touch-sensitive keys
• Comes with a lot of accessories!
• It has the Yamaha Education Suite or Y.E.S., which is an added advantage
• The PSR R 353 really proves its modern digital worth. It has both iPad and computer connectivity options. 
• It also has Bluetooth capability, so you can pair your instrument to your device
• Compatible with ISO

Let’s take a moment to take a deeper look at some of the pros of the instrument.

Keys – Part of what makes this instrument great is that it has a touch-sensitive keyboard. The keys are so dynamic. In fact, the harder you press them, the louder the noise you get will be.  While it does not have weighted keys, this feature will remind you of playing on an acoustic piano due to its dynamic response. 

Digital compatibility – Don’t want to fork over the extra cash for a piano with real strings? Are you looking for an instrument that you can plug-in and play so that you can start producing your tunes right away? You might be looking for a Yamaha with digital capabilities, and the PSR E 353 is a great place to start! Hands down, this model is the mother of all digital musical instruments in this price range.

You have connectivity options with this one. In particular, be it with a USB to your mixer, to an iPad, or a computer, you’ll be able to rock the show or your newest mix with Yamaha’s piano sound. 

Aux Line Input – No matter how much we brag about this, this feature won’t sound like much until you actually get your hands on this product. Also, you can hear this piano through the built-in speakers, on an old MP3 player, OR you can connect it to a Mixer (or connect it to a Melody Suppressor for volume control). 

Cons

• The keys are not weighted
• There are only 61 keys
• The stand and headphones that come with the package are low-quality
• This model needs a power adapter that is sold separately/or is battery powered
• It is not on the market anymore

The Yamaha PSRE353 61-Key has a problem, especially for us classical cats. The keys are not weighted. Now, keep in mind this is an economical digital piano. But there are many trade-offs that you will make as a player to having lighter keys. Also, the other problem for those looking to learn to play classical repertoire is that there are only 61 keys. Many pieces, and even popular songs, need an 88-key keyboard. 

In addition, many PSR E 353 owners have complained of the fact that you have to buy an adapter for this particular model. This keyboard does not have many cons, but before you purchase your piano, be sure to weigh all the pros and cons carefully. Be sure to check out other reviews on our website as well! 

Unfortunately, this piano is no longer on the market through Yamaha, nor is it being currently produced. Please take this review as a reference guide for purchasing the keyboard used. If you are interested in the newest, most comparable model that is being currently marketed, be sure to check out the Yamaha PSR-E363. Also, you can check out the item and purchase it here on Amazon:

Quick View 

PSR E 353 Conclusion

If you are a hobbyist, then getting a Yamaha PSRE353 61-Key Portable Keyboard is a good idea. In addition, you will be able to improve your skills and enjoy the music without breaking the bank! You also will get a fair few features in this musical instrument without the high prices so often seen in other big brand-names.  But if you’re a professional or intermediate player, I would personally look to the higher-end models of Yamaha, because you will definitely want something with weighted keys. All in all, it depends on where you are at in your goals and process as a pianist. 

Finally, here’s our thoughts on the Yamaha PSR E 353 in a nutshell:

• Yamaha is a great brand
• This is an instrument that piano newbies will love and enjoy
• If you’re looking for a travel keyboard, this is a great fit
• If you are a classical pianist, it is best to look elsewhere, or to a more expensive instrument in the PSR line. In particular, one that has weighted keys and or a full sized keyboard
• The Yamaha PSR E 353 is a fun instrument with many voices. It has recording capabilities as well as a headphone jack, which can make it both an entertaining and practical choice.

We hope you have enjoyed this Yamaha PSR E353 Portable Keyboard Review. So, be sure to come back to BestPianoKeyboards for more tips on picking out an instrument, the history of pianos, and quick piano tips. Bye! 

7.5Expert Score

We rated the Yamaha PSR E 353 a 7.5/10. This instrument is a good starting point for many players. That being said, it’s a little out of date. The PSR E 353 really excels in its portability. Since it’s a shorter keyboard under 10 pounds, it’s super easy to travel with. The other big selling points for this one include its connectivity (ISO and Bluetooth), learning tools, and touch-sensitive keyboard.

PROS

• Portability is the main aspect of the Yamaha PSR E353, it’s only 10 pounds
• It can be taken anywhere for practice
• It has touch-sensitive keys
• It comes with a lot of accessories!
• It has the Yamaha Education Suite or Y.E.S., which is an added advantage
• The PSR R 353 really proves its modern digital worth. It has both iPad and computer connectivity options.
• It also has Bluetooth capability, so you can pair your instrument to your device
• It is also compatible with ISO

CONS

• The keys are not weighted
• There are only 61 keys
• The stand and headphones that come with the package are low-quality
• This model needs a power adapter that is sold separately/ or is battery powered
• It is not on the market anymore