Yamaha PSR-EW300 Review

We rated the PSR-EW300 a 9/10 because it serves beginners really well. It has a 76-key keyboard, built-in lessons, and a great sound engine, which is why we rated it so high. The backing tracks, downloadable song books, and other features make it the perfect instrument for a beginner. While we do wish it had two headphone sockets and a bit bigger keyboard, this is still a great buy for starters.

Overview

You get a lot for your money with the Yamaha PSR-EW300. This is a keyboard designed for beginners as it has a lot of built-in lessons, but it’s got enough bells and whistles on it that it might interest an intermediate player. However, it doesn’t have the full 88-note keyboard with weighted keys that an advanced player would require. Let’s have a look at all the functions. 

Features

Sound

The sound on this keyboard is powered by Yamaha’s AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) stereo sampling sound engine that makes an excellent piano sound. In fact, as electronic keyboards and digital pianos are advancing, it’s getting easier all the time to find a lower priced keyboard with a very good piano sound. This is one of them. 

Keys

The 76 keys are touch-sensitive which means there is some control over the dynamics and expression when you play. This is not as good as weighted keys, but it’s enough for beginners to start with. Since weighted keys are very expensive and very heavy, they are not a necessity for a beginner.  

The keys are smooth plastic, rather than textured like most high-end pianos, but for beginners this isn’t a drawback.

Built-in backing tracks 

The instrument comes with an auto-accompaniment mode with 200+ different backing tracks to choose from. Use the chord mode to match up with Groove Creator to create Electronic Dance music. Touch Tutor teaches you chords and chord progressions to use with this function. You also have options like autofill to enable you to explore the different styles, adjust the music tempo and add different features. It also enables you to record your own songs which you can play back and even edit them later.

Built-in songs 

Learn to play with song you know, which is always easier than learning songs you don’t know. For children, forever popular songs include “Pop Goes the Weasel”, “Muffin Man”, “When the Saints” and several Christmas songs. For adults, choose from “Hey Jude”, “Sailing”, “Imagine” and “Candle in the Wind”, just to name a few. 

Downloadable songbook 

This keyboard comes with a downloadable songbook so that you can match the songs you are learning to the sheet music. The sheet music is full of helpful hints on how to learn the songs. 

Metronome 

A built-in metronome and recording capability makes this a good keyboard for creatives. If your aim is to write your own songs, this is a good feature to get you started. 

Screen 

The backlit LCD screen shows the functions you are using on the keyboard. One touch enables you to store your favorite customized settings and store them so you can return to them quickly. And of course, you can return to factory default with a grand piano at the press of a button too.

Duo, Dual and Split modes

Apart from playing this keyboard just as you would a piano, you can also select from three additional keyboard options: 

Duo Mode

Duo mode enables you to divide the keyboard into two halves, each with an identical pitch range. This enables two people to play on the same instrument, each with the same octave. This is a useful tool especially to teachers as they can play while their students follow along, hearing the exact same pitch. 

Dual mode

Dual mode enables you to layer two instrument sounds across the whole keyboard so you can play two instruments at the same time. This is useful when you want to make an arrangement of a song, or create your own song with its own distinct sound.  

Split mode 

Split mode enables you to play different instrument sound on different side of the keyboard. This yet another tool that can make your music playing fun and adventurous.

Specifications

This portable keyboard has 76 touch-sensitive keys, 48-note polyphony, over 500 different instrument sounds and can record up to 5 songs, 2 tracks each. The output is via 2 built-in speakers 2.5W each. There is one headphone socket and the piano weighs in at 17.2lbs making it extremely easy to switch rooms and take in a car. Also, an arpeggiator gives you 176 different patterns and reverb choices include Concert Hall, Small Room, Plate Reverb and Cathedral.  

Who is it suitable for?

In general 

This is a definitely a good keyboard for beginners. However, because it has so many good features, it could be used for an early intermediate player. The main drawback for a more advanced player is that it doesn’t have 88 keys, but that’s not always a problem.  

As a MIDI controller 

This could be used as a MIDI controller and used with a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) via a computer by setting the “Local Control” function to “Off”. This will send a MIDI note without generating a physical sound. Within a DAW, notes can easily be transposed or otherwise changed, so the lack of 88 keys isn’t such a problem – unless you’re recording piano music that uses the entire scope of a real piano.  

Pros and Cons

Pros 

Price and features 

The biggest pro with the Yamaha PSR-EW300 keyboard is that it’s such a great price for a keyboard that does so much. It’s a lot of bang for your buck. In fact, you can’t go far wrong with this for children who are just starting out on the piano, if you just want to try piano to see if you like it or if you want to have fun making your own tracks.  

The Yamaha PSR-EW300 comes with the Yamaha Education Suite that enables you to practice with preset songs and make learning easier. With the feature, you’ll find a nine-step lesson function that enables you to practice with one hand at a time, making it easier for beginners. It also includes scoring capability where you track your progress, therefore, motivating you to improve to achieve higher scores.

Sturdy construction 

If you’re buying for children, it’s built to stand the battering that children might give it.  

Auto shut-down 

This keyboard has an automatic power off where it automatically shuts down when it has been idle for a while, saving energy.

Cons 

Keys 

The biggest drawback of the Yamaha PSR-EW300 is that it has 76 keys, not 88, and that they are not weighted. However, this is the reason why this keyboard is so affordable and why it’s very light and so can be moved about easily. This drawback really only applies if you are an advanced pianist.  

No Wireless connection 

This keyboard does not have wireless capability, meaning you have to plug a cable in to transfer data.  

Accessories

One other drawback is that it doesn’t come with accessories as standard. You can buy a bundle, but then you’re still paying extra for them and not necessarily choosing the best accessories. Before you decide to buy this  keyboard research stands, headphones and foot pedals rather than just opting for the inexpensive ones that come with the keyboard bundle. 

Quick View 

Conclusion

The Yamaha PSR-EW300 SA 76-key portable keyboard is a great instrument designed for beginners and lower-intermediate players. It comes with everything you need to get started and could last you a year or two before you start wanting a more expressive piano with a full keyboard. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for an instrument just to have fun with yourself or to see if your kids take an interest. It’s got enough sound and rhythms that any beginner would certainly be inspired. 

This is unlikely to be a good choice for players above intermediate level, especially those who are looking to transition to an acoustic piano since it has fewer keys and the keyboard is not weighted. Also, for more advanced music producers and songwriters, you might find the number of recording features and sounds limiting. However, you can use the USB to host feature to expand your creativity by interfacing with  other musical apps on your computer. You can also have fun especially when you use the melody suppressor to lower lead vocals so that you can sing along with your favorite songs.

To sum up, the Yamaha PSR-EW300 is an ideal choice for those who are looking for a well equipped basic yet portable keyboard at an affordable entry price to begin learning piano and creating their own tracks. Certainly, it’s an excellent starting place for beginners and hobbyists. 

9Expert Score

You get a lot for your money with the Yamaha PSR-EW300. This is a keyboard designed for beginners as it has a lot of built-in lessons, but it’s got enough bells and whistles on it that it might interest an intermediate player. However, it doesn’t have the full 88-note keyboard with weighted keys that an advanced player would require. Let’s have a look at all the functions.

PROS

• Price and features
• The biggest pro with the Yamaha PSR EW 300 keyboard is that it’s such a great price for a keyboard that does so much. It’s a lot of bang for your buck. You can’t go far wrong with this for children who are just starting out on the piano, if you just want to try piano to see if you like it or if you want to have fun making your own tracks.
• The Yamaha PSR-EW300 comes with the Yamaha Education Suite that enables you to practice with preset songs and make learning easier. With the feature, you’ll find a nine-step lesson function that enables you to practice with one hand at a time, making it easier for beginners. It also includes scoring capability where you track your progress, therefore, motivating you to improve to achieve higher scores.
• Sturdy construction
• If you’re buying for children, it’s built to stand the battering that children might give it.
• Auto shut-down
• This keyboard has an automatic power off where it automatically shuts down when it has been idle for a while, saving energy.

CONS

• Keys
• The biggest drawback of the Yamaha PSR-EW 300 is that it has 76 keys, not 88, and that they are not weighted. However, this is the reason why this keyboard is so affordable and why it’s very light and so can be moved about easily. This drawback really only applies if you are an advanced pianist.
• No Wireless connection
• This keyboard does not have wireless capability, meaning you have to plug a cable in to transfer data.
• Accessories
• One other drawback is that it doesn’t come with accessories as standard. You can buy a bundle, but then you’re still paying extra for them and not necessarily choosing the best accessories. Before you decide to buy this keyboard research stands, headphones and foot pedals rather than just opting for the inexpensive ones that come with the keyboard bundle.