Yamaha YPG 235 Review

We rated the Yamaha YPG 235 8/10  because it is rich with features, and has over 500 high-quality voices. It exceeds our expectations since it was actually marketed to beginners. The YPG 235 has many tools that help beginners and intermediates get started learning, and also to fill out their sound, with tools such as performance assistance. But because the YPG 235 is outdated and has a low speaker volume, we took a few points off. Nevertheless, this instrument is a reliable one.

Hello! Thanks for visiting BestPianoKeyboards. My name is Aleah, and I’m going to be walking you through the ins and outs of the Yamaha YPG 235. 

For decades Yamaha has been known for incorporating its groundbreaking technology into musical instruments. There is barely anybody in the music industry that has not laid their hands on a Yamaha product. But why is that?

Beginners often find themselves in a pickle: They want a high-quality instrument, without having to invest a lot. So what is one to do?

Look to Yamaha! 

The Yamaha Keyboard YPG 235 is a great starting piano. It has 76 keys and is an instrument created around utility. Let’s find out more about this instrument.

Overview

While the YPG 235 is not currently available new on Amazon, it still is a great used instrument to be on the lookout for. 

Features

The Yamaha digital keyboard YPG 235 is a feature-rich product that is actually capable of more than you’d think. 

Realistic Feel 

This piano has GHS weighted keys, and thus a realistic touch. While 76 keys is an octave shy of a full keyboard, it is still much closer to the feel of an upright than many 61-key models are. 

Included Learning Tools

Yamaha is known for including high-quality learning tools.  In the learning sessions, the piano will play and then wait for you to play back. Tempo mode even allows you to adjust the speed of the practice songs. You’ll be given a grade at the end of each session, so you can definitively see how much you’re improving, as well as where to focus your practice next time.

Performance Assistance Technology

Yamaha’s Performance Assistance Technology helps you fill out the sound of your music without being a pro. With the click of a switch, you can alternative between chord mode and note mode. In addition to this, there is also an option to have the piano play you a full accompaniment.

A Plethora of Voices

The piano starts off the soundbank strong with a neutral yet harmonically sound Grand Piano sample. The 361 XGlite includes wind instruments like flute, pan flute, trumpet, and many more. The instrument actually has 500 different voices, from basic pianos to violin, to saxophone, guitar, harp, drum kits, sound effects, and more. 

Specifications

• Weight: 12.5 pounds
• Dimensions: Approximately 45 x 5 x 16
• Voices: 500

Who Is It Suitable For?

The YPG is an ideal instrument for gigging amateurs on the go, as well as new pianists who are looking for a quality instrument. The Yamaha YPG 235 is a great option for those who are serious about the instrument but are on a budget. 

Yamaha YPG 235 In Action

Come on over to Youtube and check out this video from films128. In this short video, he’ll walk you through some of the sounds this piano keyboard has to offer. He focuses on the first soundbank.

In my opinion, the first basic sound (GrandPiano) sounds neutral and nice. Sound 2 (Britepiano) is a little too tinny for my tastes, but it gets the job done. Honky Tonk isn’t a favorite of mine either, honestly. That being said, the first piano sound will do the trick for most classical pieces. 

Moving on now to the more unique sounds…

The MIDI Grand is a really neat and clean sound that could be used for a lot of genres. The next thing the creator does is mix sounds, which you can hear at 4:30. Take note of these mixes if you’re planning to purchase this piano – His combinations sound really nice. While the harpsichord preset sound is much too harsh, the video creator is at it again with his tips and adjustments and shows us how to make the piano sing. All in all, the presets are not the best, but they can be made to shine with the right amount of tinkering.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The YPG 235 Keyboard comes with a lot of benefits. For starters, it should be said that the brand name Yamaha brings a sense of reliability to the table. Here are some more pros:  

• You can practice anywhere with privacy by using headphones
• This piano allows you to record and listen back to your sessions
• This is a portable piece of equipment that you can carry from one place to another
• It’s affordable

Overall, this is an affordable instrument that you can do a lot with. 

Cons

• Low speaker volume
• It does not have a full-sized keyboard
• Some of the presets need adjusting in order to sound realistic

The only main problem with the Yamaha 235 Keyboard is that the speakers aren’t very loud. That being said, you can solve this problem by using an external amplifier, or by plugging in headphones. This is more trouble than some folks are looking to go through, though. 

Quick View 

Yamaha YPG 235 Conclusion

While this piano is not currently being manufactured, it’s still a great option if you can find it. It is being replaced with the PSR-EW300, which you can purchase here. While it is about $100 more than the 235, it’s available now and has a few more features, such as an additional 75 voices.

All in all, the Yamaha YPG 235 is a great starter piano with a lot of voices and accessories, as long you can find it.

Thanks for stopping by our blog and checking out our Yamaha YPG 235 Review. Until next time!

Oh, and let me leave you with a music quote:

“Music is the heart of life. She speaks love. Without it, there is no possible good, and with it, everything is beautiful.”

-Franz Liszt

8Expert Score

We rated the Yamaha YPG 235 8/10 because it is rich with features, and has over 500 high-quality voices. It exceeds our expectations since it was actually marketed to beginners. The YPG 235 has many tools that help beginners and intermediates get started learning, and also to fill out their sound, with tools such as performance assistance. But because the YPG 235 is outdated and has a low speaker volume, we took a few points off. Nevertheless, this instrument is a reliable one.

PROS

• You can practice anywhere with privacy by using headphones
• This piano allows you to record and listen back to your sessions
• This is a portable piece of equipment that you can carry from one place to another
• It’s affordable

CONS

• Low speaker volume
• It does not have a full-sized keyboard
• Some of the presets need adjusting in order to sound realistic