Feature:
When I bought mine, it came with the X-Stand and AC adapter for $299.00 (the pedal did not though, which I bought seperately). Supposedly, in the past, it didn't. So if you're reading this, and zZounds does not have the deal, then prep yourself to shell another $50 or so for the stand and adapter (and the pedal +$15). As for the features on the NP-30: *Pros* -Does not contain the bells and whistles of other digital pianos, eliminating clutter and one-time-use-and-never-use-again features. It has 5 buttons, and a volume control, that's it. Simple and classy. -Velocity control, I believe 3 sensitivity (soft, medium, hard). -Weighted Keys, although the weighted feeling isn't enough to be effective, but it's there. Additionally, some people may not like this feature due to being use to having no weighted keys from their previous keyboards. -Comes with a built-in customizable metronome which makes things extremely convenient. -Has 76 keys, which is pretty much all most people need which also helps the size be a tad smaller. -Has MIDI IN/OUT, for recording purposes. (You'll need a USB-Midi Interface device to do so, usually goes for around $30.00) *Cons* -Does not contain the bells and whistles of other digital pianos. Some people may think it's too simple, and might find themself wanting some more fancy features. -Does not have Line IN/OUT (which is usually how you can obtain the best quality of sound). -Mentioned in Pros about the weighted keys, the weighted feeling isn't there that much. -Does not have a display screen, making it difficult to do some settings and to see if the change actually took place. It's like having a MP3 player with no display screen. It all depends on what you want. I initially thought having it be a simple unit was what I wanted. But it turns out, I kinda wish for more. Such as more high-quality sounding voices, beats, lighted keys, display screen, etc.

Quality:
This keyboard is friggin' LIGHT. It's 12 pounds, you can pick it up with 1 arm and not break a sweat. Also, being only 12 pounds and all, expect to have no trouble bringing this puppy around on the road. But don't be fooled by it's low weight. The device feels sturdy and well-made. Very smooth and classy little thing. I do have my share of complaints though. I'm not sure if it's worse on other digi piano's, but the thumping sound when you press the keys, are moderately loud. After you play on it for a week or two, it'll soon begin to become noticed to your ear, and it's rather annoying. The effect can be nullified though, by using closed headphones. Also, another thing about the keys.. is that they have this semi-springy feeling, and it's unnatural. But if you're a total beginner, you won't notice any of these key problems. And last but not least, I believe they could've made the unit much smaller (in length) if they had put the speakers on the top left/right portion of the device. Instead, it's on the direct left/right position of the device, placed before and after the keys.

Value:
Well this is my first digital keyboard, so I can't really comment on the value compared to other keyboards, but I can say that it's cheap compared to most and that it's the world famous named brand, Yamaha.

Desirability:
There's nothing too surprising about this unit in terms of looks. But it does deliver in being very classy. Simplicity is written all over it, and just like how, say, the original iPod has that simple, pure white look to it, I get the same impression from this unit (although it's black). And of course, the Yamaha tag on the center of unit =) Pure, simple, light, clean.

Sound:
Well since this keyboard is pretty much intended for use on the main voices in my opinion (grand piano 1 and 2), I gave it a rating of 8 for those two voices only. This is my first ever digital piano, and it's my first ever instrument related to piano. So from that perspective, both voices sound awesome. However, I do know how a quality, full-sized grand piano sounds, and the NP-30 of course, does not match up with it. But, if you're a beginner/intermediate player, and don't really have a keen sense of hearing, you probably can't tell much of a difference. Sound output on the speakers aren't that great when played on highest volume. It's flooded with too much bass, even when playing the higher treble notes. Versus the headphones I use (Sennheiser HD201 Closed-Back Headphones), it's much much better. As for the other voices included with this, don't expect much from them. It's really not the selling point of the NP-30 anyway. If you wanna learn piano, or have a fairly good keyboard that emulates piano without any other concerns, then you don't really need to look further.

Ease of Use:
There's really nothing to learn when using the NP-30. It's simple, clean and has minimal buttons. If you know how to get to use a computer to surf the web to read this review, then you'll know how to use the NP-30.

Support:
I am neutral with this, since I have not had to deal with any customer service yet. Just to note out, it's been a month since I've had this at the current time of writing this review and everything's working just fine. So, the 10 rating is just a placeholder.

Overall:
I expect to keep the NP-30 around for a long while. Since I am a beginner and all, this keyboard has more than enough for my needs. I also only play at home, so I don't need to travel with this. And I play moderately, 4-5 times a week, so I feel this is perfect for now. But if you're an advanced player, I'd only suggest this keyboard as a back-up, or one that's expendable. If I really wanted another keyboard, it would need to have the grand piano 1 and 2 voices from the NP-30 duplicated 100%, it would need a display screen so I could navigate through options and see changes take place more effectively, it would need Line IN/OUT, much better speakers, a more space-saving design, have a slew of high quality voices, have less thumping noise from key presses, have more of a natural touch to the keys, have 88 keys (even though I really don't need it, but we're talking about my dream keyboard), and also be around the same 12 pound weight of the NP-30. Now if my NP-30 had been stolen, and I had the option to buy another keyboard, I would. Even though I'm satisfied with the NP-30, this was my first ever keyboard, so I did learn a lot from purchasing this. I would try to find one that matches what I've stated in the previous paragraph since now I have an option to do so.

Feature:
The touch on the keyboard is "graded". While it's not a weighted action it responds as such and is a big upgrade from the syth feel. The keys become easier to press the higher the note, making it feel more like an acoustic piano. Layering of sounds, and the fact you can make one sound an octave higher than the other adds either lower or upper end to playing. A+

Quality:
Sleek, slim, and basic. Doesn't feel as cheap as it should for the price, but I wouldn't be too reckless with it. Feels pretty solid and like it will last a while as long as it's taken care of.

Value:
This is a no-brainer. A digital piano that weighs 12 pounds, has graded touch, great piano samples, and a few very useful features for 300..... A+

Desirability:
Very slender, slim, and light. No contrasting colors or parts that throw off the overall look of the piano. Basic, normal design.

Sound:
This is fairly simple keyboard with great piano samples. If you're looking for something basic, and not too expensive this is the keyboard for you. The fact you can layer with other sounds quickly and in the middle of a performance is a big bonus. Grand Piano 1 and 2 layered with strings sound amazing when played through an amp. Built in speakers are acceptable for practice, but not powerful enough for a live performance.

Ease of Use:
It doesn't get much easier than this. Take it out of the box, plug and play. Very simple use, and easy to modify sounds to set the mood for exactly the type of feel you are looking for. The weight of this keyboard is somewhat unreal. It can be picked up and transported with one hand. Given the action of the keys and the weight this is a great production on the part of Yamaha.

Support:
Haven't had any problems yet, but my experience with Yamaha in the past has always been positive.

Overall:
With the features, WEIGHT, action, and of course price this is a GREAT buy.

Feature:
Basic stand included as an accessory. Sturdy. Is ok for home use. Power supply was included. Saved around $26.00 right there.

Quality:
No defects. It's Yamaha.

Value:
Hell yes.

Desirability:
I don't know about sex appeal. I just wanted a half-way decent keyboard that wouldn't bust my wallet. I found the NP-30 filled all my wants as far as constuction quality, features and affordability. I'm very happy with it.

Sound:
Sound is good. Not a concert piano or a Hammond B-3 but gets the job done for $299.95

Ease of Use:
Very easy to use. Just follow the owners manaual. Set up and playing in ten minutes.

Support:
Haven't had to use Yamaha or ZZounds for support yet but I'm sure they're great.

Overall:
This will be my only keyboard purchase as far as I can see. If lost or stolen I'd buy another one.

Feature:
I think it does not officially come with the adapter, but it was included in the deal. I think for the price you cannot expect all the accessories 76 keys was a good choice for a stack setup. I wish the keys had a little more weight to them.

Quality:
It seems to be well made and it is very light

Value:
This keyboard is an incredible value. You have to pay twice as much for something a little better

Desirability:
What is appealing is the value for the price. This is no toy

Sound:
With the unit plugged into a decent amp, the piano, strings and harpsichord are very good (I would compare them to models that cost twice as much), the rest not so. This makes a great companion to my Hammond XK-1 and sounds good enough to gig with.

Ease of Use:
I found it easy to use

Support:
Have not had any issues, but there web site is helpful

Overall:
Assuming it proves to be reliable, I would not hesitate to buy another

Feature:
It comes with a nice music stand that can be placed on top. The base of the stand is two inches thick so it can hold a lot of music. The brochure on Yamaha's site said it comes with an AC adapter; mine did not. It was an extra twenty dollars at the local music shop.

Quality:
Great quality product. All made of sturdy plastic. There are no little parts that make you think, "Oh, that will break in a week" or anything.

Value:
This is a value keyboard and I couldn't be happier with the sound and playability.

Desirability:
The reason I picked this keyboard was because I just wanted to play piano without the bells and whistles. I didn't want a keyboard with 300 voices and drum kits that I would never use. They call this keyboard a "portable grand" and that's exactly what it is.

Sound:
This piano sounds GREAT! This is my first keyboard, and for the price it sounds like a real piano. The vibraphone voice also sounds real (I used to play vibes in high school). It has very good dynamic response, soft struck notes have a softer timbre than loud ones (not just a different volume). This is true on all ten of the included voices. The reverb effect makes the grand piano voice sound like I'm playing in a large concert hall.

Ease of Use:
Very easy to use, just turn it on and go. To change a voice, you just hold the voice button and play a certain key labeled with the voice you want. The keys are very easy to play. The graded response does make the lower keys a little stiffer, but this is consistent with acoustic pianos.

Support:
Haven't had to deal with Yamaha support so I don't know.

Overall:
I forsee years of satisfaction from this product.

Feature:
It came with a great stand. And it's lighweight and slim so it does not take up a lot of room in our house.

Value:
It was extremely affordable for a quality keyboard that feels and sounds like the real thing.

Desirability:
Its beautiful. Not gaudy at all.

Sound:
It has a strong distinct sound that is very similar to a real piano.

Overall:
I plan on using this for myself to play on and I give piano lessons so its easy to take to my studio. It should be great.

Feature:
Well, the "graded key action" is disappointing. The actual keys feel just like any other entry-level synth, with just a little more resistance on the bottom couple of octaves. The ten sounds you get are average at best, and the built-in speakers sound like a boom box from Wal-Mart. On the other hand, the MIDI is very well specified, with individual channel assignments for the splits and layers, as well as local control on/off.

Quality:
As stated above, the key action is not even comparable to any real "digital piano." On the other hand, neither are the weight or the price. The whole unit is made of injection-molded plastic, and the "matte finish" looks classy, but feels like sandpaper. Fit-and-finish are acceptable; I'd trust it on the road, not because it's so robust, but because there's simply not much here that can break.

Value:
Well, obviously this is where the NP30 makes up for lost ratings. If your interest is specifically in playing the piano, not in having a wide range of General MIDI sounds or control knobs, then the NP30 just kills anything else in its price range. It's also a great way to expand your software synths from one-trick techno-toys into a proper instrument for full-range musical performance and composition.

Desirability:
Well, It certainly looks a thousand times more appealing than any cheesy home keyboard or M-Audio controller. It's actually a heck of a lot classier and more attractive than Yamaha's MM6 entry-level synthesizer, which costs twice as much! The NP30 is a $300.00 keyboard that looks like a $600.00 keyboard, at least from across the room - and that's no bad thing.

Sound:
The 10 sounds are stock Yamaha AWM2 fare; good enough for practice or for playing in a band, but not too convincing when played solo. Certainly it's adequate for the first-time buyer or student, which is probably the NP30's target market.

Ease of Use:
Turn it on and you get a piano sound; hit the +/- keys to switch sounds. Hit start/stop to control the metronome. Super-easy. The more complex functions, like changing MIDI channels or velocity curves, require some fairly un-intuitive multiple-button-presses, but it's all explained in the manual. Overall, an excellent use of a very low button-count.

Support:
Yamaha has always been responsive to my inquiries, although their replacement parts are so hilariously expensive that on a keyboard like this, you'll buy a new one before you fix the old.

Overall:
It's not going to please the discriminating fingers of any concert pianist, nor will it amuse your 10-year-old for hours with its 387 different sounds. But as a first instrument for students, or a cheap and lightweight gigging instrument for band musicians, it's an outrageously good value. It also makes an interesting alternative to the standard MIDI controller, although you give up pitch bend and mod wheels. Overall, I'm very happy with my purchase.

Feature:
This board DOES have a jack for a sustain and you can use it in two modes. It has 4 reverbs, 10 voices, and you can layer any two for a new sound. It has a stereo 1/4" out and MIDI i/o, which are becoming rare these days, most having only phones and USB MIDI out. The graded hammer action is far superior to standard, non-weighted keys like most synths. It takes a while but you'll learn to like it. The metronome is simple but more than adequate. Variable tempo with all time signatures, is what a met does. The power adapter is optional, but only $20.00.

Quality:
This unit is rugged, and light weight, only 12 lbs. It even looks good. It feels very solid and I would not hesitate to take it on the road. Just get a case.

Value:
The features, the sound quality, the rugged feel, THE PRICE, make this the best deal in the keyboard realm. If you need a great piano, you'd be throwing money away buying anything else.

Desirability:
I will definitely return my sister's to her and buy myself one. SOON! At this price every pianist should own at least one.

Sound:
For the price this is one fine sounding and playing keyboard. Its rich full tone surprised me. It is truly a portable grand. Yamaha obviously put their efforts into the piano with samples recorded in AWM stereo. This unit sounds more like a piano than any electronic keyboard I've played.

Ease of Use:
Plug it in, turn it on, and play a grand piano. That's how it is. No huge menus to plow through or learning curve. That is the beauty of this beast, everything has been geared towards a piano. No extra bells you won't need.

Support:
I haven't had to use support for any trouble, but when I've E-mailed with questions they answer back in twelve hours or less.

Overall:
As far as a piano goes, I'd be perfectly happy with this one for many years to come. It serves perfectly well as a piano. There is nothing I don't like, and that speaks for the quality of Yamaha.

Feature:
No, accessories. But the power adapter is fairly cheap at aprox. 20 bucks. And a cheap X-stand will hold this elec. piano with no problems.

Quality:
Very elegant. Especially for a 300 dollar porta. piano.

Value:
I feel like I've ripped Yamaha off. Plug this thing into a large sound system and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Desirability:
Put it this way. I'm a drummer and bought it because the price for that classic Yamaha sound and look is unbeatable.

Sound:
Simply put. This thing sounds real expensive.

Ease of Use:
Put it this way. My 8 yr old knows how to find the sounds she likes easily.

Support:
Have'nt needed it. After living in Japan for 5 yrs and dealing with many Yamaha products. I've never encountered any problems ever with their equipment. Yamaha takes pride even in their lower end products.

Overall:
I'm keeping this thing fo a long, long time.