Yamaha YPG-535 88-Key Portable Grand Keyboard

With Yamaha's stellar piano sound and a LCD screen displaying music, chords and scales, this 88-key Portable Grand makes learning to play piano fun and easy.

Overall User Ratings (based on 57 ratings)
  • Overall:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Sound:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Features:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Ease of Use:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Quality:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Value:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Manufacturer Support:
    4.5 out of 5 stars
  • The Wow Factor:
    4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(57) (see rating details)
Submitted June 14, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com

"All Aboard!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I've been quite thoroughly satisfied with this board. I would be pretty much lost without it. If you've been playing for a while and are looking to step up your game a bit, but you don't have the type of budget that allows you to buy a $1500 keyboard, then this is definitely for you. Intermediate players are probably best fit for this board, though anyone can use it. Wish it had more tracks, and the styles sound kind of outdated (which is to be expected when trying to define a genre in one pattern), but it makes up for those with the number of instruments, sound quality, and sheer beauty.
Sound
The Live! Grand Piano is about as realistic a sound as you can get. The panel sustain and the sustain pedal are two distinct, yet practical effects. Though there are nearly Five hundred other great voices, personally I am in love with the Sweet! Soprano saxophone.. Looks like Kenny G is out of a job. It has instruments that I had never heard of, never thought existed, and never thought that anyone would actually be able to play. Awesome.
Features
So.. I actually have the YPG525.. which is virtually the same thing.. so.. The survival kit is extremely useful. Sustain pedal = rad. There's also a cloth to place over your keys when you're not face-melting (and when you are face-melting, it can be used a cape..(yes, like a super hero)). Pitch Bender with adjustable range for all you techno freaks out there. I would suggest buying a USB Flash Drive for it if you intend to record on the User Song feature. Though each song has 5 tracks (and an accompaniment track which is virtually useless because the styles and easy song arranger sound so generic), With only 5 songs, space fills up quickly for the creative soul. The Effect Banks can be invaluable if you are playing a song with multiple instruments involved. Built-in metronome (of course). The only thing I really wish that it could do would be to change time signatures in a recording without having to go to another track. The hammerlock keys provide a good transition for anyone preparing to move from the traditional button-push keyboard to the full on Grand Piano.
Ease of Use
I've had two keyboards before this one, and I must admit that this is definitely the best yet. Although I knew the basic principles of User Song recording before, I'm sure with a little time in the manual, one could easily learn how to successfully use the instrument. I still haven't been able to download music from the net due to the fact that you have to pay for it (of course).
Quality
It looks very state of the art. Dust doesn't even gather well on it. It's quite a large board with 88 keys and due to that, I have banged it on walls and door frames lugging it around, but it just keeps on trucking. I wouldn't be surprised if I dropped it and it still worked.
Value
I'll say that it's definitely worth the buy.
Manufacturer Support
I had no need for support, but Yamaha sent a DVD detailing all of the aspects of the keyboard anyway! How's that for support?
The Wow Factor
It does look pretty awesome. In a dark room with just the blue screen lit up. pretty inspirational. I also like the clicking wheel on the right... I don't know why. I just do.

Musical Background:

Active Musician, Aspiring Recording Engineer

Musical Style:

Metal, Acoustic, Hip Hop, anything that sounds good
322 of 330 people (98%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted June 2, 2014 by Jason K in Franklinton, LA

"Yamaha YPG-535 Portable Grand Keyboard"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
the sound is amazing! the best is of course is the LIVE! grand piano sound. lots of voices including the XGlite voices, and for the price its worth it. A lot of people complain about the keys not weighted it specifically says they're not weighted its great for some starting or professional.

Musical Background:

playing yamaha pianos for 8 years at home

Musical Style:

Gospel
14 of 14 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted March 11, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"True Beginners review of the Yamaha YPG-535 Keyboard"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I expect to be satisfied with this keyboard for a long time depending on my personal growth as a musician if i every did upgrade i would probably upgrade to a board with sampling and true synthisizer features i would probably still buy another yamaha though the value still seems to me to beat the korg and roland boards
Sound
I am a true beginner to keyboard but i think the piano sounds on this one are very nice and the organ sounds as well the keys feel good and they respond well to change in touch they are not weighted but unless you are use to a regular piano it probably wont bother you there are a ton of other sounds on this keyboard as well perhaps someday i'll find a use for them there is a learning system on this keyboard that allows you to follow notes and play along the song will actually stop until you play the right notes however the screen is kind of small and could be difficult for some people to read also unless you can read music the tab doesnt tell you which notes to play first or which notes play together all in all this is a very nice full size 88 key board for a good price i would recommend it to anyone who is a beginner to intermediate player or some one who just wants a nice piano to play at home for there own amusement if your a gigging musician or plan on becoming one this probably isnt the keyboard for you although you can hook it up to an amp and it sounds great just my two cents.

Musical Background:

Hobbyist, beginner

Musical Style:

all styles
30 of 31 people (97%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted August 11, 2011 by a customer from pacbell.net

"Excellent keyboard for the price!!"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I will use this keyboard until I wear it out. I liked the 88 key keyboard and the price was reasonable for this unti. I had two goals in purchasing this keyboard: 1. An instrument that could be used for learning and practice; 2. an instrument that I could use when traveling in my motor home. It has met both of these objectives with flying colors.
Sound
The sound is very good, however, the gtand piano sound is close but not equal to the sound of an actual grand piano. Perhaps it is my hearing, but I do not notice difference in the tones between the various types of grand piano. I really like the flexibility of the various instruments that can be created. However, just like any electronic instrument, the tone quality is not quite as full as the real instrument. It is well worth the purchase price and is very enjoyable to play.
Features
Included foot pedal. It is as useful as the foot pedal on the ral piano.
Ease of Use
The manual is very clear. Due to the complex sounds this instument can and will produce, there is going to be a significant learning curve before one is capable of utilizing all of hte features. It will take a concentrated effort to utilize all of potentila this keyboard offers.
Quality
The product appars to be extremely well made. There were no noticible defects on arrival and it was easy to assemble -- the instructions were very clear. I use it to learn and practise grand piano all of hte time, saving the older real grand for playing once I have mastered a piece. One of hte major reasons for purchasing this keyboard was to be able to continue studying and practicing while I am traveling in my motor home. It is a littel bulky, but manageble. I did not want anything less thatn a full 88 key keyboard.
Value
YES!!!
Manufacturer Support
I have not had any experience dealing with the company to date. The keyboard is functioning perfectly, so servie has not been required.
The Wow Factor
The keyboard is very attractive and has good tone quality in itself. I have not had the opportunity to hook it up to external speakers so do not know if the tonal quality would be satisfactory if utilizing external speakers.

Musical Background:

Student

Musical Style:

Learning all
35 of 37 people (95%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted April 13, 2018 by Jeffrey Mcclain in Whitehall, OH

"Love it Love it Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
My wife loves it, she has a spinet piano and has wanted a digital piano for a long time after reviewing every piano on the web I went with this one, and glad I did my wife loves the Grand Piano sound and the tutorials and all the voices it offers and the split keyboard, wow she hasn't stopped playing this thing, she loves the fact that she can plug in her head phones and play it while I'm watching tv how cool is that Thanks Yamaha!!!!!!

Musical Background:

All her life

Musical Style:

Rock, Blues, pop,
3 of 3 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted September 22, 2012 by Judy D in Daytona Beach, FL

"Couldn't be happier"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I can't tell you how much I love this product. It is all I had hoped for & more. For the price & features it is a wonderful buy. The sound is amazing! I wake up each morning anticipating playing it and finding out new features.

Musical Background:

All my life. Majored in music in college. Played with harp ensemble for 2 years.

Musical Style:

Celtic, meditative, show tunes.
11 of 11 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted November 26, 2012 by a customer from yahoo.com in Glenn Height texas, TX

"Yamaha YPG-535 88 keys"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Wow! It is the best value for the money, worth every dime and then some, so many applications I will never have to upgrade, really happy!!

Musical Background:

beginner, piano

Musical Style:

great deal!
6 of 6 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted November 26, 2014 by Frank V in Goodyear, AZ

"Portable Grand Keyboard"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I bought this keyboard for my 7 year old son. It was bigger than anticipated however the stand it comes with holds it up perfect. The ability to replicate the sounds of the grand piano is incredible. It is definitely not a beginner keyboard as the programming is slightly difficult for someone younger than 12. I find myself playing on it all the time and would recommend this product.
Sound
I think the bottom end is great however the high notes create a frequency that is over bearing.

Musical Background:

Been playing drums keyboard for over 20 years.

Musical Style:

Rock oldies 70s Spanish
6 of 6 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted December 18, 2013 by Renee S in North Myrtle Beach, SC

"Simply the Best of the Best!"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I LOVE my Yamaha YPG-535 Portable Grand Keyboard!! The only thing that makes it better is the "Pay as you play plan", offered only by zZounds! The shipping was fast, and well packaged. It was easy to assemble, and doesn't take up a lot of space. The sound is awesome, and it has so many different options, I'm still learning them all. I have shopped around for about 8 months for a keyboard that would not break my bank account, I finally found it at zZounds. In price comparison I saved right at $500.00, and could not be happier. The YPG-535 has even got pre-programmed lessons to teach you how to play at your own pace. Shop the rest, but if you want the best, buy from zZounds!

Musical Background:

I used to play at Church when I was a teenager, then just quit playing. I wanted to start playing again, it's de-stressing.

Musical Style:

Classical, Christian, Gospel, Country, Old School
24 of 26 people (92%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted July 12, 2011 by a customer from comcast.net

"Grandest Portable Grand Piano"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
We would most likely keep this product and look to adding to it, actually looking toward the addition of a full fledged synthesizer as budget permits. If our YPG 535 were lost or stolen, i'm not sure that I would re-buy the same thing. I might consider a Yamaha YPG 235 and use the savings toward a synth, but the odds are that I would replace it with a Roland Gaia SH-01 or a Moog Phatty Stage II. While the YPG 535 does sound very nice, it's really more of a "learner's" or "beginner's" type of keyboard and a lot of it's cost and processing power is spent in the educational aspect of this keyboard. Had I known that much of it prior to purchase, I probably would have made a different choice. At the time I purchased this instrument, the Roland Gaia was not yet available, so I probably would have chosen the MMO, a Novation or maybe even a MicroKorg XL. But I definitely would have gone into someplace with a showroom where I could actually test drive the product before I buy and then gone to the internet to purchase the best deal.
Sound
The Yamaha YPG-535 has a wonderful library of sounds, voices and tones. Exceptional voice styles for any type of music that you can dream up. We basically use ours for recording purposes and use it primarily for background tracks. The Grand Piano is especially warm and full in sound. When not running into our recording system, we run it through either an amp or the PA system and WOW. It's certainly not a Motif or anything close, but it does suit our recording needs admirably. One tip that we use is to run the output cable into a Korg Monotron (using appropriate adapters) and then into our amp or PA and while it does not turn the YPG into a MiniMoog, it does create some great sounds by using the Korg's various filters-it has allowed us to perform songs like Edgar Winter's "Frankenstein", while not 100% accurate to the song we can get a close enough approximation that no one can really notice the difference when playing live.
Features
Ours came with the wood (particle board) stand (don't let your dogs whiz on the base) and it came with the sustain pedal. Sadly, we did not purchase ours from zZounds but from a chain-store operation (competitor) that does promote that they offer "best buys" but regular price for this item from them is a hundred dollars more than zZounds-so when we bought ours "ON SALE" we actually paid zZound's everyday price. Live and learn.
Ease of Use
This is a very playable keyboard with good sound/tone. As mentioned above there are numerous ways that you can get very creative with the Yamaha keyboards. There is a fairly easy learning curve and I recommend that everyone take the time to learn it in order to get the full potential from this instrument. As stated, this keyboard works great for building backing tracks for recording along with our own instruments (guitars,bass etc) and vocals. Whether doing cover songs or our own creations, this has done the job well.
Quality
The Yamaha YPG 535 is pleasing to look at and seems well built/manufactured. It is made of plastic so I wouldn't want to drop it and don't think it would hold up well "on the road" but for studio (home or professional) work or for just home use I believe that,concievably, it should last forever (or at the least outlast me)
Value
I'm sure that the YPG 535 is well worth the going price, I only question whether or not the YPG 235 would have satisfied our needs equally well at half the price, or even less
Manufacturer Support
I really can't speak to support because we have never used it or needed it. I would assume that support would be good based on the Yamaha name alone. We've had no issues with the Yamaha YPG 535. We've owned and used it for 3 years now.
The Wow Factor
I don't have a shoe fetish, or an instrument fetish (or any other kind of fetish that I know of)and really don't consider my instruments as "sexy" or having "sex appeal". We strive and hope that our "music" provides that type of feeling. I'd have to say that this is simply a practical addition to our "setup".

Musical Background:

Hobbyist, Home Recording Studio, Semi-Active Musician

Musical Style:

Classic and Hard Rock
50 of 55 people (91%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted April 10, 2014 by Twila Cannistraci in St Clair shores, MI

"ypg 535"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I am a professional musician. I play with my husband. There are only two of us and this keyboard allows me to do a lot of things that would normally require several more musicians to play with us. Everywhere we play people come up to me to inquire about the keyboard. it is very easy to transport and is very user friendly. I a have bought four of them. One in my car for gigs one at my church one in my house and a spare. I just love it. The sounds are just awesome.

Musical Background:

I am a professional musician

Musical Style:

I play most every style
12 of 13 people (92%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted December 2, 2017 by Q J in Fort Lauderdale, FL

"Just great keys"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I love this product it was simple to put together and the sound is amazing just awesome so many combinations, and just so you know I'm a novice at the keys but u can do just about anything on this but no synthesize feature and very very lightweight

Musical Background:

noivice

Musical Style:

blues, Christian, electronic, jazz, Neyo-soul
1 of 1 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted December 30, 2013 by Bernadette P in Miami, FL

"Yamaha YPG-535 Portable Grand Keyboard "

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Excellent product. Prompt and knowledgable service. Customer service agent was patient, kind and helpful...he put me at ease in the purchase with his attentiveness to my needs for my grandson. The product arrived as agreed and was just as advertised. It was outstanding. My grandson is so happy with the the keyboard. I will come back to ZZounds again.

Musical Background:

my grandson is an honor music student for 5 years play saxaphone and designs his own music. He plays for school & other occas.

Musical Style:

Jazz, Classical, Hip Hop, Modern Day, easy listening,
6 of 7 people (86%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted January 16, 2014 by michelle lewis in MIAMI, FL

"New product"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Shipped fast. Easy to assemble stand. Just starting out but great features. Highly recommend.

Musical Background:

Play keyboard. Less than a year. Older adult rekindling a passion.

Musical Style:

Christian
3 of 3 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted March 8, 2017 by Douglas Dobson in Elkhart, IN

"entry level. . . ."

Overall: 2.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
mine never would save the settings I had to punch in all the settings every time I turned on the power, and sometimes it would revert or even totally change to all new settings while I was playing, I might be playing along and suddenly I'm playing drum kits instead of Strings. It looks good but really lacks in programability and setting it up so it comes up with the right settings when you turn it on

Musical Background:

been playing instruments for 40 years

Musical Style:

mostly rick, blues and Jazzy noodling
2 of 2 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted October 21, 2013 by Mary Radwanski in Douglassville, PA

"Awesome Keyboard"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
My daughter loves this keyboard. She received it as a birthday gift from her grandma. She plays it all the time!!!!

Musical Background:

Daughter just started piano lessons.

Musical Style:

She likes everything.
2 of 4 people (50%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!

Submitted August 8, 2010

"it is a "home" keyboard."

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I will have this product for another 5 years until I change.
Sound
so the sound is good,I have had it for I think 3 years. the only thing is after playing it for a couple of years (and playing at max volume) there can be a really, really small fuzz when hitting the base notes. but besides that it is really worth the investment for just playing at home. I can't afford one of those really expensive one's and settling with this is an understatement because it is really good. I would say this is a "home" product. not for anything else I don't think.
Features
the features are good. I don't like how the headphone jack is in the back. the wire bother's me when I'm playing and it is not long enough to come from the bottom.
Ease of Use
I would say that it is very easy to use. I like how you can save sounds on it and you can record sounds on it. the sounds are good. I personally only play with the string sounds and pads and they are good for this keyboard.
Quality
I can definatly depend on this product. I think I can have this keyboard for another 5 years and I already had it for 3.
Value
I definatly think this product is worth every dime
The Wow Factor
well it's plastic so you can only get so gorgeous with plastic. lol

Musical Background:

active musician

Musical Style:

worship
10 of 14 people (71%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
Please wait.