Yamaha DGX300 76-Key Portable Keyboard
Bass ports. Built-in metronome.
Overall User Ratings (based on 84 ratings)
Submitted July 15, 2004 by a customer from netrworld.com
"A Great Machine For A Great Price."
I've been able to suppliment the background rhythym tracks with very good stuff off of the internet. Unless I go to a Yamaha TYROS or PSR 9000 Pro, I think I will stick to this machine till I wear it out.
This keyboard is easily comparable to a top of the line Roland at a much lower price. I actually abandonned Rolands because they did not maintain any sort of catering to the portable workstation player. The Yamaha DGX 300 is eminently suited to those of us in this venue. I would recommend it to anyone.
If I had to replace this product, it would most probably be with a Yamaha PSR 9000 Pro. This is because of the features that machine has, not because of any lack in quality with this machine.
The DGX 300 is sized right, has great features and sound, is a little less flexible to me than the Roland, but more intuitive to those who would sit down at it initially, and is a great value. There is very little about it that i do not like.
As I said, the finish leaves some room for improvement, and the screens over the speakers need to be beefed up or replaced with something that will not get bent.
Sound
I've had the DGX300 for over a year now, playing it in outdoor situations, in small rooms, and in large auditoriums. The sound it produces is comparable to, and perhaps better than the sound that I previously achieved with my Roland e-66. I usually play solo, but the DGX300 mixes nicely with other guitar, bass, and drum instrumentation. Pianos, Accordians, Trujmpets, flutes, saxes, are all superior sounding, and have impressive effects built into the machine.
Features
When I bought it, all I needed were the basic accessories, ie., CD Rom, Floppy Disk, etc., It came with a sustain pedal, but I had a much better pedal for it, and did not need a keyboard stand since I had a very sheek one for stage use. Overall, the features are very good, but I wish it had a CD Player on board, and a set of output jaccks that would allow the onboard speakers to be used as keyboard monitors. I wish it had both fills and variations, and that the finish was a deep finish rather than painted on (I'm fairly careful with it, but some of those who use it aren't. I personally don't need the teaching tools, but definitely see the need to have them on board for those who need to learn how to play.
Quality
The quality of the Yamaha is excellent. My only gripe regarding quality has to do with the finish which is painted rather than molded. It will scratch more easily, wear off if someone doesn't watch for where their fingers should be as they are turning the volume up or down, etc.. I wish that the screens over the speakers were molded ridges rather than a screen which can be bent by someone leaning on it.
I had had a Kawaii once that had the distressing habit of having keys that broke about once a month. This is a far different animal. It is durable, reliable, and enjoyable to use.
As I said, the only problems I have with the quality of this machine have to do with the finish, and the screens covering the speakers.
Otherwise, I love it.
Value
Yes, the difference between the price of this machine comparable to others is phenomenal.
Manufacturer Support
This is my fourth Yamaha since 1980 (PS 3, PS 20, PS 55. DGX 300) I cut my teeth on these machines as it were, and have come back to using one now as a semi-pro. I have never had reason to deal with customer service. All of the the machines have been well constructed and taken a beating very well.
The Wow Factor
There are a lot of good machines out there, some of which are much prettier, but overall, this is one that a musician could sit down at, and be producing very good sound in a short length of time. Those of us who do "single finger chords" will find it to respond easily, and to be very satisfying.
Musical Style:
Gospel and Sould
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Submitted January 6, 2004 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Floppy disc drive great- workmanship and customer support poor."
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Based on the workmanship and poor customer service I'll look at Kurzweil and Korg when I go to upgrade to a hammered action keyboard. The floppy disc feature is great especially for downloading classical and other pieces off the internet and then playing them on the keyboard, so I'm glad I bought this keyboard for that but I don't have any faith in Yamaha's workmanship or support.
Sound
Only 6 watts so the sound is weak. External speakers recommended.
Features
Shop around and get the deluxe sustain pedal- the one that comes with the accessory kit isn't too great, plus the so called survival kit which includes the AC adapter is extra! Nice.
Quality
Many of the keys lack padding and give an audible thunk when played. Otherwise the quality seems pretty good but this is a major flaw apparently in workmanship. About 20 of the keys sound like 2 pieces of wood hitting together.
Value
If it wasn't for the problem with the keys this would be a very good bang for your buck purchase.
Manufacturer Support
Yamaha customer support pretty much gave me the runaround when it came to the problem with the lack of padding. I guess they are so big they can afford to be arrogant.
The Wow Factor
The silver finish makes it look like alot of low end boomboxes or stereo systems.
Musical Style:
Classical, bluegrass, celtic, alternative, rock.
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