Yamaha PSR-E360 (dark walnut)

The PSR-E360 is ideal for the younger learner whose parents understand that a touch-sensitive keyboard — which responds to harder and softer playing with louder and softer notes — is necessary for properly engaging with music. The dynamic response of the keys of the PSR-E360 is head and shoulders above other portable keyboards in this price range, allowing for very expressive playing. Over 400 Voices offer stunning realism in all sound categories from pianos to synthesizers to orchestral brass and strings to guitars to drums and beyond. Accompaniment styles provide not only rhythms and drumbeats, but a fully-voiced backing band that follows the players left-hand chord changes. Complete chords can be formed with just one or two fingers, letting the beginning player focus on the right-hand melody. Reverb, chorus, EQ, and harmony effects put the performance in a lush and three-dimensional soundscape. Two available finishes set the PSR-E360 apart from every other portable keyboard in its class. A darker wood-like veneer is reminiscent of a piano; a lighter one evokes the body of an acoustic guitar. Families who may not be ready to commit to the size, weight, and cost of a full digital piano can thus rest assured that the household musical hearth and education station will not have an overtly technological or cheap appearance.