Yamaha NP-30
What it is
The Yamaha NP-30 is a 76-key portable digital keyboard in the Piaggero line, marketed by Yamaha as a piano. It uses a Graded Soft Touch action that sources describe as non-weighted and without hammers, and it offers 10 AWM stereo voices, including two grand pianos, two electric pianos, two organs, two harpsichords, strings, and vibraphone. Its main distinguishing features are its low weight of about 12 lb and its ability to run on batteries. Reviewers mostly treat it as a portable keyboard rather than a digital piano. One reference gives a 2010 release date, but that is a single source, and current availability was not verified. Sources also use the names Piagerro (a misspelling) and Portable Grand.
Specifications
- Keys
- 76
- Action
- Graded Soft Touch, described as non-weighted, without hammers
- Touch settings
- Hard, medium, soft, fixed; three curves or off
- Polyphony
- 32 notes; 16 in dual-voice mode
- Voices
- 10, including two grand pianos, two electric pianos, two organs, two harpsichords, strings, and vibraphone
- Sound generation
- AWM stereo sampling
- Layering
- Two voices at once
- Reverb
- 4 types according to Liveabout and Long & McQuade; 5 according to Yamaha Keyboard Guide and Musician's Friend (conflicting)
- Metronome
- 32–280 BPM; 3/4, 4/4, 6/8 time signatures
- Songs
- 10 preset songs and 10 voice demos
- Transposition
- −6 to +6
- Dimensions
- 1244 × 259 × 100 mm
- Weight
- 12 lb (about 5.4 kg)
- Power
- 12V DC, about 20 W; optional adapter; six AA batteries (not included)
- Connectivity
- DC-in, MIDI in/out, headphone output, foot pedal input, 1/4 inch damper pedal input
- Speakers
- 6W rating per Liveabout; two speakers listed by Yamaha Keyboard Guide without wattage
- Pedals
- Sustain pedal not included; optional FC3 half-damper pedal and FC5 footswitch
- Color
- Black
- Onboard recording
- None
- Included
- Music rest, owner's manual
- Stand
- Optional NP30 keyboard stand
How it's used
Reviews and retailer listings describe it for travel, gigs, practice, and teaching. Its built-in metronome and tempo settings suit practice. One forum poster used it as a MIDI controller for external sound modules. Retailers and reviewers commonly describe it as an inexpensive, entry-level option.
Suggested usage
Power
Battery operation is possible. One reviewer logged about 10 hours in battery mode over two days. Buy batteries separately and confirm the adapter type before use.
Sustain pedal
No sustain pedal is included. The optional FC3 provides a half-pedal effect.
Sound output
Reviewers suggest headphones or external speakers for better sound; one review says the voices sounded more genuine through them.
Layering
Use dual-voice mode when two sounds are needed, but expect polyphony to drop to 16 notes.
Recording
With no onboard recording, use the MIDI connection with external software or hardware.
Voice choice
Pianos received the best comments in reviews. Strings and harpsichord were described as artificial.
What reviewers said
- Liveabout
Positive about weight and battery operation, negative about key feel. Concludes it suits an inexpensive beginner instrument or road-trip use, and advises against it for players wanting an acoustic-like feel. The review is older.
- Zzounds user reviews
Buyers praise construction and value. One calls the graded key action disappointing, and another says the keys are not comparable to any real digital piano.
- Equipboard
Describes it as a lightweight, travel-friendly keyboard suited to beginners or anyone needing portability. Notes the lack of recording and modest speakers. The site shows an aggregate rating of 4.0 from a single review.
- AZ Piano Reviews
Does not name the NP-30. It covers the NP31, NPV60, and NPV80, and the author does not recommend these Piaggero keyboards for piano lessons, citing the key action and 32-note polyphony. Apply to the NP-30 only with caution.
Sources
- Yamaha NP-30 Digital Piano Information, Specifications and Resources
- np 35 76 key piaggero portable digital keyboard
- Yamaha Np30, piaggero np-31, any others?
- Review of the 76-Key Yamaha Piaggero NP-30 Digital Piano
- Yamaha NP30 Digital Keyboard
- www.adorama.com
- Yamaha NP30 Portable Grand Digital Piano User Reviews
- Yamaha Piagerro NP-30 — Portable Keyboard
- REVIEW - Yamaha Piaggero Digital Piano Keyboards
- Yamaha NP-30 Portable Grand Digital Piano
- Yamaha NP30 76-Key Mid-Level Piaggero Ultra-Portable Digital Piano
- Yamaha - NP-30 - Lightweight Portable Grand Digital Piano
- Yamaha NP-30 user manual (English - 40 pages)
- User manual Yamaha NP-30 (English - 40 pages)