Take the “EZ” Lighted Way to Music

BUENA PARK, CA (September 5, 2003) — Yamaha Portable Keyboards breaks new ground in interactive teaching keyboard products with the EZ150 and EZ250i. These virtual tutors make learning and playing interactive and fun, with a host of user- and computer-friendly features.

The EZ150 features 61 piano-sized keys and a selection of some of the best voices available today – including 100 realistic instrument voices, 100 accompaniment styles and four multipads for sound effects and fills. Embedded under the keys are lights that operate as a guide to prompt the user to play the correct note. The built-in Yamaha Education Suite (YES II) teaching system counts down the beat and offers feedback, contains a chord directory, over 100 songs to learn (organized by level of difficulty) and seven lesson modes: Any Key Play; Waiting; Melody Off; Learn Right Hand Parts; Learn Left Hand Parts; and Both Hands Together. The Multi-Fingering Auto Accompaniment function will recognize either a single finger or full chords.

Using the MIDI IN/OUT connections, users can take lessons on a computer or the Internet. The Yamaha EZ150 may be enjoyed through headphones or through the stereo speaker system with bass ports.

Yamaha EZ250i

The EZ250i contains many of the features of the EZ150, including guide lights, Multi-fingering Auto Accompaniment and the Yamaha Education Suite (YES II). Sonic quality is enhanced with 480 instrument voices and 100 accompaniment styles. The additional advantages of touch sensitivity and the one-touch Portable Grand function make the EZ250i very appropriate to use as a piano. All functions may be viewed via an easy-to-read backlit LCD display.

General MIDI compatibility and a selection of Internet-oriented features – a USB connection and a PC button for quick and easy online connection – makes the EZ250i extremely computer friendly. Another key feature is the ability to download additional songs into FLASH memory. The new USB capability and PC button is the perfect complement to the Konami Piano Mania software package that will be bundled with every Yamaha EZ250i – an industry first.

The EZ250i can be utilized through headphones, or through the two-way stereo speakers with bass ports and bass boost system.

"The EZ150 and EZ250i take interactive learning to a new level," states Jim Presley, marketing manager, Yamaha Portable Keyboards. "Users will find that they're not only fun musical instruments, but that they can also function as a component of a home computer system."

Both products are currently available.

For more information on the EZ150 and EZ250i Portable Keyboards, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Portable Keyboards, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com