Yamaha DGX-660 Portable Grand Adds Mic Input and Wireless Connectivity to Top Selling Digital Piano

Yamaha DGX-660 Portable Grand Adds Mic Input and Wireless Connectivity to Top Selling Digital Piano

ANAHEIM (January 21, 2016) – Yamaha has updated its digital piano lineup with the introduction of the new DGX-660, which now includes a customizable Piano Room feature and a microphone input with digital vocal effects.

Ideal for piano students and casual players of all ages, this new Portable Grand ensemble instrument replaces the DGX-650, which has earned the position as one of the top selling digital pianos in the U.S.

The 1/4" microphone input on the DGX-660 lets players sing along while playing the piano and record the entire performance to USB audio, complete with inspiring digital vocal effects like reverb and chorus. An optional wireless UD-WL01 accessory allows streaming of audio and MIDI over Wi-Fi between an iOS device and the DGX-660, providing connectivity to the world of Yamaha music apps for iPad, such as NoteStar and Chord Tracker.

Perhaps the most compelling learning experience offered by the DGX-660 is the "You Are the Artist" collection of best-selling Hal Leonard piano songbooks and play-along recordings that can be enjoyed in conjunction with the instrument. Score Display puts the music notation of MIDI songs onto the instrument's screen, helping the user play their favorites by following the bouncing ball while XG song files play all of the backing band parts. Songs can be slowed down to allow players to practice at a comfortable tempo before speeding up when they are ready. Players can even practice one hand while the DGX-660 plays the other. "You Are the Artist" series sheet music and XG song files can be purchased at yamahamusicsoft.com/xg or any authorized Hal Leonard music retailer.

"What sets the DGX-660 apart from other instruments in the entry-level ensemble digital piano category is its ability to help users learn to play and sing their favorite songs in a fun, entertaining and interactive way," said Dane Madsen, marketing manager, digital pianos, Yamaha Corporation of America. "The secret to getting players engaged is allowing them to play their parts while adding inspiring accompaniment, all to hit songs they already know and love."

Other features on the new DGX-660 include:

An assignable foot pedal and category leading touch and tone with PureCF sampling, which integrates the authentic sounds from the critically acclaimed 9' Yamaha CFIIIS acoustic grand piano into this powerful yet compact digital piano.

The company's Graded Hammer Standard action provides the natural touch response of an acoustic piano — the lower keys are heavier and the higher keys become gradually lighter through the different registers. Extra-large, front-facing speakers provide a full and rich room-filling presence.

A dedicated "Piano Room" lets a player choose from a variety of pianos and acoustic settings to create their own personal piano environment at home or virtually anywhere. The position of a virtual grand piano lid can even be adjusted.

Pricing and Availability

Yamaha DGX-660 (MSRP: $1,299) will ship in April 2016.

For more information, visit the Yamaha Booth at the 2016 NAMM Show in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom, January 21-24, 2016, or visit http://4wrd.it/YamahaDigitalPianos.