In fact, it was a joy. First of all, the NP-30 is feather-light. Despite having unweighted keys, the response (I won’t say “feel”) is eminently musical and controllable. Battery operation coupled with built-in speakers made an impromptu al fresco jam session possible without reaching for a djembe, and it’s hard to overvalue the good time we all had. Polyphony aplenty allowed me to cut the gig without compromise, whether I was playing piano by itself or with a little strings layered in. What’s not to like? Not much.
Anyway, for the money, the piano sounds are really good — there are two, Grand 1 being a little darker and woolier than Grand 2. This is Yamaha’s current marquee AWM piano sample, wrapped in a keyboard, basically. A credible Rhodes appears next to the “Doogie Howser” ’80s electric piano sound. A couple of perfunctory pipe organ sounds, some pleasant strings, a couple harpsichords, and a rather nice vibraphone round out the voice set. A metronome with multiple time signatures is a nice practice feature. Naturally, the NP-30 sounds much better when connected to external amplification, but the little speakers at each end sound pleasing enough for campfires, train-station busking, practicing by yourself, and the like. Since the 1/4" headphone jack is the only output, you’ll need a send-andreturn cable if you want to send the NP-30’s stereo sound to a mixer or keyboard amp.
Are you gonna take this into the studio and cut records with it? No. But as a knockaround piano for open mic nights and impromptu jams? It’s darn near perfect. Sitting among the redwoods, playing music with my bros just for the joy of it was priceless. That the NP-30 could also hack it as the piano onstage with a very good band was impressive indeed. In the NP-30 brochure, there’s a graphic of a signpost with signs pointing the ways to “Inspiration,” “Liberation,” and “Subway Station.” Inspiration is perhaps just a slight stretch, but they’ve totally nailed the other two. Now, how ’bout a red finish and a pair of strap buttons?
PROS
Sweet piano sounds and one good electric piano. Only 12 pounds. Key response is very musical. 32-note polyphony. Can layer two sounds. Capable of half-damper sustain with proper pedal connected. Runs on six AA batteries.
CONS
AC adapter and sustain pedal optional at extra cost. Organ and harpsichord sounds are unremarkable. No independent layer volume control.
INFO
$399 list, approx. $299 street, www.yamaha.com
NEED TO KNOW
What it is An ultralight portable piano with better-than-average piano sounds.
Why you’d want it If you play strictly for pleasure. If you play a lot of open mics. If you’re tired of guitarists having all the fun at beach bonfires.
What’s the deal with the keys? Yamaha calls it Graded Soft Touch, but I call it comfy. It’s not piano-weighted, but the keys are piano-sized. I adjusted to it without significant effort.
How’s the piano sound? Excellent for practice and live gigging in a rock band, and especially good for the money. For recording, it’s not in the league of four-figure, pro digital pianos.