Yamaha PSR-E473 review

Full review

The PSR-E473 is where a keyboard stops feeling like a toy. Its 6 W per side amplifier is more than double the output of the E383, and the deeper cabinet gives noticeably fuller bass, which matters when you play with accompaniment styles.

Yamaha includes 820 voices, among them Super Articulation Lite sounds that add realistic details such as guitar harmonics. There are 290 styles, two live control knobs for filter and effects, and a Groove Creator mode for building electronic tracks. A microphone input with vocal effects lets you sing along, and Quick Sampling can grab sounds from the mic, AUX input or USB stick.

Recording is flexible: 10 songs with six tracks each, or straight WAV audio to a USB memory stick. Yamaha's Rec'n'Share app helps you record and share video of your playing.

The trade-off is learning. Yamaha does not list a lesson mode for the E473, instead offering two free online lessons and pointing to the flowkey app. If you already play a little and want a richer instrument, it is excellent; for a child starting out, the E383 teaches more.