Yamaha DGX-640 digital piano: Difference between revisions
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# Select a style using the ''wheel''. You also can quickly navigate from category to category by pressing one of the ''category buttons'' {{if-number|16}} | # Select a style using the ''wheel''. You also can quickly navigate from category to category by pressing one of the ''category buttons'' {{if-number|16}} | ||
# Press the start/stop button in the ''Style/Song'' panel {{if-number|14}} | # Press the start/stop button in the ''Style/Song'' panel {{if-number|14}} | ||
=== Play with a style === | |||
* See section .... | |||
=== Play a song (midi file) and change its style === | |||
* Prerequisite: Understand how to play midi files (songs) | |||
With the ''Easy Song Arranger'' feature you can change the style of a song. However, this only works with certain midi files, e.g. the ones that are built-in. | |||
Interface features: | |||
* Press the ''easy song arranger'' button {{if-number|9}} | |||
* Select a song by pressing the ''song'' button {{if-number|23}} | |||
* Press the ''Start/Stop'' button in the Style/Song panel {{if-number|13/14}} | |||
== Links == | == Links == |
Revision as of 15:47, 20 December 2011
Introduction
The Yamaha DGX-640 digital piano is an entry level "Ensemble Piano", i.e. includes auto-accompaniment and other built-in features for creating and learning music.
See also:
- Yamaha CVP-509 digital piano (Its high-end sister)
- Yamaha education suite
I acquired a DGX-640 for one of my optional classes that introduce computer-aided design and micro-fabrication principles to educational technologists. The course goals include learning some technology (computerized embroidery, 3D printing and music education technology. Then, we also address a variety of educational issues related to design with computers, learning with computers and computer-controlled devices and learning through computers.
This page summarizes a few features of this piano and should at some point include information of interest to educators.
After a few minutes of exploring the instrument, we believe it to be a good buy in that price category (800 CHF). More later. - Daniel K. Schneider 15:27, 1 October 2011 (CEST). The reason we acquired this piano is to explore how people could learn about music and piano playing using its various assistive technologies.
Features
- Keys and LCD
- 88 keys with graded hammer standard action. “Just as on a traditional acoustic piano, the keys of the lower notes have a heavier touch, while the higher ones are more responsive to lighter playing. The keyboard's sensitivity can even be adjusted to match your playing style. This Graded Hammer technology also enables the instrument to provide authentic touch in a lightweight instrument.” (Yamaha USA oct 1 2011.
- 320x240 LCD display
- Voices
- 64 Polyphony
- Voices (instruments): 142 + 381 XGlite + 12 Drum/SFX Kits
- Effect types: Reverb, Chorus, DSP (in various variations)
- Accompaniment (Performance Assistant Technology)
- 165 preset styles
- Fingering: Multi / Full Keyboard, AI Fingering
- Automatic Introduction, Ending, Fill-in
- Easy Song arranger
- Songs
- 30 preset songs (others can be read through a USB stick)
- Recording / Playback of 5 songs / 6 tracks (in SMF format)
- Music Database
- Song arranger
- Educational features
- Connectivity
- Midi interface (via USB to Host, i.e. a USB B slot)
- USB slot (USB to host)
The Interface
Learning Rhythm
The piano helps learning rhythm in various various ways, in particular:
- Using the metronome
- Playing along with a rhythm section
The metronome
Important basic interface elements:
- To turn the metronome on/off, press the Metronome button [11]
- Use the dial wheel [2] to select the tempo
Interface elements to set the time signature:
- You can set the time signature, e.g. define a 3/4 Waltz of a 2/4 Foxtrot, by pressing the the Metronome button [11] for more than a second.
- Use the wheel to select the number of beats per measure, e.g. 2,3,4
- Press the Category buttons [16] repetitively to to select the Time Signature–Denominator tool.
- In this tool, use the dial wheel again to select the beat length, i.e. 2,4,8,16 for half notes, quarter notes, etc.
Listening to rhythms
The piano's auto accompaniment feature can produce accompaniment (rhythm + bass + chords) in 165 styles. For starters one can just explore these without playing.
Exploring styles without playing a tune:
- Press the style button [24]
- Select a style using the wheel. You also can quickly navigate from category to category by pressing one of the category buttons [16]
- Press the start/stop button in the Style/Song panel [14]
Play with a style
- See section ....
Play a song (midi file) and change its style
- Prerequisite: Understand how to play midi files (songs)
With the Easy Song Arranger feature you can change the style of a song. However, this only works with certain midi files, e.g. the ones that are built-in.
Interface features:
- Press the easy song arranger button [9]
- Select a song by pressing the song button [23]
- Press the Start/Stop button in the Style/Song panel [13/14]
Links
Model description
- DGX-640 product description at Yamaha Europe
Manuals and official help
Manuals
All the manuals are available at yamaha, in particular:
- PDF Owners manual (Also included in print in the box)
Support site
- Yamaha online services Mostly (commercial) downloads of styles plus tutorials and tips
- Yamaha online member. Doesn't seem to do much, i.e. let's your register your instrument (for what purpose) and then it provides a (localized) link to the above website and show links tailored for your instrument(s).
Downloads
- USB-MIDI Drivers. Make sure to select the appropriate one for you system ... Most Windows versions are supported plus MacOsX
- Note: The Win 7 64 bit driver isn't on the included CD. The downloaded version worked in my setup (see above) - Daniel K. Schneider 11:42, 16 September 2011 (CEST).
User forums and FAQs
- CVP 500-Series Discussions in the CVP Users Group
- Digital Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Forum in Piano World. My favorite place.
- Yamahamusician.com (low traffic)
Tutorials
- ?
Midi files for download
See:
- List of repositories in the digital music library article.
On some sites you can find files that specifically target the Clavinova CVP series, i.e. it uses Yamaha voices, in particular:
- Clavinova Creations in the CVP Users Group Forums. MIDI files are attached to message
- yamahamusicsoft.com (commercial)
- sheetmusicplus.com (carries PianoSoft titles, search for "pianosoft")
Style files
Not tested so far ! Daniel K. Schneider 00:07, 14 September 2011 (CEST)
- Styles (and Other Files) for your Yamaha keyboard (Made for PSR and Tyros, probably work on CVPs)
- CraftyMusic's Style & Midi Libraries. Made for PSR and Tyros, may work on CVPs ....