The Yamaha PSR E383 is a slight step up from the brand’s last iteration, the E373, presenting beginners with more presets, effects, and songs than before. It’s a superb starter instrument, offering 61 keys, a touch-sensitive keyboard, and 650 voices to choose from (the E373 had 622). Plus, there are the Keys to Success and Duo functions, handy learning tools to help you pick up the basics quicker.
In this Yamaha PSR E383 review, we’ll unpack the features of the beginner keyboard, looking at the key action, sound quality, and various modes. If you’re just starting out and need a portable keyboard that allows you to explore your full creativity, this could be the one for you!
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
Affordable, portable, and packed with an extensive array of voices, modes, and features, the Yamaha PSR-E383 is an excellent instrument to learn the piano on without overwhelming you with advanced features that are unnecessary at this level.
Its touch-sensitive keys are slightly basic, i.e., they lack the weighted action of a digital piano, but they boast enough expressivity for you to practise dynamics and learn good technique. There’s also a range of helpful functions, such as Keys to Success and Auto Chord Play, that are designed to aid beginners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes functions to help you learn, e.g., 3-Step Lesson, Keys to Success, and Duo | This isn’t a full-size keyboard, with 61 keys rather than 88 |
| 41 types of DSP effects, 650 voices, and 260 auto accompaniment styles | Intermediate or advanced players will find the keyboard a bit too basic |
| Portable enough to take to lessons |
Yamaha PSR E383 review
Size, weight, and build quality
The Yamaha PSR E383 is a portable keyboard, perfect for those on the go. Its compact design is 941mm in width, 105mm in height, and 317mm in depth, and it weighs just 4.4kg, so it’s light enough to carry without hassle. And it’s battery-operated, making for an even more portable setup. However, the stand is not included, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
The keyboard has 61 organ-style keys, offering a good range for beginner musicians. Despite its lightweight build, the PSR E383 is durable, designed to withstand regular use and constant ferrying to and from lessons.
Key action
The Yamaha PSR E383 features 61 touch-sensitive keys that are designed to help you play expressively. The keyboard adjusts the sound based on how hard or soft you press the keys, allowing for dynamic control.
Better still, you can adjust the touch response to the sensitivity setting that suits you, essentially tailoring the keyboard’s reaction to your playing style.
The only downside of the keyboard is that while it might respond intuitively to your playing, it doesn’t feel like that of an acoustic piano, i.e., it lacks the Hammer Graded Action found on some higher range PSR models. However, if it’s a beginner keyboard you’re after, a set of touch-sensitive keys are certainly beneficial!
With 48-note polyphony, you can play complex passages without notes being cut off – this is just the right amount of polyphony for a beginner.
Voices, effects, and sound quality
A substantial upgrade from the PSR E373, the Yamaha PSR-E383 offers an impressive range of 650 high-quality voices, including 12 Super Articulation Lite Voices that bring extra expression to your performance. These voices comprise realistic pianos, guitars, drums, and orchestral instruments – perfect for budding composers or arrangers who want to explore a variety of sounds.
In addition to its extensive vocal library, the PSR-E383 includes 260 auto accompaniment styles, providing a full backing band at your fingertips and making it easy to create rich, dynamic music. And to sculpt your sound, you have an array of effects, including Reverb, Chorus, and 41 types of DSP effects, that allow you to add depth and texture.
The built-in Reverb and Chorus can emulate different acoustic environments, from concert halls to intimate rooms.
In terms of sound quality and projection, as expected, the amplification is enough for a small portable keyboard, but not enough for a full gig. This is a beginner keyboard, after all! The PSR-E383 boasts two 12cm speakers, each powered by a 2.5W amplifier. These speakers deliver clear and powerful sound, ensuring your performances sound great whether you’re practising at home or playing for a small audience.
Modes and features
The Yamaha PSR-E383 is packed with features designed to enhance your learning and playing experience. Firstly, there are 260 auto accompaniment styles, providing a full range of backing tracks that adjust to your chord progressions.
Secondly, the Auto Chord Play function makes it easy to create harmonies, with it automatically creating appropriate chord progressions. This is extremely useful for beginners learning about chord structures and harmony.
Next, you have the “Keys to Success” function, which offers step-by-step lessons that guide you through your practice sessions. This built-in tutor helps you improve your playing by providing structured exercises and feedback.
Finally, Duo Mode splits the keyboard into two identical sections, each with its own middle C. This is ideal for playing along with your teacher or practising duets, allowing both players to play in the same octave range.
Who is the Yamaha PSR E383 suited to?
The Yamaha PSR-E383 is ideal for beginners who want a feature-rich keyboard that’s easy to get to grips with but can accommodate you as you advance in skill.
Its 61 touch-sensitive keys, vast array of voices, and built-in learning tools make it perfect for those starting their musical journey. If you’re a novice wanting a comprehensive and versatile instrument, the PSR-E383 is an excellent choice.
FAQs
What is the difference between PSR E383 and E373?
The main difference between the PSR E383 and E373 is that the E383 comes with 650 voices as opposed to the E373’s 622. There are also 260 preset styles in the new version rather than 205, and there are 41 types of DSP effects rather than 38.
What does PSR mean in Yamaha?
Yamaha PSR keyboards are a descendant of Yamaha’s initial range of portable keyboards named “PortaSound”. They’re portable, 61- to 76-key instruments that are ideal for beginners and gigging musicians.
What is the difference between Yamaha PSS and PSR?
The Yamaha PSS range is tailored to children, with mini keys making it easy to play with smaller hands. The PSR series, on the other hand, is tailored to beginner pianists and gigging musicians who need a portable stage keyboard.
Final thoughts
If you’re a budding pianist looking for your first instrument, we hope our Yamaha PSR-E383 review has shone a light on the features to look out for and what this beginner keyboard can offer you!
If you’re after a full-size piano, check out our thoughts of the Yamaha P145 – this could be more your style! Or if you’re looking for a sleek and polished stage piano, have a read of our Kawai ES120 review.
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