Yamaha's 'Talking' Keyboards Teach User How To Play
Staff -- TWICE, 7/23/2001
BUENA PARK, CALIF.— Yamaha is launching what it calls the world's first talking keyboards, the EZ20 and EZ30.
The EZ keyboard is a virtual tutor that literally teaches the user to play music by using illuminated lights. And just like a real teacher, the EZ keyboards even speak back, with the voice of Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Melissa Manchester.
The EZ keyboards are fully interactive, providing the user with immediate feedback after a lesson. Keyboards use "guide light" technology, allowing the user to literally see which note to play and when. Illuminated follow-along lights are embedded above each of the 61 piano-size keys.
The EZ20 and EZ30 contain a well-stocked selection of hits, with 100 built-in songs, as well as teaching materials in its internal song library. Another key feature is the ability to download additional songs into Flash ROM.
The EZ30 contains all the features of the EZ20, with the additional advantages of touch sensitivity, a back-lit LCD display, and MIDI and Internet compatibility.
Suggested retails are $295.95 for the EZ20 and $399.99 for the EZ30. Both are currently shipping.
