ANAHEIM, Calif.— Yamaha today launched the PSR-E233 and PSR-E333 portable keyboards at Winter NAMM 2011. Geared towards first-time keyboard buyers, the series is ideally suited for beginner musicians learning to play for the first time.

The keyboards offer built-in speakers featuring the Ultra-Wide Stereo DSP button which creates greater separation and a more spacious sound. Only a company like Yamaha - which pioneered sound projector technology in home theater - could add such sophisticated functionality to an entry-level keyboard.

"Entry-level keyboard customers are used to seeing 61 black and white keys with a panel of buttons and a display," says Dane Madsen, Yamaha Electronic Keyboard Marketing Manager. "It's the new Ultra-Wide Stereo DSP button that makes the new PSR-E Series stand out from the crowd. It creates the same 3D sense of space you'd experience with an elite surround sound system – at an incredibly affordable price."

Additional features include the Yamaha Education Suite―built-in lessons that let users teach themselves to play, a new power-saving mode and 61 full-sized keys. These highly affordable models also let users play along with a band using any of the 100-plus built-in accompaniment Styles, or use the dedicated Portable Grand button to instantly call-up a great sounding grand piano.

The PSR-E333 adds a USB port for computer connectivity, touch sensitive keys for expressive, piano-style playing and a more powerful speaker system for a fuller sound. Connected to a computer, (PSR-E233 via optional MIDI interface) both models are also excellent XG-lite sound sources for use with a variety of music software.

"The new PSR-E233 and PSR-E333 are great instruments for introducing or re-introducing players to making music. Playing along with the built-in Styles is a fun way to develop a good sense of time and rhythm without the strict feeling of a metronome. They're also an excellent ‘band’ that will always follow you whenever inspiration strikes," added Madsen.

Shipping in May 2011, the PSR-E233 will be available at an MSRP of $169, while the PSR-E333 will be available at an MSRP of $269.

For more information about the Yamaha PSR-E233 and PSR-333 portable keyboards, visit Yamaha Corporation of America at Winter NAMM 2011 in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel, Marquis Ballroom; write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/press