I received my new Yamaha DGX-670 on Saturday and wanted to share my thoughts about the unit. First let me say that this new model is an excellent example of what happens when manufacturers are forced to be competitive. For some time now people have been asking for a product like the DGX-670. Recent models by Casio and Korg are IMO why we see a model like this from Yamaha. The community for some time now has been asking for a proper 88 key weighted action arranger workstation. That’s what is so unique here. The new 670 is so far ahead of the previous model, it’s not even comparing like with like anymore. We’ve seen 88 key arranger workstations in the past (GEM comes to mind), but the selection has always been very small, and many manufacturers (including Yamaha) tend to play it a little loose with the term “Workstation”.

The DGX-670 is a proper workstation. Yamaha knew they had to up the game to compete with Korg and Casio, so they didn’t hold back. The DGX series has always been entry level with entry level features. That’s not the case anymore. This new model has been massively upgraded. You will now find proper workstation features such as full style creation (user and custom editing of presets). The sequencer is no longer an anemic 6 track linear sequencer with limited features. The 670 now has a proper 16 track linear arranger sequencer you find on other Yamaha arranger workstations. You’ll be pleased to see full post song editing, including event list editing. Options such as Quantize, Merge, and a few others can be found within the editing menus of the sequencer too.

The sounds are really quite good. Incredibly Yamaha has included Super Articulation voices. I believe there are over 40 SA voices. The Pianos are quite good and the Piano Room feature is very good. Overall I found the vast majority of sounds on this digital piano are very good, with the exception of a few that are more mediocre, but still quite usable in a mix. What’s impressive is that the DGX is not just a preset box anymore. On top of being able to fully edit and create styles, Yamaha has included the Voice Set editing, and you can save those to proper user locations, and not having to fill up your Registration Banks is much appreciated. To top all that off, Yamaha upped the polyphony to 256 notes, and we certainly didn’t see that one coming.

The key action really impressed me. My primary is actually as a pianist. I’ve been a pianist now for just over 40 years. I know the DGX is Yamaha’s entry level GH action, but it’s surprisingly good. I prefer a balanced hammer action as they tend to be heavier, which is why my primary controller in my studio is an M-Audio Hammer 88. I did not expect the DGX’s action to be more inline with my preference of a stiffer action, but I think it feels great. It’s obviously not a high end graded action, but it’s still a good one. It’s also my understanding that Yamaha has improved on the mechanics of the action and some of the well documented key failures aren’t an issue anymore (that’s what I’ve read in a few forums).

The unit isn’t by any means small. It’s damn near 50 pounds (without the stand and pedals). Yamaha is honestly running a bit loose with the “Portable Grand” claim. Let’s be honest.., NO ONE will be lugging this beast around, and the same could be said for the previous model. This really is a home unit, and very few if any will be using this for gigs, especially considering their are much lighter stage piano options.

My dislikes aren’t really too serious. The first negative issue I have with the unit is really more personal. I’m visually impaired, and over the last few years my vision has taken a serious turn for the worse. The screen on the unit (although nice, and in color) is small, and the text can be very difficult to see for someone who is visually impaired. My other gripe is how Yamaha designed the unit to essentially force the buyer to add options should they want to utilize the units other advanced features that also make it a true workstation.

To really get the full potential out of the SA voices you have to purchase the 3 pedal unit. It’s frustrating that one must do this, but the pedal unit really opens up more features outside of the SA voices. Two of the pedals are assignable., and there are numerous functions that can be assigned to the them. For example, the unit lacks a mod wheel.., however.., modulation is one of the functions you can assign to a pedal (along with many others). Here’s the kick in the groin. The pedal board is proprietary, and to use the pedal unit, you must purchase the wooden stand as well. Yes, Yamaha designed the pedal unit specific to the stand, and they do not offer a free standing 3 pedal unit that works with the DGX either. However, if you’re technically inclined there’s a way.

Even with the pedal/stand situation, I still think the DGX has to be the best bargain out there for piano players wanting a proper arranger workstation with weighted keys. Yamaha really has taken the DGX line to the next level, and no one really offers anything to compete with it currently (especially for the price and features). I have a suspicion that in time we might see a price increase on this model. Yamaha has really put out something special here. I think they priced it conservatively to see how sales go. The unit (no stand or pedals) only costs $799. That’s an incredibly low price for what the DGX is. It’s essentially an 88 key PSR SX600, give or take a few features. Yamaha did it.., they answered the call, and honestly I don’t think they had a choice when considering the competition forced their hand.

Sqk

Good review, Squeak. Since retirement, and especially since Covid 19, I haven't been able to try much in the way of new arrangers or digital pianos.

It's good to get a real hands on review.

Thanks, and it is great to see you posting.

Ian

Thank You very much...It's a GREAT Instrument for stationary use...Harold

Thanks for sharing, and enjoy your new keyboard!!

Sqk, thanks for the review, and I am sure you'll get much enjoyment from your new KB.

Thanks everyone! Years ago I left the arranger market and even stepped back from synth workstations, switching primarily to DAW’s snd VST’s. That’s still my primary, but the new 670 caught my attention as a pianist. Funny thing is it’s the first actual keyboard (outside of midi controllers) that I’ve bought in years. The last new keyboard I purchased was the MZX-500. This new DGX will be going in my studio when the pedal set arrives, and a lot of those SA voices will find their way into my DAW work (Studio One 5).

Sqk

How’s the chord recognition when you get florid?

Has it progressed past the old ‘three notes for a new chord’ thing and done anything like the Roland system of ‘five simultaneous notes for a new chord if the sustain pedal is down’?

I’ve not gotten too florid with the chord recognition, but I will say this (and it really surprised me). There is a jazz chord progression that I like to play with (it’s in the key of C). In certain jazz styles this is a very fast moving chord progression that consists of seven progressive chord changes, and I like to use this chord progression on faster styles to see how well the auto accomp follows (primarily the bass and chord tracks). The DGX, using a fast jazz style didn’t skip a beat on that progression, and I was shocked how well the bass track followed too. I don’t know how florid you can get with the DGX, but it handling that particular progression in a fast jazz style where the baseline is programmed well beyond a simplistic part is again, impressive.

Sqk

Squeak in light of your comment about the fast chord progression I'm curious... do you use "Fingered on Bass", "Full Keyboard", "AI Fingered", or "AI Full Keyboard"?? Which chord recognition mode(s) do you use?

Awesome review. Thanks Squeak