I'm hoping you guys can help me out, I tried searching for this topic and got nothing, but if there was already a thread, please point me to it.

What I'm running into is trying to figure out the difference between the Yamaha PSR-172 and the PSR-175. They seem to have the exact same specs on the Yamaha website, the only difference appears to be cosmetic. I talked to Guitar center, and they only carry the 172, and they claim it's the exact same thing as the 175, which appears to go for the same price ($99) on Amazon. Mostly I just don't want to pay for an old model if there's a nicer one available.

Granted "nicer" is a relative term when talking about something this cheap... however I've gotten to the point where I absolutely have to have something to practice my choir music with (singing-not playing, I just need to practice my notes), and I'm only halfway to saving up for my coveted CLP-170. I almost spent $40 at Wal-Mart to get an ultra cheap keyboard there, but decided I couldn't bring myself to get something with miniature keys.

So, has anyone had experience with either the PSR-172 or PSR-175, and does anyone know the difference between the two?

Thanks!

--jaimilyn

i guess that if a model number is close to another's, then they would be pretty much the same. i'd get the higher numbered one, simply because it might come out later than the model number before. i have a PSR-292, and later they have PRS-293,295,etc. i was assuming that they may just add a few voice features or something to the later model, but the main functions/features should remain the same, or else they would number it totally different.

do these models have a 'touch sensitive' function? it's important if you'd switch to piano some day. don't buy anything too cheap or else you'll regret it pretty soon.

They don't have touch sensitivity but if you're only using it for practising singing then thats fine.

Thanks for the replies. I ended up getting a used PSR-273 at Guitar Center. When I tried the 173 and 273 side by side, I was having a hard time talking myself into the 173. When I saw the used 273 for only $20 more than a new 173, I knew it was meant to be. It's actually the sound that sold me more than the velocity sensors. Also the touch of the keys is a bit more realistic than the 173 was.

So, now I have a keyboard that is cheap enough not to make me feel bad about buying it, but decent enough that it's not torture playing it. Yes I know it's not anywhere near a real piano... I've been playing on and off for the last 20 years. That's why I won't settle for anything less than a CLP-170 when I get my "real" piano.

I'd probably rather have an acoustic, but this is a compromise between me and the husband, he hates to listen to anyone practice, so whatever I get has to have a headphone jack. My stipulation is that it has to feel like an acoustic so that I can transition back and forth easily in case I need to play the piano for church meetings, etc. When we went looking at digital pianos last August for my birthday, I fell in love with the CLP-170, and wouldn't have anything less. Unfortunately, since he'd only budgeted $800 for the piano, I'm having to wait a while longer! Ah well, with my new toy, the waiting is a bit easier.

Thanks again guys!

--jaimilyn