Broadway B3

The Broadway B3 digital piano has the latest advanced real hammer action keyboard (ARHA). This simulates the natural touch and playing performance of an acoustic grand piano. With real hammers rather than springs, the keyboard provides a heavier touch in the lower range (bass) and a progressively lighter touch as the keyboard ascends through the treble; just like the characteristics of a grand piano.

Specifications

88 fully size, fully-weighted keys (imitation ivory)
Graded hammer action
Touch sensitive keys (4 dynamic levels)
Imitation ivory keys
256 note polyphony
Sliding key cover (covers the keys when not in use)
3 pedals (sustain, soft, sostenuto)
Headphone connections x 2 (two players can play at the same time)
Master volume control (you can turn the sound down late at night)
Volume control for split/layer
128 voices (GM)
Rhythm styles
Metronome
Record/Playback (2 track recorder)
One track sequencer
Computer connection (connect to computer)
USB to host – MIDI and AUDIO (to mobile)
USB Midi interface (USB in) — Connect to your iPad, laptop or anything that has a USB port)
Transpose
Twin piano
Half pedal
Reverb (8 levels)
Keyboard split
Chorus (with level control – 8 levels)
Pedal connection
Layer
50 Demo songs
Master tune
Registration 5
3 digit LED display (multi function)
Dual split-velocity sound source
Made in South Korea
Colour: Dark Rosewood
Speakers
Speaker wattage: total 60 watts (2 x 30 watts)
4 speaker sound system: 2 x 15cm (6 inches) and 2 x 5cm (2 inches)
Graded Hammer Action (springless mechanism)

Dimensions

Width 139.6cm (55 inches)
Depth 47.3cm (19 inches)
Height 88.1cm (34 inches)
Weight: 55kg

Included:

3 pedals
Music rest
AC power adaptor
Owner’s manual/User manual in English

Main Voices

Grand piano
Harpsichord
Electric piano
Glockenspiel
Vibraphone
Organ
Electric organ
Church organ
Jazz organ
Strings
Flute
Brass: trumpet, trombone, other
Saxophone: alto, tenor
Bass
Percussion
Strings
128 GM voices

Safety

All Broadway pianos meet the required safety standards: CE, UL and FCC

Assembly

The piano comes flat-packed and is easy to put together. The electronics, keyboard and pedals are fixed in – all you have to do is assemble the stand which consists of 2 legs, a back board, and a bottom board. There is only a few screws that fix the stand to the keyboard. I advise two people to do the job though – purely because of the keyboard’s weight. The piano is heavy, and it’s safer to have a helping hand when lifting it on to the stand.

Questions and Comments

” The two most important things you need from a digital piano when you’re learning is a realistic touch and an authentic piano tone. It must feel close to the weight and response of a real piano and have a minimum of 4 dynamic levels. Size, weight, and ‘bells and whistles’ shouldn’t  be a deciding factor in your purchase “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor
Call 01327 300 016 or email your questions: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Get my FREE digital piano buyer’s guide here

Hi Graham
I am looking to buy a digital piano but cannot decide between a Yamaha ydp 161, classenti cdp2 or a broadway b1,b2,b3

I am an beginner with the piano, but it will get played by more serious pianists playing backing with our singing group.

Frank

Reply/ Hi Frank

The piano that would be best for you, the other
pianists and the singers is the Broadway B3.
This has a good sound and volume level.
It also has useful features such as voices
and rhythm.

As a second choice I would go with either
the Yamaha YDP161 or Broadway B1.

The reason I selected these two is because
they both have a bright sound with a lot of
punch (particularly the B1). This is what you
need when playing with singers.

Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard

—

Dear Graham,

It is Dmitriy from Lithuania. Thank you for the quick reply to my question on the sound of Broadway B3. I trust you and your score.
I am really interested in this model and would like to learn more about the touch of the piano. I am very impressed by the sound score (69), but I also have a question about the touch score (56). Why? Could you tell me some weak points of this piano touch, please? I am looking for a digital piano with fully-weighted keys only. I think, Broadway B3 is what I need.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely yours,

Dmitriy

Reply/ Hi Dmitry

The Broadway B3 has a full-weighted key touch.
It also has 4 dynamic levels.
It isn’t as good as, for example, the Yamaha Clavinova
pianos, because they have 5 dynamic levels
and more sensitive keys.
But for the price point, the B3 is very good.

Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard

Recommended Reading

1) Article: “Which Digital Piano to Buy”
2) Piano questions section and FAQ
3) Free Book: “7 Things You Must Know Before You Buy a Digital Piano”
4) Digital Piano Rating System: “The Howard Score“