co Yamaha, the world-famous Japanese concern, produces instruments for a wide range of users from students of music schools to the concert and studio performers.
Yamaha digital pianos feature excellent tactile sensations and realistic sound.
A number of models of Yamaha digital pianos are available in the market. It is easy to be confused because each instrument is aimed at performing a specific task.
Some digital pianos are suitable for training and are cheaper, while others will be able to become a full-fledged replacement of a classical acoustic piano, which, of course, will affect their price.
So, purchasing a digital piano is no laughing matter. According to the research conducted and taking into account the expert opinions, we would be glad to help you select the electric piano from Yamaha that you need.
The 10 Best Yamaha Digital Piano On The Market
1. Yamaha NP-V80 – (Best Yamaha Compact Digital Piano)
This is the best digital piano for learning to play. Yamaha NP-V80 is an improved version of the Yamaha NP-V60. It has a graduated keyboard, which both beginners and experienced pianists will surely appreciate.
The Graded Soft Touch keyboard is a combination of the keyboard mechanics of an acoustic piano with soft digital keyboard dynamics. Just like in an acoustic piano, the keys of low notes are pressed heavier and the keys of higher notes are easier to press while keeping the ease of pressing the digital piano mechanics at the same time.
The sound can be completed with a violin, flute, and also with other available instruments. You can change the mood of a song written for a piano, for example, by using the sounds of a violin. With Yamaha NP-V80 you can experience new dimensions of musical diversity.
Pros
- Extended keyboard of 76 active keys.
- Over 160 styles of auto-accompaniment.
- Polyphony of 32 notes to get sound of worthy quality.
- Various sound effects (Split, Dual etc.), along with 12 sets of drums and 477 timbres.
- Liquid crystal display.
- 305 songs in the device memory.
- USB port for connecting third-party drives.
Cons
- 2 loudspeakers by 6 W only.
- Ability to download only 1 style.
- Download speed from the flash drive is slow.
2. Yamaha P-45 – ( Best Yamaha Digital Piano for Beginners )
You can enjoy playing this perfect instrument wherever you are. In such a digital piano as Yamaha P-45, there is everything you need for your comfortable play. Various settings of the piano parameters can be changed using the GRAND PIANO / FUNCTION button. Pressing and holding this button, you can select timbres, play demo songs, set the metronome settings, and perform a number of other functions.
The sensations from the keys gradually change in accordance with the register. The lower the note of the executable passage, the heavier the keys are perceived, and vice versa. The black keys have a matte finish, thereby bringing the P-45 model closer to the feel of the play on the keyboard of the acoustic instrument.
Due to its small size, you can easily find a place to install it. Compact and lightweight design of less than 12 kg simplifies transportation. A sufficiently powerful speaker system will allow using such an instrument for performances in public places.
Pros
- Extended keyboard of 76 active keys.
- Excellent clean and rich sound.
- Compact and elegant design.
- Polyphony of 64 voices and up to 10 different timbres.
- Weighted keyboard with 88 touch-sensitive full-size keys.
- Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) hammer mechanics.
Cons
- 2 loudspeakers by 6 W only.
- Chorus effect is absent.
- Tree-pedal block cannot be connected.
3. Yamaha P-105 – ( Best Yamaha 88 Key Digital Piano )
To replace the P-95 popular model in the segment of inexpensive digital pianos Yamaha released a new instrument, Yamaha P-105. This piano is very light and comfortable with more features than the previous model.
The new model is a full-body piano with a comfortable weighted keyboard of 88 keys and a standard set of three pedals. It is possible to say that Yamaha P-105 took sound quality from the more expensive P-155 model, but the price of the instrument remained at the level of the P-95 model, which only pleases.
Each of the 14 timbres can be connected to the other one in Split mode, which creates unusual combinations. The duo mode allows splitting the keyboard into two independent parts so that you can play four hands.
The design of control panel is similar to the previous model with buttons along the top panel. Three dynamics pedals are made of reliable material. The sequencer of the digital piano allows you to record music on two tracks, which makes Yamaha P-105 a little simplified portable studio. The weight of the piano is 12 kg.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality.
- Polyphony of 128 notes.
- 10 different rhythm patterns.
- Mode of sound sampling based on the Pure CF technology.
- GHS technology which allows reproducing the feel of real piano keys.
- USB output for the computer or iPad and a 1/4″ stereo output for connection to the line.
- Four loudspeakers with a total power of 14 Watts.
Cons
- No display.
- Ability to record only one composition.
- The keys are a little light, but this can be noticed only by sophisticated pianists.
4. Yamaha P-115 – ( Best Yamaha Digital Piano with Weighted Keys )
Since 2015, Yamaha releases new improved digital pianos of the P series, which took the best qualities of previous models. Yamaha P-115 is a full-size digital piano that has replaced the P-105 model. Its authentic piano sound is based on the use of samples from the famous Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano.
It should be noted that the sound of the instrument is formed by the tone generator AWM Stereo Sampling, which generates sound as close as possible to the acoustic instrument using separate samples for various dynamic shades, from pianissimo to fortissimo.
The response, weight, and stroke of the keys, and even their coating correspond to the highest standards of the piano industry. The instrument uses round loudspeakers of 14 W and high-quality tweeters that transmit natural vibration and allow creating a truly rich balanced piano sound with a dense low foundation and unique clarity, which has an excellent balance of sound power and purity.
The standard configuration of the digital piano P-115 comes with a sound extension pedal (sustain) along with the keyboard. To expand the capabilities of Yamaha P-115, you can use the stand L-85 and a block of 3 pedals LP-5A which are sold separately. Piano P-115 has 10 Pianist’s styles that turn simple chords into an exciting accompaniment to your performance. The weight of the piano is 11 kg.
Pros
- Great sound.
- USB port for direct connection to the PC, which allows the use of numerous computer programs.
- AUX LINE OUT to connect the sound card, mixing console or speaker system for recording or playing live performances.
- 4 types of reverberation.
- Pre-installed standard drum rhythms serving as a good alternative to the metronome.
- Graded Hammer technology for a natural feeling from the play.
Cons
- High price.
- Piano comes with one pedal only.
- The Interface is not very clear.
5. Yamaha YDP-135R – ( Best Yamaha Multitask Digital Piano )
This Yamaha digital piano is designed for both professionals and beginners. The keyboard is created by testing the weight-to-sensitivity ratio of the keys. Therefore, the instrument has four types of sensitivity that you can choose – fixed, soft, medium, and hard.
The instrument has a function for recording the composition played in order to let you hear yourself from the outside.
The transposition function of YDP-135R allows you to raise or lower the pitch of the entire keyboard at intervals equal to one semitone up to six semitones. This makes it possible to easily pick up the pitch of the keyboard, corresponding to the voice range of the singer or other instruments.
The kit includes a power adapter and 3 standard pedals. In addition to excellent sound and mechanics, the YDP-135R provides everything you need for music classes – two headphone outputs, metronome, two tracks for recording performances, and the ability to overlay timbres. The set also includes a book with notes.
Pros
- Realistic sound of a full concert grand piano.
- Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) sound module.
- Graded Hammer Standard keyboard.
- Polyphony of 64 notes.
- A wide range of different timbres.
- 6 preset timbres, as well as functions of reverberation and superimposing sounds.
- MIDI input and output.
- 50 legendary songs are recorded in the memory.
Cons
- Keys are a bit narrower and softer than in the acoustic piano.
- No USB.
- Loudspeakers with low power 2 x 6 W.
6. Yamaha YDP-142 – ( Best Yamaha Digital Piano of Middle Class )
Yamaha YDP-142 presents a synthesis of beautiful pianoforte and ergonomic design. This model is more suitable for a music school student, rather than for a professional. Feelings from touching the keyboard and sound are key elements for any pianist.
Now YDP instruments use the sound of the legendary Yamaha CF grand piano. Rich piano sounds for YDP-142 was recorded using the Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano, the choice of the best concert halls around the world.
When playing on the YDP-142, the Graded Hammer Standard technology will provide you with a genuine touch feeling for the traditional piano keyboard. Just like in traditional acoustic pianos, keystrokes of the bass register require more efforts.
The piano has 3 pedals and the ability to use the half-pedal function along with the damper resonance function allows the artist to transmit the finest nuances of the acoustic piano while playing the instrument. The keyboard is convenient for fast play. The power of 12 Watts is more than enough for home use.
Pros
- Excellent sound.
- Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) sound module.
- 128-note polyphony.
- A big number of functions, settings, and timbres.
- Acoustic Optimizer and advanced Yamaha digital technologies.
Cons
- An inconvenient switch of functions and settings.
- A wire sticks out at the bottom of the pedal connection.
7. Yamaha YDP-163 – ( Best Yamaha Digital Piano of High Class )
YDP-163 will fully satisfy the needs of a high-level pianist because of its an extremely laconic and perfect sound of the famous concert grand piano Yamaha CFIIIS 9. Another plus of new products are the updated reverb effects and the resonance effect of the damper, which provide additional depth and realism of sound.
YDP-163 in terms of the performance of the keys is much better than YDP-142. There is sputtering on keys and therefore there are no problems with plastic flat keys, which makes this model more attractive for advanced pianists.
Although under the keyboard there is a huge number of sensors and wires, it completely conveys the feeling of a full mechanic function. Each key here is equipped with three sensors so that the instrument is able to transmit all the nuances of the playing technique.
All control is made by small buttons found to the left of the keyboard. So, since the piano is digital, then the iPad with an appropriate application will be relevant.
Due to novelties, it is possible to connect the piano to mobile iOS devices for controlling parameters using the Digital Piano Controller application. This software creates a whole new level of functionality, providing quick and easy access to all settings.
Pros
- Excellent sound.
- Improved tone generator Pure CF Sound Engine.
- Acoustic Optimizer technology.
- 10 different timbres.
- USB-MIDI interface.
- The powerful loudspeaker system of 40 W.
Cons
- The minimalistic interface requires the use an external device to control piano settings.
- High price.
8. Yamaha CLP-545 – ( Best Yamaha Digital Grand Piano )
According to experts, Yamaha CLP-545 is the best high-end digital piano. The instruments of this class have never been cheap, but the CLP-545 model is probably one of the most affordable among them.
The Real Grand Expression presents a combination of sound, sensitivity to pressing, and the pedal action to feel the play a real grand piano. The legendary Bösendorfer Imperial piano was used to record the sound samples for it. A real musical expression means the extended possibilities of musical expressiveness.
This includes not only a full-fledged implementation of the sound, sensitivity to depression and pedals but also the use of acoustic piano techniques to combine these three components into one instrument. This piano reproduces precisely those sounds that you seek to get by touching the keys and pedals.
Covering of the keys with synthetic ivory gives a pleasure even with a long-time play. This material is characterized by a high degree of moisture absorption, which eliminates the slipping of the fingers even during prolonged playing while maintaining an ideal texture and a finger-friendly surface.
Pros
- Beautiful sound with rich and deep reverberation.
- Natural wood.
- Damper Resonance and String Resonance functions.
- A lot of teaching melodies and different rhythms.
- The 2-way speaker system includes separate loudspeakers of 100 Watts.
Cons
- The keys and the case are prone to scratches.
9. Yamaha DGX-650 – ( Best Yamaha Digital Piano for Professionals )
Yamaha DGX-650 is a professional digital piano with full-weight keyboard and hammer mechanics. The sound is taken from the famous concert grand piano Yamaha CFIIIS.
A damper resonance makes it possible to recreate the performance of strings of an acoustic piano with built-in amplifiers and loudspeakers and to provide the instrument with a clear sound. The instrument is equipped with an LCD display.
The Smart Chord function automatically determines the appropriate accompaniment chords based on which notes you play with your left hand.
You do not even need to press the full chord. Just play one note, and the Smart Chord function does the rest, providing you with a full professional-sounding auto-accompaniment. At the touch of a button, the Smart Chord can create chords ranging from pop to jazz.
Pros
- Excellent sound.
- 128-note polyphony.
- Four levels of key sensitivity.
- Graded Hammer Standard mechanics.
- 100 preset timbres and more than 100 voices.
Cons
- Difficulty in accessing the menus and changing parameters during the play.
10. Yamaha CVP-601 – ( Best Yamaha Digital Piano with Perfect Natural Sound )
Yamaha CVP-601 of a full hammer keyboard that has 88 keys gives an incredible feeling of listening to works performed on the piano like in the concert hall. With the new Smooth Release function, the sound becomes much clearer, quicker moves (staccato) are better performed, while resonance and sound during the slow play (legato) are still maintaining.
3 sensors are located along every key, which react sensitively to the force of pressing. Thus, each musician will be able to play in his unique and no way similar style. The sensations when playing on the keyboard are very close to the play on the real piano.
If you use an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch with compatible applications, this will make your play even more convenient and enjoyable. The power of loudspeakers is 2 х 25 W and the weight is 58 kg.
Pros
- Special RGE Sound Engine technology.
- Polyphony of 128 notes, over 20 drum sets, and 900 timbres.
- Super Articulation technology and Piano Room function.
- Linear Graded Hammer 3 mechanism for keys.
- A convenient helper of choice of styles.
- Ability to adjust the sensitivity of keys.
- Highlighted keys.
- Attractive classic-style appearance.
Cons
- Small non-touch monochrome screen.
- A small number of musical works in the memory.
- Relatively high price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why digital piano?
In contrast to acoustic piano, digital piano significantly expands the creative possibilities of the musician. It has a lot of advantages, among which are an affordable price, many options of sounds and timbres, the possibility of additional settings, universality, and training opportunity. Digital piano does not require additional tuning or repairing of mechanical parts. In addition, digital piano reproduces the sound not only of the piano, but also other acoustic and electronic instruments.
What is the difference between digital piano sound and acoustic one?
The sound of the wooden acoustic piano or grand piano is unique. But modern digital technologies make it possible to reproduce a perfect sound that is identical not only to any acoustic instrument but also to a specific acoustic instrument, for example, the 1968 Steinway acoustic grand piano, which stands in the London Theater hall or any other famous instrument. The sound of the digital piano is completely adjusted by experts to the ideal one. In fact, we get the perfect sound, but does the ideal sound affect feelings the same way as the natural one?
Why is it better to select Yamaha?
When choosing a digital piano, the comparison with real keyboard instruments is important. All models from Yamaha accurately imitate the sound of its best acoustic keyboard instruments.
Yamaha digital pianos feature the presence of a big number of samples, presets, the ability to synthesize sound, and also a huge potential for sound tuning.
This is an ideal choice for those who appreciate the optimal ratio of price and quality. Yamaha digital pianos are suitable for both beginners and professionals.