If you’re looking for the best-sounding digital piano, check out the line of digital pianos from Yamaha. In this Yamaha Digital Pianos review, I’ll list all of the specs and features so you can decide if it is the right piano for you.
The Yamaha Digital Pianos sound similar to the Yamaha acoustic piano and feel like one too. It is one of the high-quality electronic instruments made by Yamaha. These digital pianos are reasonably priced and are used by pianists of all skill levels.
Read on to learn more about the Yamaha Digital Pianos, including their key specs and features.
About Yamaha Digital Pianos
The Yamaha Digital Pianos do not only sound similar to the Yamaha acoustic piano, but they also feel like the real one. It is one of the premium quality electronic instruments made by Yamaha. These digital pianos are reasonably priced and are used by pianists of all skill levels.
Yamaha offers three different digital pianos, namely:
- Clavinova,
- Arius, and
- Portables.
Under these types are several series or subtypes of digital pianos. Suffice to say that Yamaha has released different digital piano types to ensure that they have something to offer for all kinds of pianists.
Yamaha Digital Piano Clavinova
Yamaha initially introduced the Clavinova digital piano in 1983. It was a compact electric keyboard that could amazingly recreate the overall performance of a grand concert piano.
After almost four decades, the Clavinova has remained one of the best digital pianos from Yamaha. Plus, it continues to be on the market and inspires pianists of all skill levels in its authentic acoustic sound and elegant design. In fact, “TIME” magazine has recognized Clavinova as one of the most influential technologies of the last 50 years.
The Clavinova consists of three series, including:
- CLP Series,
- CSP Series, and
- CVP Series.
Yamaha Clavinova CLP Digital Pianos
Yamaha Clavinova CLP Series Models
The Yamaha Clavinova CLP Series consists of seven digital piano models, namely:
- CLP-795GP
- CLP-785
- CLP-775
- CLP-765GP
- CLP-745
- CLP-735
- CLP-725
Common Features Among Yamaha Clavinova CLP Digital Pianos
Their common features include the following:
- Advanced Binaural Recording Technology
- Smooth Release Technology
- Virtual Resonance Modeling
- Yamaha Smart Pianist Controller App
- Voices of the Fortepiano
- Dual and Split Voice Modes
1. Advanced Binaural Recording Technology
With the Clavinova CLP series, it’s like having the world’s finest concert grand piano right at your fingertips.
Yamaha has its own advanced binaural recording technology that allows the tone, power, and subtle colors of the Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer Imperial concert grand pianos to be flawlessly recreated. Thus, this results in a natural sound that you don’t even remember that the Clavinova CLP is a digital piano.
2. Smooth Release Technology
The CLP Series features weighted and graded keys. They recreate the authentic touch and the response and natural key return of a real grand piano. The colors and nuance when you play legato, staccato, or anything else in between, are captured through Yamaha’s Smooth Release Technology.
3. Virtual Resonance Modeling
Yamaha has also applied the Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) technology in the CLP Series. It reproduces the resonance of the soundboard, frame, and rim to flawlessly mimic the natural feeling of playing and listening to an acoustic piano. So, the CLP digital pianos sound authentic even with headphones.
4. Yamaha Smart Pianist Controller App
Now that we are in the age of mobile apps, Yamaha has also introduced its Yamaha Smart Pianist Controller App to provide pianists with added convenience. With it, you can adjust settings, record performances, select voices, and more!
5. Voices of the Fortepiano
The CLP digital pianos feature the fortepiano voices. The fortepiano voices were popular during master composers Scarlatti, Beethoven, Chopin, and Mozart.
6. Dual and Split Voice Modes
With the Dual and Split Voice modes, you have the option to play the French Horn and Cello at the same time. Maybe, you prefer Bass and guitar, or piano and strings. Whichever you choose, you can all do it using the Dual and Split Voice Modes.
Yamaha Clavinova CSP Digital Pianos
Yamaha Clavinova CSP Digital Pianos Models
The Yamaha Clavinova CSP Series consists of two models, namely:
- CSP-170
- CSP-150
Common Features Among Yamaha Clavinova CSP Digital Pianos
Their common features include the following:
- Smart Pianist Audio to Score
- Stream Lights
- Vocal Harmony
- Accompaniment Styles
- Advanced Binaural Recording Technology
- Smooth Release Technology
- Virtual Resonance Modeling
- Yamaha Smart Pianist Controller App
The last four are features similar to the CLP Series. So, let’s focus on the first four features under this series:
1. Smart Pianist Audio to Score
Through the Smart Pianist Audio to Score technology, the songs in your music library are efficiently converted into easy-to-play sheet music.
2. Stream Lights
The Stream Lights technology allows you to play the right notes at the right time. Plus, this feature effectively guides your fingers to play the right keys and learn how to play your favorite songs as quickly as possible.
3. Vocal Harmony
You can plug in a microphone and amazingly sing with three virtual background vocalists with the Vocal Harmony feature. This feature allows you to make different adjustments, such as correcting the pitch, the harmonies, and more.
4. Accompaniment Styles
You’ll be impressed with the Accompaniment Styles feature. It allows you to add virtual musicians to your performances. Professional studio musicians developed this feature.
Again, what do Yamaha Digital Pianos offer? The Yamaha Digital Pianos sound and feel like Yama acoustic pianos. Plus, these pianos are affordable and suit beginners and professionals.
Yamaha Clavinova CVP Digital Pianos
Yamaha Clavinova CVP Series Models
The Yamaha Clavinova CVP Series consists of four models, namely, the:
- CVP-809GP
- CVP-809
- CVP-805
- CVP-701
Common Features Among Yamaha Clavinova CVP Digital Pianos
You will find all the features of the CLP and the CSP digital pianos in the CVP Series. It’s just that CVP digital pianos have more features, which include the following:
- Piano Room with Session Mode
- Follow Lights
- Yamaha Super Articulation Two Voices
1. Piano Room With Session Mode
With this feature, you can invite three virtual session musicians into your Piano Room. You can play 40 varying musical styles while your session musicians efficiently follow your harmonies and volume.
2. Follow Lights
When you choose any song from the Follow Lights song library, you will be able to play it with the help of guide lamps.
3. Yamaha Super Articulation Two Voices
To make your music sound even more natural, you can include non-keyboard sounds such as guitar body knocks and fret noise. This is interestingly possible with the Yamaha Super Articulation Two Voices technology.
Yamaha Digital Piano Arius
Pianos do not only belong in concert halls. With the Arius Series, Yamaha ensures that every model will fit every pianist’s home and life.
Yamaha Digital Piano Arius Models
The sleek Arius Series consists of six digital piano models, including:
- YDP-184
- YDP-164
- YDP-S54
- YDP-144
- YDP-S34
- YDP-103
The grand piano tone of the Arius Series is so powerful that it successfully recreates the sound of the flagship CFX concert grand piano. You don’t even have to be in a concert hall to achieve such a powerful sound.
This Yamaha digital piano doesn’t only have a fashionable sound. It also features graceful curves and a stylish design that allow you to achieve the feeling that you’re indeed playing an authentic acoustic piano. It also features three pedals to allow you to achieve that authentic feeling further.
With the Arius digital piano, you are capable of practicing duets. You can connect two headphones to make this possible.
All the other features of the Clavinova are also found in the Arius models.
Yamaha Digital Piano Portables
With the Yamaha Digital Piano Portables, you will be able to play a Yamaha acoustic piano anywhere you may be. So, if you’re a pianist who often plays in different parts of the United States, it’s always practical to bring with you a portable Yamaha Digital Piano.
Yamaha Digital Piano Portables Models
Currently, Yamaha offers six different types of portable digital pianos. These include the following:
- P-515
- DGX-670
- DGX-660
- P-125
- P-121
- P-45
Features of Yamaha Digital Piano Portables
As for the general features of the portable Yamaha Digital Pianos, they include the following:
- Produce powerful tone
- Keys not existing in other digital pianos
- Great virtual vibrations
- Can be played anywhere
- Come with a furniture stand
- Replacement of metronome with a drum groove
- Dual Voice mode
- Smart Pianist and Digital Piano Controller App
The general features of these Portable Yamaha Digital Pianos are the same as the general features of the Clavinova and the Arius Series. These portables also have a powerful tone, they have keys that other digital pianos don’t have, and they are equipped with the Virtual Resonance Modeling technology.
The Yamaha portables also have a Dual Voice Mode and can be connected to the Smart Pianist and Digital Piano Controller Apps. Each portable digital piano comes with a stylish matching wood stand. Lastly, these portable digital pianos allow you to play in just about any space, anywhere you may be.
Conclusion – Yamaha Digital Pianos
The Yamaha Digital Pianos do not only sound similar to the Yamaha acoustic piano, but they also feel like the real one. It is one of the premium quality electronic instruments made by Yamaha. These digital pianos are reasonably priced and are used by pianists of all skill levels.
If you’re seriously looking for a new digital piano, getting a Yamaha Digital Piano is always a great decision. Plus, Yamaha has enough digital piano models you can choose from. For sure, you will find that one particular model that will perfectly suit you.
Related reading:
Yamaha DGX-670 Digital Piano Specs and Review
Yamaha Arius Digital Piano Specs and Review
Yamaha Portable Digital Pianos Specs and Review
Best 88-Key Digital Pianos with Weighted Action Keys (Touch Sensitive) [Reviews]