The Yamaha P45 and P71 are both excellent digital pianos for beginners. But it can be difficult to choose one over the other as they look the same. So, what is the difference between the Yamaha P45 and P71?
The only difference between the Yamaha P45 and P71 is that they are intended for different retailers and target markets. The Yamaha P45 is a digital piano model available in most retail stores. Whereas the Yamaha P71 is a model exclusive for Amazon customers. But all their features are basically similar.
Read on to learn more about the Yamaha P45 and P71 so you can decide which is best for you.
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Yamaha P45 Vs P71
The Yamaha P45 and P71 digital pianos look literally the same, but they are priced differently. The Yamaha P71 is more affordable compared to the Yamaha P45.
Both of these models are entry-level digital pianos ideal for beginners. If you plan to visit several physical retail stores to help you decide which digital piano to buy, you will most likely be offered the Yamaha P45. This is also available in online retail stores.
But if you plan to buy the Yamaha P71 digital piano model, you won’t be able to find this in physical retail stores. This is available online but only in one online store, which is Amazon. All the other online stores do not sell Yamaha P71.
Features of Yamaha P45 and P71
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So, now, let’s talk about the features of these two digital pianos in terms of the following:
- Bundles
- Design
- Features and Connectivity
- Performance
1. Bundles
Let’s briefly describe the bundles that come with these two digital piano models:
Yamaha P45
The Yamaha P45 model comes in three different bundles:
- Digital Piano Bundle,
- Starter Bundle, and
- Home Bundle.
Digital Piano Bundle
The Digital Piano Bundle is the cheapest bundle among the three as it is the most basic option. It comes with a standard power supply and a sustain pedal. This is an ideal option if you choose to use your own bench and table/stand.
Starter Bundle
If you want additional accessories, the Starter Bundle might be the perfect one for you, but it is more costly than the Digital Piano Bundle. This comes with a standard power supply, a sustain pedal, an adjustable padded X-style bench, and an adjustable double-braced X-style stand.
All are in black color, which fits well with the black digital piano. The bench is foldable and lightweight, making this portable bundle a convenient one for the user.
Home Bundle
The most expensive among the three is the Home Bundle. It includes a power supply, sustains pedal, and a bench. However, its bench is not the same as the one included in the Starter Bundle.
The bench that comes with the Home Bundle features a stand that securely attaches to the piano. This accessory looks classy and professional. It effectively enhances the appearance of a room.
Yamaha P71
Similar to Yamaha P45, this too comes in three different bundles. But this time, the bundles are known as the Digital Piano Bundle, the Basic Bundle, and the Deluxe Bundle.
Digital Piano Bundle
The cheapest bundle among the three is the Digital Piano Bundle. It comes with a standard power supply and a sustain pedal. If you already have a stand or a table that fits perfectly with the P71, then you might want to choose this bundle instead.
Basic Bundle
A slightly more costly option than the Digital Piano Bundle is the Basic Bundle. Aside from the sustain pedal and power supply, this bundle also comes with an adjustable X-style stand and an adjustable X-style bench. Both the bench and the stand are foldable and portable.
Deluxe Bundle
The Deluxe Bundle is the most costly among the three bundles. It comes with a standard power supply, a sustain pedal, a bench, and a stand. The upper portion of the stand that houses the digital piano is white in color. In contrast, the lower portion is black.
2. Design
The Yamaha P71 and Yamaha P45 look very identical in terms of their dimensions and layout. Both models feature simple and easy-to-play designs. They are minimalistic but appear classy and elegant.
The front panel of these models features a handful of controls and buttons. The power button includes an accidental pressing protection feature to prevent the piano from shutting off while it is being used.
Both models have a Function Button that can create “shortcuts.” You may refer to its manual to learn how to go about this feature.
As for the dimensions, both models measure 11.7 inches x 16.1 inches x 58.2 inches. These models are both lightweights, which is one of their many advantages. Their weight is 11.5 kilograms or 25 lbs. They are not only lightweight, but they are also compact and slim. If your number one requirement is portability, then any of these models is the digital piano for you.
But, of course, if you are a professional musician who has gigs everywhere, maybe an ideal option for you is the Starter Bundle or the Basic Bundle. But if you prefer a furniture-style stand or a stand that will perfectly blend well with the interior design of a room, you might want to opt for the Home Bundle or the Deluxe Bundle.
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3. Features and Connectivity
Let’s now talk about the features and connectivity of these digital piano models:
Keys
The Yamaha P45 and the Yamaha P71 have 88 keys featuring Yamaha’s keyboard technology known as the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) weighted action. This technology has been developed to provide users with an authentic touch.
The GHS weighted action is lighter on the high end and heavier on the low end. In essence, it mimics the hammers that are inside an authentic acoustic piano. That’s why Yamaha P71 and Yamaha P45 are ideal for beginners. These digital pianos are effective in familiarizing how it feels to use a real acoustic piano.
The black keys of these two digital piano models have a matte finish. This makes the keys less slippery compared to the plastic ones. In effect, the matte finish makes the digital pianos comfortable to play with.
Ports
As for the rear panel of these digital piano models, you can find the connection ports. There are not many connectivity options for Yamaha P45 and Yamaha P71 since these are both entry-level models. Both models instead come with the basics, such as a sustain pedal jack and a stereo audio output so you can connect an external speaker system.
They also come with a USB-to-host port. This way, users can connect the digital piano to their iPad or iPhone. Several mobile apps will help you make this possible.
Voices
Both the Yamaha P45 and the Yamaha P71 feature 10 various voices. These are the following:
- Vibraphone
- Strings
- Harpsichord – 2 voices
- Pipe organ – 2 voices
- Electric piano – 2 voices
- Grand piano – 2 voices
All of these 10 voices support layering. That way, users can play using two different voices simultaneously. Users have the option of which voices to use at the same time.
These digital pianos have a Duo mode too. This allows two users to play at the same time using similar octave ranges. Such a feature is highly effective for teaching and learning. Also, both models have several reverb effects.
4. Performance
By now, you already know that there is not much difference between the two Yamaha models. The main difference between Yamaha P45 and P71 is that they are intended for different retailers and target markets. Yamaha P45 is a digital piano model available in most retail stores. In comparison, Yamaha P71 is a model exclusive for Amazon customers. But all their features are basically similar.
Let’s discuss their performance to see if these two models are the same. At the same time, let’s assess if some features make them distinct from each other:
Sound
Both models feature a pair of 6-watt speakers. These speakers are good and ideal for small gig performances. But you can’t rely on them when it comes to big performances that require a high volume. In which case, you need to connect external speakers to achieve better sound.
If you use the digital piano at home most of the time, then the speakers are expected to be good enough for you. They will surely deliver solid and accurate sound. You will not experience any sound distortion for as long as you refrain from pushing the volume too high.
The Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) sound engine technology developed by Yamaha for its products is integrated into these digital piano models. The AWM is a famous technology of Yamaha as it can impressively produce rich, deep, and spacious sound.
This technology has efficiently captured the authentic sound of an acoustic piano. That’s why both the Yamaha P71 and the Yamaha P45 produce very natural and realistic sounds. They impressively sound like real Yamaha grand pianos!
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Yamaha P Series
Yamaha P45 and Yamaha 71 are only two of the many digital pianos offered by Yamaha under the P Series. The P Series by Yamaha is internationally known for delivering dynamic, high-quality realistic sound and natural piano touch response. Users will feel as if they are playing a real-world class acoustic piano.
Aside from the Yamaha P45 and the Yamaha P71, the P Series also includes the following models:
P515
The Yamaha P515 offers a wide selection of sounds to choose from. But more than anything else, its ultimate feature is that it sounds like authentic Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer concert grand pianos.
P125
Those who love simple design will surely appreciate P125. It features a user-friendly minimalistic design, and yet it delivers an incredible piano performance.
P121
In most cases, women prefer buying the Yamaha P121. Known as a Personal Piano, it is user-friendly and minimalistic. Users appreciate it for its portability. It is smaller than other digital piano models as it only has 73 keys.
P255
Good for practice and live performances.
P115
The Yamaha P115 model is suited for both beginners and experienced pianists. It is slim and has a portable design. It also delivers genuine piano performance. The Yamaha P255, on the contrary, is ideal for professional musicians. You can use it for serious practices and live performances.
P105
Another compact and portable digital piano model that delivers an impressive sound quality is the Yamaha P105. But if you opt for a simpler model with simple functions and a slim design, the P35 model might be the right one for you.
P35
Portable yet offers excellent sound quality.
P155
The Yamaha P155 model delivers professional sound quality and provides legendary piano touch. It has many impressive features that will definitely suit your musical lifestyle.
Indeed, Yamaha has an impressive product line for digital pianos.
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Conclusion – Yamaha P71 Vs P45
The main difference between Yamaha P45 and P71 is that they are intended for different target markets and retailers. Yamaha P71 is a model exclusive for Amazon customers. In comparison, Yamaha P45 is a digital piano model available in most retail stores. But all their features are basically the same.
Although these two digital models have similar features and appearances, they differ in price. The P71 is less costly, but you can buy it from Amazon. Whereas the P45 is slightly more costly, it is available in all physical music stores and even online retail stores.
So, if you want to get the most value for money, get the Yamaha P71 model from Amazon. But if you prefer to visit physical music stores to check out the unit before buying, then there’s nothing wrong with getting the Yamaha P45 at a slightly higher cost. That way, you can check the unit for any damage. For sure, you will still get the best value for your money.
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