Yamaha P45 Review

When it comes to digital pianos, Yamaha is a name that stands out due to its commitment to quality and its reputation in both digital and acoustic instrument markets. With decades of experience, Yamaha consistently delivers well-built, user-friendly instruments that cater to musicians of all skill levels. The Yamaha P45, in particular, is an entry-level model that aims to deliver a solid, realistic piano experience without breaking the bank. Priced affordably, the P45 is designed for beginners, casual players, and anyone looking for a compact, straightforward piano.

Released as part of Yamaha’s P-Series lineup, the P45 is notable for its emphasis on simplicity and functionality. It combines essential features with Yamaha’s renowned sound quality, catering especially to those who want a dependable digital piano for home practice, music lessons, or on-the-go use. Unlike some higher-end models, the P45 strips back on complex features and focuses instead on delivering the core piano experience. While Yamaha offers advanced options for professional and intermediate players in its lineup, the P45 fills a critical niche for those seeking both affordability and quality in an introductory digital piano.

The P45’s primary appeal is its balance of essential features with quality. Featuring 88 fully weighted keys, Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, and AWM stereo sampling technology, the P45 aims to replicate the feel and sound of an acoustic piano. It offers ten built-in sounds, dual and split modes, and a compact, minimalistic design that’s perfect for small spaces. For users new to digital pianos, the P45 offers an accessible entry point into Yamaha’s lineup, serving as a stepping stone to more advanced instruments.

In this comprehensive Yamaha P45 review, I’ll dive into every detail about this digital piano, from sound and build quality to usability and overall value. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first digital piano or a seasoned musician in need of a secondary instrument, this review will give you a complete understanding of what to expect from the Yamaha P45.

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Yamaha P45 Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	Yamaha P45
Keyboard	88-key weighted Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action
Touch Sensitivity	Hard, Medium, Soft, Fixed
Sound Engine	AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) Stereo Sampling
Voices	10 (2 Grand Pianos, 2 Electric Pianos, 2 Organs, 2 Harpsichords, Vibraphone, Strings)
Polyphony	64-note
Modes	Dual Mode, Duo Mode
Metronome	Yes
Transpose	Yes (up to ±6 semitones)
Tuning	Yes (A=440 Hz ±50 Hz)
Reverb	4 types
Chorus/Effect	Yes
USB Connectivity	USB to Host
Pedal	Sustain Pedal (included)
Headphone Jack	Yes (Standard Stereo)
Speakers	2 x 6W (12cm x 6cm)
Dimensions	52.25″ x 11.5″ x 6″ (1326 x 295 x 154 mm)
Weight	25 lbs (11.5 kg)
Finish	Matte Black
Included Accessories	Music Rest, Sustain Pedal, Power Adapter
Power Supply	PA-150B or equivalent
Price Range	$400 – $500

Unboxing and First Impressions

When it comes to unboxing the Yamaha P45, Yamaha’s packaging is straightforward and protective, reflecting the brand’s focus on practicality. The box itself is compact and relatively lightweight, and opening it reveals the instrument, a music rest, a sustain pedal, and a power adapter. Yamaha keeps things simple with this model, so the setup process is intuitive—ideal for beginners who may not want to spend much time piecing together components.

What’s Inside the Box

• Yamaha P45 Digital Piano: The main unit itself comes neatly wrapped and protected with styrofoam to prevent any damage in transit.
• Music Rest: Yamaha includes a music rest that attaches to the top of the keyboard. While basic, it is sturdy enough to hold sheet music or a tablet comfortably.
• Sustain Pedal: The provided pedal is a simple, square switch-style pedal. While it functions well enough for casual use, serious pianists may want to upgrade to a higher-quality pedal for a more realistic feel.
• Power Adapter: The AC adapter is included, so there’s no need to purchase one separately.

One of the first things you’ll notice about the P45 is its simplicity. Yamaha has clearly designed this piano with accessibility in mind, and the uncluttered design makes a positive first impression. At just over 11 kilograms (25 pounds), it’s light enough for one person to handle and carry, making it ideal for situations where portability is a priority.

Setting Up the Yamaha P45

Setting up the Yamaha P45 is as easy as plugging it in and connecting the pedal. There’s no complicated assembly required, and the instructions are straightforward. This piano has a slim, streamlined design that fits neatly on a desk, table, or a compatible keyboard stand, making it versatile for a range of settings. For musicians with limited space, this compactness is a major benefit. Although it doesn’t come with a stand, Yamaha offers compatible options like the L85 stand, which pairs well with the P45 for a stable playing experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Yamaha P45’s design is intentionally simple yet effective, catering to beginners and anyone who values portability and straightforward functionality. The piano measures around 52 inches wide, 11 inches deep, and 6 inches high—making it compact enough to fit in smaller rooms or practice spaces. Let’s break down the design features in more detail.

Aesthetics

The P45 sports a matte black finish that’s understated and professional, and it’s designed to blend seamlessly into any room. Yamaha chose a minimalist look for this model, with only a few buttons on the front panel. This lack of clutter is ideal for beginners, as it provides an easy, distraction-free interface that allows players to focus on the basics of piano playing. There are no bright LED lights or flashy elements, which maintains the classic piano aesthetic that Yamaha is known for.

Key Layout and Buttons

With just a handful of buttons on the top panel, the P45 keeps controls intuitive. It features a power button, volume knob, and a “Function” button that allows users to switch between different voices, modes, and settings. For adjustments beyond volume, Yamaha has implemented a function key-based control system. For example, holding down the function button and pressing a key on the keyboard can change voices, access metronome functions, or adjust the tuning. While this design keeps the panel clean, it can take some time to remember the key combinations for various functions.

Build Quality

Though an entry-level model, the Yamaha P45 doesn’t compromise on build quality. The chassis is sturdy, and Yamaha’s craftsmanship is evident in its durability. The plastic casing feels solid, not flimsy, which is reassuring for users planning to transport it frequently. Even with a relatively lightweight design, the piano doesn’t feel cheaply made. Yamaha has struck a balance here, creating a unit that’s both durable and light enough to carry to rehearsals, gigs, or lessons.

Sound Quality and Tone

One of the P45’s most important aspects is its sound quality, which is driven by Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) technology. For an entry-level digital piano, the P45 offers impressive sound quality that echoes Yamaha’s dedication to creating rich, realistic audio experiences even at lower price points.

AWM Stereo Sampling

The Yamaha P45 uses AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) stereo sampling technology, a digital sampling system that captures the nuances of acoustic pianos. Essentially, AWM uses recordings from Yamaha’s acoustic pianos, which are then digitally re-created through the P45’s speakers. For a piano in this price range, the P45 does an excellent job of replicating the depth and resonance of an acoustic piano. The samples are high-quality, and the dynamics—ranging from soft to loud—are captured with clarity and detail.

Voice Selection and Variety

The Yamaha P45 offers a selection of ten voices, which include two grand piano sounds, electric piano, harpsichord, vibraphone, strings, and organ variations. Here’s a breakdown of some of the primary voices:

• Grand Piano 1 & 2: These voices are the heart of the P45’s sound and are most frequently used. Grand Piano 1 is a classic concert piano sound with a balanced tone, while Grand Piano 2 offers a brighter, more lively tone ideal for upbeat or pop-style playing.
• Electric Piano: The electric piano voice is surprisingly rich for an entry-level model and provides a mellow, vintage sound.
• Organ and Strings: The organ and string voices are well-sampled but somewhat basic, serving as good additions for specific songs or effects without being the main focus.

Polyphony

With 64-note polyphony, the Yamaha P45 is equipped to handle most pieces beginners and intermediate players would want to play. Polyphony refers to the number of individual notes the keyboard can produce simultaneously. While more advanced pianos might feature 128-note or even 256-note polyphony, the 64-note polyphony on the P45 is more than sufficient for beginners and most standard pieces. This feature ensures that even with sustain pedal use and layering sounds, the piano does not cut off notes prematurely.

Speaker Quality

The Yamaha P45 features a built-in, dual 6W speaker system that is decent for personal practice but may feel somewhat limited in larger rooms or live settings. The sound projection is clear, though players who desire a more immersive experience may prefer to use headphones or external speakers. Nonetheless, for at-home practice or small spaces, the speakers offer adequate clarity and volume.

Keyboard Feel and Action

One of the standout features of the Yamaha P45 is its Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which mimics the feel of an acoustic piano. This feature alone makes the P45 appealing to beginners who want to develop proper finger strength and technique without investing in a pricier model.

Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Action

Yamaha’s GHS action is a popular feature in many of its digital pianos, as it simulates the heavier touch of an acoustic piano’s lower keys and a lighter touch on the higher keys. This gradation provides a more realistic feel compared to digital pianos that use a uniform weight across all keys. While GHS action is not as sophisticated as Yamaha’s higher-end GH3 or NWX actions, it still offers a substantial upgrade over semi-weighted or synth-style keys often found in entry-level models.

The P45’s keys are fully weighted and respond well to varying degrees of pressure, allowing players to practice dynamic expression. This responsiveness is important for beginners and intermediate players who want to build finger strength and refine their control over key dynamics.

Key Sensitivity and Playability

In terms of sensitivity, the P45 offers four levels: Hard, Medium, Soft, and Fixed. These settings let users adjust the response to match their playing style or the genre they’re focusing on. For example, classical pieces might feel better on a Hard setting to allow for more expressive control, while pop or jazz pieces could benefit from a lighter touch.

Players will find that the keys, while plastic, have a matte finish that reduces finger slipping during extended practice sessions. While the P45 may not match the ivory-like texture found on higher-end pianos, its keys still provide a satisfying and realistic touch.

Features and Functions

Though simple, the Yamaha P45 is equipped with a variety of functions and features that enhance the playing experience. It is designed to be user-friendly while still offering flexibility in terms of sound and play options.

Modes

• Dual Mode: This mode allows players to layer two voices together, such as strings with piano, to create a richer sound. This can be especially useful for adding depth to pieces that require a more orchestral feel.
• Duo Mode: Also known as “split” mode, Duo Mode is ideal for teachers and students, as it divides the keyboard into two equal ranges so two people can play the same notes in unison. This is particularly useful in lesson settings.

Metronome and Tuning

The P45 includes a built-in metronome, which is a handy tool for beginners working on timing and rhythm. Additionally, the piano offers fine-tuning adjustments, allowing players to modify pitch slightly to match other instruments. This can be useful for small group practices or jamming sessions.

Connectivity

While it keeps things simple, the Yamaha P45 does feature USB-to-Host connectivity. This allows users to connect the piano to a computer for MIDI functionality, making it suitable for digital recording or music production at a basic level. The lack of additional audio outputs may be a limitation for some, but the USB connection makes the P45 versatile enough for most personal projects.

Certainly! I’ll expand each section thoroughly to provide an even more comprehensive analysis. Let’s delve deeper into the next sections, focusing on Portability and Usability, Comparison to Competitors, User Feedback and Common Issues, and Final Verdict and Value for Money. I’ll make sure each point is detailed to create a truly exhaustive review.

Portability and Usability

One of the Yamaha P45’s standout qualities, particularly for an 88-key, fully weighted keyboard, is its exceptional portability. Weighing in at approximately 25 pounds (11.5 kilograms), the P45 is significantly lighter than many digital pianos in its class, making it ideal for those who need a reliable, portable instrument.

Portability: Built for Mobility

The P45’s weight and dimensions make it a strong choice for musicians who frequently move their equipment between different locations. Its slim profile—just under 12 inches in depth—means it can fit into smaller cars without much hassle. This portability factor is a big advantage for gigging musicians, piano teachers who conduct lessons in various locations, and students who may need to move the keyboard between home and school.

• Travel Considerations: While compact and light, the P45 may still require additional equipment for safe transport. A soft case or a padded bag is recommended to protect it from damage when moving. Yamaha offers compatible cases that are lightweight yet durable, and there are also third-party options that cater to the P45’s dimensions.
• Setup and Breakdown: Another strong suit of the P45’s portability is its quick setup time. The keyboard’s minimal controls and few essential connections (power, sustain pedal, and optional USB) mean that users can have the piano plugged in and ready to play within minutes.

Usability: Perfect for Beginners, but Suitable for All Levels

Beyond portability, Yamaha has designed the P45 with ease of use in mind, focusing on functionality without overcomplicating the layout. This ease of use is especially beneficial for beginners who may feel overwhelmed by too many buttons, dials, or features.

• User Interface: The Yamaha P45’s front panel has a clean layout with a few, straightforward controls. Unlike many digital pianos that might overwhelm new users with dozens of buttons, Yamaha keeps it simple. The main controls are the power button, volume knob, and a single “Function” button, which allows users to access additional voices and modes by pressing corresponding keys on the keyboard itself.
• Function Control System: Some players may find the function button and key-combination system slightly challenging to remember at first. For example, to change voices or activate the metronome, users need to press the function button along with a specific key that corresponds to the desired setting. While this may take some getting used to, Yamaha provides a clear layout in the manual, and most users become familiar with the combinations after a few practice sessions.

Practicing and Learning Features

For beginners, practice tools like a metronome and tuning adjustments are crucial. The P45 incorporates these without extra complexity:

• Metronome Functionality: This feature is essential for beginners working on their timing and rhythm. The metronome is simple to access, making it easy to change the tempo as needed. For players who don’t have an external metronome or metronome app, this function can be incredibly valuable, especially when learning new pieces.
• Duo Mode: Designed with teachers in mind, the Duo Mode splits the keyboard into two equal pitch ranges, allowing both teacher and student to play the same notes side-by-side. This is highly advantageous in one-on-one lessons, as it enables teachers to demonstrate techniques in real-time without needing a second keyboard.

Comparison to Alternatives

Yamaha P45 vs. Casio Privia PX-160

The Yamaha P45 and the Casio Privia PX-160 are both excellent entry-level digital pianos, popular among beginners for their affordability and high-quality sound. However, they cater to slightly different preferences and playing styles. The Yamaha P45 uses Yamaha’s AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) stereo sampling technology, while the Casio PX-160 uses its proprietary AiR (Acoustic and intelligent Resonator) sound engine. Many users find Casio’s AiR technology offers slightly more depth and a fuller resonance in the sound, particularly when playing complex pieces or styles that benefit from a rich tonal range.

In terms of key action, the P45 features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which mimics the weight of an acoustic piano’s keys, with heavier action in the lower range and lighter action in the higher range. The Casio PX-160 uses Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II, which many players feel offers a more sensitive and nuanced touch. Casio’s keys also have a simulated ivory and ebony texture, which can feel more realistic and comfortable during extended play.

The PX-160 also has 128-note polyphony, compared to the Yamaha P45’s 64-note polyphony. This allows for more complex layering and use of sustain pedal without cutting off notes, a potential advantage for players progressing to more advanced pieces. Additionally, the PX-160 includes 18 voices, while the P45 only offers 10, giving the Casio model more tonal flexibility. However, the Yamaha P45 excels in simplicity, with its uncluttered design and easy-to-use controls, which are particularly valuable for beginners focused on basic piano practice.

Ultimately, the Yamaha P45 is ideal for players who prioritize simplicity and portability, while the Casio PX-160 may be a better fit for those who prefer additional tonal variety and a more sensitive key action.

Yamaha P45 vs. Roland FP-10

The Yamaha P45 and the Roland FP-10 are both highly regarded digital pianos in the budget-friendly range, offering excellent value and quality. Roland’s FP-10, however, is often considered slightly more advanced, particularly in sound quality and connectivity. Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine, used in the FP-10, produces a warmer and richer sound than the Yamaha P45’s AWM stereo sampling. Many players find the FP-10’s piano tones to be more dynamic, especially when compared to the brighter, more straightforward tones on the Yamaha P45.

In terms of keyboard feel, the FP-10’s PHA-4 Standard keyboard action incorporates escapement and synthetic ivory keytops, features more commonly found in higher-end models. This action offers a more authentic and responsive feel compared to the Yamaha P45’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which is effective but less refined in terms of touch sensitivity and key texture. This makes the FP-10 more suitable for players who want an acoustic-like playing experience.

The FP-10 also offers additional functionality with Bluetooth MIDI, allowing users to connect wirelessly to tablets or computers for use with music apps, digital sheet music, and DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations). This feature is missing from the Yamaha P45, which relies solely on USB connectivity for MIDI use. The P45, however, is lighter and easier to transport, which can be a benefit for students or casual players who need portability.

While both models are exceptional, the Roland FP-10 is better suited for players who prioritize sound realism and advanced connectivity, whereas the Yamaha P45 is ideal for beginners looking for a straightforward and user-friendly piano experience.

Yamaha P45 vs. Korg B2

The Yamaha P45 and the Korg B2 are two entry-level digital pianos designed to provide a realistic playing experience at an affordable price. Both models offer 88 fully weighted keys and target beginner to intermediate players, but each has distinct features that may appeal to different user preferences. Yamaha’s AWM stereo sampling gives the P45 a bright, classic piano sound, whereas the Korg B2 features multiple grand piano voices sampled from European and Japanese pianos, offering a more varied tonal palette. Many players find the B2’s tonal range to be slightly more versatile, especially when playing across different musical genres.

The Yamaha P45’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action provides a solid weighted feel that simulates the heavier touch of an acoustic piano. In comparison, the Korg B2’s keyboard is also fully weighted, though Korg focuses more on sound versatility than simulating the weight of an acoustic piano. Additionally, the B2 features 120-note polyphony, offering greater note sustain and layering capacity than the P45’s 64-note polyphony, which could be a limiting factor for advanced players working on more complex pieces.

One of the B2’s standout advantages is its connectivity. In addition to USB-MIDI, it includes USB audio output, allowing players to send audio directly to a computer or recording device without needing extra equipment. This feature is especially useful for users interested in digital recording, something the P45 lacks. However, Yamaha’s P45 is lighter and more portable, making it easier to transport to lessons or performances.

In summary, the Korg B2’s tonal variety and USB audio connectivity make it a strong contender for players interested in recording or exploring diverse genres, while the Yamaha P45 remains a more straightforward and portable option for players focused on traditional piano practice.

Yamaha P45 vs. Alesis Recital Pro

When comparing the Yamaha P45 to the Alesis Recital Pro, both models are budget-friendly, 88-key digital pianos with fully weighted keys, but they differ notably in features and intended user experience. The Yamaha P45 emphasizes simplicity, with ten high-quality sounds focused on piano-centric practice, while the Alesis Recital Pro includes a wider variety of voices and sound customization options that appeal to players interested in experimenting with different soundscapes.

In terms of keyboard action, the P45 uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which simulates the graduated weight of an acoustic piano. This action is preferable for those aiming for a realistic acoustic piano experience. The Alesis Recital Pro, on the other hand, features fully weighted keys but lacks the graduated feel, offering a uniform key weight across the board. This makes the Yamaha P45 a better choice for users focused on proper piano technique and finger strength development.

The Alesis Recital Pro, however, has a major advantage in terms of features. It includes 128-note polyphony, which allows for greater note sustain and is better suited for complex compositions. Additionally, it offers a broader selection of voices, including synths and bass, and onboard effects like reverb and chorus, which can be appealing for creative exploration. The Recital Pro also has a Split mode, Layer mode, and multiple connectivity options, including USB-MIDI and RCA stereo outputs, giving it a versatility that the P45 lacks.

Overall, the Alesis Recital Pro may be better suited for those who prioritize sound customization and feature variety, while the Yamaha P45 is ideal for players seeking a straightforward, realistic piano experience with a high-quality weighted keyboard.

User Feedback and Common Issues

Positive Feedback

Most users highlight the Yamaha P45’s ease of use and authentic feel, particularly praising the realistic Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action for an entry-level instrument. Many beginners appreciate how accessible the P45 is, and parents of young learners often mention that their children enjoy practicing on this keyboard.

• Touch Sensitivity: A recurring theme in positive feedback is the key sensitivity and response, which many users say encourages proper technique.
• Sound Quality for Price: Yamaha’s AWM stereo sampling has received favorable feedback as well. Users often note that the grand piano sound is sufficiently realistic for practice and even small performances.

Common Issues

No product is without its criticisms, and the P45 has a few recurring issues that users have noted:

• Speaker Output Volume: One of the main critiques is the speaker volume, which some players find insufficient for larger rooms. While the sound quality is generally good, the built-in speakers are not as powerful as some users would prefer. However, this can be mitigated by connecting to external speakers or using headphones.
• Limited Features: Advanced users sometimes find the P45 lacking in terms of features like Bluetooth connectivity, audio outputs, and a more extensive sound library. Although Yamaha offers more advanced models that address these limitations, the P45’s simplicity can feel restrictive to those looking for a more versatile digital piano.
• Plastic Sustain Pedal: Another frequently mentioned issue is the quality of the included sustain pedal, which is a basic plastic switch pedal. Many users recommend upgrading to a higher-quality pedal for a better playing experience.

Final Verdict and Value for Money

The Yamaha P45 is a well-rounded digital piano that excels at delivering a realistic piano feel and sound at an affordable price point. For beginners, it’s a robust choice that covers the basics, providing a satisfying playing experience with a full, weighted keyboard and authentic piano sounds.

Who Should Buy the Yamaha P45?

• Beginners and Casual Players: The P45 is ideal for beginners looking to develop proper technique without needing an overwhelming array of features. The GHS action is helpful in establishing finger strength and muscle memory, while the sound quality encourages musical expression.
• Intermediate Players Seeking a Secondary Piano: Intermediate players who need a second piano for practice, especially one that is portable, may find the P45 a great choice due to its simplicity and ease of transport.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: For its price range, the P45 offers exceptional value, providing many of the features that are most important to new players. Although it lacks some advanced functions, it more than compensates with its core capabilities.

Value for Money

At its price point, the Yamaha P45 offers a rare balance of quality and affordability. While

more advanced models may have greater versatility, the P45 holds its ground as a high-quality entry-level instrument that focuses on essential functionality rather than frills. For those looking for a digital piano that provides a realistic touch, reliable sound, and simple design, the Yamaha P45 is one of the best options available.

Potential Upgrades

If you find yourself enjoying the P45 but outgrowing its features, Yamaha offers other models within the P-series, like the P125, which includes more voices, a richer sound engine, and additional features such as a more advanced speaker system and USB connectivity for broader compatibility with digital music applications.