Yamaha is a well-established name in the music industry, renowned for delivering quality musical instruments across various categories, including acoustic and digital pianos. Among their digital piano line, the Arius series has consistently provided players with accessible, high-quality, and affordable instruments that blend authentic piano feel and sound quality with the convenience of digital technology. The Yamaha YDP-S35, one of the newest models in the Arius series, stands out as a versatile and compact digital piano crafted to deliver a superb piano experience without requiring the extensive space of an acoustic upright or grand piano.
If you click the button above you will be redirected to Amazon.com. In case you then decide to buy anything, Amazon.com will pay me a commission. This doesn’t affect the honesty of this review in any way though.
Positioned as a solid option for both beginners and intermediate players, the YDP-S35 offers key features designed to mimic the feel and sound of an acoustic piano, making it an attractive choice for those who seek authenticity in a digital format. At its price point, it provides an impressive set of features, from the renowned Yamaha CFX Grand Piano sound to the company’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard action, which brings an expressive depth to playing dynamics.
In this Yamaha YDP-S35 review, we’ll explore this digital piano in great detail, covering everything from its physical design and build quality to the nuances of its sound engine, key action, and onboard features. By examining each aspect thoroughly, this review aims to provide an honest and comprehensive look at what the YDP-S35 has to offer, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your musical journey.
Yamaha YDP-S35 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Yamaha YDP-S35 |
| Series | Arius |
| Keyboard | 88-key Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) |
| Key Surface | Synthetic ebony and ivory keytops |
| Touch Sensitivity | 3 levels (Soft, Medium, Hard) + Fixed |
| Sound Engine | Yamaha CFX Concert Grand Piano Sound |
| Polyphony | 192-note |
| Voices | 10 (including grand piano, electric piano, organ) |
| Effects | Reverb, Damper Resonance |
| Modes | Dual, Duo, Split |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Recording | 2-track recording |
| Speakers | 2 x 8W |
| Amplifiers | 8W + 8W |
| Connectivity | USB to Host, Dual Headphone Jacks |
| App Compatibility | Yamaha Smart Pianist App |
| Pedals | 3 (Damper, Sostenuto, Soft) |
| Dimensions | 1353mm x 296mm x 792mm (53.3″ x 11.7″ x 31.2″) |
| Weight | 37.0 kg (81.6 lbs) |
| Color Options | Black, White |
| Power Consumption | 9W |
Unboxing and First Impressions
Unboxing the Yamaha YDP-S35 was a smooth and organized experience, typical of Yamaha’s high standards. The package arrived securely, with protective padding around each component to ensure safe delivery. As someone who has unboxed digital pianos before, I immediately noticed the quality packaging that minimized any risk of dents or scratches—always a relief when dealing with large, delicate equipment.
The box included the main keyboard unit, pedal assembly, and stand, as well as the usual accessories: an adapter, user manual, and a few basic assembly tools. Each piece was neatly wrapped and easy to identify, which made the setup feel intuitive. The stand and pedal assembly were straightforward to install, although the piano itself, at around 81 pounds, required a bit of careful maneuvering to position it without help.
Once assembled, the YDP-S35 was an attractive addition to my room. Its slim, modern design doesn’t take up much floor space, making it ideal for smaller apartments or limited spaces. I opted for the black finish, which has a nice matte appearance that’s subtle yet elegant, blending well with different decor styles. Right away, I was impressed by how well Yamaha managed to balance aesthetics with functionality—every part felt durable and thoughtfully designed.
Turning it on and playing a few notes for the first time was an exciting moment. The initial sound of the Yamaha CFX concert grand sample immediately impressed me. It has a warm, resonant quality, even at lower volumes, with enough richness to feel satisfying. The Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) key action felt smooth and consistent, a pleasant surprise given its position as a mid-range model. Though it’s not quite like a high-end acoustic, it offered enough resistance and response to feel authentic.
Overall, my first impression of the YDP-S35 was very positive. From the elegant design to the initial sound quality, it seemed like Yamaha had successfully combined the best of digital convenience with an authentic piano experience.
Design and Build Quality
Aesthetic Appeal and Compact Design
The Yamaha YDP-S35 is designed with a modern, minimalist aesthetic that will fit seamlessly into a variety of home decor settings. Available in classic finishes like black and white, it maintains the subtle elegance that Yamaha is known for. One of its most appealing features is its slim design, making it ideal for those with limited space, such as apartment dwellers or individuals with smaller rooms. Unlike some bulkier digital pianos, the YDP-S35 doesn’t compromise on style for functionality, balancing both effectively.
Material Quality and Durability
Constructed with high-quality materials, the YDP-S35 feels solid and reliable. The piano cabinet, while lightweight enough to be manageable, gives a sense of durability and stability. Its pedals—three in total—are sturdy and responsive, giving the impression that they are built to withstand consistent use. Yamaha has managed to keep the instrument portable yet durable, which is a thoughtful design consideration for home users who may need to reposition or move their instrument occasionally.
User Interface and Control Simplicity
In keeping with its minimalist aesthetic, the YDP-S35 features a straightforward control interface. A few well-placed buttons and a volume slider make the controls user-friendly, allowing players to easily switch between functions without needing an extensive learning curve. For more in-depth settings, Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app can be paired with the instrument, making it easier to navigate through the available functions via a mobile device. This setup is convenient for players who prefer minimal button interaction and enjoy a clean, uncluttered design.
Sound Quality and Tone
Yamaha CFX Sound Engine
One of the standout features of the YDP-S35 is its sound engine, which uses samples from the Yamaha CFX concert grand piano. Known for its rich, powerful tonal quality, the Yamaha CFX is a piano of choice for many professional pianists, and Yamaha has captured this sound with impressive fidelity in the YDP-S35. The sampled sound provides depth and nuance that is particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a dynamic, versatile tonal palette.
Variety of Tones
In addition to the grand piano sound, the YDP-S35 includes ten other instrument voices, including electric piano, harpsichord, organ, and strings. Each tone is detailed and high-quality, though, as with many digital pianos, the grand piano samples truly stand out in comparison. This variety can be advantageous for musicians who wish to experiment with different sounds or who play across genres, as it allows the user to diversify their playing experience without compromising on the primary acoustic piano quality.
Acoustic Resonance Simulation
The YDP-S35 is also equipped with an advanced acoustic resonance simulation feature, enhancing the authenticity of its sound. Yamaha has employed technologies that mimic the natural resonance of an acoustic piano, creating realistic, layered sound dynamics even when using headphones. Additionally, the 192-note polyphony provides a realistic experience when playing complex pieces, as it allows for a full sound without any notes dropping out or cutting off prematurely.
Volume and Projection
With dual 8-watt speakers, the YDP-S35 offers sufficient volume for home settings, filling small to medium-sized rooms with clear, detailed sound. While the projection might not compare to an acoustic piano’s resonance in larger rooms, the quality remains impressive for most domestic environments. For late-night practice or more private playing sessions, the dual headphone jacks allow for immersive, high-quality audio without disturbing others.
Key Action and Feel
Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Action
The YDP-S35 uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which mimics the weight and resistance of an acoustic piano’s keys. This system provides heavier action on the lower keys and lighter action on the higher ones, simulating the authentic feel of playing a traditional piano. The GHS action, while not Yamaha’s highest-end key action (which would be their GH3 or NWX), is well-suited for the YDP-S35’s target audience. It’s particularly beneficial for beginner and intermediate players looking to develop finger strength and control.
Synthetic Ebony and Ivory Keytops
The keytops on the YDP-S35 are designed with a synthetic ebony and ivory finish, offering a comfortable, non-slip texture that enhances the playing experience. This attention to tactile detail adds a level of professionalism to the instrument, as it allows players to maintain a good grip on the keys, even during long practice sessions. For pianists accustomed to acoustic keys, this feature is especially appealing and contributes to the realistic feel Yamaha has aimed to achieve.
Touch Sensitivity and Customization
The YDP-S35 offers customizable touch sensitivity, allowing players to adjust the responsiveness of the keys to match their playing style. There are three sensitivity settings—Soft, Medium, and Hard—enabling players to choose how much force they want to use to elicit a louder sound. This feature adds to the versatility of the YDP-S35, as players can make adjustments for different pieces, whether they’re performing soft, delicate music or more powerful, dynamic pieces.
Comparison to Acoustic Piano Feel
For an entry- to mid-level digital piano, the YDP-S35 comes remarkably close to replicating the feel of an acoustic piano. The key weighting and synthetic texture make it an ideal choice for those looking to transition smoothly from an acoustic to a digital instrument. While the GHS action may not have the absolute precision of Yamaha’s higher-end digital models, it provides an excellent foundation for pianists focused on technique and expression.
Features and Functionality
Practice and Learning Tools
The YDP-S35 includes built-in practice tools, such as a metronome and the ability to record performances. For students, these tools are extremely valuable, as they enable them to practice timing, rhythm, and review their progress. Additionally, the record function allows pianists to evaluate their performance or capture a moment of inspiration without needing external equipment.
Connectivity Options
In terms of connectivity, the YDP-S35 is outfitted with a USB-to-host port, allowing players to connect it to a computer or mobile device. This feature is ideal for those who want to explore music production software, MIDI capabilities, or simply interact with educational apps that can aid in learning. The dual headphone jacks, located on the front panel, allow for two people to listen simultaneously, making it a useful feature for teacher-student settings.
Voice Modes and Split/Dual Functionality
The YDP-S35 offers both Split and Dual modes, enabling players to divide the keyboard between two different voices or layer them on top of one another. This is particularly useful for more advanced pieces that require multiple tones simultaneously, as well as for musicians who enjoy creating layered textures. The inclusion of these functions, though standard on many digital pianos, is a great asset on a model aimed at home use and practice.
Compatibility with Yamaha Smart Pianist App
The YDP-S35’s compatibility with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app adds a modern edge to its feature set. The app provides a user-friendly interface for controlling piano settings, selecting voices, and adjusting metronome settings directly from a mobile device. It also includes sheet music and a chord analysis function, which can be a useful aid for players who enjoy learning new pieces or experimenting with chord progressions.
Speaker System and Sound Output
Speaker Positioning and Sound Quality
The YDP-S35’s speakers are positioned to project sound effectively within a small to medium room, ensuring an immersive experience for at-home playing. Though modest in output power (two 8-watt speakers), the sound remains clear and detailed, capturing much of the nuance of Yamaha’s CFX sample.
Headphone Output Quality
The dual headphone jacks are a notable feature, providing high-quality output for private practice sessions. When using headphones, the YDP-S35 continues to deliver the rich, layered tones that make it such a pleasing instrument to play, offering a way to practice with clarity at any hour without disturbing others.
Recording Sound Quality
For musicians interested in recording their practice sessions or performances, the YDP-S35 offers a simple recording feature that captures the sound directly from the instrument. Though it doesn’t have professional-grade recording options, the sound quality of the recorded files is suitable for practice reviews and self-assessment.
Value for Money
Price Comparison and Feature Balance
At its price point, the YDP-S35 offers a competitive feature set compared to other digital pianos in the same range. Yamaha has managed to combine quality sound, a realistic playing experience, and a solid selection of additional features, making this model one of the more appealing options for home use and practice settings.
Target Audience Suitability
The YDP-S35 is particularly well-suited for beginners and intermediate players who prioritize quality sound and feel without the space requirements of a traditional upright piano. It’s also an attractive choice for more experienced pianists seeking a secondary instrument that retains authenticity without occupying significant space.
Long-Term Investment Potential
Thanks to its durability, realistic key action, and high-quality sound, the YDP-S35 is a valuable long-term investment. While it may not satisfy advanced players seeking the absolute best in digital technology, it is an instrument that will remain useful and enjoyable as players progress.
Comparison with Alternatives
Yamaha YDP-S35 vs. Roland RP102
The Roland RP102 is a strong competitor to the Yamaha YDP-S35, offering similar functionality in the entry- to mid-range digital piano market. Both pianos feature realistic key actions and high-quality sound engines, but they cater to slightly different preferences and priorities.
The Yamaha YDP-S35 stands out with its Yamaha CFX concert grand piano sampling, renowned for its rich, vibrant tone that delivers a very authentic acoustic experience. The Roland RP102, on the other hand, employs Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine, which also provides realistic, expressive piano tones. However, the RP102’s sound is slightly warmer and more resonant than the YDP-S35, which might appeal to players who favor a softer sound profile.
In terms of key action, the YDP-S35 uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, offering a weighted and graded response that simulates the feel of an acoustic piano. The RP102 employs Roland’s PHA-4 Standard action, which many players find to be slightly more realistic and responsive than Yamaha’s GHS, especially in terms of rebound and feel under the fingers.
For features, the Yamaha YDP-S35 includes compatibility with the Yamaha Smart Pianist app, which enhances accessibility for beginners, while the Roland RP102 offers Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, making it easy to integrate with Roland’s Piano Partner 2 app and other MIDI-compatible devices. This makes the RP102 more appealing to tech-savvy users and those who want a seamless wireless connection.
Both models are ideal for beginners and intermediate players, but the choice ultimately comes down to preference in sound and connectivity. For those who prioritize rich, Yamaha-toned sound and traditional design, the YDP-S35 is a fantastic choice, while the RP102 may appeal more to players looking for slightly better key action and Bluetooth connectivity.
Yamaha YDP-S35 vs. Casio PX-870
The Casio PX-870 and Yamaha YDP-S35 are two popular options for home use, especially among players who prioritize quality sound and realistic key action. Both models are compact and offer features suitable for beginners and intermediate players, but each brings unique strengths to the table.
The YDP-S35 is favored for its Yamaha CFX grand piano sampling, providing a dynamic range and tonal richness that closely resembles an acoustic grand. In contrast, the PX-870 uses Casio’s AiR Sound Source, which produces a clear and bright sound, especially suited to classical and jazz pieces. Casio has also included a unique “Hall Simulator” effect in the PX-870, adding room ambience to the sound, which can be appealing for players wanting a concert hall-like experience.
When it comes to key action, the YDP-S35 uses Yamaha’s GHS action, which is highly responsive and graded to mimic the weighted feel of an acoustic piano. The PX-870 features Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II, which includes simulated ivory and ebony textures on the keys, providing a comfortable and realistic playing experience. Some players prefer the PX-870’s slightly heavier key action over the GHS, making it ideal for those who appreciate more resistance.
Both models include strong onboard speakers, but the PX-870 has a four-speaker system, which projects sound with greater depth and volume than the YDP-S35’s dual 8-watt speakers. This can be a critical factor for players who want their instrument to fill larger rooms. However, Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app support is a strong advantage for the YDP-S35, adding versatility for beginners.
Overall, the PX-870 may be a better option for players who prioritize sound projection and don’t mind a brighter tone, while the YDP-S35 appeals to those who appreciate Yamaha’s signature sound and refined design.
Yamaha YDP-S35 vs. Kawai KDP120
The Kawai KDP120 and Yamaha YDP-S35 are both excellent digital pianos in the entry- to mid-level category, appealing to players who value an authentic playing experience without a high price tag. While both models offer strong feature sets, they each have distinct advantages.
In terms of sound, the Yamaha YDP-S35 uses the Yamaha CFX concert grand sample, offering a bright, resonant tone. The KDP120, meanwhile, features Kawai’s proprietary Harmonic Imaging sound engine, which samples the sounds of the Kawai EX concert grand. The KDP120 has a slightly warmer, mellow tone compared to the brighter YDP-S35, making it a good choice for players who favor a more rounded sound.
The key action in the KDP120 is another highlight, with Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) action delivering a more advanced level of realism and touch sensitivity than Yamaha’s GHS action in the YDP-S35. This action is favored by many pianists who feel it provides a closer approximation to an acoustic grand piano’s responsiveness, especially in terms of tactile feedback.
In terms of features, both the YDP-S35 and KDP120 support app connectivity, with Yamaha offering its Smart Pianist app and Kawai providing support for its Virtual Technician app. However, the KDP120 lacks Bluetooth functionality, which is included in many competing models, making Yamaha’s USB connectivity and app compatibility more appealing to players who prefer a more integrated experience.
Ultimately, the KDP120 offers a warmer sound and more responsive key action, which may appeal to experienced players. The YDP-S35, with its Yamaha sound and Smart Pianist app compatibility, is a fantastic choice for those who prefer Yamaha’s brighter tone and accessibility features. Both models deliver a solid experience, making the choice between them largely a matter of tonal and tactile preference.
Weaknesses
While the Yamaha YDP-S35 offers several strengths, it does have a few weaknesses that might influence a buyer’s decision, especially for those seeking a higher-end digital piano experience.
Limited Sound Projection
The YDP-S35 comes with a dual 8-watt speaker system, which is suitable for small to medium rooms but lacks the power to fill larger spaces with a robust, resonant sound. The relatively modest speaker output may leave some players wanting more depth and presence, especially when compared to similar models with four-speaker systems or higher wattage. This limitation is particularly noticeable in the lower frequencies, where the bass can feel slightly subdued.
Basic Key Action
The YDP-S35 uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) key action, which is decent for beginners and intermediate players but lacks the precision and tactile responsiveness of Yamaha’s higher-end Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) or Natural Wood X (NWX) actions. While the GHS keys are weighted and graded, they may feel less authentic to players accustomed to the depth and nuance of an acoustic or premium digital piano.
Limited Connectivity and Functionality
Although the YDP-S35 includes USB connectivity, it lacks wireless Bluetooth capabilities, which are increasingly standard in many competing digital pianos in the same price range. This restricts the piano’s versatility in connecting to apps and devices for a seamless, wireless experience. Additionally, the recording functionality is basic, limited to 2-track recording without more advanced editing or playback features.
App Dependency
While Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app enhances functionality, accessing certain features requires a compatible device and app use, which may feel cumbersome for users who prefer standalone digital pianos with built-in features.
These factors make the YDP-S35 less suitable for advanced players or those looking for a highly versatile digital instrument.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Compact and stylish design
- High-quality CFX grand piano samples
- Realistic GHS key action
- Dual headphone jacks for quiet practice
- Compatibility with Yamaha Smart Pianist app
Cons
- Limited speaker output in larger rooms
- Restricted sound layering options
- Lacks some advanced recording capabilities
Final Thoughts
The Yamaha YDP-S35 is an impressive digital piano for its price range. With its compact design, realistic key action, and rich sound, it offers an enjoyable experience that will satisfy both beginners and intermediate players. While it may not provide the advanced features found in higher-end models, it’s a solid choice for home practice and smaller spaces, delivering excellent value for money in the process.