Digital pianos are now more accessible than ever, with Yamaha leading the way in providing high-quality models that cater to both beginners and experienced players alike. The Yamaha P143 and Yamaha P45 are two such models, positioned as entry-level digital pianos with full-size 88-key keyboards, portability, and quality sound. However, despite their similar target market, each model brings its unique characteristics to the table.
This comparison review delves into these differences, helping potential buyers decide which of these two pianos best suits their needs. From design and keyboard feel to sound quality and connectivity, we’ll explore every essential aspect to offer a thorough assessment of the Yamaha P143 and Yamaha P45.
Yamaha P143 vs Yamaha P45 Comparison Chart
Here’s a comparison table highlighting the key specifications and features of the Yamaha P143 and Yamaha P45:
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| Feature | Yamaha P143 | Yamaha P45 |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Check best price on Amazon | Check best price on Amazon | |
| Keyboard | 88 Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keys | 88 Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keys |
| Key Texture | Slightly textured keytops for improved grip | Standard smooth plastic |
| Polyphony | 128-note polyphony | 64-note polyphony |
| Sound Engine | AWM Stereo Sampling with enhanced samples | AWM Stereo Sampling |
| Voices | 15 voices, including grand piano, electric piano, strings, and bass | 10 voices, including grand piano, electric piano, and organ |
| Modes | Dual Mode, Duo Mode | Dual Mode, Duo Mode |
| Effects | Reverb (improved resonance), adjustable reverb | Basic reverb |
| Recording | Yes (internal recording and playback) | No |
| Metronome | Yes, with adjustable tempo | Yes, with adjustable tempo |
| Transpose | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Improved 2 x 6W speakers for richer sound | 2 x 6W speakers |
| USB Connectivity | USB-to-Host with faster data transfer | USB-to-Host (basic MIDI capability) |
| Auxiliary Output | Yes (supports connection to external speakers) | No (only headphone jack) |
| Bluetooth MIDI | Yes (Bluetooth MIDI connectivity) | No |
| Weight | Approx. 23 lbs (10.5 kg) | Approx. 25 lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Dimensions | 52.5″ x 11.5″ x 6″ (133.3 x 29.2 x 15.2 cm) | 52.2″ x 11.6″ x 6″ (132.6 x 29.5 x 15.2 cm) |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 8W | Approx. 6W |
| Accessories | Optional matching stand, sustain pedal included | Optional stand, basic sustain pedal included |
| Price Range | Slightly higher, reflects added features | Entry-level, budget-friendly |
| Yamaha P143 review | Yamaha P45 review |
Design and Build Quality
The design and build quality of the Yamaha P143 and P45 are reflective of Yamaha’s commitment to durable, user-friendly digital pianos that appeal to a range of players, especially beginners. Though both models carry Yamaha’s familiar minimalistic style, there are key differences in design that may affect user experience, particularly for players with specific needs or preferences.
Portability and Size
One of the standout aspects of both the Yamaha P143 and P45 is their portability. As 88-key digital pianos, both models are lighter and more compact than many other full-size digital pianos on the market, making them an attractive choice for musicians who need an easily transportable instrument. The Yamaha P45 weighs approximately 25 pounds, making it easy for a single person to carry. The P143, meanwhile, shaves off a couple of pounds, coming in at around 23 pounds, which enhances its portability slightly more, a feature appreciated by gigging musicians or students who may need to move the piano between practice spaces or small performance venues.
The compact build of both models also means they are well-suited for smaller apartments or homes where space is a premium. Despite being full-size digital pianos, they are slimmer than many higher-end digital models, so they don’t demand a large footprint, allowing them to be stored conveniently.
Finish and Aesthetics
In terms of finish and aesthetics, Yamaha has kept the design clean and functional, aligning with a classic digital piano look that doesn’t distract or overwhelm visually. The Yamaha P45 has a matte finish with slightly rounded edges, which contributes to its classic and timeless look. This traditional aesthetic works well in any setting and is particularly appealing to those who prefer a more understated appearance in their musical instruments.
The P143, on the other hand, takes a subtle step forward in terms of modern styling. It offers slightly sleeker edges and refined paneling that give it a more premium appearance compared to the P45. Additionally, the control panel is slightly more streamlined, which can make the P143 look and feel more polished overall. These small details may seem minor, but they collectively contribute to a more modern and sophisticated look, especially in settings where the piano may be on display.
Button Layout and User Interface
The Yamaha P143 and P45 share a similar button layout that’s straightforward, making both models easy to use. Both models have a simplistic interface, featuring basic function buttons that don’t overwhelm or confuse new players. However, the P143 does include a few additional buttons that provide direct access to additional features and settings, reducing the need to rely on function combinations and making adjustments slightly quicker.
The buttons on the P143 also feel marginally more robust, indicating that Yamaha may have invested in higher-quality materials for this model. While this difference is not immediately obvious at first glance, it may become noticeable over time, especially with frequent use. Players who enjoy a tactile and responsive interface might find the P143’s button feedback to be more satisfying.
Build Materials and Durability
Both the Yamaha P143 and P45 are crafted with high-quality, durable plastic, as is common with digital pianos at this price range. This material choice keeps the pianos lightweight and affordable, yet sturdy enough to withstand everyday use. Yamaha has a reputation for producing durable instruments, and both the P45 and P143 live up to this expectation, providing build quality that can handle the wear and tear of frequent practice or travel.
However, the P143 uses slightly enhanced materials in certain areas, such as the keybed and control buttons, which gives it a slight edge in terms of durability. The keys on the P143 also have a slightly improved finish compared to the P45. This finish provides a more comfortable touch, especially during long practice sessions, and offers better grip compared to the smoother key surface of the P45. While both key finishes are plastic, the P143’s finish is designed to resist finger slippage, which is beneficial for players looking for a more reliable feel.
Stand and Compatibility
Both models are designed to be compatible with Yamaha’s optional furniture-style stands, which enhance stability and create a more traditional piano appearance in a home setup. Additionally, the P143 stand is designed to fit perfectly with the model’s base, ensuring that the piano sits securely during playing. Although the P45 also has compatible stand options, the P143’s matching furniture stand is slightly sturdier and offers better balance, which may make a difference to users who plan to play more vigorously or use the piano as a more permanent setup in their home.
Display Quality
Another improvement in the P143 is the legibility of its button labels and markings, which use slightly larger and clearer fonts compared to the P45. This may seem minor, but it is especially useful for beginners who may be learning to navigate the instrument or for users who frequently adjust settings. Yamaha’s decision to improve legibility also enhances the overall user experience, reducing the likelihood of pressing the wrong button and allowing for faster adjustments during practice sessions.
In conclusion, the design and build quality of the Yamaha P143 and P45 show Yamaha’s dedication to creating accessible, affordable digital pianos. While the P45’s straightforward design makes it an excellent entry-level choice, the P143 builds on this foundation with refined aesthetics, improved materials, and thoughtful enhancements in portability and usability. These small yet impactful changes make the P143 feel more polished and modern, giving it a slight advantage in the design and build quality category.
Keyboard Action and Feel
The keyboard action and feel of a digital piano are among the most important factors when deciding on an instrument, especially for beginners and intermediate players who aim to replicate the sensation of an acoustic piano. Yamaha, known for its high-quality keyboard mechanisms, has equipped both the Yamaha P143 and P45 with the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action—a mechanism designed to simulate the graded feel of a traditional acoustic piano. However, the two models do differ slightly in how this action is implemented, resulting in subtle differences that can affect the overall playing experience.
Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Action
The Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action is Yamaha’s entry-level weighted action, featured on both the P143 and P45. With GHS, the keys in the lower register are heavier, while the keys in the higher register are lighter. This simulates the hammer action of an acoustic piano, where lower keys require more force to press, giving the instrument a realistic, responsive touch.
For beginners and players transitioning from a traditional piano, this graded action is an essential feature as it develops finger strength and technique. The GHS action is widely respected for its authentic feel in the entry-level category, and both the P143 and P45 deliver a similar experience with this mechanism. However, the P143 introduces minor improvements in terms of responsiveness and touch, making it feel slightly more refined than the P45.
Key Weighting and Responsiveness
When comparing the key weighting between the Yamaha P143 and P45, both pianos offer a satisfying level of resistance and heft that closely approximates an acoustic piano. However, the P143 has a subtly enhanced response that provides more feedback to the player, making it feel closer to a traditional piano’s weighted keys.
Players who are sensitive to subtle nuances in touch and responsiveness will likely notice that the P143 offers a marginally improved experience. For example, when playing rapid passages or pieces that require dynamic expression, the P143’s keys respond more fluidly, allowing players to express crescendos and decrescendos with greater accuracy. This enhanced responsiveness is beneficial for developing players working on finger dexterity, and it makes the P143 a more expressive option for intermediate-level musicians who want to feel more connected to their instrument.
Touch Sensitivity and Adjustability
Both the P143 and P45 feature adjustable touch sensitivity, which allows players to modify the keyboard’s response based on their personal preferences or playing style. This feature is particularly helpful for beginners, as it enables them to adjust the touch to feel lighter or heavier according to what feels comfortable for them.
The P45 offers three levels of touch sensitivity: soft, medium, and hard. The “soft” setting makes it easier to produce louder sounds with a lighter touch, while the “hard” setting requires more force for the same volume. This adjustability helps newer players build their technique and gain confidence. The P143 includes these same levels but provides a more nuanced response at each setting. This added precision means players can achieve a more accurate response, particularly when performing pieces that demand varying dynamics and subtle tonal differences.
Key Material and Texture
The material and texture of the keys contribute to how comfortable and enjoyable the keyboard is to play over extended practice sessions. Both the P143 and P45 use plastic keys with a matte finish, designed to prevent finger slippage and provide a comfortable surface. However, the P143 introduces a subtle texture on the keytops, offering improved grip that keeps fingers from slipping, even during long practice sessions or fast passages. This textured surface gives the P143 an edge, as it replicates the sensation of real ebony and ivory keys, adding a slightly more premium feel compared to the smoother, traditional plastic keytops on the P45.
For players who may practice for long periods or perform intricate pieces, the P143’s textured keys provide a tangible improvement in comfort and playability. The extra grip helps maintain finger control, particularly in more challenging sections that require quick finger transitions and accuracy.
Durability and Long-Term Use
Over time, the durability of a digital piano’s key action is crucial, as consistent use can lead to wear and tear. Both the Yamaha P143 and P45 are built to withstand frequent practice, but the P143’s enhanced materials may give it an edge in terms of longevity. Yamaha’s GHS action is known to be durable across its product range, and both models offer key mechanisms that are built to last. However, the slight improvements in the P143’s construction, including the improved key texture and touch sensitivity, indicate a higher resistance to wear over time, making it a stronger choice for users planning to keep their instrument for years.
Key Noise and Feel
One of the challenges with digital pianos, especially in the entry-level category, is key noise. The mechanical action can sometimes produce a faint clicking or thudding sound as keys return to their resting position, especially after extended use. The Yamaha P143 has made slight advancements in reducing this noise compared to the P45, providing a quieter playing experience, which can be a valuable feature for home practice in shared spaces or quiet environments.
The P143’s keys also feel more cushioned upon release, which reduces the “clackiness” sometimes found in more budget-friendly digital pianos. This improvement, though minor, can make a noticeable difference in playing comfort, particularly for those who enjoy softer or more expressive playing styles.
Suitability for Beginners and Experienced Players
For beginners, the Yamaha P45 is a solid entry-level digital piano with an authentic-feeling weighted action that develops essential finger strength and technique. Its straightforward touch sensitivity options and comfortable key surface make it a reliable choice for those just starting out. However, for players who are slightly more advanced or looking to grow into an instrument over time, the P143 offers a superior playing experience with its improved response, textured key surface, and enhanced touch sensitivity.
The Yamaha P143’s more refined keyboard action makes it a versatile option that not only accommodates beginners but also provides a more expressive platform for intermediate players who want greater control over dynamics and tone. Its combination of realistic key weight, improved responsiveness, and textured finish offers a level of playability that brings it closer to the feel of an acoustic piano, making it a more attractive long-term choice for those willing to invest a little extra.
In summary, while both the Yamaha P143 and P45 feature Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard action, the P143 goes a step further with subtle improvements in responsiveness, key texture, and quietness. These refinements make the P143 a better option for players seeking a more expressive and realistic playing experience, while the P45 remains a reliable and comfortable choice for beginners on a budget.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is one of the most critical factors when selecting a digital piano, especially for players who want an experience that closely resembles that of an acoustic piano. Yamaha is renowned for its high-quality sound engines, even in its entry-level models. Both the Yamaha P143 and P45 use Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) technology, a sampling technique that provides realistic and expressive piano tones. However, the P143 offers some enhancements over the P45, delivering a richer, more immersive sound experience with improved resonance and a greater variety of tonal options.
AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) Sound Engine
Both the Yamaha P143 and P45 feature Yamaha’s AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) sound engine, which uses digital recordings (samples) of Yamaha’s acoustic grand pianos to recreate the sound of a real piano. AWM technology relies on dynamic sampling, where different volumes and tonal variations are recorded to produce a more natural and nuanced sound. This sound engine has been widely praised for its realism and expressiveness, especially in Yamaha’s entry-level models. However, despite both models using AWM, the implementation and output quality differ between the two, with the P143 benefiting from slightly upgraded samples and improved sound processing.
The P143’s sound engine delivers a more complex and nuanced tonal palette than the P45, with a more refined sound layering process. This results in a clearer and more vibrant sound, particularly in the mid and high registers, where subtle overtones can be heard more distinctly. For pianists who value tonal clarity, this improvement alone makes the P143 a more appealing choice, as it allows for a more immersive and expressive playing experience.
Polyphony and Note Sustain
Polyphony refers to the number of notes a digital piano can produce simultaneously. Higher polyphony counts are essential for players who want to play complex pieces or use the sustain pedal extensively without experiencing note drop-off, where earlier notes cut off as new notes are played.
The Yamaha P45 has a 64-note polyphony, which is relatively standard for entry-level digital pianos. This is generally sufficient for beginners playing simpler pieces, but for more complex compositions, especially those involving intricate layering or heavy sustain, 64-note polyphony can be limiting. Notes may occasionally drop off, particularly when using the sustain pedal in fast, dense passages. This limitation can affect the player’s confidence and detract from the musical experience, particularly for those who are advancing beyond basic repertoire.
In contrast, the Yamaha P143 comes with an impressive 128-note polyphony, which significantly enhances its performance in terms of note sustainability. With 128-note polyphony, players have a much wider range to work with, ensuring that even the most complex passages are rendered faithfully without any premature note cut-off. This allows the P143 to handle dense chordal passages and rapid arpeggios while maintaining tonal integrity, making it an ideal choice for players who want the freedom to explore more advanced pieces.
Tonal Variety and Instrument Sounds
While both the P143 and P45 are focused primarily on providing an authentic piano experience, they offer different options when it comes to tonal variety and sound versatility. The Yamaha P45 includes ten built-in voices, including grand piano, electric piano, organ, and strings. These voices, while basic, provide a range of tonal colors suitable for a variety of music genres and styles. The piano sound on the P45 is resonant and pleasant, and its electric piano sound is also well-suited for jazz or pop music. However, the limited selection can feel restrictive for players looking to explore a wider array of sounds.
The Yamaha P143, on the other hand, includes a broader selection of voices, offering around 15 different tones. These additional sounds include variations on electric piano, synthesizer, and bass, among others. This variety allows the P143 to accommodate players who want more flexibility to experiment with different tones and styles. Additionally, the P143’s grand piano sound is subtly enhanced, with richer overtones and a fuller low end compared to the P45’s, which provides a more authentic acoustic experience.
Resonance and Realism
An essential part of the piano sound is how well it captures the resonant quality of an acoustic piano. This includes details like string resonance, damper resonance, and the natural decay of the sound when a note is held or released. These subtleties give a digital piano its realism and are a critical aspect for players who want to experience the nuances of acoustic piano sound.
The Yamaha P143 takes a step forward in this area with improved resonance capabilities. The piano sound on the P143 has slightly enhanced damper resonance, meaning that when the sustain pedal is engaged, the notes blend together in a more natural way, emulating the sympathetic resonance of an acoustic piano. This effect, while subtle, adds depth to the sound, particularly when playing pieces with a lot of sustain, such as classical or romantic repertoire.
The P45, while also equipped with basic resonance features, falls short in capturing these details to the same extent. The P45’s damper resonance is less pronounced, resulting in a less immersive sound, especially for pieces requiring more nuanced tonal layering. This difference may not be highly noticeable for beginners, but for players with a trained ear, the P143’s enhanced resonance can make a considerable impact on the overall playing experience.
Clarity and Sound Projection
Sound clarity and projection are essential for digital pianos, especially when practicing or performing in different room sizes. The Yamaha P143 excels in clarity, particularly in the mid and high registers, where the notes have a crisp and clean sound that projects well, even without an external amplifier or speaker. This clarity is due in part to the P143’s improved sampling quality, which captures more detail in each note, allowing players to distinguish even subtle changes in dynamics and articulation.
The Yamaha P45, while still offering good clarity for its class, has a slightly softer sound projection, particularly in larger rooms where it may struggle to fill the space with the same fullness as the P143. Additionally, the P45’s lower register can sometimes sound a bit muffled compared to the P143, which has a more defined bass response. For those who intend to perform in various settings or need a digital piano with a strong presence, the P143’s sound clarity and projection make it the more capable option.
Additional Effects and Sound Customization
The Yamaha P143 and P45 both come with basic sound effects, such as reverb, which can be adjusted to add depth and ambiance to the sound. However, the P143 offers slightly more advanced effects with finer control, allowing players to adjust reverb intensity and other minor settings to suit their preferences or the acoustic qualities of their environment. This gives the P143 a customizable edge, letting players tweak the sound for different genres or performance needs.
The P45’s reverb and effects are more basic and preset-driven, which may suit beginners but can be limiting for more advanced players looking to personalize their sound.
In summary, while both the Yamaha P143 and P45 offer good sound quality for their price range, the P143 has a clear advantage with enhanced resonance, increased polyphony, broader tonal variety, and better sound clarity. The improved AWM sampling in the P143, coupled with 128-note polyphony, makes it a more versatile and capable digital piano that can accommodate a wider range of repertoire and playing styles. For players seeking an authentic piano experience with room to grow, the P143’s refined sound engine and additional features make it a worthwhile investment over the P45.
5. Speaker System
The speakers are essential in providing accurate sound reproduction, and both the Yamaha P143 and P45 use built-in speaker systems. However, the differences in speaker configuration and quality can influence a player’s perception of sound.
- Speaker Output: The Yamaha P143 has an edge with its improved speaker system, delivering richer and louder sound. This is particularly noticeable in the bass frequencies, where the P45 can sometimes feel lacking.
- Sound Projection: The P143’s speakers are slightly better positioned for optimal sound projection. This improvement in speaker placement can make a difference in small rooms where sound distribution is essential.
- Headphone Use: Both models support headphone use, providing a more private practice experience. However, the P143 offers a more balanced headphone output, enhancing clarity and balance for silent practice.
Functions and Features
Both the Yamaha P143 and P45 are designed with simplicity and usability in mind, making them suitable for beginners who need an intuitive digital piano experience. Despite being entry-level models, they offer essential functions and features that support practice and creativity, though the P143 has a few more advanced options, giving it a slight edge over the P45. Here’s a deeper look at what each model offers in terms of features and performance versatility.
Dual Mode and Duo Mode
Both the P143 and P45 include two commonly used features: Dual Mode and Duo Mode. Dual Mode enables players to layer two different sounds together. For example, a player can combine piano and strings to produce a fuller, more immersive sound that can be particularly effective for playing cinematic or classical pieces. The ability to layer sounds helps broaden the musical possibilities for beginners experimenting with different tones and textures, giving a richer sound experience.
Duo Mode, on the other hand, is invaluable for teachers and students. This function splits the keyboard into two equal ranges, allowing two people to play the same notes in the same octave on either side of the keyboard. This is especially useful in a teaching scenario, as both the teacher and student can sit side by side and play the same part simultaneously. While both models offer these features, the P143’s improved sound engine and polyphony enhance the effect of Dual Mode, making layered sounds richer and clearer without experiencing note drop-off.
Metronome and Transpose Functions
Both the Yamaha P143 and P45 are equipped with Metronome and Transpose functions, which are essential tools for practice and performance. The built-in metronome allows players to adjust the tempo, helping them develop a strong sense of timing and rhythm. This is a particularly useful feature for beginners and intermediate players working on technical accuracy and discipline.
The transpose function allows players to shift the key up or down in semitone increments, which is useful for accompanying vocalists or practicing in different keys without having to adjust hand positions. The P143 offers slightly greater flexibility with these functions, including finer control over tempo settings, which makes it easier for players to find their ideal tempo during practice sessions.
Reverb and Sound Effects
When it comes to effects, both models come with a basic Reverb setting, designed to add depth and ambiance to the sound. Reverb can create the sensation of playing in a larger space, such as a hall or cathedral, which adds richness to the sound and makes practice sessions more enjoyable. However, the P143 features an improved reverb effect with a more realistic resonance, providing a slightly fuller sound than the P45’s reverb.
While the P45 keeps effects minimal, the P143 includes a few additional sound customization options that can be helpful for players wanting to personalize their tone. The P143’s effects, though still basic compared to higher-end digital pianos, offer a slight advantage in adding expressiveness, giving players a more immersive sound experience.
Recording and Playback
One of the biggest functional upgrades in the Yamaha P143 is its recording and playback capability. The P143 allows players to record their performance directly onto the instrument, making it easy to capture practice sessions or compositions. This feature is incredibly useful for players looking to track their progress, as they can listen back and identify areas for improvement. It’s also ideal for songwriters who want a simple way to save musical ideas as they work.
Unfortunately, the Yamaha P45 does not include a recording function, which limits its utility for players interested in self-evaluation or composition. For those who see recording as an essential tool for growth, the P143’s recording feature is a major advantage.
Sound Selection and Interface Controls
Both models have a simple interface that minimizes clutter, with buttons for sound selection and settings adjustment. However, the P143 offers a few additional control options that simplify navigation, allowing users to access specific settings more quickly. The buttons on the P143 are also more responsive and provide clearer feedback, making it easier to switch between sounds and modes during practice or performance.
In addition, the P143 offers a greater selection of instrument sounds compared to the P45, which makes it a better option for players who enjoy experimenting with different tones and genres. With its extra instrument sounds and more nuanced control, the P143 provides a more flexible, customizable playing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Yamaha P143 and P45 include essential functions like Dual Mode, Duo Mode, a metronome, and transpose functions, the P143 goes further with additional features such as improved reverb, recording capabilities, and enhanced sound selection. These upgrades make the P143 a more versatile and feature-rich option, especially for players who seek more control and customization in their practice and performance sessions.
Connectivity Options
In the digital age, connectivity is a vital feature for any digital piano, allowing players to connect to other devices for recording, composing, or using educational apps. The Yamaha P143 and P45 are both equipped with fundamental connectivity options, but the P143 includes a few advanced features that offer greater versatility, especially for players interested in integrating their piano with modern technology and learning tools.
USB-to-Host and MIDI Compatibility
Both the Yamaha P143 and P45 come with a USB-to-Host port, which allows players to connect the piano directly to a computer or mobile device. Through this connection, players can use MIDI functionality, enabling them to record their performance, use digital audio workstations (DAWs), or access various educational and composition software. This MIDI compatibility makes both models suitable for beginners looking to explore digital music production or for intermediate players who wish to compose and record their own music.
However, the Yamaha P143 offers an upgraded USB connection, which provides slightly faster data transfer and a more stable connection to external devices compared to the P45. This improvement enhances the user experience, reducing latency issues that can sometimes interfere with MIDI recording or playback, particularly in more complex compositions.
Auxiliary and Audio Output Options
Another significant advantage of the Yamaha P143 is its inclusion of auxiliary output options, allowing players to connect the piano to an external amplifier, PA system, or studio monitor. This feature is particularly beneficial for performers who need more volume and clarity in larger venues, as it allows the P143’s sound to be amplified without losing quality. The auxiliary output is also helpful for musicians who want to record directly into an audio interface for higher-quality sound capture, making the P143 a more versatile choice for both home practice and live performance settings.
In contrast, the Yamaha P45 lacks auxiliary outputs, relying solely on the headphone jack for external audio. While this is sufficient for home practice or casual use, it can be limiting for those who need enhanced sound projection or plan to perform in larger spaces.
Bluetooth MIDI Connectivity
One of the standout features of the Yamaha P143 is its Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, which allows for wireless connection to compatible devices. With Bluetooth, players can connect the piano to Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app or other MIDI-compatible apps without the need for physical cables. This wireless capability simplifies the setup process, enabling easy access to interactive tutorials, sheet music, and other resources, which can enhance the learning experience, especially for beginners.
The Yamaha P45, however, does not support Bluetooth connectivity, which may limit its appeal to those looking for seamless integration with learning apps or other wireless devices.
In summary, while both the Yamaha P143 and P45 provide USB-to-Host connectivity for MIDI compatibility, the P143 stands out with its auxiliary outputs and Bluetooth MIDI capabilities. These additional connectivity features make the P143 a more versatile and future-proof option, especially for players who wish to expand their digital piano setup with external audio systems, apps, and software.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, both the Yamaha P143 and P45 deliver quality and functionality at a competitive price. However, given the slight upgrade in features, the P143 offers better long-term value.
- Price Comparison: While the P45 remains one of Yamaha’s most affordable digital pianos, the P143’s additional features make it a strong contender for those willing to invest slightly more.
- Longevity and Growth: The P143’s improved polyphony, sound quality, and connectivity options provide more room for growth, making it a better investment for those who plan on keeping their instrument for a more extended period.
Pros and Cons Summary
Yamaha P143
Pros:
- Improved sound quality with enhanced resonance
- Better connectivity options, including Bluetooth MIDI
- Enhanced speaker output and sound projection
- Slightly better keyboard feel with textured keys
Cons:
- Slightly higher price point than the P45
Yamaha P45
Pros:
- Affordable and solid entry-level digital piano
- Simple design, easy to use, and lightweight
- Durable keyboard and suitable for beginners
Cons:
- Limited polyphony and connectivity
- Basic sound engine without advanced reverb and effects
Conclusion
Both the Yamaha P143 and P45 are solid choices for beginners and intermediate players, offering Yamaha’s reliable quality and authentic feel. While the Yamaha P45 remains a straightforward, affordable choice, the P143 provides additional features, better sound quality, and improved connectivity that make it a stronger option for those willing to invest a bit more.
Ultimately, the Yamaha P143 is a superior choice for players seeking more versatility and quality in a digital piano, while the Yamaha P45 is ideal for budget-conscious beginners who prioritize simplicity and portability.