When it comes to digital pianos, Yamaha has consistently been a leading name in the industry, known for producing high-quality instruments that cater to musicians of all levels.
The Yamaha P45 digital piano is no exception, marketed as an entry-level digital piano with authentic sound and feel. In this detailed review, we will explore every aspect of the Yamaha P45, from its design and build quality to its sound, features, and overall value.
By the end of this review, you should have a thorough understanding of whether the Yamaha P45 is the right digital piano for you.
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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 |
Design and Build Quality
The Yamaha P45 is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind. It boasts a sleek, minimalist design that is both modern and elegant. The matte black finish gives it a professional look that can seamlessly blend into any home decor or studio setup.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: The P45 measures approximately 52.25 inches in width, 11.5 inches in depth, and 6 inches in height, making it compact enough to fit in small spaces yet substantial enough to provide a full-sized keyboard experience.
- Weight: Weighing in at about 25 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for a digital piano, which makes it easy to move around if necessary.
- Keyboard: The P45 features an 88-key weighted keyboard with Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action. This means the keys are heavier in the lower register and lighter in the higher register, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano. The keys are made of plastic, but they have a matte finish that helps prevent fingers from slipping during play.
Build Quality:
The overall build quality of the Yamaha P45 is robust and durable. The plastic construction feels solid, and the keys are responsive with a good amount of resistance. The buttons and controls are well-placed and easy to use, adding to the overall user-friendly design of the instrument.
Sound Quality
One of the most critical aspects of any digital piano is its sound quality. The Yamaha P45 does not disappoint in this regard, offering a rich and authentic sound that is impressive for an entry-level instrument.
Key Features:
- AWM Stereo Sampling: The P45 uses Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling technology to produce its sound. This technology uses digital recordings of acoustic instruments to create realistic and expressive sounds.
- Voices: The P45 comes with ten different voices, including two grand pianos, two electric pianos, two organs, two harpsichords, vibraphone, and strings. While this might seem limited compared to more expensive models, the quality of these voices is exceptional, particularly the grand piano sounds.
- Polyphony: The P45 has 64-note polyphony, which means it can produce up to 64 notes simultaneously. This is more than sufficient for most playing situations, ensuring that you won’t experience note dropouts even when playing complex pieces with sustained pedal use.
Sound Evaluation:
The grand piano voices are the standout feature of the P45, providing a rich, full-bodied sound that closely resembles that of an acoustic piano. The AWM stereo sampling captures the nuances and dynamics of a real piano, making it suitable for both practice and performance. The electric pianos and other voices are also well-crafted, offering a variety of sounds that can inspire creativity in different musical genres.
Playing Experience
The playing experience on the Yamaha P45 is designed to be as close to that of an acoustic piano as possible, thanks to its weighted keys and responsive action.
Key Features:
- Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Action: The GHS action provides a realistic feel, with heavier touch in the low end and lighter touch in the high end. This helps to develop proper finger strength and technique, especially for beginners transitioning from an acoustic piano.
- Touch Sensitivity: The P45 offers four levels of touch sensitivity – hard, medium, soft, and fixed – allowing you to adjust the responsiveness of the keys to suit your playing style.
Playing Evaluation:
The GHS action on the P45 is commendable for an entry-level digital piano. The keys offer a satisfying amount of resistance, which helps in developing proper technique. The ability to adjust touch sensitivity is a useful feature, catering to both beginners and more experienced players who may have different preferences in key response. Overall, the P45 delivers a realistic and enjoyable playing experience.
Features and Connectivity
While the Yamaha P45 is designed to be straightforward and easy to use, it still includes a number of features that enhance its functionality and versatility.
Key Features:
- Dual Mode: This allows you to layer two voices together, such as piano and strings, to create a richer sound.
- Duo Mode: This splits the keyboard into two equal ranges, enabling two players to play simultaneously. This is particularly useful for lessons or duet performances.
- Metronome: An integrated metronome helps you keep time while practicing, a vital tool for developing rhythm and timing.
- Transpose and Tuning: The P45 allows you to transpose the keyboard up or down in semitones and fine-tune the pitch to match other instruments or recordings.
Connectivity:
- USB to Host: This port allows you to connect the P45 to a computer or mobile device for use with music software and apps. It is a valuable feature for those who want to record their playing or use educational software.
- Sustain Pedal Jack: The P45 comes with a sustain pedal, and the jack can accommodate more advanced pedals if you choose to upgrade.
- Headphone Jack: A headphone jack is available for private practice, ensuring you can play without disturbing others.
Ease of Use
The Yamaha P45 is designed to be user-friendly, with straightforward controls and an intuitive interface. The front panel features a simple layout with buttons for power, volume, and function. Changing voices and settings is easy, thanks to the clear labeling and logical arrangement of controls.
Key Features:
- One-Button Function: The function button allows you to access various settings and features by pressing the button while playing specific keys on the keyboard. This streamlined approach minimizes the need for numerous buttons and keeps the interface clean and simple.
- Music Rest: A detachable music rest is included, providing a convenient place to hold sheet music or a tablet.
Price and Value
The Yamaha P45 is positioned as an affordable option for beginners and intermediate players, offering a combination of quality and value that is hard to beat in its price range.
Price Range:
As of the time of writing, the Yamaha P45 is typically priced between $400 and $500. This makes it one of the more affordable 88-key weighted digital pianos on the market.
Value Evaluation:
Given its realistic piano sound, weighted keys, and overall build quality, the Yamaha P45 offers excellent value for the price. It provides a playing experience that rivals more expensive models, making it an ideal choice for those on a budget who still want a high-quality instrument.
Weaknesses
While the Yamaha P45 is a commendable digital piano, it has a few weaknesses that may affect some users’ experiences. One notable limitation is its relatively basic selection of voices. With only ten preset sounds, including two grand pianos, two electric pianos, two organs, two harpsichords, vibraphone, and strings, the P45 offers less variety compared to some competitors in its price range. Musicians seeking a wider array of sounds may find this limiting.
Another drawback is the sustain pedal that comes included. The basic footswitch-style pedal lacks the feel and functionality of a more robust, piano-style sustain pedal. Many players might prefer to upgrade to a better-quality pedal for a more authentic playing experience.
Additionally, the P45’s built-in speakers, while adequate for personal practice, are only 6W each, which may not provide sufficient volume or richness for larger rooms or performances without external amplification. Users who intend to perform or play in louder environments may need to invest in additional speakers or amplification systems.
The lack of advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, accompaniment styles, or extensive recording capabilities can also be seen as a disadvantage. These features are increasingly common in other digital pianos in the same price range and can enhance practice and performance experiences.
Lastly, the keyboard action, while good for its class with the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS), may not satisfy advanced players who are accustomed to the more refined touch and response of higher-end models. Overall, while the Yamaha P45 offers excellent value, these weaknesses may be significant considerations for certain users.
Comparisons to Other Models
To better understand the value of the Yamaha P45, it’s helpful to compare it to other models in the same category.
Yamaha P45 vs. Yamaha P71
The Yamaha P71 is essentially the same as the P45 but is marketed exclusively through Amazon. The features and specifications are identical, making them interchangeable in terms of performance and value.
Yamaha P45 vs. Casio Privia PX-160
The Casio Privia PX-160 is another popular entry-level digital piano. It offers similar features to the P45, including 88 weighted keys and high-quality piano sounds. However, the PX-160 has a few additional features, such as a more extensive selection of voices and built-in speakers with higher wattage. It is also slightly more expensive than the P45. The choice between the two will largely depend on personal preference and specific feature requirements.
Yamaha P45 vs. Roland FP-10
The Roland FP-10 is another competitor in the entry-level digital piano market. It features Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL piano sound engine and PHA-4 Standard keyboard action, which many players prefer for its superior touch and feel. However, the FP-10 is typically more expensive than the P45, making the Yamaha a more budget-friendly option.
Pros and Cons
To summarize the key points of this review, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the Yamaha P45.
Pros:
- Authentic piano sound with AWM stereo sampling
- Realistic playing feel with GHS weighted keys
- Compact and lightweight design
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Affordable price point
- Useful features like Dual Mode, Duo Mode, and USB connectivity
Cons:
- Limited selection of voices compared to some competitors
- Basic sustain pedal included (may require upgrading)
- Built-in speakers could be more powerful
Final Verdict
The Yamaha P45 is an outstanding entry-level digital piano that offers excellent value for its price. Its combination of authentic sound, realistic key action, and user-friendly design makes it a top choice for beginners and intermediate players alike. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive models, it excels in delivering a high-quality playing experience that can help pianists develop their skills and enjoy making music.
Whether you are a new student looking for your first digital piano or an experienced player seeking a portable and affordable instrument, the Yamaha P45 is a worthy contender that deserves serious consideration. Its balance of quality, performance, and value ensures that it will remain a popular choice in the digital piano market for years to come.
In conclusion, the Yamaha P45 is a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to providing high-quality musical instruments that cater to a wide range of musicians. Its strengths far outweigh its limitations, making it a reliable and enjoyable