Yamaha Digital Pianos

The Yamaha Piano Manufacturer is a leading supplier of digital pianos. Yamaha produce the following: Clavinova (CLP and CVP range), Arius (YDP models), and AvantGrand. Their huge range covers acoustic, digital, grand, stage pianos, keyboards and synths.

This site sells most models from the Yamaha digital piano range. You can also read customer questions and answers, reviews, comparisons, watch product videos and much more.

 

” The two most important things you need from a digital piano when you’re learning is a realistic touch and an authentic piano tone. It must feel close to the weight and response of a real piano and have a minimum of 4 dynamic levels. Size, weight, and ‘bells and whistles’ shouldn’t  be a deciding factor in your purchase “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor
Call 020 8367 5107 or email your questions: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
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Yamaha Digital Pianos For Sale (Brand new)

Yamaha Digital Pianos For Sale (second hand)

 

What makes a Yamaha digital piano a good choice?

Yamaha are famous for producing the most popular digital pianos. AvantGrand hybrid are their top range, consisting of four models. Yamaha’s AvantGrand (not ‘Avant Garde’, which is often said) have a key mechanism that’s taken from their acoustic pianos, so the feel is as close as you’ll ever get. But… take a seat… they’re very pricey!

The most popular in their digital piano range is the Clavinova. These are the pianos we most often get asked about. The two ranges are CLP and CVP. The CLP series are pianos for the home that have a realistic key feel and sound. The CVP series are multi-functional with a large display screen. These are more suitable for playing around with different instrument sounds and recording.

The budget range (more affordable) offers pianos starting with the letters YDP. Yamaha call these ‘Arius’.
The Yamaha YDP143 is Yamaha’s most popular piano for beginners. It has a reasonable sound for a beginner model. The touch could benefit from being firmer though. The speakers are only 2 x 6 watts each resulting in a rather quiet, tinny piano sound. You have to turn the volume up to maximum to get anything out of it.

Yamaha believe that digital pianos should sound and feel like playing a real piano, and this must be achieved at all cost. The sound on a Clavinova is taken from their own concert grand piano. Also, if you listen closely to the different musical instrument sounds such as strings, guitar, organ, harpsichord etc. you’ll find they sound authentic like the real instruments. Lately, they have invested in the technology side of the digital piano, introducing USB, Bluetooth and lots of other useful features that can be used in connection with the internet and personal computers.

Portable Stage Pianos

Another type of digital piano is the Yamaha stage piano, this is a portable version of their digital piano range.

The advantage of having a Yamaha stage piano is the portability aspect, making them easy to transport. But there is a downside; you’ll need to buy a decent amplifier to get a good sound out of them. Yamaha stage pianos compete well against other brands who specialise in this area.

Not sure if your child will take to playing the piano?
Are you worried about the initial investment?…
Then check out our ‘rent-to-buy’ programme.
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Useful Reading:

Digital Pianos – Which Brand Should I Buy
7 Things You MUST Know Before You Buy A Digital Piano
Digital Piano Ratings – see how all digital pianos rate out of 100
Piano Questions and Answers

 

Questions and Answers

“I want something that has the sound feel and touch of a real piano”

Hi Graham,

Had a look through your website. A bit of choice regarding digital pianos. Want something that has the sound feel and touch of a real piano.
Bluetooth would be good. Had a look through some of range and your suggestions. Brands that appeal Yamaha, Kawai, Gewa and Broadway.

Somebody has mentioned Yamaha CLP825. Can’t see that in your site so something similar if not available.

Your guidance would be appreciated and your thoughts on our piano ?

Reply/ Hi Raj

Thanks for sending the video.

I’m not sure about the quality or condition of your piano
so I would like to come round to see it.
Please let me have your address so I can make
an appointment.

If you would like a good quality digital piano that
has an authentic sound and key touch then I
recommend for you the Broadway BW1.
This also has Bluetooth, so you can connect
up to online apps.

The Broadway BW1 is our best selling piano,
as it plays very much like a Yamaha Clavinova,
but costs £400 – £500 less in price.

You can see the piano here

Yours pianistically

Graham Howard

 

“Yamaha, Gewa or Kawai, what to choose?”

Hi Howard

Thank you for your interest, I find the information in the Bible very helpful. But I still can´t decide between Kawai CN 39, Yamaha CLP 735 and Gewa UP 365.
I personally tried Kawai and Yamaha (but 725, not 735), Gewa is not unfortunately available to try. Until now, we had an acoustic piano (borrowed), so the priority is the most authentic touch and sound… The piano is for home use, both myself and my daughters are intermediate piano players.
What is your advice?

Reply/ Dear Marta

The Kawai CN39 and Gewa UP365 are both really nice
pianos to play.
The tone quality on both is natural and resonant and
the key touch is firm and realistic with good response.

It’s difficult to choose between the two, but I’d give the
edge on tone quality to the Gewa, as it was sampled on
a Steinway concert grand in Hamburg. You can hear the
rounded Steinway sound throughout its registers.

I’d put the Yamaha CLP735 behind the Kawai and Gewa.
The reason for that is the tone quality.
It’s a brighter, more metallic sound. Personally, I prefer
a warmer, mellower tone. But it really depends on your
preference and the type of music you’ll be playing.

We also have available a second-hand Kawai CN37
(a previous model, but still really nice to play)
going for £1,399.

You can see it here

Yours pianistically

Graham Howard

UK Pianos

—

“Yamaha CLP-154 or YDP-141?”

Dear Graham,

While I was researching digital pianos online, I came across your website and your guide which was very helpful. You seem very knowledgeable and I was hoping to get your opinion.

I’m a beginner player and I was looking to buy a secondhand digital piano. I’ve found two Yamaha models that fit my budget. One is the Clavinova CLP-154s and the other is the Arius YDP-141. I did some research and the Arius came out in 2010, whereas the Clavinova came out in 1994; however, the Arius is pricier by a few hundred AUD (I’m in Australia), but still within my budget. Also, supposedly the Arius models are worse than the Clavinovas.

The question is: Which one do I go with?

I would really, really appreciate your help.

Reply/ Hi Kien

I really don’t advise going for either of these,
as they are so old.
Digital pianos have a normal lifespan of 10-15 years.

Circuit board components could go wrong at any time,
and replacement parts are no longer available.

What’s more, the keys wear out and start to
produce a clicking sound that gets worse with age.

Yours pianistically

Graham Howard

—

Hi Graham

I was in touch recently to try and secure the services of Terry Stepanyek regarding a possible repair of our 19 year old GEM rp800 digital piano.

Having looked at some of the chat on your website, and with Gem no longer in the digital piano business, I think we may need to cut our losses and buy a new (or second hand) digital piano.

I would be interested in taking some advice and potentially buying through you at UK Pianos. This is really for my son who is studying music A level and needs a piano/keyboard to play/compose on.

We recently went into London and looked at some Rolands and Yamahas:

Roland – RP 701
Yamaha – P225 and P515

Is it best to give you a ring?

Many thanks

Reply/ Hi John

The Yamaha P225 is a little too basic really.
It doesn’t have as realistic a key feel as the
Roland RP701 and Yamaha P515 .
What’s more, the P255 has smaller speakers.
This reduces not only the volume output, but
makes the tone much weaker and thinner.

It all comes down to personal preference
between the P515 and Roland RP701 really.

As an alternative, I recommend the Broadway BW1.

The Broadway BW1 has a nice, full tone. And the
key touch is fully-weighted. It also feels smooth
and responsive under the fingers, like a real
acoustic piano.
It also has Bluetooth, which could be useful for
you son’s A-level composition.

The BW1 is our most popular digital piano.
You can see it here

You can call me on 030 8367 5107 if you have
any questions.

Let me know if you would like try it in our Enfield store.

Yours pianistically

Graham Howard

—

“Yamaha CLP, YDP or other brand? What do you recommend?”

Hi Graham,

I played piano for about 10 years when I was growing up. I haven’t had regular access to a piano for about 15 years so I barely play now, but I’m ready to get my own. This will just be a hobby for me, few hours of play on the weekend or after work. So I definitely don’t need top of the line but also don’t want it to sound/feel terrible.

I just finished reading your buying guide…thank you!! At this point I’m leaning towards Yamaha. Can you help me understand the difference between the CLP and YDP lines? Yamaha London is only selling the CLP line. If I go with CLP, given my needs, do I really need to go higher than CLP725?

Please let me know if there’s something similar you think I should consider, especially if you stock it. I’m thinking about coming to the shop next weekend.

Thanks very much,

Reply/ Hi Briana

The main differences between the Yamaha CLP pianos
and YDP models are as follows:

The CLP has large speakers, therefore a fuller, more
resonant tone.

CLP has more features: sounds, record functions etc.

CLP has a heavier feel to the keys making it closer to
the feel of an acoustic pianos than the YDP series.

There is another piano I’d like to recommend for you:
The Broadway BW1.

The Broadway BW1 has a nice, full tone. And the
key touch is fully-weighted, like the Yamaha CLP
Series. It also feels smooth and responsive under
the fingers, like a real acoustic piano.

Also, the cabinet is really compact in depth
(from front to back), so it takes up less space
than most other digital pianos.

What’s more, it’s a good piano to learn and progress on.
Your finger strength and technique will develop in the
correct way. And you’ll find it easy to transfer to an
upright or grand piano later.

This is my first choice out of all pianos between
£800 and £1200. And it’s our best-selling piano.

You can see the Broadway here

Hope to see you in the shop this Saturday.

Yours pianistically

Graham Howard
Piano Advisor

—

Dear Graham,

Thank you very much for sending me your updated score list which is very helpful. Unfortunately, it didn’t solve my dilemma. I have played Yamaha digital grand pianos. I thought that the Yamaha N3X Avant was very good but that the middle of the range CLP-795 would suit, although still rather out of my reach (price wise). I didn’t like the fact that there is only one open position for the lid and no casters.

I disliked the touch of the CLP-765, it felt like a toy. I felt the same about the Kawai DG30 – if I remember correctly the keys also felt short.

I didn’t feel a big difference between the touch of the Roland GP607 and GP609, although the GP609 was louder and the case more attractive with brass casters and pedals The GP609 didn’t seem worth the extra cost compared to the Yamaha CLP-795. Also the case is larger which is not necessarily a good thing when getting older and likely at some point to move to a smaller place in the future.

It is a pity that you haven’t got a second hand Yamaha CLP-795 because looking at your list, combined with my own thoughts that is probably the best option for me.

I need the grand piano shape because the piano needs to sit facing out into the room because I need to be able to see singers without looking to the side. A normal keyboard doesn’t look good viewed from the back. Plus I am accustomed to having a baby grand (only a Danemann). Perhaps you would keep me on a list in case something comes up?

Reply/ Dear Francoise

Have you tried the Broadway BG2?
This has wooden keys and feels and sounds
close to the real thing.

You can see it here

Let me know if you would like to come and try it.

Kind regards
Graham

—

“YDP Arius or CLP Clavinova?”

Hi Graham

We are trying to work out which console piano to get. Hard to try them out at the moment due to COVID.

Interested in a Yamaha Clavinova 735 or the better of the two aria models. Big price hike between them so wondering if extra £1000 really worth it??

Again from the 735 to the 745 there’s also a big price hike – but think £2k+ is a bridge too far.

I used to play (grade 5) on an upright acoustic but won’t spend hours hours and hours but really enjoy improvising and would like to encourage my son to start (he’s 10). I may even do some simple composing of sorts on it and like the idea of being able to connect it to a pc via midi. Also can you add more instruments by connecting a midi sound module?

It’d be good to get something we don’t have to replace if he gets into it as long as it holds its value well. Want to avoid needing to replace it in 5 years if he likes it and gets into – going up the grades.

Any thoughts/advice?

Joe

Reply/ Dear Joe

YDP Arius digital pianos are Yamaha’s entry level pianos.
They’re OK for anyone just starting out.
The YDP-164 is the best in the range.
It will take students up to about grade 6.
However, the key touch isn’t responsive enough
and has limited dynamic levels. This restricts the
expression you can put into your music and makes
playing more of forceful, ultimately affecting your technique.

Clavinovas are their premium range.

They have large speakers, which give a deeper, more
resonant sound.
And they have the most realistic key touch.
Some of the models in the higher price range have
wooden keys and respond just like an acoustic piano.

Clavinovas also command a higher resale value.

I realise your predicament and would like to
introduce the German, Gewa digital pianos.

These pianos are made in Germany and the sound
is recorded from a Steinway concert grand piano.

You can see the complete range here

The UP360G and UP380G are the most popular
in the range.

Kind regards
Graham
UK Pianos

 

“I’m looking for something in the Yamaha range”

Q/ Hello

I have just requested your guide and look forward to it arriving. However I did notice that you had given advice to some readers.

I was looking for something in the Yamaha range 535 /545 625 or 635. Not sure what the difference is between the 5 and 6 ranges. Roland is also a possibly but your report says they are more expensive.

I also liked the sound of the Kurzweil – the base I was not so sure of but the treble sound seemed much better than normal for digital. What is your feeling about the above.

I also have two local households selling second hand.
The first is a clp 575, only four months old for £1600 and the second is an HP 503 for £890. I just wondered if you had any opinion about these.

Look forward to hearing from you, Glenn

A/ Hi Glenn

The CLP635 and CLP625 have an improved
keyboard touch over the previous models.

With the old CLP535 it was always difficult
to put expression into your music. The sound
seemed muffled. Subdued.

The sound of the CLP635 and production
through the speakers is a lot better than
the previous CLP535. It is a now a joy to
play this model.

Kurzweil pianos have a full, warm resonant
tone that’s sampled from a Steinway concert
grand piano. You can clearly hear the difference
when playing a Yamaha and Kurzweil side-by-
side. It’s striking.

Roland also produce nice pianos.
I would look at the HP603.

I recommend these 3 pianos in order of the
most realistic sounding first:

1) Kurzweil CUP320
2) Roland HP603
3) Yamaha CLP635

There’s also the Kurzweil MP120, which is
nice, if you want to spend a bit less.

Yours pianistically, Graham Howard

—

Dear Pete

We spoke the day before yesterday about digital pianos.
I would like to recommend some similar pianos to
the Yamaha CVP305.

The Gewa digital piano range is worth considering.
All Gewa models are sampled on a Steinway
grand piano. You can hear the deep, warm,
rounded tone throughout its range.

If you want the most realistic key feel, then
the UP385 offers an ultra-responsive key mechanism
that reacts in the same way as a real piano.

You can see it here

If this is above your intended budget, then the
UP365 is also worth looking it.

The UP365 has the same sound sampling as the
UP385, but not quite the same sound production.
It’s not as deep and sonorous…

The key touch is the same, but it has one less
dynamic level. I still recommend it for any level
of playing though. It’s just that the UP385 feels
and sounds a step closer to the real thing, but
this would be noticeable only if you’re already
at an advanced level.

You can see it here

Let me know if you would like to reserve one
of these pianos or have any questions.

You can also come and try them out in our
Enfield store, if you wish.

Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard

—

“I’m looking to upgrade my Yamaha CLP”

Hi. I have a Yamaha Clavinova CLP 115 digital piano. I think I would like an upgrade, but looking at other digital pianos, they do not seem to have more features than mine. I would like to record onto a lap top is my main reason for looking for an upgrade.
I wondered if you have any advice to offer me.
Sue.

Reply/ Dear Sue

I recommend going for something in the Gewa range.

What I like most about the Gewa pianos are their natural,
clean piano tone. They’re sampled on a Steinway concert
grand in Hamburg… and you can hear its warm, full,
rounded tone throughout.

What’s more, the mid to high range models have 5 dynamic levels.
You can play the quietest pianissimo up to a full fortissimo.

You can see them here

The UP360G and above also have Bluetooth.

Kind regards
Graham Howard

—

“I can’t decide between a Yamaha Arius or Clavinova”

Q/ Hi

I hope you can help me. I have registered for your digital piano buyer’s guide. I am looking for a digital piano for my 10 year old son and can’t decide between a Yamaha Arius or a Clavinova. We are heading into grade 2 piano and likely to keep going if possible therefore want a piano that meets the standards required. I had heard that the Arius is only good for lower grades but not sure if that’s true.

Is Yamaha my best option or should I consider others?

Many Thanks, Jill

R/ Hi

Yamaha Clavinovas are really good pianos.
And I would recommend any one of the range
as suitable for your child to learn and progress on…

The CLP625 would be fine. This is the first
(budget model) of the Clavinova range.
It’s a good one to get started on and will take
your child up to at least grade 6.

As an alternative to the Yamaha I recommend
the Gewa DP240G and Kurzweil M110.

The Gewa DP240G would be my first choice out
of all three pianos.
It’s a newly launched model (made in Germany)
that has a wonderful piano tone…

The sound is taken directly from a Steinway concert
grand. It has a warm, resonant and natural tone –
refreshingly different to Yamaha’s bright, hard tone.

What’s more, theDP240G has an extra dynamic level
over the Yamaha CLP625. This makes it suitable for
up to grade 8 level. So it’s a piano you won’t need
to upgrade later.

You can see the DP240G here:

The Kurzweil M110 is another for you to consider.
And this is one of our best sellers in the £800-£1000
price range.

Like the Gewa DP240G, the Kurzweil M110 is suitable
for up to grade 8.
Kurzweil make really good digital pianos.
Both the sound and feel of the keys are close
to a real, acoustic piano.

You can see the Kurzweil here:

If you want to spend less than £900 then please
let me know so I can recommend some suitable
pianos in the lower price bracket.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Yours pianistically, Graham Howard

 

“CVP705 versus CVP709”

Q/ Hello Graham,

I found the Digital Piano Bible useful…!!

I am still at a very early stage in deciding whether or not to ‘go digital’ – and haven’t yet had chance to try out any instruments. I have always had a ‘real’ piano at home and there is still a fair bit of reluctance to contemplate getting rid of it! However, there are a number of things about a digital piano that are attractive:
• I am a composer/arranger (in a very small way) and so the recording functionality available in digital pianos like the Yamaha CVP709 are very appealing.
• A lot of my playing is improvised, jazz-style and so the accompaniment features would also be attractive.
• Also, as we have neighbours, I tend to limit the amount I play so as not to annoy them with too much noise. Obviously, having a digital piano would allow playing at low volumes or using headphones and so would get rid of any timing restrictions.

Irrespective of any of the above, the most important criteria would be that any digital instrument plays and sounds as close to a ‘real’ piano as possible!

As I said above, I haven’t had chance to try out any instruments yet but I have been looking on-line at the Yamaha CVP709 and CVP705. Have you done a review (and preferably a comparison) of these two pianos? If so, is it possible to obtain a copy?

Kind regards, Dave

A/ Hi

I recommend going for the CVP705, not the CVP709.

Although there’s a vast difference in price, I really
don’t think you’re getting enough value for the
extra money the CVP709 commands.

The CVP705 is an outstanding piano. It rates right
up there with the very best digital pianos…

It has exactly the same key touch as the CVP709.

The overall speaker wattage in the CVP709 is more,
giving it an even deeper and more resonant tone,
but the CVP705 still has an amazing sound.

There are more voices on the CVP709 too.

But, as you can see, there isn’t anything else
that warrants the extra cost.

There’s no other pianos that comes close to the
CVP705 or CVP709 in quality of sound, touch,
features and technology.

Yours pianistically, Graham Howard

 

“I’m looking for something that has enough dynamic levels”

Q/ Hi Graham,

I was hoping I could get your advise on this piano.

Essentially I am looking for a digital piano that is weighted, has enough dynamic levels and allows me to hook up to composition software and compose on a laptop.

It seems to have everything I need – do you think you would recommend the Kawai CA67 or CA97?

Any advise would be much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Helia

A/ Hi Helia

Every digital piano brand has their strengths
and weaknesses.
So it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Kawai had the most beautiful looking cabinets (furniture).
That’s their strongest point.
The pvc veneer is strong, with a lovely wood effect,
and the surface is smooth and looks lovely.

However, the sound quality is not as good as
the equivalent priced Yamaha or Roland piano.
It sounds too bright and has a harsh edge to it.

To keep things simple I would like to recommend for
you two pianos: Yamaha CLP675 and Roland HP605.

The Yamaha CLP675’s key touch feels firmer under
the fingers than the Roland. The Roland’s touch is
more responsive and reacts better when playing
fast and technical pieces.

The Roland HP605 has a rounder, warmer, more
pleasant piano tone. To me it sounds much closer
to a real piano than the Yamaha

The CLP675’s sound is bright, clean and a bit harsh.

The overall build quality is about the same.
But Roland score marginally higher on reliability.

Yamaha generally have a better resale value.

There’s not much to choose between the two, but
my preference would be with the Roland – but only
just – based primarily on key touch and sound quality.

You can see the Roland here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/roland-hp605

And the Yamaha here:
www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-CLP675

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

 

Read older Questions and Answers

 

Customer Comments

“Caring service”

As usual, UK Pianos offered a caring service with good advice before the purchase, and delivery happened exactly when planned.

John Chandler, Colchester, UK

 

“Guide was excellent”

Hi Graham

Thanks for the help choosing a digital piano. Your piano choosing guide was excellent and customer service has so far been faultless.

James Kempster

 

“We need more people like you in this world”

Hi Graham:

Thank you very much for sharing your opinion on the best piano brand to buy. I wish I knew you a long time ago before I bought mine. After looking at the different brands, I ended up choosing Casio. I thought it was better than Yamaha because it had a screen that beginners can see which finger is being placed on each note as a song is played from the song bank.

Although I have not chosen the better brand, I think that I have made a wise choice (for a beginner). However, I must assure you that if I happen to migrate I will have to buy another piano because this one is a bit too big to travel with. Then, I will choose Yamaha.

Thanks once again. We need more people like you in this world.

Patricia

 

“Good advice”

I am glad to finally find a website that offers good digital piano buying advice.

Thanks a lot, Lalitha

 

“UK Pianos was fantastic”

We bought our daughter a piano from UK Pianos just before Christmas. The service from UK Piano’s was fantastic, from choosing the right piano right through to delivery.

John Gould

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