Yamaha P45 Weighted Action Digital Piano
Yamaha P45 Weighted Action Digital Piano
9,6
Editor's Rating
4,1
Users’ Rating

Yamaha P-45 Review: Simple Digital Piano at a Reasonable Price

Fact Checked Yoke Wong
Yoke Wong
Review by Yoke Wong
Expert Consultant
Yoke Wong is a talented pianist and piano teacher, author of online piano courses Pianomother.com, founder of Harmony and Melody Studio.
Updated 18-08-2023
Updated 18-08-2023
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9,6
Editor's Rating
4,1
Users’ Rating
9,6
Editor's Rating
4,1
Users’ Rating
Ideal for:
  • Beginners
  • Those who need a portable option
  • Players looking for a reasonably priced option
Main features:
  • 88 piano-style keys
  • GHS weighted action
  • Easy to use

Are you a budding musician? Or someone simply trying to build a musical hobby? Well then you really need to consider buying a digital piano. The best thing about digital pianos is that they are much cheaper compared to acoustic pianos and also much more hassle-free as they do not require tuning! Today in this Yamaha P-45 review, we’ll discuss its primary features and whether it’s worth buying.

The Yamaha P-45 is a great option for beginners and pros alike. The weighted action keys give you the feel of playing an acoustic piano and unlike an acoustic piano it is extremely lightweight and portable. It also comes with a lot of different settings and modes which makes it a versatile option. This article will be reviewing its various features in detail!

Specifications

Type Graded hammer standard (GHS) keyboard
Number of keys 88
Touch sensitivity Hard/ medium/ soft/ fixed
Polyphony 64
Voices 10
Amplifiers 2 (6W)
Speakers 2 (12 cm)
Pedal Yes (Half pedal available with optional FC3A)
Dimensions 52-1/4 x 6 x 11-1/2 in
Weight 25 lbs

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When it comes to purchasing a digital piano Trusted Source 12 Benefits of Buying a Digital Piano | Piano Gallery Technology has come a long way since the early years of digital pianos, making even more benefits of buying a digital piano than ever before. www.pianogallery.com , you first need to consider your needs and requirements. Are you a beginner or an intermediate player? Will you be using the piano in the long run, or do you eventually plan on switching to an acoustic piano? You should of course also think about your budget and personal preferences. Once you have decided what you are looking for, you can find the perfect digital piano that will allow you to learn and grow as a musician!

Design

Yamaha P-45 Review: Simple Digital Piano at a Reasonable Price

Like all other musical instruments, the design of a piano is an important determinant of its quality and style. When we refer to the design of a piano, we are talking about not just its shape but also its functionality and ease of use. Wooden pianos are currently trending and while they are very stylish and function as great decor pieces, they are also quite expensive and not the most functional.

The great thing about the Yamaha P45 is that it has a simple yet functional design. It’s also relatively lightweight at 34 pounds, which makes it a portable option. The best part is that it’s designed to simulate the experience of playing an acoustic piano. So, in case you are switching from an acoustic, this is a great option! It also has a simple design which makes it easy to use. The “Grand Piano” button allows you to change and adjust its various settings. This means you are able to reconfigure the piano according to your needs with a single button! It is also designed with a lot of attention to detail and has a heavy touch in the low end, accompanied by a lighter touch in the high end. This allows you to learn proper playing techniques just as if you were playing on an acoustic piano.

Keyboard

Yamaha P-45 Review: Simple Digital Piano at a Reasonable Price

The keyboard of a piano is of course the most crucial part, and it defines your playing experience. The great thing about the Yamaha P45 is that it does not rob you of the experience of an acoustic piano. The keyboard is designed with such precision that it gives off the feel of an acoustic grand piano! The unique Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard is able to adjust to the register you are playing. It feels light when you are playing the treble parts and heavier at the bass parts.

This is also a very sleek model, and the keys have a sophisticated matte black finish. The black look means it resembles an acoustic version, fully giving you the experience of an acoustic piano!

Sound

The Yamaha P45 is a notch above usual digital piano. It uses an upgraded version of AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) synthesis technology which means you get to enjoy sound that levels with a real grand piano! AWM essentially uses digital recordings of sounds, and it emulates the real instruments. The Yamaha P45 will allow you to enjoy grand piano reverberations, giving you the experience of playing a real acoustic piano! The AWM technology also creates amazing sound that is deeper and richer. The P45 has a special sound system that only plays one sample per key and this allows for authentic high-quality sound. It also contains 10 premium voices as well as digitally sampled tones that are sourced from real Yamaha grand pianos. So not only will you get the experience of playing a grand piano but will also be able to produce the same level of sound.

Speakers and Amplifiers

This model comes with amazing speakers and amplifiers that will surely enhance your playing experience. The two speakers produce high-quality and clear sound which really elevates your playing and listening experience. It also makes the Yamaha P45 a great option if you plan on playing for an audience.

The amplifiers on a digital piano essentially replicate an electronic instrument’s wide frequency range accurately. They allow digital instruments like pianos to stimulate acoustic ones. The Yamaha P45 has an excellent amplification system and comes with two 6W amplifiers.

Main Features

Yamaha P-45 Review: Simple Digital Piano at a Reasonable Price

You should also pay attention to the various features of a piano before you decide to buy it. The features will determine how much use you get out of the piano and how much versatility it allows for.

The Yamaha P45 has many amazing features that make it an attractive option. The one thing that really stands out is GHS action on the keyboard which gives the feel of an acoustic grand piano. This makes the Yamaha P45 a great option for beginners and it allows you to learn proper finger techniques so you can easily transition to an acoustic.

We were also really impressed by AWM stereo sampling technology which surpasses most other digital pianos. It uses waveforms from both left and right to create deep and crisp sounds. It also plays only one sample per key which allows for an intense sound that elevates your musical experience.

Modes

The Yamaha P45 comes with a variety of different modes which allows you to be versatile and experimental. The sound programs include two grand piano programs, an electric piano program, two harpsichord programs, and two pipe organ programs. The sound system is also very versatile, and you can also connect the piano to headphones or your home audio system in order to enjoy a great listening experience.

Controls and Ease of Use

What really stands out when it comes to the Yamaha P45 is how it gives you all of these amazing features and settings and also makes them extremely easy to control! It has a very simple and straightforward operating system. The “grand piano” button allows you to change almost all of the settings. You can easily adjust timbres, try out demo sources and reconfigure the metronome with the click of one button! The Yamaha P45 offers you all the perks of an acoustic piano with the ease of use that comes with a digital device.

This also makes it a great option for beginners who are still learning and getting accustomed to the world of piano playing.

Connectivity

Since this is a digital device, it comes with the added benefit of allowing for more connectivity. The USB port at the back allows you to connect the piano to your computer, this makes recording, mixing, and editing easy. You can also easily connect it to a home audio system, this makes it easy to play for your family and friends on a special occasion! In case you want to listen to the music carefully while mixing or editing, you can easily plug in or connect your headphones. This makes the Yamaha P45 a great option for aspiring music producers as well.

Accessories

Yamaha P-45 Review: Simple Digital Piano at a Reasonable PriceIf you want to really maximize your experience using the Yamaha P45, then you can pair it with a number of accessories that are easily available.

The Bluetooth Wireless MIDI adapter is a must-have! It allows you to connect your instruments through a USB TO HOST terminal to your device. It works best with iOS devices. It makes recording and editing a straightforward and hassle-free job!

You can also pair this digital piano with a number of foot pedals. The FC3A is a great foot pedal that is compatible with synthesizers, digital pianos, keyboards, and many other instruments. It is a half-pedaling device and allows for extremely precise and expressive performances. You could also go for the FC4A foot pedal which is modeled after the pedals of acoustic pianos. It is a sustained pedal and comes with a rubber underside which ensures your foot does not slip mid-performance. It is also easy to use, and you can easily change the settings by pressing the pedal with your foot. It’s also a great option in case you plan on switching to an acoustic piano soon after.

A piano stand can really elevate your playing experience and make you feel more comfortable. The great news is that you can pair the Yamaha P45 with a stand that is tailor-made for it! The L-85 stand is compatible in terms of functionality and also has a sleek look which makes your overall instrument look more attractive.

As a musician, you will need a good pair of headphones to go with your piano and the HPE-170 headphones are a great option. They are compatible with the Yamaha P45 and have excellent sound quality. They make it easy to practice in private since you don’t have to rely solely on the speakers.

Price

Since your budget will be a huge determinant of the piano you end up buying, it is important to consider the price of the Yamaha P24. It currently retails at $488, and you can also purchase a bundle option with accessories at $899. Frankly, a good-quality digital piano at this price is a steal! Good quality digital pianos retail up to $2000 and this isn’t even considering the cost of accessories!

Digital pianos like the Yamaha P45 are also much cheaper compared to acoustic pianos. This makes them a great purchase if you are a beginner and trying your hand at piano playing for the first time. You can always invest in an acoustic device later on when you have learned the basics and decided if you want to pursue music.

Warranty

It’s important to look at the warranty of a big purchase like a musical instrument. This helps ensure that in case anything goes wrong you can get the device fixed. The good news is that the Yamaha P45 comes with a 1-year warranty. So in case something goes wrong or if the instrument is not working as specified, you can get it fixed in a hassle-free manner!

Yamaha P-45 in Short

We have gone over the amazing features of the Yamaha P45 in great detail; however, here are some key features that really stood out to us:

The GHS action feature on the keyboard really allows it to stimulate the feel of playing an acoustic piano! The keyboard is also weighted which allows you to practice proper finger techniques. This makes it a great first piano option for beginners and allows you to easily transition to playing an acoustic grand piano.

We also really appreciate how easy it is to control. The grand piano button makes it possible to change settings with the push of a single button! You will really appreciate this feature if you are a beginner.

Another great feature is that the Yamaha P45 is highly compatible with a variety of different accessories. This means you can pair it with a pedal of your choice or a piano stand which will make playing so much easier and more comfortable for you!

This also makes it a great option for beginners who are still learning and getting accustomed to the world of piano playing.

Who Should Get This Digital Piano?

The Yamaha P45 is a great option for beginners since it is easy to control. It also allows you to learn the basics of piano-playing so you can smoothly transition into an acoustic device. It’s also a great option for those who want a portable device since it is lightweight and easy to carry around. In case you are on a budget and cannot afford an acoustic piano, then the Yamaha P45 is a great alternative since it stimulates the feel of an acoustic in terms of both sound and the playing experience!

PROS

CONS

  • An easy-to-handle option for beginners
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Stimulates the sound and keyboard of an acoustic piano
  • Compatible with a variety of amazing accessories
  • Has a variety of different modes which allow you to be versatile and experiment
  • Has amazing AWM sound sampling technology
  • Has a sophisticated matte black look
  • Easily connects to your devices
  • Comes with 1-year warranty
  • Is reasonably priced compared to other digital pianos
  • Some players may not find its range as dynamic as an acoustic device
  • The keys can be noisy at times which might disturb your playing experience
  • The speakers are not of great quality compared to other digital pianos

 

Alternatives

The Yamaha P-45 is one of the most versatile, and affordable digital pianos out there! Its controls are easy to navigate and it’s the best option for you especially if you are a novice player. We understand that especially as a beginner, it’s always hard to figure out which piano to go for as it is also not a very simple or cheap investment. Added to this, when it comes to digital pianos, there are many different and unique alternatives available. We will compare the Yamaha-45 with these alternatives to show how it fares against them and why it is the piano you should be going for rather than any of the other ones.

Yamaha P-45 vs. YAMAHA P-71

The best thing about these pianos, the Yamaha P-45 and the Yamaha P-71, is that they both have similar GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) in them. What this does is that within the keys of the piano, there is a heavier touch in the low end and a lighter touch in the high end. Thus, both these pianos perfectly replicate the hammers that are inside of an acoustic piano and are the perfect choice if you’re someone who plans on shifting to an acoustic one after practicing on the digital one. Just like with the P-45, the P-71 has the same single-button operation. The “Grand Piano/Function” button is at the same place in both pianos and just by pressing this one button, you can change and play with various settings in the piano. Thus, this is a huge advantage because if you’re already used to playing on one piano, you won’t find any difficulty in quickly getting acquainted with the other.

Both pianos also capture sound through two microphones, which allows for a deeper and richer sound to come out when you play it. If the Yamaha P-45 has any advantage over the Yamaha P-71, it’s probably the matte finish of the black keys on the piano. This matte finish in the P-45 is conducive to a longer playing time as they make the keys less slippery and will allow you to play comfortably for a long time without getting irritated. However, since both pianos are from the same company, most of their features are quite similar, from their slick, black look to the in-built sound technology.

If there is one main reason you might consider buying the P-45 over P-71 is that the P-45 is cheaper and thus, more affordable. If you’re someone who is just starting out, it would make sense to buy the P-45 rather than making a more expensive purchase.

Yamaha P-45 vs. Casio CDP-S150

If there is one feature that is quite similar in both these pianos, the Yamaha P-45 and the Casio CDP-S150, it is that they both have the same sleek black finish that looks attractive and will be a perfect addition to any of your living dining room space. Both pianos are also portable and easy to carry around, with the Casio CDP-S150 weighing a little less (23 pounds) and having a similarly slim body which is only 232mm in depth. Both these models are also available to buy in a bundle, including a stand on which to place your piano and a bench that is adjustable in height. This allows for great customization in the usage of the pianos. However, The Yamaha P-45 has a wooden furniture stand which has a very sophisticated and fancy look and thus, might be more to your preference than the plain looking adjustable one of the Casio CDP-S150.

If there is one thing that the Casio CDP-S150 has over the Yamaha P-45, it’s probably that it comes with a Dual Mode that allows two players to practice together at the same time. Thus, if you’re someone who is learning the piano with someone else, the Casio CDP-S150 is a good option as both you and your partner can just invest in one piano rather than buying two. However, in terms of usage the Yamaha P-45 is still quite superior. Its control functions are much easier to navigate, especially with the “Grand Piano/Function” button through which you can control most of the piano. There is no doubt that both pianos are quite similar in nature and are easy and comfortable to play, especially if you’re someone who is just starting out or just want to practice without lugging an entire grand piano into your small space.

With its price point, and other sound features (for example capturing sound through two microphones), the Yamaha P-45 is probably the more convenient and intelligent buy. But in the end, it’s also about your taste and what you’re exactly looking for in a piano.

Yamaha P-45 vs. Donner DEP-20

Like the Yamaha P-45, the Donner DEP-20 is also a fully-weighted 88 key keyboard. It comes with an adjustable touch response, thus giving more freedom in the way you want to play the piano. If you’re someone who likes to drabble in different styles, then this is the perfect piano for you. It is the same black color as the Yamaha P-45, however has a more polished look in contrast to the P-45’s matte finish. While the Yamaha P-45 is a bit on the heavier side, the Donner DEP-20 is lighter but bigger in its dimensions and thus, will take more space in your apartment or house. Since they’re both still quite portable and easy to carry around, it all depends on what you give preference to, size or weight.

The Yamaha P-45 is much quicker to navigate and learn on since it doesn’t have many controls, with a singular button that controls most of the piano. However, in contrast, the Donner DEP-20 has a multitude of functions at its top, which might take some time to learn and get used to. They also make the piano look a little clunky, which is not the case with the Yamaha P-45. The good thing is that both pianos are quite similar in the features that matter the most. Both keyboards provide the dual-tone mode, which will allow you to combine two voices together. So for example, the piano and the drums or the piano and strings. Thus, using either piano will help your creativity flourish and allow you to create new and innovative music arrangements or ensembles.

The one thing that the Donner DEP-20 has that the Yamaha P-45 does not is the backlit LCD screen, situated right at the center of the piano. The screen shows chord names, and notation and the different recording modes amongst other things. This helps in keeping track of the piano’s settings and allows for a much easier and smoother piano playing experience. It’s quite evident that both pianos, the Yamaha P-45 and the Donner DEP-20, have their own share of advantages and disadvantages.

Thus, it all depends on your own preference and what you like in a piano. If you’re a beginner, then both pianos will serve you well, and allow you to unleash your creativity and practice in whichever way you want.

Conclusion

You should really consider buying this piano if you are a beginner and on a budget. It gives you the experience of playing an acoustic piano and allows you to become skilled at piano-playing. We also love how easy to use it is as you can change its settings using a single button! The GHS action feature and AWM stereo sampling technology also set it apart from other models. It can also be paired with a variety of different accessories! We have given you a comprehensive Yamaha P-45 review and its various features here.

However, in case you weren’t already impressed by the Yamaha P-45, we have also compared it to a number of viable alternatives and illustrated how it is the best option! The Yamaha P45 is a digital piano that you can rely on!

References

1.
12 Benefits of Buying a Digital Piano | Piano Gallery
Technology has come a long way since the early years of digital pianos, making even more benefits of buying a digital piano than ever before.
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