Aspiring pianists seeking an entry-level digital piano often encounter the Yamaha P45. This well-established instrument boasts affordability and brand reputation, enticing potential buyers.
However, a critical assessment is crucial to ensure the P45 aligns with your specific needs and goals.
In this Yamaha P45 review, I try to meticulously dissect the P45’s core features, sound quality, and overall value proposition, empowering you to make an informed decision as you embark on your musical journey.
History of the Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
The Yamaha P45 digital piano, known for being a cost-effective entry-point instrument, has a concise history within the broader Yamaha piano portfolio.
While its precise launch date remains unofficially documented, online retail archives and the absence of the model in earlier Yamaha product catalogs suggest its introduction in late 2014 or early 2015.
The P45 rapidly gained traction due to its strategic combination of accessibility, realistic sound powered by Yamaha’s AWM Stereo Sampling technology, and weighted keys that emulate the feel of an acoustic piano.
This combination established the P45 as a preferred choice for beginning pianists, students, and budget-conscious musicians.
Key Specifications of the Yamaha P45
- 88 Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) weighted keys provide a realistic piano-playing experience.
- 4-level touch sensitivity allows for nuanced control over dynamics.
- 10 voices, including 2 grand pianos, 2 harpsichords, 2 pipe organs, 2 electric pianos, strings, and a vibraphone, cater to diverse musical tastes.
- 64-note polyphony ensures smooth performance even during complex passages.
- 4 reverb types (Room, Hall1, Hall2, Stage) add depth and ambience to the sound.
- Connectivity options include USB MIDI, headphone jack, and basic sustain pedal jack.
- Compact and lightweight design (52″ x 6″ x 11.5″, 25 lbs) facilitates easy transportation and storage.
- Amplifiers: 2X6W
Yamaha P45 Digital Piano, Black
FEATURES: Tuning: 414.8 - 440.0 - 446.8 Hz
OTHER INFO: Comes with Accessories (Pedal/Footswitch, Music Rest, Owner's Manual, AC Adaptor, Online Member Product Registration)
- Provides a realistic playing experience for pianists of all levels.
- Delivers an accurate and immersive acoustic piano sound.
- Enables easy transportation and storage.
- Offers a good value proposition for beginners and intermediate players.
- Streamlines navigation and function selection.
- May not cater to players seeking a wider variety of instrument sounds.
- Restricts the ability to capture and review performances.
- Menu navigation can be cumbersome
- May not be suitable for larger performance spaces.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Performance and Sound Quality of Yamaha P45
The Yamaha P45 is equipped with Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) key action, which simulates the feel of an acoustic piano. The keys are weighted, meaning they require more pressure to play the lower notes and less pressure for the higher notes. This provides a more realistic playing experience for pianists of all levels.
The P45 utilizes Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) technology for sound generation. AWM samples real acoustic pianos and recreates them digitally, resulting in a high-quality, realistic piano sound. The P45 also features additional voices like electric pianos, organs, strings, and harpsichords, offering versatility for various musical styles.
The P45 utilizes Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) technology for sound generation. AWM samples real acoustic pianos and recreates them digitally, resulting in a high-quality, realistic piano sound. The P45 also features additional voices like electric pianos, organs, strings, and harpsichords, offering versatility for various musical styles.
User Experience and Playability of Yamaha P45
The Yamaha P45 is a user-friendly digital piano, especially for beginners. The controls are relatively simple, with most functions accessed by pressing the “function” button and then a corresponding piano key. However, the lack of dedicated buttons for frequently used functions can require referring to the manual initially.
The graded hammer action keys provide a good playing experience, feeling more natural and responsive compared to non-weighted keyboards. Additionally, the adjustable touch sensitivity allows players to personalize the response of the keys to their playing style.
The P45 also offers features like dual mode (layering two sounds), duet mode (splitting the keyboard into two identical pitch ranges), transposition, and a metronome, enhancing the learning and practice experience for pianists.
Recommended Accessories for Yamaha P45
The Yamaha P45 is a great entry-level digital piano, but there are a few accessories that can make your playing experience even better. Here are a few of the most recommended accessories for the Yamaha P45:
Piano Stand
A stand is mandatory for proper posture and playing comfort. The Yamaha L-85 stand is specifically designed for the P45, ensuring stability and a perfect fit. However, consider exploring other options that might better suit your needs (adjustable height, portability, aesthetics) within your budget.
Yamaha L85 Stand for Yamaha P45 Black
FEATURES: Compatible with P45, P115, P125
OTHER INFO: Height: 660mm
- Stylish design enhances the look of your instrument
- Accommodates optional 3-pedal unit (sold separately)
- Easy to assemble
- Available in black finish
- Limited adjustability
- Not as portable as some stands
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Piano Case
A case offers valuable protection during transport and storage, especially if you plan to gig or move the instrument frequently. However, if the P45 primarily stays at home, a case might not be necessary.
88 Keys Slim Padded Keyboard Bag by Gear4music
FEATURES: Padding depth: 20 mm
OTHER INFO: Pockets: 2
- Lightweight and portable
- Protects your keyboard from bumps and scratches
- Waterproof coating to shield your instrument from the elements
- Two front pockets for storing essentials like pedals, cables, and sheet music
- Affordable
- May not be suitable for the most heavy-duty use
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Headphones
Headphones provide the ability to practice privately without disturbing others and offer a more immersive playing experience, allowing you to fully focus on your music. When choosing headphones, prioritize:
- Sound Quality: Opt for headphones that deliver clear, accurate sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
- Comfort: Extended practice sessions require comfortable headphones that fit well and won’t cause fatigue.
- Noise Cancellation (optional): This feature can further enhance your focus by blocking out external noise.
Roland RH-5 Closed Stereo Headphones
FEATURES: Frequency Range: 10-22000 Hz
OTHER INFO: Sensitivity: 92dB
- 40mm drivers deliver detail across frequencies
- Plush ear cups for extended wear.
- Works with various instruments and devices (adapter included).
- Passive noise isolation
- Simple design (may not appeal to everyone)
- Lacks advanced features found in higher-end headphones
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Comparing Yamaha P45 with Similar Digital Pianos
The Yamaha P45 is a well-regarded entry-level digital piano, offering a balance of affordability and functionality.
However, several other digital pianos in the same price range boast comparable or even superior features. This analysis compares the Yamaha P45 to two of its leading competitors: the Alesis Recital Pro and the Roland FP-10.
Alesis Recital Pro 88 Note Digital Piano
The Alesis Recital Pro is a beginner-friendly digital piano featuring 88 full-sized, hammer-action keys with adjustable touch response.
This means the keys feel weighted and respond to your playing style, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano. It also comes with a variety of features that make it ideal for learning piano, including:
- Lesson mode: This splits the keyboard into two identical zones, allowing you and a teacher to play side-by-side.
- Metronome: This helps you develop your sense of timing and rhythm.
- Recording mode: This allows you to record your playing and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
- Skoove online piano lessons: The Alesis Recital Pro comes with 3 free months of Skoove, a popular online platform that offers interactive piano lessons for all skill levels.
The Recital Pro also features 12 built-in sounds, including acoustic piano, electric piano, organ, strings, and more. You can layer or split these sounds to create richer and more complex tones. It has a built-in speaker system, but you can also connect headphones for private practice.
Additionally, the Recital Pro can be connected to a computer or tablet via USB-MIDI, allowing you to use it with educational software or virtual instrument plugins.
Alesis Recital Pro 88 Note Digital Piano
FEATURES: 20-watt speakers
OTHER INFO: Includes a power adapter
- Affordable price
- Hammer-action keys provide a realistic playing experience
- Wide variety of sounds and features
- Lesson mode is helpful for beginners
- Includes 3 months of free Skoove piano lessons
- Fewer sounds compared to higher-end models
- Built-in speakers may not be powerful enough for larger spaces
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Roland FP-10 Digital Piano, Black
The Roland FP-10 is another digital piano featuring a premium PHA-4 keyboard with 88 keys and Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine.
The PHA-4 keyboard is known for its fast key repetition and high-resolution sensing, which allows for expressive playing.
The white keys are finished with a moisture-absorbing material for a comfortable playing experience, and the hammer-action mechanism is designed to be quiet for practice sessions with headphones.
The FP-10’s SuperNATURAL sound engine uses a combination of samples and modeling technology to create realistic piano sounds. This engine can recreate the dynamics of an acoustic piano, including the subtle differences in tone from different playing styles and dynamics.
The FP-10 also features a variety of other sounds, including organs, electric pianos, and strings.
The FP-10 includes a number of features to help pianists of all levels improve their playing. The onboard metronome can help with timing, and the Twin Piano mode allows students and teachers to play side-by-side in the same key range.
The FP-10 can also be connected to a computer or mobile device via Bluetooth or MIDI, which allows pianists to use a variety of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and apps.
Roland FP-10 Digital Piano, Black
FEATURES: 96-note polyphony
OTHER INFO: 17 listening songs and 15 tone demo songs
- Top-notch piano sounds and key feel
- Excellent value for the price
- Bluetooth connectivity for MIDI and app use
- Lacks dedicated line outputs for external speakers
- Doesn't support Bluetooth audio streaming
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
DP-6 Digital Piano by Gear4music, White
Packed with features that aid in the learning process, it boasts 88 full-sized, weighted hammer-action keys that mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, allowing for a seamless transition between the two.
With 16 distinct instrument voices, you can explore a range of musical styles beyond the traditional piano sound.
Experiment with layering two voices using the Dual Mode or split the keyboard into two separate zones with unique tones in each hand, perfect for creating unique soundscapes.
Furthermore, the DP-6 features a built-in metronome to help you hone your timing skills, a recorder to capture your musical ideas for playback and analysis, and integrated speakers that eliminate the need for external amplification for personal practice sessions. For quiet practice sessions, the DP-6 also features a headphone jack.
If you’re looking to expand your creativity, the DP-6 seamlessly connects to your computer via USB, transforming it into a MIDI controller that unlocks a world of music production possibilities with your favorite software.
With its comprehensive feature set and affordable price tag, the DP-6 Digital Piano by Gear4music is an excellent choice for pianists of all skill levels.
DP-6 Digital Piano by Gear4music, White
FEATURES: Metronome: 9 time signatures, variable tempo (20-280bpm)
OTHER INFO: Speaker Output: 2x 10W RMS
- Has features like duet mode, metronome, and various demo songs.
- Has 88 weighted hammer-action keys with adjustable touch sensitivity.
- Offers 16 different instrument voices, reverb, chorus, and EQ.
- Can be connected to computers, external speakers, and other devices.
- Relatively lightweight and comes with a detachable base stand.
- Might not handle super complex music.
- Doesn't have a fancy lid or a bunch of different pedals.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Yamaha P45
Explore the P45’s diverse sound library, encompassing various piano voices, organs, strings, and more. Experiment to discover the voices that resonate most with your musical preferences and playing style.
The P45’s integrated speakers, while functional, may not fully represent the instrument’s sonic potential. Utilize high-quality headphones for a more accurate and immersive sound experience, allowing you to practice without disrupting your surroundings.
The P45’s USB port facilitates a direct connection to your computer, unlocking a world of creative possibilities. Integrate the P45 with recording software, virtual instruments, and online piano learning platforms to enhance your practice sessions and explore diverse musical ventures.
The P45 allows customization of the touch sensitivity, enabling you to fine-tune the keyboard’s response to your playing style. If you find the keys too heavy or light, adjust the sensitivity to achieve optimal comfort and control.
The built-in metronome is an invaluable tool for developing your rhythmic precision and timing. Regularly incorporate the metronome into your practice routine to solidify your sense of rhythm and enhance overall musicality.
The P45’s manual provides detailed information on its features and functionalities. Refer to the manual whenever you have questions or require clarification on specific aspects of the instrument.
For those committed to serious piano development, consider seeking instruction from a qualified piano teacher. A teacher can provide personalized guidance on technique, repertoire selection, and motivation, ensuring consistent progress and a fulfilling musical journey.
Yamaha P45 Review
Summary
The Yamaha P-45 is the ideal companion for a budding pianist.
The realistic weighted keys, authentic sounds, and straightforward design help you focus on developing your skills rather than fiddling with features.
If you’re committed to your piano practice, the P-45 won’t let you down. Although I’d also advise you look at the Alesis Recital Pro as well, and figure out which instrument works best for you.
My new article comparing the Yamaha with the Alesis is here – and you may find that an interesting read.
So, tell me, does this sound like the perfect keyboard to start your piano adventure?
Nice overview, but would’ve appreciated more on educational features. As a teacher, tools like duo mode and built-in lessons are game-changers for students.
got a yamaha p45 after reading this review and omg, i love it! it sounds so good and feels like a real piano. tysm for the rec, Dawn!
While the Yamaha P45 offers great value for its price tag, I think it’s important to note that there are several key areas where it falls short compared to the Roland FP-10, especially in terms of connectivity options and the nuanced expressivity of the key action. The Roland’s Bluetooth functionality and superior hammer action provide a more seamless experience for users who rely heavily on music production software. This is not to understate the P45’s capabilities, particularly for beginners or intermediate players, but for those delving into more advanced compositions or performances, the limitations are worth considering.
Just picked up the Yamaha P45 based on Dawn Hardwick’s deep dive into its specs and features, and I gotta say, I’m impressed. The key action and sound quality are top-notch for the price point. Makes you wonder how Yamaha packs so much value into such an accessible instrument. Anyone on the fence about getting this as a first piano or a portable option for gigs, I’d say go for it. It’s a versatile piece of kit that won’t disappoint. Also, kudos to Dawn for the spot-on review.
MelodyG, it’s surprisingly manageable! Definitely one of the lighter digital pianos I’ve handled. Should be no problem for gigs or lessons.
Thanks for sharing, PianoManX! I’m curious about the weight though. Is it too heavy to lug around for someone like me who’s not used to handling musical instruments?