Best
Beginner
Digital Piano
Portable Keyboard Package a new level of convenience
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Overall:
With 400 tones and 77 rhythms. -
Best Feature:
LCD display easily adjusts your settings. -
TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Overall
Digital Piano
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Overall: Generously sampled of Yamaha CFX 9' concert grand.
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Best Feature: 24 voices, including strings and electric piano.
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TedScore™: 10/10
Best
Intermediate
Digital Piano
Digital Piano features everything you love
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Overall:
GrandTouch-S keyboard with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops. -
Best Feature:
All new CFX and Bösendorfer Samples. -
TedScore™: 9/10
When I first encountered the classic dilemma of Yamaha Digital Piano Vs Casio, it felt like a kid in a sweet shop with only one coin to spend. Both brands glitter with promises of rich tones and responsive keys that would make any pianist’s heart sing.
I remember playing a Casio piano, where the keys felt gentle, and a Yamaha piano that filled the room with cozy warmth.
In this article, we will explore the unique features of each brand’s digital pianos. Stick around, and find out which piano might soon be making music with you.
Price and Value for Money
Choosing between a Yamaha and Casio piano keyboards can be quite the adventure, especially when weighing up the cost against what twinkles your ivories the best. Let’s tuck into the financials and discover which brand hits the perfect note for your wallet.
Budget Considerations
Casio CT S200 Portable Keyboard Package
When it comes to staying within a budget, Casio often plays a sweet melody. For example, you can land an entry-level Casio, like the CT S200, for around $75-$115.
Casio CT S200 Portable Keyboard Package
FEATURES: With 400 tones and 77 rhythms.
OTHER INFO: LCD display easily adjusts your settings.
- Built-in carry handle makes transportation easy.
- Includes AC power adapter.
- Limited number of keys.
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™.
Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
In contrast, Yamaha’s entry-level digital piano, the P-45, floats in at a slightly loftier \$340-\$380 price point. Yamaha pianos tend to be pricier, but they have a repertoire to back it up.
So, if you’re after a pinch for more prestige and ready to stretch the budget, perhaps a Yamaha has your name on it.
Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
FEATURES: Tempo Range: 32 - 280
OTHER INFO: Polyphony: (Max.) 64
- Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard for realistic piano touch
- Advanced Wave Memory Stereo Sampling for authentic piano sound
- 10 voices, including grand piano, electric piano, and vibraphone
- Metronome and duo mode for easy learning
- Easy to use with simple controls
- Limited number of voices compared to more expensive models
- No stand or bench included
- Speakers may not be powerful enough for large rooms
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™.
Cost-to-Feature Analysis
Yamaha CLP 725 Digital Piano
Let’s move on to what you’re getting for your buck. Yamaha tickles the ivories with its Clavinova series, packed with top-notch technology miming an acoustic piano’s authentic feel and sound.
But, as fab as they are, they can cost a pretty penny, setting you back anything from $800 to well into the thousands.
Yamaha CLP 725 Digital Piano
FEATURES: GrandTouch-S keyboard with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops.
OTHER INFO: All new CFX and Bösendorfer Samples.
- Included piano bench and 50 Classical Music Masterpieces book.
- Includes a Yamaha 5-year warranty.
- Limited recording and playback capabilities.
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™.
Casio Privia PX-S1100 Digital Piano
Now, Casio doesn’t shy away from innovation either. Their Privia models, like the PX-S1100, boast impressive features at a more palatable price—usually under $600.
I reckon that’s a sterling deal for quality sound and feel without having to splash out an arm and a leg.
Casio PX S1100 Digital Piano
FEATURES: Tuning control: 415.5Hz to 440Hz to 465.9Hz
OTHER INFO: Metronome tempo range: 20 to 255
- Ideal for tight spaces
- Authentic piano tones with improved speakers
- Bluetooth for apps, sounds, and recording
- Play for up to 4 hours on batteries
- Limited number of built-in tones (18)
- Key action might feel light for some players
- Glossy finish shows fingerprints
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™.
Professional Vs. Beginner Models
Yamaha Arius YDP-184 Digital Home Piano with Bench
Professional models come swathed in bells and whistles when delving into the high-end side of things.
Yamaha’s YDP-184 can nudge towards the $2,000 mark, a testament to its premium quality and exhaustive feature list. It’s a serious investment of severe musicians, indeed.
Yamaha Arius YDP-184 Digital Home Piano with Bench
FEATURES: Generously sampled of Yamaha CFX 9' concert grand.
OTHER INFO: 24 voices, including strings and electric piano.
- Improved LCD user interface.
- Includes 50 Classical Music Masterpieces book.
- Stereo 6" speakers with dual 30W amps.
- Higher price point
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™.
Casio PX 870 Digital Piano Package
The Casio PX-870 might not demand as much coinage as its Yamaha counterpart, hovering under $800. Yet, it still delivers many sophisticated features you’d expect from a high-end digital piano.
For those starting their musical journey, a Casio might be the harmony between cost and function you’re after.
Casio PX 870 Digital Piano
PERFECT FOR: all musicians, pianists, students
FEATURES: With AiR sound source for exceptional dynamic range and variation of tone
OTHER INFO: A truly authentic touch with a Scaled Hammer Action keyboard
Casio PX 870 Digital Piano
- Rear sound projection system for an immersive acoustic experience
- Learn to play with the free Casio Music Space app and online lessons
- A high-quality digital piano with advanced features
- Does not have a built-in display screen
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™.
Design and Build Quality
The design and build of a digital piano provide valuable insights when selecting one. Let’s explore what Yamaha and Casio offer.
Materials and Durability
Yamaha impresses with its robust construction; their pianos often have a sturdy feel. Durability is a hallmark, with premium materials that promise longevity.
Casio, on my watch, has made leaps in quality. They now serve up digital pianos that are not just sleek but are also built to last.
Portability and Size
I’ve lugged around a few keyboards, and portability is a real game-changer. Casio often wins in the portable department, taking up less space and being lighter.
On the other hand, while not overly heavy, Yamaha’s instruments tend to be slightly more weighty, which is a factor when moving from gig to gig.
Key Action and
Touch Sensitivity
When discussing digital pianos, the conversation often turns to how they feel under the fingers. The key action and touch sensitivity make or break that authentic piano experience.
Hammer Action Technology
Yamaha and Casio breathe life into their keys through ingenious hammer action technology. The Yamaha Graded Hammer Standard, known as GHS action, provides a steady progression, feeling heavier in the lower keys and lighter in the high notes, just like an acoustic piano.
Weighted Keys and Graded Hammer Standards
The weighted keys on Yamaha pianos boast this Graded Hammer Standard, which echoes the tactile sensation of a real grand piano. Conversely, Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action also aims to mimic the grand piano touch, offering a different but equally compelling touch response.
Touch Response Features
In the realm of touch sensitivity, it’s a fascinating battle. Yamaha’s GHS action, found in models like the Yamaha P-125, delicately responds to my playing style, adjusting the volume and timbre accordingly.
Contrast that with Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action, which also adjusts the digital piano’s response based on how I tickle the ivories; it’s impressively receptive.
When creating a digital piano space, consider the timeless elegance of an acoustic grand piano or the versatility of a digital piano.
Digital pianos often offer a variety of grand piano voices, allowing you to experience a grand piano’s rich and expressive tones in a more compact and flexible format.
Sound Quality and
Audio Features
The most important aspect of digital pianos is their sound. I’m fascinated by how these instruments recreate acoustic pianos’ rich and detailed tones.
In this section, I’ll explain how Yamaha and Casio digital pianos capture our ears.
Sampling and Sound Engines
The magic begins with the sound engines, the very soul of a digital piano. Yamaha’s sound is powered by its proprietary AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) sampling, which captures the essence of acoustic piano sounds with impressive finesse.
Casio is a little behind, boasting its own AiR (Acoustic and intelligent Resonator) sound engine, meticulously designed to deliver detailed and dynamic piano tones.
Built-in Tones and Voices
Yamaha digital pianos typically bestow upon you a treasure trove of different instrument voices, ever ready to inspire with just a touch. Casio, in its own right, presents an array of tones to suit any mood or genre, ensuring that the breadth of your creativity is never limited.
Bold and beautiful, the tones range from the iconic grand piano sounds to strings, organs, and even synth pads, ensuring versatility no matter the setting.
The sheer variety allows both Yamaha and Casio to reach out and resonate with musicians from all walks of life, from the eager novice to the seasoned maestro.
Yamaha digital piano vs Casio:
Main Points
When deciding between a Yamaha and Casio digital piano, it’s like choosing my favorite ice cream flavor—both are delightful but cater to different tastes.
Casio keyboards tends to bring a lot of tech and features to the party. It has a good-quality acoustic piano tone and nifty features, making it more than just an instrument but a hub for creativity.
On the other hand, Yamaha charms me with its focus on that authentic piano sound and feel, leaving many piano purists smitten. Their digital pianos are renowned for faithfully replicating the subtleties of their acoustic counterparts, delivering an immersive musical experience.
Look beyond the brand names and explore the features of each. Your ideal match is out there, whether it’s the techy side of Casio or the timeless elegance of Yamaha.
Trust your instincts (and ears!) to find the digital piano that’s perfect for you.
Hold on, there’s still more to discover…
Discover the top 10 best digital pianos for beginners in this comprehensive guide to help you kick-start your musical journey.
Interesting points on touch sensitivity and key action. It’s a crucial aspect for me since it affects expressiveness. Appreciate the depth on this topic, Robert Emery.
Oh great, another article telling me how to spend my money. Because I definitely needed a comparison to figure out I’m broke either way, whether I go Casio or Yamaha. Good to know the hammer action’s great when I might as well be hitting my bank account with a hammer.
the yamaha clp 725 sounds like it’s got some serious tech. love seeing how digital pianos evolve with new tech. makes choosing a bit tough but exciting.
Robert Emery, nice piece! Is the Yamaha P45 a good fit for intermediates too, or just beginners?
I’ve used it for a year now at the intermediate level, and it’s been great!