Best
Student Piano
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Overall: Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Keyboard With 88 Weighted Keys for a great experience
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Best Feature: Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Overall Piano
you love
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Overall: GrandTouch-S keyboard with
synthetic ebony and ivory keytops. -
Best Feature: All new CFX and Bösendorfer Samples.
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professional Piano
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Overall: Has GrandTouch-S keyboard with wooden keys and synthetic ebony and ivory keytops
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Best Feature: Incorporates Virtual Resonance Modeling technology
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TedScore™: 10/10
Welcome, piano enthusiasts, to the ultimate showdown between two of the most popular Yamaha digital piano series: the Yamaha Clavinova Vs Arius!
If you’ve been wondering which one to choose, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and quirks of these two piano powerhouses, helping you make an informed decision that will have you tickling the ivories with glee.
Understanding the Yamaha Clavinova Range
The Yamaha Clavinova range is a series of digital pianos designed to provide an authentic acoustic piano experience. These instruments are equipped with advanced technology and features that replicate the sound and feel of a traditional grand piano.
The Clavinova range is ideal for pianists who want to upgrade from a beginner’s instrument and are looking for a more premium and authentic playing experience.
The Clavinova range includes several models, each with its unique features and specifications. The entry-level models, such as the CLP-625, offer a more affordable option for those who want to experience the Clavinova range without breaking the bank.
The higher-end models, such as the CLP-685, offer advanced features like Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) and a more responsive keyboard.
One of the key features of the Clavinova range is its sound engine, which is designed to replicate the sound of a traditional acoustic grand piano. The sound engine uses advanced sampling technology to capture the nuances of a real piano, including the resonance and harmonics.
This results in a rich and authentic piano sound that is perfect for practice, performance, and recording.
Key Features of Digital Pianos
When it comes to digital pianos, there are several key features to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Weighted Keyboard: A weighted keyboard is essential for an authentic playing experience. Look for a digital piano with a weighted keyboard that simulates the feel of a traditional acoustic piano.
- Sound Engine: The sound engine is the heart of a digital piano, and it’s responsible for producing the sound. Look for a digital piano with a high-quality sound engine that can replicate the sound of a traditional acoustic piano.
- Polyphony: Polyphony refers to the number of notes that can be played simultaneously. Look for a digital piano with high polyphony (at least 128 notes) to ensure that you can play complex pieces without any notes being cut off.
- Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM): VRM is a technology that simulates the resonance of a traditional acoustic piano. Look for a digital piano with VRM for a more authentic playing experience.
- Headphone Sound: If you plan to practice with headphones, look for a digital piano with high-quality headphone sound. Some digital pianos have special headphone modes that simulate the sound of a traditional acoustic piano.
- Connectivity: Consider a digital piano with connectivity options like USB, MIDI, and audio outputs. These features allow you to connect your digital piano to a computer, recording device, or sound system.
- Real Piano Feel: Look for a digital piano that simulates the feel of a traditional acoustic piano. This includes features like weighted keys, graded hammer action, and a responsive keyboard.
By considering these key features, you can find a digital piano that meets your needs and provides an authentic playing experience.
Yamaha Clavinova
First, let’s examine the Yamaha Clavinova series, the fancy pants of the digital piano world.
- Sound Quality: The Clavinova boasts Yamaha’s cutting-edge sound technology, using meticulously recorded samples of their renowned concert grand pianos. This means you’ll be treated to a rich, authentic piano sound that will make you feel like you’re playing in a grand concert hall, even if you’re just in your living room wearing bunny slippers.
- Key Action: Yamaha’s Real Grand Expression (RGE) keyboard action is the star of the show in the Clavinova series. With a natural wood key construction and synthetic ivory keytops, playing the Clavinova feels incredibly close to the real deal. You’ll be able to express your inner Beethoven with unparalleled control and nuance.
- Extra Features: The Clavinova series is loaded with bells and whistles that will make your jaw drop. From built-in lesson functions and USB audio recording to Bluetooth connectivity and a swanky LCD interface, you’ll have everything you need to become a piano maestro.
Plus, with a wide variety of instrument sounds and accompaniment styles, you can explore musical genres from classical to jazz and beyond!
In contrast, the Yamaha YDP series, part of the Arius range, offers a more budget-friendly option while still delivering quality sound and features.
Yamaha CLP-745
Yamaha CLP-745
FEATURES: Has GrandTouch-S keyboard with wooden keys and synthetic ebony and ivory keytops
OTHER INFO: Incorporates Virtual Resonance Modeling technology
- Offers a wide range of features, including multiple piano voices, a variety of built-in songs, USB audio recording and playback, and compatibility with apps like Smart Pianist
- With Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) technology and high-quality piano samples
- Premium price tag
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 CLP 725 Digital Piano
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™.
Yamaha Arius
Next up is the Yamaha Arius series, a Yamaha digital piano range that serves as the scrappy underdog, packing a serious punch without breaking the bank.
- Sound Quality: While the Arius may not have the same level of sound sophistication as the Clavinova, it still delivers an impressive piano sound using Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) sampling technology. You’ll enjoy a rich, dynamic sound that will make your neighbors think you’ve been hiding a real piano in your closet.
- Key Action: The Arius features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard action, which mimics the feel of an acoustic piano by providing a heavier touch in the lower keys and a lighter touch in the higher keys. While less fancy than Clavinova’s RGE action, the GHS action still offers a satisfying and responsive playing experience.
- Extra Features: Don’t let the Arius’s lower price point fool you – this series still comes with a host of nifty features. You’ll find built-in lesson functions, a variety of instrument sounds, and even a two-track song recorder to capture your musical masterpieces.
Some models even come with USB connectivity, so you can easily connect to your computer or mobile devices.
Yamaha Arius YDP-165
FEATURES: Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Keyboard With 88 Weighted Keys For A Great Experience
OTHER INFO: Yamaha's Pure CF Sound Engine For High-Quality Sound Reproduction of Real Acoustic Piano
- Built-in recording and playback features for practice and performance
- USB connectivity for easy integration with computers and other devices
- Has a maximum polyphony of 192 notes
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 Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for – which digital piano series should you choose? Well, it all comes down to your priorities and budget.
If you’re a serious pianist who demands the highest level of sound quality, key action, and features, the Yamaha Clavinova is the Yamaha digital piano for you. It’s the crème de la crème of digital pianos, and it’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning piano snobs.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a high-quality digital piano that won’t require you to sell a kidney, the Yamaha YDP series from the Arius range is a fantastic choice. It offers an impressive sound and playing experience at a more accessible price point.
It is perfect for beginners, intermediate players, and anyone who wants to enjoy playing the piano without breaking the bank.
The Ultimate Breakdown:
Yamaha Clavinova vs Arius
There you have it – the ultimate showdown between the Yamaha digital piano series: Clavinova and Arius.
The Yamaha Clavinova range offers a superior digital piano experience, closely replicating the feel and sound of an acoustic grand piano. With advanced features like the Real Grand Expression (RGE) keyboard action and high-quality headphone sound, Clavinova CLP pianos provide an immersive playing experience.
On the other hand, Yamaha’s Arius pianos, such as the Yamaha YDP series, feature a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) weighted keyboard, delivering a realistic piano feel at a more affordable price point.
Whether you choose the fancy-schmancy Clavinova or the budget-friendly Arius, you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a top-notch digital piano from one of the most trusted names in the music industry.
So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and tickle those ivories like there’s no tomorrow!
And remember, no matter which series you choose, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the magic of making music. Happy playing, piano pals!
Don’t go yet…
If you want to know which brands hold their value over time, check out this article for recommendations based on factors such as reputation, build quality, and market demand.
i just got an arius based on a friend’s rec and man, it’s cool. didn’t know much about pianos before but this article kinda makes me wanna explore the clavinova too. those built-in lessons sound handy. anyone tried those? how’s it for real beginners?
Hey Robert Emery, I’ve been playing on an old keyboard for a while and thinking about getting something nicer. Between the Clavinova and Arius, which do you think feels more like a real piano? My budget’s not huge, but I want a good experience. Thanks!
SandraQ, I went with the Clavinova and it’s fantastic. Feels almost like the real thing!