When I first started researching digital pianos, the Yamaha P115B kept popping up everywhere as one of the most popular choices. There’s good reason for that buzz.
The Yamaha P115B delivers authentic piano sound and weighted keys that feel remarkably close to an acoustic piano, all in a portable package that costs around $600. I’ve spent time testing this instrument, and it genuinely surprised me with how realistic it feels to play.
What makes this piano special goes beyond just the basics though. From its smart practice features to seamless connectivity options, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about whether this digital piano deserves a spot in your home.
Overview of the Yamaha P115B Digital Piano
When I first started researching digital pianos, the Yamaha P115B kept popping up everywhere as one of the most popular choices. There’s good reason for that buzz.
The Yamaha P115B delivers authentic piano sound and weighted keys that feel remarkably close to an acoustic piano, all in a portable package that costs around $600. I’ve spent time testing this instrument, and it genuinely surprised me with how realistic it feels to play.
What makes this piano special goes beyond just the basics though. From its smart practice features to seamless connectivity options, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about whether this digital piano deserves a spot in your home.
Key Specifications
The P115B features 88 weighted keys with Yamaha’s GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) technology. This means the keys feel heavier in the lower end and lighter in the higher end, just like a real piano.
I’m impressed by the 192-note polyphony, which allows for rich, layered playing without notes cutting out. The CF Sound Engine recreates the tone of Yamaha’s famous CF III concert grand piano.
The piano includes 10 different voices and various rhythm patterns. You can adjust the key sensitivity to match your playing style, which I find incredibly helpful.
Connectivity options include:
- USB to HOST port for computer connection
- AUX OUT jack for external speakers
- Headphone jack for private practice
The piano weighs about 26 pounds and measures 52 inches wide. Two 7-watt speakers provide clear sound for room-level playing.
What's Included in the Box
When you purchase the P115B, you’ll receive the main piano unit and a sustain pedal. The sustain pedal is essential for authentic piano expression and comes standard with your purchase.
I should mention that you’ll need to purchase a stand separately if you want one. The piano works great on a table or desk, but a proper stand makes playing more comfortable.
The package also includes a power adapter and music rest. Some retailers may include additional accessories, but these vary by seller.
You won’t find a bench included, so plan to purchase one separately. The piano is compatible with most standard keyboard stands and benches.
Yamaha P-155
FEATURES: features weighted keys that simulate the feel of an acoustic piano
OTHER INFO: offers a wide range of voices and accompaniment styles
- Its lightweight and sleek design make it easy to transport and fit into smaller spaces
- The weighted keys provide a realistic playing experience
- Limited Advanced Features
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™.
Who Is the Yamaha P115B For?
I believe this digital piano works well for beginning students who want to develop proper finger technique. The weighted keys help new players build the muscle memory they’ll need for acoustic pianos.
Intermediate players will appreciate the authentic sound and touch response. The adjustable key sensitivity lets you customize the feel to match your playing style.
The piano also serves gigging musicians well thanks to its portability and professional sound quality. At 26 pounds, it’s manageable for transport to performances or rehearsals.
Home players who want a quality instrument without taking up much space will find this appealing. The compact design fits in most rooms while still providing a full 88-key experience.
Budget-conscious buyers get excellent value around $600. You’re getting Yamaha quality and features that compete with more expensive digital pianos.
Sound Quality and Performance
The P115B delivers impressive sound through Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine and samples from their premium concert grand piano. With 192-note polyphony and solid amplification, it produces rich, realistic piano tones.
CF Sound Engine Explained
I’ve found the Pure CF Sound Engine to be the heart of what makes the P115B sound so authentic. This technology reproduces the tone of Yamaha’s meticulously sampled acoustic pianos with remarkable accuracy.
The engine captures multiple layers of sound for each key press. This means when I play softly or forcefully, the piano responds with different tonal qualities just like a real acoustic instrument.
What impressed me most is how the CF Sound Engine handles the subtle details. The resonance between strings, the hammer strike variations, and even the ambient room sound are all recreated digitally.
The engine also manages the transition between different velocity levels smoothly. I never hear abrupt jumps in tone when I vary my playing dynamics.
Sampling from the CF III Concert Grand Piano
The P115B uses samples recorded from Yamaha’s acclaimed 9-foot CFIIIS concert grand piano. This isn’t just any piano – it’s the same model used in major concert halls worldwide.
Each note was recorded at multiple volume levels to capture the full range of expression.
When I play quietly, I hear the gentle hammer touch, and when I play loudly, the full power of the concert grand comes through.
The sampling process captured not just the initial attack of each note but also the sustain and decay. This means the notes ring out naturally and fade just like they would on the original instrument.
I can really hear the difference this makes compared to cheaper digital pianos. The tone has depth and character that makes practicing feel more inspiring.
Polyphony and Number of Voices
The P115B offers 192-note polyphony, which is a significant upgrade from earlier models that had 128 notes. This higher polyphony count means I can play complex pieces without notes cutting off unexpectedly.
In practical terms, this polyphony handles even the most demanding classical pieces with ease. When I use the sustain pedal heavily or play dense chords, every note rings through clearly.
The piano includes 10 different voices beyond the main grand piano sound. These include electric pianos, organs, and string sounds that add versatility to my playing.
| Voice Type | Count |
|---|---|
| Grand Piano | 1 main voice |
| Electric Pianos | 2 voices |
| Organs | 2 voices |
| Strings | 2 voices |
| Other | 3 voices |
Audio Output and Amplification
The P115B features 7 watts per channel amplifiers paired with 12cm full-range speakers. This setup delivers plenty of volume for home practice and small performances.
I’ve been impressed by how clear the sound remains even at higher volumes. The speakers don’t distort or become muddy when I really want to play expressively.
The amplification system handles both quiet practice sessions and more energetic playing well. Whether I’m working on delicate passages or powerful fortissimo sections, the sound stays balanced.
For headphone practice, the audio output maintains the same quality I hear through the speakers. This makes late-night practice sessions just as enjoyable as daytime playing.
Authentic Piano Feel and Touch
The Yamaha P115B delivers a realistic piano touch through its Graded Hammer Standard action and weighted keys. I found the adjustable sensitivity settings make it feel surprisingly close to playing an acoustic piano.
Graded Hammer Standard Action
The P115B uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) technology to create an authentic piano feel. This system makes the lower keys heavier and the upper keys lighter, just like a real acoustic piano.
When I play in the bass section, my fingers work harder to press each key.
Moving up to the treble range, the keys become noticeably lighter and more responsive.
The black keys have a matte finish that prevents slipping during longer practice sessions. This textured surface feels natural under my fingers and gives me better control.
The GHS action helps build proper finger strength and technique. Students who practice on this digital piano can transition more easily to acoustic instruments later.
Adjustable Key Sensitivity
The P115B offers four different touch sensitivity settings to match my playing style. I can choose between hard, medium, soft, and fixed sensitivity levels.
The hard setting requires more force to produce louder sounds. This mimics the response of a concert grand piano perfectly.
Medium sensitivity works well for most players and general practice. The soft setting responds to lighter touches, which helps beginners who haven’t built finger strength yet.
Fixed sensitivity removes touch response completely. Every key press produces the same volume regardless of how hard I strike the keys.
Hammer Action vs Traditional Pianos
The P115B offers four different touch sensitivity settings to match my playing style. I can choose between hard, medium, soft, and fixed sensitivity levels.
The hard setting requires more force to produce louder sounds. This mimics the response of a concert grand piano perfectly.
Medium sensitivity works well for most players and general practice. The soft setting responds to lighter touches, which helps beginners who haven’t built finger strength yet.
Fixed sensitivity removes touch response completely. Every key press produces the same volume regardless of how hard I strike the keys.
Authentic Piano Feel and Touch
The Yamaha P115B includes helpful tools that make practicing more structured and creative. These features help you develop timing skills while adding musical variety to your practice sessions.
Built-in Metronome
I find the built-in metronome essential for developing steady timing and rhythm. The metronome helps me stay on beat during practice sessions.
You can adjust the tempo to match your playing speed. This makes it perfect for both slow practice and full-speed performances.
The metronome works with any of the piano’s sounds. I can use it while playing piano, electric piano, or any other instrument voice.
Key metronome features:
- Adjustable tempo settings
- Clear, audible click sound
- Works with all instrument voices
- Easy on/off control
Pianist Styles and Rhythms
The Pianist Styles feature turns simple chords into full accompaniments. I just play basic chords and the piano creates rich backing music automatically.
There are 10 different pianist styles to choose from. Each style gives a different musical feel and arrangement to my playing.
The rhythm patterns add drums and percussion to my music. I can select from various drum styles that match different music genres.
These features work great for solo performances. They make my playing sound fuller and more complete without needing other musicians.
Available options:
- 10 pianist accompaniment styles
- Multiple drum and rhythm patterns
- Automatic chord recognition
- Genre-specific backing tracks
Recording and Playback Functions
The recording feature lets me capture my performances for review. I can record up to two tracks and play them back instantly.
This helps me hear mistakes I might miss while playing. I often record myself to check my timing and expression.
The playback function works with the built-in songs too. I can slow down demonstration songs to learn them easier.
Recording connects well with the USB port. I can transfer my recordings to a computer for further editing or sharing.
Connectivity and Integration
The Yamaha P115B offers three main connection options that make it easy to connect with other devices and practice quietly. You can link it to computers, amplify the sound, or play privately through headphones.
USB to Host and USB to Host Port
The USB to Host port is one of my favorite features on the P115B. This single connection lets me plug the piano directly into my computer or tablet.
I can record my playing into music software like GarageBand or Audacity. The USB connection sends both MIDI data and audio signals to my device.
What the USB connection does:
- Records your playing as digital audio
- Sends MIDI data to music apps
- Powers some connected devices
- Works with both Windows and Mac computers
The connection is simple – just one USB cable from the piano to my computer. I don’t need any extra drivers or software to get started.
This makes the P115B perfect for online piano lessons. I can connect to apps that listen to my playing and give feedback.
AUX Out and External Amplifier Use
The AUX output jack lets me connect the P115B to bigger speakers or sound systems. This is great when I want to perform for a group or fill a larger room with sound.
I can plug into powered speakers, mixing boards, or guitar amps. The output is a standard 1/4 inch jack that works with most audio equipment.
Common AUX output uses:
- Connecting to PA systems for performances
- Plugging into home stereo systems
- Recording into audio interfaces
- Connecting to keyboard amplifiers
The built-in speakers are fine for practice. But when I need more volume or better sound quality, the AUX output gives me lots of options.
I’ve used this connection for small concerts and it works perfectly. The sound stays clear even at high volumes.
Headphone Jacks for Silent Practice
The headphone jack is perfect for late-night practice sessions. I can play without disturbing anyone else in my house.
The P115B automatically turns off the built-in speakers when I plug in headphones. The sound quality through headphones is excellent and feels very natural.
Headphone benefits:
- 24/7 practice without noise complaints
- Better focus on my playing technique
- Hear subtle details in the sound
- Works with any standard headphones
I recommend getting good-quality headphones for the best experience. Cheap earbuds don’t show off how good this piano really sounds.
The headphone output has enough power to drive most headphone types. I’ve used everything from small earbuds to large studio headphones with great results.
Yamaha HPH-50 Compact Headphones
PERFECT FOR: digital pianos
FEATURES: Provides comfortable, stress-free listening hour after hour
OTHER INFO: 90 degree swivel mechanism and adjustable headband
Yamaha HPH-50 Compact Headphones
- Outstanding audio quality with balanced bass and treble
- Includes 2m cable with 1/8'' connector and 1/4'' stereo adapter
- Dynamic closed-back driver
- May not be as high as some other headphones in the same price range
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™.
Accessories and Expansion Options
The P115B comes with essential accessories right out of the box and supports additional upgrades. You can expand your setup with compatible stands and pedal units for a more complete playing experience.
Sustain Pedal and Pedal Compatibility
The Yamaha P115B includes a basic sustain pedal in the box. This pedal lets you hold notes longer, just like on an acoustic piano.
I found the included pedal works well for beginners. It’s a simple on/off switch that gets the job done.
For more advanced playing, you can upgrade to the LP-5A pedal unit. This three-pedal system includes sustain, soft, and sostenuto pedals.
The LP-5A gives you the full piano pedal experience. It works specifically with the P-115 and other P-series models.
Yamaha FC4A Keyboard Sustain Pedal
PERFECT FOR: digital pianos, synthesizers and drum machines
FEATURES: A versatile pedal, also functioning as an FS controller for synthesizers and drum machines
OTHER INFO: Performance is stress-free with a rubber-grip bottom and 6-foot cable
Yamaha FC4A Keyboard Sustain Pedal
- Adds expression with a premium-grade sustain pedal
- Easy to setup with electronic keyboards and pianos
- None
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™.
Compatible Stands and Furniture
The P115B works great on any flat surface or keyboard stand. For the best look, Yamaha makes the L-85S matching stand.
This stand matches the piano’s sleek design perfectly. It transforms your portable piano into a furniture-style instrument.
The L-85S stand is sturdy and stable during playing. It also includes space for the LP-5A pedal unit if you add one later.
You can also use any adjustable keyboard stand. Many retailers sell bundle packages that include a stand, bench, and other accessories together.
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™.
Comparison with Similar Models
The Yamaha P115B shares key features with its predecessor, the P105, while the “B” designation simply indicates the black color option. Both models offer excellent value for beginners and intermediate players.
Yamaha P115 vs P105
The P115 replaced the P105 in 2015 with several important upgrades. I found the most significant improvement is the polyphony increase from 64 notes on the P105 to 192 notes on the P115.
This polyphony boost means you can play more complex pieces without notes cutting out. The P115 also features better sound sampling and improved speaker quality.
Both pianos use the same Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) weighted action. They share the same 88-key layout with heavier bass keys and lighter treble keys.
The P115 weighs about the same as the P105 at 26 pounds. Both models include USB connectivity and basic digital piano functions.
Key differences:
- Polyphony: P105 has 64 notes, P115 has 192 notes
- Sound quality: P115 offers improved sampling
- Price: P115 typically costs more due to newer technology
Yamaha P515 Digital Piano
KEYBOARD: 88 key fully weighted wooden keys with synthetic ivory and ebony keytops
COMES WITH: Includes three months of Flowkey Premium
FEATURES: Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer concert grand sampling; USB audio interface; onboard sound system; 12 effects; 250 songs; 40 rhythms
Yamaha P515 Digital Piano
- Excellent digital piano and excellent sound quality
- Over 500 preset tones
- Many advanced features
- Enhanced VRM feature
- The included sustain pedal is not great
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™.
Differences Between Yamaha P115 and Yamaha P115B
Many people think the P115B is a different model, but it’s actually identical to the P115. The only difference is the color of the piano case.
The standard P115 comes in white, while the P115B comes in black. I confirmed this directly with Yamaha customer service.
There are no performance differences between these models:
- Same 192-note polyphony
- Identical GHS hammer action
- Same weight and dimensions
- Same sound library and features
The “B” suffix simply indicates black color. This naming system often confuses buyers who assume the B model has different features.
When shopping, choose based on your color preference and price. Some retailers price them differently, but the functionality remains exactly the same.
I get lots of questions about the Yamaha P115B digital piano from readers looking to make the right choice. The P115B costs around $600 and offers 88 weighted keys with authentic piano sound from Yamaha’s CF sound engine.
