Best
Student Piano
-
Overall: Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Keyboard With 88 Weighted Keys For A Great Experience
-
Best Feature: Yamaha's Pure CF Sound Engine
-
TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Overall Piano
YOU LOVE
-
Overall: GrandTouch-S keyboard with
synthetic ebony and ivory keytops. -
Best Feature: All new CFX and Bösendorfer Samples.
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Professional Piano
-
Overall: GrandTouch-S keyboard with wooden keys and synthetic ebony and ivory keytops
-
Best Feature: Binaural sampling technology and a stereophonic optimizer
-
TedScore™: 10/10
When searching for a digital piano that delivers outstanding performance, the Yamaha CLP-725 might be the instrument to end your quest.
This model is renowned for replicating the feel and sound of an acoustic piano with remarkable precision. The Yamaha CLP-725 delivers a premium sound experience, bringing concert-level sound into your living room.
Are you ready to enhance your musical journey?
I’ll guide you through what makes this piano special, including its key features and benefits. You’ll discover why so many at-home musicians adore it.
Design and Build Quality
The Yamaha CLP-725 impresses with its sleek design and robust build, melding a modern aesthetic with practical functionality. Its cabinet is expertly crafted, the keyboard offers an authentic touch, and the pedal design integrates seamlessly for an immersive playing experience.
Cabinet Construction
The Yamaha CLP-725’s cabinet construction is stylish and practical. It has a sleek, modern look that fits comfortably in any room setting. The finish is smooth, and the lines are clean, giving it an elegant and sophisticated appearance.
It’s built with sturdy materials, ensuring durability and longevity. The rich color options complement various home interiors, adding a touch of class.
Pedal Design
Another notable feature of the Yamaha CLP-725 is its pedal design. It includes three pedals: damper, sostenuto, and soft, all reflecting the setup of a grand piano.
These pedals are solidly built and integrated seamlessly into the cabinet. They provide the correct resistance, allowing for expressive performances.
Each pedal is responsive and accurately translates the pressure applied into corresponding tonal variations. This ensures that each note’s sustain or softness is controlled precisely.
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™.
Sound and Acoustic Technologies
When I consider the Yamaha CLP-725, I’m struck by the focus on high-quality sound reproduction. It offers sophisticated acoustic technologies that enhance the playing experience with realistic sound samples and immersive resonance effects.
CFX and Bösendorfer Samples
- World-Class Piano Sounds: The CLP-725 graces my ears with the sounds of Yamaha’s flagship CFX concert grand. It beautifully captures the power and brilliance, providing a vibrant tonal palette.
- Historical Depth: As I play, the presence of Bösendorfer samples becomes clear, lending a rich Viennese warmth. This dual-sampling technology creates authentic sounds, bridging modern digital precision with classical heritage.
Virtual Resonance Modelling
- Beyond Simple Sampling: With Virtual Resonance Modelling (VRM), I experience the subtle overtones and sympathetic vibrations akin to an acoustic piano. The piano’s body comes to life as I play, resonating naturally.
- Dynamic Expression: VRM integrates key-off simulations and string resonance. It allows for dynamic expression and responsiveness, capturing the nuances of my performance in remarkable detail.
Built-in Speakers
- Powerful Sound Delivery: The CLP-725 speakers project sound with a convincing presence. Despite its compact design, the audio output fills the room, providing a solid, immersive experience.
- Clarity and Depth: I notice every detail as I listen—the texture in the bass notes and the clarity in the trebles are outstanding. These speakers ensure every nuanced performance shines through, whether for practice or intimate recitals.
Connectivity and Integration
The Yamaha CLP-725 features both USB and Bluetooth connectivity options, allowing for seamless integration with various devices. Additionally, compatibility with the Smart Pianist app offers expanded functionality and a user-friendly experience.
USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
How can you connect this digital piano to your other devices? It’s incredibly straightforward, and it has USB and Bluetooth capabilities.
- USB: Connect the Yamaha CLP-725 to a computer or mobile device via a USB cable. This enables MIDI communication, allowing you to transfer data, record performances, or use educational software.
- Bluetooth: With Bluetooth connectivity, there’s no need for messy cables. You can stream audio directly from your device and play along with your favorite tracks. This is perfect for practicing without any fuss.
Smart Pianist App Compatibility
Imagine having an app that enhances your playing experience. The Yamaha CLP-725 works seamlessly with the Smart Pianist app, designed to make your life easier.
- Sheet Music Display: My favorite feature is the app’s ability to show digital sheet music. It makes finding a song quick and simple by accessing a whole library of songs right from your device.
- Instrument Control: I can tweak the piano settings directly from the app. It allows me to select voices, adjust the tempo, and personalize my overall experience. It’s a fantastic tool for both beginners and seasoned players, providing comprehensive control right at your fingertips.
Performance and Learning Features
The Yamaha CLP-725 offers a delightful blend of performance tools and learning aids to enhance your musical journey. Its capabilities range from recording your sessions to practicing with rhythm assistance. These features are straightforward yet powerful, ensuring an engaging experience for users of all skill levels.
Recording Functions
I have always appreciated the sound recording function, and the CLP-725 doesn’t disappoint. Firstly, it allows me to capture performances in real-time using its built-in recording feature, which is invaluable for tracking progress over time.
Moreover, the simple interface makes it easy to record, stop, and playback my sessions with just a few button presses.
With the MIDI recording capabilities, I can seamlessly save and transfer recordings to various devices. This flexibility offers opportunities for further editing and sharing. Whether I’m perfecting a complex piece or showcasing a spontaneous performance, the recording function empowers me to keep an accurate record of my musical journey.
Metronome and Rhythm Patterns
A reliable metronome is an essential tool in any musician’s arsenal, and the CLP-725 provides just that, along with additional rhythm patterns. This feature helps maintain a consistent tempo during practice sessions while offering a variety of patterns to explore.
The adjustable tempo settings help me tailor the rhythm to my specific requirements. Working with different rhythms provides a fresh perspective on practice pieces, making this feature both a learning and creative asset.
Comparing CLP-725 to Other Models
CLP-725 vs. CLP-735
The CLP-735 offers several upgrades over the CLP-725, including a higher polyphony count, more instrument voices, an improved speaker system, and Bluetooth audio connectivity. These make it a more versatile and feature-rich option for those willing to invest a bit more.
Yamaha CLP 735 Digital Piano
FEATURES: GrandTouch-S keyboard with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops.
OTHER INFO: Binaural sampling and stereophonic optimizer
- Authentic touch and response
- Immersive sound technology
- 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™.
CLP Series and Arius YDP-165
The Yamaha CLP Series and Arius YDP-165 are both high-quality digital pianos, but the CLP Series offers more advanced features, such as superior sound engines, more realistic key actions, and a wider variety of instrument voices. The YDP-165 is a more affordable option that still provides excellent performance and value for home use.
Yamaha YDP 165 Digital Piano
PERFECT FOR: intermediate players
FEATURES: Uses cutting-edge resonance modelling for natural vibrancy and reverberation
OTHER INFO: Perfectly captures the expression and control of a real grand piano
Yamaha YDP 165 Digital Piano
- With modern features such as the Stereophonic Optimizer and Intelligent Acoustic Control for a perfect balance and sound
- Powerful soundset with true-to-life resonance
- Beautiful design with realistic tone escapement
- Includes three months of Flowkey Premium
- A bit pricier compared to other brands in its class
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™.
Core Insights:
Yamaha CLP-725
The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-725 is a high-quality digital piano that incorporates advanced features like Grand Expression Modeling, which accurately captures the expressive capabilities of renowned Yamaha CFX concert grand pianos.
This technology allows players to create uniquely personal performances, delivering an authentic grand piano experience. With a wide selection of preset songs and compatibility with other Yamaha digital pianos, the CLP-725 offers a versatile and engaging playing experience for pianists of all levels.
While Clavinova pianos are known for their superior sound and feel, the CLP-725 stands out as an exceptional instrument that brings the essence of the world’s finest grands to your fingertips, making it a top choice among discerning pianists seeking a genuine grand piano experience in a digital format.
Yamaha’s dedication to craftsmanship and innovation allows them to deliver Clavinova pianos that offer an unparalleled digital piano experience.
Before you go…
If you want to know which brands hold their value over time, this article provides valuable insights and recommendations based on factors such as reputation, build quality, and market demand.
The feature rundown on the CLP-725 vs. other models is incredibly helpful, Dawn . I’m in the process of updating our music classroom with new instruments, and your insights are making the decision a lot easier. The recording functions and built-in metronome are exactly what we need for student practice sessions. Thanks for laying out all the details so clearly – it’s going to make a big difference for us!
heard about those built-in speakers, and I gotta say, it’s about time. my cat’s been judging me cause my old piano sounds like a toy. maybe now she’ll think i’m playing at carnegie hall, huh?
Regarding the comparison between CLP-725 and CLP-735, the article makes some good points. However, I think it undersells the importance of the additional features in the 735 like the GH3X keyboard action and the binaural samples. For serious students and semi-professionals, these could make a significant difference in practice effectiveness and performance.
Hey there, Dawn Hardwick! Thanks for this deep dive into the CLP-725! I’ve been thinking of upgrading my keyboard to something that feels and sounds more like a real piano. The Virtual Resonance Modelling sounds super interesting. Does it really make a big difference in the sound quality? Also, how user-friendly would you say the smart pianist app is for absolute beginners? I’ve read about these features before, but I’m keen to hear your take on them!
Can confirm, the app is beginner-friendly!
elliequinn, the VRM tech is a game-changer for sure, makes it feel way more like an actual concert grand. and the app’s pretty straightforward from what i’ve seen.