The Yamaha P45 and P71 are both highly regarded digital pianos tailored for beginners, boasting similar features and functionalities.
However, a key distinction lies in their distribution channels and target demographics.
The Yamaha P45 is widely available in various retail outlets, while the P71 is exclusively offered to Amazon customers.
Despite this discrepancy, the core features and functionalities of both models remain largely consistent.
To aid in your decision-making process, a comprehensive understanding of the Yamaha P45 Vs P71 is imperative.
I’ll take you through the differences, which I think is better, and which I personally prefer to play on.
Yamaha P45: Overview and Features
The Yamaha P45 Digital Piano is a standout instrument designed to cater to the needs of both beginners and intermediate players alike.
Featuring a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, it offers an authentic piano-playing experience with weighted keys that replicate the feel of an acoustic piano.
From the heavier grading at the bottom to the lighter touch towards the higher keys, the P45 enables players to develop proper technique and dynamics essential for honing their skills.
Moreover, its versatile sound options, including preset voices like grand piano, electric piano, and vibraphone, are powered by advanced wave memory technology, delivering rich and expressive tones that faithfully replicate acoustic instrument sounds.
Despite its compact size and slim profile, weighing just 11.5kg, the P45 remains highly portable, making it ideal for gigging musicians or those with limited space.
Its intuitive functionality, including built-in metronome, touch sensitivity adjustments, and Duo Function for duet performances or teacher-student interactions, ensures ease of use and customization.
Additionally, the P45 boasts powerful amplifiers and discreetly placed speakers, delivering impressive stereo sound projection whether playing through the built-in speakers or using headphones for private practice.
Yamaha P45 Digital Piano, Black
FEATURES: Tone Generation: AMW Stereo Sampling
OTHER INFO:Comes with Pedal/Footswitch, Music Rest, AC Adaptor
- Seamless mobility for gigs and practice sessions on the move
- Genuine piano feel with weighted keys and touch-sensitive response
- Diverse sound palette featuring 10 instrument options and adjustable reverb
- Intuitive control panel facilitates easy operation and sound selection
- USB connectivity enables MIDI transmission and software compatibility
- Built-in metronome for refining rhythm and timing skills
- Limited polyphony might pose constraints for intricate compositions
- Onboard speakers may lack power for larger performance venues
- Absence of built-in recording function necessitates external recording equipment
- Rear placement of headphone jack could be inconvenient for some users
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™.
Specifications of Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
11.5kg (25lbs., 4oz)
Graded Hammer Standard
64 Notes
Allows fine-tuning adjustments
4 options
Simplistic, Plastic casing
Glossy white/Matte black
Black Only
10 voices
Dual/Duo modes
Included
Not available onboard
Allows pitch adjustment in semitone steps
AMW Stereo Sampling
Dual 6W amplifiers with 12cm x 2cm speakers
USB (TypeB)/Headphone/sustain jack
Hard/Medium/Soft/Fixed settings
Yamaha P71: Overview and Features
The Yamaha P71 Digital Piano shares many similarities with its counterpart, the P45, offering a reliable and immersive playing experience as a entry level digital piano.
As an exclusive offering through Amazon, the P71 delivers Yamaha’s renowned quality and performance directly to customers’ doorsteps.
Like the P45, the P71 features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, providing an authentic piano feel with weighted keys that respond naturally to the player’s touch. This feature is instrumental in developing proper technique and dynamics essential for mastering the instrument.
Furthermore, the P71 offers a dual mode function, enabling users to layer two voices simultaneously for a richer and more dynamic sound. Whether combining piano with strings or experimenting with other combinations, this feature opens up a world of creative possibilities for musicians to explore.
Compact and lightweight, the P71 is designed with portability and convenience in mind, making it an excellent choice for both home practice and on-the-go performances.
Its sleek and stylish design, coupled with a depth of less than 12 inches, ensures that it fits seamlessly into any living space without compromising on functionality.
Yamaha P71
FEATURES: AMW Stereo Sampling
OTHER INFO: USB (TypeB)/Headphone/sustain jack
- 88-key fully-weighted piano with 10 tones
- Compact, slim, stylish design
- Excellent sound quality for solo playing
- Built-in metronome and transposition tuning
- Includes pedal, duo, and dual-mode
- Affordable price point
- No MIDI recording features
- Lower polyphony at 64 notes
- No split mode, unlike similar models
- No MIDI recorder included
- Lack of accessories like a stand, despite price
- Some keys may produce slight clicking noise, potentially not ideal for professionals
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™.
Specifications of Yamaha P71 Digital Piano
25 lbs
Black
Rubber
Indoor
Less than 12 inches in depth
Included
Included
Glossy white/Matte black
10
USB port, headphone jack
Hard/Medium/Soft/Fixed settings
Yamaha P45 Vs P71: Examining the Differences
Despite their striking similarities, subtle differences can influence your purchasing decision. Let’s explore these disparities across various facets to help you make an informed choice.
Both the Yamaha P45 and P71 are constructed with similar materials, featuring a simplistic design with a plastic casing.
This construction choice keeps the keyboards lightweight for easy transportation without compromising on durability. The keys, available in glossy white and matte black, offer a comfortable playing experience and are resistant to wear and tear.
While there are no significant differences in build quality between the two models, it’s worth noting that additional accessories like the custom stand (L-85) can enhance the overall stability and aesthetic appeal of the keyboards.
The Yamaha P71 and Yamaha P45 share nearly identical dimensions and layout, presenting sleek and user-friendly designs. Despite their minimalist appearance, they exude a sense of sophistication and refinement.
On the front panel of both models, you’ll find a concise array of controls and buttons. Notably, the power button incorporates a safeguard against accidental presses, ensuring uninterrupted use during playing sessions.
Both keyboards boast a Function Button, offering the convenience of creating personalized shortcuts. Consult the accompanying manual for instructions on utilizing this feature effectively.
In terms of size, both the P71 and P45 measure 11.7 inches x 16.1 inches x 58.2 inches, maintaining a compact and slim profile.
Their lightweight construction, at 11.5 kilograms or 25 lbs, enhances their portability, making them ideal choices for musicians on the move.
The Yamaha P45/P71 digital piano boasts a built-in pair of 6-watt speakers, each equipped with a 12cm driver, delivering a balanced and resonant sound perfect for home use and intimate performances.
These speakers offer solid and accurate sound reproduction, ideal for small gigs and practice sessions. To amplify the sound and dynamics of the keyboard for larger performances, you can connect external speakers.
Utilizing Yamaha’s renowned Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) better sound engine technology, these models authentically capture the rich, deep, and spacious sound of acoustic pianos, providing a remarkably natural and realistic playing experience.
Whether you’re practicing at home or performing on stage, the integrated speakers ensure minimal sound distortion as long as the volume is kept at reasonable levels.
Touch and Feel: Action and Weighted Keys
Key Action: Sensitivity and Response
Connectivity: Ports and Compatibility
Choosing Between the P45 and P71: Which Fits Your Needs?
When making a choice between the Yamaha P45 and P71 digital pianos, it’s essential to evaluate how each model meets your individual needs. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to assist you in navigating your decision-making process:
Both the Yamaha P45 and P71 boast compact dimensions, making them suitable for smaller spaces in homes or studios.
Their slim profiles and lightweight design ensure easy maneuverability and storage, ideal for musicians with limited space.
Whether you’re setting up in a cozy corner of your living room or a compact studio apartment, both models offer versatility without compromising on performance.
As both the P45 and P71 serve as solid foundational options for budding pianists, it’s prudent to factor in prospective upgrades and expansion avenues.
Given the P71’s status as an Amazon-exclusive model, it may present distinct digital piano bundle or promotional opportunities that can enrich your musical odyssey.
Moreover, delving into accessory possibilities, including bespoke stands or pedal units, can finely tune your digital piano configuration to align with your evolving requirements and tastes.
Other Worthy Digital Pianos to Buy
Korg G1 Air Digital Piano
FEATURES: Comes with Light, Normal, Heavy, Stable, Fixed Keyboard Sensitivity
OTHER INFO: Maximum Note Storage: 45,000 Notes
- 32 high-quality sounds, including 3 concert pianos
- Slim, stylish design
- Slim, stylish design
- Bluetooth speaker functionality
- Handcrafted in Japan for durability
- 120 maximum polyphony
- Fewer sounds (29) compared to some competitors.
- Heavy (42kg) and less portable.
- Pricier due to quality and 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™.
Roland FP-30X Digital Piano
FEATURES:Max. Polyphony: 256
OTHER INFO: Speakers: 12 x 2 cm
- Advanced sound engine delivers dynamic and responsive piano sound
- Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth MIDI and Audio
- Compact and lightweight design, ideal for both home and stage use
- PHA-4 keyboard offers a realistic piano touch.
- Powerful onboard speakers with dedicated modes for optimal sound quality
- Only basic ambience and brilliance adjustments available.
- Advanced features need the Piano Every Day app.
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™.
Kawai CN29 Digital Piano
FEATURES: Concert Magic Songs: 40
OTHER INFO: 7 Beats, Tempo and Volume adjustable
- Exceptional touch response mimicking an acoustic grand piano
- Embedded counterweights in keys for nuanced dynamics
- Advanced sound technology in partnership with Onkyo for crystal clear audio
- Virtual Technician app allows for detailed sound customization
- Comprehensive lesson function for self-paced learning
- Higher price point might be prohibitive for beginners
- Limited to 192-note polyphony compared to some higher-end models
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 Vs P71
Summary
The Yamaha P45 and P71 digital piano models offer virtually identical features and appearances, catering to different target markets and retail channels.
The P71 is an Amazon-exclusive model, priced slightly lower at $480, while the P45 is available in various physical and online music stores at $550.
For those prioritizing value for money and convenience, the Yamaha P71 from Amazon presents an attractive option.
Conversely, individuals who prefer the tactile experience of inspecting the unit in person before purchase may opt for the Yamaha P45, albeit at a slightly higher cost.
Both models offer excellent value for their respective prices, with the decision between them largely hinging on personal preferences regarding purchasing channels and pre-purchase inspection.
It’s for this reason I think it makes sense to save a bit of money and go for the P71. I’ve played on the P71 many times, and I think it’s a fabulous keyboard for the money.
Sure, there are better options available at higher price points – but for the money, I think nothing beats the P71!
What are your thoughts on these two models? Which factors would you consider most important when making your decision?
You may also want to consider the Alesis Recital Pro – I’ve created an article comparing the Alesis with the Yamaha P45 here: The Ultimate Battle: Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45.
hey can u tell me which one’s better for a total beginner like me? the p45 or p71? don’t wanna spend too much money but want somethin good.
Interesting comparison between the Yamaha P45 and P71, but I think you might’ve missed out on highlighting the full capabilities of the MIDI connectivity for both models. As someone who integrates digital pianos into a larger electronic setup, the MIDI functionality is crucial for syncing with DAWs and other MIDI gear. Could you dive a bit deeper into how these models perform in a studio setting, especially regarding latency and control mappings?
I’m impressed with the detailed comparison of the Yamaha P45 and P71. It’s clear, concise, and exactly what a first-time buyer like me needs to make an informed decision. Thanks for the insights, much appreciated!
totally agree with dave, this article is super helpful!
Hey Dawn Hardwick, I was reading through your specs comparison between the P45 and P71 and wonderin’, does the slight variation in weight between the two models make a noticeable difference in portability? I’m movin’ my gear around a lot, so every pound matters to me. Also, are there any stark differences in the key action that would matter to someone who’s kinda picky about the touch and feel? Appreciate your insights!