.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;}

Yamaha p45 Review 

 December 7, 2021

By  Zen Chung

[amazon box="B00UJ9LNDK" template="horizontal"]

Whether you are at the start of your musical career or an expert pianist, you'll love this Yamaha p-45. We've compiled a detailed review of this fantastic piano and more information that we felt would be great for you.

Yamaha is a brand that can never go wrong with pianos. So whether you want your first-class grand piano, a compact practice instrument, or any other musical instrument, you can always look to Yamaha.

This p-45 is a portable piano that feels like a real piano. The Yamaha’s graded hammer standard key action makes you feel like you're playing an acoustic piano. You will enjoy the feel of this digital piano, whether you are a beginner or a professional pianist.

Let's look at this amazing musical instrument's features, specs, accessories, and pros and cons.

Contents

What Are Key Features of Yamaha p-45?

A). Authentic to Touch

Just like in the hammers inside an acoustic piano, a Yamaha's GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) weighted action has heavier touch in the low end and lighter touch in the high end. Perfect for the aspiring pianist, playing on the GHS action develops the

proper finger technique for performing on an acoustic piano. In addition, the matte finish of the black keys is less slippery when played for an extended period.

The Yamaha P45 has a fully weighted 88-key keyboard, called Graded Hammer Standard (GHS). The keyboard imitates the feel of the hammers inside an acoustic instrument, using actual little hammers inside the keyboard than springs.

The keyboard is touch-sensitive. This means that the volume or timbre changes depending on how hard or soft you play the keys, reproducing a grand piano's rich, dynamic range. Of course, you can constantly adjust the touch sensitivity level according to your playing style.

B). Classic Sound Engine

The Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) sampling uses digital technology to capture the sound of an acoustic piano. AWM Stereo Sampling generates a deeper, richer and more spacious sound by using pairs of waveforms (L and R) picked up with two microphones. This digital piano uses AWM to play one sample per key at varying levels of volume and timbre.

The sound you hear on the P45 is a true stereo sound recorded from a full concert grand piano at different dynamic levels.

This instrument has built-in speakers measuring 2 x 12 cm. The sound it produces is loud enough to practice in a relatively small room or to perform in front of a few people.

You can get a better sound by plugging in a good pair of headphones. This will provide a clearer and more detailed sound and an immersive listening experience.

C). Lightweight and Compact

The Yamaha P45 requires a little space with its slim and stylish form with a depth of lesser than 12 inches. With a weight of 25 lbs.

It can be easily placed anywhere in your home or even used for performance outside. This instrument inherited its predecessor's compact and lightweight design, the Yamaha P-35. They look utterly identical in feature.

This piano would be a perfect choice for on-the-go musicians and those who appreciate mobility. The instrument can fit into most cars. You can easily take the keyboard to gigs or on the road with this. However, the Yamaha P45 is a full-sized 88-key instrument and is unsuitable for long trips by plane or train.

But if you insist on traveling with the piano, you should buy a padded keyboard bag to protect the piano during long travels.

This digital instrument does not come with a stand. Instead, the size of the piano allows you to place it on a table or just any flat surface. There is a Yamaha L85 furniture stand if you want your keyboard to be stationary. However, you have to buy it separately.

D). Single-Button Operation

Some of the Yamaha P45 settings can be changed with a single button. For example, just hold down the “GRAND PIANO/FUNCTION” button and press the keyboard to change Voices, play demo sources, configure the metronome and a lot more.

The instrument has a built-in metronome that keeps a steady tempo for you by ticking at a consistent speed. When you practice with the metronome, you can develop such fundamental skills as timekeeping and a sense of rhythm.

With the metronome, you can adjust the metronome's tempo, beat, and volume.

The Yamaha P45 does not have a built-in MIDI or audio recorder, which would allow you to record and playback your performances, but you can use an external connection like the USB to record the music.

E). Convenient Auto Power-off Feature

After a period of inactivity, the Yamaha P45 automatically shuts off.  You can customize the power by setting how long would you like the instrument to operate or remain on power. You can also disable it at the same time.  

F). Two-Instrument Sound

The dual-mode feature will allow you to layer two instrument sounds so that they will sound simultaneously across the entire keyboard range.

You can layer strings with the piano sound or combine whatever sounds you like resulting in new sounds. Also, you can adjust the volume balance between sounds to make one instrument louder than the other.

On the other hand, the duo mode splits the keyboard into two equal sections that have the same pitch ranges. This feature allows two people to sit side by side and play the notes simultaneously.  This mode is used mainly by piano teachers. With this, they can sit next to the student and can play tunes together.

G). Transpose and Fine-Tuning

The Yamaha P45 doesn’t need to be tuned just like any other digital piano. Instead, the instrument comes tuned at a standard A440 pitch.

The fine-tuning function allows you to raise or lower the entire keyboards’ pitch in 0.2Hz increments to match the other instrument.

The Yamaha P45 has a transpose function. It will allow you to change the keyboard's pitch in semitone steps. Transposing is very useful if you want to play a song written in a difficult key with many difficult keys involved. Then, you can switch the keys of the keyboard and play the song in a different and easier key.

H.) Connectivity

The piano is furnished with all the ports and jacks needed to connect the instrument to external devices, such as headphones, external amplifiers, sustain pedals, etc. All the connectors are positioned at the back of the instrument.

I). Assembly

You don't have to worry about assembly when it comes to this digital piano. This music gear comes almost ready to use once you remove it from the box. You can place it on your stand or table and test it out. We advise that you pick a spot for your digital piano before you get it so that you won't have trouble finding the space for it.

You can also get a stand made by Yamaha to get the full experience. If you are a beginner piano student and don't know how to go about this whole process, you can always ask for help from an expert. If you plan on using your home as a base for your musical operations, getting a stand might be the best idea.

You can also use an X-frame keyboard stand if you don't want to get a Yamaha stand.

J). Speakers

Truth be told, the speakers on this Yamaha beauty are not of the best quality. You will get a pair of 6W, 12cm amplifiers which are only suitable for private practice. If you plan on holding a performance or you're going for a gig, you may have to connect your digital piano to a PA or speaker system.

Nonetheless, if you are doing a small performance for your friends and family, you can work with the built-in speakers. We're not saying that the quality of sound produced is trash. We're saying that it won't do your skills justice.

You cannot compare the sound produced with sound from an authentic piano or a real piano. You'll have to connect to better speakers if you want a richer sound. You can use the headphone port to connect your external speakers.

Nonetheless, this is a small price to pay for such magnificent music gear. Once you get your set of external speakers, you'll be good to go.

K). Effects and Reverb Effects

Yamaha doesn't disappoint when it comes to the experience you'll get with your instruments. There are several sound and reverb effects on this instrument that you'll love. But, before we get ahead of ourselves, let's first define what reverb is.

Reverb is changing the acoustics of the sound produced. So, for example, instead of producing the usual gentle or piano sound when you play a key, you can get a simulation that you are playing your piano in a concert hall or any large hall.

You will get four types of reverb on this digital piano. These range from drier acoustics such as “Hall 1” and “Room” to more prominent acoustics like “Stage" and "Hall 2." Another great feature is that you can adjust the strength of these effects.

Features like these are another reason why getting this digital piano is a must-have, especially when you're starting out. Then, the world will be your oyster.

L). Various Modes

We mentioned getting a two-instrument sound when dealing with this digital piano. Now, we're going to look at these modes in a bit more detail so that you can have a clearer idea. This feature will be ideal for beginners and intermediate pianists.

Let's dive in.

a). Layer Mode

What is layer mode? This is also called dual-mode and is the feature that allows you to play two sounds simultaneously. This is what we mentioned above. An example is that you can play strings and the piano simultaneously with the stroke of a key. How cool is that?

This will come in very handy if you are playing with a band and want to get a great performance. If you are experimenting with various sounds, you will also love how this feature works. Another great thing about this mode is that you can adjust the balance.

This means that you can make one sound louder than the other. Unfortunately, this digital piano only allows you to work with two voices at a go. Nonetheless, this is a great feature that you'll love using.

b). Duo Mode

The duo mode is sometimes called the partner mode. This mode comes in handy when you are giving lessons with this digital piano. What this mode does is that it splits your digital piano keyboard into two parts.

You get two 44-note keyboards instead of one big 88-key keyboard. This is what we mentioned above. Both of these keyboards have the same range. This works when you are learning or teaching piano because the teacher has one side and the student another. This means that the student can practice and learn along on the same keyboard.

Specifications of Yamaha P-45

  • 88-key fully-weighted keyboard with matte black
  • keytops
  • Graded Hammer Standard action
  • Touch Sensitivity
  • AWM Stereo Sampling
  • 64-note polyphony
  • 10 instrument sounds (2 pianos)
  • 10 preset piano songs + 10 demo songs
  • Dual and Duo Modes
  • Metronome, Transpose, and Fine-Tuning
  • 6W + 6W (12cm x 2) speakers
  • USB to Host, Headphone jack, Sustain jack
  • 52.2 IN x 11.6 IN x 6.0 IN
  • Weighs 11.5 kgs
  • 3-year warranty

Accessories of Yamaha p-45

  1. HPE-170 Headphones. Headphones are convenient when you play or practice privately.
  2. L-85 Stand. It has an attractive and optional stand designed to match the look and feel of the P-85, P-95, P-35, and P-105 digital pianos.
  3. FC5 Foot Switch Style Sustain Pedal. Convenient expression tool for today's electronic keyboard
  4. FC4A Foot Pedal. The unit has a sustain pedal with the same feel as the pedal on an acoustic piano
  5. FC3A Foot Pedal. The Yamaha P45 has a sustain pedal compatible with half-pedaling
  6. i-UX1. An interface cable that allows you to connect your instrument to iOS applications
  7. UD-BT01. For a wireless connection, a Bluetooth wireless MIDI adapter for connecting instruments with a USB TO HOST terminal to your iOS devices (iPhone/iPad/iPod touch) or Mac

Pros

  • Compact and Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • 88 fully weighted keys
  • 10 realistic instrument sounds
  • A natural grand piano sound
  • Perfect for Beginners
  • Affordable

Cons

  • The headphone is on the back
  • No built-in recorder
  • Speakers are not very loud
  • Flimsy sustain footswitch

Who Is the Yamaha p45 Made For?

The p-45 digital piano is made for beginners who are on a budget. However, this is not to say that you cannot use it if you are a professional or have been in the industry for a while. Nonetheless, if you are new to the piano world and want a good digital piano to learn your craft on, the p-45 digital piano is a great place to start.

The best thing about this Yamaha piano is its price. You get high-quality features at a budget price. Another group of people who would benefit from this Yamaha digital piano is those who want to try piano as a hobby but don't want to spend a lot of money on the piano.

This p-45 digital piano is great at giving you the full piano experience whether you are a beginner or you are at the intermediate level. The reason why it's suitable for people at the beginner and the intermediate level is that it has a duo sensor that's used in the key action and has limited polyphony.

The polyphony makes it hard for you to use this p-45 digital piano to play complex classical pieces. If you play any sound that's older than the last 64, it will be cut off. The dual sensor will not allow you to play any repeated note fast and with the control you need.

Although these downsides can also affect beginners when they're starting out, they can be overcome with time.

What Are Alternative 88-Key Digital Piano Keyboards?

Having alternatives and choices can make your experience all the more powerful when deciding what piano you want. So we've compiled a list of some of the best 88-key digital piano keyboards in the market.

You can select one from these if you want an excellent alternative to the Yamaha p45. A great thing about 88-key pianos is that they give you the same sound that a real piano or grand piano would give you. Click here to learn more about piano keys.

What is the best Yamaha p 45 for beginners?

Rank

Product Image

Brand Name

Link

1

[amazon fields="B01DZXE9NC" value="thumb"]

2

[amazon fields="B072FKLXRB" value="thumb"]

3

[amazon fields="B07BSM7PFL" value="thumb"]

4

[amazon fields="B087TNRTK1" value="thumb"]

5

[amazon fields="B085KWB6VN" value="thumb"]

Let's look at the options we have.

1. Alesis Recital – 88 Key Digital Piano Keyboard

[amazon box="B01DZXE9NC" template="horizontal"]

If you love electric pianos, this is another one that will blow your socks off. The 88 keys are premium, full-sized, and semi-weighted. In addition, you can comfortably play in your preferred style thanks to the adjustable touch response that this piano comes with.

The sound quality is also something that you will love about this digital piano. You get five voices with this digital piano, including electric piano, acoustic piano, synth, organ, and bass. In addition, two in-built 20W speakers ensure you get a room-filling sound that is crystal clear.

Some of the connections that make this digital piano an asset are the ¼” stereo headphone output, ¼” sustain pedal input, stereo RCA outputs and more. In addition, you can play this digital piano wherever you are, thanks to the fact that you can use it with batteries.

You can use 6 D cell batteries or the included power adapter. If you are learning to use a digital piano or just want to improve your skills, you'll love the educational features that it comes with. Some of these include layer, standard, split, and lesson modes.

For interactive piano lessons, you can use the 128-note max polyphony and the Skoove 3 month premium subscription.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Has great educational features
  • Come with five premium sounds
  • Great for beginners
  • Has several adjustable features

Cons

  • It may not be loud enough for some users

2. Alesis Recital Pro 88-Key Digital Pianos

[amazon box="B072FKLXRB" template="horizontal"]

Our second 88-key digital piano alternative is this recital pro that offers you premium sound and has a perfect feel. One great feature that makes this digital piano stand out is the Skoove Premium package that it comes with.

What is Skoove? Skoove is one of the easiest ways to learn piano. You get online piano courses that adapt to your needs. You will also get meaningful feedback that will allow you to move forward and learn from your mistakes.

These courses are in-depth allow you to develop your repertoire at your pace. You will get a curated catalog that comes complete with current chart hits and other helpful information. The team of musicians at Skoove is also there to help you on your musical journey.

You get a 3-month premium subscription to Skoove with this purchase. In addition, the adjustable touch response makes this digital piano a great asset.

Pros

  • Comes with a 3-month premium Skoove membership
  • The keys have an adjustable touch response
  • Allows for various connectivity options
  • Produces a realistic piano sound
  • Great quality

Cons

  • The customer service is wanting

3. YAMAHA P125 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano

[amazon box="B07BSM7PFL" template="horizontal"]

We've already established that Yamaha is a great brand with some of the world's best musical instruments. This Yamaha P125 combines excellent piano performance with a minimalistic and user-friendly design. You will love the realistic piano sound that this piano produces.

You can think of yourself as playing a portable grand piano with this option. The natural piano touch response and the high-quality sound that this piano produces will leave you smiling. The slim footprint and sleek design make it easy to move around with this digital piano.

This Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) 88-key digital piano keyboard provides you with a lighter touch on the high end a heavier touch on the low end. This is just like an acoustic piano. Yamaha offers authentic piano sound with this option.

You'll get a rich stereo sound thanks to the 2-way speaker system of this Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) 88-key digital piano. It produces an expansive sound in upward and downward directions. Thanks to the free Smart Pianist App, you can also control your digital piano from your smartphone.

You can set the rhythms, voices, and other settings with just your smart device.

Pros

  • Has a sleek design for convenience
  • Allows you to play for extended periods
  • Offers the same experience as playing an acoustic piano
  • You can control it from your smart device using the free Smart Pianist App
  • Very high-quality
  • Good for a beginner

Cons

  • You'll need to replace the sustain pedal because of its quality

4. Souidmy G-110W Digital Piano Keyboard

[amazon box="B087TNRTK1" template="horizontal"]

This is the most affordable digital piano on our list today. You will love the keyboard design that comes equipped with a sensitive response and quick spring backs. In addition, this G-110W 88 keys digital piano has 128 built-in voices and sounds that will help you with your experience.

Some of these sounds include Grand Piano, Acoustic Piano, and Electric Piano sounds. Some other cool connectivity features include a sustain pedal input, USB-MIDI connector, two front headphone jacks, and AUDIO IN/OUT jacks. So get ready for a great experience.

The sustain pedal allows your notes to ring out for longer without ringing out. Do you know how when you remove your finger from the key the note will ring out? This sustain pedal does a great job of ensuring you have a smooth transition between notes.

Another great thing about this piano is the amazing taste in interior decoration. This is an ultra-thin wooden piano that has an elegant and simple design. You won't have to worry about setting this piano up in your space because it blends in well with interior decor.

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Produces premium sound
  • Blends in with your interior thanks to its elegant design
  • Has a convenient sustain pedal
  • Great for a beginner

Cons

  • The power cord is short
  • Wider than most 88-key keyboards

5. Digital Piano,Les Ailes de la Voix 88 Key Electric Piano

[amazon box="B085KWB6VN" template="horizontal"]

Our final pick is this progressive 88-key digital piano. You will get an acoustic sound for your performance thanks to the digitization sampling that comes with this piano. You also get three metal pedals that make the experience.

These metal pedals include the sustain pedal, soft pedal, and rear sustain pedal. These increase the length of sustained notes and give your performance a partial damper effect.

Some other features you'll enjoy include sound recording control, sound volume adjustment, USB, playback function, multi-tone selection, split/touch control function, teaching function, and a metronome function.

The headphone jack allows you to have quiet practice whenever you need to. The best part is that you get the headphones with this purchase. Therefore, you can get started as soon as your piano comes in. Other cool accessories you get with this digital piano include a polishing cloth, score clip, power adapter, a USB cable, learning night light, piano paste, an Android Device patch cord, and one instruction manual.

Pros

  • Comes with cool accessories
  • Has three metal pedals for a better performance
  • Has a quiet mode design
  • Comes with amazing features
  • Good for beginners

Cons

  • The paint job needs improvement

What Should You Look for in A Digital Piano?

Digital pianos like our pick today are revolutionizing the music world with their great features. However, you need to know what to look for to get the best experience. This is why we've compiled a list of some features to look out for as you are deciding on which digital piano is best for you.

1. MIDI Compatibility

What does MIDI stand for? Musical Instrument Digital Interface. This is a modern feature that allows you to communicate by sending signals across various keyboards. With this feature, you can learn better from other interfacing keyboards connected to computers.

2. Weighted Keys

The truth is that keys on an acoustic keyboard are harder to press than on digital keyboards. This is because the keys on a digital piano are often unweighted. Even the slightest pressure can produce a sound.

This is both a pro and a con. Therefore, the weighted keys mimic the acoustic keys. This means that you'll need to apply a bit more pressure to create a sound. Therefore, you'll learn how to play on a digital keyboard and an acoustic one with weighted keys.

3. Sound Quality

What is a piano without good sound? Nothing. A feature you need to look out for is high-quality sound. Luckily, the p-45 already has this quality and you won't have to worry about that. Most well-known brands like Yamaha are known for their excellent quality of sound.

Our pick today has amazing quality, and you'll notice that as the first thing when dealing with this digital piano. If you choose to go with one of the other digital instruments we've compiled for you as alternatives, you'll also get the same good quality sound.

4. Computer Connectivity

You want to be able to connect your digital piano to a computer. This way, you'll be able to save your recordings and see how best to improve and learn. You can also import some features from your computer onto your piano.

If you want to create your own tune or compose your own music, you will most certainly need this feature. Another great thing about this feature is upgrading your digital piano through your computer.

5. Keyboard Action

This feature refers to the speed of the response of your digital keyboard. For example, a high-quality digital piano has keys that respond quickly when they are pressed.

However, this feature depends on whether your keys are weighted or unweighted. This is why choosing a digital piano with weighted keys is a great idea.

What is the Difference Between A Digital Piano and An Acoustic Piano?

If you're a beginner in the world of digital pianos and are curious about acoustic pianos, we've got you covered. This part is also great for professionals who are versed in one type of piano and want to move to the next.

Let's now look at some features and how they differ between the two types.

1. Touch Sensitivity

If you've played either a digital or acoustic piano, you know that the touch and feel are very different. What makes this aspect different is the weight of the keys. When dealing with an acoustic instrument, you need more strength to push down the keys. For digital pianos, even a gentle push will produce a sound.

This is what we mentioned weighted keys when we were looking at the p-45 and the other digital pianos above. This is a modern feature that mimics the heaviness of acoustic piano keys. Therefore, if you've played digital pianos before but were not so happy about the lightness of touch, you don't have to worry about that with this digital keyboard.

The acoustic instrument's advantage over the digital one with this feature is that you can produce various shades of sound from the same key.

2. Pedals

Acoustic pianos have three pedals: the sustain pedal, sostenuto pedal, and soft pedal. The sustain pedal is now making its way to modern digital pianos like some of the ones we've mentioned above. This sustain pedal prevents your notes from cutting short and helps them last longer.

Our fifth pick in the 88 key alternatives is a great example of this. Depending on how you want your playing experience and performance to be, you can decide whether or not you want this feature on your digital

3. Sound

It is a crucial factor to consider because it affects your performance. It's no surprise that acoustic pianos produce better sound than their digital counterparts. Why? Because these pianos produce sound once the hammer strikes the string.

This means that you'll get an authentic natural piano sound that has a warmer and more resonant tone. Another advantage that acoustic pianos have is that you'll have better control over the expression and articulation of your musical notes.

On the other hand, a digital piano can only go as far as mimicking the sound of its acoustic counterpart. We'll look at Advanced Wave Memory in the frequently asked questions, which will give you an idea of how this system works.

An important point to note is that a high-quality digital piano will produce better sound than a low-quality acoustic instrument.

4. Sound-Producing Mechanism

The sound-producing mechanism for an acoustic instrument is a string-striking mechanism. This mechanism generates a vibration that's transmitted to the piano's soundboard through the frame. So you can think of the entire piano as a resonator. Once this happens, you get a rich and high-quality sound.

For digital pianos, even the most delicate movement of the keys will be detected. Once this happens, the digitally-recorded sounds are produced from the built-in speakers.

5. Tone

The tone for the acoustic piano varies depending on how you play it. This goes for the quality of sound and timber too. This is thanks to the complexity of resonance in strings that aren't struck while you play.

The advantage of this is that it offers you great expressive potential. However, this also means that all pianists have consistent timber.

When it comes to the digital piano, you also get consistent timbre for all the pianists who play it. However, you get consistent volume and timbre only when you play the keys in the same strength.

6. Maintenance

Acoustic pianos need more maintenance than digital ones when it comes to maintenance. First, the wooden exterior, steel strings, and the felt on the hammers are delicate and require very good care. Some of the features that you should keep in mind include the following.

a). Tuning

Whether you have a digital piano or an acoustic one, you should ensure good tuning. This is especially true for acoustic pianos. You should tune your piano at least twice a year. If you feel like you can't tune it yourself, get help from a professional.

b). Humidity

For acoustic pianos, the wood and felt are very sensitive to huge changes in humidity and temperature. Therefore, you have to keep your piano in a suitable environment where it won't get attacked by humid climate or extreme temperatures.

The relative humidity should range between 45-70%. The temperature should be room temperature or about 20˚C. You can get a technician to regulate your piano in case it needs some adjustments.

7. Versatility

Digital pianos excel in this sector compared to acoustic ones. Therefore, if the sound is not a complete priority for you and you'd rather have several other features to play with, you should get a digital piano.

We've looked at some of the ways to maintain your acoustic piano. Now, let's look at some of the features you'll get to enjoy once you get a digital option. Some of the features that make digital pianos more versatile than acoustic pianos.

a). Recording Feature

This is definitely something you won't get with an acoustic piano. You can comfortably connect your digital piano to your computer and record your sound. You can do this through the port that resides on the side of your digital piano.

You can store this recording as a digital file and play it through any smart device that supports it. If you are a songwriter or a musician, this will come in very handy.

b). Various Sounds

You can produce more than the sound of a piano with a digital piano. Thanks to the sounds stored in your p45 and other digital pianos, you can produce the sound of a choir or a saxophone depending on what button you press.

You have more than enough sounds to choose from and you will have a great time trying out your new instrument.

c). Volume Control

Here's another feature that you won't find on your acoustic instrument as you take your piano lessons. The volume knob on your digital piano allows you to control the volume of the output. You can connect your headphones to the headphone output.

This means that you can practice wherever you are without making noise for everyone.

d). Portability

Your digital piano is a great asset to have because you can carry it wherever you want. You'll also be able to play in silence if you need to. Finally, thanks to its small size, you'll be able to carry your digital piano to gigs without much luggage.

3 Digital Piano Comparison with Yamaha p45

Yamaha P45 vs. CASIO PX-160

[amazon box="B0100RBPTC" template="horizontal"]

  • More or less $100 more expensive than the P-45
  • Twice as more instrument sounds (18 vs. 10)
  • It has a 2-track MIDI recorder
  • Tri-sensor Sled Hammer Action keyboard provides
  • Ivory and Ebony touch
  • PX-160 has more powerful speakers compared to the
  • P-45

Yamaha P45 vs. Yamaha P-115

[amazon box="B00UHBGE7A" template="horizontal"]

  • More advanced keyboards which come with a bunch of extra features
  • The heart of the Yamaha P115 is the Pure CF sound engine
  • It uses samples of Yamaha CFIIIS 9’ Concert Grand combined with 192-note polyphony
  • It is approximately $150 more expensive than P-45
  • More sophisticated sound system with 4 speakers.
  • Allows recording with the 2-track MIDI recorder
  • 50 preset songs
  • Yamaha P115 has 10 accompaniment styles
  • It has Split Mode, Line Out Jacks, and compatibility with Yamaha’s Digital Piano controller app.
  • More instrument sounds (14 vs. 10)

Yamaha P45 vs. Korg B1

[amazon box="B019360Y3O" template="horizontal"]

  • An entry-level keyboard from Korg.
  • The Korg B1 has 8
  • instrument sounds (3 pianos) and no recording capabilities.
  • It offers a fully-weighted Natural Hammer keyboard
  • and powerful 18W sound system
  • Same price with Casio P-160

Frequently Asked Questions About Yamaha P-45 Pianos

1. What is Advanced Wave Memory (AWM)?

AWM refers to a sampling system that mimics an acoustic instrument. An AWM stereo sampling creates what you would get with an acoustic instrument. You use digital technology to record the sound of the instrument you want.

You can then apply a high-quality digital filter technology to your recorded audio samples.

2. Was the Yamaha P45 discontinued?

No. The p-45 was previously known as the Yamaha p-35. Therefore, if you've heard about the p-35 or searched for it on the internet, you've probably been led to this p-45 version. These two versions of pianos are actually the same product and cost around the same.

You can think of the p-45 as the newer and improved version of the p-35. If you really want the p-35, you can probably get a second-hand piece. The brand no longer makes the p-35 pianos.

3. Is the Yamaha P-45 good for beginners?

Yes. This Yamaha piano is excellent for beginners because it's filled with unique features found in more expensive models. For example, you get weighted keys that make you feel like you're playing a real piano.

The quality of sound and the other features and specifications we talked about above also add to the fact that you will enjoy this piano as a beginner. The black keys and the white keys will feel like you're playing an acoustic guitar. This is great for your piano-learning experience. 

Zen Chung


I'm Zen Chung, a piano and violin teacher based out of Plano, Texas. I started this blog because my students (and their parents) kept asking about the best musical instruments to buy online. Look no further I'm here to save the day! 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}