Overview
The Yamaha P45 Digital Piano is a “mid-range” keyboard that’s great to use for beginners and experienced keyboardists alike. If you are considering owning a Yamaha P45, you might be searching online for reviews, as well as pros and cons of this particular model. This review will tell you all the essential things you need to know.
Let’s start with the main features of this piano:
Features of the Yamaha P45 Digital Piano
88 Keys
This model boasts a full range of 88 keys, same as that of a grand piano. At last, you no longer have to restrict your playing to a few octaves. With the P45, there is enough space to move your fingers around and play with a wider range. Hit those high notes with ease, and also empower your playing by hitting those low, bass notes as well.
Fully-weighted piano style keys
If you’re used to playing acoustic pianos or if you’re formally trained, you’ll love the Yamaha P45 because of its weighted keys. The touch and heaviness of the keys are exactly like what you’d expect from a grand piano. Yamaha uses GHS (Greater Hammer Standard) for this digital keyboard. It simply means the keys feel heavier on the low end, and lighter on the higher end. This allows you to play more expressively and with more dynamics.
Mat Finish
Black keys have a mat finish, so they get less slippery after using the piano for an extended amount of time.
Built in speakers
This digital piano also comes with two built-in speakers (one on the left side, and one on the right). External sound system is not required. You can use the P45 at home as a practice instrument or even for recorded performances.
Functions and Controls
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Dual/Combine mode
This mode lets you combine two voices together. For example, you can layer the piano and strings to make a richer, fuller sound. You may also stack your piano sound with an EP to brighten up the sound, and so on.
Very simple design dashboard
Everything is controlled from one button that you hold out and then press various keys on the keyboard to change sounds, etc. While this can be a drawback for those who are used to controlling everything through an LCD screen, this can be very useful for those who don’t want to bother with clutter and instead prefer to go straight to playing.
Split Function
This function allows you to divide the whole keyboard into different ranges of notes. For example, if you are a piano instructor and you want to teach your student through side-by-side playing, you can use the split function so that you can sit on different sides of the piano and still play the same notes.
Sounds and Voices
Now you might be wondering what sort of sounds can be found in the Yamaha P-45 keyboard. Well, this digital piano contains 10 high quality voices which include digitally sampled tones from Yamaha acoustic grand pianos.
Grand Piano
I’ve said this many times before in my other Yamaha piano reviews. The piano sound is very very good, and the P45 is no exception. The sound is fit for both classical or jazz music. Heck, use these piano sounds for any genre of music and it would still sound so beautiful.
Electric Piano
The P45 has a smooth electric piano “rhodes” sound that is perfect for fusion jazz or neo soul music. Play jazz chords and voicings, and listen to the soothing sound of the Yamaha P45. It’s like a perfect match made in heaven!
Organ
The dynamic “Hammond B3” organ sound is a staple among standard digital pianos, including the Yamaha P45. Although there is no tremolo/Leslie speaker knob, the default organ sound in the Yamaha P45 is decent enough to empower your rock or gospel band sound.
Strings
This digital piano has a decent strings sound, but as I’ve mentioned in other reviews, the Yamaha brand really isn’t known much for its string sound.To me personally, I think the strings in the P45 sounds a bit synthetic. Let’s leave it at that.
Harpsichord and Vibes
I’m really not sure what Harpsichord sounds are good for in this age of contemporary music. It’s a novelty sound at best. That’s why I don’t use it much. The Vibes sound can be combined with the grand piano to produce a more crystal, bell-like sound.
Accessories and Items
The default Yamaha P45 purchase only comes with a sustain pedal and a piano rest (a detachable stand you can use to put your sheet music). You will actually save more money if you buy a bundle package.
The Basic Bundle
- Digital Piano,
- Power Adapter
- Sustain Pedal,
- Music rest
You need to invest separately for the following accessories and items:
- Headphones
- Foot pedal
- Aux out cord
- Piano stand
- Piano best
Pros and Cons of Yamaha P45
Pros
- Feels and sounds like a real piano
- Great quality at an affordable price
- Practicing on this GHS digital piano builds finger strength
- Compact, lightweight and slim (25 lbs)
- Can play even without an external sound system
- Can be play right out of the box, no assembling needed
Cons
- Doesn’t come with keyboard stand and piano bench — no biggie , as this is usually the case with most pianos
- No control screen — quite difficult to adjust to if you’re used to playing synths and workstations
Yamaha P45 Price
The Yamaha P45 is what you’d consider as a mid-range piano in terms of price – around $800 upwards. You can save more money by buying bundle that already includes the piano itself, and some other accessories not normally included.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Yamaha P45 Digital Piano is a good keyboard to use. It has all the essential elements of a digital keyboard and has less of the frills that synths and workstations can offer. It’s especially useful for people who are just interested in playing piano, and care less about music production or sound effects. While there are more sophisticated options out there in the market, a lot of musicians will surely love the P45 and its upcoming iterations.
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