Blog - 2023 Singers Room

Looking for the perfect digital piano? Well, look no further! In this review, we will be comparing and reviewing a selection of Yamaha digital pianos, as well as another popular option, the Donner DDP-90. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the piano or a professional musician in need of a versatile instrument, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and find the perfect digital piano for you! Digital pianos have come a long way since their inception. Traditionally, pianos have been large and cumbersome instruments, not easily accessible to everyone. However, with the advancement of technology, digital pianos now offer a compact and portable alternative without compromising on sound quality. They provide a range of features, including weighted keys that mimic the feel of a traditional acoustic piano, a wide variety of instrument sounds, recording capabilities, and even connectivity options to integrate with other devices. In this article, we will be looking at some popular options from Yamaha, a renowned brand in the world of digital pianos. Yamaha is known for producing high-quality instruments that cater to all skill levels and budgets. We will be examining the Yamaha P115 and P125A models, which offer weighted action keyboards and come with sustain pedals, as well as the Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series Piano, which includes a bench and is available in a stylish dark rosewood finish. Additionally, we will be exploring the Amazon-exclusive Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano, which comes with a sustain pedal and power supply. Lastly, we will be considering the Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano, which offers numerous features such as three pedals, U-disk music playing, and connectivity options with PCs, tablets, and cell phones. So, whether you're all about the classic black or white Yamaha P115, the elegant Yamaha YDP144 in dark rosewood, the Amazon-exclusive Yamaha P71, or even the feature-rich Donner DDP-90, we've got the information you need to make an informed choice. Let's start exploring these digital pianos and find the perfect match for your musical aspirations! Yamaha P115 Black Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal The Yamaha P115 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal, Black is a versatile instrument suitable for a wide range of musical endeavors. It is an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced players who want to refine their skills or explore different musical styles. One of the standout features of the Yamaha P115 is its exceptional key action. The GHS weighted 88-key action provides a realistic and responsive experience, allowing players to truly express their musicality. The lower end of the keys feels heavier, just like that of an acoustic piano, while the higher end is lighter, facilitating delicate melodies and fast passages. Furthermore, the P115 incorporates the Pure CF Sound Engine, which faithfully reproduces the tone of a meticulously sampled Yamaha's acclaimed 9-foot CFIIIS concert grand piano. The result is an incredibly rich and vibrant sound that is characteristic of Yamaha's high-quality instruments. The Yamaha P115 aims to provide an authentic piano playing experience while incorporating modern technology. It offers a wide array of features, including Pianist Styles, which can transform simple chords into exciting and dynamic accompaniments. By playing a chord, the Pianist Style feature automatically generates a full piano accompaniment, allowing users to easily create professional-sounding performances. Additionally, the P115 is compatible with the Controller App for iOS devices, which provides a visually appealing and user-friendly interface for quick and effortless navigation and configuration. The Yamaha P115 excels in terms of both sound and build quality. Its realistic key action and the faithful reproduction of the CFIIIS concert grand piano's tone make it an excellent instrument for both practice and performance. The piano's solid construction ensures durability and reliability, allowing players to enjoy this instrument for years to come. Pros: Realistic key action provides a genuine piano playing experience Exceptional sound quality thanks to the Pure CF Sound Engine Pianist Styles feature adds depth and complexity to performances Controller App for iOS devices enhances user experience Cons: Limited compatibility with Android devices Does not include a stand or bench, which must be purchased separately With its impressive features and superb quality, the Yamaha P115 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal, Black offers both beginners and experienced musicians a reliable and versatile instrument to explore their musical talents. Yamaha P115 Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal, White The Yamaha P115 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal in White is an exceptional instrument for both beginners and experienced musicians. With its weighted action and realistic sound, this piano is perfect for practice sessions, recording sessions, and live performances. One of the main reasons we love the Yamaha P115 Digital Piano is its exceptional sound quality. The Pure CF Sound Engine faithfully reproduces the tone of a meticulously sampled Yamaha's acclaimed 9' CFIIIS concert grand piano, resulting in an incredibly dynamic and expressive playing experience. Whether playing soft melodies or powerful chords, the P115 delivers an authentic acoustic piano sound that is truly impressive. Additionally, the GHS weighted 88-key action of the piano provides a realistic playing experience. The keys are heavier in the low end and lighter in the high end, mimicking the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. This feature allows for more accurate and nuanced playing, making the P115 a favorite among pianists of all levels. The Yamaha P115 Digital Piano is designed to provide the ultimate piano playing experience. It comes equipped with various features that enhance the overall performance. The Pianist Styles feature, for example, turns simple chords into exciting accompaniments. When a chord is played, the Pianist Style feature automatically adds a full piano accompaniment, adding depth and richness to the music. The Controller App for iOS devices is another standout feature of the P115. This app adds a rich and graphic user interface, making navigation and configuration quick and easy. With the app, users can easily access different functions of the piano and customize their playing experience. The overall quality of the Yamaha P115 Digital Piano is outstanding. From its realistic sound to its weighted action, this piano truly delivers a high-end playing experience. The construction and design of the instrument are also top-notch, ensuring durability and longevity. Pros: Realistic sound reproduction Weighted action that mimics an acoustic piano Pianist Styles feature adds depth to playing User-friendly Controller App for iOS devices Cons: Limited color options May be pricey for some potential buyers The Yamaha P115 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal in White is an exceptional instrument that offers outstanding sound quality, realistic action, and a range of useful features. Whether for practice, recording, or live performances, the P115 is a reliable and versatile choice for any pianist. Yamaha Arius YDP144 Piano with Bench, dark rosewood The Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series Piano with Bench, Dark Rosewood is designed for both beginners and intermediate players who are looking for a high-quality digital piano. It is suitable for home use, studios, and small performances. We are impressed with the Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series Piano with Bench, Dark Rosewood because it offers a realistic piano playing experience and delivers exceptional sound quality. It is equipped with the GHS weighted action, which mimics the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. This feature is particularly beneficial for pianists who are transitioning from an acoustic piano to a digital one. Additionally, the YDP144 model comes with the acclaimed CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice, which accurately replicates the signature tone and power of Yamaha's flagship concert grand piano. This adds a whole new level of authenticity to the instrument's sound. The Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series Piano with Bench, Dark Rosewood aims to provide players with the experience of playing a high-end acoustic piano, while still offering the convenience and versatility of a digital instrument. Its key features include: GHS weighted action for a realistic playing experience CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice for exceptional sound quality Matte black key tops that absorb moisture and remain tactile after extended use Half-damper pedal control for more expressive playing Recording and playback capabilities for practice and composition The Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series Piano with Bench, Dark Rosewood is built with outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail. It has a solid construction and a sleek design that will complement any room decor. The piano also comes with a matching bench, adding to its overall quality and value. Realistic piano playing experience with weighted action Excellent sound quality Inclusion of the CFX Premium Grand Piano Voice Matte black key tops for enhanced durability Recording and playback capabilities Relatively heavy (83 lbs.), which may make it less portable Limited number of voices compared to other digital pianos The Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series Piano with Bench, Dark Rosewood is an excellent choice for pianists who desire a digital instrument that closely replicates the experience of playing an acoustic piano. Its realistic touch, exceptional sound quality, and convenient features make it a top contender in its category. Yamaha 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply The YAMAHA P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply (Amazon-Exclusive) is a versatile instrument that is suitable for both beginners and experienced pianists. It is designed to provide a realistic and quality playing experience. We like this product because it offers outstanding value for the price. It is an Amazon-exclusive model that comes with important accessories like a power adapter and sustain pedal. This makes it convenient for users to start playing right away without the need for any additional purchases. The YAMAHA P71 digital piano is designed to emulate the feel and sound of an acoustic piano. With its 88 fully weighted piano-style keys, it provides a responsive and authentic playing experience. The inclusion of 10 different voices, including digitally sampled tones from real Yamaha acoustic grand pianos, allows for a wide range of musical expression. Additionally, the dual-mode feature enables users to combine two voices together, such as piano and strings, for a more creative and inspiring playing experience. One of the standout features of this digital piano is its slim and stylish design. With a depth of less than 12 inches, the P71 requires minimal space and is easy to fit into any room. Despite its compact size, it remains sturdy and durable, weighing only 25 pounds. This makes it suitable for musicians who need to transport their instrument for gigs or rehearsals. The YAMAHA P71 digital piano is known for its exceptional build quality and attention to detail. The pianos' fully weighted keys accurately replicate the touch and feel of playing an acoustic piano. The inclusion of high-quality voices and the ability to combine them in dual-mode enhances the overall versatility of the instrument. Additionally, the slim and stylish design adds an aesthetic appeal to the piano. Pros Excellent value for money Comes with a power adapter and sustain pedal Realistic and quality playing experience Wide variety of voices and dual-mode feature Compact and portable design Cons Limited connectivity options The YAMAHA P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Sustain Pedal and Power Supply (Amazon-Exclusive) is a highly recommended digital piano for both beginners and experienced players. Its realistic touch, quality sound, and compact design make it a great choice for those looking for a versatile and convenient instrument. Yamaha P45 Keyboard The Yamaha P45 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano is a versatile instrument suitable for various types of users. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, this digital piano is designed to meet your musical needs. There are several reasons why we highly recommend the Yamaha P45. First and foremost, its weighted keys closely mimic the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. This is especially crucial for pianists who desire an authentic playing experience. Additionally, the GHS weighted action feature contributes to the realism, with heavier keys in the low end and lighter keys in the high end. Another standout feature is the vast selection of voices it offers. With 10 different sampled tones from Yamaha's acoustic grand pianos, users can enjoy a wide range of musical possibilities. The dual mode function also allows for the combination of two voices, such as piano and strings, adding depth and creativity to your compositions. The Yamaha P45 is designed to provide a quality playing experience for pianists of all levels. With its weighted keys and GHS action, it aims to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano while offering modern digital features. The inclusion of 10 different voices, including those sampled from Yamaha's renowned grand pianos, ensures a diverse range of tones for any musical genre. The dual mode function expands users' creativity and helps them explore new playing styles. The overall quality of the Yamaha P45 is exceptional. Yamaha's reputation for manufacturing high-quality instruments is evident in this digital piano. The attention to detail in reproducing the touch and sound of an acoustic piano, combined with the enduring build quality, ensures a long-lasting and enjoyable musical experience. Pros: Realistic acoustic piano feel with weighted keys and GHS action Diverse range of voices, including those sampled from Yamaha's grand pianos Dual mode for combining two voices Sturdy and durable build quality Cons: Limited sound customization options compared to higher-end models Lacks advanced features found in more expensive digital pianos The Yamaha P45 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano stands out for its authentic playing experience, diverse selection of voices, and durable build quality. It is a reliable instrument suitable for pianists of all levels and guarantees a satisfying user experience. Yamaha P125A Digital Piano with Power Supply and Sustain Pedal The Yamaha P125AB is a versatile digital piano that can be used for various purposes. It is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players, making it suitable for students, performers, and home use. One of the standout features of the Yamaha P125AB is its GHS weighted action. This means that the keys have a heavier touch in the low end and a lighter touch in the high end, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano. This feature makes playing on the P125AB a truly authentic and enjoyable experience. The primary purpose of the Yamaha P125AB is to provide players with a digital piano that closely resembles the sound and feel of an acoustic piano. It achieves this through its Pure CF Sound Engine, which faithfully replicates the tone of a Yamaha 9' CFIIIS concert grand piano. This allows for incredibly dynamic and expressive playing. The P125AB also incorporates string resonance, which reproduces the sympathetic sounds of other strings resonating, just like in an acoustic piano. Additionally, it features Damper Resonance DSP, which recreates the sound produced when the dampers are off the strings inside a grand piano. The inclusion of key-off samples adds another layer of realism by delivering the delicate change in sound the instant the damper falls back to the string. The Yamaha P125AB boasts exceptional overall quality. Its craftsmanship is evident in its weighted action and the authentic sound it produces. The piano's design is sleek and elegant, making it an attractive addition to any setting. Pros: GHS weighted action for an authentic feel Pure CF Sound Engine for realistic and expressive playing String Resonance and Damper Resonance DSP for added realism Key-off samples for delicate sound changes Cons: Some users may find the learning curve for advanced features slightly steep By combining high-quality materials, innovative technology, and an excellent design, the Yamaha P125AB digital piano ensures that players of all levels can enjoy a truly immersive and enjoyable playing experience. Whether used for learning, performing, or leisure, the P125AB delivers outstanding sound and performance. Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano The Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano is designed to be the ideal first digital piano for modern living spaces. With its contemporary and compact design, it is perfect for smaller apartments or homes. This piano is suitable for beginners as well as professionals. We like the Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano because it provides a realistic playing experience with its hammer action weighted keyboard. The 88 full-sized responsive weighted keys have a hammer action and ivory-feel texture, allowing beginners to develop their touch and play with passion. It also offers dynamic and rich sound quality. The purpose of the Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano is to provide a high-quality and compact piano for beginners and professionals alike. Its key features include: 88 full-sized responsive weighted keys with hammer action and ivory-feel texture Quality sound samples from real acoustic grand pianos for realistic and dynamic sound expression 128 polyphony for fast trills playing Metal triple-pedal system for enhanced playing quality Smaller size and compact design perfect for smaller living spaces Flip cover with a slow closing function to protect hands and keyboard Multiple device connectivity options such as USB-MP3 playing, USB MIDI connecting, external sound support, and headphone usage The overall quality of the Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano is excellent. It has been meticulously designed and calibrated to enhance the inherent tone of the piano itself, ensuring a consistent and stable sound across different registers and dynamics. The piano offers a delicate, warm, and bright tonal character, allowing players to better express musical details and emotions. Pros: Realistic playing experience with hammer action weighted keys Dynamic and rich sound quality Compact design perfect for smaller living spaces Multiple device connectivity options Cons: Requires external speakers for optimal sound support The headphone jack is located at the bottom left of the piano, which may be inconvenient for some users The Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano is a highly recommended option for beginners and professionals looking for a compact and high-quality digital piano. Its weighted keys, dynamic sound quality, and multiple device connectivity options make it a versatile and enjoyable instrument to play. Yamaha Arius YDP105 Digital Piano with Bench, Black The Yamaha YDP105 Arius Series Digital Console Piano with Bench, Black is the perfect instrument for musicians of all levels, whether they are beginners or seasoned professionals. It is an ideal choice for home use, live performances, teaching, and recording purposes. There are several reasons why the Yamaha YDP105 Arius Series Digital Console Piano with Bench, Black stands out as one of the best digital pianos in its class. First and foremost, it offers an incredible sound that closely resembles that of an acoustic piano. This is made possible by the AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) Dynamic Stereo Sampling engine, which captures the dynamic nuances of an acoustic instrument by recording samples of various playing strengths. Additionally, the GHS weighted action of this piano makes it feel like an acoustic piano, with heavier keys in the low register and lighter keys in the high register. This feature enhances the overall playing experience and allows for greater expression in performance. Another standout feature of the Yamaha YDP105 Arius Series Digital Console Piano is the Smart Pianist app. This app not only provides full control over the piano's major functions but also utilizes chord tracker technology to analyze and play your favorite songs directly from your music library. This makes it easy to learn and practice your favorite tunes in a fun and interactive way. The Yamaha YDP105 Arius Series Digital Console Piano with Bench, Black is designed to provide an authentic and immersive piano playing experience. It combines high-quality sound, realistic key action, and innovative technology to offer a versatile instrument suitable for a variety of musical endeavors. Key features of this piano include the GHS weighted action, the AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling engine, and the Smart Pianist app. These features work together to create a piano that not only sounds great but also feels and performs like a traditional acoustic instrument. The overall quality of the Yamaha YDP105 Arius Series Digital Console Piano with Bench, Black is exceptional. Yamaha is known for its commitment to producing high-quality musical instruments, and this piano is no exception. From the construction of the instrument to the sound it produces, every aspect is carefully crafted to provide the best possible playing experience. Authentic sound and key action that closely resembles an acoustic piano Smart Pianist app offers added functionality and interactive learning experience Solid construction and high-quality materials ensure durability Versatile instrument suitable for various musical endeavors May be on the pricier side for some buyers Limited connectivity options compared to other digital pianos The Yamaha YDP105 Arius Series Digital Console Piano with Bench, Black is a top choice for anyone in search of a digital piano that delivers on both sound and feel. Its authentic features, innovative technology, and overall quality make it a standout option for musicians of all levels. Comparison of Product Specifications Product Weighted Keys Pedals Voices Polyphony Dimensions (WxHxL) Weight Yamaha P115 88-Key Digital Piano (Black) GHS 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A Yamaha P115 88-Key Digital Piano (White) GHS 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series Piano (Dark Rosewood) GHS 3 10 192 53-7/16" x 32-1/16" x 16-5/8" 83 lbs YAMAHA P71 88-Key Digital Piano (Amazon-Exclusive) GHS 1 10 N/A N/A 25 lbs Yamaha P45 88-Key Digital Piano GHS 1 10 N/A N/A N/A Yamaha P125A 88-Key Digital Piano (Black) GHS 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano (88-Key) Hammer Action 3 N/A 128 N/A N/A Yamaha YDP105 Arius Series Digital Console Piano (Black) GHS 3 N/A N/A N/A N/A Yamaha P115 88-Key Digital Piano (Black) GHS 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A Yamaha P115 88-Key Digital Piano (White) GHS 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A Yamaha YDP144 Arius Series Piano (Dark Rosewood) GHS 3 10 192 53-7/16" x 32-1/16" x 16-5/8" 83 lbs YAMAHA P71 88-Key Digital Piano (Amazon-Exclusive) GHS 1 10 N/A N/A 25 lbs Yamaha P45 88-Key Digital Piano GHS 1 10 N/A N/A N/A Yamaha P125A 88-Key Digital Piano (Black) GHS 1 N/A N/A N/A N/A Donner DDP-90 Digital Piano (88-Key) Hammer Action 3 N/A 128 N/A N/A Yamaha YDP105 Arius Series Digital Console Piano (Black) GHS 3 N/A N/A N/A N/A The table provides a visual representation of the key specifications for each of the 8 products. It includes information about the types of weighted keys, number of pedals, available voices, maximum polyphony, dimensions, and weight. Please note that some specifications are not available for certain products. The Yamaha P115, Yamaha P45, Yamaha P125A, and Yamaha YDP105 all have GHS weighted keys, while the Donner DDP-90 has Hammer Action weighted keys. The Yamaha YDP144 has a combination of GHS weighted keys and Hammer Action. In terms of pedals, the Yamaha P115, Yamaha P45, Yamaha P125A, Yamaha YDP105, and Yamaha YDP144 all have 1 sustain pedal, while the Donner DDP-90 has 3 pedals. The number of available voices and maximum polyphony vary across the products, with some products specifying the number of voices and others not. Lastly, dimensions and weight are provided for the Yamaha YDP144, YAMAHA P71, and Donner DDP-90, while these specifications are not available for the other products. Conclusion This review analyzed eight different Yamaha digital pianos, including the Yamaha P115, Yamaha YDP144, YAMAHA P71, Yamaha P45, Yamaha P125A, Donner DDP-90, and Yamaha YDP105. Each piano offers unique features and benefits, catering to various musical preferences and skill levels. Drawbacks While all these products have received positive feedback, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Some users noted that the keys on the Yamaha P115 and YAMAHA P71 may become less responsive over time. Additionally, the Yamaha YDP144 and Donner DDP-90 may have a limited number of built-in sounds and tones compared to other models. Recommendation Taking into account the features, performance, and customer feedback of the mentioned digital pianos, the Yamaha P125A, 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Power Supply and Sustain Pedal, Black (P125AB) seems to be the best option. It provides a wide range of high-quality sounds, exceptional key action, and reliable performance. It also includes a power supply and sustain pedal, ensuring a complete package for musicians. Specific Audience Recommendation The Yamaha P125A is suitable for both beginner and professional pianists who seek an authentic and expressive playing experience. Its weighted action keys provide a similar feel to that of an acoustic piano, allowing users to develop proper finger strength and technique. With its versatile features and excellent sound quality, this digital piano is an ideal choice for piano enthusiasts of all levels.