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"Yamaha CLP320 or Classenti CDP1 or Classenti CDP2?"

Dear Graham,

I would firstly like to thank you for all compiling all the useful
information regarding pianos on your website, and I found the Piano Guide
Booklet to be an extremely useful read too. I am currently looking to invest
in a digital piano and, after extensive research, seem to be of the
impression that either the Classenti CDP 1/2 or the Yamaha CLP 320 models
are good selections for an intermediate player such as myself and also come
at a reasonable price. However, I can not seem to locate as to which one
would be better to opt for and am also unsure as to whether it is best to
practice on them first before purchase.

Could you recommend which model you think has the best sound quality and
touch, as well as reliability and value for money? Secondly, do you know of
any places that stock the Classenti models to practice on (I live in Essex)?

Many thanks in advance,

Regards,

Ashley

Reply/ Hi Ashley

All three of the pianos you mentioned would be
an excellent choice...

The main difference between the CDP1 and CDP2
is the sound.

The CDP2 has a deeper, more resonant piano sound.
This is due to its more advanced sound sampling.
And also its larger speakers.

The touch is similar on both models - only the
CDP2 has an extra level of touch sensitivity:
5 levels versus 4 levels for the CDP1.

This 5th level gives you an extra dynamic: a
little louder than 'fortissimo' (in musical
terms, between FF and FFF.

The Yamaha CLP320 is also a good piano. It
has a bright, vibrant piano sound. And the
touch is nicely responsive. The only downside
is the key weight... it's a little too light...

This wouldn't matter if you're a beginner. But
when you progress up to the higher grades you'd
feel you need something that has more weight to
the keys.

... It's a close call between all three pianos

For reliability, the Yamaha CLP320 wins.

For sound quality, the Classenti CDP2 wins.

For value for money, the Classenti CDP1 wins.

You can drop me another email or call me on
020 8367 2080 if you'd like more advice.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Do you recommend Yamaha YDP181 or CLP330?"

Hi,
 
I've read your book, "7 Things You MUST Know Before
You Buy A Digital Piano" and I found ti very interresting.

I'm facing a choice between those 2 models I mentioned in the title. The problem is that I couldn't find any 1 of those in stock at my local dealers in Bucharest, whit the only choice, ordering and paying and advancement fee. 

Now, the problem is of the difference of money between them; the YDP181 is about £850 while the CLP-330 is about £1070. THe ony difference I saw in the technical specs is that the CLP-330 has GH3 instead of GH.

I was hoping you may suggest me which one of thease really worths buying, considering I also do have a budget( I earn about £430 monthly, and thats actually kind of ok considering the salaries in my country... so.. I really must consider if the extra money is worth paying becasue the models seem basically the same to me and I cant test them without actually buying)

I hope you may answer my question:)

Thank you very very much!

Robert

Reply/ Hi Robert

The CLP330 is certainly a superior piano to the
YDP181...

It has heavier-weighting on the keys. This makes
it feel closer to playing an acoustic piano.

The CLP330 also has a cleaner, more vibrant
piano sound.

This may or may not be important to you, but
Clavinova pianos have a better resale value
than pianos from the YDP range.

Overall, the CLP330 is definitely worth the
extra money.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

Further Question/ Hello,

Thank you for the prompt response! I must tell you how much I appreciate your help since this really was a a very important decision for me and I needed to ask someone experienced.

I will probably wait for another 2 months and get the extra money for the CLP330. I'm thinking that if it's really worth the extra money then it makes no sense to settle for something of less quality, especially since I'll own it for some time.

Best regards,

Robert

--

"Yamaha CLP320 Versus CLP330 Versus CLP340"

Dear Mr Howard

I downloaded your guide to buying a digital piano and it's proving really
helpful.  I'd be very grateful if you have time to advise on the
following: I had pretty much settled on a piano from Yamaha's Clavinova
range - I'm reasonably competent at playing but have never had a digital
piano and I want something that I will never feel the need to upgrade.  I
thought of buying 320 or 330 but have seen an ex demo 340 with piano stool
and warranty at £1367 in a local shop.  330 in same store is £1280 and 320
is £937.

Is there sufficient difference in the three to make it sensible to spend
more?

With many thanks.

Yours sincerely
Catherine

Reply/ Hi Catherine

Here's the differences between the CLP320, CLP330
and CLP340:

CLP320
Only medium-weighted touch. This is OK for a beginner
up to around grade 6 (perhaps 7). Good sound, but the
higher models in the range have a more realistic
piano sound.

CLP330
Fully-weighted touch. This has a heavier, more
realistic feel to the keys. The sound is also richer
and closer to a real piano.

CLP340
Heavy-weighted touch. You can't get much closer to a
real piano than this. The CLP340 also has synthetic
ivory white key tops - feels just like tickling the
ivories of an old-fashioned Bechstein grand. It
makes me want to play more and more.

The sound of the CLP340 is also superb...

The extra power in the speakers (2 x 40 watts versus
2 x 20 watts on the CLP330) results in a richer tone,
especially in the bass.

The higher quality speaker system coupled with
Yamaha's better sound sampling makes a noticeable
difference.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Yamaha YDP141 versus YDP161"

Hi Graham,

Please can you explain, I am just learning the Piano what is the advantage
of the 161 over the 141... and is it worth the extra £150ish

GH vs GHS is the only "Playing" difference, power amp etc seem irrelevant to
me as we are just learning to play.

Many Thanks

Adrian

Reply/ Hi Adrian

The main differences between the Yamaha YDP141
and YDP161 are the key touch and sound.

The YDP161 has a superior key mechanism. That's
the keys and their connecting parts.

When you play the YDP161 you can immediately feel
a heavier weighting (more resistance) on the keys
compared with the YDP141. This heavier weighting
makes it feel closer to a real, upright piano.

The YP161 also has a fuller, more resonant sound
than the YDP141. This is due to its larger speakers.

It certainly is worth the extra money.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Should i buy Yamaha CLP320 or CLP340?"

Hi Graham,

My Son is 5, and I want to kick him off with some piano lessons. I have been
looking at the Yamaha range of digital pianos (CLP), and I see a lot of good
reviews on the CLP320. What I would please like to know, is it better to go
for the CLP340, as this seems to have more features, or is it best to stick
to the CLP320 as we are just begining. There is a massive price difference
of almost £700, can it be justified at this stage.

Thanks

Patrick

Reply/ Hi Patrick

The CLP340 is a better piano. It has a heavier,
more realistic touch. It also has a clearer, more
resonant piano sound. But this wouldn't make
any difference (and probably not even be noticeable)
by a beginner.

I would stick with the Yamaha CLP320

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"I have narrowed down to the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-320 and the CLP-330. I need help choosing"

Dear Graham,

I read through your book: "7 Things You MUST Know Before Buying A Digital Piano" some days ago and thanks for the comprehensive and unbiased information inside!!

However, I'm still quite torn between 2 choices I have narrowed down to... the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-320 and the CLP-330.

In my country, the difference in price for the 2 models is about £210.

I'm wondering if it is worth the price to pay this £210 to get the CLP-330 and mainly for the GH3 technology.  I am not very concerned about the 4 additional voices (perhaps except the guitar voice which i find not too bad for playing around with.) The better display layout and USB functions would also be good to have but not absolutely necessary for me.

My main focus would be on the Sound (Grand Piano voices) and the Touch of the piano.

I'm a total beginner so I can't play the piano yet. I'm taking lessons in pop piano now, but I also wish to play classical pieces in the future.

Is there really alot of noticeable difference between the GH and the GH3 keyboards for intermediate to advanced players? And if I want to play very fast pieces (with repetitive notes) would the GH keyboard present some limitations

Also, would you know whether the 320 and 330 sound the same via headphones? (As I read that 330 has speakers placed in better position so internal speaker sound is better)

Thanks for taking the time to read my query. Really many thanks!!

Yours, Lin

Reply/ Hi Lin

The CLP330 has a more realistic and weightier touch
than the CLP320. I also has a clearer, fuller piano
sound...

But, it's not significantly better.

In the short term, you might not notice much
difference between the CLP320 and CLP330.

In the long term, the slightly heavier key weighting
would benefit you more. Certainly if you're playing
complex classical pieces.

The position and size of the speakers shouldn't
make any difference to the sound when played
through headphones...

When you play with headphones you are hearing
the original sound source BEFORE it goes through
the speakers.

To find out more, you can call me on 020 8367 2080.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"I'd like to ask a few questions, I'd be grateful for any feedback"

1. In Yamaha's current Clavinova range, which is the nearest to being equivalent to the older model CLP150 (circa 2004)? The CLP150 had sympathetic string resonance.

2. Is it true that Yamaha's Clavinova after-sales and spares supply services  in the UK are not so good as they used to be?

3. Do any digital pianos offer a temperament option which is the one specified by J.S. Bach on the title page of The Well Tempered Clavier? Which is the closest of the Clavinova options to that specification?
 Regards, William

Reply/ Hi William

The CLP340 and CLP370 would be the closest to the CLP150.

I would put the CLP150 somewhere in between the two.

Where did you hear about Yamaha's after sales service and
supply of spare parts not being as good as it used to be?
As far as I'm aware it hasn't changed.

The different temperament option might be available on
the high end CVP range... but I'm not certain of this.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"CLP370 ir CLP380. Which would be better for me?"

Hi Graham,

I have just read your book on digital pianos. Although enlightening  I still have some questions. I have played a clp 155 for 15 years, and feel it is time for a renewal. I am considering the clp370 versus the clp380 and hope for some advice. What I am looking for in a new piano is what I am missing in the clp155, which is better sound, better touch, better key-sensitivity, better tone-sustainability and less key-noise. All these things I expect to have improved on the new models. My dilemma now is to decide what really constitutes the (price)difference between the 370 and the 380. I have never regretted spending money on quality, and I am prepared to pay for the 380 if it is clearly the best piano.  But I am not prepared to pay almost twice the price of the 370 if the difference in price is due to technical gadgets and options that has little to do with classical piano playing, and which I will never use.

As a tribute to Yamaha I will add that I am not considering any other make, as my clp155 has served me well all these years and performs and looks today exactly as it did when it first came into my home 15 years ago.

So my question boils down to this: Is the clp380 worth the price difference to the clp370 for someone who almost exclusivly plays traditional classical piano and at the same time has a fairly discriminating attitude towards the instrument?

Best regards, Kjell, Bergen, Norway

Reply/ Hi Kjell

You are really paying a lot more for the gadgets on
the CLP380.

Althought the sound is more realistic than the CLP370,
it isn't worth paying the heavily inflated price.

Have you considered going down to the CLP340?

The main difference between the CLP370 and CLP340 is
the wooden keys...

You don't get anything more that's worth having
on the CLP370 that warrants spending more money.

I don't find the feel of the wooden keys makes
the touch more realistic. It's more of a physcological
thing really.

But you should test it out for yourself if you
get the chance.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Is the CLP370 worth going for, or should I stick with the CLP340?"

Hi Graham,

Thanks for your email.

Well, I thought after recently visiting a Kawai stockist (who was completely against Yamaha - surprise surprise), reading your reply and doing a bit more research I had finally made my mind up to buy the Yamaha CLP370 PE (nb: I definately want Polished Ebony! :-) but after just reading some people's views on a piano forum tonight, I am unsure as to whether to buy the Yamaha CLP340PE instead.

On the forum the general feeling was that there wasn't much difference between the 370 and 340 apart from the natuaral wood keyboard and that if you bought the 370 you would be paying over the odds. What do you think?

I have to say personally when I heard the 340 and 370 in my local music shop I could definately hear a difference, but after hearing these views I now have a little hesitation in buying the 370PE.

Also, on a completely superficial note, I have to say I do prefer the look of the 370 over the 340.

I would really appreciate your opinion Graham as I would like to be sure I am making the best choice and getting the best for my money.

Kind regards

Nerissa

Reply/ Hi Nerissa

The CLP370 is not worth the extra money.

You are paying more for the wooden keys. It physically
feels no different to play than standard plastic keys.

You don't get anything more that's worth having
on the CLP370 that warrants spending more money.

I advise going for the CLP340.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Should I buy a second hand digital piano or a second hand acoustic one"

Dear Graham,

Thanks to you that, last year I bought a digital piano with the help of your
advices.(Yamaha CLP340)

In August, me and my husband are moving to Manchester from Istanbul but due
to high transportation fee it would not be possible for me to bring my piano
with me.

What is your suggestion?  Should I buy a second hand digital piano or a
second hand acoustic one?

Thanks in advance,
Kind Regards,
elif

Reply/ Hi Elif

It really depends on how long you intend staying...

You could buy a decent second hand digital piano
that you'll be able to sell later for a similar
price.

Or, you could rent one.

Here's details of both:

http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/used-digital-pianos.html

http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/piano-rental.html

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Am stuck between the following models; Yamaha CLP 330, 340 & 380!! "

Hi Graham, firstly a huge thank you for your "7 Things You MUST Know Before Buying A Digital Piano" guide I downloaded the other day. It's been so useful already and much appreciated. I am buying my partner a digital piano for his 30th birthday in a couple of weeks and am stuck between the following models; Yamaha CLP 330, 340 & 380!!  He is a beginner who is eager to learn how to play, whereas I am at roughly Grade 7 level (although rusty!) and would hopefully get to play it too!.  I'm just wondering which would be the best long-term option for me to buy for us both....am aware of the prices and don't mind spending up to CLP 380 for high quality.

Thank you in advance for any advice/suggestions of the best model :-)

Sinead

Reply/ Hi Sinead

I wouldn't splash out on a Yamaha CLP380 when the
CLP340 is almost as good...

With the CLP340 you get the same synthetic ivory
keys, a wonderful sound, and realistic touch.

The CLP380 does sound marginally better, but the
extra money doesn't seem worth paying really.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"It's extraordinary that the CLP380 is twice the price of the CLP340, difficult to see how they can justify the premium!"

Hi Graham

First of all just to say your passion for pianos really shines
through! 7 things you should know... is an excellent intro to
navigating the confusing and complex world of digital pianos.

I also thank you for reminding me that this big decision purchase
hasn't gone away - I fully intend to spend several months
researching (and saving) for the right piano and your reminders keep
prompting me to look into it a bit more.

Based on your e-book and a bit of scouting around I think I know
what it boils down to model wise but I wouldn't mind your thoughts.
I want as faithful a piano sound and feel as possible for less than
£2,000 and it looks like the yamaha clp series offers this. I don't
want the bells and whistles of the cvp - these would only be a
consideration if they were part and parcel of getting the best piano
feel and sound. I'm currently debating clp 330 vs clp 340 - there's
quite a big price difference between the two! I'm going to
Chappell's to try the two out but do you think I should be
considering anything else?

Thanks again for the help!

Subsequent to the previous message saying I'd fallen in
love with the CLP 380, to which you suggested looking out for a CLP
280 2nd hand which would enable me to get a similar instrument to
the 380 but within my sub-£2k price range.

Well in the intervening 4 months I've scoured the internet for
second hand 280s and have only found one, it was offered by Bonners
at £2k, which is an extraordinary price given they were selling new
online for 2,100 before the 380 came out! As I'm still saving I
wasn't able to buy it but I'm also now having second thought about
thwther I'm right to be focused on the 280.

I'm starting to wonder whether I might not be better off buying a
new CLP 340 rather than waiting for a reasonably priced CLP 280 to
come onto the market. Problem is, I can't compare the two
instruments as I have never even seen a 280, I'm purely going on
your recommendation based on my preference for the 380 over the 340.
But maybe I'm being unrealistic and should just plump for the 340
and be done with it.

Your thoughts would be appreciated as you can see I'm in a bit of a quandary!

Many thanks

Jim

Reply/ Hi Jim

The CLP380 doesn't offer much more in quality of
sound and touch than the CLP340.

I would stick with the CLP340. It's a great piano!

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

Further comment/

Thanks very much Graham. That's really helpful. I will stick with the CLP340.
It's extraordinary that the CLP380 is twice the price of the CLP340, difficult
to see how they can justify the premium!

Jim

--

"What is the difference between CVP and CLP"

Hi - thanks for your very informative book on digital pianos.

I have one outstanding question - what is the difference between CVP and CLP - and which is best?

Thanks alot.

Harriot

Reply/ Hi Harriot

The Yamaha CLP range is their best and most
popular digital pianos. They have been designed
to be close to a real piano without too many
bells and whistles.

Their CVP range, however, are multi-functional
pianos. The higher models in the CVP range
have endless numbers of bells and whistles,
percussion sounds, and features that likely 
become redundent soon after you discover them.

To summarise, the CLP range are generally better
digital pianos. The CVP range are lacking a bit
in tone and touch, but over abundant in gadgets.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

"Yamaha CLP320 - What is your opinion about buying it on the internet? I´ve seen that Thomann or some other on-line shops have better pricing"

Dear Graham

Thank you so much for your hard work concerning the webpage, as it has been very useful to me.

I have started to play piano recently (3 months ago) and I am just trying to know what exactly an electronic piano is, as I want to buy one in a couple of weeks, in order to be able to practice at home.

For the time being, my favorite is Yamaha CLP320, but I am still looking in order to trying some other pianos before buying the definitive one.

What is your opinion about buying it on the internet? I´ve seen that Thomann or some other on-line shops have better pricing, but I am a bit afraid I can have any problem with my piano and no one would give me an answer...

Again, thank you so much for helping so many people with your webpage!

Regards,  Bella

Reply/ Hi Bella

The Yamaha CLP320 would be a good choice.

Buying a Yamaha from Thomann would certainly
save you some money.

And Thomann are at the top of my most trusted
stores. They will always look after you if
anything were to go wrong with your piano.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

--

Yamaha CLP330 or P155?

Hi Graham,

Hi from Down Under,
I really like your articles and your piano articles on what to look out
for before purchasing a piano, Ive been to some shops and it really helps
compared to the confusion the sales people give me. Hope you could help me
with a few questions….

Im looking at the CLP330 which you put at no.1 for overall, with sound at
8.5 and touch at 8.5 but I notice that it only has "Pure CF Sampling with
3-level Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) Dynamic Stereo Sampling" does that mean
that it only has 3 levels of touch sensitivity, would this be good enough
for say a grade 8 piano student (Im not there yet but wonder can it see me
through) ?

There is another yamaha, a portable, P155 which seems to have 4 level
Advanced Wave Memory- I presume it translates to 4 levels of touch
sensitivity, with key off sound etc (which the CLP330 does not have).
The strange thing is that in Australia at least , the CLP 330 is at RRP of
AUD$3199. The P155 is at RRP of AUD$2399!...Much Cheaper

Could you advice? Would really appreciate.

Thanks again !

Regards,

Nicholas

Reply/ Hi Nicholas

The CLP330 has a better sound than the P155. This is
due to its bigger speakers and the position of those speakers.

If you truly want the very best piano than the CLP340
is the one to consider.

Yours pianistically,

Graham Howard

Further Comments/

HI Graham,

Thanks for the reply. Really appreciate it. I suppose there are many factors
that make a digital piano sound better...

I ll prob go with the CLP 330.

Regards,

Nicholas

--

Which is the better option: Yamaha YDP160 or CLP320?

Hi Graham, first of all thank goodness for a site like yours!! It has really helped me in the long search for a piano for our daughter!! she is only 9 and loving her lessons, about to sit grade one this summer. Currently she has a keyboard but to practice properly it really is time we got a piano.  We really dont want to spend more than necessary in case her interest wanes really! We have narrowed our search to the Yamaha YDP160 or Yamaha CLP320 in your opinion which would be a better option?!? Help!! Many thanks, I look forward to hearing from you. Chris Brown

Reply/ Hi Chris

The Yamaha CLP320 has 'Pure CF Sampling'. This gives
it a better, more realistic sound than the YDP160.

It also has more polyphony. But that's not important
really. The YDP160 has enough polyphony.

The CLP320's cabinet is also different. And also larger.

Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard

--

Which is best for beginners: Clp-240 or Clp-340?

Hi Graham
 
I would just like to say that I found your website very intresting and informative and have enjoyed reading peoples questions and your advice.
 
I have a question about the Yamaha Clavinova. I'm a beginner and am thinking of buying the Clp-240 or Clp-340 digital piano ( hopefully in the not too far future), is it one of the best for beginners? I'm mostly intrested in the touch as I would like a piano with as much realistic weight behind it so I can build up the necessary finger strength etc. I just wanted to know becasue someone reviewed it on your website but said they had some difficultly adjusting to their teachers acoustic because their Clp-240 was lighter. Would you still recommend this model? as I dont really want to go any higher up in price. Also are this things made to last? can they take a lot of practing on everyday or will the keys become loose or wear out fast? Oh, and lastly what is the diffrerence between the Clp-240 and 340 how has it been improved, I cant seem to find any infomation on its specifications.
 
Thanks
 
Anna

Reply/ Hi Anna

Thanks for your kind comments.

The CLP340 is not much different to the previous model CLP240.
It will probably be a little more expensive.

There isn't much info on the new  model yet. I believe they will
be out in a few weeks time.

It is true that the touch is not exactly like the real thing. If you
practice every day on the Yamaha CLP340 and then switch to
playing an upright, you will definitely notice a difference in feel.

It is not necessarily the weight. It is the fact that a real piano has
thousands of parts working together. The interconnection of the
levers gives the natural weighting to the key.

Although Yamaha have managed to simulate this better than anyone
else, it still (and never will in, my opinion), exactly emulate the real thing.

The CLP340 is a well-built piano and will last for 10+ years if looked
after.

Yours pianistically,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos

Further comments/ Hi Graham,
 
Thanks for your advice, I guess I'll be geting the Clp-340 then, if Yamaha are the best at simulating the weight and it's as close to the 'real' thing without buying an upright (one day I will get one! I'll just see how I get on with this first) .
Thanks
 
Anna

--

Yamaha YDP is cheaper than the Yamaha CLP range - is there much difference?

Question/ Thankyou for your very useful article on the website penned by Mr Graham Howard. I am looking at buying a digital piano for my wife as a surprise but had no idea what make or model to buy. I think I have now plumped for a Yamaha!

However, one quick question for you. There seems to be a Yamaha YDP range available that is cheaper than the Yamaha CLP range - is there much difference and am I better off sticking with the CLP range?

Also, I am unable to spend more than approx £1,000 which seems to take me up to about the CLP230 range - is there much difference between these and the cheaper CLP220 range?

Hope you can help.

Answer/ I am glad you liked my article and I am also pleased you have chosen the Yamaha which I believe to be the best brand at the moment.

The YDP range is a basic cut down version of the CLP range. It is not as sturdy or well built as the CLP range and the action is not as good either.

I would stick with the CLP range. The CLP230 is only slightly better than the CLP220, the main differences being the added functions and slightly better sound sampling on the 230.

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