Graham Howard

“With the 305, I have all the keyboard functionality plus a very good piano too. There’s nothing I (or my pupils) dislike about it except for its size”

I’ve had the CVP305M for a while now. For teaching purposes, it was the best choice. If it had been for me alone, I would have chosen a Roland as I like the sound & touch of their instruments. But that’s just a personal thing. The model numbers have now changed & are now 501, 503, 505 & 509.

With the 305, I have all the keyboard functionality plus a very good piano too. Typical of Yamaha, the instrument is very user friendly. As part of my teaching, I like to record pupils’ performances during the lessons. Of course, the 305 does this but also provides the added benefit of scoring the music & also showing the chords that have been played. This provides valuable extra teaching data.

When saving the songs, I have the choice of a floppy disc drive, a multi media card or a USB stick. I tend to use the last one these days as the first two are a bit out of date as storage media now.

Quite honestly, there’s nothing I (or my pupils) dislike about it except for its size as its larger than an acoustic piano front to back but lower vertically. The hydraulically controlled lid houses all the easily accessible controls as well as two monitor speakers to supplement the excellent speaker system in the main cabinet. The solidly well made mahogany cabinet looks smart in my home & would do in anyone’s I imagine.

From a purely piano viewpoint the touch is pretty good – rather on the lines of a light touch acoustic grand – and the touch is graded heavier to lighter as the tone becomes higher. Touch can be altered by 5 different degrees although the difference isn’t really that noticeable. With a range of piano samples to choose from, there’s a sound to please just about any taste but for the very fussy, any of the samples can easily be edited. The sounds are better appreciated when the volume is beyond halfway.

There is no clacking of keys & a note can be sustained for around 15 seconds. Although there is a realistic sympathetic resonance, this does not appear to extend to the test of holding down a C chord say & then playing a lower single C note. However, the 305 is in the middle of the range & I think it’s likely that the two higher models may deliver slightly more realism although, in my view, that does not warrant the £1000 price hike. Any of the first three models, up to & including the 305 offer much better value for money over equivalent Roland models.

This not a piano to buy off the web. Apart from the fact you would have to build it when it arrives, after sales support is going to be difficult too. Therefore, I purchased the 305 from a local retailer who built it & delivered it in one piece. They were aware I was a music teacher & their pricing & service reflected that as they were aware I could introduce pupils to them for future purchases of instruments, music & accessories, which is what I have done. Because I knew what I was doing, I wasn’t exposed to pushy sales people, providing dubious facts & demonstrating the instruments best sounds via their party pieces – often the only thing they can play!

I always give good advice to pupils about what, where & how to buy. In addition, I teach them ‘keyboard salespeople destroyers’ – little routines that exploit various instrument sounds well, just like the sales person does. So, when they’re in the store, instead of the sales person sitting down & showing off, the pupil does!

So there you go Graham…my views of the Yamaha CVP305M (now 503) – easy to use, well featured, good sounding, nice touch & good to look at.  The 501 (formerly 205) is well worth considering too but I would not be so enthusiastic about the much more expensive models. Also, I don’t believe these later models represent such good value. Feature that are available in my 305 are no longer contained in the 503 but are included with the higher end models.

I wonder how Yamaha might respond to my contention that they are providing less for more these days!!

Review by Richard Hannam (Key Skills PR+Photography+Music)

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

“I purchased this Yamaha  for the quality of the piano sounds”

I purchased the Yamaha CVP409 keyboard about two months ago from a music shop in Great Yarmouth. The keyboard
was second hand but had very little use as the original packing was still on the pedals and screen. I paid
£2650.
My playing experience was grade 4 piano until the age of 15 years and then playing occasionally on a Challen
. I then decided at the age of 65 years to try and improve my playing and started taking piano lessons again. My
instructor has introduced me to the classics and I now play Mozart & Chopin but have some way to go but really
enjoy it.
My Challen was now 50 plus years old and my piano tuner said it needed restringing so it had to go. That was
when I checked out your website and took your advice on going for a Yamaha.
The reasons for going electric are the normal ones: No tuning necessary, being able to play with head phones and of
course all the extra options not found on a standard piano but I was concerned over the piano quality but Yamaha
piano sounds are quiet amazing.
I purchased this Yamaha for the quality of the piano sounds but have found the other instruments to be just
as good. I have still not mastered half of the functions available on the instrument and you do need to be a bit of
an expert to realise its full potential ( The manual is 222 pages long ). The only features I would add , apart
from making the operation more user friendly are a touch screen and a reading lamp.
I must thank Graham Howard for all the help you gave me and pointing me in the right direction and will
recommend you to friends who are considering the purchase of a keyboard.

Review by John Rickett, Great Yarmouth, UK

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

“Though it might be fun for both me and my daughter to play around with the bells and whistles”

I am a total beginner and I have a 3 year old daughter who I also think should learn to play as she grows up.
Personally I would like to learn to play the piano without all the bell’s and whistles like different instrument
sounds, percussion, orchestration etc but I though it might be fun for both me and my daughter to play around
with those functions, hence the CVP501 rather than one from the CLP range.  I wanted a digital piano that felt
as close to a real piano as possible so went with the Yamaha CVP501 based on reviews on your site and others.

I debated getting the CVP503 simply because of the upgrade from GH to GH3 and ivory feel keys but decided the
extra £800 wasn’t worth it …I think it will be a long time before I could tell the difference, if ever.

Reviewed by: Nick Bell, Bromley

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

“I am quite happy with the instrument”

Since I bought last Christmas the CVP 501. Choices here in Brasil are a little bit limited, but thanks a lot for your Piano guide. It helped a lot at that time!!!

I am quite happy with the instrument, though the speakers could be a little bit better. With my headphones, even though in no way High End, I get a much better sound.

Review by Ralf, Brasil

 

>> For Yamaha CVP501 information, specifications and prices, click here

“The CVP503 is the digital piano I felt most excited about”

Hello Graham

Thanks for helping me start the search for my piano.  Your site has great information and encouraged me
to actually stand in front of a piano! I’ve never played before and I was nervous, but I knew without
doubt that I wanted to play piano.

After doing lots of research and visiting showrooms and getting the salespersons to play for me, and
then finally sitting in front of some pianos.  I finally settled on a Yamaha CVP503.  This is the
digital piano I felt most excited about (not initially my first choice and more than i set out to pay)
and it has not disappointed.

Why – because:
The quality of the unit
The many features inc internet connection
The headphones – not inc, and the big screen (Practising in silence is brilliant, don’t underestimate the confidence it gives you and the ability to practice at any time!)

Months later and I still love learning and playing.

Review by Francesca Dudon, UK

 

>> For Yamaha CVP503 information, specifications and prices, click here

“As yet there is nothing to say I dislike”

I bought a Yamaha CVP509 and find this instrument offers all the concepts of both
the piano and organ and much more apart from the organ pedals, I still have quite
a bit more to learn about the different features.

I find the the sounds of the instrument and the key touch really excellent.
As yet there is nothing to say i dislike.

With being close to retirement I was hoping for my own satisfaction to expand my
skill in playing, so at the moment i am focussing on the piano section of the
instrument trying to acheive more dexterity in the physical aspect of playing
as well as trying to improve if possible at the grade 7 level.

Reviewed by: Albert, Preston, UK

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

“The sound of the grand piano fills the room as though it were a concert hall”

I was looking for a traditional baby-grand to start with, then, when I realised how authentic the sound and
touch could be on a Clavinova, and also how much additional fun I could have with all the additional voices and
features, I started to explore further. My brother has had a Clavinova for about 10 years and loves it, and put me
onto your site to get a balanced view through the digital piano buyer’s guide.

I was inspired by the range of Yamaha digital pianos and settled on a CVP-505 (I had set a price cap of £5000).
With the benefit of your reviews and guide I went to my local supplier who did not have a CVP-505 but offered me a
CVP-509 at the best price I had found for the 505. I was drooling over the 509 initially based on how good you said
the sound was and just how functional these digital pianos are, so with this offer I went ahead.

I am delighted with the CVP-509. The sound of the grand piano fills the room as though it were a concert hall,
and plays exactly like the real thing (touch, resonance, responsiveness etc etc). The additional voices are also
superb and realistic. Being a woodwind player, I would particularly single out the saxophone for mention – it
slides from note to note like the best jazz pro! It is easy to use in all its modes, and, with my rusty keyboard
skills, the play-along facility and note guide lights are getting me back in the swing very quickly.

I haven’t connected it to the internet yet to use the Yamaha online services, but the bank of music already in
memory is providing a lot of fun. My husband likes the fact that it plays by itself and (second favourite feature)
that I can practice silently with the headphones on – hmm! I would strongly recommend this instrument to anyone who
wants to enjoy playing or learning the piano.

It’s a real family instrument as well as something that holds its own in a recording / mixing studio and in
stage performances. What is there not to like? Nothing! Oh, it’s very heavy to move and we are still trying to
decide at which end of our lounge the lovely dark rosewood cabinet looks best, but we will make a decision soon and
leave it in place to look and sound amazing!

Review by Viki Crocker, Hampshire, UK

 

“Great piano. Awesome sound. Excellent features”

As it turned out, because the price was right, I ended up buying a CVP509PE because it was on offer cheaper than
the CVP503R.

Great piano. Awesome sound. Excellent features. Polished ebony is a pain to keep dust-free – just as Graham
mentions. I do owe it to Graham’s review that we purchased the ideal piano and understood what we NEEDED.

Although our purchase was unfortunately not through Graham (and we did not feel pressured) I certainly recommend
firstly a read of his review and if you can, try to give your purchase to him.

Review by James

 

>> For Yamaha CVP509 information, specifications and prices, click here

“My YDP113 is sitting proudly in my dining room and it is truly a thing of great beauty!”

I purchased a Yamaha YDP113 second hand, online, for £300. It was said to
be 3 years old and this model is now discontinued. I am completely new to
the piano world but it is something I have always wanted to take up, and
now I have time on my hands due to early retirement, I thought it’s now
or never!

Actually I did have the intention of buying an electronic organ but research
led me to the conclusion that a digital piano would be the more favourable
option.

Further research told me that with my limited budget (£500) I would be better
off with a decent used piano from one of the better manufacturers than to buy
a new one from one of the lesser brands. A massive help in this process was
Graham Howard’s free online guide “7 Things you must know before you buy a
digital piano”. That took me from zero knowledge to an understanding of the
key features I needed to have.

At £300 I wondered whether I had done the right thing or should I have
invested a bit more? Well, its now sitting proudly in my dining room and it
is truly a thing of great beauty! So much so that my offer to house it in
the study, or even the garage, have been unnecessary as my better half
thinks (correctly) that it looks like a fine piece of furniture! There are
no tacky buttons and flashing lights – it just looks quality!

Technically, I know little of what constitutes a great piano. But I have to
say that in our short time together so far my Yamaha YDP 113 both looks and
sounds absolutely fantastic. I almost feel guilty that I paid so little for
it. I suspect I have made a very, very smart move”.

Reviewed by Jim Gavin

“The YDP131 is ok for a beginner and an intermediate”

Sustains is important, my Yamaha YDP 131 have 11 secondes of sustain which is correct.

Noise of the keys, that is the difference between the new version and this one. There is no wirld noise but compare to a normal piano it’s noiser, that is the second desavantage.

Wattage and plugging, you have the possibility to plug 2 jacks for your Amplifier and headset. There is an MIDI output as well.

You can record and got a metronome and can select 2 or 3 other sounds like piano electric or pipe Organ, but I’m not interested at all because I was looking for a piano with a realistic sound and I foud it !

The Body is the same for the whole YDP range so there is no much difference between them.

Conclusion,
This piano is ok for a beginner and an intermediate and have a great piano sound and I am quite demanding on this.
Now, if you want to pass a grade 4 or over you have to change and get a higher quality.

Review by Marc Gaullier

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

2) “The piano really is very versatile indeed”

I have owned the Yamaha YDP 131 digital piano for approximately 2 months, and after frequent practice during this
time I can highly recommend this particular model to anyone considering to purchase.

The YDP 131 was my second purchase after having to return a midi controller due to a less than desirable weighted
key action. This Yamaha piano is MUCH better quality. The feel of the fully weighted keyboard is excellent and
after having played the midi keyboard, I cannot criticize, there really is no comparison.

The general build quality is also very good, the keyboard with sliding key cover attaches to a stand that includes
three pedals for expressive play.

The YDP 131 has two acoustic piano voices along with harpsichord, string ensemble and electric piano sounds.
The first traditional piano sound being a brighter and clearer tone than the second which has a mellower sound,
there are also options to enhance the sound using the built in reverb, and as I have just learned from this website,
chorus effects. The reverb definitely does add presence and a realism to the piano samples.

The speakers on the YDP 131 are only suitable for practicing and maybe playing along with other instruments at a
low to medium volume level. The YDP 131 can easily be amplified using either a lead from the headphone output
with 1/4 inch jacks to an all purpose amplifier, or a guitar amp. Or if you own a home stereo with separate
components, a 2 X RCA to 3.5 mm jack with a 1/4 inch jack adapter will amplify the piano through your speaker system.

The YDP 131 also works extremely well as a midi keyboard, I have connected the digital piano via a midi to USB lead
to my computer to use with virtual instruments – the piano really is very versatile indeed.

In conclusion, all I can say is the Yamaha YDP 131 is a perfect addition to any budding pianist or musical household.

Review by Jake Stone, Radlett, England

“I liked the easy touch of the keys compared with an upright piano”

I bought a Yamaha YDP140 Arius at the Piano Warehouse, Surbiton and received helpful service, the piano had almost £200.00 off the full price. I had previously been to the Croydon Music Shop where I also had good service but being a small shop they only had 4 pianos which were costing more than I wanted to pay. I am not an expert on pianos having not played properly for about 40 years. I liked the easy touch of the keys compared with an upright piano and the colour of the outer casing fitted in well with our furnishings. The piano has a pleasant tone and being able to adjust the sound is great. Most of all I am enjoying the experience of learning to play again after all these years.

Review by Carolyn Sherrell, Warlingham, UK

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

2) “I think this model is a very good choice in its price range. In the future, I will try to sell it and buy a GH3 DP”

I bought a YDP140 from a local store (I’m from Brazil). The main reasons I
choose that model was my budget and a lot of reviews I found out while
trying to learn something about digital pianos. I am taking classes for just
a month, so I am still struggling with the basics.

The YDP140 has an entry level keyboard (GHS), and although the keys are a
little noisy (when you play with a lower volume – with the volume high or
with headphones its not noticeable), it really doesn’t matter to me. The
keyboard is somewhat easier to play than the upright where I am taking
classes, and I would like it better if the GHS was heavier, but so far I
don’t think it will be a problem. I would not recommend GHS to someone who
cant play at an acoustic piano at least in their weekly classes, but when
you think that GH or GH3 are way more expensive, it’s worth what you pay for
– and we cant forget its an entry level model anyway. It is good enough for
me, and probably will still be good enough for some years.

The sound of YDP140 is very good. I don’t care about other voices, but there’s
a few available in this model (2 grand pianos, electric piano, harpsichord,
organ and strings). The speakers are good enough to play at home, but my
guess is that you would need more power if you want to play elsewhere.

I think this model is a very good choice in its price range. In the future,
I will try to sell it and buy a GH3 DP, but I am happy with it now.

Reviewed by Mauricio Medeiros, Brazil

3) “Offered to me what I understood the Clavinova offered as well, but in a simplified version”

I’ve recently bought a Yamaha YDP-140 Arius digital piano! I read about your priceless
and thorough advice on your web page and wanted to go for a Clavinova, but my
current tight budget led me to choose a YDP-140 (which at the time was on sale as
well). I live in Canada and bought it at Archambault.

Why did I decide for the Arius?

1) Advice on your page (helped me decide for a Yamaha, then for the
Clavinova; after prices review, then for the Arius)

2) Price (it was well in my budget), specially that I’m a beginner at
piano

3) Offered to me what I understood the Clavinova offered as well, but in a
simplified version. Simplified but not useless, of course. Also, at the shop
where I bought this piano, when asked a first opinion on what to choose for
a beginner, they recommended a Yamaha as well.

So far, I’m enjoying my Arius here. Now I need to worry about learning to
properly play it, but that’s another story.

Review by Gissela, Canada

 

Second hand Yamaha YDP140 available here

“The sound, to me is an excellent reflection of the piano. My only criticism so far is the music stand”

What I was looking for was a piano that had possibilities of various voices,
demonstrations and computer links did not interest me.I was taken by the idea of a
digital piano because of its size, portability, stability in variation of humidity and
temperature, and finally no need for regular tuning.

After reading your handbook I looked at and played a few pianos and found for the cost
the YDP141 was suitable, the YDP161 was more expensive and had more voices etc which I
did not need.

My impressions:
The sound, to me is an excellent reflection of the piano as is the touch.If anything the
touch seems a little heavy but this can be changed quite simply.I suspect some of the
heavy feeling is due to me needing to develop the correct finger muscles.

Many of the add on functions I have never tried as I have been concentrating on
relearning basic piano skills.

At first I thought the body was a bit like an MFI creation however the key board and the
upper section are of good quality and finish. Now I find the piano fits into the room and
is quite unassuming as a piece of furniture.

My only criticism so far is the music stand.I remember stands always had clips to keep
the music open.The stand is too steep and too short; sheet music tends to fall over the
back of the piano and books of music either close up in front of you or fall onto the key
board.I have overcome the problem by lowering the slope of the stand by placing a block,
a large laboratory weight, on the piano behind the stand!

In summary — I am happy with the piano; all I need now is some talent!

Review by Frank Rendell

 

2) “Compares favourably for a medium priced instrument”

We are supplementing a rather ancient pianola which I hope to get restored in due
course so didn’t want to spend a massive amount. We have ended up with a
Yamaha Arius YDP141 – Looks weren’t crucial as it’s living upstairs but the
overall look and feel is very good we chose the dark rosewood. It doesn’t
have as many ‘gadget’ features has a much better piano feel to it – the
children have their lessons on a baby grand and it compares favourably for a
medium priced instrument.  Gear4music customer service is A1!

Review by Kerry Stocker

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

3) “It does all I need as a piano to learn on and more”

I must say I am delighted with my YDP141 and I feel I made a good choice.

Why did I buy this model.

Well being a total novice I first thought go second hand but having seen a few I
soon realised that it is easy to buy a pup this way.

So I loo around a few music shops and everyone spoke well of Yamaha although a
lot tried to sell me a Casio.

I then looked on the internet and found your advice on buying a piano and down
loaded this which I found to be very helpful.

I then looked at prices and terms and found that I could use the take it away
interest free scheme and this swung it for a new one.

The reasons I bought the Yamaha YDP 141 were

Lovely looking light cherry laminate finish much nicer than say Casio
sounds good It does all I need as a piano to learn on and more If I find I lose the
love for it I have seen they re-sell OK.
Good price. Reputation
A digital fits nicely in my home office as it is not too deep and this room now
doubles as my music room. I sit in there in the evening with a glass of beer (well away from
the keys of course) and it is great for cold winter nights to occupy one’s mind away from
the goggle box.

I have now owned it less than a month and I am having lessons and can now play a
few simple tunes and I am starting to use both hands.
When I started I thought that if I could play a few easy tunes this would give
me encouragement.
I suppose this is still so, but I also found I have a desire for the knowledge of
music and how to read it and have surprisingly become very focussed on the fact that I can
play only it if I can read and most importantly understand the music-  although I am
not kidding myself in that practice make perfect. For those wishing to do what I have
started my advice is

It is a marathon not a sprint.
It takes ages to become good
You have to work as hard at the theory as you do the practice – at least until you
know how to read the music or unless you are talented to play by ear
If you are a person who gives up easy forget it.

I started with a long standing desire to play the piano and it has taken nearly 58
years for me to even think about doing it.

So far 6 weeks into lessons I am starting to develop a passion for it and I am
encouraged and I am determined to succeed to a decent level.

Review by Colin Cook (22/12/2010)

4) “Of the 5 voices the two pianos are excellent but harpsicord, strings and church organ
are not of the piano quality”

I wanted to get the best I could afford. Living in a bungalow my first thought was a space saving
keyboard but on seeing what was on offer I looked to see whereabouts I could fit in a proper piano. I always
intended to purchase through Amazon as friends could make contributions to the cost by gift voucher and I also had
about £100 of Nectar points to convert. The list price for my Yamaha YDP141C was about £680 but I paid just
£576.

Yamaha was always my preferred brand. The remarks from your Piano Purchase Guide only re-inforced my
existing choice and that was as a result of extensive research on the subject. I was pleasantly surprised at the
range of instrument on view at Amazon and ended up being supplied by Norman’s Musical Instruments (based somewhere
in the midlands).Delivery was on schedule despite the snowy, icy road conditions prior to Xmas although I hadn’t
been made aware, beforehand, that I would have to assemble the instrument myself. It came packed in a large box and
took a little while to put together. (This does prove it is portable though!).

As a piece of furniture it is pleasing on the eye. I chose the Beech look rather than the dark wood of the two on
offer but I would have preferred Teak. Living room furniture was re-arranged to fit it in but I’d already planned
that from the detailed dimensions given on-site.

An instruction book & a music book accompanied the instrument. The music book was quite advanced for novices
but I possessed a good store of music anyway. The instruction manual is very comprehensive and shows the many
applications available to the player. I feel that quite a few are fanciful extras that don’t add to the value of
the instument. Of the 5 voices the two pianos are excellent but harpsicord, strings and church organ are not of the
piano quality and are really a trivial extra.

When I hear the sound of a Grand Piano in my living room I can’t help but feel that this is a thrill I could not
have expected even a few years ago- and it doesn’t even need regular tuning. So , I am more than pleased with this
asset and look forward to being able to play it whenever I take the fancy .

Review by Raymond Craine (04/03/2011)

5) “Musically it ticks most (if not all) the boxes”

Yamaha Arius YDP 141 – I bought it as a Birthday present for my wife and she loves it. From all
the information I have read on the web, musically it ticks most (if not all) the boxes to look for in a digital
piano . I find it a bit on the cheep site look and finish but a good enough package for a beginner (up to middle
level player) and a limited budget.
Personally I think I am not a piano person and I feel I probably would be happier with a 88 key keyboard with more
options and 1/3 price but without the graded action keys etc (just a key related to a sound) if one day I decide to
learn (mine is an entirely different logic) , but the piano teacher we have and my wife are definitely happy with
the Yamaha

Review by Nick Kalnakov (16/07/2011)

6) “My son now has an adequate learning instrument at a very competitive
price!”

Dear Graham,

Many thanks for your helpful information.
I have now purchased the Yamaha YDP141 via Gear4Music.
I ordered it on a Sunday evening and the Piano with stool was delivered to my home in Newcastle, County Down 2 days
later. This was excellent service and my son now has an adequate learning instrument at a very competitive price!

Review by Joe Totten (14/11/2011)

7) “Easy to put
together, seems well made, but power adaptor makes humming noise”

We are complete musical novices and were looking to buy a piano for our 8 year old who is taking
lessons and practicing on her keyboard was holdIng her back. We had no idea what to look for in a piano we just knew we
didn’t want to spend a fortune on something she may lose interest in, but at the same time didn’t want to buy
cheap rubbish.

We read numerous reviews and eventually downloaded Graham Howard’s book from the UK pianos website.
We found this book explained everything we didn’t know about Piano’s and helped us reach the decision to buy
the Yamaha YDP141. We decided on this piano as Yamaha’s seem to be highly recommended and we wanted a mid range priced
model.

We ordered it from Norman’s and it was delivered 2 days later. It was easy to put together and
seems like a very well made instrument and also looks like a nice piece of furniture when closed. As for the technical
stuff like sound quality, touch sensitivity etc. I can’t comment as we are not experts.

The only negative is that the power adapter appears to emit a humming noise which is a tad
annoying but hopefully can be resolved with a better adapter.

Review by Emma Baket, Croydon, England (28/04/2012)

8) “The YDP141 has all the
features that we need”

Very good sound
– excellent touch of the keys
– the YDP141 has all the features that we need.
Note that the piano is used by our 7-year daughter, piano begginer.

Review by Lucian Dumitrescu, Buharest, Romania (22/11/2012)

9) “We are very pleased with the Yamaha YDP141”

Hi Graham,

Thank you very much for your excellent detailed advice and assistance with our recent digital piano purchase. We
would have been very lost without it.
We are very pleased with the Yamaha YDP141 which we purchased as an entry level piano for our son, who appears to
be now glued to the stool.

UK Pianos will be our first stop for any future purchase.

Review by Genie Webb, Lymington (22/03/2013)

10) “So far it is living up to my expectations”

I purchased a Yamaha YDP141 Arius digital piano. I chose it as all reviews I read said that it was a good choice
for a beginner. I am a “mature” beginner (although like many starting later in life, did learn as a
child!)  I wanted to upgrade the second hand electric portable piano I had (also Yamaha) to give me better
sound quality, and more of a feel of a “real” piano now that I have held my hand up to my music teacher to put me
forward for a Grade 2 exam!

Hopefully this new piano will stand me in good stead as I practise and move forward in my new hobby which I am
thoroughly enjoying.

So far it is living up to my expectations. I chose the piano in cherry wood and am also pleased with the way the
piano looks as a piece of furniture in the house.

Best Regards
Helen

Review by Helen Large, Canterbury (26/03/2013)

11) “My daughter felt the similarity when she played with real
pianos”

I read and also learned things that contributed to our decision to buy the Yamaha Arius YDP-141. We got what we can
afford but after 2 years, we’re now thinking of upgrading to help my daughter go beyond learning to play
via her normal lessons… but hopefully to explore her mixing and composing (saving data, integration w/ an
iPad/Mac). My Son got interested and also now starts with his lessons from the same teacher.

The piano, in general provided what we needed… an electronic one so that my daughter can play w/o worrying about
disturbing the neighbors (sound can be adapted or even silenced and still enjoy the music via head/earphone).
The feel of the keys is also one important factor in choosing the piano. I’m not a musician but my daughter felt
the similarity when she played with real pianos.

Review by Romel Nacua

 

>> For Yamaha YDP141 information, specifications and prices, click here

“I’m happy with my purchase but disappointed the key weighting is not as heavy as expected”

“I bought a Yamaha YDP160 new via eBay around a year ago for £800 including P&P, having first tried-it-out in a shop.  I have waited this long to write a review in order to become fully familiar with the piano and give it the ‘test of time’.   Having read your ” 7 Things You MUST know before you buy a digital piano” guide, I had no reservations about buying the YDP-160 which, being very similar in specification to the entry level Yamaha Clavinova CLP-320, is great value for money.  I am very happy with my purchase and my only disappointment is that the key weighting is not as heavy as I expected (I am having lessons on an upright piano) but, as you explain in your guide, I’d have to pay a lot more for heavier keys.

Review by Mike Newman