Piano Reviews

We have recently purchased a second hand piano – a 5 year old Yamaha CLP-930.  We went for 2nd hand as the budget is a bit tight but wanted a decent brand and Yamaha seemed the best (in particular the Clavinova).  We went to try it out and the keys were noisy – a quite noisy thud on the way down and a noisier one on the way back.  The sellers said this was fairly standard on digital pianos.

It didn’t initially seem so bad and we went ahead with the purchase anyway as in all other respects it is a lovely piano, but now this thudding noise is becoming off-putting as we are getting into playing it.  I must say that for a 5 year old Clavinova, I am disappointed!  Unless we can fix, we’ll probably try to sell on and recoup our outlay.

Review by James Caroll, Bath, 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 Yamaha CLP295, looks and feels like a grand piano but at just over 3’ deep at its deepest point, it fits comfortably into smaller spaces”

I’d originally aspired to buy an acoustic baby grand piano but started to look at digital pianos after I realised that space was going to be tight, especially given the fact that, as a general rule, the longer the acoustic piano, the better the sound. I was going to struggle to fit a 4′ piano into my living room.

So, I started to research digital grand pianos and after comparing the Rolands to the Yamahas, decided on the Yamaha. The Yamaha CLP295, looks and feels like a grand piano but at just over 3’ deep at its deepest point, it fits comfortably into smaller spaces.

The Yamaha CLP295 has a beautiful tone – there is simply no contest between this and the acoustic upright that I’ve been playing for the last 20 years. And, despite what some say, I really don’t think the playing experience is different from acoustic when you have a digital piano of this quality. (In fact, I’d have to question those who claim there is, whether they’ve actually tried one.)

I found the CLP295 had a slightly firmer touch than the Roland, (this, along with the ‘ivory’ finish on the Roland keys were the two pluses that Roland had). However, after a few days at home, I find that the CLP295 is perfect to play. I can play precisely (within my abilities!) and the keys respond perfectly to allow me to play expressively. Genuinely, the touch is so precise that it’s already improved my playing.

I much prefer the Yamaha’s tone to that of the Roland – more rounded somehow.

First and foremost, I bought the CLP295 as a piano and this is where it excels. I don’t think some of the other voices are as perfect – but that still doesn’t dissuade me from adding strings to a few showtunes for added drama. I’ve not yet explored all of the functionality and there’s a lot I probably won’t use much.

If I had to pick a fault, and it’s miniscule, it’s a slight clicking when you apply the damper pedal. (It’s caused the pedal moving sideways slightly and will probably cease once I get used to applying it more carefully).

What more can I say? The Yamaha CLP295, is beautiful to look at, wonderful to play and sounds fantastic. Worth every penny as it’s much cheaper than an acoustic piano with an equivalent sound. I’d recommend it to anyone.

Review by Rob Webb, Halwill, 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

“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