Yamaha YDP164

Description

Questions

Hi Graham,

I was wondering if you could assist me in my hunt for a digital piano please. I would like a piano which can be used for my daughter to reach the higher grades 5-6 and possibly for me to finish my grade 7 and 8 at some point in the future (but which I’m not 100% sure on just yet).

I have been looking at the Yamaha YDP and CLP’s and ideally didn’t want to spend more than £1000-1200 or so maximum, so it seems the cheapest CLP is out of my price range. Would you recommend the YDP selection and which one please?

Many thanks for your help in advance.

Kind regards,
Debbie

Reply/ Dear Debbie

The Yamaha YDP164 is certainly very popular,
but the sensitivity of its keys is limited and is
only suitable for up to grade 5 level.

The piano I recommend for you is the new
Broadway BW1.
It has a warm, natural, full tone.
And the key touch is fully-weighted. It also feels
smooth and responsive under the fingers, just like
a real acoustic piano.

Also, the cabinet is really compact in depth (from
front to back), so it takes up less space than other
digital pianos.

What’s more, it’s a good piano for your daughter
to learn and progress on… Her finger strength and
technique will develop in the correct way.
And she’ll find it easier to transfer to an upright
or grand piano later…

This is because it passes the four most vital requirements:

~ Fully-weighted keys (88 full-size keys)
~ Touch sensitive key touch with 5 dynamic levels
~ Correct resistance of touch on descent and ascent
~ Long note sustain (14 seconds on middle C)

The BW1 is suitable for up to grade 8 level.

This is my first choice out of all pianos costing under £1000.

You can read more about this piano here

Graham Howard

 

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“I need a good digital piano that feels and sound authentic”

I’m looking to buy or rent-to-buy a digital piano, but am unsure of how
expensive a model to go for. I am an amateur musician with a vast amount
of experience as a composer and arranger for large and varied groups of
musicians (my main instruments are guitar and viola). I played a Yamaha
P-80 at gigs for many years (I never did grades but I guess my playing
capability is about grade 5) with big bands. A couple of years ago I
bought a Korg PA300 arranger keyboard but I hate its small keys and
horrid touch. I also hate most of the sounds it makes. I had hoped it
might energise my composing method but the keyboard lies mostly
untouched whilst I sit as always in front of the PC putting notes
straight out of my head into Sibelius. When I visit my daughter (Grade
8) and play on her acoustic piano I just love the feel and sound. The
PA300 is going on eBay and I want to replace it with a ‘proper’ digital
piano – for composing generally (classical, jazz) and playing classical
pieces.

Can you advise please as to whether something like a Yamaha YDP164 (or
whichever equivalents you recommend and sell) would suit me or whether I
should look into to your buy-to-rent option of the GEWA DP 300 or Gewa
UP365? My upfront budget runs out somewhere about £1000.

Best regards, Rob

Reply/ Dear Rob

The Yamaha YDP164 is popular, has a crisp,
bright sound, but is not suitable for anything
above grade 6 level, due to its limited touch
sensitivity.

The Gewa DP300G has a lovely tone, because
all Gewas are sampled from a Steinway grand piano.

However, the DP300G is their basic model.
The keys are fully-weighted and touch sensitive,
but for grade 8 level and beyond I recommend going
for the UP365. It has a more sensitive key touch,
with an extra dynamic level over the DP300G.
It also has a graded hammer action, which better
emulates an acoustic piano mechanism.

Additionally, it has Bluetooth, if that’s more useful
for you when composing etc.

It’s also available on Rent to Buy.
You can see details about this here

Yours pianistically

Graham Howard

—

Hi Graham

I’ve seen you answer questions online and thought I would ask one.

I’m looking to buy the Yamaha YDP 164 Digital piano. I have a open plan kitchen diner and it want to put it in front of the radiator as this is the only available space.

Is this a problem? Will it effect the digital piano?

Many thanks,

Angelo

Reply/ Dear Angelo

If you can keep a space of at least 6 inches and you
keep the radiator at no more than a medium setting,
then the piano will be fine.

Kind regards
Graham Howard
UK Pianos