Yamaha CLP320 Reviews

“Loudness is too small comparing the acoustic piano in the school. When using headphones, the sound of the keys is loud”

I bought Yamaha Clavinova CLP320. I was hesitating between YDP161 and CLP320. At last, as I didn’t have a chance to listen to a YDP161, I’ve chosen CLP320. I bought it in a music shop in Hungary.

The piano is dark rosewood color, and it looks nice

Its sound is at least sufficient for me as is. If I connect it to an outer amplifier and speakers, that sounds much better. So I feel (despite of your opinion that 2x12W is enough at home) 2×20 W is not the best. But maybe it is just because of the two simple speakers, that face downwards. My daughter (who has been learning to play piano for 3 years), has similar problem, that the loudness is too small comparing the acoustic piano in the school. She says, it is harder to play different loudness voices on this piano than on acoustic. As they are much louder, it is more easy to here the difference.

My wife says, its sound is too machine kind, but I don’t agree with this. I’m afraid, she has a preconception, and that is why she says what she says. I just feel, that those two “small” speakers don’t show, what this piano knows.

My daughter was complained of the key weight as well. She says it is too easy to push down. But it revealed, that the pianino in the school (she’s playing on during her lessons) is more hard to push down than other pianos in the music school. I managed to try one pianino in the music school, and (as an amateur) felt it was app.. same as our CLP320 from this point of view. My daughter said, yes, there was not a big difference between that one and our digital one. (And of course, you know, if you are playing on two different pianos regularly, after a while, you can play well on both even if they are so different. This is similar driving two different cars. After a time it will be your own how to handle one and the other. And then just need a few minutes to feel current one.)

For us, to be able to use headphones, is a very-very good option. We are leaving in a flat with two neighbors next to us, so this is very good in the mornings and evenings.

But here comes another (I wouldn’t say: problem) but observation, that when using headphones, the sound of the keys sounds loud. I know it is not so loud, as they give just thud noise, but you know, so far as we had an old acoustic piano, that was quite loud in voice, so we couldn’t hear this kind of noise. So it is strange only for ones who only hear the keys without sounds. BUT, if we use it with less loudness (with its own speakers) keyboard sound can be annoying for the player as well. This is more problematic. You can use it with less loudness not to trouble others, but in that case key noise will trouble you.

Very good option, is the built in different musical instruments sound, especially that they can be used with each other (two kind in the same time).

What is still not so good, is the complexity of the adjustments. As there are no special buttons, we have to use the keyboard keys. It is quite hard to remember which key is what for. But to do it easier, there is a quick guide for this adjustments. This helps a little.

Other not so perfect thing is the loosing adjustments when switch instrument off. There is no memory to remember the different adjustments. For example, if you like one kind piano, with some reverb adjustments, you cannot save it. You have to adjust it from the beginning after a “reboot”. This is not so professional. I’m just thinking on, may be there is the option to save adjustments, just it avoid my mind, I will check it again. For me, it is hard to believe that this option is missing from this. (One of my hobby is taking photos, and cameras know this kind of options basically.)

  

Review by Krisztian, Hungary

 

“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) “It is only by luck that I have such a good piano”

I am really pleased with my new clp320. It is only by luck that I have
such a good piano. I started to read music and had an interest in
playing the piano on retirement. I have no ear for music, but amazed
at what I can play. I learnt on a very small keyboard which was my
daughters, but realized I needed the feel of a piano.

The luck was I purchased a clp970 which was only £399. Five years on
I wantedsomething a bit smaller, still a piano rather than a keyboard and
surprised to find the clp 970 had held its price. I am now set up for “life”.

I love playing, I no longer have lessons but have a good friend who helps
me with the timing, which seems one of the hardestthings to master.

It is never too late to learn, something I never thought I would never be
able to do. I can’t recommend it enough. I have always enjoyed listening
to all kinds of music, but now have a much better understanding.

Your digital piano buyer’s book was very useful in making my choice and
the clp320 seemed the obvious choice as I already had a Yamaha.

Review by June, Shoreham-by-Sea, UK

3) “I cannot praise the quality of the piano sound highly enough and the action is so much better than anything I have experienced”

I bought a Yamaha CLP 320 from the local store (Cranes) – they matched the online discount, delivered for free and are local
if anything goes wrong during the warranty period.

I have never owned a digital piano before and have not played regularly for a long time. I cannot praise the quality of the
piano sound highly enough and the action is so much better than anything I have experienced. I bought it to develop my improvisation
skills but I am so taken with the music supplied that I am playing that as well.

I was originally looking at the P155 portable but the CLP320 looked better value for the limited number of times I expect to perform.
none of the other voices are personally of much interest -although the church organ is impressive it is unlikely I will play that type of music.

The ukpianos.co.uk website was instrumental in my choice.

Review by Andy Green

4) “I would defy anyone but an expert to tell the difference between this and an expensive old-style piano”

This piano has been a revelation to some one who has only played cheap mechanical action pianos from yesteryear. The smooth action makes such thing as
tremelo much easier to play whilst the tone is of such quality I would defy anyone but an expert to tell the difference between this and an expensive
old-style piano. The other voices are very realistic but I have little use for them. I would have preferred a Hammond-style organ to a church organ but
as I bought it primarily to use as a piano I have no cause for complaint. The accompanying music and demo of same has rekindled my interest in playing
classical music.- I originally only bought it to play boogie and other styles of rhythm and blues.

The local shop matched the internet with a 25% discount and delivered for free. The plus for me is that if I need to invoke the 2-year warranty then
the shop is local.

All in all a bargain at this price. The advice from Graham Howard was very useful in narrowing down my choice and I went for his top pick – which was
just as well as the local shop only sold Yamaha and Casio!

Review by Andrew Green, Worcester, England

5) “It sounds fantastic”

It sounds fantastic, and fits quite well in the apartment (my wife and her mother are very happy with this feature in particular). My daughter is all the time playing. I hope this will boost her taste for music

Reviewed by Graham Stone

6) “I’m Unable to tear my wife away from it!”

I received our Yamaha CLP320 today – ordered it online from Orange Music in Pretoria, South Africa,
which was the best price I could get and as an added bonus got free delivery
(and a free stool in the box!).  Now, I live in an extremely rural part of
South Africa, where very few people deliver, so it was awesome to be able to
get free delivery and that they actually made it here. Great service from
them too!

Have just taken the piano out the box and it is magnificent, with lovely
sound.  Unable to tear my wife away from it!

Review by Karl Le Roux, Pretoria, South Africa

7) “She was really surprised about the CLP320 performances: sound and touch were impacting to her”

My two kids are starting to learn piano.
The oldier (9) is more skilled. He is the one playong the piano and is very happy wit hit. He says he does not find too high difference
with the acoustic piano he plays at the academy. But how trustable his opinion is? A more trustable opnion is the one from a friend of
us who is a very skilled pianist. She tested Casio and Clavinova and, though Casio is good she said, Clavinova is better.

She was really surprised about the CLP320 performances: sound and touch were impacting to her. She owns a vertical PETROF, but she
recognised Clavinova would have been a good alternative…and cheaper. So she ranked Clavinova in 4,5 from 5.

I bought the CLP-320 in a shop, not by internet. I was checking web pages: some from Spain and the one you have the link to. Prices
were quite similar, in the range of 1075 to 1100 Euros transport, VAT, wood banket and head phones included. Suddenly on the web I
found a small piano shop in Madrid, named “Rincon Musical”. I recommend you to visit their web site (http://www.rinconmusical.es/),
even to visit the shop in case you reach Madrid someday. It is a lovely place. Not too big, but charming. You can find many pianos,
acoustic and digital, mainly from Yamaha and Steinway. The treatment was excellent, as the price: 1.015 € all included (transport, VAT,
wood banket, headphones). The same set is now being offered by them at 985€!!!!

They are oficial dealers for Yamaha and Casio, therefore, no initial preference for any trade, though they recomended me Yamaha.
Why this price in a shop? because crisis and competence I guess. They transported the piano to home in just two days after the
agreement, and installed it! We had a problem with the plug for the pedlas, tht was not well installed, and they contacted Yamaha
technical service that appeared soon and solved the problem. They also commented us about a plan for the shop rebying the Clavinova
in case the client wantd to upgrade to a U-series Yamaha they sell.

I really felt very confortable and they were very kind (we 3 adults and 4 kids were atr the shop for nearly two hours testing the
Casio and Clavinovas…). They look very professional (they are in the business for more than a century!). I totally recommend this
shop (I do not know how they can manage international shipments).

Review by Juan-Alberto, Madrid, Spain (10/07/2010)

8) “I’ve been playing it for 3 months now. Love it. Have started spending a lot of time practicing now”

The main reason I chose the Yamaha CLP 320 was because it was the best
deal in my budget. I bought it from Yamaha Square, New Delhi.

I have been learning how to play the piano for 3 months now – 9 hours in
toto. I love it and intend to make it a lifetime hobby. So my instructor
advised me to invest in a Piano. I didnt know anything about Pianos. So
the first step was to go visit 6 of the best piano stores in my city to
get a sense of the difference between acoustic and digital pianos, the
brands and prices.

My budget was GBP 1050 on the higher side. So acoustic piano was ruled
out. All shop advisors suggested I go for Yamaha over Kawai, Casio and
Roland. I definitely wanted a piano looking piano and not a portable
modern looking one. So the Clavinova series suited me fine. Then I came
across Graham’s article and that was the final deal maker for me. So I
decided on the CLP 320 – very popular choice in India.

I’ve been playing it for 3 months now. Love it. Have started spending a
lot of time practicing now. Earlier with the keyboard it was a real effort
as the keys were too small. Now the touch and feel is just like an
acoustic. And it looks beautiful. But there’s definitely a difference in
sound. You know it’s a bit tinny. The sound lingers longer than in an
acoustic. It’s not bad.. not at all. It’s just that it isn’t like an
acoustic exactly. I find that a little annoying. But can deal with it as
it is nothing compared to the overall joy of owning this Model.

Review by Aarti, New Delhi, India (12/07/2010)

9) “Overall, the piano is very well built. One can see quality in every detail”

MY REQUIREMENTS:
I’m a keyboard player for a few years and just started taking piano lessons
seriously. So, as far as piano studying goes I’m a beginner. I’ve decided to buy
a good digital piano but had quite a limited budget (musical instruments are way
overpriced in Brazil). My main requirements were basically: touch feeling as
close as possible to the real thing and a good piano sound. In this matter,
reading Graham Howard’s “7 Things You MUST know before you buy a digital piano”
really helped me to see what requirements were really important for me.
Additionally, the piano would have to fit nicely in my living room (ok, this was
more like my wife’s requirement). That means that, either I’d go to a digital
piano or a stage piano with the whole (also overpriced) stand and pedal kits.
I’ve tried the lower end Yamaha stage pianos (not satisfied by the GHS key
action) and a few Casio Privias (poor overall build quality to my evaluation).
Fortunately, I’ve found a very good deal on a brand new CLP-320 when I was
considering buying a pre-owned Yamaha P-140.

PACKAGING AND ASSEMBLY:
I’ve ordered the piano on the Internet and I was a bit concerned about the
transportation and how I would set up the whole thing. Not to my surprise
though, this piano is very well packed and it is very easy to assembly from the
box. I could do it in half an hour with a little help from my wife. After we
finished, the piano looked really nice and, most important, it felt solid rock.

PROS.
It is definitely nice the sound that come out from this piano. It fits well to
my taste, being in the right balance between bright and mellow. The 3 layer
sample is not cutting edge technology, but provides a good expression response
while playing, specially for a beginner. The sound is quite good through the
speakers which was sort of a surprise to me since I though at first that the
speakers wouldn’t do a good job due to the limited power. Nevertheless, the
sound is absolutely fantastic through the earphones. That means that one could
yet improve external sound quality through an amplifier if necessary (though
connection would be somewhat tricky – see cons.). I quickly heard a bit of the
other 9 sounds that comes with it and found them just ok. I’ll probably never
use them anyway. The key touch and feeling is very, very good. The weight is
perfect and I found it comparable with the two acoustic upright pianos I’m used
to play. Overall, the piano is very well built. One can see quality in every
detail. For example, the wood key cover has a thin rubber finish in the lower
end to avoid dust entering the keyboard. Also, the keys are firm, perfectly
aligned, and quiet in noise. It looks like the whole thing is going to last
forever. I hope so, because warranty in Brazil for this product is just 1 year
long. The three pedals set are really nice too, although I would expect a slight
greater pedal course. I’m glad it came with the matching bench, which I really
did not expected. All in all, this instrument has by far exceeded my
expectations considering my needs and the other options I had in hand for the
same price.

CONS.
Eliminating the control buttons and the display is a good solution for the
instrument look slim and that is good to fit small rooms. However, let’s face
it: controlling all the parameters through the piano keys are not exactly the
most straightforward thing to do. And specially on this instrument, the keys
wouldn’t make any “click” sound to confirm what you’re doing. Overall, this
means that you have to spend the first weeks with the owner’s manual in hand and
the (quite good actually) quick operation guide card readily available. You end
up getting used to it, but having a few buttons and a small 7 segment display
wouldn’t hurt. Additionally, this piano is basically what you get. Although it
has standard MIDI in/out ports, it definitely lacks on connectivity. It does not
have USB, Line In/Out, Memory Card interface, etc. So, if you intend to do a lot
of computer usage with it, synthesizing or mixing it with other equipment, this
piano is not right for you. It has two earphone jacks, standard MIDI In/Out, the
power plug and that’s it. Ergonomics: I’ve found the bench+instrument set a bit
low in height, so I have to adjust myself while playing with some pillows in
order to avoid back pains because the bench that comes with the CLP-320 is not
adjustable. It is worth mentioning, however, that my height is above average and
I have similar issues with acoustic pianos too.

OVERALL
If I had the extra money I would definitely buy the CLP-330. It seems to be a
better cost x benefit purchase, mostly due to the GH3 keyboard, improved user
interface and better connectivity. However, considering the basic needs of a
beginner, the CLP-320 is just a perfect choice. It mimics well the actual
instrument, has an excellent sound and it is a high quality instrument. The GH3
keyboard is not a miss for a beginner, you can get used to the user interface
and you won’t need the connectivity for the basic thing – turn it on and play.
Considering the deal I got, I couldn’t be happier with my CLP-320.

Review by Willer A. S. Cruz, Sao Jose dos Campos, SP – Brazil (15/07/2010)

10) “… the important point is that it was beautiful enough to surprise my wife”

It was unbelievable that a digital piano can be such similar to an acoustic one.
Although it’s not the most perfect but the most important thing is that it makes
a realistic feeling for not only me but for whoever sat and played a little!

Touch and sound are both absolutely different from electronic keyboards. Actually
I hadn’t enough money to buy an acoustic piano and at the same time I didn’t want
to wait until the best time of learning for my little daughter goes. It is the
best choice for a novice like my daughter or even me to practice in a real situation.

This type of piano with Standard Graded Hammer allows to fingers to be shaped correctly.
It’s portable. I’m tenant and it’s an advantage.

And the important point is that it was beautiful enough to surprise my wife.

  

Review by Ahmad Roozbehani

11) “The final choice fell on the Yamaha CLP 320 after almost choosing a Roland RP-201”

Dear Graham

The information you provided through your report and website was a great
help to us in the process of buying a digital piano. We read everything,
made notes and started the rounds of several good instrument shops in and
around Oslo, Norway. Having learnt a lot about digital pianos and having a
basic information about what to look out for, made the conversations with
the salesman more interesting and made us feel more competent in making our
final choice.

We took our time about choosing and were also in touch with you via e-mail
through the process. After seeing different models and types of pianos, keyboards
and stage pianos we decided that we wanted one that would also look good in
our sitting room.

And the final choice fell on the Yamaha CLP 320 after almost choosing a Roland RP-201.
Your testing, which showed that the Yamaha came up slightly better in most cases,
was what made us go for the Yamaha, and we have not regretted the choice so far!
So, thank you for the information, and giving us the confidence to make our own
choices in the face of many different and exciting offers!

Review by Kathleen Thoresen (27/09/2010)

12) “I am enjoying the choice of voice, the tone etc – in fact I love everything about it”

We have recently moved from a detached house in Scotland to a flat in Northern Ireland. I have owned an upright piano for many years and wanted to ‘go digital’ a) because of the smaller new home and b) because I wanted to be able to play without annoying the new neighbours.

Graham’s detailed explanations helped me decide that the CLP320 was probably ideal for my needs.
I followed his suggestions re visiting a music shop and actually found one right here in Bangor about 5 minutes drive from our new home. It’s called Dawsons and I must say the service etc has been excellent. Price paid was £883. Piano delivered at precisely arranged time 3 days after ordered. Delivered, assembled and packaging removed for £10 charge!! Chris at Dawsons is your man!
CLP320 would seem at this early stage the correct decision for me. I now have a piano plus plenty of ‘bells and whistles’ without going overboard
I can play away quietly or wear the headphones (included free of charge) if I want to get carried away!!
I am enjoying the choice of voice, the tone etc – in fact I love everything about it – including the stool which is very comfortable.
I do hope that this review will help someone who is looking to replace an existing upright piano – I think I have made an excellent choice, but that decision was made extremely easy by reading all of Graham’s advice – it gave me the confidence to go ahead.

Review by Alison Hill, Bangor, County Down, Northern Ireland (12/11/10)

13) “The joy we get from it is far more than the money we spent!”

After careful consideration I purchased a Yamaha CLP320 which I am very pleased
with. I am very pleased indeed that I have bought the piano. Since then my daughter
gets up earlier in the morning and practises on her piano. I can say the joy we
get from it is far more than the money we spent!

Review by Ying Piper (25/11/2010)

14) “The sound of the piano is absolutely amazing”

I am extremely pleased with my purchase. The piano itself is finished to a high standard, the packaging and delivery was very impressive. The instructions are clear and concise. I did have to have help in constructing it as it is too heavy for one person.

The sound of the piano is absolutely amazing and I would not hesitate in recommending it to anyone who is considering buying a digital paino.

Review by Ann Hall, Dorset, England (22/12/2010)

15) “I’m so sad that they have given this nice piano such a poor sound system”

I’m an engineer specialized on acoustics and electroacoustics and I have purchased this piano a few weeks ago. I have been playing a Sauter acoustic upright piano which was loud and bright, now that I got my Clavinova I got a little frustrated.

The build quality and key weighting is very good for me, the sounds and samples are quite impressive too but I’m so sad that they have given this nice piano such a poor sound system. For very small costs, they could have implemented a two-way four speaker system and give the piano a bright and lively sound. The way it is with those ordinary speakers, it sounds pretty dull in my opinion. There’s no option to adjust the sound timbre as well. Very nice piano, great joy to play but sadly, they have cut down on the sound system. It could have been much better.

Review by Kerem, Istanbul, Turkey (16/02/2011)

16) “It has a lovely sound and feel to it”

We are very happy with the piano, it has a lovely sound and feel to it. It was a choice between this and the Kawai CN23 and although I preferred the Kawai, it ultimately came down to price. However, we are happy to recommend this piano and it is perfect for my daughter who is just starting out.

Review by Kavita Gupta, Stockport, UK (16/02/2011)

17) “The Clavinova is contributing strongly to my tuition”

The key weighting of my Yamaha  Clavinova CLP320M feels good and, not surprisingly, is much closer to that of my tutor’s Steinway grand piano, than was the key weighting of my mid-1980s Yamaha PSR-60.

The arrival of the Clavinova has reduced the “gap” between my home practice instrument and the Steinway on which I have to demonstrate my home practice progress to my tutor. Accordingly, the Clavinova is contributing strongly to my tuition.

Review by Richard Poynton (22/02/2011)

18) “It’s a great piano!”

I’m extremely happy with my piano. It was much more than I expected, as far as sound, quality, everything! It’s a great piano! Definitely worth the price and everything.

Review by Jacoline Schot (09/03/2011)

19) “I am extremely satisfied with the purchase”

G’day Graham, from sunny Perth Western Australia.

I’ve finally got it! Here’s how….

After reading through your free and very useful guides, I settled on the
Yamaha YDP 161 as it was bang on target with the budget.

So off I went to the music shop ready to purchase it when I noticed the
Yamaha CLP 320 on special AND for less than the cost of the YDP 161. So, I
bought a Clavinova based on your top 10 ratings.

Brought it home – man that thing weighs! – took me a couple of hours to set
up (I do read manuals very carefully before doing anything) and voila!

This is my daughter’s second year of piano lessons and she was very
surprised and very happy the next morning. She is definately more motivated
to drop her Nintendo and PSP and go practice what she has learnt from music
school. Last year, we had a Casio Keyboard and I’m glad I got rid of it – no
comparison, the 320 is super.

Overall, I am extremely satisfied with the purchase. It has good looks
(Rosewood finish), it’s sturdy, has a great feel and has brilliant sounds. I
am almost tempted to get lessons myself.

So thanks for your help Graham. You made me do it!

Review by Sanch, Perth, Western Australia (06/03/2011)

20) “It is an excellent choice for a beginner”

After reading Graham Howard’s wondeful “Digital Piano Buyer’s Guide”, I went to the local music store and I bought myself a Yamaha CLP-320 with confidence. I am very happy with my decision. I think, it is an excellent choice for a beginner.

Review by Cem Berik, Ankara, Turkey (09/04/2011)

21) “It’s very easy for me to play”

I really like the piano my dad bought me. It’s very easy for me to play and it sounds very good.

Review by Sanch Stars, Western Australia (13/07/2011)

22) “I cannot get used to the disastrous music rest”

Wonderful piano but after playing on it for nearly a year now I’m afraid I cannot get used to
the disastrous music rest – there are no prongs to hold your books open or up so music
constantly and consistently falls while playing.

Review by Jay McIntosh, Scotland

 

>> For Yamaha CLP320 information, specifications and prices, click here