Yamaha YDP161 Reviews

“The YDP 161 was the best option for me”

I bought a piano last week, i got the Yamaha YDP 161 for £1000,-! Last week Yamaha had a promotion that gave out a piano seat with it, great cause you need one anyway.

I went to two different stores, the first was a Roland dealer + aucoustic piano’s. And the other one, where i bought it had more brands and other instruments but didnt have as many piano’s set up to try out. They had the Yamaha YDP141 set up and for sale at £800,-
It was very helpful to have your top 10 list of piano’s between 500-1000 pounds, i would not have known to ask about the YDP 161.

I have to say i like the sound that Roland records for its piano’s a little better and would have gone for the Roland F110 if i hadn’t read about how hard it sounds in the middle in your review, and the salesperson in the store said the same about it, i was tempted to go for one of the more expensive Rolands but decided to stay in the budget i set at 1000 euro and then the YDP 161 was the best option for me. If i wanted to spend £2000 i’d go for the Roland. The Roland they had set up was on more of a keyboard stand so it moved at lot when played, i didnt like that at all and can’t imagine its good for the electronics.

I have had it a week now and i’ve played mostly with the headphones on so i do not bother the neighbours, its been over ten years since i seriously played to i have to practise a lot!

Review by Ilse de Gardeijn, Keiweg, The Netherlands

 

“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 amplification was better than the 141”

I chose the Yamaha YDP161 over the cheaper 141 after considering the amplification
possible, and after reading reviews that said the 141 was a bit quiet. When testing it
out, and looking for that specifically, I agreed with the review.

I was happy that there was in included stool in the box. The layout of the unit is
good in that when you put the book-stand down, it’s a flat surface that I can safely
rest my laptop – I am using computer based lessons, and I connect the unit to the
laptop via a midi cable, so this was pretty important.

Review by Suzi Archer, Australia

 

3) “The top three keys, b-flat, b and c.. don’t emit a musical sound, just a thud, like a knock on wood”

It was a choice between the YDP 161, the YDP 141, and the Roland F-110. Graham Howard suggested weightier keys and ranked it #3 among the mid-price range.

I like it a lot. There was one glitch, however: The top three keys, b-flat, b and c.. don’t emit a musical sound, just a thud, like a knock on wood. The two keys before that are very faint, but at least there’s a sound.

I thought the piano was defective, so the salesman brought me a new piano, lifted it on the stand and plugged it in. Same problem.

So yesterday I went to the store to test the pianos on display. The other Yamahas were the same, a thud in the top three notes, except for the P95 was was better.

Then a professional pianist walked in. He played the 141 and the 161 and said they sounded OK. It’s a hammer action, he said, and after playing arpeggios up the keyboard he said he could hear the top notes, although he said he could understand why I couldn’t (my wife, by the way, was astounded when she heard the top keys and also thought the piano was defective and I should send it back). I even hit the top keys of a Casio nearby and they sounded like musical notes..the pianist agreed, but I thought the Yamaha sounded better over all, so I’ll keep it. I’m unlikely to play those top keys anyway.

Reviewed by John, Washington DC, USA

 

4) “I was surprised just how realistic the sound is”

Having played an acoustic piano for many years (albeit some years ago now!) I was surprised just how realistic the sound is. My head knows there are no real strings that are really vibrating, but after a little while I completely forget.

I’m very glad we spent a little extra to get the proper graded hammer action. I love that I can plug in headphones and pound away without disturbing the rest of the household, or the neighbours. The instrument itself is solid and stable.

All in all, a very good purchase!

Review by Alison Stone

5) “Sounds and feel like Yamaha upright piano”

Very good piano for 740 GBP in Serbia.
No bench, no headphones.
Sounds and feel like Yamaha upright piano

Review by Srdjan, Belgrade, Serbia

6) “I am really pleased with the sound quallity, but the right notes are not always played”

I took delivery of my Yamaha YDP161 piano yesterday after a short delay. I got it through Umbrella Music and they kindly upgraded the headphones as I did not require the piano stool.

So far I’m delighted with the YDP161 and found it easy to put together. Unfortunately it seems to have the same fault as my old previous piano in that the right notes are not always played and the odd sharp and flat are missed! However I hope that in time this fault will correct itself!!

I must say it is a joy to play and I can see it becoming quite a ‘time-waster’ in the best possible sense. I got the digital piano primarily because of the option of using headphones (so that my bad playing is not overheard) and although the choice of voices is quite fun I’ll try to stick to the Grand Piano option.

I am really pleased with the sound quallity of the 161 and I am looking forward to many years of enjoyment from playing it. I maybe even get to unplug the earphones!!

Thank you for all the helpful advice to gave me over the last couple of months in choosing a digital piano, for me the YDP 161 seems to be the right choice and at a good price too.

Review by Gordon Mcconnell (04/10/2011)

7) “I think the sound is very piano realistic”

I’m not a piano player so not much of an expert. Kids are doing grades on it and had been using an electronic keyboard so far.

So far, I think the sound is very piano realistic and key touch also. Neat size and stylish appearance to blend in to any decor.

Kids like the ability to record and replay, and, record one hand and practice other hand while replaying.

Review by Joe Devane (23/11/2011)

8) “It has a warm and very good sound”

Its enough for me. I can learn it on this.
But I did choose it, although is was € 999,– and much more expensif than the 141,
because it has a warm and very good sound. Close to the real accoustic pianos.
Your descriptions did lead me the way.
Thanks !!!

Review by JWA van Leeuwen, Zeist, Netherlands (09/12/2011)

9) “I am very happy with it”

I select YDP 161 and I bought it 2 month ago. I am very happy with it.
its very nice and produce a nice sound. I also connect it to my computer
by MIDI port as a midi controller and using a piano reason pack.
uuuuuuuh its well. I am love its piano sounds.

Review by Hossain Zabolzadeh (19/01/2012)

10) “Good choice for quality over price”

I’m not an expert in digital pianos but I studied classical guitar for about 12 years.
YDP 161 is a good choice for quality over price. It has the GH keyboard which is
enough for a begginer and medium player.

Review by Chelaru Viorel, Bucharest, Romania

 

11) “The YDP161 has a pleasing tone”

Main reason(s) we bought the Yamaha YDP161:

We thought it had a lovely tone.
We liked the feel (weight and response) of the keys.
We liked the style of the piano, the wood finish (dark rosewood) and sliding keyboard cover

This piano was bought for our 4 children (aged between 12 and 16). These are the reasons they like it:

The sound it makes, it has a really pleasing tone
The keys are responsive and allow good variation
The keys make a pleasant soft thud when being played with headphones in.
Can record compositions, useful for GCSEs
They like the pre-recorded songs and the book that came with it (callled “50 greats for the Piano”) as they are good to learn from
They like different voices, all honest/genuine (not fancy)
You can plug 2 sets headphones in at once

Other info:

My husband took delivery, then checked it and assembled it by himself in about an hour. He said it would be easier with 2 people. We were dubious of the stool and headphones before arrival, thinking they may be rubbish. However the stool looks very neat, has a surprisingly pleasing finish and matches the piano. Although not adjustable, the stool is comfortable and more than adequate for our needs. The headphones are reasonable and have proven useful as a second set.

We hope this review is helpful.
Thank you for all your help and advice Graham. We have learned a lot from you and hope the piano serves us for years to come.

Review by Vivienne (06/03/2012)

12) “All my prejudices about digital pianos disappeared”

I had to sell my acoustic piano as in the apartment we moved to it’d be too loud… Then I didn’t even want to hear about a digital one: I thought it could never even get close to the sound and feel of the acoustic. But I was missing it too much, so I started to read forums about digitals, and everyone kept on stating they feel and sound like a real one.

I read good things about the Yamahas, and I also wanted one as it seems the most popular brand so if I wouldn’t like it in the long run, probably I can sell it easily.

I wanted one that looks like an acoustic one, as I think this also increases the illusion of playing an acoustic… and looks much-much nicer in the living room, too. So I went to the store and tried an YDP 135 first. All my prejudices about digitals disappeared: I was amazed at the feel of the keys, and it really reacted even soundwise like a real one! I found the 135 a bit silent, though, and at higher volumes the speakers gave a bit overdriven, vibrating sound.

So I thought ok, let’s maybe spend a bit more and was lucky enough to find the YDP161 and YDP141 next to each other: and obviously, the YDP 161 has a much better voice, you don’t have to use it on 100% volume to get an adequate sound. (I didn’t know back then that I will mostly use it with headphones, which is maybe the best feature of a digital, and the sound is the best this way – with proper headphones of course.) The keys are also said to be better on the YDP161, I can’t really judge this as compared to my old acoustic both were better…

So I decided at buying the 161 and now my girfriend is jealous with a reason: I fell in love with it. With the earphones plugged in I can play any time without disturbing anyone, and it really feels the same than playing a real one. Of course I don’t have to mention the obvious advantages: it weights 25% of a real one (I remember hardly being able to carry my acoustic with 3 of my friends, and having fear of death up on the stairs), and it doesn’t have to be tuned at all. Recording, MIDI output – connecting it to computer with some piano teaching software so that you can improve yourself is also a great option. I have to admit that I’m a beginner :). So, I really recommend this one. It’s really hard to express how perfectly it emulates a real piano, so go to a store and try it in any case if you have doubts.

Review by Peter, Budapest, Hungary (02/06/2012)

13) “I’m very happy with it and played it for the whole night”

Hi Mr. Graham,

Just want to thank you for your “7 Things You MUST Know Before You Buy A Digital Piano” that have saved me a lot of time doing research on which digital piano to buy!

Based on your recommendation, I finally bought a Yamaha YDP-161 and received it yesterday in good condition, I bought it at SGD $1600 (approximatly 800 pounds) which I think it’s a good deal. i’m very happy with it and played it for the whole night. I am excited to discover the available functions and special features!

Before that I went to several shops and yamaha outlets to try out the pianos but never did I play on the YDP-161, they only have YDP-141 and recommended me P95. I am glad that I insisted on YDP-161, I think your advice & opinion in the piano guide played an important role and  certainly gave me great confidence to buy such a big thing without even trying on it! 😀 And I didn’t regret it coz the sound is great and the key touch is certainly similar to that of an upright piano!

I was more inclined towards a Classenti CDP1 or CDP2. Unfortunately there’s no where in Singapore carrying this brand. So I decided to move on with my second choice — YDP 161.
Anyway, in Singapore Yamaha only gives 1 year warranty for the digital pianos, which I think it’s a little bit stingy.

I’m a beginner who just started my piano lessons 3 months ago.

Thank you once again and have a good day!

Review by Fay Ong, Singapore (26/06/2012)

14) “I’m not too happy with the sound”

The YDP-161 (Digital) is exactly half the price of the JU109 (Upright) here. I’ve tested it and I’m not too happy with the sound, it seems to lack richness in sound. Moreover when you press the highest note, it does not make much sense. A very ‘faded’ sound in fact. However if you click on the demo play button, the overall sound is very interesting (not to say great). I’ve asked the salesman if that demo was done on this same piano but he could not tell me.

Review by Kurt Francis, Mauritius (23/09/2012)

15) “Occasionally a note jumps out and startles me”

I have had a little problem.

I have played the piano extensively for two weeks and twice during that time have been startled by an inappropriately loud note.
I never play at full volume – always at around “2.00 pm” on the volume dial – but the loud note produced has been as loud as if you played at full volume and hit the key hard.

It makes me jump and stops me in my tracks.  The first time I think it was Middle C, the second (today) was G above Middle C.

I am kind of keeping my fingers crossed now.

Review by Laura (16/11/2012)

16) “Graded hammer feels like classical piano, and a good one”

Hi Graham,

I wanted to tell you that my Yamaha YDP161 digital piano has arrived.
I am very satisfied with overall quality.

Piano case is very solid, beautifully designed and piano finish is good.
Sound of Grand piano is very realistic, beautiful, without any unwanted frequencies and irritating tones that can be found of that piano on YouTube, probably because of digital to analogue conversions.

Speakers are quite good, but far away from sound quality of samples that piano has. When connected to speakers(Hi-Fi) sound is flawless and on headphones, of course.

Other voices are also very good, even better than on most CD recordings that I own.
I can’t complain on the quality of piano keys as well. Very natural feel, graded hammer feels like classical piano, and a good one. Feels more like grand piano, even better than my old piano teacher’s piano (old Petrof or something….)
I can say I am very satisfied with my purchase

Review by Tomislav (07/12/2012)

17) “It has a clear and mellow sound and the keys are weighted beautifully”

Dear graham

Following lots of thought we have finally bought a digital piano for our daughter. It is a yamaha ydp161 which was at the top of our price range. Our daughter loves it and  plays all the time. It has a clear and mellow sound and the keys are weighted beautifully. We purchased through amazon who delivered within 4 days and took it into the room as well as unpacking for inspection. It took about 20 mins to put together and we are thrilled with it. Thanks to your newletters we felt much more confident buying our first digital piano.

Review by Janet Bailey (22/12/2012)

18) “You really can’t go far wrong with this model”

I chose the YDP 161 as I could easily tell the difference between the GH piano action and other pianos at around the £500 mark and thoought it worth spending the money. The action is great, the sound is fine although it can lack tone on the base notes compared to an acoustic piano. It sounds better through headphones which is the main reason for purchase (my wife doesn’t like to hear me practice).
I am so happy with the purchase – you really can’t go far wrong with this model.
I was torn in the shop between this model and the Korg LP350 – I felt the action on the Korg was not quite so good, but not much in it. The Korg was better for base tone (bigger speakers), more voices 30 compared to 10 and more compact).

Review by Marco Holt (26/01/2013)

19) “The yamaha was the cheapest and I couldn’t stretch my budget anymore”

I just bought a yamaha ydp-161. I bought from the Chapell shop in central london as i was planning to save £20-25 on delivery and take it home in a black cab (i live in east london). I transported a full size double bass in a cab, so i was sure the piano should fit in. But the guys in the shop said it wont fit in a cab so i had to pay them extra for delivery anyway.

The reason i chose this particular piano: originally i wasn’t prepared to spend more than £550. But I went to try some pianos in that price range (Yamaha, Roland and Kawai) and was not satisfied with their sound. Then i went the second time and tried the more expensive ones. It became clear that i wont be able to afford a good-sounding digital piano because they all cost over £2000. But i could pay more and get a decent “beginners” piano. I had to do some research to find out whether it was a sensible idea.

That’s when I came across the digital piano guide on UK Pianos website and spent a day studying it. At the end i had 3 main contenders: Roland RP301, Classenti CDP2, and Yamaha YDP-161.

I tried the Roland and liked it’s keyboard. The sound was different from Yamaha’s but not really superior to it. Classenti i didnt try, but i’m certain its sound is of a similar kind of quality. In any case the yamaha was the cheapest of the three and i couldn’t stretch my budget anymore.

I just set it up and played it a bit. It looks and feels nice. It’s not a real piano, far from it, but it seems solid and it will do. I bought it so i can work on composition without disturbing the neighbors at night. I think it will be perfect actually.

Review by Denis (21/02/2013)

20) “I’m not happy that it doesn’t have music holders”

Hi Graham,

So far I’m delighted with my YDP161, but it has one big shortcoming. The music holder isn’t much use for anything but sheet music or fairly slender (and well worn in) books.

I have several fat compendiums of music and I have to resort to all manner of trickery with clothes pegs or playing one handed! I seem to remember most real pianos I’ve played had little brass clips you could fold up for this purpose?

I know it’s nowhere near as important as how the instrument sounds / plays, but it’s a factor! No doubt other instruments have the same problem?

Review by Chris Hevey (27/02/2013)

21) “I thought the YDP161 was a noticeably nicer feel to the YDP141”

Graham,

Thanks for your guide it was very helpful. I got a Yamaha YDP 161.

I chose the 161 because:

a) It was in my target price range
b) It was a Yamaha and I’m a bit of a snob about brands
c) I didn’t see a Roland in the right price range
d) I thought the YDP161 was a noticeably nicer feel to the YDP141 so was happy to pay extra for it
e) Its in a very big room so the extra power in the speakers might be useful

I haven’t had it long, but I’m very happy so far with it.

Appreciate the effort you put into producing the guide, and also at keeping in touch.

Review by Sam (11/03/2013)

22) “It’s just what I was looking for”

I finally got myself a yamaha YDP 161 in black, and I’m really happy with it. Great sound, good key response, it looks great in my living room, and it’s just what I was looking for: a digital piano that was somehow close to an upright piano, but with the comodities of being able to practice “in silence”, while training my fingers on heavy keys (up until now I had been working on a yamaha keyboard at home and an upright piano in class, and the difference was huge, now I feel closer to “the real thing”.)

Review by Noelia Ianni (18/03/2013)

23) “It is fine, with a warm, if ever-so slightly tired, tone”

Hello Graham,

I bought a Yamaha Arius YDP – 161 and it was delivered a week ago.  I think it came about sixth overall on your list, and thank you again for your fabulously helpful reviews.

It is not my only piano.  I have an old upright (acoustic) Bremar, which used to be my Grandfather’s.  It is fine, with a warm, if ever-so slightly tired, tone, but I love it.  I bought the Yamaha simply to practice on, with headphones.  My neighbours do not like the sound of the Bremar and I was getting frustrated playing only for an hour or so in the mornings.  This way, I can do the technical practice on the Yamaha and then “transfer” to the real piano for a few minutes each day. The Yamaha simulates a real piano quite well.

I much prefer an acoustic piano, and I think they are more difficult to play, although I haven’t quite worked out why, yet.

Thank you again for your interest and terrific help and enthusiasm.

Review by Fiona Belden

 

>> For Yamaha YDP161 information, specifications and prices, click here