Choosing the right digital piano can be challenging, especially when comparing two popular and closely matched models like the Yamaha P45 and Yamaha P71. Both pianos are designed for beginners and intermediate players, offering 88 weighted keys, Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, and high-quality sound through Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling. While they share many similarities, subtle differences in features, functionality, and overall value can make one model more suitable for your specific needs. In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the design, sound quality, key feel, and connectivity of both models to help you decide which piano is the perfect fit for your musical journey.
1. YAMAHA P45 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano
The YAMAHA P45 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano offers a fantastic balance of performance, features, and affordability, making it a great choice for both beginners and intermediate players. Its Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard delivers a realistic piano feel, with the keys heavier in the lower range and lighter in the higher range, mimicking an acoustic piano. The Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling technology ensures a rich, natural piano tone, while the 64-note polyphony allows for complex musical passages without missing notes. Additionally, the simple operation with just one button for voice selection and other settings makes it user-friendly for all skill levels. The P45’s compact and lightweight design, weighing just 11.5 kg, makes it easy to transport and fit into small spaces, making it ideal for home use or gigs.
However, there are a few limitations to consider. While the P45 offers great sound quality, it only includes 10 preset voices, which may not be enough for users seeking a wider variety of instrument sounds. The lack of MIDI functionality could also be a downside for more advanced users who want to connect it to other devices for music production. Despite these minor drawbacks, the YAMAHA P45 is a solid option for those looking for an affordable and reliable digital piano with authentic feel and sound.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- 88 weighted keys with Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action.
- Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling for high-quality sound.
- 64-note polyphony for more complex passages.
- Simple one-button operation for voice and function adjustments.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
Pros:
- Realistic piano feel with graded hammer action.
- Excellent sound quality through AWM technology.
- User-friendly, especially for beginners.
- Lightweight and portable, perfect for gigs.
- Includes essential accessories like stand, bench, and pedal.
Cons:
- No MIDI connectivity for advanced music production.
2. YAMAHA P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
The Yamaha P71 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano offers a great combination of performance and affordability, making it ideal for beginner to intermediate pianists. Its fully-weighted keys provide a realistic acoustic piano feel, ensuring a natural playing experience that responds to dynamic changes in touch. The P71 features 10 high-quality voices, including the rich sound of a Yamaha grand piano, delivering a well-rounded, deep tone. The Dual Mode allows you to layer two voices, such as piano and strings, for a richer sound, which can enhance creativity during performances. Despite its modest footprint, the P71 doesn’t compromise on sound or playability, and its simple, one-button operation makes it easy to navigate, making it an excellent choice for home use or practice.
However, the P71 does have a few limitations. While the 10 preset voices are of good quality, they may not be enough for those seeking a wide variety of sounds. The lack of MIDI connectivity could also be a disadvantage for users who want to use the keyboard for advanced music production or to connect to multiple devices. Nevertheless, the inclusion of a USB port for connection to music software and amplifiers compensates for this.
Key Features, Pros, and Cons
Key Features:
- 88 weighted keys that replicate the feel of an acoustic piano.
- 10 preset voices, including a Yamaha grand piano sound.
- Dual Mode to layer two sounds for a richer performance.
- Simple one-button operation for easy control.
- Includes sustain pedal and essential connectivity options like USB and headphone jack.
Pros:
- Realistic piano feel with weighted keys.
- Good sound quality, especially for the price.
- Dual Mode allows for layered sound combinations.
- Easy-to-use interface with minimal setup required.
- Sustain pedal included for better expression.
Cons:
- No MIDI connectivity for advanced music production.
Yamaha P45 vs. Yamaha P71: A Comprehensive Comparison
When it comes to choosing an entry-level digital piano, Yamaha offers two popular models: the P45 and the P71. Both instruments provide excellent value for money and cater to beginners and intermediate players alike, but there are key differences that might influence your decision.
1. Design and Build Quality
Yamaha P45
The Yamaha P45 is designed to be compact and portable. Weighing only 11.5 kg and with a depth of less than 30 cm, it is easy to transport and doesn’t take up much space, making it perfect for home use or gigs. The black matte finish on the keys gives the piano a premium look and feel, and the 88 fully weighted keys use Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano. This provides a more authentic playing experience, especially for beginners who want to transition to a traditional piano.
Yamaha P71
Similarly, the Yamaha P71 is also designed with portability and compactness in mind. It’s slightly lighter than the P45, weighing around 11.4 kg. The P71 is also designed for home use and includes a furniture stand, making it a more complete package for those setting up a practice space at home. Like the P45, the P71 features 88 fully weighted keys with Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard action. Both models are similarly sized, with the P71 having a slightly sleeker design.
2. Sound and Tone Quality
Yamaha P45
The P45 features Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling, delivering clear and realistic piano sounds. It is equipped with 10 preset voices, including a Yamaha grand piano sound. The sound is full-bodied, but with only 10 voices, the P45 may be limiting for musicians who require more variety. The P45 also provides 64-note polyphony, allowing for smooth playing of moderately complex pieces without dropping notes.
Yamaha P71
The P71 also comes with AWM stereo sampling, delivering a rich, resonant tone with its 10 preset voices, including the signature Yamaha grand piano. It provides dynamic expression through touch-sensitive keys and a wide range of tonal depth. The P71’s tone quality is quite comparable to the P45, but it offers a feature that the P45 lacks: Dual Mode. This mode allows you to layer two voices, such as piano and strings, for a richer sound. This feature enhances the versatility of the P71 for more creative or complex musical performances.
| Feature | Yamaha P45 | Yamaha P71 |
|---|---|---|
| Voices | 10 preset voices, including Yamaha grand piano | 10 preset voices, including Yamaha grand piano, Dual Mode for layering |
| Polyphony | 64-note polyphony | 64-note polyphony |
| Special Sound Feature | – | Dual Mode for layered sounds |
3. Key Feel and Playability
Both models feature Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard action, which is heavier in the lower registers and lighter in the higher registers, just like an acoustic piano. This is ideal for developing proper finger technique. However, there are slight differences in the feel of the keys due to small differences in design.
Yamaha P45
The P45 is known for having a natural, responsive touch. The GHS action allows for a solid playing experience that mimics the feel of an acoustic piano. While it does not offer any advanced key-touch options (like adjustable touch sensitivity), the piano still provides a satisfying playing experience.
Yamaha P71
The P71 also has a GHS keyboard action that mimics the feel of an acoustic piano. The keyboard is highly responsive and suitable for players who want a solid, authentic feel. The key difference here is the inclusion of the sustain pedal with the P71, which may be important for musicians who need more expression during performances.
4. Connectivity and Features
Yamaha P45
The P45 includes basic connectivity options, including a USB to Host port for connecting to computers or mobile devices, a sustain pedal jack, and a headphone jack. While it doesn’t feature MIDI connectivity, the USB support still allows for interaction with music software.
Yamaha P71
The P71 also offers a USB to Host port and sustain pedal jack. Like the P45, it lacks MIDI connectivity, but the USB port is sufficient for those who want to connect to music production software. The P71 does have one extra feature: the Dual Mode, which allows for layering two voices, providing greater creative flexibility.
| Feature | Yamaha P45 | Yamaha P71 |
|---|---|---|
| USB to Host | Yes | Yes |
| Sustain Pedal | Yes | Yes |
| MIDI Connectivity | No | No |
| Additional Feature | – | Dual Mode for layered sounds |
5. Pros and Cons
Yamaha P45
Pros:
- Realistic piano feel with Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action.
- Compact and portable.
- High-quality sound with AWM stereo sampling.
- Simple, user-friendly design with minimal buttons for easy operation.
- Great value for money, ideal for beginners.
Cons:
- Limited to only 10 preset voices.
- No MIDI connectivity for advanced music production.
- Lacks advanced sound customization options.
Yamaha P71
Pros:
- Realistic, touch-sensitive keys with GHS action.
- Includes Dual Mode for layering two voices.
- Excellent sound quality with AWM stereo sampling.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Affordable and suitable for home use, with great value for money.
Cons:
- No MIDI connectivity for advanced use.
- Limited preset voices (only 10).
- Lacks more advanced features compared to higher-end models.
FAQ
Does the Yamaha P45 support connecting to music software?
Yes, the Yamaha P45 does support connecting to music software via the USB to Host port. While it doesn’t offer MIDI connectivity, the USB connection allows you to interact with music production programs on your computer or mobile device. This can be helpful for recording, learning, or practicing with digital tools.
What is the difference between the Yamaha P45 and P71 in terms of sound features?
The primary difference between the Yamaha P45 and P71 in terms of sound features is the inclusion of the Dual Mode on the P71. This feature allows you to layer two voices, such as piano and strings, which provides a richer sound and more creative possibilities for performance. The P45, on the other hand, does not have this feature and offers a simpler selection of 10 preset voices.
Is the Yamaha P71 a good option for beginners?
Yes, the Yamaha P71 is a fantastic option for beginners. It offers a realistic, touch-sensitive playing experience with its Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which helps develop proper finger technique. The 10 preset voices, including the Yamaha grand piano sound, offer great sound quality for practice, and the easy-to-use interface makes it beginner-friendly. Additionally, the Dual Mode feature can add some creative versatility as your skills grow.
Does the Yamaha P45 have a built-in speaker system?
Yes, the Yamaha P45 comes with a built-in speaker system that delivers clear, rich sound, ideal for practicing at home. While the sound quality is great for a digital piano in this price range, using external speakers or headphones can enhance the audio experience further, especially during performances or recording.
Can I use the sustain pedal with both the Yamaha P45 and P71?
Yes, both the Yamaha P45 and P71 include a sustain pedal, which is essential for creating expressive performances. The sustain pedal allows you to hold notes longer, adding depth to your music. However, note that the P71 comes with the sustain pedal included in the package, while for the P45, the pedal is also available but might need to be purchased separately in some bundles.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Both the Yamaha P45 and Yamaha P71 are excellent digital pianos for beginners and intermediate players, offering great sound, touch sensitivity, and overall quality at an affordable price. The P45 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a straightforward digital piano with realistic piano feel and high-quality sound, especially if you’re new to playing.
On the other hand, the P71 stands out with the added Dual Mode, allowing you to layer sounds, which might appeal to those looking for more versatility in their music. If you’re someone who enjoys experimenting with different sounds and layering, the P71 may be the better option.