Yamaha P45 Review – Great Digital Piano for Beginners

The most well-known brand of digital pianos is certainly Yamaha. This brand produces several lines of digital pianos in different price segments and for different levels. And one of the most popular lines is the P-line of portable digital pianos. One of the representatives of this line is the Yamaha P-45.

Yamaha P45 Review - Best Digital Piano for Beginners

In this review, we’ll examine the Yamaha P45 in great detail. The portable, entry-level Yamaha P45 was introduced by Yamaha in 2015. The P-45 has taken the place of the earlier P35 and features some substantial upgrades, such as more polyphony, better piano samples, and a USB interface.

The Yamaha P 45 also has a special exclusive version of the piano – the P 71 model. These models are almost identical! Therefore, before buying a P 45, do not forget to also compare prices for P 71.

Yamaha P45 Review

Yamaha produces a large number of pianos in the “P” series, ranging from the high-end P515 to the mid-range P125. The P45 is the range’s entry-level digital piano instrument and also its least expensive and most cost-effective option. This is a premium product from Yamaha that offers excellent value for the money, as has come to be expected.

Yamaha P45 Review

The following kit is included with the Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano:

  1. P-45 Digital Piano (available in black only)
  2. User’s manual
  3. Music rest
  4. FC-5 Sustain Pedal
  5. PA-150B AC Power Adapter.

Full Specification List 

Let’s begin a review of the Yamaha P45 right now. Take a look at the specification list first.

Full Specification List 

Yamaha P45 Review – Pros & Cons

Before we take a closer look at each function and feature of this piano, let’s note the main advantages and disadvantages of this model.

Design

The Yamaha P45 is an incredibly small digital piano, as is the case with most portable pianos. It is among the smallest digital pianos available and is comparable to rivals like the Casio CDP-S160. Naturally, if you need to save some room or move your piano around a lot, this is fantastic. I think its compact size is a significant bonus because it will fit practically anyplace.

04 Design

The dimensions of the piano are 52.2 inches (133 cm) across, 11.6 inches (30 cm) deep, and 6 inches (16 cm) high. The P-45 can be carried by one person because it only weighs 25 lbs (11.5 kg).

For performers who are constantly on the go and anyone who appreciates mobility, this piano is a great choice. You can easily transport the keyboard to performances or take it on the road because it will fit in most cars.

However, please note that the P45 is a full-size 88-key digital piano and is not recommended for use on long flights or train rides.

The Yamaha P45 digital piano is not the prettiest available. However, with a straightforward and uncomplicated appearance, it is still attractive. Its design is stylish and simple.

The plastic used to create the frame has a matte finish.

Keyboard and Action

The 88 keys on the Yamaha P45 piano are made of plastic, which is common on many entry-level digital pianos. Currently, wooden keys are found only on high-quality keyboards, and then quite rarely. The keys are solidly built and barely wobble.

Keyboard and Action

P-45 lacks moisture-absorbing keytops that mimic the feel of Ebony and Ivory, in contrast to certain higher-end versions.

The matte coating on the P-45’s black keys, however, prevents fingers from slipping off when they become wet.

The white keys are glossy, but I wouldn’t say that’s a problem because the glossy keys are common on acoustic pianos.

The Yamaha P45 has a full-size 88-key keyboard that uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard GHS technology.

The weight of the keys is graduated in such a way that the bass keys will feel heavier than the treble keys since the mechanism actually uses a hammer to weigh the keys.

Yamaha's Graded Hammer Standard GHS technology

I must say that the Yamaha P45’s keyboard action is good for an entry-level digital piano. It evokes the same natural feel as an acoustic piano.

The keyboard can reproduce the whole dynamic range of a grand piano since it is touch (velocity) sensitive, which means the volume and timbre change based on how hard or gently you press the keys.

In order to best fit your playing style, you can alter the touch sensitivity level:

  • Fixed,
  • Soft,
  • Medium (the default),
  • and Hard are the available preset settings.

For example, the keyboard will no longer respond to touch if you set it to “Fixed”, providing the same volume no matter how hard or softly you press the keys.

On the other hand, the “Hard” setting offers the largest dynamic range, requiring vigorous keystrokes to create a loud sound.

Sound

Yamaha employs their well-known AWM stereo sampling technology to precisely capture the sound of an acoustic instrument and produce high-quality samples.

True stereo audio was captured from a complete concert grand piano at various dynamic settings for the P45’s audio output. Depending on how forcefully a key is played, the sound might have 10 various tonal colors because it was recorded at 10 different timbre levels.

07 Sound quality

Musicians that want a wide range of sounds and effects to produce music should avoid using the P45. Only 10 sound options are available on P 45:

  • 2 Grand pianos (Concert, Bright)
  • 2 Electric pianos
  • 2 Pipe organs
  • 2 Harpsichords
  • Strings
  • Vibraphone

The Yamaha P45 has two piano sounds. Each has distinctive qualities. I enjoy playing pop on piano 2 and classical on piano 1.

10 sound options

By adding a reverberation effect, you may make the sound richer and more expressive. The P45 has 4 reverb types:

  • Room,
  • Hall 1,
  • Hall 2,
  • and Stage.

P 45 has a 64-note polyphony.

This is quite enough for the entry-level of learning to play the piano. But in the future, when performing complex classical works, this may not be enough. I think it’s a good idea for you to read in this article what exactly polyphony is in digital pianos and what number of notes of polyphony is enough depending on your goals and needs.

Speaking of sound, one must talk about the speakers.

The P45 has two built-in 12 cm (6W + 6W amp) speakers.

The volume is just loud enough to rehearse in a small space or give a performance in front of a small audience. Given the size of the instrument, the sound quality coming from the inbuilt speakers is rather good. Even at maximum volume, the sound is undistorted and clear.

The P45 has two built-in 12 cm (6W + 6W amp) speakers.

But for a large room, this will not be enough. You will definitely need an additional amplifier for live performances, especially if you play along with other instruments because the sound quality will be poor.

For performances, it is imperative to connect an external speaker, and for home practices, good headphones will be an excellent option.

Features

At this price range, you wouldn’t anticipate too many features from an entry-level piano. However, this piano has the necessary basic functions for beginner pianists. Above we talked about such features as polyphony, 4 levels of touch sensitivity, 4 reverb settings, and 10 sound options. But P 45 has a few more features.

Modes

Yamaha P 45 contains 2 modes that will be interesting and useful for beginner pianists – Dual Mode (Layer Mode) and Duo Mode.

Dual Mode. Two sounds can be played simultaneously in Layer Mode. You will be able to play two instruments together, such as the piano and strings. Any key on the keyboard will produce a simultaneous piano and string sound.

Dual Mode.

This is a cool effect that you may use if you want to try out some new sounds or are playing music with a band. Additionally, the balance may be changed, allowing you to emphasize one voice over another. You can only achieve this with two voices using the P45.

Duo Mode. If you want to teach using the P45, duet mode, also known as partner mode, is helpful since it effectively divides your 88-note piano into two 44-note keyboards. The P45 has been divided in half so that you may use two identical keyboards.

Duo Mode.

This is quite helpful since it allows you, as a teacher, to play anything for a student or explain something to them as they sit next to you and repeat it without having to move.

Recording and Playback

It is quite sad that the P45 lacks MIDI recording or playback capabilities. Today, practically all digital pianos come with this capability as standard. But you are still able to record your playing, but you must use the supplied USB-MIDI connection and music notation programs like Sibelius or Garageband.

The P45 has a USB to Host port that allows you to transfer MIDI data to external devices, including computers, tablets, etc.

By purchasing an A-B USB cable using USB to Host and using special programs on your computer or tablet, you can record your own MIDI tracks and create your own music.

Transpose and Fine-tuning

You may change the pitch of the entire keyboard by transposition. This is helpful, for instance, if you are studying a piece in one key and need to play it with someone else who is learning it in a different key. By simply transposing your Yamaha P45 up or down, you may play at the same pitch without having to learn the composition over.

You may adjust the pitch on this Yamaha piano by 5 semitones and by 6 semitones, like with other Yamaha pianos.

Additionally, you receive a fine-tuning capability that enables you to change the pitch inconspicuously at 0.1Hz intervals.

Metronome

The Yamaha P45 is equipped with a metronome, one of the most practical instruments for practicing. You can easily adjust the volume, tempo, and time signature.

If you don’t know what a metronome is and how to use it for your piano practice, I recommend you to read the article “How to use a metronome for piano practice”.

Accessories

Accessories

The basic package with the piano comes with just a manual, a music rest, an adapter, and an FC5 sustain footswitch. But you will also need additional accessories, such as a stand, bench, etc.

Sustain Pedal

Naturally, the supplied Yamaha FC5 sustain pedal (footswitch) functions as it should but is a little fragile and ugly.

It resembles a plastic box in essence, which is very different from the pedals of an acoustic piano. Consequently, investing in something more durable and sensible would not be a terrible idea.

The supplied footswitch may be replaced at a reasonable price with the M-Audio SP-2 piano-style pedal. It feels like a genuine piano pedal and is made of sturdy metal.

Unfortunately, the Yamaha LP5A 3-pedal unit cannot be connected to the P 45, as the piano does not have a dedicated pedal unit connector!

Stand

There are 2 options for stands for portable pianos – x-shaped and in furniture style. X-shaped stands are quite portable, easy to fold, and can be used for outdoor concerts and performances. You can purchase such a stand separately, or choose a set along with the piano.

If you decide to purchase such a stand, pay attention to the quality model RockJam Xfinity Heavy-Duty adjustable stand.

If the piano has its own place in the room, I recommend paying attention to the Yamaha L85 furniture stand. Together with it, your P 45 will look almost like an acoustic piano!

In addition to the stand, a piano bench is also a very important purchase. Here you can read about why this is so important and how high a piano bench should be.

Case

As I previously stated, P45 may be brought on excursions, performances, or practices. However, it’s crucial to employ some sort of keyboard protection to guard against damage while in transit.

Case

Yamaha provides the P-Series Soft Case for their 88-key keyboards, which is a fantastic choice to take into account if you want to move the keyboard about a lot.

Piano Lamps

Be sure to pay attention to the lighting in the room where your classes will take place. Good lighting is important for your health and concentration, especially if you plan to play in the evening when natural sunlight is no longer enough. Read our guide on how to choose the right lamp for your piano.

Yamaha P 45 – Who it’s for?

The Yamaha P45 is great for beginners on a budget!

At the beginning of your learning process, it contains all the elements and the appropriate key action to help you develop your abilities. It is also ideal for those who want to try the piano but are not sure if their interest will last. You will not lose much if you refuse in the future because of its inexpensive cost.

But in the future for the intermediate and advanced levels, I recommend switching to a more professional musical instrument.

Is Yamaha P45 good enough?

Is Yamaha P45 good enough?

The P-45 is Yamaha’s most reasonably priced digital piano with fully weighted hammer-action keys. The piano has grown quite popular among beginning and intermediate players because of its ease of use, low price, and the realistic sound produced by Yamaha models.

Is Yamaha P45 good for beginners?

Yes, the Yamaha P 45 is a great choice for beginners looking for an affordable digital piano with fully-weighted keys, a full-size keyboard, and good sound. This instrument has all the features you need for beginner music lessons.

Yamaha P-45vsYamaha P-125

Which is better Yamaha P45 or Yamaha P125? (Yamaha P-45vsYamaha P-125)

The P-series’ next model up is the Yamaha P-125. It’s a more sophisticated keyboard than the P45 and has many additional functions and improvements. Let’s start with the two features that are most crucial: the mechanism and sound.

The Graded Hammer Action (GHS) is the same across all keyboards, although the sound processor varies.

The Pure CF sound engine is what powers the P125. It makes use of samples from the Yamaha CFIIIS 9′ concert grand and 192-note polyphony (P-45: 64 notes) to provide a sound that is dependable and authentic.

Additionally, the P-125 boasts a four-speaker (14W) sound system that is more advanced and potent than the P-45’s two speakers (12W).

Also, P 125 has several additional functions:

  • The P-125 has a 2-track MIDI recorder that lets you record your performance (each hand part can be recorded separately).
  • You can practice playing the right and left-hand parts independently using the P-125’s 50 programmed songs.
  • Additional features include 10 accompaniment types, split mode, line-out jacks, and compatibility with the Yamaha Smart Pianist app.
  • In addition, more instrument sounds (24 vs. 10) are available on the P-125, including Mellow Grand, Vintage E.Piano, Wood, and Electric Bass.

Undoubtedly, the P 125 is a musical instrument of a more advanced level, and it is more suitable for serious music practice than the P 45. But its price will be higher. You can find a full review of the P 125 in this article.

If you want to know more about Yamaha pianos, read our article – Yamaha Digital Piano Comparison Chart.

Is Yamaha P45 better than Roland FP10?

Roland introduced the FP-10 to the entry-level market segment. It is essentially a cut-down version of their beloved FP-30.

The FP-30’s key movement and tone, two of the most important features, will be faithfully reproduced in this instrument. I must admit that the Roland FP-10 is somewhat superior to the P45 in both categories. The sound is more expressive, and the keys feel much closer to the real piano.

The FP-10 shares similarities with the P45 in that it has few functions. Like the P45, it also cannot perform internal recording. However, the FP-10 has 96 points of polyphony, far more than the P45’s 64. Also, FP-10 has Bluetooth.

In my opinion, at this price point, the FP-10 is better than the P-45.

16

Conclusion

Here we come to the end of our article. We have examined in detail all the functions, advantages, and disadvantages of the Yamaha P45.

I think this is a great option for beginner pianists, amateurs, and those who want to try a new musical instrument. The keyboard has the minimum required set of functions, has a good price, and has good quality.

But keep in mind that this musical instrument is not suitable for professional use. Already at an advanced level, it is desirable to purchase an instrument of a higher class.

So that you can fully form your opinion about this instrument, I suggest you watch the following video and listen to how it sounds.

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