Yamaha P45 (P71) Review – The Most Favorite Beginner Digital Piano

Jack Pound by Jack Pound | Last Updated: January 4, 2023

The P45 (P71), a new digital piano, has gradually replaced the old version (P35). The product had released since 2015.

Have all 88 keys and own the price under $500.

Not only have full of the optimal features of the previous model but also add other interesting characteristics, the double polyphony, USB connector included.

Accordingly, it is no coincidence that Yamaha P45 is very preferred today. To understand the entire features, continue reading my Yamaha P45 (71) review. Let’s go!

Yamaha P45 Specs

  • 4-touch sensitivity – Fixed, Hard, Soft, and Medium
  • Item dimensions: 52.25 x 11.5 x 6 inches
  • Weight: 36.4 pounds
  • Have 10 voices
  • 88 weighted keyboard
  • GSH weighted action
  • Allow performing the moderately-dense piano passages with 64-note polyphony
  • Dual Mode helps to combine piano with strings
  • Operate with a single button
  • Have the classic sound engine
  • Connections: the USB & other music applications on the mobile device/ computer
  • 10 piano songs & 10 demo songs
  • 6W speakers
  • Warranty in 3 years

Check P45 on Amazon

Yamaha P45 Reviews

Now, it’s high time to learn about Yamaha P45’s features in turn. In particular, here are…

Built-Up Quality

It can say that the Yamaha P45 is quite different from the common pianos used for the learner.

Due to being built-up the high quality, it makes sure that dust and dirt on the keyboard or others are collected.

You will not have to follow the guidelines for cleaning the keys regularly.

And then, to protect this musical instrument from scratches, have equipped the non-glossy top section.

You should not be too disappointed when the manufacturer does not include x-stands.

Instead, the model supports a bundle with a variety of the accessories, except the stand.

You can completely choose to utilize a fundamental one, by placing Yamaha on a desk and then start using.

So, does Yamaha P45 have a carry case? It seems you expect too much. The Yamaha P45 is a mid-range product.

You are even hard to find an expensive model along with this accessory because the manufacturers rarely provide it.

In return for that, I love other accessories, especially, a power adapter. Although it cannot handle 220V, the power cord length is ideal.

For the pedal, no more people appreciate highly. Look like flimsy, so you can be going to need a stronger one, the M0audio pedal, for example.

Sound Quality

The Yamaha P45 can create a deep rich sound, thanks to the AWM technology that helps to sample and test each key.

In addition to that, with the 64-note polyphony, you do not have to worry about the sound distortion when playing all 64 notes concurrently. Yes, this one is allowed.

At present, a large number of players enjoy using this model. You can ensure the notes without being lost or cut off whatever you are playing duets or chord.

Yamaha P-45 Review

Don’t stop! Continuing using the AWM technology again, the Yamaha P45 provides the tuned sound from an acoustic piano.

The purpose is to maintain the crisp sound while playing. At once, bring the realistic experience to a digital instrument.

Really, don’t lack the digital pianos fallen back on the piano sound.

Nevertheless, Yamaha never makes the players disappointed with this. In general, they did well, Yamaha P45, too.

Duo Mode & Layering

You can layer two voices. Each of the voices is easy to adjust the volume balance.

Taking a specific example, a grand piano having the layered-underneath strings will allow shifting the up-or-down octave of each voice.

In this case, require you to shift the voice string up to a higher octave. Like that, you can play the lower keys, but it still makes sure a high octave.

On the other hands, owning duo mode, you and another one may use the same instrument to play the similar octave.

This feature is very useful, particularly, if you are learning how to play the piano, one playing on the left and another one on the right.

4 Types Of Reverb

Reverb options involve stage, room, hall 1, and hall 2. The adjustable depth of the reverb allows you to comfortably fine-tune the sound as desired.

Beyond that, based on the large-room reflection qualities, reverb simulates that. Create a full sound.

With the Yamaha P45, the player can recognize the reflective sound whether there is a small room.

Just need to set the room reverb, you will likely get the reflective sound of a big space.

For the concert hall sounds, apply either hall 1 or hall 2. If compared to the room setting, they are larger and more reflective. The last one is the stage reverb.

After setting, it will reflect the sound quality as when you are playing live on stage.

Experiencing all 4 reverbs brings a new sound dimension and the full and rich results.

Touch Sensitivity

At this price, but the P45 has equipped the adjustable touch sensitivity. So amazing! You do not meet any difficulty to select between hard, soft, fixed, and medium.

Plus the fixed sensitivity, the sound is constant whether you are hitting hard or soft.

+ Soft Setting: Provide a gentle keyboard sound whatever how hard you hit the keys.

+ Hard Setting: Bring the sound as hitting the hard keys even if you are hitting soft.

+ Medium Setting: Be considered as the most useful setting. It is not only softer but also harder as desired.

You also need to pay attention to the harpsichords and pipe organs, which are not allowed often touching the sensitive instruments.

Not to influence these voices, you can change the touch sensitivity.

Alternatively, you can still adjust the pitch in cents or semitones if you want to tune a perfect tune or get a tune as another instrument.

It’s okay! No problem if you even set the pitch to the default standard – A3 440 Hz or A3 442 Hz.

In this way, it seems not enough. The P45 continues adding 10 piano songs, 10 voice demo songs, and a beneficial metronome that can adjust both the volume and tempo.

Consist of two metronome settings – the accented one in the first beat and another not-accented one.

USB Connectivity

Through the USB connectivity, allow you to trigger the MIDI appliances, connect to the instructional software, and many others.

Personally, I connect the P45 to my computer so as to access the soft synth collection.

This feature actually offers the new textures and sounds and enables you to utilize the weighted keys of the piano.

You almost only take few minutes to run a USB cable from your P45 to the computer to connect through MIDI.

Therefore, if you are figuring out the 88-key weighted piano built-in the desired sounds at the price, don’t ignore this model.

Playability

What an affordable piano it is! I never expect it such the nice keys. Obviously, Yamaha P45 is different from the cheap models.

The P45’s keyboards bring a real feel. The GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) keyboard has a variety of the weights (low – high).

The lower the bass the heavier its ability to string will be and vice versa. Not being a model to play, Yamaha P45 is more practical.

I provide an extra video to help you recognize the P45’s playability:

Pros and Cons

Things We Like

  • The perfectly-built keys.
  • Both the factor and nature are moderately built, so it is easy to transport.
  • The keys with the great traction-and-dust-resistance characteristic.
  • 10 piano songs & 10 voice demo songs.
  • Ideal for the novice, thanks to the simple controls.
  • Allow connecting to the laptops and other electric devices via the USB port.

Things We Don’t Like

  • The flimsy foot-pedal.
  • The speakers seem weak and insufficient for the large space in case many people use.

Check P45 on Amazon

Alternatives

To help you to have a general view on Yamaha P45, I will make a comparison the P45 with others.

Yamaha P45 Vs. Yamaha P71

Yamaha P71 Review

Both the Yamaha P45 and P71 have equipped the excellent keyboards and are the digital pianos.

For the function, two of these pianos are identical. Offer the standard keyboard with the DUO mode. Have the 10 voices and the USB connectivity. The features are almost the same.

For the price, the P71 is more affordable. Simply, owing to being an Amazon Exclusive.

All in all, I would suggest you go for Yamaha P71. Because both are identical, and P71 has a better price at the time of this review.

But if you want a serious comparison of these two you can find it here:

Yamaha P45 vs P71 – Full Comparison

Check P71 on Amazon

Yamaha P45 Vs. Yamaha P115

Yamaha P115

Both have the keyboards with the GHS key action that allows experiencing the white plastic feel.

It can say that this is a standard feature of the pianos at the price. In there, the P45 is cheaper.

Another difference between both is the polyphony. If the P45 simply provides the 64-note polyphony, the P115 is more dominant with 192 notes.

This one makes the P115 become more credible.

The P45 also seems to lose the P115 on the sampling-sound technology. So, the sound of the P115 is more realistic.

In addition, with 14 instrument sounds, it is better than the P45 version.

Saying to the common features, both have a 2-sound layering option, 3-touch-setting sensitivity, and the effects having the 4-reverb options.

At the same time, have equipped the DUO mode and a digital metronome.

Nonetheless, the speed of the P115 is more flexible, the sound system, too, with the 14-watt power, 2 tops and back facing of the speakers.

Inevitably, the P45 also includes 2 speakers to boast 12 Watts. Have peace of mind that the difference is not too huge.

According to me, there are many options in the same manufacturer. This is great as it provides plenty of selections. How? Which one is better?

Check P115 on Amazon

Yamaha P45 Vs. Casio PX160

Some like the simplification of the P45 while others enjoy using the complicated options, in particular, the Casio PX160.

Its cost will be more expensive than Yamaha P45 of course.

The first is the difference between the instrument sounds. In comparison with 10 (the P45), the PX160 provides up to 18.

Through the recorder feature (2-track MIDI), allow you to record and play any performance on the keyboard of the PX160.

Involve the scaled hammer action keys with 3 sensitivities, but the PX160 seems noisier than the P45.

Casio PX 160

Despite having the lower polyphony (64 notes compared to 128 notes of the Casio), the P45 is considered as an ideal option of the layered or sustained notes.

Therefore, beginners prioritize to choose to use  Yamaha’s keyboard for the best start.

On the contrary, look at the features that the Casio PX160 brought, the damper noise, damper resonance, and hammer response included, the PX160 is a good option for those players require the stronger and richer sounds.

That’s why the Casio PX160 is more expensive than Yamaha P45.

Check Casio PX 160 on Amazon

Read more: Alesis Recital Review

Conclusion

My Scores

  • Keyboard – 9/10
  • Sound – 8.5/ 10
  • Digital Characteristics – 7.5/10
  • Touch Sensitivity – 9/10
  • Built-in Construction – 9/10
  • Play-ability – 8.5/10
  • Cost – 9/10, 10/10 for P71

How do you feel about my Yamaha P45 review? I think Yamaha P45 (P71) is a good beginner digital piano model in the market.

The product is produced by the Japanese manufacturer. Provide the realistic piano sound, not just the electric piano sounds as someone thought.

Have owned a myriad of the optimum features that other models in this price range are difficult to get.

Perhaps, I must not repeat these things because all are clearly listed above.

The only one I want to share with you: Consider your demand, purpose, and budget.The most expensive is not necessarily the most suitable. When playing the musical instrument, the player needs a right model.

A vibraphonist will have a fit vibraphone, you, too. To play well pianos, let’s choose a good piano as desired. Give it a shot!

Jack is the leading publisher of Fire Inside Music. He is teaching piano at a music school in Los Angeles. Since he was a teenager, Jack has had a great passion for music, the thing he enjoyed most was singing and playing the piano. He has excellent keyboard experience, works with William to help players select the best instrument to invest.