Both Yamaha P115 and P125 are high-quality digital pianos. These editions come with features that help beginners learn to play the piano and they both deserve a consideration.
But, how can you determine which is more suitable?
Well, in this article, we will give you an insight comparison of Yamaha P115 vs P125 so that you can decide which one is right for you.
Overview
If you’ve ever researched about the Yamaha P series, you would probably know that Yamaha P115 is among the most popular models of the brand.
When it comes to P125, it is one of the newest editions of Yamaha released in 2018.
Hence, we can say that the producer has brought new improvements while retaining some interesting features that you can see in some of the previous editions like P115.
So, how are they different? Keep reading.
Yamaha P125 88-Key Weighted Digital Piano
Design
Both P115 and P125 are available in black and white. When you compare their appearance, you can easily see the difference between them.
With a beautiful, modern design and form, P115 offers balanced keyboards and an elegant touch screen controller, making using P115 features simpler. Yamaha P125 is for those who prefer a slightly smaller style.
Its case has been redesigned and modernized a bit, which is compact and relatively light in weight.
So, you can put this portable piano on tables as well as bringing it to the piano class with not much of hassle.
However, because of its entry-level design, this model is not as luxurious as the line featuring a furniture style stand or a triple pedal unit.
In general, Yamaha P115 and P125 are similar in dimensions and aesthetics.
Yamaha P-115 with Wood Stand and Bench
Keyboard
Yamaha P115 Bundle
On the P125, the keyboard has been upgraded to give a more natural experience. But if you’re a long-term pianist, you will notice the differences.
Both P115 and P125 are designed with a key mechanism called the GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) that gives players a realistic keystroke feeling like on an acoustic piano. It also helps them get the skills to practice finger properly thanks to the touch sensitivity.
Considerably, both models provide a good keyboard action for beginners and intermediates.
In addition, the improved keyboard surface facilitates players to practice for a long time.
They all have a total of 88 keys, equipped with Intelligent Acoustic Control, sound reduction resonance, and a Pure CF Sound Engine.
Sound
This is the first difference we came to realize when evaluating Yamaha P115 vs P125.
Yamaha P125 is preloaded with 21 demo songs, while this number on the P115 is only 14.
P115 is developed on sound, bringing the vibrancy to each timbre, even if it’s hard or soft.
With the enhanced system, players will experience the individuality of each sound produced by P115 and enjoy resonant colors of the sound range.
With that said, the P115 allows the feel of a piano and creates many different sounds and styles.
Compared to the P115, the P125 has a more vivid sounding and smoother transition between the samples thanks to the 4-layer sampling compared to the 3 layers of the previous edition.
Yamaha P125 With Power Supply And Sustain Pedal
Because of that, you can see the sound of P125 a bit brighter.
It is also reflected in another attribute that is, it has a bit more pronounced middle register.
Polyphony
“Poly” means “many,” and “phony” is “sound(s).” “Polyphony” is the word used to describe when there are many sounds at the same time, making the sound more lively and realistic, not monotonous.
Both P125 and P115 have the same amount of polyphony which includes 192 notes.
Therefore, polyphony is not something you have to worry about on both the two keyboards.
It’s fine to say192-note polyphony will supply more than your expectations compared to an average digital piano in this price range that usually has 128 notes.
Speakers
Although its speakers are small in size, the Yamaha P115 has a surprisingly unique and clear sound, and their quality is indisputable.
Thanks to the powerful 4-speaker sound system, the P115 provides a very good dynamic range on both sides.
What you might like about the new P125 version is the upgraded speaker system.
It also has 4 speakers delivering 14W power. They are really great, offering natural piano timbre, beautiful rhythm, and the new Smart Pianist application that works great.
We reckoned the unit also gives many interesting features that are not available on the acoustic piano.
Not only that, if you are worried that speakers can provide many different sounds mixed, the Sound Boost will make the sound sharper, louder, and crispier.
Yamaha P115 Digital Piano
Features
Overall, in the Yamaha P115 vs P125 contest, the Yamaha P125 does not have much innovation in terms of attributes, but it does not mean it is not improved. We will evaluate each feature for you to have a better understand.
Modes
They have a total of 3 modes, including Split, Dual and Duo.
Dual Mode allows you to create two random sounds you want at the same time by layering strings on top of the piano sound.
Split Mode is similar to the first one, but instead of layering two tones, the keyboard of the piano will be divided into 2 separate parts with 2 different types of musical instruments.
The final one, Duo mode, is suitable for those who want to study in the piano class because it divides the keyboard into two halves with the identical pitch ranges (two middle C’s). As a result, you can sit on one side and your piano teacher sits on the other side to play together.
Music Library
Both Yamaha P115 and P125 contain a music library with 50 pre-installed songs from famous composers. You will practice songs by Bach, Debussy, Beethoven,…and replay your effort.
In addition, with the USB connection function, you can download many other songs in MIDI available on the Internet.
Recording And Playback
A good piano will help you improve skills and knowledge gradually while practicing, and so are these two editions of Yamaha.
You can save your performance in MIDI format up to two tracks for each song. Better yet, it allows you to change the instrument sound, tempo, and even add new or delete notes to improve your record.
Rhythm Section
While Yamaha P115 provides 14 rhythms, this number in the P125 version is increased to 20.
The rhythm here means the number of options you can change the conventional click sound of the metronome to. It can be Swing, Disco, Jazz, Samba, or Latin Pop, etc.
As such, with P125, you’ll have more choices of musical styles than P115.
Besides, there is also a change in the later version. That is, it is designed without Dedicated Pianist Style as in P115.
Others Features
Some of the other characteristics that add values to the two pianos include an onboard metronome. It enables you to keep the rhythm accurate, develop time-keeping skills and a sense of rhythm.
Meanwhile, the Auto Power Off function helps turn off the piano when not in use to save electricity.
Connectivity
There is a special feature that we want you to pay attention to when it comes to connectivity that is the Smart Pianist App in the Yamaha P125 version.
This is a new step compared to P115, allowing you to access the functions of a piano quickly and conveniently like a music application on the smartphone.
In addition to being able to see the scores or chords for songs to play along with, you can also save your performances as AAC or WAV files in seconds and share them on social networks.
However, there is no Bluetooth connection on the P125 keyboard.
In addition to these differences, both versions have two Headphones jacks, USB to Host port, Aux Out jacks and Sustain jack (you can plug two headphones at the same time).
Accessories
There are four basic accessories that any ideal Yamaha piano needs, including a stand, sustain pedal, case, and headphones.
However, with Yamaha P115 and P125, some accessories will have to be purchased separately because they are not provided by the manufacturer.
About the stand, you can buy an X or Z-type stand for Yamaha P125, while an X-type stand or the L85 furniture stand is more suitable for P115.
About pedal, Yamaha P115 is equipped with a basic Yamaha footswitch, and P125 is attached to a basic box-style footswitch (FC5).
They are compact but they make the piano not so professional.
Therefore, if you want, you can replace them with the M-Audio SP-2 sustain pedal or the optional LP-5A 3-pedal unit for P115, and the FC3A piano-style pedal or Yamaha LP-1 triple pedal lyre for P125.
Next, if you feel the piano case is a bit wide, you might have two other options, which are Gator Slim 88-note protective bag or Kaces 15-KB gig bag.
Finally, headphones are indispensable for piano practice, so it should always be in the piano accessory list needed to be invested.
Read more: Yamaha P71 vs P115
Our Last Words
Overall, both P115 and P125 are good digital piano options for beginners.
While the P125 version doesn’t have too much innovation compared to P115, it is still a priority for those who prefer its modern technology such as Smart Pianist application or excellent speaker system.
If you need more choices, feel free to contact us or visit our website. Don’t hesitate to like and share the article with others if it’s useful for you. Thank you.
