Yamaha
YDP-175
$2,000
Arius flagship with Clavinova-grade sound engine
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.8 Touch Reality 7.0 Value
88 48 kg
View Details Yamaha
Yamaha CLP-825 Review
Clavinova quality starts here — GH3X meets dual grand piano voices
88 Keys 57 kg graded hammer 3x
Bluetooth
Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
9.9| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 303 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 10 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
8.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | graded hammer 3x | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 57 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1461 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
8.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | graded hammer 3x (grade 8) | +4.8 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial (VRM Lite) | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The CLP-825 is the entry point to Yamaha's legendary Clavinova line, pairing the responsive GH3X action with sampling from two world-class concert grands.
Pros
- • GH3X action with ivory-feel keys — natural weight graduation and pleasant texture
- • Dual grand piano sampling: Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer Imperial
- • 256-note polyphony handles sustain-heavy pieces without note dropout
- • Bluetooth MIDI and audio for app integration and music streaming
- • Dual headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with Stereophonic Optimizer
- • 303 built-in songs for structured self-study
- • Smart Pianist app connectivity for intuitive control
Cons
- • Only 10 voices — limited variety beyond piano sounds
- • 50W/2-speaker system is modest for the cabinet size
- • 57 kg — requires two people to move and a permanent spot in your room
The CLP-825 is where Yamaha's Clavinova line truly begins. While the YDP series offers great value, the jump to the CLP-825 brings noticeably better key action, the addition of Bosendorfer sampling alongside the CFX, and Bluetooth connectivity that the Arius models lack. The 10-voice limitation rarely matters in practice — you're buying this for the piano experience, and that's where it excels. For beginners and returning players who want a long-term instrument they won't outgrow quickly, it's a smart investment.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The GH3X (Graded Hammer 3X) action is a significant step up from the GHS found in the YDP series. It uses three sensors instead of two, which means the keys respond faster when you play repeated notes quickly — trills and rapid passages feel more natural. The ivory-feel key surfaces absorb moisture, giving you better grip during long practice sessions. The weight graduation from bass to treble feels convincing and teaches proper finger technique.
Who Is This Piano For?
You want a proper Clavinova — a furniture-style piano that sounds and feels like the real thing — but you don't need the speaker power or advanced key action of the higher models. Perhaps you're an adult beginner who knows they'll stick with piano, or a returning player who wants the Yamaha CFX concert grand sound in a beautiful cabinet. The Bluetooth connectivity means you can stream music through the speakers or connect to learning apps without extra cables.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer 3x |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 10 |
| Weight | 57 kg |
| Speakers | 50W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial (VRM Lite) |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 303 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1461×459×927 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand included
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
CLP-825 vs YDP-175
The CLP-825 and YDP-175 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-825 costs $200 less.
Yamaha YDP-175 →CLP-825 vs HP-710
The CLP-825 and HP-710 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-825 costs $400 less.
Roland HP-710 →CLP-825 vs HP-704
The CLP-825 and HP-704 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-825 costs $500 less.
Roland HP-704 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha CLP-825 good for beginners?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-825 scores 9.9/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Yamaha CLP-825 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Yamaha CLP-825 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Yamaha CLP-825?
The Yamaha CLP-825 weighs 57 kg (126 lbs). It scores 1.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Can I use headphones with the Yamaha CLP-825?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-825 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8.5/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Yamaha CLP-825 have?
The Yamaha CLP-825 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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