Yamaha
CLP-735
$2,200
Yamaha CLP-735: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.8 Touch Reality 7.0 Value
88 60 kg
Yamaha CLP-835 Review
Yamaha CLP-835: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
88 Keys 60 kg Graded Hammer 3X (GH3X)
Bluetooth
Intermediate
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$2,400
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
10.0| 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 | 38 sounds | +0.5 |
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 (GH3X) | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 60 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 (GH3X) (grade 8) | +4.8 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial (VRM) | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Yamaha CLP-835 review verdict
This Yamaha CLP-835 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Yamaha CLP-835 is best read as a console digital piano for players who already practise regularly. This review looks at weighted-key feel, sound, practice features, value, and realistic comparison points instead of treating the spec sheet as advertising copy.
Pros
- • Key count: 88 keys, a clear basis for digital piano comparison.
- • Touch: weighted hammer action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
- • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
- • Connectivity: USB MIDI, Bluetooth and app support.
- • Use case: Its best fit is home practice.
Cons
- • Main limit: the need for maximum portability.
- • Furniture footprint should still be checked.
- • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.
Yamaha CLP-835 is a console digital piano that makes most sense when its strengths are matched to the right practice situation. The useful points are 88 keys, weighted hammer action, 256-note polyphony, 100W speakers, and a weight of 60 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For home practice, this model can be a sensible candidate if the layout and feature set match the way the instrument will actually be used. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. The fairest comparison is with models in the same price and use class, where touch, speakers, headphone practice, and connectivity can be judged side by side.
Yamaha CLP-835 evaluation points
Yamaha CLP-835 key action and touch
Yamaha CLP-835 uses a weighted hammer action. For a digital piano with weighted keys, the important question is not only whether the keys are heavy, but whether they help steady daily practice. The ivory feel key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 256-note polyphony; that is enough for ordinary pieces, while more layered playing or heavy pedal use benefits from a higher number. This makes the key action a practical comparison point rather than a decorative specification.
Who the Yamaha CLP-835 is for
Yamaha CLP-835 is most relevant for players who already practise regularly. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: a more piano-like touch. Limits: the need for maximum portability. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Yamaha CLP-835 sound and speakers
Yamaha CLP-835 offers 38 sounds and 100W speakers. That is the sound side of the review: enough variety for practice, but the real experience depends on speaker power, headphone use, and the room where it will be played. The headphone output supports quiet practice. For lessons, apps, or recording workflows, the useful connectivity is USB MIDI, Bluetooth and app support.
What to know before buying the Yamaha CLP-835
Before buying Yamaha CLP-835, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. The stand is included, which simplifies the purchase. A damper pedal is included, though some players may still want a fuller pedal unit. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. For searchers looking for a Yamaha CLP-835 review, the practical conclusion is to treat it as one candidate in a digital piano comparison, not as a universal answer for every player.
Demo Video
Source:
Rimmers Music Watch on YouTube ↗
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer 3X (GH3X) |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 38 |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Speakers | 100W (×4) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial (VRM) |
| 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) | 1461×459×930 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Spec terms are explained in the glossary. Glossary →
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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.
Where to Buy
MSRP
$2,400
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How It Compares
CLP-835 vs HP-704
The CLP-835 and HP-704 score very similarly across the main review axes. The CLP-835 costs $600 less.
Roland HP-704 →CLP-835 vs CLP-735
The CLP-835 and CLP-735 score very similarly across the main review axes. The CLP-735 costs $200 less.
Yamaha CLP-735 →CLP-835 vs HP-702
The CLP-835 scores higher in piano-like touch. The HP-702 costs $100 less. Choose the CLP-835 if piano-like touch matters most.
Roland HP-702 →Related Guides
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Read more →What reviewers say online
A synthesis of recurring points from price-comparison sites, Amazon reviews, music-store staff videos and forum threads. Not a star-rating average — we read across multiple reviews and pulled out the points that came up repeatedly.
The Yamaha CLP-835 is the core model in the 2024 Clavinova 800 series. Across specialist reviews and retailer assessments, most voices rate the rich resonance from full VRM and a 100W four-speaker system as strong for the price tier. At the same time, some voices point to the non-flagship voices, the screen quality, and the price.
Praised most often
-
Crafted resonance through full VRM
On full VRM, which recreates the resonance of strings and dampers, the main verdict is that it renders detail from bass to treble and that the resonance is a step more lifelike. Voices stand out praising the depth that is true to the Clavinova line.
-
The flagship concert-grand sound source
On the tone of the Yamaha CFX and the Bösendorfer Imperial, the main verdict is that the dynamic range and decay are natural and the result is well realized, and voices stand out saying it suits those who prioritize piano sound.
-
The body of a 100W four-speaker system
Thanks to the strengthened speakers, reviewers note a rich resonance that seems to fill the living room. The main takeaway is that it has more headroom in output and spread than the CLP-825.
-
Designed with night practice in mind
With two headphone jacks, optimization for headphone listening, and Bluetooth connectivity, reviewers welcome that you can practice at any time.
Common cautions and criticisms
-
Non-flagship voices are unremarkable
The flagship piano sound is highly rated, but the other voices are modest in both number and quality, and reviewers note that stage-type instruments suit better if you want a wide range of voices.
-
Screen quality is underwhelming for the price
On the display quality, some voices say that at this price tier it could be a little better.
-
Opinions on the speakers are divided
The output is higher than the CLP-825, but some voices find the step-down model more pleasing in side-by-side listening, and reviewers note that how the balance comes across is divided.
-
No line output
With no jack to connect to external speakers or a PA, reviewers note that it is not suited to uses beyond home practice and small-scale performance.
By source
-
Specialist review sites
As a core console, reviewers rate full VRM and the realization of the sound source highly, while calmly laying out the non-flagship voices, the screen quality, and the price.
-
Retailer reviews and videos
Assessments stand out that call it a top recommendation within its price tier, with rich resonance and a satisfying playing feel.
-
Head-to-head comparisons (vs CLP-825, etc.)
In side-by-side play against the step-down CLP-825, the point that the sound source is the same while full VRM, the speakers, and the recording capacity differ comes up repeatedly, with the tone centering on how much to spend on the resonance.
Net take
On balance, the CLP-835 earns steady marks as the core of the Clavinova 800 series. The resonance of full VRM and the body of a 100W four-speaker system are the central points of praise, making it a well-balanced instrument for intermediate players who prioritize resonance. If you want to keep the cost down, the step-down CLP-825 is worth comparing, and if you place value on non-flagship voices, models from a different line are also worth a look.
We do not compute a numeric star average. The points below are recurring themes we identified by reading across multiple reviews.
Sources & transparency
This page is written by the operator, who has run the piano-learning site Piano Juku since 2017, based on published manufacturer specifications. We are not a retailer or tied to any maker — every model is compared by the same criteria. About the operator
- Last verified
- Data referenced from
- Manufacturer official
How the 5-axis scores are calculated
We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).
Spot a mistake or have a question about what's on this page? Let us know and we'll review it.
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Alternatives from other brands
Different makers in the same category and a similar price band, ranked by how closely the spec-based scores match this model.
Roland
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Casio
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Kawai
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Yamaha CLP-835