1st Note

Yamaha

Yamaha NP-35 Review

Piano-focused simplicity in an ultra-portable package

MSRP

$250

Source: Manufacturer (2026-04)

76 Keys 5.7 kg semi weighted Beginner

Scores

8.4 6.0 8.7 2.9 6.3 Beginner Night Practice Portability Touch Reality Value

Beginner

8.4

Night Practice

6.0

Portability

8.7

Touch Reality

2.9

Value

6.3
How These Scores Were Calculated

Beginner

8.4
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 3.0
Lesson Function Yes +1.5
App Connectivity No +0
Recording Yes +1
Metronome Yes +0.5
Transpose Yes +0.3
Layer / Split Yes +0.3
Preset Songs 71 +1.5
Sound Variety 15 sounds +0.3

Night Practice

6.0
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 2.0
Headphone Jacks 1 +1
Headphone Type 3.5mm +0.5
Headphone Optimization No +0
Key Action Quietness semi weighted +1.5
Volume Control Yes +1
Bluetooth Audio No +0

Portability

8.7
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 5.0
Weight 5.7 kg +2
Width 1244 mm +0
Battery Yes +1.5
Foldable No +0
Key Count 76 keys +0.2

Touch Reality

2.9
Factor This Piano Points
Key Action Quality semi weighted (grade 2) +1.2
Key Count 76 keys +0.8
Polyphony 64 notes +0.4
Sound Modeling AWM Stereo Sampling +0.5
Key Surface none +0

Our Verdict

The Yamaha NP-35 Piaggero strips away the complexity of arranger keyboards and focuses on beautiful piano sounds in a sleek, battery-powered 76-key instrument that weighs under 6 kg.

Pros

  • 76 keys — wider range than 61-key keyboards for more complete piano pieces
  • Semi-weighted keys with graded soft touch — lighter than a piano but with some resistance
  • Clean, focused sound set of 15 high-quality voices (piano-centric)
  • Battery powered (6xAA) — truly portable music-making
  • 5.7 kg and incredibly slim at 105mm height — fits in a backpack or car trunk
  • Built-in lesson function with 71 songs
  • Elegant, minimalist design

Cons

  • Semi-weighted action — much lighter than real piano keys
  • Single 3.5mm headphone jack with no optimization
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
  • No app connectivity
  • No stand or pedal included — additional purchases needed
  • 64-note polyphony — adequate but limited for advanced pieces

The NP-35 Piaggero is the antidote to feature overload. Where the PSR-EW320 gives you 622 sounds and auto-accompaniment, the NP-35 gives you 15 carefully chosen voices and a clean, elegant design. The semi-weighted keys feel noticeably more piano-like than the PSR's non-weighted action. At 5.7 kg with battery power, it goes wherever you go. The trade-off is clear: no Bluetooth, no app, no stand, no pedal, and keys that are still much lighter than a real piano. But for someone who wants a simple, beautiful-sounding instrument they can carry with one hand, the Piaggero fills a niche that nothing else in Yamaha's lineup quite matches.

Technical Deep Dive

About the Key Action

The semi-weighted Graded Soft Touch keys sit between non-weighted organ keys and fully weighted piano keys. They have a gentle resistance that increases from treble to bass, mimicking a real piano's pattern but at a fraction of the weight. This makes them comfortable for extended playing and easier on the fingers than weighted keys, while still teaching basic dynamic control. They won't prepare you for the full weight of an acoustic piano, but they're a meaningful step above non-weighted keyboards.

Who Is This Piano For?

You want something that looks and feels more like a piano than the PSR-E373, but you still need it light enough to move around easily. Maybe you want to practice in different rooms, take it to a friend's house, or bring it on vacation. The NP-35's semi-weighted keys have a gentle resistance that feels more piano-like than the completely springy PSR keyboards, and the focused 15-voice sound set means you're not overwhelmed with options — you sit down and play piano.

Specifications

Keys 76
Key Action Semi Weighted
Polyphony 64 notes
Sounds 15
Weight 5.7 kg
Speakers 12W (×2)
Bluetooth No

Recommended Accessories

🪑

Stand

Stand not included (sold separately)

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

Yamaha NP-35 $250

How It Compares

NP-35 vs PSR-E373

The NP-35 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the PSR-E373 edges ahead in Night Practice and Portability. Choose the NP-35 if you prioritize realistic touch.

Yamaha PSR-E373 →

NP-35 vs CT-X700

The NP-35 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the CT-X700 edges ahead in Portability and Value. Choose the NP-35 if you prioritize realistic touch.

Casio CT-X700 →

NP-35 vs GO:PIANO 61

The NP-35 scores higher in Beginner and Touch Reality and Value, while the GO:PIANO 61 edges ahead in Portability. Choose the NP-35 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.

Roland GO:PIANO 61 →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Yamaha NP-35 good for beginners?

Yes. The Yamaha NP-35 scores 8.4/10 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 NP-35 have Bluetooth?

No, the Yamaha NP-35 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.

How heavy is the Yamaha NP-35?

The Yamaha NP-35 weighs 5.7 kg (13 lbs). It scores 8.7/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.

Can I use headphones with the Yamaha NP-35?

Yes. The Yamaha NP-35 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 6/10 on our Night Practice scale.

How many keys does the Yamaha NP-35 have?

The Yamaha NP-35 has 76 keys. While not a full 88-key keyboard, 76 keys cover most repertoire and the reduced size makes it more compact.

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