Korg
D1
$600
Korg's best keybed in a speakerless, stage-ready slab
4.6 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 6.6 Touch Reality 5.0 Value
88 16 kg
View Details Yamaha
Yamaha P-143 Review
88 weighted keys at Yamaha's most affordable price
88 Keys 11 kg graded hammer compact Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
4.1| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | No | +0 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 10 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
5.0| 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 | graded hammer compact | +0.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
5.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 11 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1326 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
6.2| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | graded hammer compact (grade 5) | +3 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 192 notes | +1.2 |
| Sound Modeling | AWM Stereo Sampling | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Our Verdict
The P-143 is Yamaha's entry into 88-key weighted piano territory — no frills, no distractions, just the essentials for learning proper piano technique at the lowest possible price.
Pros
- • Full 88 weighted keys with Graded Hammer Compact action
- • 192-note polyphony — generous for the price point
- • 11.0 kg — light enough to move between rooms or store in a closet
- • Yamaha sound quality — 10 voices including the signature grand piano
- • USB MIDI for connecting to a computer or tablet
- • Damper pedal included in the box
Cons
- • No recording function
- • No lesson function or built-in songs
- • No Bluetooth (neither audio nor MIDI)
- • No app connectivity
- • Single 3.5mm headphone jack without optimization
- • No layer or split mode
- • Stand sold separately
The P-143 is Yamaha's answer to the question 'What's the cheapest way to get 88 real weighted keys with good sound?' The answer is: strip away everything non-essential. No recording, no lessons, no Bluetooth, no app, no split mode, no built-in songs. What remains is a solid 88-key weighted instrument with Yamaha's reliable sound engine and 192-note polyphony. For pure beginners on a budget who want to build correct piano technique from day one, this focus is a feature, not a limitation. If you later want Bluetooth and recording, the P-225 is the next step up — but if all you need is a piano that plays like a piano, the P-143 does exactly that.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Graded Hammer Compact action provides genuine weighted-key feel in a slim, portable body. Keys are heavier in the bass and progressively lighter in the treble — the same pattern as an acoustic piano. The 'Compact' designation means the key mechanism is designed to keep the instrument thin and light, but the playing experience still teaches proper finger strength and technique. The matte key surface provides adequate grip without the premium feel of ivory-finish keys.
Who Is This Piano For?
You've decided to learn piano and you want weighted keys — the kind that feel heavy in the bass and light in the treble, just like a real piano — but your budget is tight. You don't need hundreds of sounds or auto-accompaniment. You don't even need a recording function. You just need 88 properly weighted keys, good piano sound, and the reliability of the Yamaha name. The P-143 is the no-nonsense starting point.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Compact |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 10 |
| Weight | 11 kg |
| Speakers | 14W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | AWM Stereo Sampling |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | No |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1326×270×128 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
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.
How It Compares
P-143 vs D1
The P-143 scores higher in Portability, while the D1 edges ahead in Beginner. The P-143 costs $100 less. Choose the P-143 if you prioritize portability.
Korg D1 →P-143 vs CDP-S110
The P-143 scores higher in Night Practice, while the CDP-S110 edges ahead in Beginner and Value. Choose the P-143 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Casio CDP-S110 →P-143 vs P-145
The P-143 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the P-145 edges ahead in Beginner. Choose the P-143 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Yamaha P-145 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha P-143 good for beginners?
It's not ideal for beginners. The Yamaha P-143 scores 4.1/10 on our Beginner scale — it lacks key learning features. Consider a model with lesson functions and app connectivity.
Does the Yamaha P-143 have Bluetooth?
No, the Yamaha P-143 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Yamaha P-143?
The Yamaha P-143 weighs 11 kg (24 lbs). It scores 5.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Yamaha P-143?
Yes. The Yamaha P-143 has 1 headphone jack (3.5mm). It scores 5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Yamaha P-143 have?
The Yamaha P-143 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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Read more →Similar Pianos
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View Details Yamaha
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View Details