$400
Yamaha P-45: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
4.7 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 5.5 Portability 5.4 Touch Reality 6.0 Value
88 11.5 kg
Yamaha P-145 Review
Yamaha P-145: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
88 Keys 11 kg Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Beginner
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$460
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.
Model variants
Yamaha P-145 family
The P-145BT is the Bluetooth Audio variant of the P-145 platform. Treat it as a variant with a separate search intent, not a completely unrelated model.
P-145 Current
P-145BT Available | Difference | P-145 | P-145BT |
|---|---|---|
| Database status | Published product page | Published product page |
| Positioning | Base compact beginner model | Bluetooth Audio version of the P-145 class |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | Yes, varies by area |
| Core specs | 88 keys, 64-note polyphony, 10 voices, USB to Host | 88 keys, 64-note polyphony, 10 voices, USB to Host |
| SEO handling | Main indexed page for the platform | Indexed variant page for Bluetooth Audio search intent |
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
6.3| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | No | +0 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | No | +0 |
| Preset Songs | 21 | +0.7 |
| 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 Standard (GHS) | +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
4.9| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) (grade 5) | +3 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 64 notes | +0.4 |
| Sound Modeling | No | +0 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Yamaha P-145 review verdict
This Yamaha P-145 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Yamaha P-145 is best read as a portable digital piano for beginners and returning players. 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 and app support.
- • Use case: Its best fit is home practice.
Cons
- • Main limit: the need for large sound reserves and heavy pedal work.
- • Stand cost and compatibility are separate checks.
- • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.
Yamaha P-145 is a portable 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, 64-note polyphony, 8W speakers, and a weight of 11 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 P-145 evaluation points
Yamaha P-145 key action and touch
Yamaha P-145 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 matte key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 64-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 P-145 is for
Yamaha P-145 is most relevant for beginners and returning players. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: portability and easy placement. Limits: the need for large sound reserves and heavy pedal work. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Yamaha P-145 sound and speakers
Yamaha P-145 offers 10 sounds and 8W 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 and app support.
What to know before buying the Yamaha P-145
Before buying Yamaha P-145, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. A stand may need to be budgeted separately. 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 P-145 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:
Piano Tone Watch on YouTube ↗
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) |
| Polyphony | 64 notes |
| Sounds | 10 |
| Weight | 11 kg |
| Speakers | 8W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | — |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | No |
| Preset Songs | 21 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1326×295×166 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Spec terms are explained in the glossary. Glossary →
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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
MSRP
$460
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
P-145 vs P-145BT
the P-145BT is stronger in quiet practice and piano-like touch. The P-145 costs $90 less. Choose the P-145BT if quiet practice matters most.
Yamaha P-145BT →P-145 vs CDP-S110
The P-145 scores higher in quiet practice, while the CDP-S110 is stronger in piano-like touch. Choose the P-145 if quiet practice matters most.
Casio CDP-S110 →P-145 vs ES60
the ES60 is stronger in quiet practice, portability, piano-like touch and value for money. Choose the ES60 if quiet practice matters most.
Kawai ES60 →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 P-145 is the entry-level portable that succeeds the P-45. Across specialist review sites and retailer reviews, many reviewers praise its honest piano tone for the price and its light, easy-to-handle body, while others repeatedly note that the pared-down feature set (limited voices, connectivity and the lack of split play) leaves something to be desired.
Praised most often
-
Easy to carry, with a solid build
Reviewers often note that the unit is light enough that "one person can move it" and "far easier to handle than an acoustic." Several reviews also point out that the plastic is thicker than on the earlier P-45, with less button wobble and creak and improved rigidity.
-
The GHC keybed offers a solid touch for the price
On the newly adopted Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) action, most reviewers report that "it has a graded feel — heavier in the bass, lighter in the treble — close to a real piano" and that it is "nimble and easy to play yet still firm." Some comparisons add that it is roughly on par with the previous GHS, with a slightly shallow key travel (stroke).
-
Honest piano tone derived from the Yamaha CFIIIS
On the sound, which samples the CFIIIS concert grand, the majority say it "has density for this price and lets you hear the fine detail" and is "neutral and well suited to practice."
-
Built-in USB audio interface
The ability to exchange high-quality digital audio with a device over the USB port, without external gear, is welcomed by users recording at home or streaming.
Common cautions and criticisms
-
The glossy white keys can feel slippery
Carried over from the earlier P-45, the glossy finish on the white keys is repeatedly described as "slippery in fast passages."
-
Performance features are minimal (no split play)
With no Split function to assign different voices to the left and right hands, the features are focused on practice. Some say this leaves players who rely heavily on layering or splitting wanting more.
-
No Bluetooth
The P-145 itself has no Bluetooth, and a common takeaway is that anyone wanting a wireless connection to apps or a phone should look at a Bluetooth-capable variant or the higher P-225.
-
Modest voice count and speakers
Because the voice count is limited and the built-in speakers are modest, reviewers note that headphones or an external output are the realistic choice for playing in a large room or accompanying a recital.
By source
-
Specialist review sites
Specialist sites such as MusicRadar and PianoDreamers tend to credit it as a well-rounded entry model while calmly framing it as a logical step up from the P-45 (rigidity, USB audio) alongside its pared-down features.
-
Retailer reviews & videos
Retailer reviews such as those from Gear4Music and Best Buy emphasize practical points — that it is "a solid first instrument for a beginner" and "easy to set up and move."
-
Head-to-head comparisons (vs P-125 / P-225 / FP-30X, etc.)
In side-by-side play, reviewers find the GHC touch better than expected for the price, while noting that on features it falls short of the Roland FP-30X or the Kawai ES120.
Net take
On balance, the P-145 is a model that earns steady marks in international reviews as "Yamaha's entry-level staple." Its honest piano tone, solid GHC touch and easy-to-handle body are the central plus points, making it an instrument that is easy to shortlist when you are undecided. If split play, Bluetooth or a larger voice count matter to you, however, the higher P-225 or the Roland FP-30X become realistic alternatives to compare.
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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Yamaha P-145