Yamaha
P-525
$1,899
Yamaha's portable flagship — wooden keys and VRM
10.0 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 8.8 Touch Reality 6.3 Value
88 22 kg
Yamaha
Yamaha P-515 Review
Premium portable that set the standard before the P-525
Discontinued 88 Keys 22 kg graded hammer 3x Intermediate
Where to Buy
MSRP
$1,500
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
No verified product page is available yet, so these buttons open retailer search results. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
Scores
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 | 40 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.0| 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 | No | +0 |
Portability
3.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 22 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1336 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) | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The Yamaha P-515 was the flagship of the P-series — a 22 kg portable that packed GH3X action, VRM modelling, and 40W four-speaker amplification into a sleek body that could go from living room to stage and back.
Pros
- • GH3X action with ivory-feel keys — the same mechanism found in mid-range Clavinovas, in a portable format
- • VRM modelling with Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer Imperial sampling for expressive, concert-quality tone
- • 40W amplification with 4 speakers — impressively loud and detailed for a portable instrument
- • Line out for connecting to PA systems and external amplifiers on stage
- • 256-note polyphony handles complex sustain-pedal passages without dropout
- • 40 voices including high-quality electric pianos, organs, and strings
- • Dual headphone jacks with Stereophonic Optimizer for immersive private practice
Cons
- • 22 kg is heavy for a portable — manageable with two hands but not a one-trip carry
- • No Bluetooth connectivity — the P-525 successor adds this feature
- • Discontinued — available only as remaining stock or second-hand
- • No battery option — always requires mains power
- • Stand not included — additional expense for home setup
The P-515 was the portable that proved you don't need a console cabinet to get serious piano performance. Its GH3X action and VRM sound engine were genuine Clavinova technology in a carry-able form factor, and the 40W four-speaker system meant it sounded as impressive as it played. The P-525 has since superseded it with Bluetooth and minor refinements, but the P-515 remains an excellent instrument. If you find one at a good price on the second-hand market, it delivers remarkable value — the core piano experience is virtually identical to its successor. For gigging pianists and space-conscious serious players alike, it set the template that the P-525 now follows.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The GH3X (Graded Hammer 3X) action is the same mechanism found in Yamaha's Clavinova CLP-735 and YDP-175, making the P-515 one of the most expressive portable digital pianos of its generation. The triple-sensor design captures fast repetition accurately, while the escapement mechanism provides the subtle tactile feedback of a grand piano action. Ivory-feel key surfaces absorb moisture for confident playing during extended sessions. At 22 kg, the weight of this action contributes to the instrument's heft but also to its authentic playing feel.
Who Is This Piano For?
You need serious piano quality in a package you can actually move. Maybe you gig on weekends and practice at home during the week — the P-515 handles both scenarios with its line output and powerful built-in speakers. Or you're an intermediate to advanced player in an apartment who wants Clavinova-level action and tone without committing to a permanent furniture piece. The GH3X action with ivory-feel keys delivers the expressiveness that developing technique demands, while the 40W speakers mean you can practice without headphones and still enjoy rich, room-filling sound.
Demo Video
Video coming soon for this model
We embed videos from manufacturer official channels and trusted reviewers. As soon as a suitable demo or review is available, it will appear here.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer 3x |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 40 |
| Weight | 22 kg |
| Speakers | 40W (×4) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| 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) | 1336×228×145 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.
Where to Buy
MSRP
$1,500
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
No verified product page is available yet, so these buttons open retailer search results. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How It Compares
P-515 vs P-525
The P-515 and P-525 score very similarly across all axes. The P-515 costs $399 less.
Yamaha P-525 →P-515 vs ES920
The P-515 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the ES920 edges ahead in Night Practice and Portability. The P-515 costs $399 less. Choose the P-515 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Kawai ES920 →P-515 vs ES-520
The P-515 scores higher in Touch Reality, while the ES-520 edges ahead in Night Practice and Portability. The ES-520 costs $101 less. Choose the P-515 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Kawai ES-520 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha P-515 good for beginners?
Yes. The Yamaha P-515 scores 10/10 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 P-515 have Bluetooth?
No, the Yamaha P-515 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Yamaha P-515?
The Yamaha P-515 weighs 22 kg (49 lbs). It scores 3/10 on our Portability scale. This is manageable for occasional moves but not truly portable.
Can I use headphones with the Yamaha P-515?
Yes. The Yamaha P-515 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Yamaha P-515 have?
The Yamaha P-515 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
Who is the Yamaha P-515 best for?
You need serious piano quality in a package you can actually move. Maybe you gig on weekends and practice at home during the week — the P-515 handles both scenarios with its line output and powerful built-in speakers. Or you're an intermediate to advanced player in an apartment who wants Clavinova-level action and tone without committing to a permanent furniture piece. The GH3X action with ivory-feel keys delivers the expressiveness that developing technique demands, while the 40W speakers mean you can practice without headphones and still enjoy rich, room-filling sound.
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Kawai
ES920
$1,899
Kawai's best portable action with OLED display
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 6.6 Value
88 14.5 kg
Kawai
ES-520
$1,399
Step up from entry-level with ivory-feel keys and 30 watts of sound
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 7.3 Touch Reality 6.6 Value
88 15 kg