1st Note

Yamaha

Yamaha YDP-105 Review

Yamaha YDP-105: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

88 Keys 37.5 kg graded hammer standard Beginner

Scores

8.1 6.5 3.0 5.4 6.6 Beginner Night Practice Portability Touch Reality Value

Beginner

8.1

Night Practice

6.5

Portability

3.0

Touch Reality

5.4

Value

6.6

Where to Buy

MSRP

$900

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 Arius YDP family

The YDP line is Yamaha's fixed-cabinet Arius family. The main differences are sound engine, polyphony, key action, cabinet shape, and price.

Distinct model pages
Difference YDP-105 YDP-145 YDP-165 YDP-S35 YDP-S55
Database status Published product page Published product page Published product page Published product page Published product page
Positioning Lowest-cost Arius console in the current U.S. lineup Main Arius beginner console with stronger piano tone Upper Arius home console with stronger action and speakers Slim Arius cabinet for narrow rooms Slim Arius cabinet with upgraded key action
Sound engine AWM Stereo Sampling, 64-note polyphony CFX Sampling + VRM Lite, 192-note polyphony CFX Sampling + VRM Lite, 192-note polyphony CFX Sampling, 192-note polyphony CFX Sampling + VRM Lite, 192-note polyphony
Key action GHS with matte black keytops GHS with matte black keytops GH3 with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops GHS with matte black keytops GH3 with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops
Speaker system 6 W x 2 8 W x 2 class 20 W x 2 class 8 W x 2 class 20 W x 2 class
Sources
How These Scores Were Calculated

Beginner

8.1
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 3.0
Lesson Function Yes +1.5
App Connectivity Yes +1.5
Recording No +0
Metronome Yes +0.5
Transpose Yes +0.3
Layer / Split Yes +0.3
Preset Songs 20 +0.7
Sound Variety 10 sounds +0.3

Night Practice

6.5
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 2.0
Headphone Jacks 2 +2
Headphone Type 6.3mm, 6.3mm +1
Headphone Optimization No +0
Key Action Quietness graded hammer standard +0.5
Volume Control Yes +1
Bluetooth Audio No +0

Portability

3.0
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 5.0
Weight 37.5 kg -1.5
Width 1357 mm -0.5
Battery No +0
Foldable No +0
Key Count 88 keys +0

Touch Reality

5.4
Factor This Piano Points
Key Action Quality graded hammer standard (grade 5) +3
Key Count 88 keys +1.5
Polyphony 64 notes +0.4
Sound Modeling AWM Stereo Sampling + Damper Resonance +0.5
Key Surface matte +0

How was this calculated? — Read our methodology

Yamaha YDP-105 review verdict

This Yamaha YDP-105 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.

Yamaha YDP-105 is best read as a console 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.
  • Furniture footprint should still be checked.
  • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.

Yamaha YDP-105 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, 64-note polyphony, 12W speakers, and a weight of 37.5 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 YDP-105 evaluation points

Yamaha YDP-105 key action and touch

Yamaha YDP-105 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 YDP-105 is for

Yamaha YDP-105 is most relevant for beginners and returning players. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: a more piano-like touch. 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 YDP-105 sound and speakers

Yamaha YDP-105 offers 10 sounds and 12W 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 YDP-105

Before buying Yamaha YDP-105, 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 YDP-105 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 Standard
Polyphony 64 notes
Sounds 10
Weight 37.5 kg
Speakers 12W (×2)
Bluetooth No

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

$900

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

YDP-105 vs Rhapsody III

The YDP-105 and Rhapsody III score very similarly across the main review axes. The Rhapsody III costs $201 less.

Williams Rhapsody III →

YDP-105 vs KDP70

the KDP70 is stronger in piano-like touch. The YDP-105 costs $199 less. Choose the KDP70 if piano-like touch matters most.

Kawai KDP70 →

YDP-105 vs PX-770

the PX-770 is stronger in piano-like touch. Choose the PX-770 if piano-like touch matters most.

Casio PX-770 →

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Sources & transparency

Last verified
Data referenced from
Manufacturer official Official manual Authorized retailer ×2

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 YDP-105