Yamaha
YDP-S35
$1,199
Yamaha YDP-S35: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
9.9 Beginner 7.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 6.2 Touch Reality 7.1 Value
88 35 kg
Yamaha YDP-145 Review
Yamaha YDP-145: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
88 Keys 38 kg Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Intermediate
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$1,100
Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.
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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.
| 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 |
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
9.9| 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 | 363 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 10 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
8.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) | +0.5 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
3.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 38 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1357 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 Standard (GHS) (grade 5) | +3 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 192 notes | +1.2 |
| Sound Modeling | CFX Sampling + VRM Lite | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Yamaha YDP-145 review verdict
This Yamaha YDP-145 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Yamaha YDP-145 is best read as a console digital piano for players who already practise regularly. 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 maximum portability.
- • Furniture footprint should still be checked.
- • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.
Yamaha YDP-145 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, 192-note polyphony, 16W speakers, and a weight of 38 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-145 evaluation points
Yamaha YDP-145 key action and touch
Yamaha YDP-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 192-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-145 is for
Yamaha YDP-145 is most relevant for players who already practise regularly. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: a more piano-like touch. Limits: the need for maximum portability. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Yamaha YDP-145 sound and speakers
Yamaha YDP-145 offers 10 sounds and 16W 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-145
Before buying Yamaha YDP-145, 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-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:
Popplers Music Watch on YouTube ↗
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 10 |
| Weight | 38 kg |
| Speakers | 16W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | CFX Sampling + VRM Lite |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 363 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1357×422×815 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Spec terms are explained in the glossary. Glossary →
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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
$1,100
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-145 vs KDP75
the KDP75 is stronger in quiet practice. The KDP75 costs $101 less. Choose the KDP75 if quiet practice matters most.
Kawai KDP75 →YDP-145 vs YDP-S35
The YDP-145 scores higher in quiet practice. The YDP-145 costs $99 less. Choose the YDP-145 if quiet practice matters most.
Yamaha YDP-S35 →YDP-145 vs AP-S200
the AP-S200 is stronger in piano-like touch. Choose the AP-S200 if piano-like touch matters most.
Casio AP-S200 →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 YDP-145 is the entry-level console in the Arius line, an all-in-one that ships with a stand and three pedals. Across specialist review sites and retailer reviews, the majority praise its honest CFX-derived piano tone, the GHS keybed that is easy for beginners to handle, and a solid build that fits in as furniture. At the same time, the modest built-in speakers, the lack of Bluetooth and the small voice count are repeatedly noted as leaving something to be desired.
Praised most often
-
Sound derived from the CFX concert grand
On the piano tone, which samples the flagship CFX, reviewers mostly say it has "good balance from bass to treble and a rich resonance close to a real piano."
-
The GHS keybed is easy for beginners to handle
On the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, reviewers commonly note that "it has solid weight for the class yet is a little on the light side, so beginners settle into it easily." The natural graded feel — heavy in the bass, light in the treble — also draws praise.
-
A solid build that fits in as furniture
On the finish and rigidity of the console cabinet, reviewers offer practical praise that "it looks good in a room" and is "a dependable build that will last."
-
Features that support self-study and lessons
The set of features useful for self-study and teaching — a metronome, dual mode, built-in lesson songs and MIDI connectivity — is valued by teachers and learners alike.
Common cautions and criticisms
-
The built-in speakers are modest
With a 16W, two-speaker setup, reviewers note that "it is hard to get a piano-like projection without turning the volume up" and that "the sound can feel a little thin." A common takeaway is that it is enough for practice but underpowered for filling a large room.
-
No Bluetooth
The unit has no Bluetooth, so wireless app integration and audio playback are not possible. The point that this is a weakness compared with the likes of the Roland RP107, which offers Bluetooth MIDI and audio, comes up repeatedly.
-
A small voice count
Because the voices are limited to ten, reviewers offer the measured observation that "you should not expect much variety in non-piano sounds."
By source
-
Specialist review sites
Sites such as MusicRadar and PianoDreamers tend to credit its completeness as an entry console along with the CFX engine and GHS keybed, while calmly framing the pared-down speaker output and connectivity.
-
Retailer and teacher reviews
Reviews from Sweetwater and from teachers emphasize practical points — that it is "easy to recommend with confidence to anyone from beginners to returning players" and offers "the convenience of playing right out of the box."
-
Head-to-head comparisons (vs YDP-S35 / Roland RP107, etc.)
In side-by-side play, reviewers find the sound and keybed solid, while noting that on connectivity it falls short of Roland's Bluetooth-equipped models.
Net take
On balance, the YDP-145 is a model that earns steady marks in international reviews as "an entry console that goes straight onto the shortlist when you are undecided." Its honest CFX-derived sound, the easy-to-handle GHS keybed and the convenience of an included stand and pedals are the central plus points. If Bluetooth app integration, a larger voice count or speaker output matters to you, however, the higher YDP-165 or the Roland RP107 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 YDP-145