Yamaha
YDP-145
$1,100
Yamaha YDP-145: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
9.9 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 6.2 Touch Reality 7.4 Value
88 38 kg
Yamaha YDP-S35 Review
Yamaha YDP-S35: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
88 Keys 35 kg Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) Beginner
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$1,199
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 | 303 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 10 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
7.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| 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 | 35 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1353 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 | Yamaha CFX (AWM Stereo Sampling) | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | matte | +0 |
Yamaha YDP-S35 review verdict
This Yamaha YDP-S35 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Yamaha YDP-S35 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 maximum portability.
- • Furniture footprint should still be checked.
- • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.
Yamaha YDP-S35 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 35 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-S35 evaluation points
Yamaha YDP-S35 key action and touch
Yamaha YDP-S35 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-S35 is for
Yamaha YDP-S35 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 maximum portability. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Yamaha YDP-S35 sound and speakers
Yamaha YDP-S35 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-S35
Before buying Yamaha YDP-S35, 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-S35 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:
Yamaha Watch on YouTube ↗
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 10 |
| Weight | 35 kg |
| Speakers | 16W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Matte |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX (AWM Stereo Sampling) |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| 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) | 1353×309×792 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
$1,199
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-S35 vs YDP-145
the YDP-145 is stronger in quiet practice. The YDP-145 costs $99 less. Choose the YDP-145 if quiet practice matters most.
Yamaha YDP-145 →YDP-S35 vs KDP-120
The YDP-S35 scores higher in beginner support and value for money. The YDP-S35 costs $300 less. Choose the YDP-S35 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
Kawai KDP-120 →YDP-S35 vs KDP75
the KDP75 is stronger in quiet practice and value for money. The KDP75 costs $200 less. Choose the KDP75 if quiet practice matters most.
Kawai KDP75 →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-S35 is the slim console in the Arius line, defined by a space-saving design with a reduced depth. Across specialist review sites and retailer reviews, the majority praise the slimness that fits even in a small room, the honest CFX-derived sound, and the convenience of the GHS keybed and included pedals. At the same time, the modest built-in speakers and a somewhat thin bass, the awkward controls and the lack of Bluetooth are repeatedly noted.
Praised most often
-
A slim design that fits even in a small room
On the slim cabinet with its reduced depth, reviewers mostly say it is "easy to place in an apartment, a bedroom or a small room." The ability to set it up neatly against a wall is welcomed by those who prioritize saving space.
-
An honest CFX-derived sound
On the sound, which samples the Yamaha CFX concert grand, reviewers commonly note that it is "clear and powerful, and ample at the volume you would use in a room."
-
The convenience of the GHS keybed and included pedals
Beyond the playability of the GHS keybed, the fact that it is "ready to play out of the box" — including half-pedal support, three pedals and a built-in lesson function — is valued by beginners.
-
A solid build
Reviewers praise the construction, noting that despite the slim format the cabinet has a solid texture and a sense of stability.
Common cautions and criticisms
-
The built-in speakers are modest
With a 16W, two-speaker setup, reviewers note that it is "enough for personal practice, but the volume and the spread of sound are modest."
-
The bass is somewhat shallow
Because the slim cabinet has the speakers facing downward, some note that "the bass feels somewhat flat and shallow." A common takeaway is that this is a trade-off accepted in exchange for the slim design.
-
The controls are awkward
Because the unit has few buttons and many functions are called up by combining a button with a key, the comment that "it is hard to use without the manual at hand" comes up repeatedly.
-
No Bluetooth
The unit has no Bluetooth, and a USB cable is needed for app integration. Reviewers note that this is a weakness for those who want a wireless connection.
By source
-
Specialist review sites
Sites such as PianoDreamers tend to cover it alongside the YDP-145, crediting the space-saving nature of a slim console and the CFX engine while calmly framing the constraints around the speakers and the controls.
-
Retailer reviews & videos
Reviews from retailers and experts mostly credit the ease of placement and the honesty of the sound as a space-saving model suited to beginners through intermediate players.
-
Head-to-head comparisons (vs YDP-145 / YDP-S55, etc.)
In side-by-side play, reviewers find it well-rounded as a slim model, while noting that it yields to deeper consoles on bass and speaker output.
Net take
On balance, the YDP-S35 is a model that earns steady marks in international reviews as "a slim console for those with limited space." Its slim placement, honest CFX-derived sound and the convenience of the GHS keybed and included pedals are the central plus points. If bass weight, speaker output or Bluetooth app integration matters to you, however, the deeper YDP-145 or the higher slim model YDP-S55 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-S35