Roland
F-701
$1,649
A slim, modern console piano that does not compromise on feel
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.6 Value
88 39 kg
Yamaha
Yamaha YDP-S55 Review
The slimmest Arius — fits where other pianos cannot
88 Keys 35 kg graded hammer 3 Beginner
Where to Buy
MSRP
$1,599
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
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
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 3 | +0 |
| 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
7.9| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | graded hammer 3 (grade 7) | +4.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 192 notes | +1.2 |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX (VRM Lite) | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
At just 30.9cm deep, the YDP-S55 is Yamaha's space-saving Arius with GH3 action and ivory-feel keys — proving that a slim profile doesn't mean compromised piano quality.
Pros
- • Ultra-slim design at only 309mm deep — fits against walls in tight spaces
- • GH3 action with ivory-feel keys — significant upgrade from the YDP-145's GHS action
- • CFX concert grand sampling with VRM Lite resonance
- • Dual headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with Stereophonic Optimizer
- • 303 built-in songs for lesson and practice
- • Smart Pianist app connectivity via USB
- • 35 kg — lighter than most console pianos
Cons
- • Only 10 voices — minimal variety
- • No Bluetooth (neither audio nor MIDI)
- • 20W/2-speaker system — adequate for practice but won't fill a large room
- • No line out for external amplification
The YDP-S55 is the piano you buy when space is your primary constraint but quality is non-negotiable. Its 309mm depth is remarkably slim — nearly 15cm shallower than the YDP-145 — yet it packs a better key action (GH3 vs. GHS) and ivory-feel surfaces. The trade-off is modest speaker power and no Bluetooth, which means this is primarily a headphone-practice and app-connected instrument. For apartment dwellers and anyone with limited floor space, the YDP-S55 proves that physical constraints don't have to mean musical compromises.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The GH3 (Graded Hammer 3) action is a meaningful step above the GHS in the YDP-145. It uses three sensors instead of two, which means faster key repetition and more accurate detection of your playing dynamics. The ivory-feel key surface adds pleasant texture and moisture absorption. For a slim console piano, the quality of this action is impressive — it teaches proper finger technique and responds well to dynamic expression.
Who Is This Piano For?
You live in a small apartment or condo and every centimeter counts. A standard console piano is too deep for your available wall space, but you don't want a portable keyboard on a flimsy stand — you want real furniture with real piano touch. The YDP-S55 solves this perfectly: at barely 31cm deep, it fits in hallways, bedrooms, and tight living rooms where a full-depth Clavinova simply wouldn't work. Despite its slim profile, the GH3 action with ivory-feel keys delivers a genuinely satisfying playing experience.
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 3 |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 10 |
| Weight | 35 kg |
| Speakers | 20W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX (VRM Lite) |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| 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 | 303 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1353×309×792 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
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
$1,599
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
YDP-S55 vs F-701
The F-701 edges ahead in Night Practice. Choose the F-701 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Roland F-701 →YDP-S55 vs RP-107
The RP-107 edges ahead in Night Practice. The RP-107 costs $299 less. Choose the RP-107 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Roland RP-107 →YDP-S55 vs PX-870
The YDP-S55 scores higher in Beginner. The PX-870 costs $400 less. Choose the YDP-S55 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Casio PX-870 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha YDP-S55 good for beginners?
Yes. The Yamaha YDP-S55 scores 9.9/10 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 YDP-S55 have Bluetooth?
No, the Yamaha YDP-S55 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Yamaha YDP-S55?
The Yamaha YDP-S55 weighs 35 kg (77 lbs). It scores 3/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Can I use headphones with the Yamaha YDP-S55?
Yes. The Yamaha YDP-S55 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 YDP-S55 have?
The Yamaha YDP-S55 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 YDP-S55 best for?
You live in a small apartment or condo and every centimeter counts. A standard console piano is too deep for your available wall space, but you don't want a portable keyboard on a flimsy stand — you want real furniture with real piano touch. The YDP-S55 solves this perfectly: at barely 31cm deep, it fits in hallways, bedrooms, and tight living rooms where a full-depth Clavinova simply wouldn't work. Despite its slim profile, the GH3 action with ivory-feel keys delivers a genuinely satisfying playing experience.
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Read more →Similar Pianos
Roland
RP-107
$1,300
Roland's connected console — Bluetooth + 324 sounds
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.8 Value
88 37 kg
Casio
PX-870
$1,199
The PX-770, upgraded where it counts — better sound, better feel, better headphones
8.4 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 7.6 Touch Reality 7.3 Value
88 34.3 kg