Play Like a Pro: Yamaha Digital Piano Guide for Beginner Musicians
- Cam Baxter
- Sep 4
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 5
Yamaha Digital Piano Options for New Players
The market for Yamaha digital piano models has never been more buoyant. With more and more smart technology being applied to digital piano weighted keys designs and constructions, you can get a real-feel, authentic-sounding digital piano that you can throw over your shoulder (well, carry easily).
Many digital pianos feature hammer-action keys that feel like you're playing an acoustic piano, a range of detailed piano sounds from classical uprights to 1960s electric pianos, and the ability to plug in headphones for late-night practice.
They're smaller and more lightweight, which is ideal if you live in a flat, a house share or a smaller house. Digital pianos come in a variety of styles to match your home's aesthetic. Whether that's a classic black or minimalist white finish, they have one to match your space.
Digital pianos are pretty great. And with more and more new and smart tech appearing in them, they've never looked, felt, or sounded better. The tricky part is when you're a beginner, whether that's buying for yourself or for a loved one. If great aunt Matilda wants to tickle the ivories again (No piano keys are made from ivory anymore, phew!) or your child has shown an interest in playing the piano, then choosing the right model can be a major headache. Different price points, technologies, sizes, brands, colours, and more can be baffling for the newer player.
We've chosen six Yamaha digital piano models, priced between £200 and £500, to look at as a beginner's option. Yamaha produces many excellent digital pianos, but we've hand-picked a selection to avoid overwhelming you.
Know what you want? Visit our digital piano page and buy without fear!
What's a Digital Piano?
Okay, for those who know about digital pianos, you can skip this section. However, it's always good to have a refresh or a quick explanation for those who wonder what a digital piano is.
A digital piano aims to replicate the feel and sound of an upright or grand-style acoustic piano as closely as possible. There are lots of great brands, with Yamaha and Korg being among the most popular manufacturers.
The entry-level models focus more on the layout of a digital piano, whereas a more expensive digital piano features a complete 88-key layout, hammer-action digital piano weighted keys, response similar to that of a real piano, and closely replicated or sampled piano tones.
They come in many shapes and sizes. Some digital pianos are engineered for playing on stage, known as Stage Pianos, while others are more suited for home use, arriving in a wood-like effect finish and featuring matching stands.
Browse Yamaha's beginner-friendly digital pianos here and start your journey today.
Which Yamaha Digital Piano is the Best to Buy?
Everyone reading this article is now familiar with what a digital piano is. Let's check out the best Yamaha digital piano models we'll be discussing.
These digital pianos range from around £200 to £500, which is an excellent price point for a beginner's piano. From the lower-priced Yamaha Piaggero series, which are perfect for those on a tight budget or unsure if the (possibly young) player will continue, to the more advanced models, such as the Yamaha P-145BT and P-223 digital pianos. And a few in between and beyond.
Begin Your Piano Journey with Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 & NP-35
Starting at the beginning, we have the Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 and NP-35 digital pianos. Both are affordable, lightweight, and have a fairly realistic playing feel, with the NP-15 landing with 61 keys and the NP-35 featuring 76 keys.
Not quite the full 88-keybed that acoustic and full-scale digital pianos get, but as beginners, you won't be using the full range. At least when you start out. Plus, if you have limited space, such as a child's bedroom or a small flat, it's perfect for slotting in and still getting that playing experience.
You can get the NP-15 in a black or white finish to match your space's aesthetic, and it weighs just over 5kg, making it extremely portable and lightweight, ideal for moving around.
The NP-35, also available in a black and white finish, arrives with an upgraded Graded-Soft-Touch keyboard which mimics the feel of an acoustic piano without the fully weighted design. This makes it a great way to train new fingers in the way of the piano. The Yamaha NP-15 and NP-35 can be battery-powered, making them ultra-portable and great for moving around the house or even taking on holiday.
Both are great entry-level lightweight pianos that are ideal for student beginners, with slightly more features and appointments than the Yamaha NP-35.
Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 Digital Piano
For:
Lightweight design makes it simple to move about
A lower price point, which is ideal for beginners
Black and white finish to match your home aesthetic
Against:
61 keys means they're limited for certain pieces
Doesn't have the Graded-Soft-Touch keyboard that the NP-35 has
Yamaha Piaggero NP-35 Digital Piano
For:
76 keys from the get-go gives you almost a full-scale piano
More realistic feel, Graded-Soft-Touch keyboard easily builds muscle memory
Available in black and white finishes to easily fit in with your space
Against:
Not quite the weighted key feel you'd get from the Yamaha P-45 or P-145
Limited features compared to the higher-priced models
Shop the lightweight Yamaha Piaggero series and take music anywhere.
Get Busy Learning with the Yamaha P-45 and Yamaha P-145BT
Stepping up to the next level with the digital pianos, the digital piano Yamaha P45 and Yamaha P-145BT. The Yamaha P-45 and Yamaha P-145BT are two of the most popular Yamaha digital piano options for beginners and mid-level players. Still, there are some essential differences worth knowing.
Both of these digital pianos are part of Yamaha's trusted P series (with the P145BT replacing the older P45 model), and they're praised for their lightweight design, authentic piano touch, and impressive sound quality. This makes them ideal for anyone beginning their piano learning journey or moving up from an entry-level keyboard. Still, with features that overlap, choosing the right one can be tricky.
In this Yamaha P45 vs P145BT comparison, we'll explore the differences to help you decide which model suits your playing style, your home layout and musical goals best.
One of the smallest distinctions between the two digital pianos is that the Yamaha P-145BT is slightly more compact. They're both the same width, but the P-145BT has a smaller depth and height, making it more portable and better suited for smaller spaces. They are both the same weight, with the P145 being ever so slightly lighter.
The Yamaha P145BT, as the newer release, features a few refined design upgrades that enhance its overall build. That said, the Yamaha P45 still holds its own in terms of style and appeal. Both digital pianos come in sleek, durable casings, making them well-suited for everyday use while ensuring long-lasting reliability.
Authentic Hammer Action Keyboards
Both have amazing hammer action keyboards, with the Yamaha P45 arriving with a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, delivering that real-feel and responsive piano playing experience; heavier in the lower register and lighter in the higher register.
The P145BT has an upgraded Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard. This newer design gives you a more responsive and real-feel keyboard, allowing even further expressive play. Both are fantastic for building finger strength in students and returning players.
Versatile Voices for Every Genre
The Yamaha P45 digital piano comes with ten built-in piano and key-instrument voices, giving you both classic and contemporary tones which suit a wide variety of musical genres. It's powered by Yamaha's Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) Stereo Sampling, delivering clear, realistic sounds that make playing more immersive.
By comparison, the Yamaha P145BT introduces the renowned Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano voice, offering a warm, expressive tone that closely mirrors the feel of a traditional acoustic piano. This model also features 10 unique voices, providing players with a fully expressive and versatile sound palette across various musical styles.
The P45 comes with 6W speakers, whereas you get a little more with the P145, giving you 7W, both designed for home use or smaller venues.
Essential Features and Smart App Integration
Both the Yamaha P-45 and P-145BT digital pianos include essential features such as Duo and Dual Modes.
Duo Mode is a learning feature that allows two players (student and teacher) to practice or teach side by side on the same keyboard, each within the same octave range.
Dual Mode lets you layer two different voices, allowing you to create wonderful and alternative sound textures. With 64-note polyphony, the P45 handles moderately complex pieces, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate players.
The Yamaha P-145BT offers compatibility with the Smart Pianist app, giving you control of the piano from a smartphone or tablet. You can access a library of 303 classical pieces with PDF scores, record their performances, and share them online using Yamaha's Rec'n'Share app.
Connectivity
The Yamaha P45 digital piano offers plenty of connectivity options, including a USB-to-Host port that allows you to link the piano to a computer. This makes it ideal for using music production software, interactive learning apps, or composing digitally.
The Yamaha P145BT builds on these features, offering USB-to-Host functionality with both MIDI and audio capabilities, providing greater flexibility for recording or using software instruments. A significant upgrade is its Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream audio from a device and play along through the piano's speakers, making it perfect for learning with your favourite songs.
Both come with a sustain pedal. However, the P145BT also supports the advanced LP5A pedal unit for a more expressive and authentic playing experience, making it an excellent choice for home studios and intermediate players.
And of course, both come with headphone jacks, allowing private and quieter practice.
Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano
For:
Affordable, no-frills digital piano that does what it says on the tin
Yamaha's quality design still competes with today's piano designs
Robust construction is hardy and perfect for regular use
Against:
Doesn't come with Bluetooth, like the P-145 has
Larger than the P-145, making squeezing in tight spaces more difficult
Yamaha P-145BT Digital Piano
For:
Upgraded Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard for a more responsive play and feel
More features, including Bluetooth and Smart Pianist app compatibility
More compact than the P-45, giving you a playable instrument in a smaller space
Against:
More expensive than the P-45 for only a few more features
Features might be a little too much for those who need a more basic digital piano
Overall, both the P-45 and P-145BT live up to being fully playable, great-sounding instruments that you'll get years of joy out of. If you think you need Bluetooth and those extra features, plus the refined looks and sounds, the Yamaha P-145 would be a better choice. Upgrade your setup with the Yamaha P-45 or P-145BT and experience authentic hammer-action keys.
Yamaha P-225 vs P-223: What Are the Differences?
At the time of writing, there is a £100 difference between the Yamaha P-225 and P-223 digital pianos. Of course, that could change, but we can assume there'll be around a £100 difference between the two. So, what do you get for that extra £100? So which one is the one for you?
The pair belong to Yamaha's world-class P-series, which is renowned for its affordable, premium entry and mid-level digital pianos; full of features, bells and whistles, catering for the complete beginner student to a more intermediate level player.
At first glance, they're quite identical; they both feature Yamaha's acclaimed Pure CF Sound Engine and graded hammer standard (GHS) keyboard. Each one is compact and lightweight, perfect for travelling around with.
Yamaha P-223: Affordable Quality for Beginners
When comparing the Yamaha P-223 vs P-225 digital pianos, the differences between the two digital piano powerhouses might seem small at first glance, but they are worth noting. Both models share Yamaha's reliable build and excellent playability. Yet, the P-225 offers upgraded features, while the P-223 remains the more affordable choice.
This makes the P-223 ideal for beginners who want Yamaha quality on a budget, while the P-225 appeals to those seeking more advanced functionality.
The P-225 is also available in a white finish, which is ideal if the white is a better match for your space.
Yamaha P-225: Advanced Features and Superior Sound
The sound quality is one of the biggest distinctions. The Yamaha P-225 is equipped with improved speakers, producing a fuller, more dynamic tone compared to the P-223. It also offers 192-note polyphony, allowing richer layering and more sustain control, whereas the P-223 provides 128-note polyphony, which is more than sufficient for new players.
Additionally, the P-225 includes Bluetooth audio and MIDI connectivity, giving modern musicians extra versatility, while the P-223 keeps things simpler and cost-effective. And finally, the P-225 is also available in white, giving you that extra option to match your living space.
Yamaha P-223 Digital Piano
For:
A solid choice with plenty of features for beginners and mid-level players
More affordable than the P-225, yet still delivers an excellent piano experience
Not bogged down with fancy features
Against:
Perfectionists might miss out on the better quality sound from the P-225
No Bluetooth or MIDI connectivity, which can be handy with teaching and recording apps
Yamaha P-225 Digital Piano
For:
Produces a fuller, more dynamic tone compared to the P-223 for total musos
192-note polyphony delivers richer layering and more sustain control, bringing more nuanced playing
Bluetooth and MIDI connectivity give you more options for learning and recording
Against:
More expensive than the P-223
Extra features may not be necessary for beginners
Yamaha Digital Piano Comparison: Which Model Is Right for You?
The six Yamaha digital piano models we've explored sit in the £200 to £500 range, making them perfect for beginners through to intermediate players. Each model has its own strengths, with some, like the P-223 and P-225, being very closely matched.
At the entry level, the Piaggero series offers impressive Yamaha quality at a lower cost, ideal for parents who want a premium instrument to inspire their children without committing hundreds of pounds upfront.
Moving up the range, the digital piano Yamaha P45 and P-145BT bridge the gap between the Piaggero models and the more advanced P-223 and P-225. These are excellent options for learners and hobbyists who want something more piano-focused, featuring digital piano-weighted keys that deliver greater depth and realism in sound and touch.
Sitting at the top, you've got the Yamaha P-223 and P-225, which are both similar in price and quality, with the P-225 offering extra features that more experienced players, teachers, and songwriters will find helpful.
Ready to find your digital piano best option? Explore our full range of Yamaha digital piano models today and choose the one that matches your playing style and budget.
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