Yamaha P45 Vs P71 — Which Is Better?

Ted's List
Music Voices
Published in
5 min readJun 6, 2024
Yamaha P45 Vs P71 — Which Is Better?

The Yamaha P45 and P71 are both highly regarded digital pianos tailored for beginners, boasting similar features and functionalities.

However, a key distinction lies in their distribution channels and target demographics.

The Yamaha P45 is widely available in various retail outlets, while the P71 is exclusively offered to Amazon customers.

Despite this discrepancy, the core features and functionalities of both models remain largely consistent.

To aid in your decision-making process, a comprehensive understanding of the Yamaha P45 Vs P71 is imperative.

I’ll take you through the differences, which I think is better, and which I personally prefer to play on.

YAMAHA P45: OVERVIEW AND FEATURES

The Yamaha P45 Digital Piano is a standout instrument designed to cater to the needs of both beginners and intermediate players alike.

Featuring a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, it offers an authentic piano-playing experience with weighted keys that replicate the feel of an acoustic piano.

From the heavier grading at the bottom to the lighter touch towards the higher keys, the P45 enables players to develop proper technique and dynamics essential for honing their skills.

yamaha p45

Moreover, its versatile sound options, including preset voices like grand piano, electric piano, and vibraphone, are powered by advanced wave memory technology, delivering rich and expressive tones that faithfully replicate acoustic instrument sounds.

Despite its compact size and slim profile, weighing just 11.5kg, the P45 remains highly portable, making it ideal for gigging musicians or those with limited space.

Its intuitive functionality, including built-in metronome, touch sensitivity adjustments, and Duo Function for duet performances or teacher-student interactions, ensures ease of use and customization.

Additionally, the P45 boasts powerful amplifiers and discreetly placed speakers, delivering impressive stereo sound projection whether playing through the built-in speakers or using headphones for private practice.

Yamaha P45 Digital Piano, Black

Yamaha P45 Digital Piano, Black

UNVEILING PERFORMANCE AND PORTABILITY

PERFECT FOR: Intermediate Players

FEATURES: Tone Generation: AMW Stereo Sampling

OTHER INFO:Comes With Pedal/Footswitch, Music Rest, AC Adaptor

PROS

  • Seamless mobility for gigs and practice sessions on the move
  • Genuine piano feel with weighted keys and touch-sensitive response
  • Diverse sound palette featuring 10 instrument options and adjustable reverb
  • Intuitive control panel facilitates easy operation and sound selection
  • USB connectivity enables MIDI transmission and software compatibility
  • Built-in metronome for refining rhythm and timing skills

CONS

  • Limited polyphony might pose constraints for intricate compositions
  • Onboard speakers may lack power for larger performance venues
  • Absence of built-in recording function necessitates external recording equipment
  • Rear placement of headphone jack could be inconvenient for some users

SPECIFICATIONS OF YAMAHA P45 DIGITAL PIANO

Weight

11.5kg (25lbs., 4oz)

Action

Graded Hammer Standard

Polyphony

64 Notes

Fine Tune

Allows fine-tuning adjustments

Reverb

4 options

Finish

Simplistic, Plastic casing

Keys

Glossy white/Matte black

Color

Black Only

Instruments (Voices)

10 voices

Modes

Dual/Duo modes

Metronome

Included

MIDI Recorder

Not available onboard

Transpose

Allows pitch adjustment in semitone steps

Sound Sample

AMW Stereo Sampling

Speakers

Dual 6W amplifiers with 12cm x 2cm speakers

Connections

USB (TypeB)/Headphone/sustain jack

Touch Sensitivity

Hard/Medium/Soft/Fixed settings

YAMAHA P71: OVERVIEW AND FEATURES
Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

The Yamaha P71 Digital Piano shares many similarities with its counterpart, the P45, offering a reliable and immersive playing experience as a entry level digital piano.

As an exclusive offering through Amazon, the P71 delivers Yamaha’s renowned quality and performance directly to customers’ doorsteps.

Like the P45, the P71 features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, providing an authentic piano feel with weighted keys that respond naturally to the player’s touch. This feature is instrumental in developing proper technique and dynamics essential for mastering the instrument.

Furthermore, the P71 offers a dual mode function, enabling users to layer two voices simultaneously for a richer and more dynamic sound. Whether combining piano with strings or experimenting with other combinations, this feature opens up a world of creative possibilities for musicians to explore.

Compact and lightweight, the P71 is designed with portability and convenience in mind, making it an excellent choice for both home practice and on-the-go performances.

Its sleek and stylish design, coupled with a depth of less than 12 inches, ensures that it fits seamlessly into any living space without compromising on functionality.

Yamaha P71

Yamaha P71

YOUR GATEWAY TO MUSICAL EXCELLENCE

PERFECT FOR: Intermediate Players

FEATURES: AMW Stereo Sampling

OTHER INFO: USB (TypeB)/Headphone/Sustain Jack

PROS

  • 88-key fully-weighted piano with 10 tones
  • Compact, slim, stylish design
  • Excellent sound quality for solo playing
  • Built-in metronome and transposition tuning
  • Includes pedal, duo, and dual-mode
  • Affordable price point

CONS

  • No MIDI recording features
  • Lower polyphony at 64 notes
  • No split mode, unlike similar models
  • No MIDI recorder included
  • Lack of accessories like a stand, despite price
  • Some keys may produce slight clicking noise, potentially not ideal for professionals

Want to delve into the original article? You’ll find it right here

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