When you think, “digital pianos”, the first brand you’re likely to think of is Yamaha. And there’s a reason for this. Since 1887, the experts at this renowned brand have been raising the bar of instrument quality to exceptional heights.
Their Clavinova range is no exception. In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about the Clavinova series, including its history, who it’s aimed at, and the specs of each model.
An overview of the Clavinova range
Yamaha’s Clavinova range combines the sound and feel of an acoustic piano with the flexibility of a digital instrument.
At the heart of the range are the meticulously captured samples of two legendary concert grands: the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial. Each has its own distinctive character, giving you the freedom to find a piano sound that suits your playing. Yamaha’s modelling technology brings these voices to life by recreating the complex resonances produced inside an acoustic piano. Notes respond, ring out, and blend together more naturally as a result.
Of course, authentic sound is only part of the appeal. Yamaha draw on their long history of building acoustic instruments to create weighted keyboards and carefully constructed cabinets that feel reassuringly like an acoustic. Their expertise in audio technology also shines through in the speaker systems, helping those grand-piano samples fill the room with rich, detailed sound.
There’s plenty to explore beyond traditional piano playing, too. Compatible Clavinovas connect to Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app, developed by the team in Milton Keynes. From there, you can select voices, adjust settings, practise built-in pieces, and display musical scores on a smart device. Some models can even analyse songs and generate chord progressions.
Clavinova history
With years of experience and unparalleled knowledge going into every key, Yamaha’s Clavinova range is the product of constant innovation. Debuted in 1983, it redefined digital pianos, and Yamaha has been perfecting them ever since.
Take the Graded Hammer keyboard, for example. It was introduced in 1996 to provide pianists with a natural, authentic-feeling experience.
Players no longer had to sacrifice the smooth, intuitive response of an acoustic keyboard – they could have great digital perks and strikingly realistic playability at the same time. And the sound samples were improving, too.
In 2008, the digital piano was filled with the soul and tone of the CFIIIS full concert grand. Meticulously obtained samples meant that players could enjoy the scale of a grand piano’s sound, but with a much more compact and affordable physical form. The best of both worlds.
Six years later, Yamaha captured the voicings of the CFX Concert Grand and the Bösendorfer Imperial concert grand for the CLP series. They gave players the chance to decide which piano tone is best for them.
Today? Expressive sound and authentic feel are two key features of Clavinova. From natural, counterweighted keys to exquisitely recorded dynamics, both the structure and sound quality have been considered in great detail. Plus, intuitive apps such as Smart Pianist and flowkey can be easily connected, helping you hone your skills.
Why is the Clavinova so popular?
Every current model of the Clavinova range is built to offer great playing experiences to budding pianists and professionals alike. They’re loved by musicians around the world.
If you want a digital piano to aid you in developing, practising, and mastering your skill – innovative technology is key. With Yamaha, this comes in the form of Grand Expression Modelling, which enables each piano key to react to your touch in an exceptionally detailed and expressive way.
Its response is just like that of an acoustic piano – a dream come true for beginners who want to practise proper technique that feels the same during an exam or recital.
The Clavinova’s carefully recorded sound is also a huge hit with pianists. Only the best of the best has been used, bringing concert hall-worthy sound to your home.
The CFX grand was played by the 2010 International Chopin Competition winner, demonstrating its prestige and grandeur, whilst the Bösendorfer Imperial produces the famed “Viennese Sound” and is deemed to be the only piano capable of withstanding the energetic playing of Franz Liszt.
It’s having these hugely respected and admired piano sounds – and all their nuances – installed within a digital model that makes the Clavinova range the first port of call for many seasoned players.
Virtual Resonance Modelling (VRM) then enhances this sound even further, causing notes to blend in and out of each other in the same way they would on an acoustic piano. This alleviates any unnatural breaks in sound and further improves the recreation of acoustic piano resonance.
CLP vs. CSP vs. CVP
CLP, CSP, and CVP pianos might share the Clavinova name, but they cater to quite different players. So, which series is right for you?
The CLP range keeps the focus firmly on the piano itself. Particular attention is paid to the keyboard action, sound, and physical feel, making these models ideal if you want the familiarity of an acoustic instrument with all the flexibility of a digital one. There are still useful modern functions to explore, but they never distract from what matters most: sitting down and playing.
If you want a piano for the whole family, a CSP might be the better fit. Smart Pianist integration puts its sounds and settings within easy reach, while Stream Lights show you which keys to play. This makes learning more approachable, whether you’re taking your first steps or returning to the piano after a break.
CSP models also offer more sounds, backing options, and built-in learning tools, giving everyone plenty to discover.
The CVP series takes this versatility even further. Alongside an authentic piano feel, you’ll find an extensive collection of instrument voices, backing styles, and performance functions. Select a style, start playing, and you can enjoy the sound and energy of a full ensemble from one instrument.
Meet the models
So, now you know the history and why they’re adored by pianists, how does each model differ?
Yamaha CLP 825
The most affordable model of the Clavinova range, the CLP 825 is an exceptional choice for beginners and advanced players looking for something to showcase their ever-developing technique.
It features a GrandTouch-S keyboard — a staple of all the CLP pianos, which replicates the response of hammers hitting the strings. Grand Expression Modelling then further imitates an acoustic piano’s playability and the way hammers, dampers, and strings interact with each other.
There are four levels of keyboard touch sensitivity: hard, medium, soft, and fixed, granting just the right response to whatever you play.
Binaural sampling (used for the CFX Grand) and Yamaha’s Stereophonic Optimiser allow for an expansive sound that doesn’t change with headphones.
The beauty of the Stereophonic Optimiser is that it promises silent practice to be not quite so… silent. To you, that is. It gives you your own world of immersive sound through the headphones that feels as though it’s coming directly from the piano. It’s unlike any other silent practice experience, and it’s this kind of attention to space and natural sound that makes Yamaha so sought-after.
As mentioned earlier, samples from the CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial have been masterfully installed in the CLP models. With the 825, two 20W speakers then provide enough amplification to fill the room with their magical tones.
There’s an array of 10 voices to choose from, with a maximum 256-note polyphony for full, rich sound. And when you want to layer these voices, you can via – you guessed it – Layer mode. Duo mode is also there to help beginners progress, allowing both student and teacher to play at the same time.
The Smart Pianist app allows you to adjust settings and select instrument voices remotely, whilst also enabling you to play along to your favourite songs. And three months of flowkey premium is included with the piano, an app that’s regarded as one of the best piano learning apps out there.
Yamaha CLP 835
Next up, we have the CLP 835, a piano that’s similar to the 825 but with a little extra oomph in sound projection and a wider range of functions.
Firstly, you have the GrandTouch-S keyboard with synthetic ebony and ivory keytops. It boasts Yamaha’s “Escapement” technology, which allows you to experience those nuanced responses that you would expect in a grand piano. Even with the slightest of touches, the key will react accordingly.
In fact, there are six levels of keyboard sensitivity: hard 1, hard 2, medium, soft 1, soft 2, and fixed. Having extra sensitivity levels at your fingertips opens the door to a much more detailed response, so a broader variety of playing techniques can reach their full potential.
Again, the sounds of the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial have been loaded, powered this time by two 30W speakers. You can then choose from 7 reverb effects to sculpt the kind of room response you’re after.
A huge leap from the 825, this Yamaha creation holds a total of 38 voices, including period-correct fortepianos used by the likes of Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin.
Much simpler than modern-day pianos, the sound of the fortepiano decays quickly. With the 835, you have a unique opportunity to play and hear the pieces of these renowned composers exactly how they envisioned them. History at your fingertips.
As well as Layer and Duo functions, the 835 also boasts a Split function. This is particularly useful for composers and arrangers who want to see how various instruments sound with each other. Set one voicing to the bass half of the piano and another to the treble, and you’ll have full, clear timbres to explore.
Binaural sampling has been used for both the CFX Grand and Bösendorfer, and thanks to the Stereophonic Optimiser, you won’t feel like you’re wearing headphones during those silent practice sessions.
The 835 comes with external device connectivity, meaning you can connect the Smart Pianist app and enjoy three months of flowkey Premium.
Yamaha CLP 845
The CLP 845 takes things up a notch with a GrandTouch-S keyboard that is enhanced with wooden white keys. This might seem like a small aspect of the piano’s design, but it’s this kind of attention to the finer details that has earned Yamaha its prestigious reputation.
Not only are the wooden white keys a dream to play, but they also perfectly replicate the feel of a grand piano. Plus, they look much better than laminate keys, and they’re resistant to warping.
The 845 features 38 voices and two 45W amplifiers powering the speakers. Such a grand sound system is perfect for pianists who want to send the sparkling tones of the CFX and Bösendorfer out into a room of any size.
The main difference between the CLP 845 and the aforementioned models is Bluetooth MIDI and audio technology. This is the first model in the 800 series to feature such useful connectivity, and you’re sure to notice its convenience straight away.
The piano also comes with a limited-time subscription to flowkey Premium.
Yamaha CLP 865 Digital Grand Piano
The final – and most aesthetically magnificent – CLP model on our list is the CLP 865. It’s a Clavinova piano that houses features of the 835 in a grand-style cabinet. You can really feel the full scale of the sound you’re emitting, allowing the CFX and Bösendorfer samples to ring through the 45W and 35W amplifiers.
Binaural sampling, Virtual Resonance Modelling, and Stereophonic Optimiser have all been employed for a truly authentic recreation of these iconic piano sounds, the same way they’ve been used in the other CLP models. The difference here is that the scale of this grand piano and its speakers really brings the samples to life.
You can never stop improving on skill, which is why, even though this piano might seem like it’s for pianists at the top of their game, it comes with a three-month subscription to flowkey Premium.
Such an extensive range of courses and songs allows you to adapt the app and its resources to your own ability level. There’s even instant feedback to ensure your skill is perfected and sounds its absolute best.
Yamaha CSP 255
Authentic piano behaviour is at the heart of the CSP 255. Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial samples are shaped by Virtual Resonance Modelling and Grand Expression Modelling, capturing the tonal changes, sympathetic resonances, and dynamic response of an acoustic instrument.
GrandTouch-S keys translate those details into an expressive playing experience, whether you are tackling delicate phrasing or powerful chords.
For quieter practice, dedicated binaural recordings create a natural sense of space through headphones. Smart Pianist brings scores, settings, and learning tools together on your device, making this an accessible introduction to the CSP range for learners, returning players, and families.
Which is best for me?
It probably comes as no surprise that the deeper you dive into the Clavinova range, the more advanced the pianos become. You wouldn’t be wrong to think that the more expensive models are for more seasoned players, but that’s not a hard and fast rule.
If you’re a beginner, you might head straight for the CLP 825. This is a great place to start, as it boasts all the Yamaha quality and innovation you would expect, whilst also delivering basic sound-sculpting functions and ample speaker power. Advanced players are also sure to love its smooth playability and expertly recorded sound samples.
In fact, whichever model you choose, you’ll have recordings of two legendary pianos, taken with meticulous attention to detail and dynamics.
It all depends on the kind of functions, number of voices, and amplifier power you’re after. Someone with a higher ability level might be looking to branch out into other instrument voices, especially if composition and arranging is their style. This is where the 835 thrives.
It’s not until we reach the CLP 845 that Bluetooth is introduced, perfect for pianists who want full freedom to connect to external devices.
And, of course, if you have the space and budget, the CLP 865 Digital Grand will make for a magnificent addition to your home.
FAQs
What is the lifespan of a Clavinova?
The lifespan of a Clavinova is typically many years when it is cared for properly. Exactly how long it lasts will depend on how frequently it is played, where it is kept, and how well it is maintained, but Yamaha design the range with long-term reliability in mind.
Does a Clavinova feel like a real piano?
A Clavinova does feel remarkably similar to a real piano. Its weighted keyboard recreates the resistance and response of acoustic keys, while Yamaha’s sound and resonance technology completes the effect.
How old is the Yamaha Clavinova series?
The Yamaha Clavinova series is over 40 years old, having first launched in 1983. Yamaha have continually developed the range since then, with each generation introducing refinements to its keyboard, sound, and digital technology.
Find out more
Every piano in the Clavinova range has been exquisitely designed and crafted to offer the best playing experience possible.
But it’s not just Clavinova pianos that Yamaha have to offer. Why not take a look at their vast collection of digital pianos? You’re sure to find something that works for you.
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