Featured image: Yamaha P45
The Yamaha P45 and P145 are popular digital pianos that cater to beginners and intermediate players, yet there are a few distinctions.
As part of Yamaha’s well-regarded P Series (the P145 succeeds the P45), these models are known for their portability, realistic piano feel, and high-quality sound, making them great for those starting their piano journey or looking to upgrade from a basic keyboard. But with so many similarities, how do you choose between them?
In this Yamaha P45 vs. P145 guide, we look at how the two models differ and which one might be right for you.
In a hurry?
Here are the key specifications of each piano:
| P45 | P145 | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1326mm (W) x 295mm (D) x 154mm (H) | 1326mm (W) 273mm (D) x 146mm (H) |
| Number of keys | 88 | 88 |
| Key action | Graded Hammer Standard | Graded Hammer Compact |
| Number of voices | 10 | 10 |
| Polyphony | 64 notes | 64 notes |
| Speakers | 12 cm x 2 | Oval (12 cm x 8 cm) x 2 |
| Amplifiers | 6W x 2 | 7W x 2 |
| Modes | Duo & Dual | Duo & Dual |
| Connectivity | USB-to-host | USB-to-host MIDI & Audio |
| Tutorial apps | Flowkey Premium | Flowkey Premium & Smart Pianist |
Yamaha P45 vs. P145
Size and build quality
Yamaha P145
The difference in size between the P45 and P145 is subtle but good to keep in mind if you’re tight on space. The P45 measures 1326mm (W) x 295mm (D) x 154mm (H), whereas the P145 is slightly more compact, measuring 1326mm (W) 273mm (D) x 146mm (H).
While these differences might seem minor, the P145’s reduced depth and height make it slightly more portable.
However, they both weigh approximately 11.5kg, so you won’t see much difference if you’re lugging it from one venue or practice room to another. And as this is Yamaha, you can expect excellent build quality on both pianos, too.
The P145, being the more recent model, benefits from subtle refinements in its construction. It feels slightly more polished, with an improved finish and a sturdier feel.
But if you’re trying to choose between the two models, don’t let the build quality be the defining factor. Although the P45 is slightly more affordable, it doesn’t compromise on durability or aesthetics.
Both pianos are encased in robust yet sleek housing, ensuring they can withstand the rigours of regular use while maintaining a professional look.
Key action
Both the P45 and P145 are designed to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano, and they do this through their keyboard actions.
The Yamaha P45 features a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, which provides a realistic playing experience by using graded hammer action keys. This means that the keys are heavier in the lower register and lighter in the higher register, closely mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano.
The GHS action is perfect for beginners and intermediate players as it helps develop proper finger strength and technique.
On the other hand, the Yamaha P145 introduces a newly developed Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard. This updated key action is designed to offer a more refined and responsive playing experience while maintaining the graded feel. It’s accurate and expressive, with good consistency between key presses and sound. And due to its compact design, the GHC is slightly lighter in weight.
Sound quality
Yamaha P45
As it’s Yamaha, we can expect excellent sound quality in both pianos. However, it’s the type of sounds and sampling techniques that make the two models distinct.
The Yamaha P45 offers a mix of traditional and modern voices, totalling 10 sounds, which cater to a wide array of genres. It utilises Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) Stereo Sampling to produce these sounds, ensuring clarity and realism.
Two 6W speakers provide enough amplification for home practice or small gigs, but they’ll struggle with larger spaces or playing at higher volumes.
The Yamaha P145, on the other hand, is equipped with the iconic Yamaha CFIIIs concert grand piano sound, delivering a rich and expressive tone that is designed to closely replicate the experience of playing an acoustic piano.
The P145 also features 10 different voices, providing a diverse range of sounds for various musical styles.
Its speakers are slightly more powerful with 7W per each of the two speakers, which, combined with carefully angled placement, ensure a balanced and clear sound.
Features and modes
The Yamaha P45 and P145 are both excellent entry-level digital pianos, but they differ slightly in features and learning modes.
The Yamaha P45 offers essential learning modes like Duo Mode, which allows two players to practise simultaneously on the same keyboard each with the same octave range. This is ideal for students and teachers practising together. Dual Mode then lets you layer two different sounds – great for adding texture to your music or composing for different parts.
With 64-note polyphony, the P45 supports moderate complexity in your playing, although it may struggle with more intricate pieces. The piano also comes with a three-month subscription to Flowkey Premium, a piano tutorial app that offers courses, a vast library of songs, sheet music, and accompanying video content. It also provides instant feedback, helping you learn correct technique and progress quickly.
The Yamaha P145 also has Duo and Dual modes, as well as a 64-note polyphony and three months of Flowkey Premium. Additionally, it can be linked to the Smart Pianist app, which allows you to control the instrument from your smartphone or tablet. The app also offers a library of 303 classical pieces and their PDF scores to learn, and you can record your progress and share it online via the Rec’n’Share app.
Connectivity
Yamaha P145
The Yamaha P45 offers basic connectivity, featuring a USB-to-Host port, which allows you to connect the piano to a computer. This is ideal for using music production software or interactive learning apps.
The P45 also includes a standard headphone jack for private practice sessions.
A basic sustain pedal is included, essential for developing proper playing techniques.
The Yamaha P145 builds on the P45’s connectivity by offering USB-to-Host with both MIDI and audio functionality, providing more flexibility for recording and playing with software instruments. This makes the P145 more suitable for users interested in recording their performances.
Like the P45, the P145 includes a sustain pedal, but it also supports the more advanced LP5A pedal unit for an enhanced playing experience.
As mentioned previously, the P145’s compatibility with the Smart Pianist app is a great upgrade for beginners.
Who are the P45 and P145 suited to?
The Yamaha P45 and P145 are both excellent choices for beginners – in fact, they’re highly recommended by piano teachers for their key action and learning modes.
The Yamaha P45 is particularly popular among teachers due to its Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, which simulates the feel of an acoustic piano, helping beginners develop proper finger strength and technique. It’s an ideal first piano for students just starting their musical journey.
For those who have already started learning on a P45 or a similar entry-level model, the Yamaha P145 is an excellent upgrade. It features the newly developed Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard, which offers a more responsive and realistic playing experience.
Both models are suitable for beginners, but the P145 is especially suited to those looking to progress further in their piano studies. It retains the approachable design of the P45 while offering enhanced features.
FAQs
Does the Yamaha P45 sound good?
The Yamaha P45 has a decent sound that is suited to beginner players, with two 6W speakers that provide ample amplification for practice and small performances. It features 10 preset voices including grand piano, electric pianos, organs, and harpsichord.
Does the Yamaha P145 have weighted keys?
The Yamaha P145 has weighted keys, courtesy of its Graded Hammer Compact key action. It provides a similar key weighting to an acoustic piano, enhancing response speed and sound consistency.
Is the Yamaha P45 weighted?
The Yamaha P45 has a weighted keyboard, but unlike the P145, it features a Graded Hammer Standard key action. It allows for natural playability and aids in building finger strength.
Final thoughts
The Yamaha P45 and P145 both offer excellent value and quality, making them great options for beginner and intermediate pianists. The P45 has long been a favourite among new learners, and the newer P145 just takes things that one step further, with a few advancements that aid learning.
If you’re trying to settle the Yamaha P45 vs. P145 debate, we hope our guide has helped! To learn more specifically about the P145, check out our Yamaha P145 review.
For further reading, see our other guides below:
Start Small Dream Big – Learning Instruments With Yamaha
Piano notes- A Guide to Learning the Piano and Reading Music
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