Yamaha Digital Pianos – An Introduction to Different Models (YPG, DGX, P, N, NP, CP, Arius, YDP, Clavinova CLP & CVP, and MODUS)

Yamaha has a cosmic selection of digital pianos on offer. At last check, Yamaha digital piano models being actively sold was pushing 200.

Yamaha classifies the different models into the following categories:

1. Portable Grand Piano Series Keyboards (YPG and DGX-series): These are projected as the flagship product of the Yamaha Keyboard line. Available at the upper-end of this spectrum are the connectivity, digital technologies, and acoustic piano simulation capabilities lacking in many of the higher-end digital piano models. They range in price between $350 and $1000.
   
2. Contemporary Pianos (P, N, and NP-series): These are portable digital pianos and are at the rear end in Yamaha’s digital piano line. They come with a removable stand (some models optional) and range in price between $450 and $1000.
   
3. Professional Stage Pianos (CP-series): These are portable digital pianos in the high-end of the portable line. Introduced in the 1970s as the “electric grands” they were an instant hit because of their authentic sound and live performance convenience. They range in price between $1200 and $2200.
   
4. Home Pianos (ARIUS and YDP-series): These are Yamaha’s low-end alternatives to an acoustic console piano. While not portable, in appearance they are comparable to spinets and sport a feel closer to an acoustic console piano. On the average, they weigh below 100 pounds as opposed to upwards of 500 pounds for an acoustic console piano. The ARIUS series has turned out to be a good retail alternative to the Clavinova and MODUS models that are sold through dealers only in the US. The YDP model numbers without the ARIUS prefix are older models. The ARIUS range in price (MSRP) between $1,500 and $2,700. There was also the Nocturne N100 (no longer listed in their current models) which came in a sleek cabinet but otherwise similar to the YDP series that sold for over $2000.
   
5. Clavinova Traditional Pianos (CLP-series): The popular CLP series rule the roost as the gold standard of digital pianos. Weighing between 100 and 200 pounds, they are preferred over an acoustic piano by many homes and institutions (schools, colleges, and universities). There are a large number of CLP series Clavinova models designed to fit most of the mid to high-end digital piano market with pricing (MSRP) ranging from ~$2,000 to ~$7,000 depending on features and looks.
   
6. Clavinova Ensemble Pianos (CVP-series): With several bells and whistles, these are the high-end of the Clavinova’s. Features for musicians and composers include multi-track recording (16 or more), USB audio recorder, karaoke plug-in, speakers with subwoofers, etc. They weigh upwards of 200 pounds. These range in price (MSRP) between $5000 and $16000. 
7. Clavinova Grands: These are Clavinova Ensemble CVP series pianos that come in a polished ebony designer grand-piano cabinet. They are generally priced (MSRP) upwards of $20,000.
   
8. Designer Pianos (MODUS-series): These are digital pianos that are lower in features compared to the high-end of the Clavinova’s but with designer (luxury) looks. They have a higher price-point (MSRP) than most Clavinovas and range between $6,000 and $21,000.

The array of choices makes it a necessity to classify the different models into separate groups. Confusion is the name of the game as features overlap within the same grouping and across categories.







Features available in Yamaha digital pianos:

Technology	Details	Good	Better	Best
Key Action Technology	The technology used to make the keys feel like an acoustic piano* – the harder you play, the louder and brighter the sound becomes.	Graded Soft Touch (GST) – No Weighted Action – lighter and so more portable. Uses padding thickness to simulate weighted action.	Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) – Use weighted metal hammers with scaled weight sizes to achieve graded weighted key action.	Graded Hammer Effect (GHE) – Quieter Mechanism, Greater Sensitivity, More Responsive. There is a variation called the GH3 which is considered the very best.
Voice Architecture Technology	The technology used to simulate all the subtle voices that come out of an acoustic piano.	Half Damper Effect – Recreation of different pedaling sustains (half, vs full)	Dynamic Stereo Sampling – technology that uses multiple stereo recording per key to recreate ways each key is played, Stereo Sustain Samples – open strings ringing recreation during sustain pedaling, and Key-off samples – Recreation of the subtle sound produced when dampers rest on strings during release.	String Resonance – Recreation of upper notes string resonance.
Polyphony	Measure of the quantity of samples the tone generator can play at any given moment.	32-64	96-128	128+
Recording	Allows the user to create ones own songs. More tracks allow incorporation of more instruments and effects to create original sound.	1	2	16
USB Audio Recorder	Lets you record your songs as audio data directly to a USB storage device.
Computer Connectivity		LAN/MIDI – The most basic PC connection option	USB – Allows high-speed MIDI data transfer over USB cable.	IDC – Internet Direct Connection – Allows direct connection to the internet so as to allow buying and downloading songs, performances, etc.
Song Storage	Internal Flash Memory, Smart Media, and USB to device options.
iAFC	Real-time automatic adjustments that attempts to match the sound to the acoustic characteristics of the room you are playing in.
Karaoke (Vocal Harmony)	Microphone interface, auto backup vocals, and keyboard play along.
Guide Lamps	Learning tool – LEDs that light up the keys to play on the left and/or right hand notes.
Performance Assistant	Auto Embellishment of the notes based on the chords you are playing.
Moving Keys	Player piano feature. It plays on its own using the built-in library, MIDI files, or data streams over the Internet.
Keys	Materials and Technology used to make the keys.	GH -weighted key variations for acoustic piano feel.	GH3 – weighted gradations with a damper mechanism and two velocity sensors	Natural Wood/Ivory – features of GH3 plus Natural Wood or synthetic ivory material – Durability is greatly improved with the natural wood alternative.
MIDI Compatibility	Standards used when downloading MIDI music files or sharing with others	GM/XG Lite – General MIDI 1 compatibility. XG is a Yamaha standard used widely.	GM2/XG – Yamaha extensions to General MIDI 1 which allows increase of the number of sounds and editing.	SFF – Allows adding more accompaniment styles to the instrument.
Display Type		LCD	Score/Lyrics Display	Color LCD
Music Finder	Tempo, voices, accompaniments and other effects set automatically to help you reproduce the sounds of your favorite songs.
Voices	Technologies that automatically adjusts the sound based on what you are playing.	Portable Grand – reproduction of a high quality stereo recording from a real grand piano.	Mega Voice – brings realism to accompaniments	Super Articulation – Intelligently adds expressiveness to your performances.
Tuning	Lets you make fine adjustments to the pitch, allowing you to accurately match the tuning of your keyboard with that of other instruments.
Transpose	Make it possible to shift the pitch of the keyboard or song data in semitone units, allowing you to match the pitch of the keyboard to the range of other instruments or singers.
Metronome	Helps you learn to keep a steady speed while playing (i.e. playing "in tempo").

• *Acoustic pianos have different sized strings for each key – thicker at the base end that becoming progressively thinner. Likewise, the hammers are larger in the lower range and smaller in the higher range.

A note on pricing:

In general, consumers stand to benefit on pianos that can be purchased online or through national retailers as margins are lower. In the USA, only Yamaha’s portable piano models and the ARIUS/YDP home piano models are available both online and through retailers and hence offer the best value for money.

Yamaha has issued a warning about Internet sales that explicitly states Clavinova’s cannot be purchased online in the US making the dealer the only option for a new one. Further for Clavinova and MODUS, Yamaha policies require dealers not to disclose pricing over the phone and restrict sales to their local area. All these contribute to prices varying significantly between dealers. Consumers considering purchase of one of these piano models need to self-educate on the price ranges and be in a better position when negotiating with the local dealer. One option is to look at sites outside the USA where Yamaha has a different policy. In Europe and other areas, Yamaha’s dealer-only policy does not apply, making the retail pricing details much more clear and available.

Note: The current situation is actually an improvement over Yamaha's previous policy (changed in 2014) of not listing MSRP prices of Clavinova's and MODUS pianos in their USA website.

Summary:

We chose the Yamaha P65 (current model is Yamaha P45B - ~$450) a number of years ago - our decision was based on the most economical portable Yamaha we could find that covered the baseline features. The Yamaha ARIUS YDP-162B (~$1300) is a solid option, if you are on the lookout for a non-portable one. A little while later, we also invested in a Kawai K15 and owning both worked out well - with two kids learning piano, the practice times inevitably overlapped.

Yamaha is the premium brand in digital pianos, but it might be worthwhile to checkout the options, pricing, and quality of other brands in the digital piano arena – mainly Kawai, Korg, Roland, and Casio. Please click for a cross-brand comparative review of the best digital pianos.

Also, check out the portable & home piano options in Yamaha and other brands in our related reviews below.




Related Posts:

1. Portable Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review.
2. Non Portable (Home) Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review.
3. Digital Pianos (Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Kawai, Korg) - An introduction for Digital Piano Shoppers.
4. Portable Yamaha Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review.
5. Non Portable (Home) Yamaha Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review.
6. Yamaha Digital Pianos - An Introduction to Different Models (this post).
7. Acoustic Piano (Yamaha M-460, Cable Nelson Yamaha CN-116, Kawai K-15, etc.) - Review, Best Values, Pricing, & Shopping Experience.
8. Yamaha P65 & the new Yamaha P45 Digital Piano Review.
9. Teach your kids Piano with learn piano online for free – well, almost!!

Last Updated: 04/2017.

More Asset Allocation Adjustments to Retirement Portfolio

The market capitulated another 15% in the last four trading days and that has forced us to reallocate our 401K portfolio again to keep our target allocation roughly at 40-40-20. Below is our portfolio after the adjustments to move about 3% out of bonds back into stocks:

Symbol	% of Portfolio	Fund Fees	Fund Return 2008 (After Fees)	Comments
Dodge & Cox Stock Fund (DODGX)	6.45	0.52	(44.45)	A Large cap value fund with a history of outperforming the S&P500 index. Has very low turnover ratio. The fund is very big (~70B) and so outperformance may be harder to come by going forward.
Fidelity Diversified International Fund (FDIVX)	19.01	0.97	(45.79)	Diversified large-cap international growth fund. This fund is very big at over 58B. Turnover is at 58%. Has a history of outperforming its related index, the MSCI EAFE.
American Beacon Small Cap Value (AVPAX)	4.95	1.06	(30.72)	A Small-cap value fund with about 1.2B of total assets under management. Turnover at 48%.
Hotchkis & Wiley Mid-cap Value (HWMIX)	2.38	1.02	(43.58)	A mid-cap value fund with about 2.4B of total assets under management. Turnover at 45%.Top 10 holdings account for 38% of assets.
Vanguard Institutional Index Fund (VINIX)	2.75	0.05	(37.70)	Attempts to replicate S&P500 index performance.
PIMCO Total Return Fund (PTTRX)	13.55	0.45	(1.74)	None.
Artisan Mid-cap Value (ARTMX)	2.64	1.22	(40.14)	None.
Fidelity Small Cap Stock Fund (FSLCX)	4.70	1.08	(40.42)	None.
Fidelity Low Priced Stock Fund (FLPSX)	3.18	1.08	(37.62)	None.
Calomos Growth A (CVGRX)	1.44	1.44	(46.89)	A 12B large cap growth fund. The top 10 holdings represent about 27% of assets.
Schwab S&P500 Index (SWPIX)	1.41	0.36	(37.60)	An index fund that tracks the performance of the S&P500 index benchmark.
William Blair International Growth (WBIGX)	1.36	1.67	(50.96)	A 5B large cap international fund with between 10 and 25% exposure to emerging markets.
Vanguard Index Trust 500 Index (VFINX)	6.81	0.18	(37.73)	An index fund that tracks the performance of the S&P500 index benchmark.
Vanguard Pacific Stock Index (VPACX)	6.50	0.27	(41.90)	An index fund that tracks the performance of the MSCI Pacific index benchmark.
Vanguard Inflation Protected Securities (VIPSX)	2.47	0.20	(2.79)	Invests in inflation indexed bonds (primarily US) with maturities between 7 and 20 years.
Vanguard Long-Term Bond Index (VBLTX)	0.74	0.18	(6.39)	An index fund that tracks the performance of a market-weighted bond index with a long-term dollar-weighted average maturity.
Vanguard Emerging Market ETF (VWO)	6.44	0.25	(52.44)	None.
Fidelity International Real Estate Stock Fund (FIREX)	1.00	0.96	(50.37)	None.
Fidelity Small Cap Growth Fund (FCPGX)	3.80	1.09	(43.16)	None.
Fidelity Select Technology (FSPTX)	1.63	0.88	(46.25)	A sector specific fund focused on large cap technology stocks with about 2B in assets under management. Top 10 holdings account for 45% of total assets.
Fidelity Select Health Care (FSPHX)	2.31	0.87	(35.14)	A sector specific fund focused on large cap healthcare stocks with about 2B in assets under management. Top 10 holdings account for 38% of total assets.
Pension Plan	4.38	0	3.70	Company Fully Vested Cash Balance Pension Plan.
Cash and Money Market	0.10	0	0	None.

The total returns YTD as of 07/31/2008 were –33.5%. The performance compare well with the returns of popular domestic indices as many of the indices are down around 40%. We reduced risk by opting for a 40-40-20 allocations among Domestic, International, and Bonds/Alternatives in the beginning of the year as compared to a 100% domestic stock portfolio and that accounts for the better performance in the down market.

Related Posts:

1. 401K/IRA Account 2007 Performance Summary - 01/08.
2. 401K/IRA Account – Asset Allocation for 2008 – Part 1.
3. 401K/IRA Account – Asset Allocation for 2008 – Part 2.
4. Retirement Portfolio – Mid Year 2008 Update.
5. Asset Allocation Adjustments to Retirement Portfolio in the face of market correction – 10/08.
6. 401K/IRA/Retirement Account 2008 Performance Summary - 01/09.
7. 401K/IRA/Retirement Account 2009 Reallocations - 01/09.

Elementary Public School Textbooks - ISBN Numbers, Used And List Prices

In US public schools, it is NOT mandatory for students to purchase textbooks. However, there are situations, when investing in textbooks makes sense:

• Your children are enrolled in a highly competitive public school and your kid is not quite falling into the groove,
• You are homeschooling,
  
• One or more of your children are disadvantaged in some way where it is difficult for them to internalize the subject matter and/or communicate about that, and
• It is more efficient for you to prepare your offspring as opposed to enrolling them in private tuition through programs such as Kumon.

From experience we know the confusion involved in identifying the textbooks that are recommended by the school district for each specific grade. Public schools mandate you sign a Damage Liability Contract at the beginning of the school year for the textbooks allotted to the child used in the classroom and that is a good starting place. Unfortunately, the titles are pretty generic and ISBN numbers are rarely listed. This makes it really hard for parents to be able to find and purchase the textbooks.

The publishers used for textbooks vary widely between school districts. Below is a set of books and their ISBNs separated out by grade level . Also listed are alternative school textbooks that may be used by different school districts:

Kindergarten Math:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Math, Grade K by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427862 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Barron's Common Core Success Kindergarten Math & English Language Arts	2015: 978-1438006680 at $9.49.	$12.99	$9.49
Spectrum Language Arts and Math, Grade K: Common Core Edition	2015: 978-1483805962 at $9.99.	$12.99	$9.99
Harcourt Math Kindergarten	2005: 978-0153522215 at $4.99.	$40	$4.99
Earlybird Kindergarten Mathematics Textbook (Standards Edition) by Yeap Ban Har and Winnie Tan	2007 (A): 978-0761470151 at $15.95. 2000 (B): 978-0761470168 at $9.99.	$29.99	$9.99
Math in Focus: Singapore Math: Student Edition Grade K by Great Source	2012 (Book A Part 1): 978-0547625263 at $6.99. 2012 (Book A Part 2): B00SB3IQAO at $25. 2012 (Book B Part 1): B00RWSRSXK at $25. 2012 (Book B Part 2): 978-0547625355 at $11.99.	$29.99	$6.99
Go Math!: Student Edition Grade K by HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT	2012: 978-0547587806 at $7.99.	$40	$7.99
SCOTT FORESMAN MATH SINGLE VOLUME PUPIL EDITION GRADE K	2004: 978-0328030156 at $3.99.	$40	$3.99

Kindergarten Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Others:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Language Arts, Grade K by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427923 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Reading Street Grade K by Scott Foresman	Units Take-home	Varies	Varies
Open Court Reading: Language Arts Skills, Grade K by McGraw-Hill Education	2002: 978-0075695158 at $3.99.	$29.99	$3.99
Storytown: Read Aloud Anthology Grade K by HARCOURT SCHOOL PUBLISHERS	2005: 978-0153517822 at $5.99.	$24.99	$5.99
Houghton Mifflin Science: Student Edition Single Volume Level K	2007: 978-0618650910 at $4.99.	$40	$4.99
Houghton Mifflin Science: Big Book of Songs and Rhymes Grade K by HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT	2006: 978-0153432972 at $9.99.	$49.99	$9.99
Here We Go Grade K (Social Studies) by Scott Foresman	2006: 978-0328078363 at $21.	$39.99	$21
Zaner Bloser Handwriting: Grade K by Clinton S. Hockney	2008: 978-0736751421 at $12.99.	$29.99	$12.99
Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills, Grade K by American Education Publishing	2011: 978-1609963293 at $10.97.	$19.95	$10.97
Comprehensive Curriculum of Basic Skills, Grade P by American Education Publishing***	2011: 978-1609963286 at $6.99.	$19.95	$6.99

*** This is a Pre-K book. If your Kindergartner finds it too tough to handle the Kindergarten ones, this is a good option.

First Grade Math:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Math, Grade 1 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427879 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Common Core Language Arts and Math, Grade 1 by Spectrum	2015: 978-1483805979 at $9.99.	$12.99	$9.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 1 Math	2015: 978-1438006703 at $12.99.	$12.99	$12.99
Harcourt School Publishers Math: Student Edition Grade 1	2005: 978-0153522222 at $11.99.	$40	$11.99
Go Math!: Student Edition Grade 1 by HOUGHTON MIFFLIN HARCOURT	2012: 978-0547587790 at $10.99.	$29.99	$10.99
Math in Focus: Singapore Math Grade 1 Student Edition by Marshall Cavendish	2013 (1A): 978-0547875828 at $21. 2013 (1B): 978-0547876429 at $14.99.	$34.99	$14.99
SCOTT FORESMAN MATH PUPIL EDITION GRADE 1	2004: 978-0328030163 at $4.99.	$49.99	$4.99

First Grade Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Others:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Language Arts, Grade 1 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427930 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 1 English Language Arts	2015: 978-1438006697 at $12.99.	$12.99	$12.99
Houghton Mifflin Reading Grade 1	Here We Go: 978-0618225682 at $3.99. Let's Be Friends: 978-0618848119 at $3.99. Surprises: 978-0618225705 at $3.99. Treasures: 978-0618225712 at $3.99. Wonders: 978-0618225729 at $3.99.	$50	$3.99
Open Court Reading Grade 1	Book 1: 978-0076026906 at $3.99. Book 2: 978-0075692430 at $3.99.	$29.95	$3.99
HSP StoryTown Grade 1	Watch This!: 978-0153431722 at $3.99. Spring Forward: 978-0153431685 at $3.99. Reach for the Stars: 978-0153431708 at $3.99. Zoom Along: 978-0153431692 at $3.99. Make Your Mark: 978-0153431715 at $3.99.	$24.95	$3.99
Harcourt Science Student Edition Grade 1	2006: 978-0153400605 at $9.99.	$39.99	$9.99
Harcourt Health and Fitness Student Edition Grade 1	2007: 978-0153551222 at $8.99.	$34.99	$8.99
Houghton Mifflin Science Grade Level 1 Pupil Edition by William Badders and Douglas Carnine	2008: 978-0618492237 at $8.99.	$39.99	$8.99
Social Studies All Together, Grade 1 by Scott Foresman	2004: 978-0328075683 at $28.95.	$49.99	$28.95
Zaner Bloser Handwriting Grade 1	2012: 978-0736768368 at $5.99.	$24.99	$5.99
Comprehensive Curriculum Of Basic Skills Grade 1	2015: 978-1483824109 at $19.99. 2011: 978-1609963309 at $5.48.	$19.99	$5.48

Second Grade Math:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Math, Grade 2 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427886 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Common Core Language Arts and Math, Grade 2 by Spectrum	2014: 978-1483804507 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 2 Math	2015: 978-1438006727 at $12.99.	$12.99	$12.99
Harcourt School Publishers Math: Student Edition Grade 2	2007: 978-0153522239 at $17.90.	$50.40	$17.90
Go Math! Grade 2 Common Core Edition by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt	2011: 978-0547587905 at $11.99.	$24.99	$11.99
Math in Focus: Singapore Math Grade 2 Student Edition	2013 (Book A): 978-0547875934 at $21.18. 2013 (Book B): 978-0547875835 at $17.95.	$41.06	$17.95
Scott Foresman Math Pupil Edition Grade 2 by Randall I. Charles and Warren Crown	2003: 978-0328030170 at $19.96.	$49.99	$16.96
Progress in Mathematics Grade 2 by Catherine LeTourneau and Alfred Posamentier	2009: 978-0821536025 at $3.99.	$79.99	$3.99

Second Grade Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Others:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Language Arts, Grade 2 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624420436 at $6.99.	$9.99	$6.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 2 English Language Arts	2015: 978-1438006710 at $12.99.	$12.99	$12.99
Houghton Mifflin Reading Grade 2	Adventures: 978-0618157167 at $3.99. Delights: 978-0618225743 at $3.99.	$40	$3.99
Language Arts Grade 2 by Learning Horizons	2004: 978-1586108045 at $3.99.	$19.99	$3.99
Open Court Reading Grade 2	2002 (Book 1): 978-0075692447 at $3.99. 2002 (Book 2): 978-0075692454 at $3.99.	$24.99	$3.99
Harcourt School Publishers Language: Student Edition Grade 2	2002: 978-0153190940 at $4.99.	$40	$4.99
Harcourt Science Grade 2 Student Edition	2006: 978-0153609381 at $22.	$49.99	$22
Houghton Mifflin Science Grade Level 2 Pupil Edition by William Badders and Douglas Carnine	2008: 978-0618492244 at $19.98.	$49.99	$20
Social Studies Pupil Edition Grade 2 by Scott Foresman	2005: 978-0328075690 at $20.	$55	$20
Harcourt Health & Fitness: Student Edition Grade 2	2007: 978-0153551239 at $12.99.	$50	$12
Zaner Bloser Handwriting: Grade 2	2008: 978-0736751445 at $14.83.	$25	$15
Comprehensive Curriculum Of Basic Skills Grade 2	2011: 978-1609963316 at $7.99.	$20	$8

Third Grade Math:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Math, Grade 3 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427893 at $9.18.	$9.99	$9.18
Common Core Language Arts and Math, Grade 3 by Spectrum	2014: 978-1483804514 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 3 Math	2015: 978-1438006741 at $6.73.	$12.99	$6.73
Harcourt Math, Grade 3, Student Edition	2005: 978-0153427176 at $6.99.	$40	$6.99
Go Math!: Student Edition Grade 3	2012: 978-0547587851 at $19.81.	$50	$20
Math in Focus: Singapore Math: Student Edition Grade 3	2013 (Book A): 978-0547875842 at $11.99. 2013 (Book B - Common Core): 978-0547560090 at $18.	$24.99	$12
Scott Foresman Math Pupil Edition Grade 3 by Randall I. Charles and Warren Crown	2004: 978-0328030187 at $4.99.	$50	$5
Progress in Mathematics: Grade 3 by Sadler School	2014: 978-1421731537 at $18.	$40	$18

Third Grade Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Others:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Language Arts, Grade 3 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427947 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 3 English Language Arts	2015: 978-1438006734 at $9.99.	$12.99	$9.99
Reading: Houghton Mifflin Grade 3	Rewards: 978-0618241484 at $3.99. Horizons: 978-0618241477 at $3.99.	$40	$3.99
Houghton Mifflin English Level 3 Student Edition	2005: 978-0618611195 at $8.99.	$40	$8.99
Open Court Reading Level 3	Book 1: 978-0075692461 at $4.99. Book 2: 978-0075692478 at $4.49.	$35	$4.49
Language Arts Grade 3 by Learning Horizons	2004: 978-1586108052 at $3.99.	$19.99	$3.99
Harcourt School Publishers Language: Student Edition Grade 3	2002: 978-0153178337 at $4.99.	$40	$5
Harcourt Science Grade 3 Student Edition	2002: 978-0153229206 at $6.99.	$55	$7
Houghton Mifflin Science Student Edition Level 3	2007: 978-0618492251 at $19.94.	$40	$20
Scott Foresman Social Studies, Grade 3: Communities	2004: 978-0328075706 at $7.99.	$65	$8
Harcourt Health and Fitness Student Edition Grade 3	2007: 978-0153551246 at $13.99.	$45	$13.99
Harcourt School Publishers: Your Health Student Edition Grade 3	2002: 978-0153343025 at $4.99.	$61	$5
Zaner Bloser Handwriting Grade 3	2012: 978-0736768399 at $8.99.	$24.99	$9
Comprehensive Curriculum Of Basic Skills Grade 3	2011: 978-1609963323 at $8.99.	$19.99	$9

Fourth Grade Math:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Math, Grade 4 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427909 at $6.99.	$9.99	$6.99
Common Core Language Arts and Math, Grade 4 by Spectrum	2014: 978-1483804521 at $6.99.	$9.99	$6.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 4 Math	2014: 978-1438006765 at $12.99.	$12.99	$12.99
Harcourt Math, Grade 4, Student Edition	2007: 978-0153522253 at $7.99.	$40	$7.99
Go Math!: Student Edition Grade 4	2012: 978-0547587837 at $17.98.	$45	$17.98
Math in Focus: Singapore Math: Student Edition Grade 4	2009 (A&B): 978-0669028027 at $34.99.	$50	$34.99
Scott Foresman Math Pupil Edition Grade 4	2004: 978-0328030194 at $5.99.	$80	$5.99
Common Core Progress Mathematics Grade 4 by William Sadler	2014: 978-1421731544 at $13.20.	$40	$13.20

Fourth Grade Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Others:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Language Arts, Grade 4 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427954 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 4 English Language Arts	2015: 978-1438006758 at $12.99.	$12.99	$12.99
Reading: Houghton Mifflin Grade 4 Traditions	2008: 978-0618848270 at $6.95.	$40	$6.95
Houghton Mifflin English Level 4 Student Edition	2006: 978-0618611201 at $13.99.	$40	$13.99
Open Court Reading Level 4	2004: 978-0075692485 at $5.99.	$50	$6
Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary: Student Edition Grade 4	2006: 978-0618491896 at $5.99.	$30	$6
Harcourt Student Edition Grade 4, Winning Catch	2008: 978-0153431777 at $7.99.	$40	$8
Harcourt School Publishers Language: Student Edition Grade 4	2002: 978-0153178344 at $6.99.	$40	$7
Harcourt Science Grade 4 Student Edition	2006: 978-0153400636 at $15.99.	$55	$15.99
Houghton Mifflin Science Student Edition Level 4	2007: 978-0618686186 at $22.	$40	$22
Scott Foresman Social Studies, Grade 4: Regions	2004: 978-0328075713 at $7.99.	$60	$8
Harcourt School Publishers: Your Health Student Edition Grade 4	2003: 978-0153343032 at $5.49.	$34.99	$5.49
Zaner Bloser Handwriting Grade 4 by Steve Graham	2012: 978-0736768405 at $12.	$24.99	$12
Comprehensive Curriculum Of Basic Skills Grade 4	2011: 978-1609963330 at $5.49.	$19.99	$5.49

Fifth Grade Math:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Math, Grade 5 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427916 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Common Core Language Arts and Math, Grade 5 by Spectrum	2014: 978-1483804538 at $7.99.	$9.99	$6.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 5 Math	2015: 978-1438006789 at $12.99.	$12.99	$12.99
Harcourt Math, Grade 5, Student Edition	2013: 978-0547949536 at $15.99.	$40	$15.99
Go Math!: Student Edition Grade 5	2012: 978-0547587851 at $19.81.	$45	$19.81
Math in Focus: Singapore Math: Student Edition Grade 5	2015: 978-0544193642 at $19.99.	$35	$19.99
Scott Foresman Math Pupil Edition Grade 5	2004: 978-0328030200 at $5.99.	$30	$5.99
Common Core Progress Mathematics Grade 5 by Sadler School	2014: 978-1421731551 at $7.97.	$9.99	$7.97

Fifth Grade Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Others:

Resource	ISBN-10, ISBN-13	List Price	Best Online Price
Common Core Connections Language Arts, Grade 5 by Carson-Dellosa Publishing	2013: 978-1624427961 at $7.99.	$9.99	$7.99
Barron's Common Core Success Grade 5 English Language Arts	2015: 978-1438006772 at $8.99.	$12.99	$8.99
Reading: Houghton Mifflin Grade 5 Expeditions	2004: 978-0618241507 at $8.43.	$40	$8.43
Houghton Mifflin English Level 5 Student Edition	2006: 978-0618611218 at $10.99.	$40	$10.99
Open Court Reading Level 5	2002: 978-0075692492 at $3.99.	$50	$4
Houghton Mifflin Spelling and Vocabulary: Student Edition Grade 5	2004: 978-0618311606 at $18.40.	$30	$18.40
Harcourt School Publishers Language: Student Edition Grade 5	2002: 978-0153178368 at $3.99.	$40	$4
Harcourt Science Grade 5 Student Edition	2000: 978-0153112089 at $6.99.	$55	$6.99
Houghton Mifflin Science Student Edition Level 5	2007: 978-0618686193 at $46.	$50	$46
Scott Foresman Social Studies, Grade 5 - The United States	2005: 978-0328075720 at $21.	$65	$21
Harcourt School Publishers: Your Health Student Edition Grade 5	2003: 978-0153343049 at $4.49.	$34.99	$4.49
Zaner Bloser Handwriting Grade 5	2012: 978-0736768412 at $4.99.	$24.99	$5
Comprehensive Curriculum Of Basic Skills Grade 5	2011: 978-1609963347 at $7.99.	$19.99	$7.99

When it comes time to actually purchasing these books, there are some basic options:

• Purchase it new from a bookstore or over the Internet,
• Purchase a used copy, and
• Acquire it on a temporary basis from resources such as the local library.

Considering the list price on most textbooks are upwards of $40 and that each one easily outweighs a pound, our recommendation would be for acquiring them on a temporary shared basis from resources such as the local library, should such an option be available. Used textbooks are almost always available in significant quantities through online sources, so buying these textbooks used is a very good option as well. Needless to say, by choosing one of these options, you save some trees too!

We will continue to update this post as we dig up information on textbooks used in different public schools…


Frugal Tip: Previous versions of some textbooks are much more affordable compared to the latest version and in many cases, the content is not substantively different. To make an informed purchase decision, your best bet is to check with the instructor.




Related Posts:

1. Elementary School Textbooks - Online Media CD/DVD Versions.
2. Elementary School Teacher's Editions & Resources.
   
3. Elementary School Textbooks, Guides & Workbooks. 
4. Elementary Public School Textbooks (this post). 

Last Updated: 04/2017.