Portable Yamaha Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review

Yamaha has two main categories under their portable line:

1. Contemporary Portable Digital Pianos: These are portable digital pianos geared for the home market. Under this category, Yamaha markets portable digital pianos under the P-series and the DGX-series. The lineage of the P-series is legendary in that Yamaha pioneered the technology for the home market with this line. The DGX-series has its lineage in Yamaha's keyboard line. The top-end of that series had offered piano-like playability for some time. Recently, there has been a shift in the marketing: rather than being marketed as a keyboard with piano-like playability, they are now being sold as digital pianos with keyboard-like features. The main difference in the DGX-series compared to the P-series are their interactive features that make learning, playing and sharing music more fun. 
2. Stage Pianos: These pianos are designed for performers and other professionals (pianists and keyboardists). Full-fledged connectivity options along with grand piano touch and tone make these in a class of their own. Yamaha introduced the stage piano line almost 40-years ago in 1976 as "electric grands". The current CP-series was introduced in 2006 for the 30-year anniversary.

Note: We baseline the pianos for comparison on these basic criteria: a) Have 88-Keys, b) At-least “Graded Hammer Standard” Key Action Technology, and c) At-least 32-note polyphony. This is so that the piano is suitable for a beginner taking piano lessons. In general, the chances of outgrowing the piano diminishes as you opt for more features, but then costs also rise proportionally. For a beginner, it is a tough call as there is always a risk– a large percentage of beginner piano learners (especially kids) drop out within the first few years.

Below is a look at the different Yamaha Portable Piano Models:

Model	Thumbnail	Features	List Price	Best Price	Comments
Yamaha P-35		Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard with 4-level touch sensitivity. AWM Stereo Sampling, 32 Polyphony, 10 voices, reverb-4, dual/layers, duo, 20 preset songs, metronome, transpose, tuning, Headphones x 1, Sustain Pedal (half optional), MIDI In/Out, & Speakers - 6Wx2.	$499	$430
Yamaha P-45		Features of Yamaha P-35 with the following differences: polyphony 64, tempo range 32-80, & USB to Host.	$499	$450	Currently marketed model.
Yamaha P95		Features of Yamaha P45 with the following differences: 50 preset songs, one-track one-song recorder, headphones x 2, optional pedal unit, MIDI In/Out, & 65KB internal memory for user song.	$899	NA
Yamaha P-105		Features of Yamaha P95 with the following differences: Pure CF Sound Engine, 128 polyphony, 14 preset voices, Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC), Damper Resonance, split & duo functions, 14 demo+50 preset piano songs, two-track one-song recorder, SMF Compatibility, Rhythm-10, Pianist Style-10, Aux Out, USB to Host, and Amplifiers - 7Wx2.	$999	$590
Yamaha P-115		Features of Yamaha P-105 with the following differences: polyphony 192, sound boost, Rhythms-14, and Aux Out (L/L+R,R).	$999	$599	Currently marketed model.
Yamaha DGX-640		GHS keybaord, Full Dot Monochrome LCD w. Contrast, Score & Lyric Display Functions, AWM Sampling, 64-polyphony, Voices: 142 + 381 XGlite + 12 Drum/SFX Kits, GM, XGlite, XF, Effects: Reverb-35, Chorus-44, DSP-238, Master EQ-5, Dual/Layers, Split, Panel Sustain, Accompaniment Styles: Preset-165, Multi/Full/Al Fingering, Style control-4, User styles, Easy Song Arranger, Music DB, OTS, Songs: 30 presets, 6-track 5-song recorder, SMF compatibility, Registration - 4x8 banks, Performance Assistant Technology (PAT), Yamaha Education Suite (YES), Demo/Help, Metronome, Tempo, Transpose, Tuning, Portable Grand Button, 1.9MB internal memory, optional USB flash, headphones, sustain pedal, pedal unit, USB to Device, USB to Host, Amplifiers - 6W + 6W, and CD software.	$1299	$559	The model is being discontinued and so the product is being sold at close-out pricing.
Yamaha DGX-650		Features of Yamaha DGX-640 with the following differences: 4-level touch response, Pure CF Sound Engine with Damper Resonance, 128 polyphony, 147 + 15 Drum/SFX Kits + 381 XGlite, Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC), 195 preset styles, style recommender, smart chord, 100 preset songs, 6-track 5-song recorder, USB Audio Recorder/Playback (wav), USB Flash Memory, and Aux In.	$1299	$769	Currently marketed model.
Yamaha DGX-660		Features of Yamaha DGX-650 with the following differences: 192-polyphony, More Voices, Style, & Music DB, SFF & SFF GE Compatibility, Piano Room, Audio Recording/Playback (WAV 16-bit stereo), sing-along Microphone hook-up, and  Auto Power-OFF.	$1299	$799	Currently marketed model.
Yamaha P-155		Features of Yamaha P-115 with the following differences: Graded Hammer (GH) keyboard, 7-segment 3-digit LED, 4-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling with stereo sustain & key-off samples, 128 polyphony, 17 preset voices, chorus, brilliance, 2-track 3-song recorder, 7 scale types, MIDI In/Out, AUX pedal, USB to Device, 300KB internal memory, and speakers 12W x 2. Missing Features: IAC, Damper Resonance, Sound Boost, Duo mode, Rhythms, Pianist Styles, & USB to Host	$1699	$1400
Yamaha P-255		Features of Yamaha P-155 with the following differences: Pure CF Sound Engine w. String Resonance & Damper Resonance, 256 polyphony, 24 preset voices, Effects: 4 reverb types, Phaser, Rotary Speaker, Tremolo/Auto Pan, 3 band equalizer, sound boost 3 types, 24-voice demo songs, 2-track 10-song recorder, 1.5MB data capacity, Part Cancel, A-B Repeat, Start/Stop w. pedal, Changin Voice & tempo after recording, 10 rhythm presets, start/stop, intro/ending, 1MB internal memory, optional USB flash, Pedal Unit, Aux-In, USB to Host, 80 minutes/Song recording time, wav recording/playback, and Speakers - 15W x 2.	$1999	$1299	Currently marketed model.
Yamaha CP33		GH Keyboard w. Initial Touch, Pitch Bend, Modulation, Zone Control Sliders, & Master Volume Dial, AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling, polyphony 64, 14x2 voice presets, Headphones, Foot Pedal (sustain/aux), MIDI In/Out, Line Out (Output L/Mono, R), & USB to Host.	$1499	NA
Yamaha CP40 Stage		Features of Yamaha CP33 with the following differences: SCM (Spectral Component Modeling)+AWM2, 128 polyphony, Preset Voices - 297(CF:15, Rd:3, Wr:6, CP80:8, DX:18, Clav, Organ:49, Strings, Choir, PAD:67, Others:117, Others(Drum):14), Effects: reverb 11, chorus 9 (46 presets), master compressor (7 presets), 3 band Master EQ. 62*2 Insertion, Performances: 128, Line Out jacks, headphones, foot switch, foot controller, USB to Device, Controllers: Pitch bend wheel, Modulation wheel, Part slider × 2, [MASTER VOLUME] dial, Data Dial, MASTER EQUALIZER slider × 3, and Display: 40 characters × 2 lines, Character LCD with back-light.	$1999	$1400
Yamaha CP50		Features of Yamaha CP33 PLUS polyphony - 128, 24-character 2 line VFB display, Performances - Preset/User/External (10x4x3), 227 voices, 49 types, reverb 8 types, 3-band Master Compressor and Equalizer, 14 rhythm kits and 100 patterns, More Controlllers, Assignable Foot Switch, MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB to Host and Device.	$2199	$1699
Yamaha CP4 Stage		Features of Yamaha CP40 with the following differences: Natural Wood Graded Hammer (NW-GH) keyboard with synthetic ivory keytops, Preset Voices: 433 (CFX:15, CF:15, S6:15, Rd:15, Wr:6, CP80:8, DX:18, Clav, Organ:67, Strings, Choir, PAD:86, Others:174, Others(Drum):14), 5 band Master EQ, and Foot Controller - 2 jacks.	$3149	$2299
Yamaha CP5		Features of the Yamaha CP50 with the following differences: NW-STAGE keyboard (wooden synthetic ivory weighted), Voice Block: 17 piano voices (SCM + AWM2) + 305 other voices (AWM2), Power-Amplifier/Compressor Block - 8 types, Master EQ x 5, Foot Controller x 2, and Mic Input x 1.	$3299	NA
Yamaha CP300		Features of Yamaha CP33 with the following differences: Controller Slider - Master Equalizer Slider, Zone Control Slider, Song Volume Slider, 24x2 line LCD w. backlight, 128 polyphony, preset voices - Presets: 50 Voices XG Voices: 480 Voices + 12 Drum kits, AC In, Assignable Foot Pedal (Sustain/Sostenute/Soft/Aux), MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB to Host, stereo phono jack, and 16-track recording/playback, Tempo adjustment, max. capacity: 1.4 MB, 140,000 notes.	$3499	$2499
Yamaha CP1		Features of the Yamaha CP5 with the following exceptions: Performances - Preset/User/External (16x3 groups), 5-band equalizer, Display - 55 character 2 line VFD, 1-6 controller knobs, Modulation Effect Blocks - 10 types.	$5999	$5170

• Recently discontinued models (after 2012): P85, YPG-625, DGX-620, YPG-635, DGX-630, and P-140. 
• Yamaha YPG-535 (Yamaha DGX 520) and below models did not make this list because their Key Action Technology is Graded Soft Touch (GST) or below which is inferior to Graded Hammer Standard (GHS). The Yamaha NP-30 also did not make this list because it has only 76 keys.
  
• The models Yamaha P70S, Yamaha P85S, and Yamaha P-140S are the same as P70, P85, and P-140 - the 'S' stands for the silver color.
• Yamaha CP300 Replaces Yamaha P-250, Yamaha CP33 replaces Yamaha P90. Yamaha P200, Yamaha P120 and Yamaha P60 are discontinued models.

For a detailed comparison, we chose three models based on the best features and price. Below is our comparison spreadsheet:

Model/Features	Yamaha DGX-660	Yamaha P-255	Yamaha CP1
Thumbnail
List Price	$1299	$1999	$5999
Best Price	$799	$1299	$5170
Key Action Technology	Graded Hammer Standard (GHS)	Graded Hammer (GH)	NW-STAGE keyboard (wooden synthetic ivory weighted)
Voice Architecture Technology	Pure CF Sound Engine with Damper Resonance	Pure CF Sound Engine w. Stereo Sustain & Key-off Samples, and String & Damper Resonance.	SCM (Spectral Component Modeling)
Polyphony	192	256	128
Recording	6-track 5-song recorder, USB Audio Recorder/Playback (wav)	2-track 10-song recorder, 1.5MB data capacity, Part Cancel, A-B Repeat, Start/Stop w. pedal, Changin Voice & tempo after recording.	NA
USB Audio Recorder	Yes	Yes	NA
Computer Connectivity	USB to Device, USB to Host, Optional USB Flash.	MIDI In/Out, AUX In/Out, USB to Host, USB to Device, 1MB Internal Memory, Optional USB Flash	L/MONO,R (Unbalanced), L, R (Balanced), Headphones jack (stereo-phone), Footswitch: SUSTAIN, SOSTENUTO, SOFT, ASSIGNABLE, Foot Controller x 2, MIDI In/Out/Thru, USB to Host, and USB to Device.
Song Storage	100 preset songs	24 Voice Demo Songs, 50 Piano Preset Songs	NA
Performance Assistant	Yes	None	NA
Keys	Standard	Standard	Standard
MIDI Compatibility	GM, XGlite, XF	.WAV	NA
Display Type	Full Dot Monochrome LCD w. Contrast, Score & Lyric Display Functions	7-segment 3-digit LED	55 character x 2 lines, vacuum fluorescent display (VFD)
Music Finder	Music DB, OTS.	NA	NA
Voices	151 + 388 XGlite + 15 Drum/SFX Kits	Preset Voices: 24 ( Grand Piano: 4, E.Piano: 4, Organ: 4, CLV/VIB: 4, Others: 8 ).	NA
Tuning	Yes	Yes	NA
Transpose	Yes	Yes	NA
Metronome	Yes	Yes	NA
Speakers	6W + 6W	15W + 15W	None
Miscellaneous	4-level touch response, Yamaha Education Suite (YES), Demo/Help, 1.9MB internal memory, headphones, sing-along microphone hookup, sustain pedal, pedal unit, Effects: Reverb-35, Chorus-44, DSP-238, Master EQ-5, Dual/Layers, Split, Panel Sustain, Accompaniment Styles: Preset-205, Multi/Full/Al Fingering, Style control-4, User styles, Easy Song Arranger.	Effects: Reverb-4, Chorus, Phaser, Rotary Speaker, Tremolo/Auto Pan, 3-band Equalizer, 3 type Sound Boost, Dual/Layers, Split. 10 preset rhythms w. Start/Stop & Intro/Ending. 1.5MB internal memory, SMF Playback/Recording, 80 minutes/Song recording time, wav recording/playback compatible, Tempo, 7 Sale types.	Performances: Preset - 16x3 banks, User - 16x3 banks, External - 16x3 banks (USB Flash Memory), 2 parts, Piano Block: 17 piano types, Modulation Effect Block: 10 types, Power-Amplifier/Compressor Block: 8 types, Reverb-8 types, 5-band Master Equalizer, Controllers: Pitch bend wheel, master volume, knobs 1 to 6.
Accessories	CD Software, Owner’s Manual, Data List,Online Member Product Registration, Keyboard Stand, Footswitch, Music Rest, AC Power Adaptor (May be not included depending on your locale.)	Music Rest & Pedal/Footswitch.	Power cord, Pedal unit, Illustrated Guide to the CP1 booklet, Owner's Manual, Data List booklet, Software DVD-ROM (Cubase AI)
Weight	46 lbs (21kg)	38 lbs (17.3kg)	27.2kg
Warranty	3-year	3-year	3-year

Note: If you are on the lookout for the best value, please check-out our article that picks the best values among digital pianos.




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 (this post).
5. Non Portable (Home) Yamaha Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review.
6. Yamaha Digital Pianos - An Introduction to Different Models.
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.

Non Portable (Home) Yamaha Digital Pianos - A Comparative Review

In the non-portable digital piano area, Yamaha has offerings under two major brands: ARIUS and Clavinova. There is also a designer-series called MODUS which are sometimes categorized under Clavinova. Also, within Clavinova, there are pianos under two series:

1. The CLP series which are Yamaha's Clavinova Traditionals, and 
2. The CVP series which are Yamaha's Clavinova Ensembles (more features). 

Overall the pianos may be classified under four major categories:

1. ARIUS: The ARIUS digital pianos are marketed as an advanced, yet affordable entry-level console digital pianos. All models provide true piano touch and tone using either the Graded Hammer Standard or Graded Hammer (more advanced) keyboard. PureCF sampling of the CFIIIS concert grand piano is also standard in the new models. Other standard features of ARIUS include dual voice mode, half-damper effect,  recorder, etc.
2. Clavinova CLP: The Clavinova CLP series strives to approach the expressive capability of a grand piano. Cabinetry for Clavinova CLPs mimic those of Yamaha's legendary acoustic upright piano models.
3. Clavinova CVP: The Clavinova CLP series provides everything the CLP offers along with a range of features that give more options when composing and performing. A sampling of the additions in the CVP series include large full-color display screen, built-in karaoke, internet data connection (IDC), effects, etc.
4. MODUS: The MODUS series offers functionality comparable to the Clavinova line in a contemporary styling.

Note: We baseline the pianos for comparison on these basic criteria: a) Have 88-Keys, b) At-least “Graded Hammer Standard” Key Action Technology, and c) At-least 32-note polyphony. This is so that the piano is suitable for a beginner taking piano lessons. In general, the chances of outgrowing the piano diminishes as you opt for more features, but then costs also rise proportionally. For a beginner, it is a tough call as there is always a risk– a large percentage of beginner piano learners (especially kids) drop out within the first few years.


Below is a look at the different Yamaha Home (Non Portable) Piano Models, features, price range, etc:

Model	Thumbnail	Features	List Price	Best Price	Comments
ARIUS YDP-103		Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) matte black keytops, Touch Response, AWM Stereo sampling, polyphony-64, No recording/playback, and 6W + 6W speakers.	$1,299	$920	Most affordable Yamaha non-portable.
ARIUS YDP142		Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) matte black keytops, Pure CF Sound Engine, pedals - 3 with half-pedal & Damper/Sostenuto/Soft, polyphony-128, 10 voices, 6W + 6W speakers, Touch Response - Hard/Medium/Soft/Fixed, 2-track 1-song recording, 10 demo songs, 50 piano preset songs, tempo, transpose, tuning, dual/layers, duo, metronome, head phones x 2, and USB to Host.	$1,499	$999
ARIUS YDP-143		Features of the YDP-142 with the following differences: polyphony-192.	$1,499	$1,099
ARIUS YDP162		The additions to YDP142 are bigger console upright cabinetry, bigger sound (20W x 2), and synthetic ivory keytops.	$1,999	$1,299	There is also a version with Polished Ebony finish for MRP $2,499.
ARIUS YDP-163		Features of the YDP-162 with the following differences: polyphony-192.	$1,999	$1,499	New Model.
ARIUS YDP181		Features of YDP162 with the following differences: 7-segment 3-digit LED display, 3-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling, 14 voices, reverbs - 4 types, Chorus, Brilliance, Dual/Layers, 14 demo songs, 2-track 3 song recorder, user songs, external songs, recording, metronome, tempo, transpose, tuning, 7 scale types, MIDI In/Out, USB-to-device and better speakers.	$2,199	$1,699	AWM Dynamic Sampling gives authentic grand piano sound.
ARIUS YDP-S51		Features of YDP-162 with the following differences: slim cabinet design and 50 preset songs.	$2,199	$1,300	Same sound quality in a slimmer design.
ARIUS YDP-S52		Features of YDP-S51 with the following differences: 192-note polyphony, stereophonic optimizer, 10 demos, 50 presets, and up to 10 songs (900kb) internal memory.	$2,199	$1,349	New Model.
ARIUS YDP-C71PE		Features of YDP-162 with the following differences: polished ebony finish, 3-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling, 100kb capacity with recording funciton, and MIDI In/Out.	$2,499	NA	Adds a touch of class to the ARIUS line.
ARIUS YDP-v240		Features of YDP181 with the following differences: Keyboard - GHS Matte Black Keys, 131 Voices + 361 XGlite Voices + 12 kits, polyphony - 64, More Voices, Styles, Variation, Fingering, Music DB, Quick Recording,6 Recording Channels, Guide, More Effects, Layer, Split, Harmony, 2 registration pads, 320x240 4.6 inch LCD, Music Score, Lyrics, More Outboard Content Options.	$2,699	$1999	Versatile ensemble console digital piano.
Clavinova CLP-525		CFIIIS samples - grand piano sound, 256-note polyphony, GH3 keyboard with synthetic ivory keytops, Interactive Acoustic Control (IAC), and traditional upright design are the main features of the Clavinova CLP line.	$1,999	NA	Yamaha shoots to approach the expressive capability of a grand piano in the Clavinova CLP-series. It is marketed as a piano for performers.
Clavinova CLP-535		Features of CLP-525 with the following differences: GH3X (Graded Hammer 3X) keyboard, 6-level touch sensitivity, Full Dot LCD display, key-off samples, string resonance, 34 voices, 6 reverbs, Chorus - 3, Brilliance - 7, Master Effect - 12, Split Function, 18 voice demos, 303 lessons, 250 song 16-track recorder, tempo w. quarter note, USB WAV playback/recording, 1.5MB internal memory, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Stereo Mini, Aux Out - L/L+R, R, USB to Device, 30Wx2 speakers,	$2,499	NA	Piano voicing sampled from two grand pianos:Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial.
Clavinova CLP-545		Features of Clavinova CLP-535 with the following differences: NWX (Natural Wood X) keyboard, Stereophonic optimizer, 20 rhythms, and (25W+2)*2 speakers.	$3,199	NA	The same dimensions and finish of CLP-535 with real wooden piano style keys and better speakers brings this one closer to a classic grand piano touch.
Clavinova CLP-440		Features of Clavinova CLP-525 with the following differences: 7-segment LED display, RGE (Real Grand Expression) Sound Engine, Stereo Sustain Samples, Key-off samples, string resonance, voices - 14x2 variations, brilliance, split function, 14 voice demos, 10 songs, USB WAV recording/playback, 1.5MB flash memory, memory card with external adapter, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Aux In/Out, USB to Device, and 40Wx2 speakers.	$3,899	NA	Grand piano touch and sound using synthetic ivory keytops and RGE Sound Engine.
Clavinova CLP-575		Features of Clavinova CLP-545 with the following differences: Linear Graded Hammer keyboard, GP Response Damper Pedal, Voices - VRM, (40W+40W)x2 speakers, and speaker box.	$4,999 to $5,699	NA	Upgraded sound system and keyboard.
Clavinova CLP-565GP		Features of Clavinova CLP-535 with the following differences: Grand Piano cabinet design and (25W+10W)x2 speakers.	$5,199	NA	Adds a touch of class with a Grand Piano (baby) design.
Clavinova CLP-585		Features of Clavinova CLP-575 with the following differences: key counterweights, folding key-covers, 48 Voices + 480 XG Voices + 14 Drum / SFX kits + GM2 + GS (for GS Song Playback), 20 voice demos, Aux Pedal, and (30W+30W+30W)x2 speakers.	$6,299 to $6,999	NA	The best feature set in Clavinova CLP-series.
Clavinova CVP-601		Yamaha's Real Grand Expression Technology, GH3 keyboard, guide lamps, on-screen notation, multi-function pedal, 4.6-inch monochrome LCD (supports 6 languages), stereo sustain samples, string resonance, damper resonance, 128-note polyphony, 387 Voices + 22 Drum/SFX Kits + 480 XG Voices + GM2 + GS (for GS Song Playback), 12 Super Articulation Voices, 9 Mega Voices, 6 Natural! Voices, 12 Sweet! Voices, 24 Cool! Voices, 25 Live! Voices, 10 Organ Flutes! Voices, Compatibility - XG, XF, GS（for Song Playback）, GM, GM2, Reverb - 47, Chorus - 74, DSP 1-4, Master/Part EQ, 257 accompaniment preset styles, fingering, style controls, Intelligent acoustic control (IAC), 2.8MB internal memory, USB to Device, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Aux In/Out, Stereo Mini, USB to Host, and 25Wx2 speakers.	$4,999 to $5,799	NA	The CVP series adds a number of interactive musical features to the Clavinova line.
Clavinova CVP-701		Features of Clavinova CVP-601 with the following differences: GH3X keyboard with synthetic ivory keytops, 6-level touch sensitivity and counterweight,  4.3 inch TFT color LCD, LCD Brightness, VRM, 256-note polyphony, 777 Voices + 29 Drum / SFX Kits + 480 XG Voices, 10 VRM Voices, 49 Super Articulation Voices, 23 Mega Voices, 13 Natural! Voices, 26 Sweet! Voices, 58 Cool! Voices, 70 Live! Voices, 20 Organ Flutes! Voices, Reverb-61, Chorus-109, Master Compressor -5+5, Stereophonic optimizer, 310 preset styles, USB audio - time stretch, pitch shift, & vocal cancel, and Mic/Line In.	$5,278 to $6,199	NA	New product.
Clavinova CVP-605		Features of Clavinova CVP-601 with the following differences: 7-inch TFT color wide LCD touch screen with text view function, folding key-cover style, music clips, 256-note polyphony, 847 Voices + 28 Drum/SFX Kits + 480 XG Voices + GM2 + GS (for GS Song Playback), 62 Super Articulation Voices, 23 MegaVoices, 57 Natural! Voices, 27 Sweet! Voices, 67 Cool! Voices, 76 Live! Voices, 20 Organ Flutes! Voices, Chorus-109, Insertion/Variation Effect, Vocal Harmony, 420 preset styles, Music finder - 2,500 records, 124 preset songs, MPEG-1 audio level 3 mp3, USB Audio - time stretch, pitch shift, vocal cancel, USB to devicex2, Mic in vol line in, Video Out, and Amplifiers 45Wx2.	$8,399 to $9,399	NA	Adds more Voices, more Styles, and wireless iPad connectivity.
Clavinova CVP-705		Features of Clavinova CVP-701 with the following differences: Natural Wood X (NWX) keyboard, 7-inch TFT color touch screen with text viewer, folding keycover, music clips, 984 Voices + 33 Drum / SFX Kits + 480 XG Voices, 13 VRM Voices, 114 Super Articulation Voices, 30 Mega Voices, 46 Natural! Voices, 31 Sweet! Voices, 74 Cool! Voices, 86 Live! Voices, 30 Organ Flutes! Voices, Insertion/Variation Effect, Vocal Harmony, 470 preset styles, Music Finder - 2,500 records, 124 preset songs, WAV/MP3 USB audio recorder/playback, USB to Device x 2, RGB Out, and amplifiers - (50W+20W)x2.	$8,699 to $9,699	NA
Clavinova CVP-609		Features of Clavinova CVP-609 with the following differences: Natural Wood (NW) keytops with linear graded hammers, GP response damper pedal, 8.5 inch TFT color wide LCD, 1,140 Voices + 35 Drum/SFX Kits + 480 XG Voices + GM2 + GS (for GS Song Playback), 164 Super Articulation Voices, 30 Super Articulation 2 Voices, 43 MegaVoices, 96 Natural! Voices, 31 Sweet! Voices, 80 Cool! Voices, 102 Live! Voices, 30 Organ Flutes! Voices, Master compressor-5+5, More Insertion/Variation Effects, Vocal Harmony-VH2, 566 preset styles, 6.7MB internal storage, RGB Out, and Amplifier - (30W+30W)x2+80W.	$13,999 to $15,999	NA
Clavinova CVP-709		Features of Clavinova CVP-705 with the following differences: 88-key linear graded hammers, GP response damper pedal, 8.5 inch TFT color LCD, 1,270 Voices + 37 Drum / SFX Kits + 480 XG Voices, 13 VRM Voices, 22 Super Articulation2 Voices, 225 Super Articulation Voices, 54 Mega Voices, 67 Natural! Voices, 31 Sweet! Voices, 87 Cool! Voices, 131 Live! Voices, 30 Organ Flutes! Voices, 600 preset styles, 6.3MB internal memory, and Amplifier - (30W+30W+20W)*2+40W.	$14,499 to $15,999	NA	Most advanced feature set in the Clavinova line.
Clavinova CVP-609GP		Features of Clavinova CVP-609 with the following differences: polished ebony grand piano cabinet and amplifier - (40W+30W+15W)x2.	$19,999	NA
Clavinova CVP-709GP		Features of Clavinova CVP-709 in a polished ebony grand piano cabinet.	$20,999	NA
MODUS F02		NW (Natural Wood) synthetic ivory keytops with 88-key linear graded hammers, touch sensitivity-hard/medium/fixed/soft, pedals-3 w. half pedal and GP response damper pedal, Voices - RGE w. key-off samples, string resonance, smooth release, damper resonance, 256 polyphony, voices-10x2, reverb-4, 50 preset songs, 1-track 1-song recording, SMF playback/recording, USB Audio Recorder Playback/Recording, Dual/Layers, Split, Metronome, Tempo, Transpose, Tuning, IAC, USB flash, Headphonesx2, MIDI In/Out, Aux In/Out - L/L+R,R, USB To Device, USB to Host, and Amplifiers - 45Wx2	$5,999	NA	True piano sound in a contemporary lifestyle cabinet design is the defining characteristic of Yamaha's MODUS-series pianos.
MODUS R01		Natural Wood Keyboard, Misty White Finish, Polyphony - 128, Grand Piano Voices, pedals-3 w. half pedal and Damper/Sostenueto/Soft, 4-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling w. stereo sustain and key-off samples, 128 polyphony, 1 preset voice, fixed reverb, tuning, headphonesx1, and Amplifiers - 12Wx2.	$7,199	NA	Modern Designer Slim & Light Weight Cabinet Design in White.
MODUS F01		All Features of MODUS F02 with the following differences: 7-segment 3-digit LED display, 3-level AWM Dyanmic Stereo Sampling w. stereo sustain samples, dual/layers, split, recording function, metronome, tempo, transpose, tuning, 512KB internal memory, amplifier - 40Wx2. F01 misses the following features in F02 - linear graded hammer keys, GP response damper pedal, RGE, 256 polyphony, USB Audio Recorder, and Acoustic Optimizer.	$7699	NA	The higher MSRP is an old price that is yet to be updated.
MODUS F11		All features of Modus F01 with the following differences: Player Piano like moving keys, ModusRadio Streaming Service, 4-level dynamic stereo sampling, 128 polyphony, Compatibility - XG/GS/GM/GM2 playback, 500KB data capacity, 2MB internal memory, and LAN connectivity.	$13,999	NA
MODUS H01		All Features of MODUS F11 with the following differences: NO Display, No Recording, No Metronome, No Internal Storage, No MIDI, No AUX IN, No LAN, No Internet Direct Connection, 3-level dynamic sampling, polyphony-64, Voices: 10,	$13,199	NA	Modern Grand Piano Designer Cabinet Design.
MODUS H11		All features of Modus H01 with the following differences: Player Piano like moving keys, ModusRadio Streaming Service, 4-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling, 128 polyphony, Compatibility - XG/GS/GM/GM2 playback, Variable AUX Out, LAN Connectivity, and Amplifier - (16W+12W+12W)x2.	$20,799	NA

For a more detailed comparison of price and features, we chose a piano with the best feature set from each of the four categories. Below is a comparative spreadsheet:

Item/Model	ARIUS YDP-v240	Clavinova CLP585	Clavinova CVP709	MODUS H11
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List Price	$2,699	$6,299 to $6,999	$14,499 to $15,999	$20,799
Best Price	$1,999	NA	NA	NA
Key Action Technology	Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) matte black keys	NWX (Natural Wood X) keyboard with synthetic ivory keytops, 6-level touch sensitivity, 88-key linear graded hammer counterweights. 3-pedal multi-function & GS response damper.	NWX (Natural Wood X) keyboard with synthetic ivory keytops, 6-level touch sensitivity, 88-key linear graded hammer counterweights. 3-pedal 6-function & GS response damper.	Natural Wood (NW) keyboard with synthetic ivory keytops. 3-pedal 3-function w. half pedal.
Voice Architecture Technology	3-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling	Yamaha CFX & Bösendorfer Imperial Grand Piano sound w. key-off samples, smooth release, & VRM.	Yamaha CFX & Bösendorfer Imperial Grand Piano sound w. key-off samples, smooth release, & VRM.	4-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Sampling, Stereo Sustain Samples, & Key-off Samples.
Polyphony	64	256	256	128
Recording	2-track 3 song recorder, Quick Recording, and 6 Recording Channels.	16-track recording, 250 max, flash ROM.	16-track recording, multi-function recording, edit.	Single track.
USB Audio Recorder	None	Yes.	Yes - MP3, WAV.	Yes.
Connectivity	Head Phones x 2, USB to Device, USB to Host.	Headphones x 2, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Aux In (Stereo Mini)/Out (L/L+R,R), Aux Pedal, USB to Device, and USB to Host.	Headphones x 2, Mic In Vol, Mic/Line In, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Aux In Stero Mini, Aux Out (L/L+R,R), Aux Pedal, RGB OUT, USB to Device x 2, USB to Host.	Headphones x 2, Variable AUX OUT, USB to Device, & LAN.
Song Storage	30 preset songs and 5 user songs w. recording function.	20 (voice demo), 50 (piano), 303 (lesson), 250 songs.	124 preset songs.	50 preset songs.
iAFC	NA.	Yes.	Yes.	No.
Karaoke (Vocal Harmony)	Two Microphone slots only.	Two Microphone slots only.	VH2: 44 Preset + 60 User	No.
Guide Lamps	NA.	NA	Yes - Follow Lights, Any Key, Karao-Key, Your Tempo.	NA.
Performance Assistant	Yes - P.A.T.	NA	Yes - P.A.T.	NA.
Moving Keys	NA	NA	NA	Yes
Keys	GHS with matte black keytops	Natural Wood X (NWX) Keyboard	Natural Wood X (NWX) Keyboard	Natural Wood Keyboard.
Display Type	English, Monochrome Full-Dot LCD.	Full Dot LCD	8.5 inch TFT Color LCD w. LCD brightness, touch screen, score display function, lyrics display function, text viewer function, 6 language.	Color LCD
Music Finder	None.	NA	Yes – 2,500 records.	NA
Voices	131 + 361 XGlite + 12 Drum/SFX Kits, GM.	48 Voices + 480 XG Voices + 14 Drum / SFX kits + GM2 + GS (for GS Song Playback).	1,270 Voices + 37 Drum / SFX Kits + 480 XG Voices. Features Voices: 13 VRM Voices, 22 Super Articulation2 Voices, 225 Super Articulation Voices, 54 Mega Voices, 67 Natural! Voices, 31 Sweet! Voices, 87 Cool! Voices, 131 Live! Voices, 30 Organ Flutes! Voices, Voice Edit, XG, GS, GM, GM2 compatible.	480 XG Voices, 13 Drum/SFX Kits, GM2, GS.
Tuning	Yes.	Yes	Yes	Yes
Transpose	Yes.	Yes	Yes	Yes
Metronome	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Speakers	20W + 20W	(30W+30W+30W) x 2. Acoustic Optimizer, Speaker Box.	(30W + 30W + 20W) x 2 + 40W	(16W +12W + 12W) x 2
Miscellaneous	Yamaha Education Suite (Y.E.S.), Tempo, Effects: Reverb-35, Chorus-44, DSP, Dual/Layers, Split, 1.9MB internal memory. Amplifier - 20W x 2.	Effects: Reverb-6, Chorus-3, Brilliance-7, Master Effect - 11, IAC, Stereophonic Optimizer, Dual/Layers, Split, 20 rhythm presets, 1.5MB internal memory & external USB flash.	Effects: Reverb-61, Chorus-109, Master Compressor-10, Master EQ-7, Part EQ-27, IAC, Stereophonic Optimizer, Insertion Effect-332, Variation Effect-325, Dual/Layers, Split, 600 accompaniment preset styles, style creator, recommender. 6.3MB internal memory, & external USB flash.	ModusRadio streaming service, Effects: reverb, dual/layers. Compatibility: XG/GS/GM/GM2 playback.
Accessories	Padded Bench – Included, Headphones hanger.	Headphones Hanger.	Bench & USB wireless LAN adapter (included depending on locale)
Bench with Music Storage.	Padded Bench - Included.
Weight	108 lbs (49 kg)	194 lb (88kg)	174 lbs (79 kg)	216 lbs (98 kg)
Warranty	3-year	3-year	3-years	3-years

Summary:

It makes sense to look into the Yamaha Clavinova models only if you do not plan to get an acoustic piano in the future. Having said that, assuming that the feature set and playability are the most important criteria, picking from the CVP-series based on your budget is the best bet - compared to CLP-series, they are much more versatile - a primary reason to choose a digital piano instead of an acoustic one has to be the versatility and CLP-series lack in this department. The MODUS-series is specialized in the sense the features that make it stand apart are sought for by a minority: looks, player piano feature, and ModusRadio streaming service.

Among the Yamaha ARIUS YDP-series, the best bets are the Yamaha ARIUS YDP-162 (~$1300) and the Yamaha ARIUS YDP-240. The former offers something very close to acoustic piano experience in a digital piano while the latter is a much more versatile offering in the same vein for ~$500 more.




Some history on Yamaha's digital cabinet piano models:

• Recently discontinued ARIUS/YDP/Nocturne models (after 2010):  YDP-141, YDP-161, YDP-213, YDP-S31, YDP323, YDP223, and Nocturne N100.
• Recently discontinued Clavinova models (after 2010): CLP220, CLP320, CLP230, CLP330, CLP240, CLP340, CLP270, CLP370, CLP280, CLP380, CLP-S406, CLP-S408, CLP265GP, CLP295GP,  CVP501, CVP503, CVP505, CVP509, and CGP1000.
• 2009 Updates: a) The discontinued Clavinova CLP120 has features identical to YDP223. The Clavinova’s however are more expensive, b) YDP131 and YDP151 are discontinued models replaced with the Arius YDP140 and Arius YDP160 respectively which are also discontinued. The newest models are YDP141 & YDP 161, and c) YDP213, YDP223, and YDP323 are older models.
• Discontinued Models (prior to 2010): Yamaha PF-500, Yamaha PF-1000, Yamaha YDP-S30, Yamaha YDP131, Yamaha YDP151, Yamaha YDP 140, Yamaha YDP 160, Clavinova CLP-110, Clavinova CLP-115, Clavinova CLP-120, Clavinova CLP-123, Clavinova CLP-130, Clavinova CLP-150, Clavinova CLP-152, Clavinova CLP-153, Clavinova CLP-154, Clavinova CLP-155, Clavinova CLP-156, Clavinova CLP-157, Clavinova CLP-170, Clavinova CLP-311, Clavinova CLP-411, Clavinova CLP-511, Clavinova CLP-555, Clavinova CLP-560, Clavinova CLP-611, Clavinova CLP-810, Clavinova CLP-811, Clavinova CLP-820, Clavinova CLP-840, Clavinova CLP-860, Clavinova CLP-880, Clavinova CLP-920, Clavinova CLP-930, Clavinova CLP-950, Clavinova CLP-955, Clavinova CLP-970, Clavinova CLP-990, Clavinova CLP-175, Clavinova CVP-103, Clavinova CVP-105, Clavinova CVP-107, Clavinova CVP-109, Clavinova CVP-201, Clavinova CVP-202, Clavinova CVP-203, Clavinova CVP-204, Clavinova CVP-205, Clavinova CVP-206, Clavinova CVP-207, Clavinova CVP-208, Clavinova CVP-209, Clavinova CVP-210, Clavinova CVP-25, Clavinova CVP-35, Clavinova CVP-49, Clavinova CVP-59, Clavinova CVP-600, Clavinova CVP-69, Clavinova CVP-700, Clavinova CVP-79, Clavinova CVP-83, Clavinova CVP-85, Clavinova CVP-87, Clavinova CVP-89, Clavinova CVP-900, Clavinova CVP-92, Clavinova CVP-94, Clavinova CVP-96, Clavinova CVP-98, Clavinova CVP-301, Clavinova CVP-303, Clavinova CVP-305, Clavinova CVP-307, Clavinova CVP-309, Clavinova CLP-S306, Clavinova CLP-S308, Clavinova CVP-401, Clavinova CVP-403, Clavinova CVP-405, Clavinova CVP-407, Clavinova CVP-409.

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Last Updated: 04/2017.