Yamaha P-45 Review
The Yamaha P-45 is a top-tier entry-level digital piano, widely praised for its 88 fully weighted graded hammer action (GHS) keys, which closely mimic the feel of an acoustic piano. This makes it ideal for beginners and intermediate players aiming to build proper technique. It delivers a natural grand piano sound using Yamaha’s Improved AWM synthesis, with two high-quality piano voices and ten total instrument sounds (including electric piano, organ, strings, and harpsichord), all accessible via labeled keys using the Function button.
Key Features:
88 fully weighted, graded hammer keys – replicates the touch of a real piano.
10 instrument voices – high-quality sounds suitable for learning and experimentation.
USB MIDI connectivity – functions as a plug-and-play MIDI controller for DAWs and apps.
Built-in 12-watt stereo speakers – adequate for home use and small settings, though not powerful or deep in bass.
Headphone jack (1/4") – great for late-night practice.
Sustain pedal input – compatible with standard pedals (though the included pedal is flimsy).
Simple, intuitive interface – minimal buttons, with settings accessed via piano keys.
Pros:
Excellent key action and feel for the price.
Reliable build quality and portability (around 25 lbs).
Great value for beginners and home learners.
Works well as a MIDI controller for producers and composers.
Cons:
Speakers are average – lack depth and volume, best used with headphones or external speakers.
No built-in recorder – missing a feature some beginners expect.
Flimsy included sustain pedal – replaceable with a better model.
Some users report top-octave dead keys or weak piano tones, though these may be isolated defects.
Verdict: The Yamaha P-45 remains one of the best budget digital pianos on the market. It’s perfect for beginners, students, and casual players seeking a realistic piano feel and sound. It’s also a solid choice for musicians using it as a MIDI controller. While not ideal for professional stage use, it delivers exceptional value and performance for under $500. The P-71 is identical and often available at a lower price (Amazon exclusive).
Videos
I've been playing piano all my life. I took formal lessons as a child, but now just play for fun. With young kids around the house , the only time I can play is after they're asleep. So I wanted a digital piano I can play with headphones. I wanted the most inexpensive keyboard with 88 weighted keys, and the P45 was it. Now that the P145 is out, there are some good deals on a new P45! I really don't need any features beyond something that felt like a piano.
There are lots of discussions here from keyboard players wanting to upgrade to a piano. As I went from a real piano to digital, let me give my thoughts. Here are my feelings after a month of playing it.
Key Feel: The keys on the P45 feel good—while not exactly like a real piano, they’re actually more responsive and precise. I find I can control the dynamics (the quiet-to-loud range) much better than on my acoustic piano. In fact, the P45 is so sensitive that accidental light presses, which wouldn’t produce a sound on my real piano, often register a note here. It's a different playing experience, but in many ways, it's easier to play with more range and less effort. I find I can learn a song on it - but need to continue working on it on the piano, because getting dynamics just right takes a more nuanced touch.
I bought it online so didn't try the keys before buying. I'm happy with it, thought I did try a Roland afterwards at Costco and thought that it felt more like a real piano. The Yamaha action feels linear from top to bottom; with the Roland - like a real piano - you can feel a bit more weight near the middle of the downstroke followed by momentum at the bottom, as if the hammer is being wound up and then struck.
2. Sound Quality: The default grand piano voice is beautiful, though the speakers are a bit tinny, as expected at this price. This isn’t a big deal for me since I mostly play with headphones. I can't see myself using the other voices except as a novelty. Maybe you could play baroque music on the organ or harpsichord voices - but losing the dynamic variation isn't worth it.
3. Pedal: The included pedal is flimsy and moves around too easily. However, replacing it is simple enough. I suspect Yamaha includes a cheap pedal because entry-level players might not be using it much initially.
Even though the P45 is targeted at beginners, I'm more than happy with it, and I don't ever see myself at a point where I'd exceed its capabilities. As I'm not looking for more advanced features, I don't ever see myself getting a better keyboard. However, I wouldn't give up my piano either. Overall a very happy purchase, and something I'll definitely be using for years to come.
I'm thinking about pur purchasing a digital piano. My budget for it is 600 USD and I'm hesitating between actually buying P45 or waiting a couple of months and buy P125. In my country P125 costs 900 USD and I don't know whether the difference is noticable for a beginner.
Roland FP-10 was also in my radar but costs somewhere around 750 USD.
I'm picking piano because it's something I've always liked and thought it would be of great help to my struggling mental health too.