No digital piano will be buy it for life, as their parts will wear out. Probably can get 5-10years with moderate use and being careful. That being said, you may find it very lacking once and if you get serious. I started as a hobby learner on a P45 just like you, with no plans for anything more. 6 months later, the built in sounds, and the lack of pedalling started becoming limitations, so I hooked it up to a laptop to use a VST, and bought a $50 yamaha pedal that supports half pedalling. Then I got a pair of monitor speakers to get decent sound since the P45s speakers were sounding weak. This setup was pretty decent, but a year after, the action felt very limiting, so I ended up getting a better digital. That being said, I wouldn't have started with anything fancy even if I could do it all over again. P45 was excellent and served me well. It kept its value so I could sell and upgrade it. It's an excellent choice for a beginner! Answer from insightful_monkey on reddit.com
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Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › home › keyboards & midi › pianos › digital pianos › home digital pianos › yamaha
Yamaha - P-45 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano
Yamaha P-45 88-Key Weighted-Action Digital Piano - Black
Shop for the Yamaha P-45 88-Key Weighted-Action Digital Piano - in Black and receive free shipping and guaranteed lowest price.
(4.5)
Price   $429.99
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Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › home › keyboards & midi › keyboard & midi packages › keyboard packages › yamaha
Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano Package Essentials | Guitar Center
Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano Package Essentials
Shop for the Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano Package in Essentials and receive free shipping and guaranteed lowest price.
Price   $419.99
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Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › home › keyboards & midi › pianos › digital pianos › home digital pianos
Open Box Yamaha P-45 88-Key Weighted-Action Digital Piano - Black 190839923851 | Guitar Center
March 2, 2015 - The P-45 features Yamaha's acclaimed GHS keybed, designed to replicate the weight and responsiveness of a traditional acoustic piano. The keys are heavier in the lower register and lighter in the upper register, mimicking the natural dynamics ...
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Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › home › keyboards & midi › keyboard & midi packages › keyboard packages
Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano Package Beginner | Guitar Center
At the heart of the P-45 is Yamaha's Graded Hammer Standard keybed, designed to replicate the feel of an acoustic grand. Heavier in the bass, lighter up top—it's perfect for developing proper technique and dynamic control.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/piano › is the yamaha p45 good enough to take me to the "buy it for life" category as a casual learner?
r/piano on Reddit: Is the Yamaha p45 good enough to take me to the "buy it for life" category as a casual learner?
January 10, 2025 -

quick description;

  • always wanted to learn piano

  • read the wiki on which piano to get. understand p45 is one of the most highly regarded / recommended "budget" piano

  • started taking a class at a CC. had first lesson yesterday. probably planning on continuing learning after this quarter

  • will be a casual player. as a hobby. no plans on it being anything more

  • mainly only interested in playing/learning Classical and contemporary classical / "new age"

i want a piano that i will be happy with for several years and fulfill all my needs. the biggest need i have is (other than the fundamental aspect of "what piano to get" section on wiki) is that it needs to be able to connect to a headphone set so i can play at anytime in my household. (if i can connect it to my PC for whatever needs, that would be pretty awesome too)

with that in mind, is the P45 (seems to retail for ~~$400 USD on guitar center) a good buy for my needs? especially with that $400 price tag.

Top answer
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25
No digital piano will be buy it for life, as their parts will wear out. Probably can get 5-10years with moderate use and being careful. That being said, you may find it very lacking once and if you get serious. I started as a hobby learner on a P45 just like you, with no plans for anything more. 6 months later, the built in sounds, and the lack of pedalling started becoming limitations, so I hooked it up to a laptop to use a VST, and bought a $50 yamaha pedal that supports half pedalling. Then I got a pair of monitor speakers to get decent sound since the P45s speakers were sounding weak. This setup was pretty decent, but a year after, the action felt very limiting, so I ended up getting a better digital. That being said, I wouldn't have started with anything fancy even if I could do it all over again. P45 was excellent and served me well. It kept its value so I could sell and upgrade it. It's an excellent choice for a beginner!
2 of 25
4
P45 is a good start but hard to say about “for life” part. Once you try nicer pianos you’ll want more eventually. I’m very amateur compared to most pianists (think easier Chopin nocturnes), but $100k grand pianos are way more enjoyable to play than $2k uprights and the uprights are nicer than most digitals, so it’s not like I don’t want a nicer piano. If piano was my main hobby I would get the best piano I could afford and had space for. I’ll practice more on a nicer instrument that is more pleasant to play. How much it matters for you and whether it’s something you’ll consider you need is up to you. I wouldn’t think too far, get the P45 and plan that you may want to upgrade later. Can always revisit it later.
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Piano Dreamers
pianodreamers.com › yamaha-p45-review
Yamaha P45 (P71) review: Is It the Best Keyboard for Beginners?
July 22, 2024 - Many of my fellow musicians share the same opinion and regard Sweetwater as their go-to music store.) Sweetwater Guitar Center Amazon ... Yamaha P-45 is an 88-key hammer action digital piano with built-in speakers.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/piano › just ordered the yamaha p45, thinking about returning it for a full refund...
r/piano on Reddit: Just ordered the Yamaha P45, thinking about returning it for a full refund...
January 16, 2022 -

I just bought the Yamaha P45 on Guitar Center for like $550 because I watched videos on YouTube that claimed that it is a great beginner piano for a good price. Also, I went to Guitar Center and the sales associate told me that the Yamaha P45 was the best option for beginners. However, I've been browsing this subreddit and I've read that the Yamaha P45 is outdated and pianos like the FP30x and the Yamaha P125 are better. Should I cancel my order for the Yamaha P45 and go with the P125 or the FP30x or should ( just get the P45?

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Equipboard
equipboard.com › items › yamaha-p-45-88-key-weighted-action-digital-piano
Yamaha P-45 B - What To Know & Where To Buy | Equipboard
P125 offers better speakers and user interface with more buttons compared to P45, which requires using the keyboard for controls. Source ... Replacing the stock pedal with a Yamaha FC3A allows for half-pedaling, providing improved expression and durability.
Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/piano › bought used p45 from guitar center in ‘excellent’ condition. stuck keys are also raised. any easy fix or just an automatic return?
r/piano on Reddit: Bought used p45 from guitar center in ‘excellent’ condition. Stuck keys are also raised. Any easy fix or just an automatic return?
July 27, 2020 - I gig with a Yamaha MODX8. It’s just as wide as it needs to be to fit that extra octave, and it weighs only 32 pounds. The keys are on the lighter side, but they’re more realistic feeling than almost any 76-key out there.
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Pianolessonwithwarren
pianolessonwithwarren.com › home › how to choose the right electric piano for you
How To Choose The RIGHT Electric Piano For You – Piano Lesson With Warren
November 16, 2023 - I recently embarked on an exciting journey to my local Guitar Center, a haven for musicians and enthusiasts alike. My mission? To explore the world of keyboards, diving into their variety, features, and nuances. This wasn’t just any visit – I was granted special access to conduct an in-depth review of their keyboards, a privilege not commonly extended.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/piano › any major difference between yamaha p45 and yamaha p125? which one would you recommend i buy?
Any major difference between Yamaha p45 and Yamaha p125? Which one would you recommend I buy? : r/piano
March 20, 2023 - Big retail like Guitar Center had totally hit or miss selection, and actual piano stores usually only carry a handful of DPs mostly higher end than things like a p45 or p125. I'm not sure what kind of store is going to have all the models OP is interested in, I'd love to know so I could go there someday. More replies ... First hit on google for "p45 vs p125" answers this in great detail: https://pianoreviewer.com/yamaha...
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Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › home › yamaha digital pianos
Yamaha Digital Pianos | Guitar Center
Get the best price on Yamaha Digital Pianos at Guitar Center. Most Yamaha Digital Pianos are eligible for free shipping.
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Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › home › used keyboards & midi › used pianos › used digital pianos › used stage digital pianos
Used Yamaha P45 Stage Piano | Guitar Center
Used Yamaha P45 Stage Piano
For greater savings check out our Used Yamaha P45 Stage Piano and get a great deal today!
Price   $334.99
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The Greatest Song
thegreatestsong.com › home › gear › yamaha p45 review
Yamaha P45 (P71) Review: Better Options Out There?
April 21, 2025 - Measured at 1.32 meters wide (52″), 154mm (6″) high, and 295mm (11.5″) deep, the P45 is quite compact. It weighs 11.5kg (about 25 lbs). On the whole, it is very portable and light for a fully-weighted 88-key piano.
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Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › Used › Yamaha › P45-Stage-Piano-120402266.gc
Used Yamaha Gear | Guitar Center
Save money on Used Yamaha gear at Guitar Center. All pre-owned items are rated and scored. Buy online or at your local store today!
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/piano › (discussion) selling you piano/keyboard at guitar center, how’d it go?
r/piano on Reddit: (Discussion) Selling you piano/keyboard at Guitar Center, how’d it go?
April 1, 2023 -

I’m trying to make some quick cash and I know guitar center will buy used instruments. I have the Yamaha p45. It’s in nearly perfect condition (one key has a small burn mark). I honestly don’t want to wait for days, possibly weeks if i use craigslist or reverb, so that’s why I’m considering GC. Has anyone sold to them before? How’d it go? I am a little worried that they won’t take it or maybe take for a very small amount.

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MusicRadar
musicradar.com › tech › keyboards & pianos
Yamaha P-45 review | MusicRadar
Yamaha P-45 review
An entry-level compact piano that punches above its weight
Rating: 4.5 ​
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Guitar Center
guitarcenter.com › home › used › used keyboards & midi › used pianos › used digital pianos › used yamaha digital pianos
Used Yamaha Digital Pianos | Guitar Center
Save money on Used Yamaha Digital Pianos at Guitar Center. All pre-owned items are rated and scored. Buy online or at your local store today!