Yamaha P45B Digital Piano Review: Best 88-Key Value Today?

Deciding between a traditional piano and a digital keyboard isn’t always straightforward, especially if you’re short on space or need something you can actually move around. The Yamaha P45 gives you that full-sized, weighted-key experience, minus the hassles of tuning and maintenance that come with an acoustic.

What’s nice about the P45 is how it manages to feel surprisingly real under your fingers, yet doesn’t overwhelm you with complicated features. Beginners can just plug in and start, while even more seasoned players seem to appreciate it as a home practice tool. Some folks do gripe about the stand situation, and there are a handful of comments about shipping hiccups.

Bottom Line

If you’re after a straightforward, wallet-friendly digital piano, the Yamaha P45 is worth a look.
Check out the Yamaha P45 on Amazon.

Overview: Yamaha 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano

It’s compact enough to squeeze into a small room, but you still get all 88 weighted keys. The graded hammer action is a big plus—Yamaha tries to mimic the resistance of an acoustic, and while it’s not exactly like the real deal, it’s close enough for most. Some advanced players might notice the difference, but for most of us? It’s more than decent.

You get a handful of voices, including sampled grand pianos. There’s a sustain pedal, headphone jack, and the interface is mercifully simple. Beginners will find it approachable, though those craving endless sound options might feel boxed in.

Strengths

• Realistic key feel for its class
• Portable, not a beast to move
• Comes with sustain pedal

Drawbacks

• Sound selection is pretty basic
• Stand is a separate purchase

Authentic Weighted Key Experience

Touch matters—a lot. The P45’s keys are heavier down low and lighter up top, loosely copying what you’d expect from a real acoustic. Some users say this helps develop proper technique, which is a big deal if you’re just starting out. That said, if you’re used to a grand piano, you’ll probably pick up on subtle differences.

If you’re looking for something that bridges digital and acoustic for practice, these weighted keys do the trick. It’s a solid pick for learners or anyone who wants more than just plastic, unweighted keys.

Dynamic Sound Quality

People generally say the P45 sounds pretty convincing—clear, realistic, and not tinny. You can layer piano and strings, which is a nice touch for a bit of variety. Volume’s plenty for at-home use.

The sensitivity is there, too; play softer or harder and you’ll hear it. If you’re after thunderous bass or a deep, resonant tone, you might find it a bit lacking, but for most home players, it’s honestly fine.

Versatile Voice Selection

You get 10 different voices, so you’re not stuck with just one piano sound. Yamaha’s included some nice sampled tones from their grand pianos, and most people find them believable enough for daily practice.

There’s also a dual mode—blend two voices, like piano and strings, for a richer sound. Some wish there were more voices, but if you’re not looking to get wild with synths and organs, it covers the basics.

Switching sounds is dead simple. No crazy menus, no fuss. Advanced users might want more, but for the price, it’s hard to complain.

Dual Mode Performance Possibilities

Layering two sounds—say, strings and piano—can really freshen up your playing. The P45’s dual mode lets you do just that, so your practice or performance doesn’t have to be one-dimensional.

You’re limited to blending two at a time, though. If you want to get deep into sound design or complex layering, this isn’t the board for you. But if you just want to add a little texture, it’s a fun, practical feature.

Compact and Space-Saving Design

Traditional pianos are, frankly, a pain to move. The P45, on the other hand, is slim and light—just over 25 pounds—so you can actually carry it without recruiting a moving crew. It fits on standard stands and won’t hog your whole living room.

That lighter build does mean it can feel a bit less robust than heavier models, especially if you’re someone who really digs in while playing. Still, for most, it’s a fair trade-off for the portability.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Fully weighted keys give you an authentic feel, which is great if you want to build real technique.
• Built-in sounds are sampled from Yamaha grands, and dual voice mode lets you get creative.
• Comes with a sustain pedal, power supply, and music rest—no need to hunt for extras.
• Plug-and-play setup. You won’t need a manual just to get started.

Cons

• Stand and some accessories are basic or missing, so you might need to buy a better stand.
• Only 10 built-in voices—other keyboards in this range sometimes offer more.
• The action is good, but not quite at the level of a high-end digital or acoustic. Advanced players might notice.
• A few folks mention the packaging isn’t always great, but the instrument seems to arrive unharmed.

Customer Reviews

Most buyers are happy with the feel and quality of the weighted keys. Beginners and more experienced folks seem to agree it’s a solid practice instrument. People also like how easy it is to set up.

There are some gripes about shipping—mainly the packaging, not the piano itself. Adjustable stands are a common wish, especially if you’ve already got a fixed-height one.

All in all, the P45 gets plenty of love for being good value in its category.

Ideal Users and Skill Levels

If you’re just starting out, the P45 is a practical choice—simple controls, weighted keys, and not too heavy to move. Students or anyone with limited space will appreciate that.

Intermediate players might like the touch response, but could find the sound options a bit limiting. If you want advanced features or recording tools, you’ll probably need to look elsewhere.

Best suited for beginners and early intermediates who want a real piano feel without a ton of bells and whistles. Advanced players or performers might want something with more depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Yamaha P45 and the Yamaha P45B models?

Honestly, “P45” and “P45B” are mostly the same thing. The “B” just stands for black, which is the standard color. No meaningful technical differences—just double-check product listings for the usual stuff.

How does the key action of the Yamaha P45B compare to an acoustic piano?

The P45B uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS), which tries to copy the feel of an acoustic. It’s heavier down low, lighter up high. Not quite a grand, but close enough for most practice needs. Advanced players might notice it’s not as nuanced, but for the price, it’s respectable.

Are the keys on the Yamaha P45B weighted, and how does this affect playability?

Yep—88 fully weighted keys. This helps new and intermediate players develop good finger strength and technique, making it easier to switch to a real piano later.

Pros:

• Feels close to an acoustic
• Helps build solid technique

Cons:

• Keys might feel a bit lighter than a high-end acoustic or pro digital

It’s a solid tool for students and casual players.

What kind of features can I expect from the Yamaha P45B digital piano?

You get the basics—10 built-in voices (piano, electric piano, strings, etc.), dual mode for layered sounds, touch sensitivity, and tuning adjustment. The box includes a power adapter, sustain pedal, and music rest, so you’re set right away. The sound library is limited, but honestly, most people like how simple it is to use.

How has the Yamaha P45B been rated by users and professionals in the music industry?

Most feedback is positive. People like the key action, portability, and the value for beginners or casual players. It gets good marks for:

• Easy controls
• Solid build
• Worth the money for entry-level use

Some pros say it’s not quite enough for advanced needs, like complex layering or huge sound libraries. Shipping complaints pop up now and then, but rarely about the piano itself.

What are the advantages of purchasing a second-hand Yamaha P45 digital piano?

Going for a second-hand P45 can really help if you’re watching your budget. Here’s what folks tend to like:

Advantages:

• It’s usually a lot cheaper than buying new
• The P45’s simple, sturdy build means pre-owned ones can still be in great shape if they’ve been treated well
• Most of the time, you’ll get the basics—pedal, music rest, power supply—thrown in

Considerations:

• You probably won’t get a warranty
• Always check that the keys and electronics are working before you hand over any cash

If you’re a student or just not ready to splurge on a brand-new digital piano, a used P45 could be a smart move.