Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano Review

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(More customer reviews)When I needed something portable for silent practice of classical techniques and repertoire my choice was the Yamaha P80. It is the best compromise. The sound is near enough to a real piano, the action is close enough that skills transfer, it is easily portable, and the built in speakers mean that it is usable just as it is, as a self contained unit, with no extras. Compared to the offerings from other makers it was the long sustain of the Yamaha sound that made it stand out for me. Looking at the other features: 64 note polyphony makes the pedal usable even for things like long glissandos - in fact it is better than Yamaha's own Silent System Grand pianos which offer only 32. Then factor in the price and I could not see the point of paying more for any of the pianos "higher up" Yamaha's range which sounded at best marginally better, and felt exactly the same to play. The other extras - other instruments, built in metronome and recorder, MIDI output are just icing, though for some they will be key features.
However, the advertiser's claims that the sound and feel are identical to an acoustic piano are way over the top. The sound is always recognisably electronic, and becomes more so as you hear more of it during hours of practice. It is especially so when you play staccato, sforzando, or with pedal. And the action is quite unique, better than an organ or early electric piano, but still unlike an acoustic piano. Despite the weighted keys there is no sensation of a "bite-point" at which the hammers are launched, and there is always an unnatural, slightly springy feel to the return of the notes. So it is not quite what Yamaha claim, but it is is still a useful practice instrument for the traditional pianist and emulates enough of a real piano that what you learn on the P80 you can play on an acoustic.
I chose the P80 as a "silent practice" tool but if you are not a traditional pianist, and are buying this as an instrument in its own right, perhaps for gigging with a rock or jazz band, or for schmoozing at wedding receptions, then I don't think you'll be disappointed either.

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Whether you're practicing at home, playing with the band, or doing a live solo performance, the Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano offers the features you need. The P80 boasts superb acoustic and electric piano voices, along with a number of other essential instruments such as organs, bass, and even strings. Thanks to the "graded hammer effects" on this keyboard, the action is as close to that real thing as you can get. Leave it to Yamaha, a world leader in acoustic pianos, to develop a keyboard with action that's virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Just as on a traditional acoustic piano, the keys of the lower notes have a heavier touch, while the higher ones are more responsive to lighter playing. The keyboard's sensitivity can even be adjusted to match your playing style.
The P80 delivers heavyweight performance in a slim and lightweight design. Weighing in at a mere 37 pounds, this digital piano is ideal for gigging musicians or those with space constraints in their home. Although the P80 might be slim in size, it is not slim on features. The P80 is loaded with a 64-note polyphony and a substantial inventory of voices including classical, jazz, rock, strings and more. The P80's onboard sequencer lets you record an entire performance and play it back at the touch of a button. After you're satisfied with your first track, you can go back and record a solo or backup part using the two-track sequencer.
The P80 also features MIDI in/out connections, and a "to host" port, which allows for single-cable connections with computers and other supporting devices. These advanced interfacing capabilities make the P80 a great choice for use as both a MIDI controller/sound source and a live-performance instrument.Other features include dual headphone outputs, allowing for easy instructional and collaborative use; a sustain pedal; a detachable music stand; and a built-in metronome. Conveniently positioned front panel controls are also provided for immediate access to tuning, transposition and brilliance settings.
What's in the Box Yamaha P80 88-Key Graded Hammer Effect Digital Piano, music stand, sustain pedal, PA-3B AC adaptor, and user's manual.

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