When it comes to digital pianos Yamaha is always the right place to go, however, making the right choice is not always easy considering there are so many digital pianos with similar features.In this article, we are looking at the differences between the Yamaha P45 and the Yamaha P115.
Piano and sample
This is an easy one, the P115 piano sound is sampled by the Yamaha CF3s (a concert grand piano) vs the p45 is powered by the AWstero sampling.
*The Yamaha CF3s is currently one of Yamaha greatest grand pianos.
Dimensions
In terms of dimensions and aesthetics, the P45 and P115 model look very similar, here is their size and weight:
Yamaha P45
- 18.78 x 59.88 x 10.55 in
- 37.7 pounds.
Yamaha P115
- 16.1 x 58.2 x 11.8 in
- 37.7 pounds
Key Action
When it comes to key action we are actually referring to the mechanism of the keys (How close to a real piano do they feel? ). They both feature one of Yamaha’s key mechanism called the GHS (Graded Hammer standard), a good action for beginners and intermediates. This means that the keys on both digital pianos feel the same when playing.
*Something to keep in mind is the touch in the Yamaha p115 is slightly better, thanks to the black matt finish that has been added to the black keys.
Polyphony
in terms of polyphony, the p115 is far superior with the total of 192 polyphony count oppose to the Yamaha’s P45’s 64 notes polyphony.
Voices and Songs
When it comes to Voices and songs none of the digital pianos in the Yamaha P. series does a good job, nevertheless the P115 is still able to outperform the Yamaha p45 with a total number of 14 voices and 50 songs.
Speakers
Speakers on the p115 are also better, one major complaint about the Yamaha p45 is the fact that the maximum volume of the speakers is very disappointing. The Yamaha p115 excel in this area thanks to a total of 4 speakers.
Control Panel
Both pianos present a very simplistic and minimal interface, none of them present sliders or controllers, in fact, Yamaha has made one of the two a bit two minimal in my opinion, I am talking about the Yamaha P45.
The Yamaha p45 present what I call a single button operation, yes it presents only one selection button, a power switch and volume slider, all selections are made through a combination of this button and the keys.
The Yamaha p115 present a more user-friendly interface as shown in the picture below
Simple but complete interface that does not mess with your head, every button needed is laid out in an easy to reach way.
Yamaha P45
| Keys | 88 |
| App integration | X |
| Colour | Black |
| USB | ✓ |
| Screen | X |
| Transpose | ✓ |
| Metronome | ✓ |
| Split Mode | ✓ |
| Dual Voicing | ✓ |
- Full Review article on the Yamaha P45 review digital piano.
Yamaha P115
| Keys | 88 |
| App integration | ✓ |
| Colour | Black / White |
| USB | ✓ |
| Screen | X |
| Transpose | ✓ |
| Metronome | ✓ |
| Split Mode | ✓ |
| Dual Voicing | ✓ |
- Full Review article on the Yamaha p115 review digital piano.
Price
The pricing of this digital pianos is constantly changing (gradually going down), thanks to the introduction of newer digital pianos in the marketplace.
- Yamaha P45 is currently offered at $449.99 from Amazon.
- Yamaha P115 is currently offered at $599.99 from Amazon.
Conclusion
I tried not to look biased during this digital piano comparison, however, is hard to balance a scale when the weight is on one side, the p115 clearly is the better side when comparing the two.
It makes sense considering the fact that the Yamaha P115 is the successor of the Yamaha p45, everything the Yamaha p45 does well, the Yamaha P115 does even better, not only that, Yamaha has added extra features we have looked upon throughout the comparison.
