Digital never felt so GRAND! The new Yamaha CLP-800 series was unveiled with great fanfare in fall 2024. We can’t wait to see how much closer its sound and playing experience come to the acoustic original this time around. Here’s an overview of the new features and models.
Clavinova models have been among the most successful digital pianos for years—and with good reason. With each new generation, Yamaha elevates the two most essential qualities of sound and touch, seamlessly combining traditional piano craftsmanship with modern digital innovations.
Yamaha calls the process that enables vivid reproduction of acoustic piano sound “Grand Acoustic Imaging.” Special diffuser speakers support this process, and even the smallest model, the CLP-825, is equipped with them. As the model numbers increase, the speaker systems become more sophisticated, further enhancing sound projection.
Three-dimensional sound is also available when playing with headphones, thanks to binaural sampling. Introduced with the Yamaha CLP-700 series, this excellent feature has been carried over to the CLP-800 series. The only exception is the entry-level CLP-825, which features the CFX grand piano tone as its dedicated binaural “headphone sound.”
The GrandTouch S keyboard provides an excellent playing feel on the smaller CLP-825 and CLP-835 models. With synthetic ebony/ivory keytops and let-off simulation, this graded hammer action keyboard gains wooden elements in the next model up, the CLP-845.
The higher-end models, the CLP-875 and CLP-885, feature the full GrandTouch keyboard with wooden keys. The flagship CLP-885 also incorporates counterweights, ensuring optimum balance of the key action.
According to Yamaha, the CFX and Bösendorfer samples have been newly revised, as have the expression modeling and Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM). These improvements allow for finer resolution, delivering a fuller tone and more natural sound development.
As before, all models provide 256-note polyphony, even the entry-level CLP-825. The number of available sounds, however, increases with each model. With 10 voices, the CLP-825 already offers a versatile selection of additional sounds such as digital piano, strings, and more.
Starting with the CLP-835, the range expands to 38 voices, including two historical fortepianos. It also features 20 rhythms, 16-track recording, a USB audio recorder, and more. At the top end, the flagship CLP-885 includes the full feature set, with four historical fortepianos and a total of 56 voices, plus 14 drum kits and 480 XG voices.
Naturally, nothing is left to be desired here either: tuning, transpose, metronome, layering, split… All the standard digital piano functions are included, along with support for mobile devices and Yamaha’s proven Smart Pianist app.
The features vary slightly depending on the price range. The most noticeable differences between the models are in the speaker systems, in terms of both power and configuration, as well as in the keyboard actions.
The series closely follows the previous Yamaha CLP-700 line in many details. It also still includes two digital grand piano models: the CLP-865GP, which corresponds most closely to the CLP-835 in basic configuration but includes a larger speaker system thanks to its grand-style cabinet.
The same applies to the larger Yamaha CLP-895GP, which parallels the flagship CLP-885 in sound engine, keyboard, and functionality. It also boasts the most powerful and sophisticated sound system in the Clavinova range, complete with waveguide technology.
The CLP-825 will be available in four finishes: black (B), white (WH), rosewood (R), and polished ebony (PE).
For models above the CLP-825, white birch (WHB) is available as an additional option. The flagship CLP-885 and the two digital grand pianos are exceptions; they come in three finishes: polished ebony (PE), black (B), and polished white (PWH).
Below you will find the test reports and video tests in which we compared the three entry-level models CLP-825, CLP-835, and CLP-845.
Pros and Cons
As the entry-level model in the Clavinova 800 series, it delivers the same outstanding concert grand piano voices found in its more expensive siblings, paired with the expressive GrandTouch-S keyboard in its streamlined version. Its sound system makes the most of the modest amplifier power, producing a balanced tone that comes impressively close to perfection.
CLP-825 WH : 1.369,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-825 B : 1.329,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-825 R : 1.349,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-825 PE : 1.599,00 €
TO THE OFFERPros and Cons
Yamaha's CLP-835 is a top recommendation in the sub-$2,000 upright digital piano category. It benefits from the outstanding concert grand sounds of the higher-end Clavinova models.
CLP-835 B : 1.679,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-835 WH : 1.690,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-835 PE : 2.090,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-835 R : 1.690,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-835 WB : 1.711,00 €
TO THE OFFERPros and Cons
Like its predecessor, the Yamaha CLP-845 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious players who want to invest in a digital upright piano of this caliber for that extra degree of quality.
CLP-845 B : 2.199,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-845 R : 2.249,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-845 PE : 2.639,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-845 WH : 2.279,00 €
TO THE OFFERCLP-845 WB : 2.329,00 €
TO THE OFFERPolyphony: 256 notes
Sounds: Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer, both binaurally recorded for headphone use; total number of voices ranges from 38 to 53 depending on the model
Keyboards: GrandTouch / GrandTouch-S with graded hammer action and let-off simulation (escapement); synthetic ebony and ivory keytops
Manufacturer/Distributor: Yamaha
→ For further information, visit the manufacturer’s website.
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