Pros and Cons
The Yamaha CLP-845 succeeds the Clavinova CLP-745. While this new mid-range home piano draws largely on the same sound repertoire as its predecessor and introduces no radical innovations, its overall quality sets it apart from other instruments in its class.
Yamaha has given the CLP-845 a subtle design update compared to its predecessor: The side panels around the keyboard now curve upward toward the top of the instrument. Further, some rounded details have been added. Elegance is the guiding theme here: This mid-range Clavinova from the 800 series is also available in a polished ebony (“PE”) finish for an additional cost.
The Yamaha CLP-845 shares the same sound set as the other models in the 800 series up to the CLP-875, which is positioned one tier higher. The only difference between the models is the number of available sounds.
→ All Yamaha CLP-800 series models at a glance.
When played through headphones, all of these Clavinovas sound virtually identical, aside from the nuances created by their different keyboards. And they all sound excellent: After all, they feature the flagship voices of the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial concert grand pianos.
These two grand piano voices are already familiar from the 700 series. However, according to Yamaha, the 800 series is equipped with a more powerful sound chip. It is designed to reproduce the fine details of the high-resolution multisamples with even greater precision.
Both the CFX and Bösendorfer voices are technically flawless and offer a rich tonal palette with an almost seamless response across the full dynamic range. From the initial sound to the final decay, they provide a consistently rewarding listening experience, note for note.
Both concert grand voices are now available in binaural versions, which enhance the sense of spatial depth when listening through headphones. The internal speaker system, by contrast, handles the non-binaural sounds and is itself designed to deliver a wide, immersive sound field. Specially shaped diffusers on the speakers help distribute the sound as broadly as possible.
The Yamaha CLP-845 is equipped with four speakers: two 16 cm woofers/midrange drivers and two 8 cm tweeters.
The result is a transparent, clear, and beautifully spacious overall sound that is also impressive in terms of volume. This is despite the fact that its two 45-watt amplifiers deliver slightly less output than the CLP-745’s two 50-watt amplifiers.
Like its predecessor, the CLP-845 delivers an excellent playing experience thanks to the GrandTouch-S keyboard. The white keys feature wooden elements, and the weighting has been further refined for an even, highly consistent response. The pivot point of the black keys is positioned to closely match that of an acoustic grand.
The overall feel is balanced and well-rounded, with impressive repetition. The keyboard includes a let-off simulation, and its synthetic ebony and ivory key surfaces provide enhanced grip.
Overall, the sound palette is similar to that of the previous model. In addition to the flagship concert grands, the Yamaha CLP-845 offers the upright sound of the Yamaha SU7, as well as two remarkable historical hammer piano voices: the “Mozart Piano” and the “Chopin Piano.” These allow you to experience the classical repertoire of the 18th and 19th centuries with greater authenticity.
It also comes with a wide range of rock, pop, and jazz piano sounds. New additions include the “Chillout Piano” for ambient pop and the “Lo-Fi Piano,” which recreates the sound of vintage recordings.
The selection of classic electric piano sounds from the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and Yamaha DX7 is excellent, complemented by electric and pipe organ voices. Realistic strings, synthetic pads, harpsichord, vibraphone, nylon- and steel-string guitar, and four bass sounds round out the collection in proven Yamaha quality. The instrument also supports splits and layers, with both functions available simultaneously.
This instrument comes with 50 classical piano pieces and 303 practice etudes to help you develop fluency. You can practice the right- and left-hand parts separately and play along with the other hand as accompaniment.
There is also a Duo Mode, in which two players can perform side by side. In this mode, the keyboard is divided into two identical halves, each with the same pitch range and tone.
In addition, the CLP-845 offers 20 preset drum rhythms that can be used on their own or as a backing track for practice and performance. Each rhythm includes an automatic bass line that follows the harmonies you play in real time.
Similar to the predecessor, you operate the CLP-845 using a rectangular panel with 17 buttons and an LCD display to the left of the keyboard. This makes it easy to select sounds and access the most essential functions. For more advanced settings, however, we highly recommend Yamaha’s free Smart Pianist app.
When connected, the mobile device acts as a remote control for the instrument, with all settings displayed clearly on the smartphone or tablet screen. The app also adds useful functions such as registration memory for split and layer configurations, which you cannot programm directly on the CLP-845 itself.
Recording and playback of songs is also far more convenient via the app. We particularly like the many editable parameters in the Piano Room menu. Its graphical interface makes it simple to understand and fine-tune each setting.
There are extensive options for shaping the sound of the grand piano voices. Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) and other detailed parameters allow you to customize the tonal response to your taste, either through the app or directly via the piano’s control panel.
Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app is continuously being developed and expanded. A new feature now allows MIDI songs to be generated automatically from PDFs of sheet music. Chord display for audio songs has already been available for some time. There is one limitation: Smart Pianist is officially compatible with iOS 16 (iPhones and iPads) as well as with select Android devices*, including Google Pixel smartphones and Samsung Galaxy S/Tab S series models.
*Users of Android devices should check the manufacturer’s compatibility information for their specific model.
As a more affordable alternative to the CLP-845, the CLP-835 from the same instrument generation features a less powerful sound system with only two 30-watt speakers instead of four. In addition, the GrandTouch-S keyboard used in the CLP-835 does not include wooden key elements.
Apart from these differences, the more budget-friendly model in the 800 series matches the CLP-845 in terms of sound, features, and equipment. Further, it is available in the same five finishes. The price difference between the two models is approximately $600.
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.
This mid-range model excels in all the areas that matter for an instrument of its kind: Solid workmanship, an excellent keyboard, outstanding grand piano sound with VRM parameters, and an impressive speaker system with intelligently positioned drivers.
The overall package is rounded off by versatile sound features, practical learning functions, and seamless integration with the Smart Pianist app. Of course, Yamaha’s high-end Clavinova pianos demonstrate that there is room to go even further, though at a significantly higher cost. Still, few digital upright pianos offer as balanced and compelling an experience as the CLP-845. Our recommendation: Try it for yourself!
The simulation of string resonance and grand piano mechanics using physical modeling was already familiar from earlier models. Yamaha calls the technology responsible for string, damper, and cabinet resonance Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM). To achieve excellent results, the VRM has been further refined with updated algorithms for the 800 series. This is especially impressive when combined with the adjustable sound parameters of Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app.
The closed back panel and the front legs of the keyboard housing remain standout elements of the design. The CLP-845 comes in five finishes: The “Dark Walnut” option from its predecessor has been discontinued, while the slightly lighter “White Birch” replaces “White Ash.” The classic black, white, and rosewood finishes remain unchanged.
The keyboard cover is still a pull-out design that allows you to place the music stand on top of the piano when not in use. With a weight of 60 kilograms and a realistic key resistance, pianists can expect a comfortable, authentic playing experience.
The list price of the CLP-845 is $3.999,99, though retailers typically offer it for several hundred dollars less.
Yes, although they are somewhat basic. The CLP-845 has an overdubbing function that allows you to record MIDI directly on the instrument and layer up to 16 tracks (without further editing options). Additionally, the “Song” menu offers a feature that automatically generates an audio file from recorded MIDI data.
With USB audio/MIDI and Bluetooth capabilities, the Yamaha CLP-845 is highly versatile.You can play MIDI files (except GM2) or WAV audio files back from a USB stick or an iPad/iPhone via an app through the instrument’s built-in sound system. Additionally, you can connect mobile devices via Bluetooth, the aux input (stereo mini-jack), or digitally via USB audio/MIDI.
Conversely, you can record performances on the keyboard and pedals as MIDI songs, either in the internal memory or on a USB stick. Audio recording requires a USB stick. Last but not least, you can record signals from songs or playback sources routed through the audio input.
Yes. The system settings offer five selectable touch sensitivity curves, a welcome feature not always found in instruments of this class.
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Pros and Cons
Henrik Bruns
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 OFFER
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 €
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