Review: Yamaha CLP-825 – Introduction to the Clavinova class

The Yamaha CLP-825, the entry-level model in the Clavinova digital upright piano series, features the grand piano voices of the more expensive models. Positioned between entry-level and lower mid-range instruments, it focuses on the essentials, yet impresses with a high-quality keyboard, a capable sound system, and—optionally—a polished high-gloss finish.

The Yamaha CLP-825 is the most compact model in the Clavinova 800 series. It is slightly shorter, narrower, and shallower, which can be advantageous in an apartment, depending on placement.

Its appearance has changed very little from the CLP-725. However, the straightened music rest gives the CLP-825 a more modern look. The rear panel does not extend as far back as on higher-end Clavinovas, but Yamaha retains the front legs on the entry-level model. This lends it a sense of quality and stability.

Connectivity is simplified: the CLP-825 includes two standard headphone jacks and one USB port for PC or tablet connections via MIDI and audio. It also supports Bluetooth connections.

The keyboard cover pulls out and slides open, and the music rest is securely mounted on top of the piano. The CLP-825 is available in four finishes: black, white, rosewood, and polished ebony for an additional charge.

The Grand Piano Sounds of the Greats

With ten sounds, the CLP-825 is limited to the essentials. Nevertheless, it includes two of the finest voices from the Clavinova 800 series: the Yamaha CFX concert grand and the Bösendorfer Imperial.

These highly dynamic and realistic sounds are faithful to their original concert grand counterparts and convincingly capture the distinct tonal characteristics of each instrument.

When playing with headphones, the CFX voice automatically switches to its binaural version, enhancing the spatial listening experience. The CLP-825 does not, however, include a binaural version of the Bösendorfer.

Simulation in Every Detail of Sound

The CLP-825 features Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM), which simulates the natural resonances of strings, dampers, and the instrument’s cabinet. It also comes with Grand Expression Modeling, which reproduces the subtle tonal nuances of a grand piano that arise from variations in touch and playing technique. Unlike the higher-end Clavinova models, which offer a dedicated “Piano Room” menu for adjusting resonance parameters in detail, the CLP-825 provides a simpler approach: You can switch both technologies on or off.

Additional Sounds in the Yamaha CLP-825

The additional sound palette is the same as that of its predecessor and remains focused on the essentials. Alongside an acoustic Pop Grand and a harpsichord, the CLP-825 includes an electric piano sound modeled after a Fender Rhodes, an FM electric piano, a pipe organ, and a clean jazz organ in the Hammond style. A vibraphone and a stereo string ensemble sound round out the selection.

Sounds Pleasant…

On paper, the CLP-825’s sound system is modest, with two 12-centimeter speakers, each powered by 20 watts. Thanks to integrated sound diffusers, however, it delivers surprisingly broad sound dispersion. The entry-level Clavinova produces a tone that is full, transparent, and well balanced. For this price range, the overall sound is impressively well-voiced, clearly setting it apart from the smaller Arius YDP-165.

…And Plays Well

This is another area where the CLP-825 distinguishes itself from the YDP-165: it features Yamaha’s excellent GrandTouch keyboard. The action, made entirely of plastic, is slightly on the heavier side and benefits from fairly long keys. In addition to reliable repetition, it offers let-off simulation as well as synthetic ebony and ivory keytops.

Although only three touch-response curves are available to adapt the keyboard to individual playing styles, they are well balanced. Overall, the feel of the keyboard leaves little to be desired.

Features & Connectivity

The CLP-825 allows you to layer any two sounds. However, it has no split function, only Duo Mode. This mode places the CFX grand piano in the same register across two equal keyboard halves for side-by-side playing. 

The only effects block is a master reverb with four types, all of which sound impressively clean. Practice features typical of the Clavinova series are also included: 50 classical piano pieces and 303 piano etudes, with right- and left-hand parts available for separate practice.

Despite being an entry-level model, the CLP-825 supports also Bluetooth and lets you stream audio from a mobile device directly through its speakers. You can further record performances as MIDI songs in the internal memory, though storage is limited to one song with two tracks.

Like all Yamaha digital pianos, the CLP-825 supports USB audio/MIDI and can fully integrate external audio devices via USB. In some cases, an OTG adapter, Camera Connection Kit, or USB-C hub may be required. For players who want to use recording software, VST instruments, or simply expand their palette of sounds, this small extra investment is well worth it.

Limited Control Panel, Remote Control via App

The control panel of the CLP-825 is simpler than that of other Clavinova models and, most notably, lacks a display. As a result, most operations, such as changing sounds or selecting a different reverb type, must be carried out using the piano keys as function switches.

Like all Clavinovas, however, the CLP-825 is fully compatible with Yamaha’s free Smart Pianist app for iOS and Android* devices. The app not only makes it much easier to adjust all settings, but also offers more intuitive control of practice songs. This even includes the option to rehearse left- and right-hand parts separately with a metronome.

Further, it features a score display, can access the tablet’s song library, and adds registration memory slots for layered sound setups.

*Android users should check Yamaha’s compatibility information.

The Yamaha CLP-825 in Comparison

Yamaha CLP-825 vs. CLP-835: The CLP-835, the next model up in the Clavinova range, has slightly larger speakers and more amplifier power. However, that doesn’t automatically make it “better.” In our speaker test with an artificial head microphone, the smaller model actually left the stronger impression: While the CLP-825 delivers a direct and clear sound, the CLP-835 came across as somewhat unbalanced.

That said, the CLP-835 does offer other advantages. For example, when using headphones, the Bösendorfer Imperial piano sound is also available as a binaural sample.

In terms of operation, the larger control panel with display is much more convenient. The higher-priced model also provides a wider palette of 38 instrument sounds, additional effects, and a split function.

You can further customize its grand piano voices in the dedicated Piano Room menu. In addition, the CLP-835 offers up to 250 MIDI song memories, audio recording via USB stick, and 20 drum and bass accompaniment rhythms for improvisation.

These added features and functions explain the price difference of around $350 to $400 compared to the CLP-825. However, many of the operating and playback advantages are somewhat offset when using the Smart Pianist app. And if you’re already satisfied with the sound and functionality of the CLP-825, there’s little reason to upgrade.

CLP-825 vs. Yamaha YDP-165: At first glance, the CLP-825 and YDP-165 appear similar in both keyboard and sound. With a price difference of just under $300, however, the details matter. The Arius model’s GH3 keyboard also uses a triple-sensor system, but it lacks the let-off simulation of the CLP-825. By contrast, the CLP-825’s GrandTouch-S keyboard offers a more refined playing experience, and its more advanced tone generation rewards nuanced playing with greater detail.

Conclusion: Excellent, High-End Entry-Level Model

While the Yamaha CLP-825 lacks ease of use, no compromises have been made in the most important area: sound. 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.

The limited palette of just ten voices does require some adjustment. However, the CLP-825 also offers built-in practice songs and seamless app integration via tablet. And since you can easily incorporate external sounds through USB MIDI/audio, the smaller selection of onboard voices is hardly a disadvantage.

Yamaha CLP-825 – Overview

Release date: October 2024
Keyboard: 88 keys, GrandTouch-S with let-off simulation, synthetic ebony/ivory key tops
Polyphony: 256 notes
App: Yamaha Smart Pianist (free for iOS & Android)
Manufacturer/Distributor: Yamaha

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