Yamaha’s current Arius range of upright pianos also includes two slim ‘S’ models. The Yamaha Arius YDP-S35 is the more affordable of the two–but just how much S-class do you get here?
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Pros and Cons
Yamaha’s current Arius range of upright pianos also includes two slim ‘S’ models. The Yamaha Arius YDP-S35 is the more affordable of the two–but just how much S-class do you get here?
Like the larger Yamaha YDP-S55 model, the most striking feature is a proper piano lid, which becomes a flat tabletop when closed. As with an acoustic piano, a fold-down wooden bar is built into the lid and serves as a music rest.
Thus, the slim piano has a different design than the YDP-145 and YDP-165, its classically designed sibling models. Both because of this but also because it requires less space, one quickly begins to favor the S35. From a technical point of view, it is quite similar to the YDP-145 in terms of features and functions.
If you compare it to the S55, however, there is another advantage: the Yamaha Arius YDP-S35 is not only available in a black and a white version but also in a white ash finish.
At first glance, the YDP-S35 almost looks like a twin of its bigger brother. With a weight of 37 kilograms, however, it is actually three kilos lighter–and that is not the only difference: The YDP-S35 is also another centimeter slimmer, making it even more compact than the S55.
The built-in speakers beneath the keyboard have a separate plastic case. Unlike the S55, there is no front panel to visually conceal this case.
The S35 comes with the same ten sounds as the other 2022 Arius models. Outstanding here: the “CFX Grand” is a sample sound of a large Yamaha concert grand piano, also used in the more expensive Clavinova 700 series. An authentic and dynamically playable grand piano sound with a wide stereo image and realistic decay.
The so-called Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM), as another form of synthesis, enhances the sound in terms of string resonance, damper resonance, and cabinet resonances. The only difference is that you cannot individually adjust VRM parameters in the Arius series, which is possible with the Clavinovas. Unlike its version in the YDP-165 and -S55, the CFX sound in the S35 and the YDP-145 models also comes without the “Smooth Release” feature. This function adjusts the decay of the grand piano to the playing style in even more detail. However, that does not detract from the sound quality itself.
The YDP-S35 comes with a 192-voice polyphony and is thus well equipped for layer sounds. For such combinations, a natural-sounding string ensemble as well as an electric piano sound from the Fender Rhodes and the DX7 each are available. A realistic harpsichord, a dynamic vibraphone, a church organ, and a Hammond organ, as well as two additional grand pianos for classical and pop music, complete the small but consistently convincing selection.
You won’t miss a double bass sound here because the piano does not offer a split function. However, there is a duo function for piano lessons: This makes the same piano sound and octave range playable on each half of the split keyboard.
As in the YDP-145, Yamaha uses the proven “Graded Hammer Standard” keyboard (GHS) in the YDP-S35. It is relatively heavy-weighted, but slight differences in bass and treble (graded) simulate the playing feel of a real grand piano.
Lacking a triple sensor as well as a grippy coating on the key surfaces, it is a bit simpler than the GH3 built into the S55. Nevertheless, the playing feel of the smaller model is still great, as you can expressively shape the CFX sound.
The built-in playback system of the YDP-S35 is pleasantly powerful, clear, and clean. As on the predecessor model, it consists of two 12cm speakers and a 2 x 8 watt amplifier unit. While not exactly achieving the volume and three-dimensionality of a real piano, it absolutely suffices for a digital piano at room volume.
On the other hand, you could get a lot more out of the “CFX Grand” with an external amplifier. After all, the grand piano sound itself is certainly up to it. And, when playing with headphones, you can enjoy the CFX grand piano sound to its full potential.
Naturally, the 50 ‘Classical Musical Masterpieces’ from the previous Arius generation are still enjoyable to play on the YDP-S35. In fact, they offer a real challenge for those practicing. For beginners or those wanting to start at an easier level, it’s a good idea to warm up with one of the 303 ‘Lesson Songs’ as a finger exercise. The four current Arius models – including the S35 – surpass their predecessors with the addition of these piano etudes.
A metronome and a 2-track MIDI recorder with song memory are also on board.
If you want the full experience, connect a tablet to use the free “Yamaha Smart Pianist” app. Here, you can play along to all featured piano pieces yourself, including notation and tone tracking display. It also lets you record what you are playing as a MIDI and audio song and save these recordings to your tablet.
Thanks to the USB audio/MIDI function, you can start audio songs and play-alongs from the mobile device. You then get to hear these through the piano speakers or the connected headphones.
Besides, the Android- and iOS-compatible app also offers a convenient control center for all functions of the Yamaha YDP-S35. Typing on the tablet is, of course, easier than adjusting everything on the display-less piano. For example, without Smart Pianist, you need certain piano keys to switch between sounds.
The tablet and app combo is also worthwhile because of the great features of the graphics-based piano remote control, as well as the unlimited registration storage spaces for layer sounds.
YDP-S35 vs. YDP-145: The sister model YDP-145 is available for about the same price as the Arius YDP-S35. Which of the two instruments you choose is basically a question of looks, as technically, they both play on the same level. The 145, designed in the classic home piano look, just needs a few more centimeters of space.
YDP-S35 vs. YDP-S55: For an additional 300 Euros, the Yamaha YDP-S55 offers a better keyboard and, above all, a much more powerful playback system. While this justifies the upcharge, the YDP-S35 is an excellent choice if you are watching your budget. In addition, the other two models are not available in the white-ash finish.
The Yamaha YDP-S35 is a stylish and compact upright piano for beginners with a high-quality finish. It offers one of the best keyboards in its instrument class and a grand piano sound of excellent quality. In addition, compatibility with the “Smart Pianist” app allows easy operation without having to study key combinations first. Moreover, the app should motivate many to play along to songs and arrangements. Playing fun is included here!
Pros and Cons
Henrik Bruns
The YDP-S35 is a chic and compact home piano for beginners, to whom it offers one of the best keyboards in its instrument class and a grand piano sound of excellent quality.
YDP-S35 WH Arius : 877,00 €
TO THE OFFERYDP-S35 B Arius : 832,00 €
TO THE OFFERYDP-S35 WA Arius : 898,00 €
TO THE OFFER
YDP-S35 WH Arius : 877,00 €
TO THE OFFERYDP-S35 B Arius : 832,00 €
TO THE OFFERYDP-S35 WA Arius : 898,00 €
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