The Yamaha CLP-725 opens the door to the new Clavinova 700 series. However, given it is an inexpensive piano of the lower mid-range, the CLP-735 is clearly on a different level. In terms of sounds and functions it’s serious competition to the more expensive models. The improvements compared to the predecessor concern the piano sounds and the keyboard.
The 57-kilo CLP-735 is virtually identical to its predecessor CLP-635 in terms of chassis – the dimensions have not changed. In contrast to the cheaper 725 model, it offers a control panel with display and the full sound repertoire of the upper CLPs.
Optically, the almost fully closed back panel and the two front legs leave a valuable impression. The piano is available in six color options, including a more expensive, high-gloss black version. The keyboard lid can be pulled out, which is why the music stand can once again be placed on top of the body.
In many respects, the CLP-735 seems identical to the next larger model, the CLP-745 – however, it is worth comparing the details.
The 256-voice Yamaha CLP-735 offers the same 38 sounds as most models of this series. The top sounds remain those of the concert grand pianos Yamaha CFX as well as Bösendorfer Imperial. However, according to Yamaha there are completely new multisamples in both cases. Both sounds, i.e. now also the Bösendorfer, are also available in a “binaural” version especially for the headphone sound, which creates a pleasant three-dimensionality. The excellent piano sound of Yamaha’s Upright Piano SU7 and various rock, pop and jazz sounds complete the selection of acoustic pianos.
New compared to the predecessor CLP-635 are the two additional sounds “Mozart Piano” and “Chopin Piano”: They are modeled on two historical fortepianos from the 18th and 19th century respectively. Mozart, Beethoven or Chopin piano pieces can thus be heard with much more originality than with modern sounds. Basically, it’s historical music with original instruments in digitalized form.
We know the other sounds from the predecessor: The selection ranges from Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer and DX7 electric piano sounds to Hammond B3, other electric and church organs, natural strings, choir and a synth pad. Four basses, harpsichord, vibraphone as well as nylon and steel guitar complete the good-sounding selection. If you want to split or layer sounds, you can also use these two functions simultaneously.
Besides master reverb and chorus, there is again a third effect block for up to two keyboard sounds. In addition to delays, rotary speaker and phaser, distortion for the electric pianos and organs is now available. The global brilliance control has been expanded by a three-band EQ with user setting.
New about the two main sounds from the CFX grand and the Bösendorfer are not so much the basic sound characteristics – after all, Yamaha had already captured the sounds of the original grand pianos excellently in the multisamples of the CLP-600 series.
Now, however, it feels as if these sounds have become even more sensitive. The way they respond precisely to dynamic playing and articulation is the new selling point of the CLP-700 series. Overall, the new Clavinova sounds have a higher resolution with a fine brilliance in the treble.
The CLP-735 expresses every nuance the player makes exceptionally. Be it between pianissimo and fortissimo, portato and staccato, or legato and non-legato, the tonal change is almost always how your playing style makes it be.
From a technical point of view, two modeling methods are used among others for this purpose: the revised virtual string resonance (VRM) and the new grand piano touch simulation (Grand Expression Modeling). They provide subtle changes in sound that are based on the interaction of the vibrating strings with each other and with the action, the cabinet and the keyboard on a real grand piano. Even the depth of a keystroke causes a subtle change in tone here, if you listen closely.
The sound system comes again as two speakers with two 30-watt outputs, just like the predecessor CLP-635. While this limits the dimension of sound reproduction, the sound is quite decent, especially since the system works cleanly even at high volumes.
Compared to the previous model, the keyboard of the CLP-735 has also been improved. This new one is called Grand-Touch-S, which identifies it as a “shorter” version of the higher-end Grand-Touch of the top Clavinova models (in terms of key length). Compared to the CLP-635’s GH3X keyboard, there are refinements in weighting, black key pivot placement, and playing stability.
This contributes to an overall slightly richer playing feel. Compared to the previous model, the CLP-735 plays a bit smoother, and repetition as well as let-off mechanism have also been improved.
The Grand Touch S keyboard’s textured key surfaces provide a good grip. Furthermore, five dynamic curves are offered to adjust the touch behavior to your own playing style.
50 classical piano pieces and 303 etudes with separately playable voices for the right and left hand invite you to practice on the CLP-735. For four-hand playing there is again the Duo mode. MIDI files as well as audio songs in WAV format can be played from a USB stick or from the iPad/iPhone via app through the piano’s sound system. However, this requires a cable connection, since the CLP-735 does not offer Bluetooth.
However, in this context we cannot fail to mention one advantage of the USB connection on Yamaha digital pianos: The USB interface processes MIDI and audio signals parallel and bi-directionally. This is extremely practical when interacting with apps, mobile devices and music computers.
With other brands, only MIDI data is exchanged between the app and the electric piano. This means that an audio connection must also be established here – not the case with Yamaha digital pianos. Here, for example, you can digitally transfer the played piano sound to the recording software without any detours. Likewise, audio signals from piano apps are transmitted digitally to the CLP-735’s speakers.
To the left of the keyboard you can find the clearly arranged control panel of the CLP-735, known from the 600 series. The display and buttons are satisfyingly easy to use, but the free app “Smart Pianist” is a more comfortable alternative. You can set splits and layers even more elegantly, and even organize them in registration memory slots. On the piano itself, there is only a single backup memory for user settings.
You can also adjust parameter settings more conveniently via the app, such as modification options of the grand piano sounds in the “Piano Room” menu. “Smart Pianist” is no longer only compatible with iOS, but also with at least some Android smartphones – please refer to the list of supported Android smartphone models.
Yamaha CLP-635 vs. CLP-735: Externally, the two models are identical. Improvements in the Yamaha CLP-735 are especially noticeable in the CFX and Bösendorfer piano sounds and the Grand Touch S keyboard.
Yamaha CLP-735 vs. CLP-745: 700 euro separate the CLP-735 and the closest “better” model, based on the current recommended retail price. However, both models look completely the same. The differences: The Yamaha CLP-745 offers a somewhat more valuable Grand Touch S keyboard with wooden elements and, above all, a richer sound system with four speakers and 2 x 50 watts of power. Bluetooth audio and USB-Audio/MIDI is also on board. A valuable addition, but one you will also clearly notice in terms of money.
In the price range of home pianos around 2000 euros, Yamaha’s CLP-735 remains a top recommendation. The Clavinova model offers a lot of features in solid mid-range quality – including selected additional sounds as well as audio and MIDI song functions. Highlights, however, are the two first-class concert grand piano sounds – the same as in the higher-priced 700 models – and the Grand Touch S keyboard.
Expressive playing possibilities – in this discipline, the manufacturer has once again stepped it up a notch, which also shows: This instrument class still benefits from developments actually intended for far more expensive instruments.
Available since: 10.2020
Keyboard: 88-key Grand-Touch-S
Polyphony: 256 voices
Sound generation: Sampling
Included accessoires: power supply, music book „50 Classics“
Piano app: Smart Pianist (free of charge, iOS/Android)
Special features: 353 preset songs, 20 rhythms, controllable via „Smart Pianist“ app
Manufacturer/Distributor: Yamaha
Henrik Bruns
Highlights, however, are the two first-class concert grand piano sounds - the same as in the higher-priced 700 models - and the Grand Touch S keyboard.
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