Pros and Cons
For eight years, the predecessor model P-45 has been the absolute mega-seller in the entry-level segment. The massive success speaks for itself – with this model, Yamaha redefined expectations of what a portable piano can do at the lowest possible price point. Now it’s the successor, the Yamaha P-145, is here, which brings exciting new features.
As the successor to the P-45, the Yamaha P-145 has one more number in the model name, but the instrument itself, in the moderately revised chassis, has become somewhat more compact. The keyboard of the type “Graded Hammer Compact”, short GHC, needs less space than the GHS (“Graded Hammer Standard”) in the P-45.
Thus, an new design was made possible, saving 2.5 centimeters in height and 2.7 centimeters in depth. With an 88 key electric piano, this is quite noticeable regarding transportation. It weighs only 11 kilograms, despite the heavy hammer action.
As a portable piano below the 700 euro mark (list price: 649 euros), the P-145 has an all-plastic case, but it makes a sturdy impression. The connections are all on the back, including the standard jack socket for headphones. It is also the only way to connect the P-145 to an external amplifier.
Next to the sustain pedal jack, there is a DIN jack for a triple pedal – you won’t find it on the predecessor. Such a triple pedal belongs to the optionally available stand L-100B and is firmly anchored in it – so the pedals cannot slip away when playing with it.
In combination with the stand, the Yamaha P-145 looks like a small home piano in a modern slimline look. Still, it’s a pity that the Yamaha P-145 only comes with a simple foot switch instead of a sustain pedal. If you want to use the Yamaha P-145 as a mobile electric piano, you should plan on buying a decent sustain pedal.
The playback system is also new, with two oval speakers that emit sound upwards through two small cabinet slots and backwards through larger openings. With a power of 2 x 7 watts, you should not expect a miracle, of course, but when practicing and playing at home, the new Yamaha P-145 should convey a feeling of joy.
There are only ten sounds and a polyphony with a maximum of 64 voices. However, sound generation for the grand piano sound has been renewed, which the manufacturer has named “Yamaha CFIIIS” after the original sound. With the Yamaha P-145 you play a clean, dynamically convincing piano sound including Damper Resonance.
In order to play with authentic piano touch, one should pay attention to models with hammer action, especially in entry-level electric pianos. The P-145 comes with this feature, as did its predecessor. The GH “Compact” keyboard basically offers the same virtues as the GH “Standard” variant, which has been tried and tested for years. There is no Ebony/Ivory key coating, but at least the black keys are matte and thus have a better grip.
The remaining sounds are quickly named: A more midrange-emphasized alternative sound of the grand piano is followed by a Fender Rhodes and an FM electric piano, two church organs in different registrations, as well as a harpsichord and an accordion.
A Chinese flute (dizi) and a synthetic string sound conclude the selection. A reverb effect with four adjustable types and the dual mode for layering two sounds are available as well.
The Duo mode, which distributes the same grand piano sound in the same position over two keyboard ranges, is intended for the student-teacher situation but is also suitable for some four-handed pieces. There is also a metronome for practicing.
Besides the on/off switch and volume slider, there is only one control button on the P-145: “Grand Piano”, which directly calls up the main grand piano sound. If you hold it down, you can switch to other sounds via piano keys – writing on the case indicates where to find these sounds on the keys from C1 on.
Using the free “Smart Pianist” app on a mobile device should make operating the P-145 more fun. You may already know it from other Yamaha instruments: with it, sounds for layering, a different effect type or the metronome are much easier to use.
But the connection with Smart Pianist is worthwhile because of other additional possibilities. Here you can find 303 etudes and piano pieces to rehearse. A MIDI recording function is also retrofitted this way – practical for controlling one’s exercises.
Given the equipment, Yamaha also recommends using the “Rec’n’Share” app. Drummers have been using it to record their performance in sound and on video for some time, but now Yamaha would like to recommend the program to players of other instruments as well. After light editing of the video and audio track in the app, the clip is sent off to social networks.
All this is possible with an audio-capable USB interface. The Yamaha P-145 brings this very useful feature, already known from many higher-priced Yamaha instruments, to the entry-level segment.
In addition to MIDI, the USB jack also supports an audio connection, so songs on your smartphone or tablet can be heard through the piano speakers or headphone output along with the sound of the P-145.
All that is needed is an Apple Lightning-to-USB adapter called a Camera Connection Kit. For Android devices, an OTG adapter is necessary if you want to connect your smartphone and tablet to the Yamaha P-145.
P-145 vs. P-225: If you focus on the price alone, the P-145 is hardly beatable. The next bigger model of the same generation, the P-225, costs about 300 Euros more and uses the same GHC keyboard. Otherwise, however, it is better equipped in almost all respects.
It has Yamaha’s CFX grand piano sound, which was previously reserved for even more expensive instruments. A total of 24 sounds, 192-voice polyphony, an additional split function, an on-board two-track MIDI recorder, and 20 accompaniment rhythms with an additional bass track already make the P-225 much more flexible.
Its playback system is equipped with four speakers and sounds more spacious. A stereo output, a second headphone jack and Bluetooth MIDI/Audio for wireless connections to mobile device are also included. Moreover, it is available in a white version in addition to the black one.
P-145 vs. P-45: Compared to its predecessor, the P-45, we cannot fail to mention a price increase. However, the new pricing applies to all of this year’s new launches. But you also get significantly more – the most important improvements summed up: New piano sound, new playback system, new keyboard, USB audio/MIDI function, compatible with Smart Pianist, additional pedal connection for optional stand incl. triple pedal.
Only market behavior will tell whether the Yamaha P-145 will develop into as strong of a sales hit as its predecessor, the P-45. But one at least can predict that the new P-145 has everything it takes to continue the P-45’s eight-year wave of success. The improvements in piano sound and features are impressive.
Available since: 07.2023
Keyboard: 88 key, Graded Hammer Compact
Polyphony: 64 voices
Piano app: Yamaha Smart Pianist, free of charge for Android & iOS, Rec’n’Share, free of charge for iOS & Android
Includes: Foot switch, music holder, power supply
Manufacturer/Distributor: Yamaha
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Pros and Cons
Henrik Bruns
You can predict that the new P-145 has everything it takes to continue the P-45's eight-year wave of success. The improvement in piano sound and features is impressive.
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