Yamaha P-525 I All Sounds Played I Full test and review from pro pianist
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- Опубликовано: 2 ноя 2023
- I would suggest using headphones or studio speakers to get a realistic idea of how this sounds.
Tested against Roland fanotom 8 because it uses the same action and piano sounds as the Roland FP-90, which is a direct competitor to the Yamaha P-525 
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Thank you for a very clear and honest review, such a refreshing change. The timing of your video is perfect as I'm about to make a purchase of one of the models you discussed.
Thank you for commenting and I’m glad it was helpful to you.
G'day Angelo. That was a really helpful video. Thank you for taking the time to do it. There are 480 or so XG voices on this keyboard on top of the ones you have demoed here. Amongst them are DetDrawOrgan which is a lots of stops out organ of the type I think you were wishing for. There are also a number of clavs. I haven't checked them but there may well be a 'Stevie Wonder' clav amongst them. There might also be 'the excellent voices from the cheaper instruments' you were referring to.
Very nice review! If having touch sensitivity on the organ voices is something you want, try pressing Function, then select Voice Edit, and lower the Touch Sens. value from 127 to something smaller. That’s how it works on the P-515 anyhow, and with the ability to save registrations on the 525 at least you’d only have to do it once.
I have a P-515, and it was nice to hear your take on the action in particular. Thanks!
Thank you. I tried that but sadly whatever you set it at still stays fixed. Maybe with an update they can sort out the problem as it doesn’t happen on my other Yamaha products. If they wanted it to be intentional on the P-525 then surly they would have included a swell pedal output… one would hope!
Hello. You're doing a good job here. I'm trying to choose between Yamaha 525 and Kawai ES920. I have experience with classical music, notation, etc. (classical guitar) but nothing related to pianos. I want to explore this instrument, and I want it to sound good (as good as digital pianos can sound). I learn more easily on a good instrument. I would prefer the internal speakers to sound decent, although I can use an external monitor. Still, I prefer a simple setup. The key is that should sounds good as a piano. In Europe, the price seems identical! Any things to consider? Thanks, Dan
🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, From hearing both of them I think the Yamaha seems less sampled...
I have seen so many of your reviews and I love the detail. It is subjective though, and sadly I am not able to try everything in shop. I got to try the PHA-4 action today and didn't like it at all. I am looking for a high end action though for classical mysic like the PHA-50 or the NWX, Grandtouch S or the RHIII but I am also looking for some arranger functionality because I'm a singer and I want to be able to do that as well. It seems the fp-90x is the one ticking most boxes now, but I'm unsure as I haven't tried it. The kawai feel a bit too classical for me and doesn't cover enough arranger functionality. I'd love your take and advice on this.
Ok so a few questions to help you further. Did you try the PHA-4 action in the top spec Roland fantom 8? Regardless of what they say I have found that the action inside a fantom 8 is incredible and when compared to having it in their other pianos it feels VERY different... although it's the same... apparently. I've never met anyone that has thought different to me on this.
As for arranger/singer and nice piano sound... well how about go cheaper and consider the Yamaha DGX-670. That's a fab bit of kit. One of the fastest arrangers I've used and it had a mic input too with options to control the reverb etc through the piano. I use the 670 as one of my main gigging pianos and it's so easy to work with. Also had a nice touch when used as a midi controller.
Let me know what you think?
Did any of you experience problems with sharpness on the edges of the white keys of this piano? I did and it was very discouraging and could not keep it. Being new to digital pianos I am now a bit cautious of digital pianos, becoming conscious now of sharp white key edges.
Bosendorfer with the bass EQ around -3 to -5 is nice on the 525 as well.
What exactly do you mean by “EQ on bright”? I only see a 3 band EQ.
If you press the EQ button twice it will give you the option of flat, bright and mellow. Then in addition you can tailor it yourself on the voice edit menu.
Hello, what accompaniments come with it when it is connected to the Yamaha Smart Pianist app?
For me now is very expressive the Yamaha p525, because I have some experience from Kawai es120, if you compare to kawai es920 , is worth the kawaii,i mean have rich sound and with headphones and without? For me because I prefer to play with headphones wich are the best sound digital piano with headphones?
With Headphones the Kawai ES8 and ES920 are phenomenal. You feel more immersed in the sound when using the Kawai range over the Yamaha and Roland ones in the same price bracket. My Roland fantom 8 is the best I’ve heard when using headphones in a stage piano.
Thanks for great review, but do I gather now that you are not happy with the key action on the P525?
Yes indeed. Actually so much I have now returned the Yamaha p525.
Thanks for the good review. I was hoping the P-525 was going to be the one for me but after this review I'm still in doubt. The ES-920 seems to be out of stock (and maybe out of production, are Kawai going to release a successor?). Same goes for the S8. I will also have to check out the other options you mentioned like the FP-90 and the DGX-670. Best regards from the Netherlands.
In the UK the Kawai ES-920 is readily available and there is no word from Kawai that a new one is coming anytime soon. To be honest they can't really upgrade anything on the ES-920 except from adding in a metal frame again and reverting to the ES-8 sound system that was killer. The Kawai ES-920 is my main gigging piano for all situations, when possible, and always my go to piano to recommend to anyone looking for a great sound, action and portability.
Just bought a 920 in Canada !
@@AngeloTsocosMusic Yeah, was hoping and trying to love P515, and like sounds quality, but returned because (to my opinion) the keys was very heavy to my taste. Now several month with es920 and cannot imaging to exchange it for anything else.
@@alexgoriatchenkovI also returned P-515 after a few months. ES920 action is way to bouncy and noisy (on upstroke) for me
@@AngeloTsocosMusicis es920 much better sound and action than p525?
Hey Angelo. I’m looking between this or the Studiologic Numa X GT. Which do you think would be better? Want to use for piano practice at home and maybe double as a MIDI controller for VSTs later
Hiya thanks for watching. I’ve only used the Numa X GT once and I didn’t enjoyed the studiologic’s keybed nearly as much as most Yamaha ones. So my initial thought is the Yamaha will be better but do weigh up the cost difference. I would likely go for neither if specifically for piano practice and as a VST controller. The Kawai ES920 or Roland FP 90X would be better than both the Yamaha and Studiologic. Plus they are both a good price.
thanks!
@@AngeloTsocosMusic
I’m getting into piano and music production and have been looking for a keyboard. I originally wanted the P-515, and then decided to wait for the P-525 to come out. Now, after watching your reviews, I’m reconsidering a bit. I want something in the same price range - price and voices are the most important things I’m considering here, as I’d ideally like realistic choir, strings, and brass sounds… do you have any recommendations as what might be best for that?? Love your reviews!
Thank you for the lovely comment. For that I couldn’t help but recommend anything other than Native Instruments Komplete with an M- audio 88 length touch sensitive keyboard. Assuming you don’t want more form the keyboard and you just need a phenomenal controller and the best sounds available. That mix will cost you less and also give you more. 😁
i really like this guy's reviews
Agreed. Phenomenal review!
Thank you so much. That’s very kind of you to share.
Hello Angelo, thanks for your review. I don't think Soundboost and the bright EQ do justice to the sound of the Yamaha. It is understandable for live use as it cuts through the mix but the Yamaha samples sound so much better. Especially compared to the Roland which sounds artificially to me.
Yes very true! I did actually turn them off but forgot to mention it 🤦🏻♂️
@@AngeloTsocosMusic I guess the CFX sample in the P525 is the same as in the P515. Hereby a composition I've made with the P515 to give a new perspective on the CFX sample. Enjoy listening: ruclips.net/video/pPhzBQPJobE/видео.html
Why? Well because the super articulation voices are quite a premium product, and any instrument with weighted keys and piano feel would be too premium if got them. Only the Clavinova CVP line includes all those qualities for many thousands quid.
I have a P515, but watching your video I realised I really need to upgrade to bigger hands 😉
🤣🤣 Brilliant. I do have huge hands. I reach from a C to the G above the octave. Very helpful for piano playing for sure 😅
@@AngeloTsocosMusichow tall are you having such big hands ?
Currently have the P515 in my home, as my main practice piano, as well as the Roland Fantom 8…. Do you think there has been enough of an improvement to dump the 515, for the 525?
No. It’s a very easy answer for me. I don’t mean that in a bias way. Just a solid no from me. Only improvement that I like is the Bluetooth midi and audio functions which is nice.
@@AngeloTsocosMusicThank you very much for taking the time to reply, much appreciated!!! While I have the pleasure of quite a few high end keyboards, in the same league as the Fantom, I very much enjoy sitting down to my P515 for my evening practice every sing day!
Also a clear no by me, professional pianist. There are tiny changes here and there, just to call it a NEW model. But one major change: The keyboard feels completely different now. It's objectively much lighter now, going closer to the Kawai feel. Every Pro I talked to loved the 515 action, and now they've given in to the soft buttery touch that you can get with Kawai, Roland, Korg etc. (except Kawais MP-11). I quickly got myself another 515 on sale before they're all gone for this "improved" model. Yes, now I have two 515, one in reserve, cause key contact rubbers will always need repair after some years and I can't be without piano. (got a RUclips channel).
@@ChristianFuchsBlues Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. That is why I originally got the 515, as all the reviews I saw, at the time, talked about the Keybead, and several of my “Online” instructors said that was one of the most important things to consider! I have a Korg Kronos II and a Yamaha CP88, as well as the Fantom 8. But I think, even thought the CP88 comes sooooo close, I prefer the 515, as it makes me work for every single Hanon, LOL!!!
@ChristianFuchsBlues what’s “a clear no by me”? I realise it must be a typo but I’ve had no luck trying to work out what you meant 🤣
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the P-525. Have been wanting to upgrade from my P-125 and this may be the one.
Thank you for watching. The P-525 is indeed a significant upgrade to the P-125. The Kawai ES920 would also be on to consider and is about £600 cheaper than the P-525. Just a thought 😊
@@AngeloTsocosMusic Wow, really ??? In USA P525 is $ 1600 (plus tax) and es920 $ 1900 (plus tax).
@@AngeloTsocosMusic Here in the US the situation is reversed - the P525 is by far the cheapest of its comparable models ($300 less than the ES920 and $400-$600 less than the FP-90X depending on sales).
So which one is cheaper in the US? I am confused by contradicting statements
@@mfurman In USA P525 Cheaper by $ 300 then Kawai es 920.
The noise test did not work very well. Too much played tones heard!
Thank you for the review. Your comments about plastic black keys feel helped me a lot in deciding about buying P-525.
Michael
I know. I’m so sorry 🫣 The noise test was indeed a fail 🤦🏻♂️. Thank you for watching.
Is the audio from the instruments recorded to RUclips in stereo? The sound from both keyboards feels pretty 'flat' and uninteresting when listening through headphones, much worse audio impression than what I have heard elsewhere.
It's L+R into a nice quality mixer I have and then the L and R outputs are direct into an audio interface which connects to my Mac. I always welcome tips on how to improve any recorded sound though and am happy to take any advice you might like to offer. Than you for watching.
@@AngeloTsocosMusic Without knowing the details, it does sound like something got mixed up and the keyboard audio is now mono on RUclips, even if it isn't intentional. The audio is 'flat' inside your head, with zero spatial distribution left to right. Try listening to your own video, and compare it to the direct headphone output from for instance the P525.
Edit: By listening direct, I mean without going through your external mixer. IE. use headphones connected directly to the keyboard headphone output.
@@ElectroToneIt’s sounding stereo to me via RUclips when I play it? 🤔 Left is much deeper and right much more treble through my studio monitors. I’m not sure sorry 🙂
I've had the P-525 keyboard for less than 3 months, and there's a key that's no longer working. Despite it still being under warranty, the technical service is asking for 100 euros for the repairman's visit. Beware of the manufacturer's warranty, which is really poor.
very good video. i bought the p 525. i owned a rd 2000 and a kawai. i would choose the es 920 if it were in metal and has an audio interface. i love the p525 , because i only need the piano and an ipad and have all i need.
So true! I am totally in agreement with you. Thank you for watching 😊
Not gonna lie, I came into this thinking it would help me choose between the P525, DGX670 or Kawai ES920 and to the surprise of no one.... I'm still undecided hahaha
I only have myself to blame though, I thoroughly enjoyed the review but since I can only have ONE keyboard it's hard to balance all the pros and cons and come up with a clear winner. *sigh*
Video coming out tomorrow of this compared to the Yamaha DGX 670 and Kawai ES8 (The ES920 is better than the ES8 for sure so if you like the ES8 in the comparison video to the Yamaha DGX 670 and P-525 then I feel you will have your answer.)
@@AngeloTsocosMusic and that, my friend, is how you gain a subscriber! 😁
My 525 arrives tomorrow 😁
Hope you enjoy it!
@AngeloMusicUK I'm sure I will. The last DP I had was a P35 that I sold back in 2017. The P525 I'm sure will be an amazing instrument. I'm very excited
@@sidepiece8344How do you like the 525?
@Merq_v1 I absolutely love it! I've found myself enjoying the bosendorfer tones more than the cfx. I love the action but noticed that when it comes to the blacks they feel too light. Almost feels like cheaper keyboard action on the blacks but after some time it became almost unnoticeable. Overall I couldn't be happier with it!
@@sidepiece8344 I wish I could post pictures here. I found one at a Guitar Center here in Houston and JUST got home with it and then you sent that reply. It’s a sign I made a good choice! I’m considering doing an unboxing video since there aren’t that many posted. Might get a couple views on it. Lol. Thanks for replying!! I’m excited to try it out!
I like the P525, but played the Kawai es920. I prefer the Kawai SK samples, they feel warmer, a bit more like Nord.
Do you like Kawai action as well? Is it not too bouncy and clicky for you?
Sounds can be always substituted with piano VSTs but the action cannot be changed
@@mfurman l actually have the Kawai es8 now. I love the action and the piano sounds are nipping at the heals of my Nord Stage.... almost but not quite. But for a used piano the ES8 is brilliant.
Engraçado você Falou num outro vídeo que ação ph50 da Roland era um lixo ? agora um dos seus pianos favoritos tem ação ph50 ????? como te posso levar a serio pianista profissional. abraço de Portugal
You have misunderstood the naming of Roland’s actions. The action with the same name was redesigned and improved but kept the same name. The video you watched was the action in a FP-90. The fantom 8 and FP-90x have the action with the same name but it’s redesigned and MUCH better. I’m not surprised you have made the mistake of thinking an action with the same name is the same as the original one.
KAWAI MP11 SE still runs the show but we still appreciate Yamahas efforts ❤️💯
I have the Yamaha p225 , and the sound is worst than p125,with headphones, sounds less rich!! And I believed that the p225 would be better because of cfx sound of basic piano!
I agree with you. The advantage of P-225 is quiet action and USB Digital Audio Interface (it matters a little to me). I am still not sure if I will keep P-225.
By the way, white keys on GHC action are less than standard 15cm
Michael
@@mfurmanOut of curiosity (and sorry for hijacking the discussion). What is your keyboard? I am a mid-50s beginner and I also prefer a lighter action.
I am growing tired of the bouciness of my ES110 (particularly the annoying small bounces when the key hits the keybed... Like a stick hitting a drum... My joints really don't like the feel of it). I liked the action on the new casio px5000 and also like the fp30x. I was planning to test the p225. Any ideas?
@@vascogalhardo4326 It is interesting that you like both PX-S5000 and FP-30X actions.
They are different (PHA-4 is heavier and more noisy; The Casio action is too light but easy to play with some bounciness on the key return.
Here are the numbers:
PX-S5000
Middle C (C4) - ~54g
C7 - 50g
C6 - ~50g
C2 - 60g
C3 - ~
@@mfurmanSince I am an absolute beginner (40 years of classic guitar, now trying piano for a challenge), my impressions do not hold water... On action alone (own a few VSTs) I liked both the p125 and the fp30x, could not find the clp725 better than the p125, desliked the korgs, hated the p515, and loved the fp90x. Don't have kawais close to me and end up buying a used es110 as first piano. In a second store I tried a boxed and unplugged px5000 without sound and for a few seconds... On the fence now of ditching the es110 for another model, and if that will be worthwhile at my stage...
@@vascogalhardo4326 If you are not bothered by the noisy (especially on the way up) action, just keep ES110. PHA50 in Roland FP-90X is a good action (I really regret returning FP-90X to get FP-515). If you can afford it, it is a good choice.
Michael
I don't understand the point of this instrument. You can buy a Yamaha DGX 670 for around £700 (less than half the price) or a used DGX 660 for £520 (less than a third of the price) and both these alternatives have similar piano samples but hundreds more quality sounds, plus multi track recording, many drum kits, accompaniments and so on, and have fully weighted 88 keys and a very good stand as standard. So why would anyone buy the P-525 except that it is just a newer product. I can't see it has any qualities that justify the high price compared with what is already available.
I’m in totally in agreement with you. I think the reason was meant to be that the P-525 takes playing a digital piano to a different level of realism… but it doesn’t! Bit of a fail from Yamaha this time round I believe.
the dgx 670 has bad keys (2 sensored) and yamaha p 525 has high quality keys(3 sensors). and it has additional boesendörfer piano sound. the p515 keys are too heavy the p525 is lighter
I have a DGX 670 and agree it does a lot more than this instrument.
@@AngeloTsocosMusicget the Kawai es920
The point of the P series is to be a "piano" focused digital piano in contrast to DGX's digital piano with arranger features.
You get more features with DGX but you if you want higher quality piano sounds, better action and sensors and don't care much about the arranger and additional features, the P525 is supposedly better.
Though it seems Yamaha did missed the mark with this particular model.
monophonic sound……i stop listening right away. Worthless audio. Missed chance.
I guess you are just trolling as it sounds stereo to me and was recorded stereo into the Apollo. To be fair in festivals when you get a certain distance away the stereo sound will become mono to the ear anyway. And monophonic actually means one note played at a time used in that context. It’s polyphonic regardless of a mono or stereo output 😊
@@AngeloTsocosMusic I dont think he's trolling, but he's not exactly used the correct terminology. Your sound on the video sounds like its missing a LOT of clarity, space and detail compared to other demonstrations of this keyboard. There might be something wrong in your setup somewhere along the way. It DOES sound a lot tighter and center panned in comparison even to your voice ironically, which of course is in true mono.