I touched both pianos at the shop today, and I liked the Casio more. White keys have nice texture, so my fingers can slide on keys. Yamaha polished plastic keys have unwanted sticky effect if your fingers are a slightly sweaty. Keys action looked very similar, mb a little more soft/smooth feel on Yamaha. Also I liked Casio's slicky minimalistic design
Another good review by Stu. This is a comparison by pricepoint, which is fair enough, but the real Casio entry level portable piano is the CDP-S100. The Roland FP10 got a mention (good) but the Kawai ES110 should be on the list of honorable mentions (main brand 88-note beginner pianos) too. At this pricepoint I'd choose CDP-S350 over all three of the others, then maybe the ES110 in second place. I can believe that the P45's main piano patch/voice sounds marginally better, and the instrument will last longer and maybe resell better, but we're talking about 10 times more features, plus 70 times as many patches/voices on the S350. The onboard recording is a must for anybody who gets a bit creative. I suppose that the main reason for preferring the P-45 over the CDP-S350 is if you don't want your kids to get distracted by all the extra sounds and features. That's also what the (cheaper) CDP-S100 was made for IMO. Value for money is what Casio does best and Yamaha is a bit out of its usual orbit here, but the P-45 is a big seller - there's no denying it. If you really want a Yamaha, and you don't absolutely need 88 keys, my advice is to buy the P-121, which has a similar price and action, but only 73 keys. It's got a much better main patch/voice, more polyphony and many other advantages including line outputs.
Interesting commentary for sure. Personally I would not want the shorter keyboard. I had a Rhodes suitcase 76 and missed the extra keys. At this point in time, I'm not absolutely sure of the exact number of keys on the Rhodes. But the P-121 might be a great piano for gigging for many players particularly if it has the solid main voice and the other features you describe.
@@JoeLinux2000 I don't own a P-121, but according to my supplier, the main patch is sampled from Yamaha's CF piano. This is currently my favourite digital piano patch, though it's probable that higher end models like mine use better chips with more sophisticated versions of the same patch. Even the action can affect the patch. I'm using a CF patch on my P-255, which has the GH action, not the spongier GHS as found on The P-45 and the P-121. You can't have everything for less than 500 euros. The P-121 also features line outputs, onboard recording, high polyphony, and 24 patches which can be split and layered in 2s. A 73-key piano fits better into cars, and into small spaces in homes/uni digs and at gigs. I have literally fallen off a small stage because the bassist asked me to move over two more inches while I was preparing an 88-key portable piano. This injured me slightly and broke my power transformer lead, which I only finished repairing seconds before the band had to strike up. Now I have a special backup kit (spare leads & spare pedal etc) that can be unloaded too if I park very far from the stage. If you've ever arrived at a gig, only to realise that all your leads are still at home, you'll see why this kit lives in my car. The P-121's stablemate, the P-125 might become the new entry level Yamaha 88-key portable piano. The price needs to come down, but then the digital piano community can salute the outdated P-45 for its useful service while Yamaha puts it to rest. If the action matters a lot, try to get the Roland FP-30X, which supposedly has the best action and general quality at the 700 euro portable piano pricepoint. We fuss a lot about the exact sound on our practice instruments, but on stage, other issues are more critical. Gigging pianists on a budget should also look at the Korg D1 and the Roland RD88.
I think the CDP-S360 is where it's at now. With a new sound engine and polyphony increased to 128, which is finally acceptable, this piano is now practically without a drawback.
I have a Casio S350 - a replacement for the Yamaha P45s predecessor, the P85. I love it - except for one thing: unlike on the Yamaha, you cannot adjust the volume between the two voices if you layer two voices together. I liked the way, on the Yamaha, that I could have a grand piano voice on main volume with lower-volume strings layered underneath. You can't do that on the Casio - with the inevitable result that you get the strings layer playing far too loudly and drowning out the other voice.
Every piano has different features and adjustable parameters. The CDPS350 is definitely a fantastic digital piano that is impressively packed with sounds and features for the price, but, unfortunately, the aspect of layer volume adjustment is one detail that it is missing.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for your reply. I have the Casio on a 30-day return, and am seriously considering swapping it for the Yamaha P 45. I love all the Casio's voices - but they're a bit overkill! So many of them that I'd never use. Also, I do miss that layer balance feature. So, I have one other question, if I may... Of the two, which did you find had the quietest keyboard action? By this I mean any sound the keys made when returning to position after playing. On my old Yamaha P 85 (and this could easily have been wear and tear, because I had it for 12 years!), the keyboard was quite 'clunky' in that respect. I only really noticed it when I made a video recording of myself playing. On the playback, it actually ruined the recording (it was 'Cavatina', so quite a light and quiet piece). This was the main reason I decided to get a new digital piano. The Casio keyboard is definitely much quieter - but there is still an audible 'thunk' as the keys return to position. So I was just wondering if the Yamaha P 45 keyboard would be any quieter. Unfortunately, my nearest Yamaha showroom is too far away for me to travel to try the keyboard for real. I was just wondering what your thoughts are on this, and would be grateful for any advice. If I'm honest, I mainly want a piano and am not too bothered about the other voices as long as there are a few to choose from. The Casio was on offer (as it's now been replaced by the 360), so it was a good deal. But if the Yamaha's keyboard action, in all respects, is better - that would probably swing it for me for a swap-out.
Very nice review. Would have been interesting though to include The Roland FP-10 in the comparison. When it comes to the keybed/key - which is one of the most important factors if you want toe have a more authentic "piano feel" and/or want to use the instrument as a MIDI-controller, I think the FP-10 wind hands down versus both the P45 as well as the CDP-S350! The plyphony is also higher.
@@relaxeb455 estoy por literalmente comprar uno hoy, que tal va eso estos tres dias? es dificil encontrar alguien en español, sobre todo preguntarte como suena en cuanto a luminosidad o todos brillosos, ya que eso no me gusta mucho, prefiero algo mas calido
@@secret7204 hola, el piano me va realmente bien, pero sinceramente lo compré por sus teclas para usarlo como controlador midi, y a su vez si me lo llevo a otro lado tener un sonido decente. La sensibilidad me gusta bastante y tiene el peso graduado, honestamente su sonido es un 7 o 7.5/10, en mi opinión bueno por su precio, si tienes una pc podrías usarlo con daws y descargar librerías para Kontakt, lo cual sirve mucho para producción musical y poder grabar el audio de una manera profesional, te recomiendo el Noire, The Grandeur, Alicia's Keys, Ivory grand piano o algo así, y por último el Addictive Keys
FWIW, George Shearing said you cannot play loud and fast at the same time. I heard him stress this point myself in a piano technique seminar in Honolulu. Honestly Stu, so few pianists have the chops you do. I go with Cateen, who is masterful at playing the Casio. It has come to my attention that some of you views have no chops at all. It's nice to have a great action, but it comes at a price, and if you don't have the chops it makes no difference at all. I'm thinking of adding my own texture to the GHS on the DGX once I get it. It should be a relatively simple to do with fine sand paper or an undetermined grit at this point. Bronze wool or a green Scotch Brite should work as well. You fail to demonstrate the automation in depth which I believe is very important if you want to use it. Just how good and east to use is it? How well do the lead voices work with the accompaniment?
I guess we can't play fast and loud similtaneously because only relaxed hands have quick fingers. But certain boogie and stride piano techniques may serve as exceptions. Logically, stage nerves can slow a pianist's hands. Even seasoned pros may sometimes forget to keep the hands and body sufficiently relaxed.
I used to own a 2nd hand Yamaha Clavinova digital about 10 yrs ago. However it has this "sticky" problem where the plastic key mechanism gets worn out and the keys when depressed do not return or bounce back to its original position. Unlike other digital pianos like Roland or Casio which I bought later they do not have such problems despite cheaper. I am not sure if the present newer clavinova series still retain such bad features. So perhaps Yamaha should annouce this to placate potential buyers who fear wasting money and hence turn to other brands.
I have just tried the GH3 action and sound of the identical YDP 164 and compared it to the Roland HP 702 which is similar to their new compact F701. The latter has better spec sheet - but the S54 sounds and feels much more like an upright acoustic. So I just ordered the S54 for my country house (I have the Roland LX705 in my apartment and love it’s modulated sound which unfortunately is only available in their top models)
@@clausmossbeck7724 Thanks for the input! All I'm looking for is something that feels and sounds (at least a bit!) like an upright, while being compact, and not an eyesore in the living room. I'm not interested in other features or sounds, so will consider. Thanks again.
I can say the same for the Casio PX-150. I was disappointed that the Kawai es920 appeared to have a very noisy key bed too. This is something manufactures are going to have to address. On dishwashers the high end models have a better blanket covering them to make them seem more "premium."
@@JoeLinux2000 I was going to buy the ES920 then saw the same issue on the keys on another RUclips video and decided against. Now looking at the Roland F701 which is PH4 key action which I believe is not too bad on the noise front.
my P125's first D keys from the left sound much louder than the rest, using its speakers; doesn't happen using headphones. is there something wrong with it?
I think speakers have hard spots in them. Some notes will stick out. The nice thing about Pianoteq Pro is that you can adjust the every parameter on every note. Probably on a P-125 you are just stuck with the way it is.
@@JoeLinux2000 The speaker hardspot argument makes sense. I have noticed notes which have an extra ringing sound (P-255) mainly the D5. If I transpose the piano down a tone and play the E key instead, I get the same note sound with the same extra ring. So it's not a mechanical fault in the action/sensors. Well, acoustic pianos have strange overtones too, so my policy is to ignore the ring and get on with my playing, but after reading this above I'll do a test with asorted speakers and headphones.
Hello, I would like to ask one thing.. If I set a specific imposition on the p45, such as the hrz at 432, does this setting remain even if I turn off the keyboard? Thank you
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! It has been a while since I've used the P45 model, but I believe there is the option to save the settings so that they automatically load by default when you power up the unit. :)
This video is about a year and a half old. You can certainly expect some new video reviews and comparisons featuring the updated models like the CDPS360 very soon! ;) Thanks for tuning in!
I' ve already had Yamaha and Casios digital pianos.The both broke,at least,one of The Keys on keyboard.I think these pianos are build with weak material.The acoustic piano is better than these
I touched both pianos at the shop today, and I liked the Casio more. White keys have nice texture, so my fingers can slide on keys. Yamaha polished plastic keys have unwanted sticky effect if your fingers are a slightly sweaty. Keys action looked very similar, mb a little more soft/smooth feel on Yamaha. Also I liked Casio's slicky minimalistic design
Good to know!
YAMAHA. 5:09. CASIO 6:40
YAMAHA. 20:51 CASIO 19:57
Stu i'm hooked, you're great, don't stop.
You can naturally teach, show, explain and convince, i'm glad that i found you. Live long and prosper :)
Purchased my digital piano a couple weeks ago (thanks to Stu). Just here for the great playing
Which one did you buy?
@@gregfagan38 Bought the Roland FP-30X
Your review videos are so good that they reach ASMR level for me
Another good review by Stu. This is a comparison by pricepoint, which is fair enough, but the real Casio entry level portable piano is the CDP-S100. The Roland FP10 got a mention (good) but the Kawai ES110 should be on the list of honorable mentions (main brand 88-note beginner pianos) too. At this pricepoint I'd choose CDP-S350 over all three of the others, then maybe the ES110 in second place.
I can believe that the P45's main piano patch/voice sounds marginally better, and the instrument will last longer and maybe resell better, but we're talking about 10 times more features, plus 70 times as many patches/voices on the S350. The onboard recording is a must for anybody who gets a bit creative.
I suppose that the main reason for preferring the P-45 over the CDP-S350 is if you don't want your kids to get distracted by all the extra sounds and features. That's also what the (cheaper) CDP-S100 was made for IMO. Value for money is what Casio does best and Yamaha is a bit out of its usual orbit here, but the P-45 is a big seller - there's no denying it.
If you really want a Yamaha, and you don't absolutely need 88 keys, my advice is to buy the P-121, which has a similar price and action, but only 73 keys. It's got a much better main patch/voice, more polyphony and many other advantages including line outputs.
Interesting commentary for sure. Personally I would not want the shorter keyboard. I had a Rhodes suitcase 76 and missed the extra keys. At this point in time, I'm not absolutely sure of the exact number of keys on the Rhodes. But the P-121 might be a great piano for gigging for many players particularly if it has the solid main voice and the other features you describe.
@@JoeLinux2000
I don't own a P-121, but according to my supplier, the main patch is sampled from Yamaha's CF piano. This is currently my favourite digital piano patch, though it's probable that higher end models like mine use better chips with more sophisticated versions of the same patch. Even the action can affect the patch. I'm using a CF patch on my P-255, which has the GH action, not the spongier GHS as found on The P-45 and the P-121. You can't have everything for less than 500 euros.
The P-121 also features line outputs, onboard recording, high polyphony, and 24 patches which can be split and layered in 2s. A 73-key piano fits better into cars, and into small spaces in homes/uni digs and at gigs.
I have literally fallen off a small stage because the bassist asked me to move over two more inches while I was preparing an 88-key portable piano. This injured me slightly and broke my power transformer lead, which I only finished repairing seconds before the band had to strike up. Now I have a special backup kit (spare leads & spare pedal etc) that can be unloaded too if I park very far from the stage. If you've ever arrived at a gig, only to realise that all your leads are still at home, you'll see why this kit lives in my car.
The P-121's stablemate, the P-125 might become the new entry level Yamaha 88-key portable piano. The price needs to come down, but then the digital piano community can salute the outdated P-45 for its useful service while Yamaha puts it to rest.
If the action matters a lot, try to get the Roland FP-30X, which supposedly has the best action and general quality at the 700 euro portable piano pricepoint. We fuss a lot about the exact sound on our practice instruments, but on stage, other issues are more critical. Gigging pianists on a budget should also look at the Korg D1 and the Roland RD88.
I think the CDP-S360 is where it's at now. With a new sound engine and polyphony increased to 128, which is finally acceptable, this piano is now practically without a drawback.
I have a Casio S350 - a replacement for the Yamaha P45s predecessor, the P85. I love it - except for one thing: unlike on the Yamaha, you cannot adjust the volume between the two voices if you layer two voices together. I liked the way, on the Yamaha, that I could have a grand piano voice on main volume with lower-volume strings layered underneath. You can't do that on the Casio - with the inevitable result that you get the strings layer playing far too loudly and drowning out the other voice.
Every piano has different features and adjustable parameters. The CDPS350 is definitely a fantastic digital piano that is impressively packed with sounds and features for the price, but, unfortunately, the aspect of layer volume adjustment is one detail that it is missing.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for your reply. I have the Casio on a 30-day return, and am seriously considering swapping it for the Yamaha P 45. I love all the Casio's voices - but they're a bit overkill! So many of them that I'd never use. Also, I do miss that layer balance feature. So, I have one other question, if I may... Of the two, which did you find had the quietest keyboard action? By this I mean any sound the keys made when returning to position after playing. On my old Yamaha P 85 (and this could easily have been wear and tear, because I had it for 12 years!), the keyboard was quite 'clunky' in that respect. I only really noticed it when I made a video recording of myself playing. On the playback, it actually ruined the recording (it was 'Cavatina', so quite a light and quiet piece). This was the main reason I decided to get a new digital piano. The Casio keyboard is definitely much quieter - but there is still an audible 'thunk' as the keys return to position. So I was just wondering if the Yamaha P 45 keyboard would be any quieter. Unfortunately, my nearest Yamaha showroom is too far away for me to travel to try the keyboard for real. I was just wondering what your thoughts are on this, and would be grateful for any advice. If I'm honest, I mainly want a piano and am not too bothered about the other voices as long as there are a few to choose from. The Casio was on offer (as it's now been replaced by the 360), so it was a good deal. But if the Yamaha's keyboard action, in all respects, is better - that would probably swing it for me for a swap-out.
wow, pxs3000 x dgx 670 also sounds good comparision...
Very nice review. Would have been interesting though to include The Roland FP-10 in the comparison. When it comes to the keybed/key - which is one of the most important factors if you want toe have a more authentic "piano feel" and/or want to use the instrument as a MIDI-controller, I think the FP-10 wind hands down versus both the P45 as well as the CDP-S350! The plyphony is also higher.
Great review! Subbed.
Gracias a este video me decidí a comprar el casio cdp-s350
Por fin tengo el casio cdp s350 y es una maravilla!!
@@relaxeb455 estoy por literalmente comprar uno hoy, que tal va eso estos tres dias? es dificil encontrar alguien en español, sobre todo preguntarte como suena en cuanto a luminosidad o todos brillosos, ya que eso no me gusta mucho, prefiero algo mas calido
@@secret7204 hola, el piano me va realmente bien, pero sinceramente lo compré por sus teclas para usarlo como controlador midi, y a su vez si me lo llevo a otro lado tener un sonido decente. La sensibilidad me gusta bastante y tiene el peso graduado, honestamente su sonido es un 7 o 7.5/10, en mi opinión bueno por su precio, si tienes una pc podrías usarlo con daws y descargar librerías para Kontakt, lo cual sirve mucho para producción musical y poder grabar el audio de una manera profesional, te recomiendo el Noire, The Grandeur, Alicia's Keys, Ivory grand piano o algo así, y por último el Addictive Keys
@@secret7204 ruclips.net/user/shortsq5lZCjC7p70?feature=share acabo de subir un video para ayudarte mejor con tu duda amigo
@@secret7204 ruclips.net/video/JPLzQcB5CI4/видео.html también te recomiendo este video sobre el piano si sabes inglés, bastante informativo
FWIW, George Shearing said you cannot play loud and fast at the same time. I heard him stress this point myself in a piano technique seminar in Honolulu. Honestly Stu, so few pianists have the chops you do. I go with Cateen, who is masterful at playing the Casio. It has come to my attention that some of you views have no chops at all. It's nice to have a great action, but it comes at a price, and if you don't have the chops it makes no difference at all. I'm thinking of adding my own texture to the GHS on the DGX once I get it. It should be a relatively simple to do with fine sand paper or an undetermined grit at this point. Bronze wool or a green Scotch Brite should work as well. You fail to demonstrate the automation in depth which I believe is very important if you want to use it. Just how good and east to use is it? How well do the lead voices work with the accompaniment?
I guess we can't play fast and loud similtaneously because only relaxed hands have quick fingers. But certain boogie and stride piano techniques may serve as exceptions. Logically, stage nerves can slow a pianist's hands. Even seasoned pros may sometimes forget to keep the hands and body sufficiently relaxed.
Thanks a Lot!
I used to own a 2nd hand Yamaha Clavinova digital about 10 yrs ago. However it has this "sticky" problem where the plastic key mechanism gets worn out and the keys when depressed do not return or bounce back to its original position. Unlike other digital pianos like Roland or Casio which I bought later they do not have such problems despite cheaper. I am not sure if the present newer clavinova series still retain such bad features. So perhaps Yamaha should annouce this to placate potential buyers who fear wasting money and hence turn to other brands.
Excelente comparação!
Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Still not Roland FP-90X... I guess a like can help you review it too.
Yes but what setting in weight do you have the Casio set on as you can alter the weight
Demo with fur elize. Then every body knows which tone is good especially piano voices
Have you ever reviewed a Yamaha with a GH3 action? I'm looking at the S54 currently. Thanks!
I have just tried the GH3 action and sound of the identical YDP 164 and compared it to the Roland HP 702 which is similar to their new compact F701. The latter has better spec sheet - but the S54 sounds and feels much more like an upright acoustic. So I just ordered the S54 for my country house (I have the Roland LX705 in my apartment and love it’s modulated sound which unfortunately is only available in their top models)
@@clausmossbeck7724 Thanks for the input! All I'm looking for is something that feels and sounds (at least a bit!) like an upright, while being compact, and not an eyesore in the living room. I'm not interested in other features or sounds, so will consider. Thanks again.
I have the 350 and the keys are so noisy - it's infuriating how loud they are when playing
I can say the same for the Casio PX-150. I was disappointed that the Kawai es920 appeared to have a very noisy key bed too. This is something manufactures are going to have to address. On dishwashers the high end models have a better blanket covering them to make them seem more "premium."
@@JoeLinux2000 I was going to buy the ES920 then saw the same issue on the keys on another RUclips video and decided against. Now looking at the Roland F701 which is PH4 key action which I believe is not too bad on the noise front.
Agree, it was my biggest issue with this digi piano. Now, I use headphones while playing and had to get used to it.
super
my P125's first D keys from the left sound much louder than the rest, using its speakers; doesn't happen using headphones. is there something wrong with it?
I think speakers have hard spots in them. Some notes will stick out. The nice thing about Pianoteq Pro is that you can adjust the every parameter on every note. Probably on a P-125 you are just stuck with the way it is.
@@JoeLinux2000
The speaker hardspot argument makes sense. I have noticed notes which have an extra ringing sound (P-255) mainly the D5. If I transpose the piano down a tone and play the E key instead, I get the same note sound with the same extra ring. So it's not a mechanical fault in the action/sensors. Well, acoustic pianos have strange overtones too, so my policy is to ignore the ring and get on with my playing, but after reading this above I'll do a test with asorted speakers and headphones.
Большое спасибо!
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! :)
Hello, I would like to ask one thing.. If I set a specific imposition on the p45, such as the hrz at 432, does this setting remain even if I turn off the keyboard? Thank you
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! It has been a while since I've used the P45 model, but I believe there is the option to save the settings so that they automatically load by default when you power up the unit. :)
@@MerriamPianos yes, It is true this type of setting remains, thanks so much! :)
So he says neither has a discrete line out but then he also said they are recording doing a direct line out? I don't understand what he is saying.
The headphone jacks on digital pianos can also be used as a line out to capture the audio directly from the tone engine. :)
XE20 vs CDPS360?
the Casio CDP 360 has replaced the 350, correct?
Yes! That is correct. :)
Hi! What about review the newest model p145...?
We will do our best to tackle that as soon as possible! :)
is this possible to assigning half of keyboard for bass guitar and other half of keyboard for grand piano ?
Yes! These instruments both have a Split function, which allows you to split the keyboard in half and access two different sounds for each range.
@@MerriamPianos thank you very much. i think this is very smart product!
Big Bang Theory meets Piano
Haha that is a good way to put it! :)
Sounds like yamaha is not even a contender. Also it rips your fingernails off omg!
P45 is outdated. If you got the money, get the Roland FP30X, otherwise the Casio CDP S360 is better than the CDP S350.
This video is about a year and a half old. You can certainly expect some new video reviews and comparisons featuring the updated models like the CDPS360 very soon! ;)
Thanks for tuning in!
cdps360 vs ddp80plus?
Thanks for the suggestion! We are not Donner dealers, but we will do our best to tackle that comparison to you. :)
I' ve already had Yamaha and Casios digital pianos.The both broke,at least,one of The Keys on keyboard.I think these pianos are build with weak material.The acoustic piano is better than these
Of course, you want to buy an entry-level digital piano with an acoustic piano for thousands of dollars?
You can't compare a £300 keyboard to a 50 grand stineway get a grip