Yamaha P-105 Review (2020)

The piano features various Function modes, and Duo Mode is one of the most useful. It allows side-by-side playing for personal instruction or group lessons. Duo Mode allows both players to perform simultaneously with each having their own middle C.

This automatic feature changes the instrument’s EQ based on the set volume in order to create the best tonal balance at any volume level. The Intelligent Acoustic Control is optimized for use with the speakers, and it prevents distortion that can interfere with live performance or group practice.

The various included styles assist as an automatic partner, and they play with the user in ten different settings. By using one chord, the Pianist Style can create an entire accompaniment around it. This is the only model in Yamaha’s digital piano lineup that carries this feature.

The digital piano features line-in and line-out outputs for connecting to external devices without disrupting speaker sound. The USB port allows the user to transfer tracks to a computer.

The Yamaha P105 is a compact piano in the Yamaha P series. With a length of ‎‎52.2" and width of 11", the P105 is a standard-sized keyboard. Since the P-‎‎105 weighs 36 lbs, it's not the most portable, given that most portable ‎keyboards weigh 30 lbs and less. On the other hand, this piano can be used ‎for gigs as long as you don't mind the extra poundage. Many pianists see the ‎P-150 as a hybrid between a home and a gigging keyboard. ‎

If you live in a home, studio, or dorm, this digital piano will fit nicely even if your ‎space is limited. The keyboard's black matte finish yields a smooth and shiny ‎surface, which can also be a nice visual touch for your home. ‎

Upon purchasing the P-105, you only receive the keyboard itself. In light of ‎that, you'll have to buy a separate keyboard stand as well as any other ‎accessories you want. If you're someone who doesn't prefer sheet music, a ‎stand may not even be necessary. A music rest comes with the package and ‎meets the basic needs of beginners and professionals alike. ‎

The keys on this piano have standard functionality compared with Yamaha's ‎other keyboards. With Graded Hammer Standard Action, the P105 delivers ‎reliable key control. ‎

An excellent aspect of this keyboard is the incorporation of tiny hammers. ‎Pianists enjoy the feel of these small hammers and often compare the action ‎to a real grand piano. For added realism, the P-105 also features graded keys, ‎which vary the amount of key resistance. The lower keys tend to have a ‎slightly higher resistance than the higher keys on real Pianos due to internal ‎physics. The P-105's emulation of this effect allows pianists to transition to an ‎acoustic piano effortlessly.‎

Though the keyboard doesn't perfectly mimic the touch of a real Piano, it's ‎still an excellent value for its price. Keyboards with better action exist but tend ‎to cost over $1000, which can be a hefty price to pay for some. ‎

With 14 excellent-sounding tones, the keyboard's database embraces quality ‎over quantity. Some keyboards come with hundreds of sounds, which can be ‎alluring for entertainment seekers. The P-105's sound quality can be ‎refreshing for those seeking rich and accurate instruments. ‎

The keyboards that contain hundreds or thousands of tones may come with ‎two prices. One price being physical cost, and the other being a lack of sound ‎quality. The P-105's Pure CF sound engine ensures world-class sounds, ‎including two Grand Pianos, four Electric Pianos, three Organs, two Basses, a ‎Vibraphone, Strings, and Harpsichord.‎

To produce an ultra-realistic experience, Yamaha took direct audio samples ‎from the world-renowned CFIIIS Concert Grand Piano and put them into the P-‎‎105. So, when you play the P-105, you basically hear the tone of a full-sized ‎Concert Grand. Like many standard keyboards, the P-105 has 128-note ‎polyphony, which is plenty for most people. Polyphony dictates the total ‎number of notes that can be played simultaneously on the keyboard. ‎

Yamaha P105 uses the Pure CF sound sampling method to capture a genuine acoustic piano sound.

The instrument has a dependable touch response that realistically offers the same action as the real thing.

The feel of the P-105 is quite similar to a genuine piano. The keys are weighted and textured, making it very familiar for piano players and acting as good training for those planning on advancing to the acoustic.

Compared to many other models, the P-105 is much lighter. This weight difference makes it preferable for hauling around to and from practices and performances.

Headphone jacks allow for maintaining ideal sound while playing quietly, and its various Function modes allow for group practice sessions and teaching.

In all truth, the P-105 is one of the most impressive models in Yamaha’s lineup, but there are some features found on many other digital pianos that would improve this one. An external speaker system, keyboard cover, pedal and stabilizer could enhance overall functioning of the instrument. It would also do well with direct MIDI connections instead of requiring a USB to MIDI cable.