In the world of digital pianos there are really only a few well respected brands. Yamaha, in particular, the Clavinova line of digital pianos is by far, the worlds most preferred instrument. Be it for their superior feeling 88 note weighted action keyboards, their world renowned CF Grand and Bosendofer Imperial Grand Piano samples, their incredibly elegant styling or a combination of, there is a Yamaha Clavinova model to suit almost any budget and any playing level.
Figuring out which model is right for you can sometimes be difficult for people unfamiliar with all of the ins and outs of the various models. That is what we here at Kaos Music can help with. Our team has its roots in digital keyboards and digital pianos dating back as far as 1989. Our initial store was called "Keyboard Kaos" and we dealt exclusively with keyboards, digital recording products and yes, Yamaha Clavinova Digital Pianos. Since then, we have been Ontario's most knowledgeable digital piano dealer, something that we take pride in.
Below, you will find information on each of the Clavinova models. More specifically, if each description, we highlight the difference in that model in comparison with the previous model. This lets you quickly understand what features get better as you progress through the line up and what those improvements mean to a typical consumer. At any time, feel 100% free to contact us by text or email. We are more than happy to help with any questions.
The first in Clavinova line up, the 825 is clearly designed as an entry level instrument in terms of price and features but don't mistake it as an instrument that is not good sounding and good feeling. This instrument sounds very good and has the same high quality 88 note Grandtouch-S Synthetic weighted action keyboard as the next two more expensive models so it is not to be mistaken as a "cheap" model. Where Yamaha cut corners on this model was in the number of extra sounds, the number of recordings that you can keep on the instrument and the number of tracks that the built in recorder can record as well as giving it a smaller PA/Speaker system.
Who is the Yamaha CLP825 suitable for? Anyone really but mostly newer, less experienced players. The Clavinova line is Yamaha's most prestigious digital piano line and therefore, really only has nice feeling, good sounding instruments in it. That said, this is the first, most budget minded model with the fewest features, the most basic (remember still really good) piano samples and the most basic styling for its cabinet. As such, it will appeal more to newer players who want all of the benefits of this type of instrument but want it on as tight a budget as possible. It is an excellent first instrument for a new player and may very well last them their entire lifetime depending on how advanced a player they become. Some may want/need to upgrade at some point (years later) to achieve a better, more authentic feel and sound.
Keyboard - 88 note weighted Grandtouch-S with Synthetic Keys
Number of sounds - 10
Number of recorder songs - 1
Tracks per recorded song - 2
Email us with any questions, we are happy to help :)
The second model in the Clavinova line-up, this model is where the new fun really begins. Moving up from the 825, there is no difference in the keyboard. This model carries on with the Grandtouch-S Synthetic Key keyboard so, it feels the same. The number of samples per key on the piano samples is increased so while it literally feels the same as a 825 it does not sound the same. It's piano samples have increased definition and clarity, also aided by its increase wattage speaker system. The 835 is also the first and least expensive model to include enabling rhythm playback and multi-track (16 track) recording using any/all of the 38 built in sounds. The number of songs that can be stored on board is increased from 1 - 250. It is also the first model to allow you to connect an external HD and the first model to enable audio (wav file) recording of your recorded songs. Available in Satin Black, Polished Black & White Birch (pictured), White and Dark Rosewood.
Keyboard - 88 note weighted Grandtouch-S with Synthetic Keys
Number of sounds - 38
Number of recorder songs - 250
Tracks per recorded song - 16
Other: Wav file recording, external drive hook up
Who is the Yamaha CLP 835 suitable for? Again, anyone could enjoy this digital piano but being the second model in the line, it is not overly expensive compared to the higher models yet shares many of the higher end features. Anyone who would enjoy having additional sounds beyond piano sounds and might like to get involved with multi-track recording would benefit from the extra sounds and capabilities of this model without moving too far up the financial latter of the line. Also, the styling of this model is quite improved from the 825 making it look a lot more fancy then its price point. Lastly, if nothing else, moving up from the 825 to this model does give you a nicer overall playing experience thanks to the increased piano sample sizes and the larger speaker system ... Well worth the upgrade in our opinion.
Email us with any questions, we are happy to help :)
This is the third model in the Clavinova Digital Piano line-up. Compared to the previous model, the 835, it has essentially all of the same features with the exception of a larger more powerful speaker system. What you can not see on the spec sheet is that each note of the piano samples has an increased number of samples giving it a much more precise and clear tone. It sounds better then the 835. It also looks better with more "piano" type styling. It starts to look more like a real piano and less like a digital piano.
Keyboard - 88 note weighted Grandtouch-S with Synthetic Keys
Number of sounds - 38
Number of recorder songs - 250
Tracks per recorded song - 16
Other: Wav file recording, external drive hook up
Who is the Yamaha CLP 845 Clavinova Digital Piano suitable for? As always, anyone really but for those with some extra dollars in their budget and for those who want a better piano sound than the already very good CLP 835, the 845 may be the right choice, if not a higher end model. Also, its more contemporary styling may be enough for some people to opt for the upgrade. All that said, with all of the features of the 835, a much improved set of piano sounds and really nice styling, the 845 makes a fantastic choice. Again, well worth the increase in price over the 835. Yamaha does model upgrades really well.
Email us with any questions, we are happy to help :)
This model is perhaps the best VALUE in the line-up. Not the least expensive by a long shot but also not the most expensive. The reason that we like this model for its value is because it shares most of the features of the top model at a significantly lower price. The 875 incorporates the newer and much improved Grandtouch keyboard with wooden keys. This keyboard's keys have a longer mechanism internally which produce a much more authentic feeling key. Feels a LOT more like a real piano. The lower models feel very good, this model feels fantastic. It also incorporates a feature called "Grand piano pedal response" which uses computer modelling to emulate how the piano sounds when the pedal is pressed down at different levels. The lower models pedals are basically on and off type pedals. Again, this model has more piano samples per key and a bigger, 3 way PA/speaker system which produces an incredibly good sounding piano sound. Along with all of the other features of the Clavinova, this model takes the piano experience up a number of notches and yes, it looks better as well. With every model upgrade, the instruments get better more eloquent looking.
Keyboard - 88 note weighted Grandtouch with wooden Keys
Number of sounds - 38
Number of recorder songs - 250
Tracks per recorded song - 16
Other: Wav file recording, external drive hook up, 3 way 140watt spk system
Who is the CLP 875 suitable for - At its higher price, this instrument is not going to be for everyone although anyone would certainly enjoy it. That said, more advanced players or players aspiring to be more advanced will be drawn to this instrument because of its superior keyboard feel and excellent piano tones. For some, the eloquent styling of this model may be enough to motivate them to step up to this level but most people will choose it for the playing experience. It is truly quite a bit better than the 845 (which is excellent in its own right). Don't forget that this model also has all of the extra sound features and recording functionality of the 845 on top of the improved keyboard and sound quality.
Email us with any questions, we are happy to help :)
The Yamaha CLP 885 - The flagship of the Yamaha Clavinova CLP line-up, the 885 incorporates the best of all features and sound quality currently available from Yamaha. Compared to the 875, it has the same keyboard, the Grandtouch wooden key keyboard so it feels the same. It does have an improved sample size for the piano sounds so it is moderately better sounding than the 875. It also has the most "piano" like styling which does look pretty awesome. It is offered in Polished Black, Satin Black and the very nice Polished White. Beyond the best sounding piano samples and the nicest styling, the 885 offers a fully packed synth with Yamaha's XG sounds, all 480 of them to use in your songwriting and when playing back song files. Together with the Pianist app or any other DAW recording software, the 885 is the foundation of a professional recording setup.
Keyboard - 88 note weighted Grandtouch with wooden Keys
Number of sounds - 38 + 480 XG
Number of recorder songs - 250
Tracks per recorded song - 16
Other: Wav file recording, external drive hook up, 3 way 150watt spk system
Who is the CLP 885 Suitable for - As always, anyone could thoroughly enjoy this instrument. However, with its top tier set of features and appointments, it is geared towards players who want the best possible piano feel and sound available in a digital format instrument which most often means more experienced players. However, players of any ability level may like to have an instrument like this knowing that they have purchased an instrument that will last them their lifetime. Beyond the best possible piano keyboard feel and piano sample quality, the 480 additional XG sounds and recording capability make this instrument perfect for someone looking for a digital piano that also has many of the capabilities of a full synthesizer workstation in terms of home recording. When you consider that this instrument is really two high end instruments (world class digital piano and high end recording workstation) in one beautiful package, it seems a lot less expensive.
Email us with any questions, we are happy to help :)
The Yamaha CLP 865 GP - Yamaha offers two models in a baby grand cabinet format. The 865GP is the lower priced of the two but is by no means a cheap or under performing instrument. Simply put, the 865GP is essentially a CLP845 in a baby grand format built completely to satisfy a segments of the market that would like their digital piano to look like an acoustic baby grand. Sometimes, these instruments will find themselves in spaces that are otherwise quite eloquent and would look awkward with a digital piano in them. This model can very capably imitate a real baby grand piano and therefore fit in very well in these more stylish rooms. The 845 is basically mid point of the Clavinova line-up so it has their Grandtouch-S keyboard and a set of very nice piano samples. It is worth noting that the 865 has a larger Speaker system then the 845 and is also more solid feeling with its larger format cabinet. As a result, the playing experience of the CLP 865 GP is nicer and more satisfying then the 845 even though they are both based on the same keyboard and piano sample. Lastly, this model is available in either a polished black or a polished white depending on the space it is being put in.
Keyboard - 88 note weighted Grandtouch-S with Synthetic Keys
Number of sounds - 38
Number of recorder songs - 250
Tracks per recorded song - 16
Other: Wav file recording, external drive hook up
Who is the CLP 865 GP suitable for - This is an easy one. Because of its cabinet and styling, this model is geared towards anyone who would like their digital piano to look like a small baby grand. The Grandtouch-S keyboard and the higher level piano samples should satisfy most players unless the player either demands the better feel of the Grandtouch keyboard and/or the superior sound of the 795GP. Also worth noting, this model may be a good choice for someone who actually would prefer an acoustic baby grand because of the styling but simply does not have room or has a volume constraint (condo owners). The 865 GP is quite a bit smaller than even the smallest acoustic baby grand, approx 1-2 feet on the front to back dimension. This 1-2 feet may be the difference between getting a baby grand or not depending on the space it must go in.
Email us with any questions, we are happy to help :)
The Yamaha CLP 895 GP - The top of the line Clavinova. It every respect, this model is the best of the best. It is based on the 885 platform so it has the best keyboard (the Grandtouch), the best sounding piano samples, the most elaborate set of sounds and recording capability all built into a full (smaller) piano baby grand cabinet. One must get up close enough to this instrument to know that it is not a real, acoustic piano. The cabinet is that real and definitely that fantastically beautiful. The controls are so well concealed that it really does fool most people. Like the 885, playing this instrument is a pure joy. It feels amazing (even more than the 885 because of how solid the cabinet is) and sounds even better due to the placement of the speakers. Like the 885, one can simply play piano or one can play along with arrangements using the 480 built in sounds or one can record entire arrangements using the built in 16 track recorder. As I said, it is the top model in all respects.
Keyboard - 88 note weighted Grandtouch with wooden Keys
Number of sounds - 38 + 480 XG
Number of recorder songs - 250
Tracks per recorded song - 16
Other: Wav file recording, external drive hook up, 3 way 150watt spk system
Who is the CLP 895 GP suitable for - Anyone who has the space, budget and desire to have an instrument that looks and plays as good as this one does. This could mean someone with a very keen and specific styling need. It could also mean someone who would like the best playing experience possible and likes the styling. This model and 865 GP are often good choices for people in town houses, apartments and condos. Because it is smaller than a real baby grand it often fits where a real piano would not. Also, in a condo or apartment, volume is almost always an issue. This model offers the player the eloquent styling of a real baby grand with the playing experience of a real piano at a neighbour friendly volume. It would be a solid choice for a bar or restaurant who wanted the styling of a baby grand piano but did not want the maintenance and tuning. While heavy, this instrument is a lot more portable than a real baby grand piano. Our personal note, is that this instrument, while definitely expensive, offers many very real benefits for many possible situations and would its purpose, maintenance free for decades.
Email us with any questions, we are happy to help :)
Additional Information from Yamaha's Website:
The Allure of the CLP-800 Series
The CLP Series of digital pianos utilizes cutting-edge technology to recreate the experience of performing on a grand piano, allowing the pianist to play the keys with many variations of speed and depth to achieve an unlimited variation in tone and create uniquely personal performances. With expressive capabilities approaching those of a grand piano, the CLP-800 Series is sure to make playing the piano so much more enjoyable than ever before.
Convenience Only Digital Pianos Can Deliver
Clavinova pianos are loaded with convenient features only digital pianos can deliver. You can use headphones to keep your surroundings quiet, or connect a Bluetooth® device to your Clavinova for playback through its speakers. Also, connect to Yamaha’s app, Smart Pianist, to gain extra help for your piano practice. The touch-sensitive control panel only displays text when it is on—when the panel is off, it has the smooth finish of a keyblock just like an acoustic piano.
Playability
Featuring the latest GrandTouch/GrandTouch-S keyboards with a broad dynamic range of touch and response on the level of a grand piano. Excellent consistency and nuanced expression give the pianist the utmost control over touch.
Sensitivity
Grand Expression Modeling is a groundbreaking new technology that enables the pianist to use their techniques to produce the limitless tonal variation unique to grand pianos. The ability to vary the intensity and speed of touch to produce different tones adds another dimension to the joy of musical expression.
Sound Quality
Virtual Resonance Modeling performs real-time modeling of the sympathetic resonance created by the behavior of the strings and body of the instrument—the foundation of the beautiful sound of a genuine grand piano. Also, the latest acoustic design technology delivers lifelike concert grand piano tone and resonance to your home for you to enjoy.