Yamaha P85 88-Key Digital Piano
Yamaha P85 88-Key Digital State Piano is our #3 pick. Although a
digital piano, this stage piano delivers an authentic, natural sound of
an acoustic piano. The acoustic-like touch and feel is the result of
the GHS keyboard. Many important instrument sounds are provided called
“voices.” Electric piano voices, organ voices, string voices and even a
harpsichord voice. These “voices” are high quality in nature. There is
a song recording feature that is good for playbacks, studying or
accompaniment. There is a built-in metronome; half-pedal (included) AWM
Stereo Sampling, 64-note polyphony, 10 “voice” demo songs and 50 piano
songs.
Digital Piano Sound Quality:
This is the strength of this digital stage piano. There is also a
weakness explained in the “Playing the Instrument” section. The
high-fidelity natural sound is a direct result of the factors that make
up the Tone Generator. First is the primary sound source which is
rooted in Yamaha’s AWM Stereo Sampling. Yamaha’s sampling process is
meticulous and is evidenced in the output. If you were in another room
or unable to see this compact digital piano, you would believe the
sound is actually coming from an acoustic grand piano. Yet, this weighs
just less than 26 pounds. There are 4 types of reverbs that come into
play and found to contribute to this digital piano’s realistic sound.
In addition, there is a powerful chorus special effect. There are a
total of 10 distinct instrumental sounds available that Yamaha refers
to as “voices.” Voices can be played individually but because of
Yamaha’s Dual Voice feature, you can play 2 voices at once.
Playing this Digital Piano:
Because Yamaha follows through on GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) the
keyboard feels like an authentic acoustic piano. Depending on how you
play, changes will occur in tone and volume. So delivery is much like
an acoustic grand piano. This is in part, due to GHS but mostly as a
result of Yamaha’s sophisticated AWM Stereo Sampling technology. The
maximum Polyphony is 64 notes which is just fine for 95% of what might
be played, but if you find you mostly play very fast and many blocked
chords very rapid, then you could hear some key reverb cut off. Most
won’t find this as an impediment. If you do, then look to those digital
pianos with higher 126 to 128 note polyphony. Sound quality, touch and
feel more than make up for this downside otherwise.
Other Digital Piano Features:
A built-in metronome is convenient for practicing and recording. One
nice feature is the ability to record your own play. By capturing your
play, you can conveniently study and critique for improvement. This
digital piano has a nice sound system with two 6 watts speakers.
Digital Piano Accessories:
In addition to the owner’s manual, a simple Quick Operator’s Guide is
included. An AC power adaptor is included along with one pedal. You
also get a comfortable music rest. Ten Voices are available for
selection. Voices are instrumental sounds such as the organ, grand
piano, etc. Up to 2 Voices can be selected at one time.
Conclusion:
The Yamaha P85 Digital Piano delivers authentic, natural harmonic
sound. The touch and feel of this stage digital piano is extremely
close to an acoustic grand piano. This is the result of holding close
to GHS (Graded Hammer Standards). Change in tone and volume intuitively
changes play executions. As the result of Yamaha’s AWM stereo sampling
technology output is very near acoustic perfect. Weighing in at just
slightly less than 26 pounds, this digital piano is a wonderful
contender for any stage piano gig. Therefore, the Yamaha P85 88-Key
Digital Stage Piano is our #3 pick of our Top 5 digital pianos. |
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AWM Stereo
Sampling |
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Graded Hammer
Standard) |
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4 Reverb Types |
| |
Dual Voice
Feature |
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64-Note Polyphony |
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Two 6 Watts
Speakers |
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Play Capturing |
| |
10 Voices |
| |
Built-in
Metronome |
| |
50 Piano Songs |
| |
26 Pounds |
| |
Chorus Special
Effect |
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| |
Quick
Operator’s Guide |
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