When I was searching for a digital piano, I found online product reviews very helpful. So three weeks after my purchase, I want to give back by contributing a review of my own.
I studied piano as an adolescent and then played, performed, and recorded a little as a sometimes serious amateur. My acoustic piano stayed with my parents when I left home. My living space is on an upper floor with no elevator, so it would be challenge to get my acoustic piano in here. And I don't know if I would ever want to disturb my downstairs neighbor with the sound of it.
I have a Yamaha PSR-292 keyboard that I bought in 2002 for $300. In the age of the iPhone with a lifespan of only two or three years, I am impressed that the PSR-292 works like new after 14 years and occasional heavy use. And I have always liked how it has a half-decent piano sound. But with only 61 keys that are organ style, it will never play like an acoustic piano.
I began my search for a digital piano with my first trip to Guitar Center in probably ten years. I was immediately encouraged at the range of affordable choices. I played Yamaha, Williams, and Casio models that all seemed to have decent hammer action for under $1,000. I admired the simplicity of the controls on Yamaha's cheapest model with weighted keys, the P-45, which costs only $400. And the DGX-660, with its many sounds and fun features, appealed to me too.
It was at this stage when I think I knew I disliked the cheaper feel of the Casio and Williams models. Some Casio models had an iPhone-style touch screen that I worried would only last as long as an iPhone. So I focused on the Yamahas and learned about their hammer action, key surface materials, and sounds. I considered the Arius models that are designed to look almost like actual pianos, but soon determined that I would not be putting the piano in a part of the house where the appearance mattered.
I understood that the P-255 ($1,300) has Yamaha's Graded Key rather than Graded Key Standard action, as well as synthetic key ivory key surfaces, putting it above the P-45, P-115, and DGX-660. The internal speakers of the P-255 are more powerful than these lesser models too. Another pianist strongly advised me to get a model with wooden keys, but such models start at $3,500, which was much more than I was prepared to spend.
I drove an hour to try models models which people online suggest as alternatives outside Yamaha's lineup. The Kawai ES8 seemed like a very solid product, but $2,000 plus accessories was outside my budget. I also liked the feel, sound, and features of the Roland FP-80 and could afford it at $1,400 (plus accessories). But honestly the lighted buttons annoyed me and I got the feeling that if I went with Roland, the FP-90 would have been right for me, but at $1,800 plus accessories, it too pushed the limits of my budget.
I took a final good look at the full array of models at a Yamaha showroom. I could have gotten a decent deal on one of the least expensive Clavanovas. But I felt strongly at that point that the P-255 would suit me. I also could have raised my budget limit and found a world of great options. But while I understand spending thousands on an acoustic piano that can last generations, I couldn't justify spending the same on an electronic device that might last ten years.
In the end, a local dealer offered to come close enough to Guitar Center's price for a bundle with basic stand and bench, so I was happy avoid buying it from the chain store. It feel greats to have the piano touch and sound again. I have actually connected my PSR's output to the new piano's aux in to access the hundreds of sounds and beats of my old machine, which can be recorded in .wav format to USB on the P-255. This gives me access to most of what I would have had I bought the feature rich DGX-660 with its inferior key action and sound.
The 255 has only 24 voices and 10 rhythms. But the piano sound is excellent. And I have fallen for the two digital piano voices and both Hammond organ sounds. These are rich and crisp and have given me a new appreciation for the instruments being sampled. However, I understand that to really play it like a Hammond, I would need draw bars, non-weighted keys, a volume pedal, and pedal base notes. So I wouldn't suggest the 255 for someone who wants a full Hammond organ experience. I haven't played much yet with the other sounds, but I already know the 255's strings aren't better or worse than my PSR's.
The 255's 10 rhythms sound very good. But even for a basic beat, I use the PSR because the rhythms are easier to access and control than they are on the 255 with the elegant minimalism of its controls. Since the 255 only has a three-digit LCD display, the iPad app (a cable or Bluetooth adapter must be purchased separately) provides easier access to the piano's functions, but nothing else. In fact, I don't find the app very user friendly.
Although better than on the lesser models, the sound quality of the 255's internal speakers is just OK. This may be the case with all the portable digital pianos. I know higher end digital pianos have a superior internal speaker setup. And quality stage digital pianos lack internal speakers altogether, requiring external amplification. So I accept the limitations of the 255's internal speakers because the alternatives would be very expensive. I have seen the 255 sold with a sub-woofer, and I think that is something I may consider. But for now I experience the product's best sound quality through a pair of professional headphones.
I use the included sustain pedal, but it moves away from me a half centimeter each time I use it. I am thinking of getting the wooden stand and connecting triple pedal unit because my current X stand wobbles and I would like the pedal to stay in the right place.
Overall I am pleased with my purchase. Through my research, I learned quite a lot about the strengths and limitations of digital pianos under $2000 and continue to feel justified in my decision. The bounce of the emulated piano keys make me feel like I am walking on the moon when I play and I love it.
