If you want a digital piano with natural acoustic sound and touch, the Yamaha P-125 is the best option to consider. Not long ago, Yamaha released one of their most beloved portable digital pianos, the Yamaha P-115.
It went on to gain massive popularity due to its fantastic capabilities and wholesome features. However, just like any other instrument on the market, the P-115 came with some flaws. To address this, the brand decided to launch an upgrade, and that’s why we have the Yamaha P-125.
Just like other pianos in the P-Series, the Yamaha P-125 is a compact digital piano that combines superb piano performance alongside a user-friendly intuitive interface.
The keyboard is easily accessible and portable, which means that you can play the Yamaha P-125 wherever or whenever you are.
Additionally, the piano comes with many features that deliver that acoustic piano playing experience. The sound here is of high-quality and dynamic accompanied by natural touch-response as it is the tradition for Yamaha digital pianos.
The P-125 is a modern classic digital piano designed with simplicity of use in mind. With this musical wonder, you can only stay focused on your performance, which is the most important thing.
Below is our in-depth review of the Yamaha P-125 digital piano, read on to get more informed about this instrument.
Features of the Yamaha P-125 Digital Piano
Specs
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 52.20†x 6.54†x 11.61â€
- Weight-11.8kg (26.01lbs)
- 88-key keyboard with a matte finish on black key-tops
- Graded Hammered Standard action
- Touch-sensitivity (4 levels)
- Pure CF Sound Engine
- Max. Polyphony-192 notes
- 24 Preset Voices
- Four types of Reverb
- Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC)
- Damper Resonance
- Functions: Dual/Layer, Duo, Split
- Preset Songs: 50 piano songs and 21 demo songs
- 2-Track/1 Song MIDI Recorder
- Memory: 100 KB per song (approx. 11,000 notes)
- Playback and Recording – SMF (format 0, format 1)
- Metronome, Transpose, and Tuning
- Connectivity: DC IN, Sustain Pedal, Pedal Unit, Headphones Jack, Aux Out, USB to Host
- Amplifiers: 7W x 2
- Speakers: 12cm x 2 + 4cm x 2
- 9 W Power Consumption
Yamaha P-125 Digital Piano Design
As an upgrade from its predecessor, the case of the Yamaha P-125 is a bit more modernized. However, the piano is still compact and reasonably lightweight, which makes it a perfect choice for gigs and home use as well.
It has a minimalistic design built entirely of plastic and finished with a red-felt ribbon across the top of the keys.
The P-125 is available in both black and white colors, which give it an exquisite look. Since it only weighs 26 lbs, the P-125 won’t give you too much trouble when moving it around.
On the front panel, there are 14 control buttons, with some of them having built-in LED indicators, so you know which functions are in use at the moment. Additionally, you get pins for Metronome, Transpose, Rhythms, and Recording Features.
There are also six reserved buttons for each of the available sound sections. However, there are even more features and functions that the P-125 buttons alone can’t satisfy. So, you still have to use Button + Key combinations to access most of them.
Keyboard
Touch is essential, and it is one of the factors that strongly determine a piano’s worth. Many brands have worked effortlessly to improve their keyboard actions. But, Yamaha seems reluctant about this issue.
For most digital pianos that are at the sub-$1000 price like the P-125, Yamaha has remained consistent in using the same keyboard action, the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action.
Now don’t get us wrong, the GHS action is pretty good, especially for the price. But, there are undoubtedly other keyboard actions in the same price range that feel more acoustic to the touch.
Nevertheless, the Yamaha P-125 has an 88-key fully weighted keyboard that uses the brand’s GHS action. It means that the P-125 feels heavier on the lower register, and lighter when moving towards the higher register of keys.
The keyboard is also touch-sensitive, which means that you affect the piano’s sound depending on how soft or hard you play the keys. With four touch-sensitivity options on the P-125, you can adjust the piano’s touch to play according to your style.
The four options include Hard, Medium, Soft, and Fixed. Medium is the option you select if you want the Yamaha P-125 to sound more like an acoustic piano. Finally, on the keyboard, the black key-tops have a matte finish that makes it easier to play the P-125 in high-humid scenarios.
Sound Quality
The sound of the Yamaha P-125 offers incredible dynamics and expressiveness. It has a Pure CF Sound Engine that includes the sound of Yamaha’s renowned CFIIIS 9′ Concert Grand piano. The sound engine incorporates many years of craftsmanship, together with state-of-the-art technology and expertise.
Unlike in the P-115, the leading Concert Grand piano tone here uses 4-layer sampling. To make the sound more natural, the P-125 uses organic piano elements. They include String Resonance, Damper Resonance, and Key-Off Simulation.
Also, the P-125 has a new feature called the Stereophonic Optimizer, mostly found on high-end digital pianos. The function adjusts the spaciousness of the sound when playing with headphones on, to make the playing experience more authentic and immersive.
Since the P-125 is an upgrade from a previous model, it comes with ten new instrument sounds to add on to the 14 tones that the P-115 had. In total, there are now 24 built-in voices, which make up six sound sections with four tone-variations in each.
They include:
Piano Section:
- Grand Piano, Live Grand, Ballad Grand, Bright Grand
Electric Piano Section:
- Stage E. Piano, FM E. Piano, Vintage E. Piano, Synth Piano
Organ Section:
- Jazz Organ, Rock Organ, Organ Principal, Organ Tutti
Clavichord/Vibraphone Section:
- Harpsichord 8’, Harpsichord 8’+ 4’, Clavichord, Vibraphone
Strings Section:
- Strings, Slow Strings, Choir, Synth Pad
Bass Section:
- Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass, Bass & Cymbal, Fretless Bass
The P-125 digital piano has a maximum polyphony of 192-notes, the same as its predecessor. Reverb is the only sound effect on this piano, but you get to choose from 4 types (Chamber, Club, Concert Hall, and Recital Hall).
Another upgrade that we love about the P-125 is the newly improved 2-way speaker system. It produces an expansive piano sound in both upward and downward directions. Therefore, you get a rich stereo highly resembling the one on acoustic pianos.
Also, the P-125 has a new Table EQ feature that enables you to enjoy optimal acoustics. With the Table EQ feature, you can play on a hard, flat surface and still get the best possible sound.
Connectivity
The connectivity options on the P-125 are the same as those on its predecessor.
Headphone Jacks – There are two ¼†headphone jacks located on the left side of the front panel.
Aux Out – The piano has two ¼” Aux Out jacks, which are also known as Line Out jacks. The Aux Out allows you to connect the P-125 with external sound systems.
USB to Host (type B) port – With this port, it means that you can connect the Yamaha P-125 to a computer and transfer files, as well as MIDI data.
Smart Pianist App – This is an exclusive app for the Yamaha P-125 that helps you to figure out the chords in your favorite song. The app analyzes the songs in your music library and then displays the chord symbols for you to practice and perform better.
For easy and intuitive operation, the Smart Pianist App allows you to connect iOS devices to the P-125. It means that you can connect an iPad to the Yamaha P-125 and control the functions included.
Additionally, the Smart Pianist app allows you to record your performances in both MIDI and Audio (ACC or WAV) formats.
Extra Features of the Yamaha P-125 Digital Piano
Metronome
The Metronome onboard the P-125 helps you work on your rhythm and time-keeping skills. You can also adjust the volume, beat, and tempo of the Metronome.
Transpose
This is a well-known function in many digital pianos. The function allows you to change the pitch of the keyboard in semitone steps. Therefore, you can use this feature to play a song in a different tone in the same hand position. So yes, you can transpose on the Yamaha P-125.
Fine Tuning
You can use this function if you want to match another instrument’s pitch or a CD recording. You can adjust the pitch in 0.2 Hz steps.
Registration Memory
This feature allows you to save different settings and name them according to your liking. It makes accessing the settings much more comfortable, especially during live performances.
Benefits of the Yamaha P-125 Digital Piano
Accessories – The Yamaha P-125 comes with an AC Power Adapter (PA-150), Footswitch, Music Rest, and an Owner’s Manual.
Compact Design – If you want a digital with a gig-friendly design, then you can’t afford to overlook the P-125. Its compact and lightweight build allows for easy transportation.
Fantastic Speaker System – Few pianos within the P-125 price range offer such a powerful speaker system. Most pianos would need you to use an external sound system for tone generation. But not the P-125, which has a 2-way speaker system for producing expansive piano sounds.
Great Sound Engine – The Pure CF Sound Engine available here uses a 4-layer sampling of the sounds from Yamaha’s renowned CFIIIS 9′ Concert Grand pianos. Therefore, the P-125 gives you high-quality instrument sounds.
Comprehensive Music Library – This piano comes with 50 Songs accompanied with 20 versatile rhythms. The library helps you get more creative in your performances.
Smart Pianist App – As mentioned earlier, this app simplifies the work of utilizing the piano’s functions. Therefore, it makes P-125 flexible and user-friendly enough.
Reasons You Should Buy the Yamaha P-125
Though the piano may lack some features and accessories, this digital piano delivers according to its worth. Some might even argue that it exceeds expectations.
From our research, the P-125 beats most competition within the same price range. The fact that it has high-end features is enough reason for the P-125 to rank highest among its competitors.
If there were aspects you didn’t like about the P-115, this is your chance to get an upgrade. The P-125 comes with a new and powerful sound system, as well as an intuitive, user-friendly interface. You also get more sound selections from the music library with the added 14 tones.
Table EQ Feature –although the P-125 doesn’t come with a stand, this feature ensures that even when you play the piano on a table, you still get to hear the rich and deep sounds of the keyboard.
Who is the Yamaha P-125 Digital Piano For?
From our findings, this is an intermediate level player instrument. However, the Yamaha P-125 is also an instrument worth performing with.
Professionals would find it more useful also, especially on-the-road performers. The piano comes with state-of-the-art features mostly found on high-end keyboards.
So, we feel that the P-125 can satisfy both of the levels mentioned above of players.
Buyers Guide
You should know that the piano doesn’t come with its stand. Therefore, you’ll have to purchase a position for it separately or in a bundle. If you are a performer who is on the road a lot, then the X or Z-type stands would serve your purpose more efficiently.
The stands in this category are relatively affordable, adjustable, and very portable, which makes them perfect for the P-125. However, you can still purchase a furniture-style stand if you want the P-125 stationed in one place. Either around the house or studio.
The piano also comes with a Footswitch (FC5), which occurs to be a bit flimsy. But, the P-125 still offers the optional Yamaha FC3A piano-style pedal system. With the latter, you can experience the look and feel of acoustic piano pedals.
If you are in a tight budget, then this piano is the best in the sub-$1000 category. We highly recommend it.
How to Clean the Yamaha P-125 Digital Piano
- Prepare a cleaning solution in a small container with 1-3 drops of light dishwashing soap and water.
- You’ll then need to take a soft, lint-free cloth and dip it slightly in the cleaning solution.
- Use the lint-free damp cloth to wipe over all the white keys gently.
- Use another soft, dry, and lint-free cloth to wipe any remaining moisture on top of the keys.
- Take another soft damp, lint-free cloth, and dip it slightly in the solution; use this for cleaning the black key-tops. Follow the same steps as those of the white keys.
Pros
- Portable and Compact design
- 88-key fully weighted keyboard
- 192-Polyphony notes
- Powerful Speaker System
- Comprehensive Music Library
- Smart Pianist App
- USB audio interface
- High-Quality Sounds
- 4-layer Pure CF-Sound Engine
Cons
- Flimsy Footswitch
- Lacks Bluetooth connectivity
- Key-action could be better
Conclusion
Although it is an upgrade, the Yamaha P-125 digital piano doesn’t offer too much from what is already there in the P-115. It does, however, come with some new features that most instruments don’t have.
Other than that, the sound engine and keyboard action remains the same. Yamaha added a few more tones to the P-125, which is probably the only notable change along with some of the new features.
Overall, the P-125 is still one of the best portable digital pianos you can buy in this price range.
