It goes without mentioning that Yamaha has, for a long time, been at the forefront of producing high-quality pianos. In the company’s Arius piano series, we have the Yamaha YDP-143R digital piano, which, without a doubt, has managed to stay relevant even after recent updates.
The Yamaha YDP-143R is an exemplary instrument with the capability of satisfying any pianist.
So, in this review, we’ll go into detail and explain all the facts about the piano.
Just to highlight some of the piano’s attributes, it comes in two different colors, which are the rosewood or black walnut finishes. Additionally, the keyboard has a furniture-style cabinet that lends it a classic piano look.
Also, the Yamaha YDP-143R features the company’s Pure CF Sound Engine, and the GHS keyboard action that helps in building the right finger technique.
Below is the full review of the Yamaha YDP-143R digital piano.
Features of the Yamaha YDP-143R Digital Piano
Specs
- Dimensions after assembling – Width (53-7/16″), Height (32-1/16″), Depth (16-5/8″)
- Weight38.0 kg /83 lbs
- 88 keys with matte black keytops
- GHS keyboard action
- 3 Pedals – Damper, Sostenuto, Soft
- Touch Response – Hard, Medium, Soft, Fixed
- Pure CF Sound Engine
- 192-note Polyphony
- Ten built-in voices
- Four types of Reverb
- Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC)
- 10 Demo Songs, 50 Preset Piano Songs
- 2 Track/ 1 Song MIDI Recorder
- Duo, Dual Modes
- Metronome, Transpose, Tuning
- Speakers; (12cm x 6cm) x 2
- Amplifiers – 6W x 2
- Connectivity – Headphones, USB to Host
Design
The YDP-143R has a sleek design to it, and straight lines at every edge that gives the piano a look of elegance. At a glance, you might conclude that the YDP-143R is an upright due to its thin furniture-style cabinet.
For hygiene maintenance on the keys, this piano has a sliding key cover. The piano’s music rest is fold-able with a curvy top, but can only fit one page from a book.
The control panel features buttons on the left side of the piano, which is arranged in a single line collection. On the right side of the control panel is where you’ll find both the power button and the volume knob.
You’ll need the manual to help you come up with combinations of buttons for specific functions on the piano.
Weighing in at 83 lbs, you’ll need some help to move this piano since portability isn’t the YDP-143’s strongest selling point. Other than that, the piano’s dimensions allow it to fit in a reasonably small space.
Keyboard
The piano comes with a full set of 88 fully-weighted keys, which have an acoustic feel to them. The realism of the YDP-143R keys is enhanced by Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard keyboard action.
Not to rule out the GHS action completely, but they’re more realistic keyboard actions from companies such as Roland and Casio within the same price range.
However, the GHS keyboard action still works best for most intermediate and beginner pianists. An added advantage of the GHS action is the fact that it doesn’t make any annoying clicking or squeaky sounds when playing.
Since the keys are weighted, the lower register has a heavier touch while you’ll experience a lighter touch as you approach the upper register of the piano.
For more realis in touch, the Yamaha YDP-143R digital piano features 4 touch-sensitivity levels that allow you to play according to your preferences.
The default mode that takes you close to an acoustic feel is the Medium preset setting. The black keys have a matte black finish that limits the chances of mistakes, especially after long hours of playing with sweat fingers.
Although it isn’t the best keyboard action that you can find on the market, the YDP-143R keyboard abilities still offer a good bargain for the price.
Sound
As an upgrade from the AWM sampling technology, the Yamaha YDP-143R digital piano features the Pure CF Sound Engine. With the engine, you get rich natural piano tones sampled from Yamaha’s CFIIIS 9′ concert grand piano.
This means that you have notes recorded several times and at a different velocity, levels to come up with a wide dynamic range present in grand pianos.
One of the three different piano tones available on this piano is the Concert Grand tone, which we think sounds the most detailed and authentic. The tone is characterized by deep reverberation and an expressive, dynamic range.
The second is the Grand Piano tone, but it lacks both the key-off simulation as well as the string resonance. Without both these elements, the grand piano tone lacks the heart to sound more live and authentic.
Here are the total ten sounds that make up the YDP-143’s sound library:
- Strings
- Vibraphones
- Harpsichords
- 3 Grand Pianos Warm, (Concert, Bright)
- 2 Organs (Pipe, Jazz)
- 2 Electric Pianos
The piano also includes four Reverb sound effects that you can use to add more ambiance and depth to the sound. They include Concert Hall, Club, Chamber, and the Recital Hall. Polyphony count is not an issue when it comes to the YDP-143R, because it features a maximum of 192-notes. Therefore, you can play the most complex music piece or implement any sophisticated sound effect without the fear of your notes sniping off immaturely.
Connectivity
Headphones connector – You’ll find two ¼” stereo jacks on the bottom of the YDP-143R to connect your headsets. As an alternative, the stereo jacks can be used to connect external sound systems like amplifiers, audio interfaces, or PA Systems, among others.
USB to Host – This you can use to connect your computer, either PC or iOS devices. However, for this to happen, you’ll need a type A to B USB cable, which is sold separately from the YDP-143R.
To exchange files and MIDI data with your computer, you have to download the Yamaha USB-MIDI Driver.
Extra Features
Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC) – This feature adjusts the quality and controls the sound at minimum levels to make sure both the treble and bass are heard clearly.
Stereophonic Optimizer – When using your headphones, this feature makes the sound more spacious and natural. It adjusts the separation and spacing of the piano’s tone to come up with an immersive and more realistic experience.
Dual Mode – You can use this feature to layer two or more different sounds so that when you play the piano, you can hear them producing beautiful, rich tones. It is a feature that you can use pretty well to enhance your creativity.
Duo Mode – This is a common feature for piano instructors, as it allows them to sit side-by-side with their students and teach. You can also use the duo mode to practice the four-hand method as well.
Benefits of Owning the Yamaha YDP-143R
The Yamaha YDP-143R features an 88-key fully-weighted keyboard that makes it more appealing to a broader audience that has got accustomed to full-size pianos. Therefore, it doesn’t matter what level of pianist you are because the YDP-143R is flexible enough in terms of playability.
The second advantage with this piano is the inclusion of Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine, which contributes to the piano’s rich and natural tones. Just as earlier pointed out, the notes recorded at different velocity levels work together to give you a wide dynamic range of voices.
As a complement to the sound, the piano has a pretty good sound system that is responsible for the generation sounds on board. In turn, you won’t have to go through the trouble of purchasing any external sound systems.
The design of the Yamaha YDP-143R is very eye-catching, and one that adds an aura to your décor. It fits perfectly in small apartments, church halls, and even the studio.
There are also plenty of sound selections to choose from in the piano’s music library. You can enjoy the 50 Piano songs and use the other 10 Demo songs for learning purposes.
As an enhancement to both your rhythm and time-keeping skills, there is the Metronome feature that also helps to determine if you are playing notes accurately.
When it comes to the piano’s advantages, you get a 2 Track/ 1 Song MIDI Recorder that you can use to record and playback your compositions.
Reasons You Should Buy the Yamaha YDP-143R
Fully-weighted keyboard with GHS action that does a decent job in simulating the touch and feel of an acoustic piano.
Rich and natural Grand piano tones sampled from Yamaha’s renowned CFIIIS 9′ concert grand pianos. Moreover, the voices are enhanced by the Pure CF Sound Engine to produce voices of a more extensive dynamic range.
With this piano, you’ll get to save a lot because you won’t have to buy an external sound system, thanks to the ones on board.
Additionally, the Yamaha YDP-143R comes with some accessories such as a piano bench, three pedals, and a songbook. Therefore, you get to save a lot more in this deal.
Who is the Yamaha YDP-143R for?
As we mentioned earlier, the Yamaha YDP-143R doesn’t discriminate on any level of pianist. It is an all-rounder that can pretty much satisfy both casual, as well as beginners.
If you are a more advanced player, then we suggest you keep looking because there are instruments offering way more at the same price range.
Buyers Guide
The Yamaha YDP-143R comes with a piano bench, three pedals, and a songbook, as well as a user’s manual.
It’ll only take you a few minutes to assemble this piano, and then you’ll realize that it doesn’t require too much of your space.
Once assembled, the user manual will be your guide in uncovering the piano’s hidden potentials. So, make sure you use it accordingly.
For a sub, $1,500 digital piano, the Yamaha YDP-143R has a competitive price in the market.
How to Clean the Yamaha YDP-143R Digital Piano
Since the keys of the YDP-143 are made of plastic, cleaning them doesn’t entail a lot.
- Take a small bowl and add some boiled and precooled water
- Dampen a lint-free, soft, and clean fiber cloth in the solution
- Make sure it slightly dampens and not soaking wet
- Use the material to wipe back and forth on top of the keys and edges (do not wipe from side to side)
- Using another cloth of the same attributes, wipe any moisture that may have been left on top of the keys
Considering that the YDP-143R comes with a sliding key cover, it won’t be such a hassle to maintain its hygiene.
Pros
- GHS keyboard action
- Yamaha’s CFIIIS 9’ concert grand piano tones
- Pure CF Sound Engine
- Maximum Polyphony of 192-notes
- 2 Track /1 Song MIDI Recorder
- 50 Preset Piano Songs
- Classic, beautiful build quality
Cons
- Lacks built-in rhythms
- Limited sound selection
- Lacks key-off simulation, and string resonance
- Insufficient number of sound effects
Conclusion
So, there you have it, our in-depth review of the Yamaha YDP-143R digital piano. For most pianists, this is a pretty decent offer for the money, and we couldn’t agree more. The best instrument for you, however, depends only on your preferences.
Although the piano has a successor, it still manages to gain the interests of plenty of pianists. This is not a surprise since the piano hoards lots of features that can help you enhance your playability and creativity.
