Yamaha P-105 Digital Piano Black: Review & Features

Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the Yamaha P-105 digital piano in black. If you're in the market for a reliable, versatile, and great-sounding digital piano, the P-105 might just be what you're looking for. Whether you're a beginner just starting your musical journey or an experienced player needing a practice instrument, this detailed review will cover everything you need to know.

First Impressions: Appearance and Build Quality

The Yamaha P-105 boasts a sleek and understated design. The black finish gives it a classic and professional look that fits well in any setting, whether it’s your living room, studio, or stage. The build quality feels solid, and while it's not the lightest digital piano on the market, it’s still reasonably portable. This is great if you plan to move it around occasionally. The keys have a nice matte finish, which prevents your fingers from slipping during those intense practice sessions. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, making it easy to navigate the different features without needing to constantly refer to the manual. All in all, the Yamaha P-105 makes a strong first impression in terms of both aesthetics and construction. The robust build ensures that it can withstand regular use, and the elegant design means it won’t look out of place in any environment. For musicians who value both form and function, the P-105 hits the sweet spot. The keyboard's design reflects Yamaha's commitment to quality, providing a reliable and visually appealing instrument that will inspire you to play. So, if you're looking for a digital piano that combines durability with a touch of elegance, the Yamaha P-105 is definitely worth considering.

Key Action and Feel

The key action is arguably one of the most crucial aspects of any digital piano, and the Yamaha P-105 doesn't disappoint. It features Yamaha's Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which simulates the feel of an acoustic piano. This means the keys in the lower register feel heavier than those in the higher register, providing a realistic and expressive playing experience. For students learning proper technique, this is invaluable. The GHS action helps build the finger strength and control needed to transition to an acoustic piano seamlessly. Even experienced players will appreciate the responsive and nuanced feel of the keys. The action is not too heavy, nor too light, striking a perfect balance that allows for both delicate pianissimo passages and powerful fortissimo outbursts. It’s also worth noting that the keys are touch-sensitive, meaning the volume and timbre of the sound change depending on how hard you strike them. This adds another layer of expression to your playing, allowing you to convey a wide range of emotions and dynamics. The key surface is smooth but not slippery, offering a comfortable playing experience even during long practice sessions. Whether you're practicing scales, learning new pieces, or performing live, the key action of the Yamaha P-105 provides the responsiveness and control you need to excel. So, if you're serious about your piano playing, the P-105's GHS action is a feature that will truly enhance your musical journey.

Sound Quality and Voices

The sound quality of the Yamaha P-105 is another area where it shines. It uses Yamaha's Pure CF Sound Engine, which faithfully reproduces the sound of a Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano. The piano sounds are rich, clear, and full of character, making practicing and performing a joy. Whether you're playing classical music, jazz, or pop, the P-105 delivers a sound that is both authentic and inspiring. In addition to the excellent piano sounds, the P-105 also features a variety of other voices, including electric pianos, organs, strings, and more. These voices are all high-quality and can be used to explore different musical styles and textures. The electric piano sounds are particularly impressive, capturing the classic tones of vintage instruments. The organ sounds are also well-done, providing a realistic and expressive playing experience. The strings and other voices add even more versatility to the P-105, allowing you to create layered and textured arrangements. The P-105 also features a built-in reverb effect, which can be used to add depth and ambience to your playing. The reverb can be adjusted to suit your preferences, allowing you to create a wide range of sonic textures. The sound system on the P-105 is also quite good, with two 7-watt speakers that provide a clear and balanced sound. While they may not be powerful enough for a large venue, they are more than adequate for home practice and small performances. Overall, the sound quality and voices of the Yamaha P-105 are exceptional, making it a great choice for anyone who values realistic and inspiring sound.

Features and Functionality

The Yamaha P-105 is packed with features that make it a versatile and user-friendly digital piano. One of the standout features is the built-in recording function, which allows you to record your performances and listen back to them. This is an invaluable tool for practicing, as it allows you to identify areas where you need to improve. The recording function is easy to use, and you can record up to two tracks, allowing you to create layered arrangements. Another useful feature is the metronome, which helps you keep time while practicing. The metronome can be adjusted to different tempos and time signatures, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. The P-105 also features a duet mode, which splits the keyboard into two identical ranges, allowing two people to play together simultaneously. This is great for lessons or for playing with a friend. In addition to these features, the P-105 also has a headphone jack, which allows you to practice silently without disturbing others. This is a must-have for anyone who lives in an apartment or has roommates. The P-105 also has a USB port, which allows you to connect it to a computer or other device. This opens up a world of possibilities, including using the P-105 as a MIDI controller for music production software. The P-105 is also compatible with Yamaha's Digital Piano Controller app, which allows you to control the piano's settings from your smartphone or tablet. This app is very user-friendly and makes it easy to adjust the piano's settings to your liking. Overall, the Yamaha P-105 is a feature-rich digital piano that offers a lot of value for the price. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll find plenty of features to help you improve your playing and explore your musical creativity.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the pros and cons of the Yamaha P-105 to give you a balanced view:

Pros:

• Realistic Key Action: The Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action provides a realistic piano feel, making it great for practice and developing proper technique.
• Excellent Sound Quality: The Pure CF Sound Engine delivers rich and authentic piano sounds.
• Versatile Voices: A wide range of voices, including electric pianos, organs, and strings, add versatility to your playing.
• Built-in Recording Function: Allows you to record your performances for practice and review.
• Headphone Jack: Enables silent practice without disturbing others.
• USB Connectivity: Allows you to connect to a computer or other device for MIDI control and music production.
• Duet Mode: Splits the keyboard into two identical ranges for two-person playing.
• User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate and control the piano's settings.

Cons:

• Speakers: The built-in speakers may not be powerful enough for larger venues.
• Limited Polyphony: With 128 notes of polyphony, it may not be sufficient for very complex and layered arrangements.
• No Bluetooth Connectivity: Lacks Bluetooth for wireless connectivity to devices.

Alternatives to the Yamaha P-105

If the Yamaha P-105 doesn't quite tick all your boxes, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Yamaha P-125: The successor to the P-105, offering improved sound quality and features.
• Roland FP-30X: A popular choice with a highly-regarded key action and sound engine.
• Kawai ES110: Known for its realistic key action and warm, natural sound.
• Casio Privia PX-160: A more affordable option with a decent key action and sound.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Yamaha P-105 digital piano in black is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile, reliable, and great-sounding instrument. Its realistic key action, excellent sound quality, and user-friendly features make it a great option for beginners and experienced players alike. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some of the more expensive digital pianos on the market, it offers a great balance of features and affordability. Whether you're practicing at home, performing on stage, or recording in the studio, the P-105 is sure to inspire your musical creativity. So, if you're in the market for a digital piano, be sure to give the Yamaha P-105 a try. You won't be disappointed!