Today we do an in-depth comparison of two top-selling digital piano keyboards: the Yamaha 255 vs P155. Both of these keyboards come from the P-Series, described by Yamaha as their “compact and stylish digital piano.”
If you’re wanting to purchase a Yamaha keyboard but need to know which one is the right for you, then this is the article for you!
A NOTE ABOUT THE YAMAHA P155
Before we begin we want to point out that the P155 is actually an old model from Yamaha that has now been discontinued. It was, in fact, replaced by the P255! Therefore, as an alternate option, we think you might be interested in the P115, another keyboard in Yamaha’s P-Series. We’ll review the P115 and the P255, then compare the two to determine which one is best for you!
YAMAHA P115
This is Yamaha’s best-selling keyboard, and perhaps, the best-selling keyboard in the music industry! The current version was released in 2015 with improvements to many features. It comes with an extensive feature-set but is offered at a very reasonable and affordable price. Read on for all the details!
- True piano sound. The P115 is powered by the Pure CF Sound Engine, described by Yamaha as “the result of years of piano-making history combined with state-of-the-art sampling technology and expertise.” Here’s how it works: when you play a note on the P115, the sound you hear is actually a recording, or “sample,” that was taken from that same note played on one of Yamaha’s renowned CFIIIS 9′ concert grand piano. Amazing!
- Weighted keys. The P115 features Yahama’s Graded Hammer Standard action which mimics the feel of an acoustic piano. This means that the bass notes require a heavier touch and the treble notes require a lighter touch.
- Improved speaker system. One of the improvements that was made to the P115 was a speaker system that outputs the sound more directly in-line with the ears of the performer. This means that you can hear everything more clearly as you play.
- Digital Piano Controller App. With this app from Yamaha you can control the voices, rhythms, and other settings of the P115 on your mobile device.
- 14 voices to choose from, including pianos, organs, strings, and more.
- 4 reverbs of different sized rooms.
- 14 rhythm grooves to play along with, as well as 10 accompaniment styles.
The P115 is a great choice for an entry-level keyboard due to the incredible value it offers for your money.
Click here to view the current price and buy yours now!
YAMAHA P255
This keyboard is the high-end option in Yamaha’s P-Series, so as you might imagine, it comes with a very impressive feature-set. Take a look for yourself now!
- Highly realistic piano sound. This keyboard uses the Pure CF Sound Engine to generate its crystal-clear tone, but it has three additional features for added realism. These extra elements are derived from extensive recording, or “sampling,” of the actual sounds of an acoustic piano.
- Key-off samples reproduce the sound a key makes when you release it.
- Sustain sampling reproduces the subtle sounds made when the damper pedal is depressed or released.
- String resonance reproduces the sound of other strings resonating along with the note you played.
- Weighted keys with synthetic ivory tops. The P255 features Yahama’s Graded Hammer System which emulates the feel of an acoustic piano. This means the bass notes require a heavier touch and the treble notes require a lighter touch. Additionally, the keys are made of synthetic ivory for maximum playability.
- Sophisticated speaker system. The P255 features circular speakers which generate a much richer sound than oval speakers. In addition, these speakers are aimed directly at the performer’s ears for ultimate clarity in sound.
- EQ sliders. To fine-tune the tone of your instrument, the P255 is equipped with a 3-band EQ to adjust the lows, mids, and highs.
- Sound boost effect. With a quick push of a button, this effect causes the overall volume of the keyboard to increase and gives it greater presence. This is a great feature for those performing live that need to take a solo and be heard over a band.
- Adjustable response. The P255 has four different sensitivity levels for the keys that can be adjusted to suit the performer’s playing style.
- P-255 Controller App. With this app you can control the voices, rhythms, and many other settings of the keyboard from your mobile device.
- Record to USB. On the P255 you can plug in a USB drive and then record songs directly to it. These songs can then be transferred to your computer or shared otherwise!
- 24 voices to choose from, including pianos, organs, strings, and more.
- 4 reverbs of different sized rooms.
- 10 rhythm grooves to play along with
All-told, this is truly a professional-grade keyboard for the serious musician. Click here to take a look at the current price and buy one now!
The two keyboards head-to-head
So how can I decide which of these two keyboard is the best for me? Well it depends on a few different factors:
- Budget. The P255 is over three times as expensive as the P155, but it is also a substantially nicer keyboard with countless additional features. If you value the best in quality and don’t mind spending more, than the P255 is the clear choice. If, however, you’re a little tighter on money, you should pick the P155 and don’t worry – it is still an excellent choice!
- Playing level. If you’re a beginner, you’ll enjoy playing either one of these keyboards, but it is advanced players that will truly appreciate the added quality of the P255. In fact, if you’re an advanced player, you may find you need some of the features that are only available with the P255.
But wait, there’s more!
What if we were to tell you that there’s an in-between option? That you can get something a step-up from the P115 without getting swamped by the price tag of the P255?
Well let us introduce you to the Yamaha P125!
The P125 is very similar to the P115 but with a few extra features. It comes with a special 2-way speaker system that projects sound both upwards and downwards to simulate the rich stereo sound you get from an acoustic piano. It also includes a “Table EQ” feature which optimizes the sound if the keyboard is placed on a table or desk instead of a keyboard stand.
In addition, the P125 comes with 20 rhythm grooves, instead of just 14 like the P115, and can be used with the Smart Pianist App, an even more advanced app to control your keyboard.
If you’re looking to get something a step up from the P115 but only have a little more money to spend, the P125 is the clear answer.
Click here to view the current price and buy your own now!
Conclusion
To finish, we hope you learned a little more about the P-series by Yamaha and found a keyboard that suits your needs perfectly. Until next time… have fun and make some great music!