Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-144 – Which Piano is Better?

Which piano should you pick: the Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-144?

If you’re interested in the Yamaha Arius line of upright digital pianos, then an in-depth comparison between the Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-144 will likely be very helpful.  So in this article, I’m going to compare both of these amazing instruments against one another based on price, size, key action, sound and notable features.

PHOTOPIANO
Yamaha YDP-145
Yamaha YDP-S55
Yamaha YDP-165
Yamaha YDP-105
Yamaha YDP 184

Yamaha YDP-145 or Yamaha YDP-144

In a battle between the Yamaha YDP-145 or Yamaha YDP-144, I recommend going with the YDP-145.
The Yamaha YDP-145 is the superior piano over the Yamaha YDP-144

Yamaha YDP-145 is the best piano of the two because it has improved the sound card sample in its upgrade from the YDP-144.  The YDP-145 features a new sampling of the Yamaha CFX Concert Grand, resulting in better, livelier sound.

Price

Price wise, the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 are both excellent digital pianos that won’t break the bank. At the time of writing, the YDP-145 is slightly more expensive, coming in at about $1,299.99. The YDP-144 by contrast, can now be found on the secondary market (on places like eBay) for anywhere from $800 to $1,000. Though the difference in price is not significant, it may be a deciding factor for some buyers who are looking for a more affordable option.

But don’t let the price tags fool you – both of these pianos offer exceptional value for the money. They are exceptional pianos and boast advanced features that make them a worthwhile investment for players of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pianist, these Yamaha digital pianos are worth considering when it comes to finding a quality instrument that fits within your budget.

BEST SELLERS
1) Casio PX-770
2) Yamaha YDP-145
3) Roland RP-701
4) Yamaha YDP-165
5) Casio PX-870

Size and Weight

Read our Yamaha YDP-144 review to find out if this digital piano surpasses its predecessor: the Yamaha YDP-143!
The YDP-144 and YDP-145 share a similar size and look

One factor that may somewhat influence whether you purchase the YDP-145, the YDP-144, or a completely different piano entirely is their size. Now the YDP-145 and the YDP-144 are both console-style pianos, which means that they have a fixed stand and pedals attached to them. So unfortunately, neither the Yamaha YDP-145 nor the Yamaha YDP-144 are designed to be portable instruments like keyboards or stage pianos.

Both models are intended to stay in one place and are not easy to move around. The Yamaha YDP-145 weighs around 140 pounds, while the Yamaha YDP-144 weighs around 112 pounds. This weight makes them difficult to move without assistance, and they are not ideal for gigging musicians who need to transport their instrument to different locations.

All in all, if portability is a top priority for you, the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 may not be the best choice. However, if you are primarily looking for a quality digital piano with advanced features and exceptional sound and key action, these models are definitely worth considering.

Key Action

Finding the best digital piano key action is a critical when buying a new instrument.  Now “key action” refers to the way the keys respond when you press them, which can have a significant impact on how the instrument feels and plays. The Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 both use Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard, which is designed to simulate the feel of an acoustic piano.

The GHS keyboard is a popular choice among digital piano consumers because it provides a realistic and responsive key action. The keys on both the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 are weighted to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, with the lower keys being heavier and the higher keys being lighter. This weight variation helps to replicate the feel of a real piano and makes it easier to play complex pieces with the correct technique.

Another key action worth mentioning is Yamaha’s Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) keyboard, which is a step up from the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard found in the Yamaha YDP-145 and YDP-144. The GH3 keyboard is available in higher-end digital pianos in the Arius line, such as the Yamaha YDP-165, YDP-184, and YDP-S55.

If you want a more authentic feel to a real acoustic piano, the GH3 keyboard more accurately depicts the key action compared to the GHS Keyboard. The GH3 keys have all the features of the GHS keys, while also adding ivory key tops for less slippage and a third sensor that improves key repetition for advance techniques and rapid passages.

In summary, both the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 offer a realistic and responsive key action that mimics the feel of an acoustic piano. However, the Yamaha YDP-145 has a slightly more advanced keyboard that provides a more realistic and responsive playing experience. If you prioritize key action in your digital piano, the Yamaha YDP-145 is the better choice.

PHOTOPIANO
Yamaha YDP-145
Yamaha YDP-S55
Yamaha YDP-165
Yamaha YDP-105
Yamaha YDP 184

Sound

Sound quality is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a digital piano, as it affects the overall playing experience and enjoyment of the instrument. 

Keyboards with unrealistic piano samples can detract you from your performance and even hurt your practicing efforts if the sound is wildly unrealistic. But with the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 you won’t have that issue. Both models use Yamaha’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling, which produces a realistic sound.

The AWM sampling technology captures the sound of an acoustic piano and reproduces it digitally, creating a rich and detailed sound that closely mimics the sound of a real piano. Both models have a range of voices that allow you to create a variety of sounds and styles, from classical to jazz to pop.

However, there are some differences between the sound quality of the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144. The Yamaha YDP-145 has a more powerful speaker system than the YDP-144, which produces a richer and fuller sound. This is especially noticeable in the lower registers, where the YDP-145’s speaker system provides more depth and resonance.

Additionally, the Yamaha YDP-145 has more advanced digital signal processing, which enhances the sound quality even further. This technology helps to reduce unwanted noise and distortion, resulting in a clearer and more natural sound. The YDP-145 also has a more sophisticated sound engine, which allows for greater control over the nuances and dynamics of your playing.

While the Yamaha YDP-144 is a great digital piano with very nice sound quality, the Yamaha YDP-145 is a step above it in terms of sound production. The YDP-145 has a more powerful speaker system that produces a richer and fuller sound than the YDP-144, especially in the lower registers.”

Overall, while both the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 offer excellent sound quality and a range of voices, the YDP-145 has a more powerful speaker system and more advanced digital signal processing, which results in a more realistic and nuanced sound. If sound quality is a top priority for you, the Yamaha YDP-145 is the better choice.

You can listen to how the Yamaha YDP-144 sounds in this video below:

Notable Features

In addition to their excellent sound quality and key action, the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 both offer a range of notable features that make them versatile and useful instruments for players of all levels. 

While many of their features are shared, there are some key differences between these two models that may influence your purchasing decision. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most notable features of the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 and highlight the differences between them.

Here are the notable features comparing the Yamaha YDP-145 vs Yamaha YDP-144:

–Both the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 have a recording and playback function, which allows you to record your performances and play them back for analysis and practice.

–Both pianos come with a built-in metronome, which is an essential tool for practicing and improving your timing.

–Both models have a headphone jack that allows you to play and practice without disturbing others.

–The Yamaha YDP-145 has a more advanced keyboard with a more realistic feel and greater responsiveness than the Yamaha YDP-144.

–The Yamaha YDP-145 has a more powerful speaker system, which produces a richer and fuller sound than the Yamaha YDP-144.

–The Yamaha YDP-145 has more advanced digital signal processing and a more sophisticated sound engine, which enhances the sound quality even further.

–The Yamaha YDP-145 has a “split mode” function that allows you to split the keyboard into two sections, each with its own voice.

–The Yamaha YDP-145 has a “duo mode” function that allows two people to play the piano simultaneously, with each person using their own half of the keyboard.

In summary, while both the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 share several notable features, the YDP-145 has a few additional features that the YDP-144 does not have. These include a more advanced keyboard, a more powerful speaker system, and advanced digital signal processing. Additionally, the YDP-145 has split and duo modes that allow for more versatility and creativity in your playing.

PHOTOPIANO
Yamaha YDP-145
Yamaha YDP-S55
Yamaha YDP-165
Yamaha YDP-105
Yamaha YDP 184

Ideal Piano for Certain Players

The Yamaha YDP-145 without the piano bench.

Both the Yamaha YDP-145 and the Yamaha YDP-144 are great pianos, but when deciding between the two, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. The differences between the two models mainly lie in the more advanced keyboard and improved sound quality of the Yamaha YDP-145.

For beginners or intermediate players, either piano will work well. The realistic key action and sound quality of both models provide an excellent foundation for learning and practice. However, when faced with the choice between purchasing a brand-new Yamaha YDP-145 or opting for a Yamaha YDP-144 at a reduced price or on the secondary market, there are a few factors to consider.

If you are an advanced player or a professional, the Yamaha YDP-145 might be the better choice, as its more advanced keyboard and superior sound system cater to players who demand more from their instruments. The improved responsiveness and more authentic touch on the YDP-145 can significantly enhance your playing experience.

On the other hand, if you are on a tighter budget or don’t mind having a slightly less advanced keyboard, the Yamaha YDP-144 could still be a great option. The reduced price of a used digital piano may outweigh the differences in key action and sound quality for some players.

What to Buy?

Overall, both pianos are a great investment and offer excellent sound quality, key action, and features. It is important to consider your individual needs and preferences when choosing between these two pianos. If you value a more realistic piano feel, the YDP-145 is worth the extra investment.

And compared to the older model the extra cost is justified. That being said, there might be discounts or used models that might make one more appealing to your budget. The decision is always yours, and as always happy playing!

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