Review of Digital Piano Yamaha P95

Review of Yamaha's 88-Key Keyboard

Yamaha P95 keyboard review
Image Courtesy of Yamaha

Review of Yamaha Model P95 88-Key Digital Piano

View the Keyboard at a Retailer Site

Review Summary

The Yamaha Model P95 is an excellent choice for pianists of any skill level looking for a full-sized, yet lightweight, model. Great for travel, those with limited living space, or anyone in need of a MIDI controller/digital piano hybrid at a reasonable price.

The P95 is an upgrade from the P85; the main differences are the voices and the feel of the keys.

Key Features of the P95

  • Keys: 88
  • Polyphony: 64-note
  • Touch Sensitivity: 4 velocity settings
  • Reverb/Chorus: Reverb; no chorus
  • Metronome: Yes; from 32-280 BPM
  • Available Colors: Black or silver

Pros of the P95 At-A-Glance

  • 88 full-sized, weighted keys
  • Matte finish on accidentals (less slippery than the glossy finish)
  • 4 touch-sensitivity settings
  • Sustain pedal included

Cons of the P95 At-A-Glance

  • Can only record one user song; however, this option is a pro for basic home use
  • Keyboard stand not included – available for an extra cost
  • No pre-made rhythms
  • AC adaptor not always included

Keys and Action

The keyboard has a “graded” layout, meaning the bass octaves have a heavier touch than the treble octaves, just like on an acoustic piano. The keys have a natural-feeling spring to them, which would work well to reinforce articulation techniques like staccato.

Transposition from -6 to +6.

Voices and Touch-Sensitivity

There are 10 onboard voices which can be dual-layered (meaning one key can sound two tones at once), and most ring true and clear. Of these, the choir sounded the most artificial, but it’s hard to find a synthetic choir that sounds genuine – even in high-quality sound libraries – so this should not be a deal-breaker.

Available tones on the P95 include:

  • 2 Pianos: one concert grand for classical and one bright grand with reverb for popular music
  • 2 Organs: one electric jazz organ, and one triple choir pipe organ for Baroque
  • 2 Electric Pianos: straight or dynamically sensitive
  • Harpsichord: bright and treble (no touch-sensitivity)
  • Vibraphone
  • Strings
  • Full Choir

Touch-sensitivity may be adjusted with 4 preset velocity curves.

Preset Songs and Recording

The P95 has the same 50 pre-installed songs as the P85, including full piano compositions by Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Joplin, and Mendelssohn, as well as several songs by Beethoven, Debussy and Chopin. Additionally, each of the 10 voices may be previewed with its own abridged demo song.

Up to 65kb (which Yamaha equates to 11,000 notes) worth of personal songs or practice sessions may be stored and sent to a computer or MIDI device if desired, but preset songs and demos cannot be transferred.

Keyboard Speakers and Quality

The two 6W speakers are sufficient. During the trial, there was not any cracking at higher volumes. Ideally, they would amplify a bit more, but for what they are, they get the job done and are of decent quality.

Included Accessories

  • Basic sustain pedal (model # FC5)
  • Removable sheet music rest

Note: The 12V AC adaptor may not be included in some packages. Ask your retailer for confirmation before purchasing.

Back Panel

  • 2 headphones/OUT
  • MIDI in/out
  • Damper pedal input, 1/4"

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