Which Digital Keyboard is Better? | Korg B2 vs Yamaha P45

[@atlassilverbraid]

I can only speak from my experience so: I write music and wrote music before knowing how to play an instrument. I have always loved the piano therefore started to learn and now practice piano everyday. I have had both digital pianos (with dedicated stands offered by each brand) for two years so here is a time tested review. I bought both because I have two homes in different countries and wanted a piano in each so that my learning is not disrupted when I travel. As mentioned earlier, when I bought both, I was a complete beginner with no experience in piano playing. I am only going to talk about the piano sounds and not the other instruments/voices. Out of both, I find the Yamaha P45 to be supreme. It has a much better build quality that is both piano and stand. The Korg B2 has been problematic and has developed sticky keys a few times too. It's build quality including stand is not as good as the Yamaha P45. I found that the Korg B2 does not sound as good, both the bright and soft piano. The speakers hum loudly and even though I have nice headphones, it sounds horrible in those headphones which stops me from using it at night time becuase I write music at night too. The B2 might have more polyphony and more powerful speakers but "crap" will just sound crap, just louder. I can't give a side by side comparison because my pianos are in different geographical locations. The reason why the Yamaha might not sound as good in the video is because the speakers project sound from below and it looks as though the keyboard is placed on a solid desk which would thus muffle its audio. You need a stand for the P45 and when properly placed inside a room, wow. For me, the bass in the Yamaha P45 is so much nicer and I get so much more from it when I want to go from p to fff. There is a world of difference in expression when I play a simple piece like BWV 846 which as you know descends down the keyboard. Out of the box, the pedal on the B2 is better but you can upgrade the pedal on the Yamaha and the upgraded pedal is much better being heavy so it doesn't move. In terms of sustain, there a 'scrapy' undertone to the Korg B2 which is not particulalry nice either. Yamaha piano's have a distinct sound which to me are bright and glass like, which over time I have found to dislike especially after trying a variety of acoustic pianos but that does not mean I would stop using my P45. In terms of touch, the P45 is better for me as it has never developed problems but to me the keys feel heavier but not at a discomfort. The truth about action is that each piano feels different (my piano teacher has a Clavinova and that takes me at least 10 mins to get used too but still I struggle with it because I only play that piano at weekly lessons for much less time than my P45 at home). I will be getting rid of my Korg B2 as it has not been good enough and I would rather send it back to Korg for disposal rather than sell on to someone else that is how disappointing it has been. I have tried both as midi controllers with my DAW but do not have much experience here. The best thing about the Korg B2 is that I have had it long enough to be able to recommend that you should NOT BUY it. To summarise the P45, it is nice, I have enjoyed having it but it is not what I ultimately want. To summarise the Korg B2, I can use one word "ghastly." If anyone reading has a B2 and loves it then I am very happy for you - we are all different and unique, I have found it did not work for me. As I did not know what I know now when I bought these pianos, I won't be buying any new digital piano in the future unless the brand makes acoustic pianos though I am ready to buy an acoustic piano now because of the limitations of a digital piano. Blessings.

[@belezyc]

I'm a learner and I trained on both. During lessons I play on a real piano. The feeling of keys are much closer to real piano on P45 than on B2. Keys on B2 are very heavy, which helps to improve strength with fingers. But there is nothing like feeling the strings under the keys on the P45, like real piano.

[@mateusmnps1]

all digital pianos have keys more light than a real piano, so digital pianos like b2 or cdps 100 are close to real piano cause the keys are heavy than others

[@belezyc]

@@mateusmnps1 hey you! Thanks for your comment. Though, in my humble opinion, the feeling on a P45 is much more realistic than on the B2 😉

[@starmorpheus]

@@belezycYou’re objectively wrong. You can prefer the p45 action, but to say it’s like an acoustic is false. The B2 and even the FP-10 have much more realistic actions. The FP-10 even has an escapement. Cheers.

[@belezyc]

@@starmorpheus i would say your comment is objectively wrong… first we are not talking about fp-10 here, you can’t be more out of the topic. Then there are no escapement at all on a korg b2, neither on a p50, so why talking this attribute? What’s more is that I played drums for 30 years now and you can trust me when i say that i feel a different feelings in my fingers comparing both with a real piano. Finally, if your comment is to say that you prefer to play on a b2 rather than on a p50, well, it’s up to you as preference is subjective…

[@KobraLink]

To my ears the Korg B2 sounds much better, I would have to try them on my hands for a final decision.

[@RichardTorres-ms9vf]

Facts

[@circedge]

Better samples yes, but both sound like studio recordings with poor resolution. Earlier I listened to DP's up to 3k and nothing sounded close to an acoustic, though some tried harder than others, and price didn't guarantee a better sound. As you say, pick the one you like based on feel, not sound necessarily.

[@runder2022]

In reality non In KZbin yeah✌️

[@Jason75913]

​@@circedge speakers will suck on most of those, they didn't "sound like acoustic pianos" based on their shoddy internal speakers or did you give them a listen with something like a Sennheiser HD650?

[@circedge]

@@Jason75913 Some of those have line outs though, so it's not a speaker issue alone. In the case of some of them, I suppose they might not want to hurt their cloud sample sales, but not all of them have that excuse. I'd say the 90's had some convincing piano samples, even modules dedicated solely to that, but somehow we've regressed in quality in 30 years.

[@gonzaga2418]

8:46 Yamaha 10:52 korg

[@TheOFWProjectWorld]

Got the Korg B2 for a year now, coming from Yamaha Psrs from 20 years ago, coming also from arturia midi keyboards and for a beginner like me, the B2 is perfect for all events, whether band practice, practising and recording in a DAW. Now my psrs are retired with the midi keyboard because this can do everything with my PC.

[@dragosnauta]

I understand who already has a p45 and defends it, but if we have listened carefully to what the Boss said about polyphony we realize why the KORG B2 sounds decidedly better than the Yamaha p45...(and then by ear hears):-)

[@Alan_Chapman]

P-45 is great. If it was good enough for Chick Corea, it’s good enough for you lol I actually own one now. Recently moved, and wanted to simplify my setup until I can get a nicer cabinet digital piano for use in my living room. So, I sold both my CP4 Stage and Montage 8 along with a couple of pairs of HS8’s. I thought I would really miss the higher quality of the CP4 samples, triple sensor wooden keys and more advanced editing options. Honestly, I love the fact that this turns on in less than a second, still sounds beautiful enough to enjoy and practice, the GHS action feels as good as all but the most expensive digitals, it has no cable management mess behind it, and none of the constant distractions of 5-band EQ, preamp, split/layer, dozens of voices, resonance and effects settings etc. That being said, there are things I wish could be better, such as the Rhodes sample. I also agree that these have been selling for several years without an update. I can think of several small updates that should be cost effective but might sacrifice the fast startup time, or maybe push the price too high due to additional memory requirements.

[@sofiarosales9509]

Chick Corea used a p45?

[@dancassidy7471]

Quite critical of newbies id say try to be pleasant to those on a budget..as it doesn't mean they are not motivated. Really appreciate otherwise.I have an older Motif XF

[@Jason75913]

P-125 brutally slaughters any synth workstation at piano sound, even all the Motifs. And it is not even the flagship portable stage piano. P-45 is not that great, but definitely good enough for the price.

[@PSIHUNTER00]

Got myself a used p45 for 260$ Couldn't be happier :D

[@demetriuspaschalides4622]

I use the P45 for many years and it was a great choice for every step of my learning. For practice , it boots up immediately and you can start practicing. The sounds , i never cared , because it can be used as a midi keyboard and you can "upgrade" the sound as much as you want. .which leaves us to the action , and that is the most important one . Its great for every level. That is why I don't upgrade . I could spend 1500-2000 for better sounds , but instead , i purchased VSTs for 500 . No one will notice. If you need pitch/ mod wheels , aftertouch , onboard EQs and more sounds , then its not for you . ( Although you could just get another 49-61 keyboard to have those features. Still cheaper).

[@Dxrshu]

Hey There! Can you just brief how do I use vsts in the yamaha p45? And do i get the output of the external tones in the inbuilt speakers itself or external audio output? It would be a great help if you just guide me. Even I do want to play some high quality grand piano sounds in p45.

[@demetriuspaschalides4622]

@@Dxrshu hello there ! No problem. You can use the p45 as a midi keyboard. Which means , connecting to a computer and use it to control virtual instruments. You connect it via the USB B to usb A to the computer/ laptop and hear through its output i.e headphones , its speakers or external speakers connected to the computer or audio interface ( optional ). The p45 has no option to load vsts or any sound in that matter onboard. Now , about VSTs , there are standalone virtual instruments ( for example , on the desktop and you can open them and play ) or as plugins to use in a DAW. For example, i use standalone VSTs ( which can be used in a DAW too ) like pianoteq and addictive keys. I mute the volume on the p45 and only hear through the computer as mentioned above. Hope that helps.

[@Dxrshu]

@@demetriuspaschalides4622 Thank you for you precious reply brother. I do use fl studio, but m not getting grand piano sample which resembles same sound as a grand stage, also i don't want my audio output in external speakers

[@demetriuspaschalides4622]

@@Dxrshu but again, its not possible to load then ONBOARD the p45 if that's your goal.

[@Dxrshu]

@@demetriuspaschalides4622 yaa😭❤️

[@miahoover9225]

I love the sound of the P45. And own one. It may not have as many bells and whistles but sound makes up for it.

[@rbnarby1381]

Suara P45 lebih nyaman ditelinga..

[@Bobert6B05]

Really underrated channel

[@worldofpaisen]

I played both pianos for approximately two years and I had the B2 first. When I switched to P45 I immediately noticed the difference; the B2 is better and I missed it a lot. What they said about polyphony and sustain is true, the B2 is a much better experience in terms of sound and playing.

[@Crocko.04]

Didn’t know George Carlin knew so much about pianos

[@Chiggle8]

Hahaha

[@UFPharmacy]

I honestly wanted to like the Korg more, but other than one or tow of Korgs piano sounds which were just as good (or maybe even slightly better), I thought the Yamaha won most of the sound shootouts (EP's, strings, ect). I don't think the Korg sounds bad, especially for the price, just not quite as good as the Yamaha here. If it weren't for the fact that I've hear a number of people complain about problems with the P45 and P125's having issues when being used as a midi controller (one of the primary applications that I will be using it for) , I would definitely be buying one of these if it was just based on sounds.

[@alirezameidani4551]

What is the name of this music that you played?

[@garykazaks3862]

What is that beautiful song you are playing? It is haunting

[@katma136]

great video! i think i will go for the korg b2. could you please share the name of the song you're playing?

[@Leoholmes]

Hmmm what's the first keyboard that you both started on? Small memories I think

[@StratosFair]

I've been happy with my P45 honestly, but I play quite casually

[@djshmul1]

Korg. Have much more softer sound

[@tayzar1381]

Can you also compare with Roland FP 10?

[@akash_bn]

Roland is daddy of these both😅

[@Jason75913]

The Roland is an upgrade, also more expensive. P-125 is the model that competes with the Roland FP10 and FP30X. Competes and loses by a bit, lol, but many folks pick up P-125 or a Roland as their first piano or as a rehearsal/practice piano or whatever else. Excellent choices, in any event.

[@LaurenceGough]

@@akash_bn Clicky keys on Roland

[@ewang326]

My question, are the keyboards using their built-in speakers or plugged into a keyboard amp ?

[@Jason75913]

They are recording the line-outs instead of mic'ing the rubbish onboard speakers or any others. Line-outs will render the best sound for demonstrations (by a massive margin) and eliminate the need for the extra equipment necessary to record speaker sound. Keyboard amps are bad memes. Keyboards need regular full-range PA speakers.

[@izzy1563]

Korg has a rich sound like my Mason and Hamlin piano. No comparison with the Yamaha. Looks like the Yamaha keys aren’t weighted. I’ve been looking for an old french Harpsichord to play baroque pieces but most need work so considering a digital. Would like it if it also had a lute voice. I wish Korg or Roland would allow customers to pick the 10 or 15 main voices.

[@jembartlett]

As I understand it, the P45 does NOT have USB Audio capabilities, only MIDI. Whereas the B2 has both USB audio and midi, eliminating the need for any kind of interface. That's a big advantage in my books. Also, the B2 has much better speakers.

[@brunorodrigues6329]

Just curiosity, what piano do both of you have at home?

[@patrickmarr4670]

I have a Kawai GX-2 in Cherry!

[@tedbarsalou833]

DGX-660 Now you know why I work at Alamo Music Center!!!

[@Mercy1426]

Going to the store to make my final decision between these tomorrow, this video could not be more timely

[@Juaq1n]

Which one did you choose?

[@jenesaisvraimentpasquoimet8473]

For christ sake what did you choose?

[@Emiliano_Toledo]

WHAT DID YOU CHOOSE!

[@Elkhose]

Trying the korg i feel the keys are very linear and mushi, i honestly didn't really like it... Didn't try the p45 enough to know if it's better

[@katzz6702]

P45 sound's ah bit more sharp and raw 💥✨

[@nigeldsouza6088]

When is the p125 getting an update this year?

[@padmeasmr]

I have a p45 but I dont like it, the feeling is not like a real piano, no emotion, bad low notes sound... My real piano has super light keys so I can play very difficult pieces on it after practicing on the digital ons. Its like surfing lol I gotta get rid of it though and Im not sure whether to get a Korg for 100 euros special prize from a friend (it was my dads before and I played for a little while) or keep this.

[@vivvcat]

just putting some timeframes here 8:40 Yamaha P45 10:06 Korg B2

[@bell1435]

8:40 9:03

[@SparkyHelper]

Thanks for the vid

[@truffott]

Just came after ordering my P45… Hope I made the best decission!

[@JW75383]

How are you liking it?

[@truffott]

I can say I couldn’ t be happier. It is important to mention that I am currently learning, but I am sure I will have a great instrument for years and years, without need of upgrade it. The feeling while playing is professional, as good as the sound, from my honest point of view. It could look a bit simple at the first sight, but there is plenty of settings you can make by reading the user manual.

[@JW75383]

@@truffott that’s awesome!!

[@HossamGhareeb]

My 5 years old son has started learning Piano and I have been offered to buy P45 or Korg second hand at $250. I have zero knowledge about Pianos so which one should I buy?

[@MacCentrisSimpleSencilla]

My son has been playing the piano since he was 8 (he's 16 now) and we've gone through several electronic pianos. If you want an easy to use piano (no weighed keys) the Yamaha PSR-EW310 is quite economical and it's a great beginner piano will lots of extras. I also recommend the semi-weighed Roland:Go Keys which also has many things young (aspiring) musicians will enjoy. After many years we're upgrading from a Williams Allegro III to the Korg B2 as I believe it has all the features my son needs to play as a serious pianist. If I had the room I wouldn't hesitate on getting a real baby-grand piano, but for now I think the Korg B2 will meet our needs. I hope this helps.

[@Jason75913]

Whichever, P45 or B2. Skip the ladder climbing the other gent mentions. And they can fetch nice prices on resale later when you want to upgrade for any reason.

[@dragans6792]

Yamaha P- 145 Yamaha P - 125A What is better?

[@defdeletekits4919]

Thanks so much

[@Jas-hc3td]

Hell yea Ted and pat, top doggies

[@MrKen-gi7ci]

9:38 10:06

[@Autotrope]

I have no idea why but for some reason I've never warmed to either the Yamaha sound or feel in digital pianos despite it being well regarded. Edit: I have a Kawai at home. Still like the sound and feel of Kawai probably best but like Roland, Nord more than Yamaha in general.

[@Genevieve8002]

Same, I’m a beginner and so far have not leaned towards the Yamaha’s neither. I tried a couple of Korg’s today at a local music shop, was very impressed with the sound. One was a Korg B2 and the other I think was a Korg C1! Liked the sound and feel of both!

[@israelnavarro7182]

B2 sound better

[@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل]

No

[@israelnavarro7182]

@@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل yes

[@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل]

@@israelnavarro7182 I tried them on in the store.. Yamaha sound better. B2 sound good but more digital and no weighted keys.

[@SamBoukas]

Depends on which B2 you get. Mine has weighted keys. @@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل

[@alvarovoos7292]

Not

[@ПавелПритыка-ц5ц]

Лично я бы выбирать Роланд если учиться играть на цифровом пианино .

[@mem1072]

La sensibilidad del korg es mejor, y en cuanto al sonido de piano es mas parecido a un piano real, yamaha suena muy bien pero suena mas a teclado que a un piano electrico

[@Jason75913]

piano digital =/= piano eléctrico

[@ayrtoninchejanampa6874]

​@@Jason75913En diferentes términos pero son lo mismo

[@ПавелПритыка-ц5ц]

Ямаха последнии выпуски ( модели )звучат круто для эстрады . Другие мне не нравятся . Корг чисто для космических звуков и Роланд . А также Роланд для классических произведений играть .

[@8tunessspiano]

The korg sounds cooler

[@lifesabeach8133]

Good video, thanks! However, a terribly analogy of freezing in a cheap sleeping bag vs learning to play a piano. No one ever risked their physical safety by giving up on playing the piano. Just saying. To the naked ear, the Korg sounds richer than the Yamaha... even just on my Macbook speakers.

[@Wishes-qq]

Yamaha P45 is better

[@xvmmxv8049]

Korg !

[@jdestudio8746]

Yamaha p45 en mí canal

[@velardechelo]

Good review shtty piano piece... I would've prefer some elron john song...

[@779piano]

Bla bla bla bla