Yamaha P-225 vs. P-125: What's New?

[@sonic2000gr]

I'd be very happy if they also release the P-221 as a replacement of P-121. It seems P-121 is discontinued now, so I guess it's just a matter of time. A compact 73 key would be perfect when portability is key.

[@PianoTone]

I hope they do! In my opinion, manufacturers are missing out on a market that (I think) is much bigger than they realize for 73-76 key versions of all sorts of pianos/keyboards. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@Zoco101]

Agreed! I was lucky enough to buy a P-121 before they disappeared. I like that the speakers point up and down, not out. On gigs they are helpful as monitors, but if they pointed away (as on the P-225 and P-255) they would be less effective in this role.

[@flower-z6m]

Yes,We nddd p221

[@maleficmax]

Thank you for the awesome comparison! For me as a beginner who learns using mobile software, it's important to have usb in/audio and usb midi out. When software shows notes and plays accompaniment, I need to listen the accompaniment without Bluetooth delay to press keys shown on screen in appropriate time. I know that Yamaha removed some of these features from latest edition of 125 and 121 and I am happy to have the first version of 121. So does 225 lacks these functions too?

[@PianoTone]

Thanks! The P-125a is the only model WITHOUT the audio interface - the P-121, P-125, and P-225 all do have the audio interface. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@JoeLinux2000]

How do you see this as a replacement for the DGX-670? I'm looking for something similar but lighter and with a less complex OS with which I have personally become very frustrated.

[@PianoTone]

Well the P-225 is basically the same as the P-125 just with improved sounds and Bluetooth audio in; but the DGX still has far more features (full arranger functionality, 16 track recorder, onboard registrations etc). So if you don't use those features on the DGX then sure the P-225 would be a simpler to use piano with great sounds. Hope that helps!

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@PianoTone I've done considerable modification to the pedal unit of my DGX. I would say the strongest feature of the DGX is its onboard speaker system and audio through USB. Also I'm very content with the DGX's action. I've worked up a great acoustic piano tone in conjunction with Pianoteq Pro. Unfortunately I don't see being able to transport it easily. I've ended up just using it as an acoustic grand substitute. Will you ever compare the 225 to the Kawai es120, or the 525 to the 225?

[@PianoTone]

@@JoeLinux2000 Would love to review an ES120, but I've never even seen a Kawai in person (no one sells them where I live) so I have no way to do a review without buying one online. I will eventually review a 525, I don't think the store where I rent my pianos from has them in stock yet. I love my DGX, but it is a beast (I'll only be transporting it if I move lol)

[@TheMycroft1]

Thank you very much for this detailed comparison of specs and sounds. It leads me to prefer the P-225 hands-down over previous models, especially given the minimal price difference. In all the piano sound comparisons, the P-225 sounds like it has more "presence" and the P-125 sounds more remote. I have to wonder if that's mostly due to the re-engineered speaker orientation; it wasn't clear to me whether the audio came directly from Aux output or from the speakers. Sorry if I missed that. I also appreciate your shared experience on the CK88. Frankly, I'm wondering if he P-225 would be suitable for occasional gigs where I only use acoustic and electric piano sounds.

[@PianoTone]

All the demos (except the speaker demo) are recorded using direct audio, so the speakers aren’t in play for that. And you could totally gig with a P-225 especially with mostly piano/EP voices. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@stantonkramer2986]

Tip regarding out of the box 225. The default has a very firm touch and a very dark sound. I learned that I could adjust the touch to make it softer. But to my surprise it really improved the sound as well. I had purchased the 125 because I liked it better in the store. But had second thoughts and bought the 225 for side by side. Almost returned the 225... until I changed the touch to "soft". All the difference in the world. I also think it impacted the levels of soft-loud. The 125 is packed up to take back. Really liking the 225 after the touch adjustment. JMO

[@PianoTone]

Thanks for sharing that! Yeah adjustments to the touch response can make a big difference. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@hineko_]

its a software adjustment right? It doesn't actually make it's keys lighter?

[@PianoTone]

@@hineko_ Correct; it adjusts the sample (I'm assuming the volume and the samples)

[@SantyWorc]

Where is that option?

[@stantonkramer2986]

@@PianoTone The touch feels lighter.

[@elazar1333]

I don't know which to choose between the Yamaha P-225 versus the kawai es-120. Any insights?

[@PianoTone]

I’ve never even seen a Kawai so I can’t really comment on that sorry! I do love the P-225 though. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@qchupritam]

Thank you for showcasing the subtleties, like an expert wine taster:)

[@PianoTone]

LOL thanks glad you enjoyed the video. And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@randifeldman]

Thanks for this. It’s really hard to find a P125 new as they have discontinued it and I really liked it when I tested it. It was the rich tone and action I liked. I will try and play a P225. This gives me hope it will feel and sound good.

[@PianoTone]

I loved my P-125 when I owned one, and if that would meet my needs now I'd buy a P-225 in a heartbeat (the sounds are better and the key action is close). If you can try a P-225 in a store first I'd recommend it just to make sure you'll be ok with the action. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@randifeldman]

@@PianoTone do you feel that the tones are as rich in the P225 as the P125 - mainly in the lower tones. I keep thinking I’m hearing that but it could be my iPhone which is how I’m listening to you. I don’t like too bright of a piano. I’ve been playing on an old Baldwin upright but it has a very good tone in all keys for me and I want to get as close to a rich piano sound as I get on my acoustic piano. I have found Yamaha to get the closest but I can’t tell between two models myself. I’ve only tested the P125. Now I can only get it used I think

[@randifeldman]

@@PianoTone thanks. I think I don’t know how to subscribe as I thought I did already. This is the best info and you are very clear in your videos

[@PianoTone]

@@randifeldman You may have already sorry :) Not easy for me to tell :) Thanks, glad you like the videos!

[@PianoTone]

@@randifeldman I personally would describe both the P-125 (CF Grand) and P-225 (CFX Grand) as on the "bright side" but if you liked the P-125's voice, I'm sure you'll like the P-225 it's very close, just a bit more detailed (and better)

[@Elazarko]

Now that some time has passed since this video was posted, which key action do you prefer between the GHS and GHC, and why? Is the GHC an upgrade, or just a slight variation without a significant difference? Also, considering all factors, would you say the P-225 is objectively the better choice between the two? The comments comparing the P-125 and P-225 seem contradictory, so I'd appreciate your input.

[@PianoTone]

Hey there! As far as action goes I only rented the 225 so it’s been a while, but to be honest I didn’t notice an appreciable difference between the two. The 225 is definitely an upgrade because of the CFX Grand piano and Bluetooth audio in (but the 125 is still a great piano). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@rosanecorrea9137]

I have an old acoustic piano and planned to buy P225 due to CFX Grand piano sound and less GHC key noise. Now i am worried about the reduced key dimension with a shorted pivot point. Do you think it will be a problem as i am accustomed to study on accoustic piano keys size? Thanks for your video.

[@PianoTone]

I'm not a classically trained player (I just pound on chords lol) and I've spent probably 30 minutes in my life on acoustic pianos, so I love the GHS/GHC key action, but I know alot of players who are used to acoustic pianos prefer the PHA4 action on Rolands, or the action on the Yamaha P-515, saying both of those are more "realistic". Although every acoustic piano is a bit different too. If you're able to try out different pianos in a store, that's how you'll know for sure. Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@rosanecorrea9137]

Thanks for your quick reply. I am not a classically trained player either! I'm still trying to improve my practice. I will try to test the p225 in a store. I really liked it. I have an old yamaha keyboard PSR 500 and i played it just for fun. I prefer an 88 keys digital or acoustic piano. So i hope the P225 key action will be possible for me even if i find any difficult at the beginning. Anyway i will try out before. Thanks again!

[@triapo]

Not big differences for those that already own the p125. Do u think that worth the change?

[@PianoTone]

If you have and like a P-125 and there's nothing wrong with it i would say no, unless you REALLY want the CFX Grand piano sound and the BlueTooth audio; beyond that . . . you're probably good with the 125 to be honest (unless you have a P-125a which doesn't have the audio interface in which case I would say yes upgrade) Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe.

[@sahkonjii]

Does anyone think that the P-225 has a much lower sound output than the P-125? I LOVE the P-225 but it’s like half the volume than my P-125 both at max for both onboard speakers and same amplifier

[@PianoTone]

Check the sound boost and intelligent acoustic control on both pianos, if those are set differently there will be a big difference. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@sahkonjii]

Yup those are the same setting!

[@georgefromgreece4119]

Absolutely, I can hear this, you are correct.

[@sahkonjii]

@@georgefromgreece4119 oh good, I’m not the only one! I was planning on calling yamaha to see if something was wrong with the piano, but it’s crazy, with my speakers connected/disconnected all the way and trying every combination of sound settings, I can’t get it louder than my acoustic grand piano at work. Do you have the same experience? Does it bother you too?

[@georgefromgreece4119]

@@sahkonjii sadly, the p 225 is actually a downgrade to the p 125 in many aspects and this is one of those. Try the sound boost set on "on", too.

[@luizpaulogesta]

does the sustain pedal work with strings as well?

[@PianoTone]

I didn't test that specifically; I know Yamaha has always done a way better job of giving their string voices a natural decay (most others if you hold keys the strings just get louder and louder which sounds terrible when layered with piano). Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@Zoco101]

Thanks for the interesting review. A really annoying aspect of both models is that (despite there being two tracks on the one song recorder) you can't record bass and piano as separate actions. Also, the Yamaha app needs multi-track recording. It's a shame it's so simple. A really cool feature on both models is complete control over monitor speakers, with on/off/auto. They don't have to cut out when you connect headphones.

[@PianoTone]

Would be a nice feature (multitrack recording) but if they start going down that road they might as well make a full app for that - and they’ll have to compete with GarageBand which has been around forever so that’s probably why it’s not worth it for them to do. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@Zoco101]

@@PianoTone You're welcome, but is Garageband available for Android now? Really though, I don't think it would hurt the Yamaha developers to give the (loyal) Yamaha customers some 4-track recording or sequencing capability, since the piano's own recorder (a sequencer really) is so very limited. If I remember correctly, Casio apps for Privias etc are much more powerful.

[@PianoTone]

@@Zoco101 Oh to be honest I have no idea about the android version, I'm on the iPad one. And actually the Casio apps for Privias are awful in my opinion. They are flaky, crash, and don't have anywhere near the same level of functionality and features that Smart Pianist does (creating chord charts for songs, unlimited registrations etc). The new Casio app does have a really goofy feature where it will play "ambient noise" like outside rain, or a crowd in a stadium cheering for you as you play lol.

[@georgefromgreece4119]

The compromise on whatever regards the keybed is by no means for any good. I would go for the 125 any day. I even prefer P125 sonically by far. The harmonics are much more better and natural. A cost reduction scenario for Yamaha, that is it, for sure, trust me. As you go on with the different instruments/ sounds it just becomes more & more apparent. Playing the Doors & The house of the rising sun had me. Top job.

[@PianoTone]

Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@mfurman]

Thank you Tony. If I may, the playability of GHC action is, in my opinion, compromised by shorter pivot length of the keys. It is more difficult to press white keys of GHC close to the fulcrum (many music pieces require playing in this range of keys). GHS is a bit better in this respect but neither can be compared favourably with the action of a grand piano. PHA-4 is better in this respect (even though it is much lauder than GHC, as far as mechanical noise is concerned).

[@PianoTone]

Thanks Michael!

[@steven4217]

It’s interesting how 2 people can have completely different takes on the key feel. I’m torn between the 125a and the 225b. Im just waiting on that one special aspect that would drive me to get one of the 2

[@PianoTone]

​@@steven4217 I personally would never consider the 125a simply because Yamaha removed the built in audio interface which is a massive feature to lose (you can't send digital audio direct to a recording and you now have no option for streaming audio IN to the piano's speakers/headphones). I would pay the same for a used P-125 over a new P-125a. In case you're not familiar with the difference between the 125 and 125a I did a couple videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3rWmKqVZ9mKfbc As far as the key feel on the new P-225 goes, the only way to know if a key feel is right for you is to test them out in person and compare, because everyone likes something different. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe!

[@steven4217]

@@PianoTone I don’t think a KZbinr has ever responded as quickly as you. Thank you. I watched a handful of your videos yesterday and I really do think the 225 may be for me. I would love its beautiful piano sounds to be recorded directly into my DAW since my DAW doesn’t have a piano sample that’s exceptional. For this, the P125a would fall short considering what you said about its lack of a built in audio interface. I was also torn between the GHC and GHS functions but I was confident about your take on the matter. I’m getting the 225. Thanks!

[@mattelvislindsay1326]

​@@PianoToneI agree with you Tony. If there is a difference in the action, it is too close to call. To me it actually seems like it's a little bit easier to play than the p125. But they are both almost identical in the way they feel. To be honest sometimes just because people know that the keys are shorter it makes them think that it is harder to play. It's just like if a doctor told you you were ill you would probably become very concerned and start to feel kind of bad. I know that's a crazy comparison lol. But I'm just saying if nobody ever told them that it was shorter they probably would think it was the identical same action. I notice very little if any difference in the action. Not enough that it makes me any difference lol. But I do notice the sound is a little bit just slightly fuller on the new one in the piano sound and just slightly darker. They both sound good though. They both sound very good especially for this price range

[@typingcat]

Bluetooth? Isn't there a delay? Wireless headphones would be convenient, but I don't think it's physically possible to remove the delay...

[@PianoTone]

No piano (that I know of) will work with Bluetooth headphones - the Bluetooth is for streaming audio IN to the piano from a device (play along with KZbin on your iPad/phone etc). So no you wouldn’t notice any delay. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@sherristouffer3428]

Thank you so much!!! This made my decision about what to move on to from my dying p-45 so much easier. Excited to use the 225!!🎹 thanks again for your help.

[@PianoTone]

Glad the video was helpful! You'll love the P-225 it's awesome. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe

[@NathansWildLife]

Does Queen songs sound good on them

[@PianoTone]

Sure would! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe

[@NathansWildLife]

@@PianoTone thanks witch one would be best for thoes songs

[@PianoTone]

@@NathansWildLife The P-225 has the newer CFX Grand sounds but the P-125 sounds are still great

[@NathansWildLife]

@@PianoTone I was looking at Donner DEP-45 and is that good I found it on facebook marketplace

[@user-xowo3vxy92b73h]

The P-125 definitely sounds better cleaner, has better bass, midrange and treble. This message is for Yamaha: if you want to increase the price due to the current economy, increase it, nothing happens, but don't try to sell us something with recycled materials as a novelty just to recover losses due to the economy.

[@PianoTone]

Thanks for checking out the channel!