Yamaha P125 vs Yamaha P115 vs Kawai ES110 (2018)

Dave and Craig shootout the Yamaha P125, Yahama P115 and the Kawai ES110 with some interesting results. If you are considering buying an 88 key, weighted piano replacement for under $1000 this is a must watch!
Yamaha P125 - goo.gl/fFcCjE
Yamaha P115 - goo.gl/41yGYU
Kawai ES110 - goo.gl/fM73oY
Keyboard Corner & Kc's Rockshop - goo.gl/CqqN45

[@kusnezoff8705]

I bought a P115 a year ago and now my son is composing his own music and the piano sounds fantastic. I really like the sound it has and for the price we bought it for it was the absolute best buy. I paid 285 USD when it went on a sale here in China and yes it is the original piano. My wife places it as well and they both love it. It is very portable. I bought a portable stand and seat for it that works and for the price I can not complain one bit. The piano is a steal and we love it. Nothing more to say really. Have a great day.

[@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل]

Yes original. But With this price.its a refurbished product,

[@markchavez738]

My P-125 just came in today! It’s sounds so amazing. Love it.

[@MrTuMaEsTrO]

Mark Chavez dude i have a question, are the keys as good as a real upright piano?

[@Gymrat16789]

@@MrTuMaEsTrO no, I don't have the 125 but I have the Yamaha p115 and its good for a beginner but not as heavy as a real upright and the keys feel plastic.

[@batesy1996]

Marwan Abdalla they feel plastic as they are plastic haha. It’s a very accurate keyboard, and hammer weighted too, it’s as close to a piano you’ll get without buying a piano

[@mikeh.4503]

@@batesy1996 I currently (still) have the P-125 and the keys/action are/is plastic, feel plastic, AND spongy!! It's definitely NOT as close to a piano you'll get without getting a real one. Even in this price range there are better ones when it comes to action/keys. And for me action/keys the most important factor besides sound quality/feeling.

[@pedecia]

@@mikeh.4503 Which one would you recommend instead of the P125? I am looking for something that feels like piano as closed as possible and don't need all the other features. It is for my 6 years old son that is learning piano on a holiday location just for 4 months. We have already an upright piano where we come from.

[@AlexRoseGames]

Surprised by some of the negative comments here, this was thoroughly informing, thanks.

[@kcstvchannel]

Thanks Alex, we thought we did OK, but can't be everything to everyone. If we play more we get told to talk more, if we talk more we get told to play more :)

[@AlexRoseGames]

@@kcstvchannel

[@danieltemelkovski9828]

I put a deposit on an ES110 today. I had my heart set on the P125 or the Roland FP30 but every store I checked in Aus (online, obviously) was out of stock. The local store had a Kawai coming within a week (so they said), so I went with that - plus the fact that it was $100-150AUD less expensive than the other two. I'm pretty sure I would have been happy with any one of the three though. Btw, I only ended up watching this vid in order to stave off any chance of buyer's regret lol. Good to see the boys here had nice things to say about the Kawai then. :)

[@b-music9329]

I prefer the sound of the P-115 which is also the one I own. The Kawai sounds a tad bit artificial to me and the P-125 too bright. But that's probably just my taste. I absolutely love the Yamaha P-115. It's the first digital piano I really feel 100% confortable on and which makes me forget that I'm just playing a digital piano. I used to own a Roland FP-8 in the early 90s and then a Yamaha P-80 in the early 2000s. The P-115 beats them both.

[@jortepap]

I own both P115 and P125 and you are right. Also Yamaha claims the key action is the same on both but its not 🤯P115 feels much nicer to play and more like a real piano. (Its crazy)

[@jortepap]

yeah and like you said with the P125 they added some strange "tingy" brightness to the default piano sound (CFIII) and sounds like SHIT compared to the P115.

[@b-music9329]

@@jortepap That's exactly why you ALWAYS should go in a shop and try the piano in person

[@wildnites558]

Being an avid Yamaha keyboard user home, studio and regular live shows with working, local and touring cover bands. I have noticed that the sound on the P115 and up models have a much brighter subtly more pleasing sound with a detectable "ring", sounding very much more like the acoustic C3 models than the P models before the P115 which would include the older and lower numbered models like the P105, P95, P85, P80, P45, etc...I own 2 105's, the 95, the 85 and the 45, I sold my 22 yr old P80 just a few months ago--- all great instruments no doubt. But starting with the 115 and up I absolutely notice that these models have a higher level of piano acoustics. If you're a basic rock keyboardist any P model will suffice for your needs. If you want to do jazz, fusion, prog, classical, small acoustic combos, piano accompanying a singer or singers, the P115 and up models would be the better choices (the P80, 85, 95 105 are no longer manufactured but there of tons of them for sale used at a reasonable price on ebay, craigslist, etc...). I love the compact, lighter weight P121 and will be buying one later this month. Will be my permanent gigging keyboard and retire the old 115 and 105s.

[@TheRedTech98]

What's your opinion on P45 vs P85, if I had the chance to buy either (roughly the same price), which would it be??

[@stephendunne7014]

ES110 emulates the wprkings of a grand piano when the pedal is pressed and it does half-damper as well. I don't know about the Yamaha models. I use the MIDI ports for my little synths like MiniAk or MicroKorg. I agree. Kawai wins. It has a rotary simulator for Jazz organ that can be switched in real time too. Although i use my Casio MZX500 for that, but it still comes in handy if I'm using the ES110 by itself for church or choir practice. And I prefer the Kawai action. Have played Yamaha portable pianos in studio situations before.

[@kcstvchannel]

Thanks for contributing! Don't forget to subscribe.

[@mashu4173]

So which action do you prefer the yamaha or the kawai

[@mootal2812]

How does Yamaha P115 compared to Casio CDP S150 ? Thanks

[@sivfsivf8767]

Excellent video, very very complet and useful, thanks a lot guys!

[@saiteja1786]

Great review..is there a duet mode on kawai es110 ? If not can we use split mode to use 2 separate piano sound ?

[@jamesonity]

Awesome reviews guys. Can you please please do a comparison of the FP30 vs P-125. I think it’s a common comparison. They’re similar enough but also have some “key” differences making it worthwhile. I’d like to see YOUR take! :-)

[@airtimedesign]

My Previous post mentioned that I could not get the MIDI to work on my new P125. I'm happy to report it was my mistake. The USB input I was using was not working properly. Once I connected the MIDI from the P125 to a proper working USB on my Mac computer everything worked perfectly. I did install the Yamaha driver previously but I'm not sure that would have been necessary had my USB connection been good. At any rate, the MIDI does work with my Mac running Sierra (not High Sierra). What is nice is that it transmits digital audio as well as MIDI information. This allows you to record an audio track on your DAW with the direct full fidelity pure digital sounds of the piano and other P125 instruments and no audio interface necessary. I'm warming up to the P-125. Still trying to figure out how to have the USB feed my ipad for the "Smart Pianist" app and have another USB to my DAW. I guess I could use a MIDI splitter from the USB connection on the P125 but I haven't tried it yet. Cheers!

[@kcstvchannel]

Thanks for the helpful info. Don't forget to subscribe!

[@TheRickuren]

I own a P115. I saw a review on the P125 saying that with a computer interface, you can send recorded sound files to the internet (email, etc.) Can the P115 do this as well? How do you do this? Thanks!

[@MarianIanchis]

Rick Uren I would like to know this too. So far I wasn’t able to export anything. So I record over and lose the previous one.

[@kcstvchannel]

The way to do this with the P115 would be to use the AUX out and record to a PC/Device using recording software and then emailing/uploading.

[@floridaessene]

I use a Yamaha P115 with a usb>midi adapter to a Yamaha Motif XS Rack. Great for low-weight LIVE concerts. Nothing weighs over 26 lbs. I may get a P125 with the 'matte' finish black keys. The P115 keys are a bit slippery.

[@kcstvchannel]

I used to have an XS Rack. Great bit of gear. Dave.

[@JcSontinou]

Is it piano review or talk show?

[@pedecia]

So regarding the Feeling of the keys in getting closer to the real Piano is the Kawai the winner here? Thanks

[@qwe1231]

Good video but the wide shot has the hosts out of focus! Anyway, very fair review. I used to prefer USB connectivity, until I bought a Reface CP, now the built-in MIDI on the Kawai makes it more attractive as a controller. (And I like the piano sound too.)

[@kcstvchannel]

Thanks for watching and the feedback. We should have our camera issues sorted out for the next video.

[@airtimedesign]

Just purchased a Yamaha 125 and unfortunately the MIDI is not recognized by my Mac with Sierra. I've read online that the drivers don't work so now I'm stuck. I bought the 125 for piano but also as a MIDI controller for Logic and it does not work. I'll contact Yamaha and see if there a fix on it's way but in the meantime I have a new 125 but can't use it with my DAW. Another good reason for good ole 5 pin din MIDI connectors. BTW the USB does work with my ipad with Smart Pianist.

[@qwe1231]

Sorry, you're doing something wrong. Download Yamaha's COMPUTER-RELATED OPERATIONS pdf document. You'll see that (unlike with Windows) the Mac needs no drivers ("For Mac OS computers, you can use the standard driver available on the Mac OS; there is no need to install another driver"), and the P125 works with Mac OS X 10.11.0 - 10.13.x (and Sierra is 10.12).

[@namakudamono]

Good video guys. Both boards seem pretty closely matched.

[@minhyuklee5039]

Should i go for P115 instead of P125 if its like $200 cheaper or is it just worth buying the P125?

[@roshangeorge314]

Generally people would prefer p115 Bcoz p125 is a successor to it but doesnt have lot more features than p115 Only some features more If those features are a compulsion for u go for p125 otherwise p115 I will be going for p125 as i cant find p115 in my city shops

[@MirawanChannel]

when choosing digital piano, what consideration in more prior? more keys (88 keys) or best sound (but less key)? can you make a video about this?

[@MrTuMaEsTrO]

wanwannabe5855 simple, you always need to have as a priority 88 keys in a piano no matter what

[@MrTuMaEsTrO]

second comes the weighted keys

[@megalennaliestary6330]

Can I use Yamaha's Smart Pianist app with Kawai ES110?

[@maroonmochi3426]

Obviously not

[@tevbuff]

Can you use a third party triple pedals on the p125? You can only use a specific triple pedal on the P115 but you need to buy a stand with it.

[@keyboardcorner]

The only compatible triple pedal board is the Yamaha LP-1 to suit the P125 specifically, it also requires the matching L125 stand. au.yamaha.com/en/products/musical_instruments/pianos/accessories/lp-1/index.html

[@andnew0146]

I cant really decide between 115 and 125 any help?

[@airtimedesign]

Hey Andrew, I was going to buy a 115 but walked out of the store with a 125. The reasons are as follows. First the sound of the 125 is better because of better speakers and more dynamic sampling. The speaker system has been upgraded to include a tweeter and woofer on each stereo side. In a nutshell the sound system has higher fidelity. There are now 4 levels of dynamic sampling on the 125 as opposed to 3 on the 115. This means that each note is sampled at 4 different key strikes starting with pianissimo, mezzo pianissimo, mezzo forte, and forte. This allows you more expression when playing. The second reason is the additional sounds. It's not much more but any addition to the sound bank is a plus. Third reason is the "Smart Pianist" app. This really makes the P125 much easier to navigate and enhances the playing experience. Lastly the P125 can transmit digital audio via the USB connection to your DAW. This allows you to record the pure digital audio quality of all the sounds on the 125 to you DAW. Another feature with the smart app is the ability to have your itunes song library playback on the P125. This is great for practicing but it also has an application for having background tracks for live. You might have drums and bass song tracks and play live over it to sound like a full band.

[@tahiroguzpekbay5288]

@@airtimedesign I understand you are a good player as you really gave useful info . thanks.

[@avetik32]

Brooks Reid hey, I’d appreciate it if u could leave some experience feedback if you still use the 125. I’m choosing between the 125 and es110, and even though I like the sound of 110 more I really think that I might miss out on 125’s features. I haven’t played piano for about 10 years and forgot everything (played it for about 5 years when I was a kid) and even though I want to learn and master some classical pieces I also want to someday create my own music but not classical, so the fact that Yamaha already stores a lot of voices is appealing and also if I’m correct it pairs with a pc easier(?) and has more to offer? My impressions is that es110 isn’t as versatile. I’d appreciate any sort of answer, cheers :)

[@rondoge4375]

Isn't Yamaha p115 same as p125 in regards to sound engine?

[@kcstvchannel]

Thanks for watching! The sound engine remains the same but the speaker and cabinet design have changed. As we found in the video it has a bit more midrange presence.

[@steve03au]

You could have DI'd them all?

[@kcstvchannel]

It's a mix of DI and cam audio. We had to compensate for a lapel mic malfunction. Thanks for watching!

[@airtimedesign]

I just bought a Yamaha P125 and the difference between the 115 is-Improved speaker system (woofer and tweeter for each side) and 4 level dynamic sampling. When you A-B them you will find the 125 is brighter sounding. Initially to my ears the 115 sounded smoother but after extended listening the 115 sounds duller. A matter of perspective I suppose. They both sound and play great. I choose the 125 mainly because the 115 did not have proper audio outputs. The 125 has 1/4" outputs. More sounds and features weighed into my decision also.

[@Robin_0011]

Is there s difference between P115 and P125 in sound and touch? If so, which one is better?

[@jortepap]

both sound AND touch is better on the P115. Sounds crazy.. but I own both. P115 action feels nicer and more like a real piano!!! They made the P125 sound brighter in a really ugly way.

[@suyan8687]

Hi, how is the build quality of the Kawai? Early production of key quality issues, what about 2018 productions? Any quality issues? Thanks and I subbed

[@minji1]

Quality shouldn't be an issue when there's a 5 warranty for it. That being said, which one did you choose to buy?

[@MansterBear]

So is there a way to disable the output speakers when you hook up a line out, to like headphones? The feature of being able to hear out of the speakers while also having a line out is cool, but I also play at night alot and need to be able to just have output go to headphones and not the speakers.

[@michaeltremblay3470]

Yes

[@Happyaccidents93]

Music on 9:12 please

[@agapaw3721]

Blah blah blah 14:34 guy starts actually playing few notes

[@jiro8233]

What is this song called? 8:30 My friend has been playing it forever but he forgot its name XD

[@craigjohnston7407]

That is the theme from the movie The Piano, it's called The Heart Asks Pleasure First.

[@kcstvchannel]

Thanks Craig! :P Dave.

[@lazerbay6531]

can you add a bluetooth adapter to the yamaha?

[@franciscoherrera8072]

I'm considering into buying a piano in a week and i was wondering if i should purchase the Yamaha P125. What do you guys think? Thanks for the help very much appreciated.

[@franciscoherrera8072]

Lol wow that didn't take long i'll consider it.

[@markchavez738]

My P125 is coming in the mail this week, what did you end up buying?

[@onmybehalf]

Nice one! Subscribed!

[@kcstvchannel]

Thanks so much! :)

[@MontagoDK]

Impossible to compare considdering you've recorded the sound from speakers bounced in the room... you should have recorded the lineout instead.

[@kcstvchannel]

No, all was recorded from line outs into a digital recorder.

[@heiwa3713]

YEP, YEP

[@leamog]

Vladimir Rusu yep

[@michaelxj]

At 8:45 what is that song called?

[@craigjohnston7407]

Can you feel the love tonight - Elton John

[@PHILIPPECOLLIN1ER]

stop talking please ...play !

[@kcstvchannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@2.0.1.0.]

It's not live, you can fast forward, moron.

[@danielgomes5089]

Guys, anyone knows the song on 4:36? Thaaanks!

[@craigjohnston7407]

New York state of mind - Billy Joel

[@kcstvchannel]

@@craigjohnston7407 Beat me too it! - Dave

[@melodychest9020]

Looks like Kawai's got the goods considering the price point. One wonders if Yamaha being such a huge company are losing the plot.

[@MontagoDK]

MIDI over bluetooth works like shit... never use it as an argument !

[@kaboomsihal1164]

I prefer the sound of yamaha, the kawai just doesn't sound good in the higher ranges. It's probably better suited for ballads though

[@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل]

Hhhh

[@kclee1]

Please also watch their comparison between Yamaha P125 vs Korg D1: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goG6p4yGd6aWn9U

[@Hotled1944]

The P125 also has Bluetooth

[@FuzzyLogicxxx]

With a addon module that needs external power.

[@frundlemud]

Why have you got that person behind you being a complete

[@nickeckemoff7631]

Wife didn't like the feel of the Kawai. Keys felt weird with too much bounce back and it sounded in dull like in box...too warm and mellow. I am a fan of dark sounding instruments and liked the build quality of it...seemed like solid equipment and I personally felt that keys had a nice weight, but did notice how they were quick to bounce back and were rubbery. We couldn't turn the volume up enough for it fill a medium sized room. Speaker aren't positioned for performing. She immediately liked Yamaha 125. Keys are lighter and more comfortable. Obviously cleaner brighter sound and full at the same time. You can use ipad to control everything on the Yamaha and she already uses it for music. The increased treble sound means you don't need to turn the volume up as much. It seems clunker and build cheaper fro what I could tell.

[@kpyee]

The video is 30 mins 27 sec but don’t worry, to get to the best part just skip the first 30 mins 26 sec.

[@kcstvchannel]

LOL! Nice one - Dave

[@earlneath]

Well I for one watched it through and found it helpful

[@mrdeen5532]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah...

[@CarlyWaarly]

oh dear, people talking tat! zzzzzzzzz!

[@imalamboman12]

Roland Fp30 beats all 3.

[@kcstvchannel]

Thanks for watching and commenting! How do you feel the FP30 is better?

[@donhowardii1626]

If you want to play songs that call for a bright and metallic sound then Roland would suit you but for all around different genres, Yamaha and Kawai are better IMO.

[@imalamboman12]

Don Howard II Roland has string resonance and 3D models a grand piano, not just samples. The action is far superior to Kawai or Yamaha action. I also use it to play virtual pianos such as addictive keys or pianoteq.

[@MontagoDK]

The only thing i miss on my FP30 is some more jazzy sounds, like the ones found on the P125 - but i agree, as a piano, its far superior to these 3 :)

[@AT1Tan]

The whole staff at my local music store compared the yamaha p125 to the Roland fp30 and we all agreed that the yamaha sounded better. The cost the same here in Sweden so it's hard to decide wich one to buy. Im thinking of buying the yamaha.