Yamaha P515 vs. Korg SV2S

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The Yamaha P515 and the Korg SV2S are my two favorite digital pianos under $2000, and while they are both designed for different things, they are both very fun to play and are wonderful musical instruments. In this video I compare the similarities and differences, and while I do state a slight preference for one over the other, honestly the decision is pretty subjective and both of them are amazing products.

[@jbijouphoto9397]

I'm so glad when people compare items at different ranges. When shopping, sometimes people want to know what they are missing (if they are missing anything) by not spending more, or what do the pros think about the value-laden piano. I literally typed in both of these for a review, so thank you!

[@carlosxu7042]

Thanks a lot!! I’ve been waiting for it for a long time.

[@beatnickPL]

Man, I love your thorough reviews, keep it up

[@ThePianoforever]

Will do!

[@sandscribbler]

Thanks for this video, James! I like your idea of doing a future video on the gram weight comparison between the actions of these two keyboards.

[@Gilotopia]

I really appreciate you making this video. Its exactly what was missing from KZbin. From the chord "melody" test of the sv2s it seems that there almost no sympathetic resonance on the acoustic pianos.

[@rikspector]

James, Great reviews and a lot of fun! Cheers, Rik Spector P.S, Would love to hear your Chopin:)

[@r.v.5551]

Amazing comparison.

[@happyjou7012]

Thank u brother.. For constantly uploading such awesome videos. ..lots of love from india.... Wish to hear more beautiful piano pieces from u besides the comparison.....and p515 is indeed a beast.#Yamaharocks.. #pianoforever. .

[@Thiago-px9ev]

Thank to you, James, I bought my P515! Couldn't be more satisfied with it! Wonderful sound, love the bass of the CFX(leaves my 4'7" upright on the shade), heavy action but very responsive too... everything that you said is true! Still waiting for a comparison between this and the FP-90/ES8!!

[@SafeRetirement]

Best review you have done. Nice back to back playing made differences clear. Upper range virtually different, bottom range of korg a bit muddy by comparrison. Debussy "Clear the Saloon" is a great choice to compare the sounds. Seems a trade-off between the great acoustic on Yamaha vs. editability of the Korg. At this price range though ($1800-2000) something like the Yamaha MODX8 has a lot more bang for the buck. More capability to interface with computers and other audio sources. Vast sound library and editing. Perfect for live settings, working with bands with a click, etc. Great job on the review!

[@terryplew3333]

Both are great.

[@FishingtonBurpPuzzle]

They provide the piano for my gigs so i just need the Yamaha for practicing up. That SG2 is awesome though but it is essentially a band backing instrument rather than solo. But, vintage sounds being popular for various covers the SG2 is definitely a great piano for gigging.

[@mauriciolacruz]

You are a GREAT reviewer! 👍🏻 With regards to acoustic piano voices, both sound pretty similar to my ears. Maybe the Yamaha a tad better (deeper base and slightly more clear), but very similar in the end. With regards to electric piano voices, the clear winner here is the Korg. Considering that the Yamaha is 550€ cheaper and I'm going to use the acoustic piano sounds more, I'm leaning towards the P-515.

[@VitalMusique]

Very clever review

[@iseeolly9959]

Thanks once again James....I think the Korg looks good....I've got a JunoDS and a pair of Mackie 8 inch speakers as my "piano" ...the Juno is built like a tank and the action is very nice...all in cost in the UK for Juno and Mackie 8" speakers (and sustain pedal) £1100. I've never had a bit of disappointment with any Korg.....my Prologue is a odd beast. I'm still waiting for Kawai to make the best ever digital piano.....the best ever acoustic upright I've ever played was a Kawai...and for Yamaha fans, I have a Yamaha drum kit with 14x6.5 bamboo snare (put in my will that I'll be buried with it). Cheers from the UK mate.

[@SrinivasMurty]

Great review. I am presently torn between these two for a simple reason. I ordered a P-515 but it isn't in stock for another 4-6 weeks. I am seriously toying with the idea of switching to an SV2 (not the S model) as it is readily available. Cost is definitely a factor. Paying an extra $500 to get that beauty right away is tempting. But then, it isn't the one with those fancy speakers and "that grill". Very tempting, but I'm going to have to sit tight and wait for my P-515. That Bosendorfer did it for me :)!

[@pauliecaccamise1980]

The sv1 interface is tactile. It makes amazing sense. Easy to feel out what you want and need.

[@SuchaDoofus]

What can I say? Brilliant review. So nicely thought out. Well done. P 515 pianos are indeed a bit nicer. Cool SV2 though

[@frankcasatelli4078]

The Korg sounds crispier to me.I like that!

[@pauldritsas6047]

Superb James. :)

[@keithcowen5220]

I love my P515 and it will be great for trio work and practice. Run it through mixer with speakers for large rooms, keyboard speakers for small room single performer. So much better than out of tune acoustic piano.

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

Nice comparison. Another 'versus' video I'd like to see would be the Yamaha P515 vs the CP88. Technically, they don't fall into the same category (one's a home piano, the other a stage piano) but they practically have the same keybed (except that the CP88 has no escapement). Would be interesting to see how different they really feel. And perhaps you could help clarify why Yamaha has decided to bundle the FC3A pedal (WITH half damping) with the CP88, a stage piano where its use case doesn't really require half-damping (or is less important), but sells the 'more pianistically inclined' P515 with the FC4A pedal (which doesn't support half-damping). Logic dictates it should be the other way around...

[@JitinMisra]

I'm still waiting for the es8 vs p515 comparison. I think that will be the most Epic. Great Video , as usual!

[@karantiwari4750]

How much the p515 cost?

[@dangnguyen7365]

@@karantiwari4750 $1500

[@karanlodaya5734]

Can anyone suggest which piano sound is better between korg d1 and yamaha p125. It would be a great help thank you very much.

[@gregaltenhofel7326]

Karan Lodaya I have the P-125 it’s one of his favorites for the concert grand sound and action in every comparison he put it up against. The P-515 will beat it naturally because it has the Bösendorfer sample. So if you can spend the extra 1000$ nearly do it. But the P-125 I am very happy with.

[@Gangl10n]

I choice between P-515 and ModX8. ModX8 is better because it make all that may P-515 but more like tune sound of piano or guitar whatever.

[@kletowolf7104]

Nice keep it up

[@VidarW]

Imagine the SV2 with a Mic input and vocal effects. Makes my eyes misty

[@briansun6336]

I found out that soft playing is really a good tell good digital pianos from normal digital pianos.

[@ThePianoforever]

Dynamic response is crucial with digital pianos, I agree.

[@moldenburg909]

Great comparison and a lot of fun to listen to. And yes, the wet hands sounds brilliant again. Did you dry you’re hands later on? 😀 I personally like the p-515 just that little bit more because of what I like to play, and the good piano sounds, but the sv2 is really awesome. Certainly the big sound of the churchorgan. On the other hand sometimes the sv2 sounds as if the paddle isn’t installed, you know. The sustain is not long and deep enough that’s to say what I hear off it. But in anyway thank you for sharing and playing!

[@MrBaroquer]

Yamaha P-515 could also be a phenomenal instrument for performances, especially when it comes to piano or organ sounds. It is definitely meant for much more than just home usage by the Yamaha company.

[@masterofgames8261]

James, could you, if you can get your hands on one, compare some of the earlier generations of the p series to the newer versions like the p255 and the p515, or the p115 and the p125?

[@kik0387]

Great vid! Can you please do such a comparison with an SV2 and a CP88?

[@guptavibhor]

Waiting for you to review korg d1!

[@mattroll5456]

and compare it to P-125.

[@visheshsharma6036]

Not much difference in the Grand piano sound , but yamaha definitely has its plus point in its bass line!! You reviews are amazing!! I love to watch them!!❤️

[@ThePianoforever]

Glad you enjoy!

[@sunnyalex7696]

I have a question: I know the Korg lacks drawbars but why do the towel organ sounds seem to almost mute below about the third octave? Is that normal? Does anyone have any thoughts they'd be willing to share?

[@aselma10]

The Sv2 acoustic piano sounds way more real then the yamaha

[@alwaysuseless]

I was expecting a Yamaha P515 - Kawai ES8 comparison but not quite this soon. I didn't know that the P515 and the Korg SV2S were your 2 favorite digital pianos under $2000. I know the P515 - ES8 comparison is coming soon. My only question is what happened to the Yamaha P515 review? The NAMM version is still up, but the longer version is no longer on your channel. That was a good review. I hope it reappears--perhaps with some minor editing? Thanks!

[@mamamo5790]

Hey dude!!! Can you review the Roland Juno DS88 soon? Im wondering if its still a good option.

[@thatomorutle2728]

What do think about the new inovus i88 digital piano for beginners?

[@BassKlef1]

I really prefer the 515 Acoustic piano sounds. Perhaps I am biased, because I have a P515. But as you say they are two different pianos. I have a feeling the Korg will have a better electric piano sounds.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

To my ears the Yamaha sounds more saturated yet cleaner, mellower yet slightly brighter. It's odd how the Yamaha has opposite qualities to itself in its piano tones. The Korg sounds fine, maybe projects well in a mix. It looks cool too.

[@CanaldoOTA]

Nice review, as always ! James. How do you compare Korg RH3 vs Roland PHA4 (Fp10/30). Looking for a 88 midi controller with good action. I prefer thins on the lighter side.

[@ThePianoforever]

I wouldn't classify the RH3 as light but its definitely more nimble and precise feeling than the PHA-4, which I would classify as heavy. Between the two I'd rather play on the RH3.

[@ArrowThrills]

Could do a Yamaha Montage 8 vs Yamaha P515 video ?

[@d00gle90]

Would you be able to do a review on the Kawai CA79?

[@danstephensen9032]

The CFX sounds a little more "in-tune" and a bit fuller. I also think the high end is more "real" in some way. Like you say, these things are all subjective to the end user. My Vote is for Yamaha. (in drums too, btw!)

[@thedanyesful]

That was an interesting review. Thank you. It's unclear how you recorded the audio on this. Were the pianos just recorded from the same microphone as your voice? I'd be interested in hearing the audio from the line-out instead of from the built-in speakers. Also, it would be interesting to hear these played via a third keyboard connected to the MIDI-in - to see whether there's more difference in the samples or the keybed sensitivity of the keyboards.

[@ThePianoforever]

The audio of the pianos was recorded via the line outputs in this video.

[@FirstWizardZorander]

Great video, James! This makes it so much harder for me, though. I have narrowed down on these two as possible candidates for pianos I can use for both practice and gigs. I primarily want an acoustic piano, but I absolutely adore the EP sounds of the SV2. Like, they give me literal goosebumps. Add to this the fact that I've managed to find an SV2 in a local music store to try out, and I love its action to bits, but I have been unable to find a P515 to try so far. I'm wary of potentially ordering one online as I'm unsure of my personal preference when it comes to the action. Is there anyone here with the same focus who have been able to make a decision one way or another?

[@mcyntje]

Please review the Yamaha MODX8 if you can, would love your opinion

[@karanlodaya5734]

Hey can you do a video on yamaha p125 and korg D1. Hope you see this and make a video thank you very much.

[@disienna]

This just reminds me of why I almost bought the 515. The piano samples just sound great and the action is one of the best. Wish they made a smaller/lighter version of it. That action is very controllable. The acoustic Yamaha baby grand we have at work feels so similar. Of course the real thing is better, but you’ll need several guys to move the real thing around... Yamaha’s digital lineup is ticks all the boxes at their price points.

[@Thiago-px9ev]

Never played on a grand, recently got my P515 and its good to know that you find it close to a real Yamaha grand

[@quantizedinfinity4441]

For me, piano and church organs - wins Yamaha, in all other cases wins Korg. James, many thanks for your comparison! Great job!

[@ThePianoforever]

The SV2 is pretty awesome overall and definitely has a place on the market. I love both of these.

[@justinnelsonmusic6848]

Hey James, I was wondering if you have any insight as to the Roland FP 90 vs. the Korg SV2S, since you've played both (lucky dog!). I'm interested especially in a comparison of their action and on-board speakers, since they are basically the same price point and are some of the few keyboards in that price point to boast high-quality built-in speakers?

[@justinnelsonmusic6848]

My Roland FP4 just died and looking for a nice replacement, as I feel the FP-4 was in a class of its own in terms of speaker sound and action.

[@bongmeim]

I like the sounds of the P515 though

[@danstephensen9032]

Question. My sustain pedals KEEP FAILING. As a Pro drummer I don't play my keys at home very much. I have a Motif ES8 for my own amusement and a couple of old wood Hammond's. (Sadly nota B-3 or C-3 ). I have tried a few ( i'm guessing Japanese built ). Is there ONE that doesn't poop out after a year or so??? THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR GREAT CONTENT. HAPPY 4TH to you. Dan in Mesa, AZ

[@kletowolf7104]

what is the song that he played at 11:35

[@RoshanD.Rai_]

Is the Yamaha CP-300 worth it? In your opinion, whats the best digital piano for a classical pianist for under £2000? Im considering the Kawai ES-8/MP-12 or the Yamaha P515 as well, thanks!

[@c.s.christopher5801]

There's no Kawai MP-12.

[@glassbottlechair]

Hi James, another fantastic review. I am an electronic music producer looking at these two pianos for a studio piano. Will mostly be improvising chord progressions and melodies but would also like to have a piano that I can learn to play classical music on. Which one would you pick for this purpose?

[@behrouzsedighian5202]

Hi james .please make a video for comparing korg D1 & yamaha p-125 .wich on is better ? Wich Hammer action is better? Thanks alot

[@mlgl9728]

RH3 action is much better than the GHS (Yamaha P125). Korg's flagship models also feature the RH3 action.

[@ronaldmeyer1314]

Please find a Roland KR 107 and tell me about its quality. It is no longer made but i am curious.

[@yoyemama]

Great video!But there is no comparison to me,i much prefer the P515 all the way.

[@mtview48]

Why?

[@jgsawka]

Does the P515 come with a power supply? Just wondering because I've been checking around for one to purchase but, I feel like the description of content of our local store, said it's not included??

[@Hesthedaddy]

Hi, just bought one in UK and yes the P-515 does have a power supply.

[@davidstein606]

How would you rate SV2 vs grand stage?

[@alexs3912]

How good is the Yamaha YDP-144?

[@zxbtechx1607]

korg had a great improvement !

[@king_krule9504]

You would think the sv2 speaker would be better since they collaborated with the speaker company K-AARAY

[@larshp99]

Wish I bought the sv2 instead of the kawai es8. Its seems like a more fun instrument and just as good to learn on

[@ThePianoforever]

I mostly agree, but i do have to say that I think the SV2 is more for performance than practicing. It would work for practicing, but for me personally, I find myself messing around with all the cool sounds more than I do practicing on it. Still is a wonderful instrument and not a bad choice for a practice instrument at all. The action is fantastic.

[@hungryformusik]

I just had an idea how piano sound can be tested on keyboards and compared to a real piano: Hold down (don't play) the first overtones of C, that means c, g, c' with your left hand, and e', g', bb', c'', d" with your right hand. Then let another person strike the C (one octave lower than the c) a resounding blow. The upper tones should vibrate in sympathetic vibration.

[@eduardo_frederico_]

Yamanha P515vs Roland fp90! Please!

[@mauriciolacruz]

46:20 😳 SUPERB ORGAN SOUND ON THE KORG! 😳

[@anothamatt]

@37:08 what song is that?

[@prathams4690]

Compare yamaha p515 and roland fp90 pls pls pls

[@pawelsz95]

You CAN change and alter some effects in the P-515 in menu in Voice Edit (e.g. replace tremolo with overdrive or distortion on wurly sounds and instrument can remember those settings). There are some more things available to customize in menu. But it is very inconvenient comparison to hands-on controls in SV-2.

[@ThePianoforever]

Ah, very cool! I agree, the physical controls are much more convenient than menu-diving, but fortunately I don't find myself wishing to alter the Yamaha's sounds very often.

[@bryanlu93]

Great video! I'm wondering if Yamaha's got some kind of sympathetic string resonance going on in that P515? You know where you hold down a G without triggering a note strike, and then play a c, you'll hear the G ring from the extra harmonics on the C? I know korg definitely doesn't do that on their SV2, but you are spot on with that right hand decay. Maybe as a piano player, I shouldn't have been so drawn to that SV2.....lol. Too late!

[@apothum]

The p515 definitely has sympathetic resonance. Whether you are holding down the pedal or just several keys, you can hear the resonance. I bought mine several months ago and have no regrets. Amazing piano.

[@joya0415]

Can you use Bluetooth headphones on the P515 or is it wired?

[@alexjenner1108]

Bluetooth introduces latency which you probably don't want with any instrument.

[@ElektronicCricket]

I play the SV1 for 10 years and for me the best sound is the fender Rhodes. The acoustic Piano's are not so good (quality of the samples, output) so I'm not sure about the new SV2 ... There are more sounds but I'm afraid it's still the same quality... And if I looked the specifications.... Hmm ... After all these years.... Should be nice to have the Kronos engine. It's very personal of course

[@VidarW]

I have a SV2 and honestly,I cannot find MY accoustic pianosound,even when I browse the editor with loads of sounds. Im a sucker for a crispy,punchy and tacky «Elton John sound» and its not here,even if you can layer 3 pianos and add fx on it. But the Rhodes and wurlitzers,organs and strings are awesome. The majestic church organs are awesome but when you play fast passages,the sound clips and cannot follow. Even the classic guitar here are really good. But Im going for a yamaha next time. But awesome instrument indeed

[@raphaelcarneirogoncalves]

The Korg is fantastic. But in my case I prefer the Yamaha.

[@jazzlovr]

Hi James!! It sure is good to see you. How is the family? Kurtis and I are doing well. Say hi to your mom and dad. You can find me on facebook.

[@ThePianoforever]

It's been a long time, but thank you for helping me all those years ago at the Sacramento Jazz Society.

[@Rishat23]

Great comparison as always! I have already ordered the 515 after watching your videos. Just one question, do you know whether the 515 can play downloaded Style files (.STY)? Thanks so much!

[@karantiwari4750]

How much p515 cost you?

[@seppoinnanen5577]

Damn. I already have the SV2, but at the crucial points the Yamaha has a tad better sound. On the other hand, you don't seem to be able to store your own sounds anywhere with Yamaha. Oh well... they both are very good though

[@yaronsteinbuch3956]

I know nothing about keyboards - but I like the Yamaha more. 😃

[@neonwilliams5300]

So to sum up; Korg = better looks, EP instrument, better strings and effects section. Yamaha = better AP instrument, better sound system and more bells and whistles plus more sounds, and 25% cheaper. I think I'll get an SV, then several years down the track, maybe the Yamaha, and have the best of both worlds for recording/playing. I can def hear the superior AP's coming through, and just wish the Korg had those equally, but it's almost impossible to get one instrument with everything you want. I like them both equally. Great comparo, cheers!

[@ThePianoforever]

Accurate summary. :)

[@loreleiofthemist]

wet hands! my favorite piece from minecraft

[@Aschwald91]

I find sv2 Sounds a bit too melow. It’s a pity we cannot edit the factory sounds...

[@ThePianoforever]

You can edit the touch sensitivity and eq the sound right in the SV2 but I do know what you mean, many of the sounds lack the punch that the real deal would have, or even that the SV1 has. I have heard that Korg released an update for the SV2 that allows you to install all the old sounds of the SV1 on it, but since I have both an SV1 and an SV2 I haven't done this.

[@dominirican7403]

Roland fp 90 vs es8 vs p515

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

I liked the p515 a lot more. Yamahas piano sounds are hard to beat right out of the box. I own a Korg Sp280 and it's time for an upgrade for real and it appears the P515 will be taking its place.

[@RaddMann3]

Minecraft! Awesome!

[@Gangl10n]

48:40 its Pennywise style)))))

[@Gangl10n]

You need new part "Sound of key action" and record sound of key of power off piano when you play music. Its very necessary moment in review.

[@pcuimac]

Yamaha - Made for musicians. Love the SV2S design though!

[@Sonosuke]

Its C418 - Minecraft^^

[@therollo9]

Actually it's Wet Hands also by C418

[@frankcasatelli4078]

If you could marry them what a beautiful baby you’d have!

[@ThePianoforever]

A keyboard with the amazing piano sounds of the P515, ease of use and cool styling of the SV2, powerful and loud speakers like the P515, and the other (EP's and such) sounds of the SV2 would be to die for.

[@damianrjames]

Strange to spend so much time playing classical piano style and or pieces on a keyboard more suited to popular music and jazz..

[@twentism2488]

Korg 9/10 Yamaha 9,0001/10 :)

[@lumberpilot]

I don't want my piano talking to my phone.

[@christopherupshaw6631]

The 515 sounds better to me. My head phones make the sounds closer to me and the 515 is better sounding.

[@jimharris6389]

Why did Korg have to make the valve thingy look so gimmicky! I welcome the function but it look so fugly

[@gomanfong4077]

first

[@madsaleksander7781]

First