Yamaha YDP 143 Review

Yamaha has recently announced this new Yamaha Airus Series modeled which is named Yamaha YDP 143 featuring all the functions and options that makes it an ideal choice for professional pianists. It replaces the preceding YDP 142 digital piano model with improved features while promising an authentic piano tone and touch. Yamaha as always stays ahead in terms of delivering top quality piano for which it is known for from decades. Aesthetic feel with quality specifications is a combination that every pianist would look for and this digital piano model can stand to surpass their expectations. We will be exploring each of the features of this digital piano in detail in comparison to its preceding model in a way to analyze what this new model brings in for aspiring pianists.

What’s New with Yamaha YDP 143?

As Yamaha introduces this new model, it truly has some good changes that offers improved piano playing experience to pianists.

Enhanced 192 Polyphony:

With YDP143, Yamaha has increased polyphony processing power to 192 which was 128 in its previous model. Enhancing polyphony further accelerate the responsiveness and expressiveness of sound. It makes it smoother with playing advanced difficult pieces. Not only that but it proves additionally good when pianists uses two different instrument sounds together.

Stereophonic Optimizer:

This new model comes with a new headphone feature that is termed as Stereophonic Optimizer. This feature lets you practice piano in complete privacy. You can use any good quality headphone and optimize its sound. This feature enables sound from the headphone to appear to be coming from a slight distance rather than coming directly in ears of the pianist. It gives you ease and comfort of practicing in privacy without compromising on quality of sound.

Free iOS App:

Along with other additional features, one of the advantage that this model brings for iPhone users is the Yamaha’s new designed free iOS app. This app is for all iOS devices and with the help of this app; pianist can control different functions of piano. This app is designed to offer pianist more control over instrument with the aid of an external device. The app is really simple to use and is first introduced with this model. Selecting and using sound functions, activating recorder and other controls on piano becomes easier than previous models. So all those who have iOS devices, this model would be good to have in comparison to other Yamaha Arius models. Apart from this new app, all the other iOS apps works on this model that makes practicing more fun with lessons, games and other content that could be controlled with your piano.

Appearance:

The new thing added to make the appearance more attractive is the all new finest finish options that this model brings along. It introduces the new satin white color option along with their popular dark rosewood and black walnut finishes. This new piano matches modern living style with its impressive finish that adds more beauty to your home or studio or on stage. The style remains same i.e. furniture cabinet style and along with that size also is nearly the same as its preceding model. One variation made in its appearance is that you get silver pedals (with white and black walnut finishes) and gold pedals (with dark rosewood finish).

Matching Bench:

It also is offered with a matching bench to make it sit well with your furniture. Having said that the size remains almost same, it still isn’t something portable that you can carry around and move easily.

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Additional Features:

Impressive Keyboard and Touch Action:

The Yamaha YDP 143 features the same Graded Hammer Standard 88 keys keyboard action as its previous model that is constructed in a way to offer true piano playability and feel. It gives you lighter feel over high end whereas a heavier feel in the low-end keys of the keyboard. This kind of construction would make you feel as if you are playing a true grand piano where you can practice proper fingering technique.  Apart from that, it features ivory-feel white keys and black keys have matte finish that enables you to play for a longer duration without making your fingers slippery (by absorbing moisture and sweat) over board. Additionally, these keys gives you a great feel close to authentic piano in terms of touch giving you a good piano playing experience. Also it has the duo playing feature with which two pianists can use the same keyboard to play a duet. With this feature, keyboard can be divided in to two halves on each side of the split point.

Sound Source Quality:

Yamaha has been in the field of making piano for decades and this experience and expertise is easily demonstrated with the sampling and construction art of their pianos. The YDP143R is no exception as it includes Pure CF Sound Engine sampling the ever so popular Yamaha CFIIS 9’ concert grand piano sound. Sound is effectively reproduced with complete expression and all the required dynamics.

Impressive Sound Versatility Features:

Apart from the pure CF sound sampling, this digital piano also features a dual 6W speaker system and 10 different voices that user can choose and use for enhanced performance and versatility. Some additional features and options that this model comes with includes 4 different reverb types along with a stereophonic optimizer that makes practicing even richer with new pre amp specifically for headphones. It has Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC) with which a user can control volume of its digital piano. This intelligent system is capable of automatically adjusting bass, treble and other aspects of sound to make it richer, clearer and deeper even at a lower volume.

Pedals System:

Realistic playability of an authentic piano is detailed with pedal system designed for this enhanced version of Airus series. More attention is given to detailed nuance and subtlety with its half-damper pedal control. With the aid of this feature, pianists can increase sustained notes length continuously from slight to full as needed until the sustain pedal is depressed. Broader and deeper resonance with the use of pedal is ensured thus offering you a piano sound similar to a grand piano. Damper, Sostenuto and Soft pedaling systems run smoothly and each of these pedals would make way for more creative and dynamic performance for pianist.

Recording and Playback Function:

The Yamaha YDP 143 also features a recording function that enables you to record your practices and performances with the use of a single touch. It features 2-track song recorded that enables you to practice and record tracks.

Connectivity:

It features a standard USB cable that allows user to connect this digital piano to any computer system or mobile device. This feature broadens spectrum of a pianist and gives them an opportunity to be as creative as they can with enhanced learning and practicing. You can even connect your piano with an iOS device using the Lightning-USB Camera Adaptor. For wireless connectivity, you can use Yamaha UD-BT01. This piano can even act as a controller that would interact and control various sound creation applications.

Simple Control Panel:

Just like other preceding models, this one also comes with a simple control panel that has simple and minimal functions that are easy to use.

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Yamaha YDP143 as a Learning Tool:

Although it is an expensive instrument and a beginner may not have the need of all the features that this piano have. But if you can afford it, it would prove really helpful in learning and practicing sessions with its features. 50 classic piano songs along with 10 demo songs are included with the internal memory of this digital piano offering an opportunity for students and learners to practice a variety of sounds and voices. Learner pianists can listen and play along and each time they do so; they will end up making some improvements in their piano playing skills.

Preparing Yamaha YDP143 for use:

Similar to other models of this series, it is simple to install and setup. Just follow the instructions mentioned in the user manual and you will be able to get it prepared for complete functioning in no time and with less stress. Although don’t rush anything and carefully follow instructions so that you don’t end up damaging this beautiful and expensive instrument. It features a sliding style keyboard cover that keeps your piano keys protected from debris, dirt and other damages when piano is not in use. Additionally, it has a music rest that user can adjust according to his personal preference. With this model, Yamaha reduces the power consumption in comparison to previous model. Moreover it still has the Auto power off function that gets activated if piano remains in no use for more than 30 minutes. User however can disable this auto power shut off feature too if needed.

Most Suitable For: The Yamaha YDP143 is the most suitable choice for all the pro pianists who are looking for a digital piano that could offer them realistic touch and feel with impressive sound and tonal quality.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Yamaha YDP 143 gives you power to play more with optimal sound quality and tones at any level while giving you realistic piano playing feel. Build in a way that it satisfies all the dynamics of a pro pianist with intelligent features and systems that support balanced, creative and expressive piano playing. Even if you are to play most complex compositions on piano, this digital piano would enable you to play with ease as it plays with faith to exceed your expectations. Physically attractive with a beautiful finish and color options, so you can be proud of making it a classic part of your home.

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