Every piano player dreams of one-day housing a beautiful grand piano in their home. The problem with these large and lovely instruments, however, is that once they’re delivered, they tend to stay where they’re put. It takes an entire team of people (and occasionally some specialized machinery) to move a grand piano from one place to another, which is almost as expensive as the instrument itself.
Thank goodness for the Yamaha piano! A Yamaha piano is sleek, occasionally portable, and can do things that your run-of-the-mill grand piano could never do! If you teach lessons in homes, play at events, or don’t have the space, a Yamaha keyboard might be a wonderful value for your needs.
With so many different types of pianos out there, is a Yamaha piano the best piano for your lifestyle? You will want to consider several factors before you commit to purchasing a new instrument. Keep reading to learn more about these types of pianos, and determined whether they may be the best pianos for you!
Consider the Cost
The reason that most people choose a Yamaha piano over other brands is its affordability. They are of great quality for the price point. While they may not be the finest instruments in the world, Yamaha’s are a perfect example of “you get what you pay for.”
If you have decided to bring home an upright piano but need to watch your wallet, the Yamaha YDP series is one of the most affordable on the market. You can usually take home a brand new instrument for about $1,000, before shipping. Considering a Steinway can cost you up to $100,000, it’s definitely a budget-friendly entry point into piano ownership!
Consider the Extra Capabilities
The most affordable Yamaha pianos are digital pianos, which means they have features and capabilities that you won’t find in a more traditional instrument. The average piano in the YDP series is compatible with a special app that makes it easy to create recordings and adjust configurations.
Digital pianos are like very basic computers, with built-in memory that can house recordings. Contemporary upright models come preloaded with at least fifty songs. Yamaha provides complimentary sheet music for these songs with your purchase, which can be a great way to get started if you’re a new player.
Yamaha pianos allow you to record two tracks separately, which is excellent for beginners who may be breaking pieces down and playing with one hand at a time.
They are also compatible with a digital pedal, which creates an effect similar to the pedals on a genuine grand piano.
Consider the Practicality
While cost may be a factor, you’ll find Yamaha pianos in practice rooms and music classrooms across the world. They are sturdy, practical instruments that are great for students and teachers. They have just enough features for beginners.
Yamaha digital pianos also take up considerably less space than grand or even baby grand pianos, so they fit nicely in spaces like practice rooms. Note that Yamaha does manufacture pianos in larger sizes, however. Like their more compact digital counterparts, they offer acceptable quality at a palatable price point.
Consider the Investment
Overall, if you are purchasing a Yamaha piano, you are not making an investment. A Yamaha is a practical instrument, and you can play them hard! In contrast, if you were to purchase an expensive, hand-crafted instrument, you might anticipate the value to increase over time.
Think of the difference between buying an inexpensive pair of fast fashion shoes vs an expensive leather pair of designer boots. The less expensive boots will wear down quicker and also get you through the mud. The expensive leather boots will last a long time, but you will probably be a lot more precious with them!
With that in mind, Yamaha pianos do not typically last as long as instruments created by higher-end manufacturers. Because they feature many digital parts, these often wear down or become obsolete quickly. Although you will be paying less upfront, you will probably have to replace your Yamaha piano after a few years.
Consider the Quality
Some pianos, like Steinways or Baldwin pianos, are art pieces as well as instruments. Artisans craft those pianos by hand to generate a particular sound, with longevity in mind. You can find more information about these various piano manufacturers online.
Yamaha makes their pianos in Japan, but without the individual care of those legacy brands. They are affordable because their component parts are more affordable. With that said, the Yamaha company does have high manufacturing standards, so you can be confident that you are getting a well-constructed product every time.
Furthermore, digital pianos utilize a sound engine. While these engines attempt to emulate the sound of a rich and well-crafted instrument, they will still ultimately be a bit synthetic.
Yamaha digital pianos also attempt to emulate the physical feel of acoustic keys. They accomplish this via weighted action, so your high keys will physically feel lighter than your lower keys. This is a wonderful perk that makes it easier to transition to a higher-quality instrument during concerts or performances.
Bring Home a Yamaha Piano
A Yamaha piano can make it possible for a cash-strapped student or a musician on the go to own their own instrument. With that said, there are both positive and negative factors to consider, from price point to sound and timbre. While a Yamaha might not be the last piano you ever buy, it might be an affordable option that helps bring you to the next level!
Are you still considering whether dropping cash on a new instrument will make you happy? Check out the rest of the blog for more posts geared toward helping you lead a happier life.
