All Posts by Jaime Echagüe

Digital Piano Kawai CN25 Full Review. Is it a good choice?

Today we bring you the analysis of a digital piano that is growing quite a lot in the market with the brand Kawai.

Note: The new version has been released with the Kawai CN 27. We’ll compare it to you in this article.

The Kawai CN25 is more of a digital piano than a piano keyboard. It is designed for the studio and to replace a wall-mounted piano. It weighs much less than an upright piano and is aesthetically very successful.

It is valid for the study of the piano at all levels as it is a complete digital piano. All this for a budget of between 1000 and 1200 euros. It’s not the cheapest digital piano but you’re also paying for a little aesthetics and touch. That’s already a personal decision. We move on to analyze the technical aspects to help you decide.

Sound

I’m sure you’ll be interested in…

It has a polyphonic memory of 192 notes. That are the maximum of notes that can sound at the same time, this includes the notes that sound when we play on themes and when we accumulate notes by stepping on the pedal. It’s a powerful polyphony.

The system with which the sound of the piano has been sampled and recorded is Kawai’s Progressive Harmonic Imaging™ (PHI). A system of enough quality that surpasses for example the AWM.

It has 19 high quality piano sounds like the concert Grand or studio grand 2. Also the Modern E.Piano that we like. It has everything you need if you’re interested in the piano in particular, from organs to other more modern sounds.

Good sound and well sampled. Although there are much cheaper piano keyboard models with similar sound performance. For this price you are paying as we said the appearance, the quality of the wood and the real feel very important especially for classical piano…

Hammer Action Keys

Pretty good. It has a Responsive Hammer system with a very interesting emulation of the touch of an acoustic piano. The truth is that touch is its strongest feature

Connectivity, recording and MIDI

The Kawai CN 25 brings with it all the advantages of a digital piano. It has output for 2 headsets and brings MIDI or USB to host. MIDI allows you to record what you are playing on MIDI tracks with programs such as SIbelius or Cubase that can then be exported to a music sheet with a single click.

With the headphones you have the Duet mode in which you can split the piano in 2 so that teacher and student can play together in silence. It has triple pedalboard like a real piano (most of the cheapest digitals only usually bring the sustain pedal that is worth to keep the note in time). The triple footswitch makes sense to play certain already advanced pieces.

Below we leave a video of this digital piano which you can hear several of the sounds offered by this digital piano, even if it is in English is good for you to get an idea.

Portability

In this respect it must be borne in mind that the intention of Kawai CN25 is to resemble as much as possible a digital wall piano.

If you buy it you are supposed to be looking for a digital piano that adorns and is also a quality instrument to play and study with it without moving it from its place.

Round the 40 kg and that makes it much easier to move anyway compared to the 150 kg that can weigh a upright piano. Not to mention the price difference compared to an acoustic upright piano.

Does it fit all levels?

Thanks to the triple pedal, it is valid for all levels. It is valid for professionals as well as for students of any level if you cannot afford an upright piano. Although everyone would like to have a grand piano the reality is usually that people have to manage lower budgets.

This digital piano is a good option to study middle conservatory. And if you don’t have more budget it can be worth to the superior. The important thing at the end is the hours of study.

I really like the touch of this piano but if your budget is around 700 euros take a look at Yamaha Arius 143.

Kawai CN 25 vs Kawai CN 27

There are not many changes, it has done a face wash and have added MIDI Bluetooth 4.0 technology that is always an improvement and is at the same price as before. You can see our most complete review in the CN27 post.

If you live in America or Asia check Amazon. If you live at Europe check Thomann:

View Price at Thomann

View Current Price at Amazon.com

Kawai CN25 vs Yamaha P115

In this case we are comparing a piano keyboard with a digital piano and it has its logic because we want to guide you well.

If you just want to study and you can afford to buy the Kawai CN25 but if you want to move the piano and take it to performances think about a piano keyboard like the Yamaha P115.

The Yamaha P115 costs half, has a Yamaha Hammer Action GHS that’s not bad at all and also has a polyphonic memory of 192 notes. A cannon for its price and weighs 12 kg.

Both have MIDI output although the Kawai CN25 is more robust and with more “piano” appearance.

The Yamaha P115 only comes with sustain pedal but supports triple bottomboard.

Right now there is the new model of the Yamaha P115 which is the Yamaha P125. The only difference is that the new Yamaha has 10 more piano sounds. Which is a big improvement at the same price. Don’t miss our reviews on the Yamaha P125 if you’re interested in a portable digital piano.

Where to buy Yamaha CN 25 and Yamaha CN 27

Right now the Yamaha CN 25 is out of print in most online stores but we keep this post in case you find it second-hand.As I said If you live in America or Asia check Amazon. If you live at Europe check Thomann:

View Price at Thomann

View Current Price at Amazon.com

If you want portability and to play live occasionally we recommend you to see our ranking of the best digital piano.

For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:

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Digital Piano Yamaha PSR F50 Full Review. Is it a good option for beginners?

Updated post! There is a new version of this keyboard. The current post is valid because they are the same. Typical change of acronym. The new one is the Yamaha PSR F51. The Yamaha PSR F50 has been discontinued. But they really are the same in everything 🙂

The analysis of this keyboard for beginners is covered in our Yamaha keyboard guide. But we have developed more the section on this keyboard because it enjoys great popularity in its price range.

Understand that the Yamaha PSR F-50 is not a piano keyboard, it is simply a 61-key keyboard for entering the world of piano.

The keyboards for less than 100 € are usually bad quality keyboards but in the case of the PSR F-50 the sound is acceptable and the quality of the material is durable because it is Yamaha and that is always synonymous with quality for whatever price.

What can I do and what can I not do with the Yamaha PSR F50?

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Whether you want to buy the keyboard for yourself or for a family member, you need to be clear about the limitations of the product. If you want to introduce someone to music and you don’t have any more budget this is a great option. The sound is ok and you can learn basic songs.

You have to know that it is a keyboard that does not have the possibility of using a sustain pedal. This pedal keeps the note in time even when the key is pressed. This is a necessary interpretative resource to learn the piano. It is not vital for basic songs but in the future, it will be an impediment.

The keys are not touch-sensitive. In other words, there is no difference in volume between a loud or a loose pulsar, which is like a normal piano. It will be a constraint in the future as well.

You will not be able to connect it to the computer through MIDI, but you will be able to connect it through the output of the headphones. You can record what you’re playing with a mini-jack cable.

Is the Yamaha PSR F50 worth buying?

Of course, if you’re only going to play it once a week to have fun and reduce stress with this keyboard is enough. Well, you won’t care about the aspects mentioned above.

It also serves to test if you like music and is something that is not clear to you. If you don’t like it as it is very demanded then you can sell it for 50€ and you’ve taken the doubt off your mind.

Learning piano is only valid for the first few months. If it’s for your child and you’re not sure if he or she will leave it lying on one side, it may be worth it. But the teacher will be begging you that if there is some progression in the first months of class, change it to the child.

The new model of this keyboard, the Yamaha PSR F51 vs Yamaha PSR F50

Nothing, we’ve studied the specs from top to bottom. They’re exactly the same.

We hope we have guided you a little in the purchase of this musical keyboard.

Where to buy the Yamaha PSR F51?

We put you directly the link to 51 because the other is out of print as we have told you above. We recommend you check it out at Amazon because you might find it at a good second-hand price. Here’s the direct link:

Amazon

Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment
A leader in fast shipments.
The price change a lot daily.
The best option in the USA and worldwide

(If there is a better price for Yamaha PSR E263 link will drive you to this keyboard that is better)

View Current Price at Amazon.com

Here are some interesting posts on the subject. In the range of keyboards from 100 to 200 euros, you have very interesting options. We advise you to visit our guide of cheap musical keyboards and if you want to know more about the subject our selection with the best electronic keyboards.

For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:

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Digital Piano Yamaha P125 Full Review. Where to buy it?

Digital Piano Yamaha P125 Full Review. Is It Worth it?

Yamaha has always been characterized by having a variety of keyboard lines, the P125 is an interesting choice within digital pianos or pianist-focused keyboards.

Its predecessor, the Yamaha P115 is included in our list of the best value for money digital pianos. The Yamaha P115 has been and still is a real bestseller in the second hand and now the Yamaha P125 takes its place without major changes. Below we tell you what makes them different.

The 88 weighted keys with sensitivity to pressure, the option of having a triple pedalboard, and the 192 polyphony notes of this model make it an alternative to consider, especially for those who are just starting out in the world of piano. We also leave a direct link at the end of the article if you want to see which stores you can find it at the best price:

View Current Price at Amazon.com

View Price at Thomann

Features

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Among the strong points of this model are its 88 keys and 192 polyphony notes for less than 1000€. Below are the technical specifications of the Yamaha P125:

Keyboard with 88 weighted keys and 4-level pressure sensitivity.
192 polyphony notes
CF Sound Engine
24 voices
Effects ( 4 Type Reverb, IAC, Damper, Sound Boost)
Dual function, split and the duo
Metronome
21 demo songs and 50 piano songs
Recorder with capacity for 1 song
2 Outputs for standard hearing aids
Sustain pedal (half-pedal option FC3A)
Triple footswitch input (included in some packs)
Aux Output [L/L+R] [R]
USB to Host
Compatible with Smart Pianist App
2 Speakers of 7w each
Power consumption: 9w
Dimensions 1.32m x 16.6cm x 29.5cm
Weight 11.8kg

Sound

The P125 is a digital piano with a focus on pianists, so the sound engine operates with the great quality especially in the piano voice, its 7 w speakers and the polyphony sound of 192 notes generate a sound of great quality.

Below is a good video review of Yamaha P125

As you can see in the video the sound quality is quite good, the piano voice perfectly simulates a grand piano. Below is an additional video of the sound of the Yamaha P125 for you to hear more voices:

The previous video shows how the piano voice and the sensitivity of the keyboard make it possible to interpret any piece by marking the appropriate nuances.

Connectivity

In terms of connectivity the P125 could fall short for those looking for a digital piano for music production, however, the P125 has the essentials.

The auxiliary output, the USB to host, the two headphone inputs, the sustain pedal or triple footswitch option, and the connection with the Smart pianist app for many will be more than enough since these options allow to solve most of the requirements.

It also has a line output to connect to a large amplification system without having to put a power box to increase sound signal power.

Advantages and disadvantages of P125

The advantages of this model are:

Sound Quality
88 keys
Price

The disadvantages of this model are: Connectivity for music production is basic. But it has USB MIDI so it’s enough if you’re learning to play the piano and you want to record MIDI tracks and then export what you play directly to a score. The advantages of the P125 are very clear, the keyboard with 88 weighted keys with pressure sensitivity is of great quality, as well as the sound that it is able to reproduce and all this at an economical price. The connectivity is good, however, it falls short for musical production functions although it is not the goal of this piano, even so, the balance of the Yamaha P125 is very positive, since the approach of this model is to simulate a piano, for many the only voice to use will be that of “Grand Piano” and the value for money of this model is something to highlight.

Yamaha P125 vs P115

The Yamaha P115 is the predecessor of the P125, then we will see the differences and similarities between the two keyboards:

Both models maintain the same GHS keyboard technology with the same features (88 counterbalanced keys with 4-level sensitivity).
Both the P115 and P125 have a polyphony of 192 notes.
The P125 has 24 voices while the P115 has 14.
The connectivity and power of headphones are exactly the same.
The P125 has the Smart pianist app to control the keyboard from an iPad.
Yamaha has not done a great job updating this version, as the only clear advantage in the P125 is the addition of 10 additional voices that includes this model, however, both keyboards are a good alternative for beginner and intermediate pianists. In addition, the P125 is now at a good price.

Yamaha P125 vs P45

The P45 and P125 are two versions of Yamaha aimed at pianists, below are the differences and similarities between the two models:

Both models share GHS keyboard technology with the same features
The P125 has 192 polyphony notes while the P45 has only 64.
The recorder is only available on the P125, the P45 has no option to record parts.
The connectivity of both models is similar, however, the P125 has a jack to connect it to a mixer or amplifier.
Both models are very similar, the P45 is a basic version of the P125, however, the sound quality of the latter is superior, as well as the diversity of functions, both are good options to learn, however, the P125 is a keyboard that will last you more years.

Both models are very similar, the P45 is a basic version of the P125, however, the sound quality of the latter is superior, as well as the diversity of functions, both are good options to learn, however, the P125 is a keyboard that will last you more years.

Yamaha P125 vs Roland FP30

Roland and Yamaha have always competed in all product lines, the Yamaha P125 and the Roland FP30 are no exception, below are the similarities and differences between the two models:

Both models feature 88-key Hammer Action keyboard and pressure sensitivity, however, Roland offers 5 levels of sensitivity while Yamaha 4.
The polyphony of the P125 is 192 notes, while the Roland FP30 offers 128.
The FP30 has 35 voices, while Yamaha has 24.
The variety of effects of the Roland is better because it has 5 reverb levels and brightness adjustment, while the P125 has 4 reverb levels.
Both models have split and dual functions.
The Yamaha includes 2 speaker ports, an auxiliary port, USB to host, and a triple footswitch option, while the FP30 has the same option in addition to MIDI and Bluetooth.
Both support triple footswitch
The P125 speakers are 7w each and the Roland FP30 speakers are 11w each.
The weight of Yamaha is 11kg vs 14kg of Roland

The decision between the two models is complicated, as both models are of high quality. If you are looking for an alternative with more sound power, more variety of voices, better connectivity and keyboard quality you should go for the Roland FP30, however, if your priority is sound quality and weight your best choice is the Yamaha P125.

Yamaha P125 vs Kawai ES110

Both have an 88-key keyboard with pressure sensitivity and weighted keys, Yamaha incorporates GHS technology, while Kawai displays its Responsive Hammer technology that mimics the hammer system of an acoustic piano.

Both Yamaha and Kawai offer a polyphony of 192 voices.
The P125 offers 24 voices, while the Kawai offers 19.
Both models feature a metronome and sound recorder, as well as triple footswitch capability.
The Kawai’s recorder allows recording 3 songs while Yamaha’s only 1.
Kawai incorporates its system of piano lessons Alfred’s Basic Piano 1A /1B, Burgmüller 25 (Opus 100), while Yamaha incorporates the App Smart Pianist.
Both models feature 2 x 7w speakers
Kawai offers 2 headphone inputs, in-line input, and output, MIDI input and output, sustain pedal or triple footswitch input, and Bluetooth, while Yamaha has 2 speaker ports, an auxiliary port, USB to host, and a triple footswitch option.

As you can see the comparison of these two models is very closed, in specifications are two models that offer virtually the same features, the Kawai ES 110 has better keyboard technology, connectivity, and a system for piano learning and Yamaha offers more voices, however, both models are high quality.

Yamaha P125 vs Casio PX160

Casio and Yamaha compete on virtually every level of keyboard, the Yamaha P125 and Casio PX160 are two competitors within the affordable digital piano range. The similarities and differences between the two models are presented below:

Both models feature an 88-key weighted keyboard with pressure sensitivity.
Yamaha offers 4 levels of pressure sensitivity, while Casio offers only 3.
The polyphony of the P125 is 192 notes, while Casio offers 128.
The P125 offers 24 voices while the PX160 has 18.
When it comes to connectivity, both models have similar characteristics, as they both support USB, triple footswitch, 2 headphones, and have in-line input and output.
Yamaha P125 has available the Smart pianist application, which allows you to control the digital piano and perform some additional functions.
The integrated speakers in the Casio PX160 are 8w, while the Yamaha offers two 7w speakers.

The Yamaha P125 is a clear winner in the previous comparison since the only weak point is the sound power, where Casio wins with 1w more power per speaker, however, has better sound quality, levels of sensitivity on the keyboard, and a greater variety of voices. While it is true that the Casio PX 160 can sometimes be found at less than 400 euros.

Conclusion

Before buying a keyboard or digital piano, make sure you know in depth the use you will give it and analyze in detail what you require, this way you will buy something more suitable.

If you are going to begin in the world of piano or you are already a beginner pianist you must carefully analyze the options, since a keyboard like the Yamaha P125 or the Kawai ES110 are good alternatives but it is possible that in the long term you want to change for something more professional.

The Yamaha P125 has everything you need to learn the piano and is a high-quality keyboard. However, the Kawai ES110 may seem like a more interesting option since it has very similar features and a system of lessons. If you want to see the best alternatives do not miss our ranking with the best pianos of the moment.

Where to buy Yamaha P125?

There are several options to purchase the Yamaha P125, but it will always be better to buy through a virtual store, as you can save money. We recommend 2 places where they have good conditions for purchase and a very attractive price. Amazon to buy in America and Asia, Thomann to buy in Europe:

Amazon

Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment
A leader in fast shipments.
The price change a lot daily.
The best option in the USA and worldwide

View Current Price at Amazon.com

Thomann

Free Shipping
Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
100% reliable payment.
A leader in trouble-free shipping.
Usually Best Price.
Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.

View Price at Thomann

We hope you liked this article. Don’t miss also our guide on the electronic piano so that you have all the concepts and clearings and if you are looking for a cheaper keyboard and you don’t care if it simulates the touch of a piano have a look at our guide with cheap electronic keyboards.

For a similar price you have the following pianos and keyboards:

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