Where to Buy Yamaha YDP 163: Review and Opinion

Yamaha has always been known for designing good quality musical instruments, with basic and professional product lines. Within the range of the most advanced digital pianos is the YDP 163, a digital piano to consider for any pianist.

Pianists are always looking for keyboards capable of simulating a piano, i.e. with 88 weighted keys and pressure sensitivity, the Yamaha YDP 163 not only includes these features but its functions perfectly meet the expectations of virtually any pianist.

Where to buy it?

Features

The YDP 163 is a digital piano that incorporates a full keyboard, similar to that of a piano, plus a sound engine capable of imitating a Yamaha concert piano. The technical specifications of the YDP 163 are shown below:

88-key weighted and pressure-sensitive keypad ( GH3)
3-level sensitivity (Hard/Medium/ Soft) and fixed mode (Fixed)
Pure CF Sound Engine (capable of reproducing the sound of a Yamaha concert piano)polyphony of 192 notes.
10 Voices
Reverb of 4 types with IAC (Intelligent Acoustic Control)10 demo songs
Recorder with capacity for 1 song
Metronome
Input for two stereo headphones
USB To Host
Triple footswitch input (included)
2 Speakers 20w
Electricity consumption 12w
Dimensions 1.35m x 84.9cm x 42.2cm
Weight 42kg

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Sound

The sound quality of the Yamaha YDP 163 is amazing, the main piano voice is inspired by the concert piano CF3 and has a very clean and clear sound. The following video shows the original Yamaha demo:

The previous video shows us the quality of the keyboard, however, for those who want another sample to appreciate the sound of this model we leave a video which presents an interpretation of a fragment of Para Elisa, Claro de Luna, and other musical pieces in a YDP 163:

In the previous interpretation, we can notice how the keyboard of the YDP 163 has a good response to the speed and pressure on the keys, generating great sound quality at all times.

Connectivity

On connectivity issues the YDP 163 comes a bit limited, however, it has what it takes for most pianists.

UD-BT01- Bluetooth device

The YDP 163 features a USB To host, two headphone jacks and a triple footswitch input included. For those who miss the connectivity with devices is available the accessory UD-BT01 that serves for wireless Bluetooth connectivity with iOS and Mac and can be used with Yamaha applications to synchronize the score.

Advantages and disadvantages of Yamaha YDP 163

The advantages of this model are:

88-key weighted and pressure-sensitive keypad
Quality
Sound

The disadvantages of this model are:

Connectivity

The YDP 163 is a very different digital piano, has few functions but great quality in them, the focus is 100% directed to imitate a CF3, Yamaha concert piano. Keyboard quality and sound are the highlights, as the piano voice really simulates a concert piano. Among the disadvantages is connectivity, especially if you are looking for a piano to record or use on stage the YDP 163 is somewhat short, however, it is possible to improve connectivity by means of accessories.

Yamaha YDP 163 vs YDP 143

Yamaha’s Arius family has several models focused on simulating an acoustic piano. YDP 163 and YDP 143 are virtually identical, both sharing construction and functions.

The only differences between the two models are the loudspeakers, dimensions, and weight. The YDP 163 has two speakers of 20w each and weighs 42kg, while the YDP 143 has two speakers of 6w each and weighs 38kg.

The decision between both models is simple, if you require a digital piano with more sound power you must go for the YDP 163, otherwise, a YDP 143 covers the same needs.

If you want to read our complete review of Yamaha YDP 143 click here >>

Yamaha YDP 163 vs CLP 625

The Japanese brand has the Clavinova series which like Arius focuses on digital pianos, however, the Clavinova series models have better features. Similarities and differences between the two models are presented below:

Both models have a keyboard with 88 weighted keys and pressure sensitivity, however, the CPL625 has the GH3X keyboard, a version that includes Graded Hammer 3X technology, responsible for better simulating the escape generated in an acoustic piano.
Both models feature 3 sensitivity modes and a fixed mode.
The YDP 163 sound generator is based on the CF3, while the CPL 625 sound generator is based on the CFX, Bösendorfer Imperial, CFX Binaural Sampling.
The polyphony of the YDP 163 is 192 notes, while the CPL 625 has 256 notes.
Both models have 10 voices.
The connectivity of both models is identical, only have USB to host input, pedals (triple footswitch included in both), and 2 headphones.
The speakers included in both models are 20W.

The YPD 163 is one of the most advanced models of the Arius series, while the CPL 625 is one of the most basic models of the Clavinova series, both have very similar features, however, in terms of quality the CPL 625 wins because it has more polyphony and better quality on the keyboard, despite this the two models are virtually identical in functions and connectivity.

Yamaha YDP 163 vs P255

Yamaha’s P Series also focuses on imitating acoustic pianos, however, the models in this series are usually more basic. Below is a comparison between YDP 163 and P255. Both models feature an 88-key weighted keyboard with pressure sensitivity, however, the P255 has the GH keyboard and the YDP 163 has the GH3 version, providing an experience more like an acoustic piano.

The polyphony of the P255 is 256 notes, while the YDP 163 has 192 polyphony.
The sound engine of the YDP 163 is the CF3, focused on imitating the CF3 concert piano, while the P255 has the CF.
The YDP 163 has 10 voices and the P255 has 24 voices.
The connectivity of the P255 is more extensive and has an input for pedal sustain, pedal join, 2 headphones, auxiliary (input and output), USB to device, and USB to host, while the YDP 163 only has an input for 2 headphones, triple footswitch (included) and USB to host.
The YDP 163 speakers are 20w each, while the P255 has 15w each.
The weight of the YDP 163 is 42kg, while the P255 weighs 17.3kg (without support).

Both Yamaha models are high quality, the P255 is ideal for those looking for more portability, versatility and better connectivity, ideal for playing at home or concerts, however, those looking for a digital piano for home or a piano academy, with greater similarities to an acoustic piano should go for the YDP 163.

If you want to read our full review of the Yamaha P255 click here >>

Yamaha YDP 163 vs Kawai ES110

The Kawai ES110 is also a digital piano with a focus on simulating an acoustic piano. The similarities and differences between YDP 163 and ES110 are presented below:

Both models have 88-key weighted pressure-sensitive keyboards. Kawai’s technology is
Responsive Hammer, while Yamaha offers GH3, both focused on simulating the behavior of a piano.
Both models feature 192-note polyphony. Kawai incorporates 19 voices while Yamaha incorporates 10.
The ES110 includes a system of piano lessons called Alfred’s Basic Piano, while Yamaha incorporates only one book with 50 popular scores.
The recorder included in the ES110 has 4 recording memories, while the YDP 163 only has 1.
The YDP 163 speakers are 20w each, while the Kawai speakers are 7w.

The ES110 features inline input and output, midi input and output, 2 headphone inputs, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity, pedal input, and triple footswitch (includes sustain pedal), while the YDP 163 incorporates only two headphone inputs, a USB to host and the triple footswitch (included).

The ES110 weighs 12kg (without base) and the YDP 163 42kg.

Despite the great quality of the Yamaha YDP 163, the Kawai ES110 is a clear winner as it has a keyboard of very similar quality (different technology), in terms of sound also has similar characteristics, but in terms of functionality, versatility, and connectivity Kawai offers a more complete instrument, in addition to offering a keyboard with 30kg less weight.

Conclusion

Before choosing the ideal keyboard or digital piano for you it is necessary that you define well the use it will have and the functions that you really need, since you can save a lot by acquiring a model that includes only what you really need.

The Yamaha YDP 163 is a high-quality keyboard with a very nice design, the characteristics of this model are focused to imitate a concert piano. The YDP 163 is ideal for those who are looking for an instrument for their living room and do not require mobility, however, those who require a high-quality digital piano and more portable should opt for another model, for example, the Kawai ES110.

Those looking for a high-quality digital piano can consider purchasing the Yamaha YDP 163, for those who do not require great sound power can opt for the YDP 143 but those who require better connectivity and portability, without sacrificing quality should choose the Kawai ES110.

If you’re looking for a different digital piano or keyboard you should take a look at our guide to the best pianos and keyboards in terms of price and benefit.