- Top 5: 1- Yamaha CLP-825, 2- Yamaha CLP-835, 3- Yamaha CLP-845, 4- Yamaha CLP-875, 5- Yamaha CLP-865 GP
- All share the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial sounds, VRM, and 256-note polyphony.
- The GrandTouch-S keyboard (or GrandTouch on the CLP-875) with escapement ensures a realistic touch.
- From the accessible CLP-825 to the mini-grand CLP-865 GP: a Clavinova CLP for every budget.
I remember the first CLP we plugged into headphones for a hesitant customer: he played for twenty minutes straight, then left with it.
The CLP range is that fulfilled promise of a console digital piano that truly approaches the acoustic feel. But between the CLP-825, CLP-835, CLP-845, CLP-875, and CLP-865 GP, how to choose? We’ve scrutinized each model to help you out.
Comparison of the Best Yamaha Clavinova CLP Pianos
Entry point of the range, the CLP-825 makes no compromises on touch. Its GrandTouch-S 88-key keyboard with escapement and synthetic ebony/ivory coatings offers a play experience close to a grand piano. The Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial sounds with VRM ensure a rich rendering. The CFX binaural sampling makes headphone sessions immersive.
With Bluetooth Audio/MIDI, 24-bit USB Audio, dual headphone outputs, and 303 lesson songs, it’s a solid package for progress.
Highlights
- GrandTouch-S keyboard with escapement
- CFX + Bösendorfer sounds with VRM
- Bluetooth Audio/MIDI and 24-bit USB Audio
- 45 kg, the most compact in the range
Drawback
- 2 x 20 W amplification, less powerful More sounds, more power, more possibilities
Same GrandTouch-S keyboard, but with 6 velocity curves and extended binaural to both CFX and Bösendorfer. The palette expands to 38 tones with 12 insert effects. Amplification rises to 2 x 30 W with 16 cm speakers.
Big plus: the 16-track MIDI recorder and WAV audio recording on USB stick (80 min). Split, Duo, and Piano Room modes complete the set.
Highlights
- 38 tones and full effects
- 16-track MIDI + WAV recording
- 2 x 30 W, 16 cm speakers
- Binaural on CFX and Bösendorfer
Drawback
- White keys without wood
Good to Know
VRM (Virtual Resonance Modeling) simulates the sympathetic resonances of an acoustic piano: when you press a key, neighboring strings vibrate too. This feature is present on all CLPs in this comparison.
The CLP-845 shares the functions of the CLP-835 (effects, Split, Duo, Piano Room, 20 rhythms). The real difference: the GrandTouch-S keyboard with wooden white keys. The texture and stability come closer to an acoustic piano. For a classical pianist working on Chopin or Debussy, it’s a game changer.
16-track MIDI recorder, WAV on USB, Bluetooth, and 24-bit USB Audio remain.
Highlights
- Wooden white keys
- Same full functions as CLP-835
- 12 insert effects + adjustable brilliance
- MIDI + WAV recording
Drawback
- Amplification identical to CLP-835
Tip
Hesitating between the CLP-835 and CLP-845? Ask yourself one question: is the wooden touch decisive for you? If yes, the CLP-845 is worth the investment. Otherwise, save your budget for a good studio headphone.
With the CLP-875, we step up a level. The keyboard upgrades to GrandTouch with 88 linear graded hammers, wooden white keys, and Grand Expression Modeling to capture micro-variations in your playing.
On the sound side, the (45 W + 25 W + 40 W) x 2 system with 16 cm, 8 cm diffuser, and 2.5 cm Bidirectional Horn dome speakers projects an enveloping sound. It approaches the acoustic piano’s presence in the room.
Highlights
- GrandTouch keyboard with graded hammers
- Grand Expression Modeling
- Multi-way audio system (45+25+40 W) x 2
- Panel with touch sensors
Drawback
- 71 kg, substantial size
Pro Tips
The Grand Expression Modeling of the CLP-875 analyzes how you release the keys and the speed of your attack. Two notes played differently will sound different, just like on a grand piano.
The CLP-865 GP adopts the silhouette of a compact grand piano. Its GrandTouch-S keyboard with graded action, escapement, and counterweights on some keys improves control of pianissimos.
The palette explodes: 53 tones, 480 XG, and 14 percussion/SFX kits. 16-track MIDI and WAV recording on USB complete the instrument. At 106 kg, it requires space.
Highlights
- Elegant mini-grand design
- 53 tones + 480 XG + 14 kits
- Counterweights for fine nuances
- Matching bench included
Drawback
- 106 kg, suited for large spaces
Woodbrass Advice
All Clavinova CLPs feature Bluetooth Audio: you can stream your playlist from your phone through the piano’s speakers. Handy for playing along with a backing track without extra speakers.
FAQ — Choosing Your Yamaha Clavinova CLP Piano
What’s the difference between GrandTouch-S and GrandTouch?
The GrandTouch-S offers a realistic touch with escapement. The GrandTouch (CLP-875) adds linear graded hammers on 88 keys for an even closer feel to a concert grand piano.
Are Clavinova CLPs suitable for beginners?
Yes. The CLP-825 includes 303 lesson songs, a metronome, and Duo mode for working with a teacher. Higher models add tools that support long-term progress.
Can you record directly from a CLP?
The CLP-825 offers a 2-track MIDI recorder. From the CLP-835 upwards, you get 16 MIDI tracks and WAV audio recording on USB stick (80 min). 24-bit USB Audio also allows recording to a computer.
Do the wooden keys on the CLP-845 really make a difference?
Yes, especially for pianists sensitive to touch texture. The wooden white keys offer inertia and consistency that synthetic alone cannot reproduce. It’s an important criterion for classical repertoire.
CLP-865 GP or CLP-875, which to choose?
The CLP-865 GP bets on an elegant mini-grand design and an expanded sound palette (53 sounds + 480 XG). The CLP-875 offers a superior GrandTouch keyboard and a more powerful multi-way audio system. It depends on your priority: design and versatility, or touch and projection.
Which Clavinova CLP for Which Use?
For a student or amateur pianist, the CLP-825 does the job without overpaying. The CLP-835 is the sweet spot if you want more sounds and WAV recording. The CLP-845 is for those who want the wooden touch without going high-end. The CLP-875 is designed for demanding pianists. As for the CLP-865 GP, it’s tailored for those wanting a digital grand piano at the center of their living room.
In Summary
The Yamaha Clavinova CLP range offers a console digital piano for every profile. All share the CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial sounds, VRM, and a GrandTouch touch designed to replicate the feel of an acoustic. The choice depends on three criteria: your budget, the importance of wooden touch, and the desired sound projection power. In all cases, you invest in an instrument built to last.
