Yamaha CLP885 Black

A Clavinova Designed as an Expressive Piano, at the Top of the Furniture Range

Within Yamaha's digital piano universe, the Clavinova series targets pianists seeking an expressive, stable, and ready-to-play instrument for daily use. The CLP-885 positions itself as a "piano first" model: refined touch, detailed resonances, and sound reproduction designed to support playing (nuances, attack, release) without requiring external equipment. It caters equally to classical musicians and pop/jazz pianists who want a credible piano foundation with modern features (recording, USB audio, Bluetooth depending on region) without unnecessary complexity.

Keyboard Design

The CLP-885's GrandTouch keyboard features 88 keys with wooden keys (white keys only), synthetic ebony and ivory keytops, and escapement to replicate the typical "let-off" feel of an acoustic action. The response is enhanced by Linear Graded Hammers across all 88 keys (continuous grading throughout the keyboard) and a counterweight that stabilizes the feel, especially in pianissimos and fast attacks. The sensitivity offers multiple curves (Hard2, Hard1, Medium, Soft1, Soft2) as well as a Fixed mode for consistent control. On the pedal side, there are 3 pedals (Damper with half-pedal function, Sostenuto, Soft) and GrandTouch Pedals with GP Response Damper for a more organic sustain response.

Sound Quality

The sound generator highlights two iconic pianos: the Yamaha CFX and the Bösendorfer Imperial. For a more natural headphone experience, the CLP-885 incorporates binaural sampling on the "CFX Grand" and "Bösendorfer" sounds. Harmonic depth is supported by Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) (string and body resonances, interactions) and Grand Expression Modeling to better convey the pianist's intent. Maximum polyphony reaches 256 notes, useful for dense passages with the pedal. Beyond piano sounds, the instrument offers 53 voices + 480 XG voices + 14 Drum/SFX kits, with compatibility for XG (GM), GS (song playback), and GM2 (song playback). Sound output relies on an amplification system of (45 W + 30 W + 40 W) x 2 and a speaker array (16 cm with diffuser + 8 cm with diffuser + 2.5 cm dome with Bidirectional Horn) x 2, including Spruce Cone Speaker, delivering a wide stereo image and clearer attack articulation.

Built-in Effects

To shape the sound without altering its character, the CLP-885 offers: Reverb (7 types), Chorus (3 types), Brilliance (7 types + User), Insertion Effect (12 types), as well as Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC) and Stereophonic Optimizer. Playing modes include Dual/Layers, Split, and Duo.

Technical specifications

Effects	Reverb, Acoustic, Chorus	Touch	Heavy
Arpeggiator	No	Split & layer	Partner mode, layer, split
Bluetooth	Yes	Max polyphony	256
Speaker diameter	1", 8", 6", 3"	USB to Host port	Yes
Number of speakers	6	Inputs	Audio, USB audio, USB Midi
Velocity sensitive	Yes	Outputs	Mono & stereo audio, 3.5 mm headphone, 6.5 mm headphone
MIDI DIN I/O	No	Color	Black
Number of keys	88	Finishing	Matt

Type	GrandTouch keyboard: wooden keys (white only), synthetic ebony and ivory key tops, escapement	Binaural Sampling	Yes ("CFX Grand" and "Bösendorfer" only)
Touch sensitivity	Hard2, Hard1, Medium, Soft1, Soft2, Fixed	Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM)	Yes
88-key Linear Graded Hammers	Yes	Grand Expression Modeling	Yes
Counterweight	Yes	Preset voices	53 Voices + 480 XG Voices + 14 Drum/SFX Kits
Number of pedals	3: Damper (with half-pedal function), Sostenuto, Soft	Compatibility	XG (GM), GS (for Song playback), GM2 (for Song playback)
GrandTouch Pedals	Yes (with GP Response Damper)	Reverb	7 types
Assignable functions	Sustain (Switch), Sustain (Continuous), Sostenuto, Soft, Pitch Bend Up, Pitch Bend Down, Rotary Speed, Vibe Rotor, Song Play/Pause	chorus	3 types
Display	Full Dots LCD	Brilliance	7 types + User
Display languages	English, Japanese	Insertion Effect	12 types
Control panel	Touch sensors	Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC)	Yes
Panel language	English	Stereophonic Optimizer	Yes
Cover style	Folding	Dual/Layers	Yes
Music rest	Yes	Split	Yes
Music rest braces	Yes	Duo	Yes