The Yamaha P115 is an intermediate level keyboard model. This model replaced the very popular P105 model. The P in the yamaha keyboard collection stands for portable.
The Yamaha P115 is an 88-key weighted keyboard and read on to discover the performance and variety of functions it has to offer.
NOTE-The P115 is now discontinued and replaced with the Yamaha P-125.
I have focused on what I feel are the most important 5 areas when deciding to purchase a piano keyboard.
- FEEL
- SOUND
- LOOKS
- FUNCTIONS
- VALUE
For those looking for a quick overview I created a quick summary scored* against the above areas. For those looking to go more in depth please read on to understand all the ins and outs of the Yamaha P115.
YAMAHA P115-OVERVIEW
PROS
- Feels like an acoustic Piano
- Great for a gigging musician
- Very realistic sound sample for grand piano
- 192 polyphony
CONS
- Limited sound effects
- Internal speakers sound could be more powerful
OVERALL
8.2/10
* All scoring is relative to the price range that the keyboard is within.
Check Prices in US
Check Prices in Europe
FEEL
The P115 comes with Yamahas Graded hammer action imitating the feel and weight of an acoustic piano. It also has touch velocity so the harder you press the louder the sound and the softer you press the quieter the sound. This key sensitivity cant be adjusted to your preference .
The Yamaha P115 also comes with Yamaha’s signature GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) weighted action which provides a heavier touch in the low end and lighter touch in the high end. This builds the proper finger technique for when the time comes to perform on an acoustic piano.
The Yamaha P115 comes with glossy white keys and matte black keys. The matte black keys are less slippery when playing for extended periods of time. The only negative is that the keys are not ivory and ebony like some of the high end Yamaha’s.
SOUND
Sample
The sample for the grand piano comes from Yamaha’s renowned CFIIIS 9′ concert grand piano. At the heart of the sound is Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine which allows for incredible dynamics and expressiveness. Overall you will struggle to find a better sounding keyboard in the Yamaha P115 ’s price range.
Speakers
The Yamaha P115 has an onboard speaker system consisting of 2x 4-1/2”(12cm) and 2x 1-1/2” (4 cm) speakers (7W + 7W amplifiers)
Fine Tune
The Yamaha p115 can be fine tuned which is useful when playing along with other instruments or recordings.
Polpolyphony
The Yamaha P115 provides 192 notes of polyphony. Polyphony is the amount of notes that can be played by the instrument at the same time and is most useful when using the sustain pedal. A lower polyphony means less notes that will prolong. The lower the number the less depth and expression you can create within you performance. Think of each sound as the colors available to an artist, the more that are available the deeper and more expressive the masterpiece can be.
Reverb
There are 4 reverb options available imitate various acoustic environments. These are Recital Hall, Concert Hall, Chamber, and Club. The level of depth can be chosen from a range 0-20 to get the exact sound you are after.
LOOKS
The 88 key keyboard looks slick and comes in both black and white models. I have to say i prefer the black standardized version but for those looking to stand out the white version is sure to be a talking point.
The buttons, lights and speakers blend in great to the sleek/classic design of the yamaha p115. There are very few distractions on the main area of the keyboard which keep you focused on the performance.
Obviously this is a portable piano so if you are out gigging with it you would likely pick a cross frame stand. However if you wish to make this the centerpiece of a room then the made to measure floor stand is a great addition.
FUNCTIONS
Instruments (Voices)
The Yamaha P115 provides 14 instruments voices to choose from
- 6 Pianos (Grand/Electric)
- 3 Organs (Jazz/Pipe/Rock)
- Harpsichord
- Vibraphone
- Strings
- Wood Bass, E. Bass
Modes
Dual Mode
Dual mode allows you to play two instruments at the same time while pressing one key. The instruments are layered over each other to provide a harmonized sound with. For instance the grand piano and strings sound great together on the yamaha P115.
Top Tip- you can shift the octave for each voice by holding down the metronome/rhythm button and pressing keys between A4-D5. You can change the volume of each voice- again holding down the metronome/rhythm button and pressing keys between E5-F5.
Split Mode
Split mode allows you to divide the piano in two, have a different instrument assigned to each section. This is a great mode when you want to add extra layering to a song. The Yamaha P115 provides the ability to position the split point where ever is best suited.
Top Tip- The split point can be changed by holding the L/down tempo button and selecting the key where you want the split to be located.
Duo Mode
Ever wanted to have two pianos to play a duet with your friend? Well this is what duo mode provides. It splits the piano on key E4 and with each side having the same
Top Tip- Duo Modes split point cannot be adjusted from the E3 position
Connections
The Yamaha P115 comes with several connections
FRONT
¼” Headphone Jacks (2 off)
BACK
USB-USB to Host– For connection to a PC
Aux Out [R + L/L+R]– For connection to external speakers
Sustain Pedal jack– COnnection of the supplied sustain pedal
Pedal Unit jack– Option for additional pedal units
12V Power connection
Additional
Music Library
There are 50 in-built songs to play along with ranging in style and sound.
Record
The record button allows you to record and store 2 tracks. This helps learning and is useful when composing music.
Note- As the recordings are stored in midi format you can speed up/slow down them to aid learning or use when composing music.
Metronome
The built in metronome will keep you in time playing any piece between the speeds 5 – 280bpm .
Note- Default tempo is always 120bpm.
Rhythm
The Yamaha P115 has a rhythm function which provides a drum backing track to play over the top and you can choose from 14 different styles.
Note- Default tempo is always 120bpm.
Accompanying
You can automatically play rhythmic arpeggios by specifying the chord type with your left hand, while playing a melody with your right hand.
Transpose
The Yamaha p115 can be transposed up or down in semitones (See Piano Theory). For example, if you transpose by +5 semitones the key C will produce the pitch F. This would allow you to play a piece as if it was in the key of C but it would sound as if it was in the key of F.
ECO Mode
The Yamaha P115 has an Auto power off which shuts down the instrument after a period of inactivity. This period can be customized for personal preference or simply disabled.
VALUE
The Yamaha P115 is a top performer in all areas.It is a great quality product which sounds, feels, looks great and has a heap of functions to aid with learning and performing. Not much more to say on the value front, the Yamaha P115 provides a fantastic option for all skill levels and is a great portable keyboard for gigging.
Optional Extras
Stand
The P115 has the option for an made to measure stand which gives the keyboard a more upright piano look to it. Making a great centerpiece for your room. It comes in at around $120 but provides the ideal playing height and the keyboard can be simply lifted on/off as required.
Alternatively it will also sit on a classic cross stand which would be more practical for portable purposes.
Pedals
The Yamaha P115 comes with a sustain pedal but additional pedals can be added if required.
Color
The Yamaha P115 comes in two color options Black or White and it really just depends on your preference.
Wrap up
Overall the Yamaha P115 is a fantastic piano keyboard tailored to a wide audience and in a reasonable price bracket.
Where to Buy in the US
Where to Buy in the Europe
