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Alternatives To Consider:

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Shop Kawai KDP120▸ https://geni.us/KawaiKDP120
Shop Kawai ES120 ▸ https://geni.us/KawaiES120
Shop Yamaha P225 ▸ https://geni.us/YamahaP225
Yamaha P125 ▸ https://geni.us/YamahaP125
Kawai ES920 ▸https://geni.us/KawaiES920
Yamaha P45 ▸https://geni.us/YamahaP45
Yamaha YPG535 ▸https://geni.us/YamahaYPG535


Introduction

The Yamaha P225 replaces their P125a, a keyboard that was still fairly current a few months ago.

We’ll compare these models to find the upgrades and differences so if you are looking for new or used versions of these keyboards, you will know what the key differences are.

The P125 and P125a are strong instruments with many likable features. Some of these were the best in their price category; notably, the tuning and performance of the onboard speakers. In the USD600 range, an instrument with a great sonic presentation stood out. The P125 was also one of the first instruments to offer a USB Audio interface and discrete ¼ inch audio outputs for that price range. Other manufacturers caught up, but it took a couple of years.

The P125a removed the USB Audio interface functionality and included what seemed likely a slightly upgraded GHS action. This was most likely a tradeoff to keep the price stable while removing a feature that most people were probably not using.

While the P225 is an upgrade to the P125, the price point has remained unchanged. Has Yamaha found a way to be more efficient, or have they removed features?

A Trio of Likes

Yamaha P125a
First, the speaker performance is topofclass for this price range. It’s punchy, tight, and has a lot of detail and clarity coming out of the top of the instrument.

Second, what feels like a slightly improved GHS action resulting in the best version yet. It’s fairly responsive, quick, and medium in terms of its weight and balance.

Third, the ¼ inch outputs and manual speaker controls which are common features of keyboards in the $1,000 price range or higher, but not in this price range.

Yamaha P225
First, the esthetic look of the instrument, including a more minimalist look and compressed form factor. The P225 is less thick than the P125 and is also a bit lighter.

Second, while both models use the Virtual Resonance Modeling Lite engine, the P225 has been upgraded to the CFX sample set from the CF sample set.

Third, the return of the USB Audio interface. The result of a possibly unpopular decision to remove it from the P125a.

Some Noticeable Differences
Sample Set and Action
If used primarily without headphones, the main differences will be in the speaker performance and action. With headphones, the CFX sample set and action will stand out as the main differences.

The CFX sample used on the P225 has more complexity and thickness, while the action is a new, more compact one with a slightly shorter pivot length and a different weighting system. There is a much different sense of weight and resistance when playing closer or further from the edge of the keys. The P125a has a lighter touch, and the P225, due to the geometry of the shorter pivot length, has a slightly slower return. Also, the P125 has a larger key depth which will also contribute to the difference in sensation.

Speakers
When compared sidebyside, there is an enormous difference between the speaker performance of the two keyboards. The P225 has a warmer, more midrange tone, that is absent of the upper detail that the P125 provides. This is due to the large upwardfacing tweeter and large downwardfacing midrange speaker in the P125.

The P225 has small 5 cm tweeters porting to the front with the midrange speaker facing the back. This requires the keyboard to be adjacent to a wall to hear the detail of the sound. The P225 tweeters are not outputting the same level of detail as the ones in the P125a.
The sound of the P125a is not categorically better than that of the P225, but there is a big difference between them.

Stu’s Thoughts
If a clear tone and slightly lighter action are important to you, spend the time to find a good condition used P125 or P125a, or a new one if you can find it. If you want a warmer tone with less highend and detail coming out of the speakers, the P225 is right for you.

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