The Yamaha P85 is a digital piano that is great for really any level of piano student or enthusiast. For someone who is looking for a digital piano in the lower price range, this is just about the best value you are going to find. The Yamaha P85 runs about $599 for a new model. The great thing is that the P85 has sound quality that rivals much more expensive digital piano models.
Features
The P85 features graded Hammer Standard action keyboard, which gives the user the feel of an actual acoustic piano. This gives the user a lot more control over the expression and control of the keys and music. The hammer action is heaviest in the bass and gets gradually lighter towards the higher keys, giving more weight to the lower keys just like in acoustic pianos.
The great thing about the P85 is that it has the sound of an acoustic piano but the variability in loudness or volume that you expect with a digital piano. And if you have ever moved a full acoustic piano, you know that they are extremely heavy and bulky. Well, the P85 solves this, as it is very slender and weighs about 25 pounds.
Sounds
The P85 also features a several different voices that offer the user variety in music styles and playing. Some of these includes basses, guitars, stringed instruments, organs, and electric pianos.
Another great thing about the P85 is that it has built-in, stereo speakers. Many digital pianos do not feature this and require a separate PA system for amplification. Well this is not necessary here. The P85 is ready to play right out of the box.
Affordability
The P85 is a great buy for the money. I have a friend who has a P85 and I have to say that I am supremely jealous. I am currently looking to buy a digital piano and I am trying to decide between the P85 and the P140. Because I am about to move into an apartment, I will need a digital piano because my acoustic piano is going to be too difficult to move up stairs and is going to be too loud for an apartment anyways.
You can find the P85 for about $699 at Musician’s Friend. Click below for prices and additional information:
Yamaha P85S Contemporary Digital Piano Silver
Overall
I like to stick with Yamaha because I have always thought that, for the money, they have the best sound quality. Of course, the P140 is more expensive, but it is higher quality. I will probably end up saving up for the P140, which is $1199. But I recommend, if you want to stay in the $600, the P85 is going to be your best option.
