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Does anyone out there own the Yamaha YDP121 model? I am a beginning student and would like some input as to this model. It's in the price range I want to be in and have read other good reviews. I am being steered into a more expensive model by my local dealer. Just wondering if this model will suffice for my first year of lessons. Any info would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks!!

I've never played the YDP-121 before tonight as I always thought of it as a low end model but I tried it out tonight as I remembered your thread.

In my opinion, it's perfectly suited for your first year of piano lessons.

On the other hand, although some piano salespersons attempt to rip you off, I think I understand why he's suggesting you purchase a higher end model. The YDP 121 may be suited for one year of lessons but what about after that? Are you going to purchase a better model in the future? If you can afford it, than don't let it bother you. Do what YOU think is best and DO NOT under any circumstance let a salesperson talk you into purchasing something you don't want. Play all of the models in your price range and decide which one you think is best. If you only need the YDP-121 for one year, can afford it and feel it's a worthwhile investment, by all means, get it.

Compared to some of the digitals I played tonight (Suzuki, Korg, Roland, etc.) all of which were very low end models, the YDP-121 sounded pretty good, all things considered.

After that, I moved onto the Yamaha Grands.
Needless to say, you're lucky I have such good memory or my opinion of the particular piano in question might have been hindered.

Thanks for the info on the YPD121. I can purchase this from my local dealer who will give me a full credit trade-in during the first year I own it, if I want to upgrade. So, I believe that's the direction I'll go. I can always move up to a better model in a year, not lose any money and will be in a better position after a year of lessons to make that type of decision. I figured this would be a better model to buy than a portable keyboard. Thanks again for your information. I'm sure nothing compares to playing on a grand! Thank you!!

Hello kiki,

Check with your dealer if they already have the YDP223 (due out in October). This is the successor to the YDP121 and it features a graded hammer action keyboard which more closely simulates the feel of a grand. It may cost about $400 more but I haven't gotten any final feedback on the retail price-points yet.

- TD

Thanks for your info. Didn't know there was a new model coming out. I appreciate your reply.

I had no idea there was a new one coming out either.
I guess that's because I'm more of a Clavinova man myself.
Here's what the YDP223 will look like:



If you do search on Yahoo, you can find additional information.

Thank you for your response and photo. What is the difference between this model and a Clavinova? I thought they were sort of the same.
Please set me straight! Thank you!!

YDP pianos are similiar to Clavinova's, except for the fact that the YDP models are much more affordable. Thusly, less quality and effort is put into producing them. Clavinova's are for pianists that want a little more out of a digital.

They are not the same instruments.

The samples are different as are the design specs.

Here's a high-res image of the YDP223 for you.
http://www.giles.com/yamaha1/pr/trade/NAMM/S02/pr/pac/pkb/images/hi/ydp223.jpg

Once again, thanks for all the info and picture.

This is just a guess based on the control panel layout, but I think the YDP223 uses the same "guts" as the Yamaha P120 (Did you notice the "Brightness" slider?). I like the sound and feel of the P120 but want something that's a better piano simulator (pedals, keyboard and all). The YDP223's not a Clavinova, but it should be a good-enough learning instrument.

The YDP121 was being heavily discounted at local music shops to $900 last month to clear inventory. I still haven't seen the YDP223 at any of my local retailers.

I took a second look at that enlarged image.

It says Clavinova! (Look at the recess above the keys to the left.)

This is probably just a substitute photo but I'm also guessing that the YDP223 is a low-end Clavinova using simpler audio samples.

Yeah, I noticed that earlier... You can clearly see "Clavinova" on the left as well as the CLP model on the right. Hmmm, I wonder why.

But again, YDP pianos are just low-grade Clavinovas.
I just didn't think "Clavinova" was written on the YDP pianos... unless that is an "altered" image.

There was a lengthy conversation topic a few weeks ago on this forum concerning the Yamaha YDP-121 and the Yamaha CLP-840. I believe it was initiated by Tikidude. I was going to refer you to it but I see that it's been deleted.

Now how did that happen?

FR, it may not be deleted, just dropped off your visible listing.
There is a box at the top of each forum when you first come in that says "Show Topics from the last X Days". Depending on how many days you have it set for, you may not see an older listing.
Just choose a longer time period (or Show All) and it may show up.
Or you could try using the search function at the top of the page.

- Frank B.
Piano World

Thanks everyone for your help. I have gone ahead and purchased the YDP121 from my local dealer. They gave me a better deal than I could have gotten on the internet, so I'm happy. With a one year full value trade-in option, I figured I couldn't go wrong since I'm just starting. Hopefully, in a year I'll be good enough to deserve an upgrade!! This site is awesome. I appreciate everyone's time in responding to my inquiry. Keep on playing!!

Watch this link:

ydp 121

It seems to me that this is a good choice. Not many voices......

But above all: go to a musicstore play, feel, and listen. The choice of a DP is personal.

Try also the YDP131, the N100 (Nocturne) the YDP 151, the YDP625 (dgx620).... yamaha personal pianos

Succes ,

Best regards,

Johan B

This thread is 5 years old

Someone just brought back the dead.

Talk about necromancy...

The thread starter is probably married, with children, and an accomplished pianist by now...

So.....by accident......I advised in history......

I am very sorry...... :p

Regards,

Johan B