Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards What's the 'PE' for in Yahama CLP 320 PE?

What is the difference between a Yahama CLP 320 and a Yamaha CLP-320 PE? Is it just the finish?

And would you think $950 is a good price for a 320-PE? Or should I bump up and get the better hammer action? My budget is around $1000, though, and I thought this 320-PE would be quite a good deal at $950.

But I'm CERTAINLY no expert in digital pianos.

Thanks Very Much.

I dont think the CLP 320 is worth the price.

For less you can get the YDP 160, which really, is 98% just as good.

For abit more you can get the CLP 340, which is MUCH better

The PE indicates a "polished ebony" finish, which is generally more expensive than the wood veneer finishes.

The CLP-320 is not an especially good choice (unless you really want that finish ... it's only available on the Clavinovas, not on the YDP series.)

But hold on that opinion until we settle the price issue. Are you serious about that price, $950? I'm quite surprised to see it so low. I'd expect it to be closer to $1500, give or take.

If it's really $950, it's a good deal.

The 320 has 128 note polyphony. The 160 has only 64.
The 320 has Pure CF Sampling. The 160 does not.

But the 320 lacks the dual and split functions of the 160. That might be a "don't care", depending on your preference.

The only other important difference is the keyboard. The 320 has the GH keyboard, while the 160 has the GHE keyboard.

I've tried the 160 (GHE keyboard), and it's good ... but not as good as the GH3 (found on the higher-priced Clavinovas). I've never tried the 320 (GH keyboard). You'll want to try both and see which you prefer.

Overall, the 320 sounds like a good deal for under $1000.

For reference: I have a spreadsheet showing specs for 78 different models (Yamaha, Roland, Kawai, and others) at http://www.box.net/shared/brckjxid33

i think GH = GHE, except Yamaha started using "GHE" key word on all DPs which's not GHS and not GH3 only 2 or 3 years ago when P140/CP33/300 were out. actually, GHS was introduced around that time as well. i would guess that's just a term difference rather than mechanical, thus to distinguish GH from GHS.

Ah so!
I guess GHE is Graded Hammer Enhanced?
And GHS is Graded Hammer Standard?

If, as you say, GH is really the GHE, then the 320/GH is the same keyboard as the 160/GHE?

Until you posted, I was thinking that the 320/GH was an inferior keyboard.

But if it's really the same as the 160/GHE, then the $950 CLP-320 looks especially attractive.

To the original poster ... if that $950 320 is new, buy it. Great deal, especially with the PE finish.

If it's used, it can't be that old. The 300-series came out last summer, and was scarce in the US until September.

If it's a floor model ... well, look it over carefully. Sometimes those get a beating.

GH = GHE and GHE means Graded Hammer Effect.

CLP340 PE.... sooooo happy I got the PE.
Well worth the extra IMO, it is beautiful peice of furniture when your not playing it.