Yamaha CLP-885 Review & Buyer's Guide

Yamaha CLP-885 Review & Buyer's Guide

Yamaha CLP-885 Review & Buyer's Guide
Yamaha CLP-885 Review & Buyer's Guide

in this article, Tony from Bonners Piano Centres guides you through the key features of Yamaha's flagship digital piano, the CLP-885. Whether you're considering investing in a high-end digital piano or simply exploring your options, this guide will help you understand the instrument's top features and how they might suit your needs..
Key Features of the Yamaha CLP-885
The Yamaha CLP-885 is the pinnacle of the Clavinova CLP series, which combines advanced digital technology with the craftsmanship of traditional pianos. Priced at around £4,000, this premium digital piano offers a wide range of impressive features. Let’s break down the key elements that make this piano stand out.
Keyboard Touch and Action
The first thing you notice when playing any piano is the keyboard's touch. The CLP-885 is equipped with Yamaha’s GrandTouch keyboard, featuring wooden keys and synthetic ebony and ivory tops. What sets it apart is its ability to trigger notes without pressing the keys all the way down—a feature normally found only in acoustic pianos.
In addition, the escapement mechanism provides a subtle click when lightly pressing keys, mimicking the touch of a grand piano. Yamaha’s linear graded hammer system further enhances this, offering heavier bass and lighter treble keys for an authentic feel.
Design and Cabinet Options
The CLP-885 comes in three cabinet finishes: black walnut, polished ebony, and polished white. Its design mimics that of an acoustic upright piano, with a long 84cm music desk and curved end cheeks. It also features a 230-watt built-in speaker system, ensuring powerful sound output, enhanced by Yamaha’s experience in high-quality audio systems.
Pedal Mechanism
The pedal system on the CLP-885 is another highlight, particularly the GP response damper pedal. It replicates the nuanced resistance found in acoustic grand pianos, allowing for half-pedaling and other advanced techniques. This makes the CLP-885 an excellent choice for pianists seeking an acoustic-like playing experience.
Sound Quality and Piano Voices
The Yamaha CLP-885 offers two main piano voices: the Yamaha CFX and the Bösendorfer Imperial. The CFX is bright and clear, ideal for a variety of musical genres, while the Bösendorfer has a warmer, richer tone, perfect for classical music.
Both voices benefit from Yamaha’s Grand Expression Modeling, a technology that captures the subtleties of how different key pressures affect the sound. This allows for a more expressive and lifelike playing experience. Yamaha’s Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) further enhances the sound by simulating the complex resonances of an acoustic piano’s strings and soundboard.
Playing with Headphones: Binaural Sampling
For those who practice with headphones, the CLP-885 features binaural sampling, which makes playing with headphones feel like sitting in front of an acoustic grand piano. This is achieved by recording the piano using specialized microphones placed where your ears would naturally be positioned, offering a more immersive experience.
Additional Voices and Recording Features
Beyond its piano voices, the CLP-885 offers 53 additional voices, including orchestral instruments and 14 drum kits. It also features a 16-track recording system, allowing you to layer multiple instruments and create complex compositions. With up to 250 songs storable in the piano’s memory (or unlimited storage via USB), you can record, edit, and play back your performances easily.
Bluetooth and App Integration
The CLP-885 is equipped with Bluetooth audio and MIDI capabilities. Bluetooth audio allows you to stream music through the piano's speakers, while Bluetooth MIDI lets you connect to apps like Yamaha’s Flowkey for interactive learning. Yamaha offers three months of free access to Flowkey when you purchase the CLP-885.
Conclusion
With its advanced technology and authentic playing experience, the Yamaha CLP-885 stands as a top choice for those looking for a digital piano that closely mimics an acoustic grand. Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or a beginner, this model offers unparalleled features that make it a versatile and highly enjoyable instrument to play.
If you’re considering a new piano, we encourage you to visit Bonners Piano Centers, where you can try out the CLP-885 and other models in person.
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Watch Tony's in-depth video guide
Yamaha CLP-885 Review & Buyer's Guide
