One of the latest introductions in the P-series in Yamaha is P71 and P115 where P stands for portability. Both the pianos are majorly accepted because they replaced the previous versions of P35 and P105 successfully. Both designs are creatively built and are innovative in comparison to other portable piano units on the market.
However, often it becomes a difficult task to pick out the right one for your use. Therefore, today, we are going to perform a Yamaha P71 vs. P115 combat analysis to learn which one fits the need.
Let the Battle Begin!
Yamaha P71 vs. P115
Major Similarities between the Duets
Although, both designs may differ with each other based on functionalities and quality of sound, yet they hold a number of features that are similar. Here is an outline of some of the major features which resemble in the battle of Yamaha P71 vs. P115.
- Size (width)
- 88 Weighted keys
- Dual mode
- Duo-mode
- Transposing feature
- Sustain pedal
Starting Up With Sound Quality
Although the P71 has a clearer sound quality in comparison to other P-series designs, it still doesn’t make up for what the P-115 has to offer. The P-115 holds a greater number of polyphony (192) whereas the P71 holds far lesser polyphony (64). The keys on the P71 are slightly stronger than the keys on the P115 which are relatively soft to press. It provides a streamlined flow for professional players and helps them get acquainted with the piano more efficiently.
One thing that both digital pianos share is having GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) keys which altogether brings them close to the traditional grand pianos. This feature is Yamaha’s trademarked feature which makes digital pianos a lavish for all, beginners and professionals. One more thing which acquires our attention is the black matte finish on the black keys of P115 which makes the key strokes feels much better.
The P115 includes additional speakers in combination with the pedal. Therefore, when you play a musical note on the P115, it gives you a far more better bass boosted sound quality. The additional speakers also add a crisp in the treble. Now, this is something that the P71 misses out on. The P71 only includes two speakers which suppresses the sound quality and make it a bit muddy. In order to fix this issue, the only solution a pianist can have is to lower the volume.
There is no doubt here, because the P115 in all aspects come above the P71 when it comes to sound blending and vibrancy.
The Difference between Sound Sampling
As far as the sound sampling is concerned, the P115 samples sound using the Yamaha CF3 while the P71 utilizes the AWstereo method of sampling. It is without a doubt known that the P115 provides better sampling results in comparison to the P71. However, AWstereo sampling has its own perks, the one that CF3 module may not be able to provide.
Talk About Control Panels
One of the key elements which attract most customers to purchase a P-series is the simplistic and minimal digital piano design. None of the piano designs among the two include a slider or controller. Too much of our surprise, each Yamaha model has easier button panels to control the sound option!
However, the P71 has slightly less number of controls in comparison to the Yamaha P115 model. Most operations performed on the P71 are more focused on single buttons; apparently this indicates that the piano contains only a single selection button. It also comes with a power and volume slider, but that’s just all there is to it. A combination of these things makes up for configuring the P71!
Video Review of Yamaha P71
Video Review of Yamaha P115
Comparing Special Features
A number of features put forth the P115 series above P71 and these features include the following.
- Recording capabilities.
- Additional Speaker Controllers.
- Sound Boost System.
- An App To Control Functionalities.
One of the features that the P71 lacks in is the recording capability which is something that is included in the P115 only. Now, if you are a professional, it must not matter to you much; however, if you are a beginner then you need to record your work in order to listen it afterwards. This is usually necessary so you can easily spot the gap in your work and easily fulfill it. With the P115, you can record your left hand and your right hand separately. It depends on which hand you want to master up.
Although P71 leaves an impact on players and listeners alike, but something that only the P115 contains is the incredible sound boost feature. The sound boost feature is something that makes the P115 stand out among a number of instruments and allows audiences to prominently hear the piano being played. While, P71 is in itself a producer of better quality sound, it still lacks with the Sound Boost option and that’s what makes the P71 behind P115.
In addition, the P115 includes an ios application integration which enables music composers to easily transpose keys and control sounds/voices on the piano. One of the best things about the application is that you can save your settings. The P115 doesn’t include an Android application yet.
Last but not the least is the additional speaker controllers. Although, P71 has two speakers and are good enough to create high quality song playbacks, it still can’t beat the additional two on the P115. The P115 gives a much better high quality voice over and song playback result as compared to the P71. The P115 makes sure that the voice over quality is well maintained while playing the musical notes on the piano. It further ensures that both sounds are kept separately.
Concluding Thoughts
If you are a beginner or a starter at a piano who needs to learn how the keys work, learn the notes on music or even create a small song of your own, then a P71 is a true lavish that works best in all forms. However, if your aim is to create 8-12 page long ensembles or you are planning to perform live in a concert, then my recommendation will always be to go with P115.
As a pianist, at times, you and your band would need to introduce innovation. If that’s the case with you, then you may lose your spark with a P71 when you are live. I hope it’s clearly defined who the winner is. Until, next time!