Yamaha P-45
- Key actionGHS (Graded Hammer Standard)
- Piano soundAWM stereo sampling
- Polyphony64 notes
- Weight11.5 kg
Older model, still sold
Check price on Amazon for the Yamaha P-45 (opens in a new tab)Yamaha P-45 vs P-71, P-145BT and P-225: The P-Series Compared
By Shahadat Shahi Published Updated
Head-to-head
Research-based comparison: we haven't played these pianos. Specs come from Yamaha USA's official spec pages.
Quick verdict
Our pick: Yamaha P-145BT
The P-71 is the P-45 sold under an Amazon-only name, so everything about the P-45 here applies to it.
Choose the P-145BT over the P-45 for Yamaha's newer GHC keys, the CFIIIS sound, Bluetooth audio and a lighter body. Choose the P-45 if the lowest price matters most.
The P-125 no longer has Amazon US offers. Its current counterpart is the P-225, the step up when you want 192-note polyphony and outputs.
Round by round
Yamaha's P-series has had a lot of model names: the P-45 and the Amazon-only P-71, the newer P-143 and P-145BT, the P-115, P-125 and P-125a, and now the P-225 and P-525. This page sorts them out from Yamaha's own spec pages. The head-to-head is the P-45 against its newer counterpart, the P-145BT; every other pairing people search for has its own section below.
Yamaha P-45 vs P-145: Spec Sheet, Side by Side
Here are the specs that differ (and the ones that don't), from Yamaha USA's P-45 and P-145BT spec pages:
| Spec | |
|---|---|---|
| GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) | Key action | GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) |
| Hard, Medium, Soft, Fixed | Touch settings | Hard, Medium, Soft, Fixed |
| AWM stereo sampling | Piano sound | Yamaha CFIIIS, with damper resonance |
| 64 notes | Polyphony | 64 notes |
| 10 | Voices | 10 |
| 12 cm × 2, 6 W × 2 | Speakers | oval 12 × 8 cm × 2, 7 W × 2 |
| None | Bluetooth | Audio |
| USB TO HOST | USB | USB TO HOST, with 16-bit USB audio |
| 1 | Headphone jacks | 1 |
| None | Pedal unit | Optional LP-5A |
| 11.5 kg (25 lbs 4 oz) | Weight | 11.1 kg (24 lb 8 oz) |
| 1,326 × 295 × 154 mm | Size (W × D × H) | 1,326 × 268 × 129 mm |
Specs from Yamaha USA's P-45 and P-145BT spec pages. Both had current Amazon US offers when we checked; prices change, so check the live listings.
Tip
Shopping for a P-71? It's the P-45 under an Amazon-only name, so read the P-45 column. And the P-143 is the P-145BT without Bluetooth audio or the three-pedal connector; everything else in the P-145BT column applies to it.
Key Action: GHS vs GHC
The keyboard is the main change between Yamaha's older and newer entry pianos.
Read more
The P-45 uses GHS (Graded Hammer Standard), the action Yamaha also used on the P-115 and P-125. The P-145BT uses GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) with matte black keytops, the same keyboard as the P-143 and the P-225. Both are graded like an acoustic piano, heavier in the bass and lighter in the treble, and both have Hard, Medium, Soft and Fixed touch settings. Yamaha lists escapement on neither.
In owner reports and published reviews, GHC is usually described as lighter and a little quieter than GHS. Players who like a firmer key often prefer GHS; players who find GHS heavy often prefer GHC.
Winner
Split: P-45 for the firmer GHS, P-145BT for the lighter, quieter GHC. Neither is a clear upgrade for every player; the newer GHC is the one Yamaha now uses from the P-143 to the P-225.
Key-feel decision
Compare the action before choosing. This is the physical difference you notice first when you sit down to play.
Sound: AWM vs CFIIIS
Yamaha P-45
Yamaha P-145BT
The P-45 uses AWM stereo sampling, the sound Yamaha launched it with in 2015. The P-145BT uses samples of Yamaha's CFIIIS concert grand, with damper resonance, the sound of the other strings ringing when you hold the sustain pedal.
Both have 64-note polyphony and 10 voices. That's fine for beginner pieces, but it can run out in long pedalled passages; for more headroom, the P-225 has 192.
Winner
P-145BT. A newer concert grand sample with damper resonance, at the same polyphony and voice count.
Speakers: 6 W vs 7 W per Side
Yamaha P-45
Yamaha P-145BT
Yamaha lists two 12 cm speakers on 6 W × 2 for the P-45, and two oval 12 × 8 cm speakers on 7 W × 2 for the P-145BT. Either is enough for a bedroom or a small living room. Neither has an output for an amplifier other than the headphone jack.
Winner
P-145BT, slightly. A little more power; the difference is small.
Bluetooth and Connections
Yamaha P-45
- BT audio: No
- USB: MIDI
- Pedal unit: No
Yamaha P-145BT
- BT audio: Yes
- USB: MIDI and audio
- Pedal unit: LP-5A
The P-145BT has Bluetooth audio, so you can play music or lesson videos from a phone through its speakers; the P-45 has no Bluetooth. Neither lists Bluetooth MIDI: for apps without a cable, Yamaha sells the UD-BT01 adaptor. Over USB TO HOST both connect to apps and computers, and the P-145BT's USB connection also carries 16-bit audio.
The P-145BT also has a connector for Yamaha's optional LP-5A three-pedal unit, which fits its matching L-100 stand. The P-45 takes a single sustain pedal. Each has one headphone jack.
Winner
P-145BT. Bluetooth audio, USB audio and a three-pedal option, none of which the P-45 has.
Weight and Size
Yamaha lists the P-45 at 11.5 kg (25 lbs 4 oz) and 1,326 × 295 × 154 mm, and the P-145BT at 11.1 kg (24 lb 8 oz) and 1,326 × 268 × 129 mm. Same width; the P-145BT is shallower, lower and a little lighter. Stands are sold separately for both.
Winner
P-145BT. Slimmer and slightly lighter.
The Yamaha P-Series at a Glance
Every model name you're likely to see, from Yamaha USA's spec pages, with what we found on Amazon US. "On Yamaha's line-up" means Yamaha USA's portable piano page lists it today.
| Model | Keys | Piano sound | Polyphony | Bluetooth | On Yamaha's line-up | Amazon US |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P-45 | GHS | AWM stereo sampling | 64 | None | Yes | Current offers |
| P-71 | Same as P-45 | Same as P-45 | 64 | None | No (Amazon-only name) | No current listing |
| P-143 | GHC | CFIIIS | 64 | None | Yes | Bundle only |
| P-145BT | GHC | CFIIIS | 64 | Audio | Yes | Current offers |
| P-115 | GHS | Pure CF | 192 | None | No | Older model |
| P-125 | GHS | Pure CF | 192 | None | No (the P-125a is) | No offers |
| P-225 | GHC | CFX, key-off samples, VRM Lite | 192 | Audio | Yes | Current offers |
| P-525 | GrandTouch-S (wooden white keys, escapement) | CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial | 256 | Audio and MIDI | Yes | Current offers |
Yamaha P-71 vs P-45: The Same Piano
The P-71 is the P-45 sold under an Amazon-only model name. The keys, sound, polyphony, voices and speakers are the same, so everything about the P-45 on this page applies to it. Yamaha USA lists only the P-45.
When we checked, Amazon US had no current P-71 listing, so we link to the P-45 instead. If you do find a P-71, compare it with the P-45 listing and choose whichever is the better deal on the day; the same goes for "P-71 vs P-143": read it as the P-45 against the P-143, below. Our Yamaha P-45 review covers the piano in depth.
Yamaha P-45 vs P-143
The P-143 is the P-145BT without Bluetooth audio or the pedal-unit connector. Against the P-45, that means Yamaha's newer GHC keys and CFIIIS sound with damper resonance, 7 W × 2 instead of 6 W × 2, and a body that's 0.4 kg lighter and 27 mm shallower. Polyphony (64), voices (10) and the single headphone jack are the same.
On Amazon US, we found the P-143 mainly as a bundle with a stand and bench, so the like-for-like choice is usually the P-45 or the P-145BT. Our Yamaha P-145 and P-143 review covers the newer pair in depth.
Yamaha P-45 vs P-125
This comparison used to be the P-45 against the P-125. Both use the GHS keyboard; Yamaha lists the P-125 with the Pure CF sound, 192-note polyphony instead of 64, 24 voices instead of 10, two headphone jacks, AUX OUT, a two-track recorder and 7 W × 2 driving 12 cm and 4 cm speakers on each side, at 11.8 kg.
The P-125 no longer has Amazon US offers, and Yamaha USA's line-up lists the P-125a in its place, with the same specs. If you're choosing today, the step up from the P-45 is the P-225, covered next.
Yamaha P-125 vs P-225: What Changed
| Spec | Yamaha P-125 | Yamaha P-225 |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | GHS | GHC |
| Piano sound | Pure CF | CFX, key-off samples, VRM Lite |
| Polyphony | 192 | 192 |
| Voices | 24 | 24 |
| Bluetooth | None listed | Audio (MIDI with the optional UD-BT01) |
| Headphones, outputs | 2 jacks, AUX OUT | 2 jacks, AUX OUT |
| Weight | 11.8 kg (26.01 lb) | 11.5 kg (25 lb 6 oz) |
| Depth × height | 295 × 166 mm | 272 × 129 mm |
The P-225 keeps what made the P-125 the step up from the P-45: 192-note polyphony, 24 voices, two headphone jacks and AUX OUT. It changes the keyboard to GHC and the sound to CFX, adds Bluetooth audio and a 24-bit USB audio interface, and is slimmer and a little lighter. Our Yamaha P-225 review covers it in depth, and our Roland FP-30X vs Yamaha P-225 comparison puts it against its closest Roland rival.
Yamaha P-145 vs P-225: When to Step Up
The P-145BT and P-225 share the GHC keyboard and the same slim body, so the step up is about sound and connections. Yamaha lists the CFX sound with key-off samples and VRM Lite on the P-225, with 192-note polyphony instead of 64, 24 voices instead of 10, two headphone jacks, AUX OUT, a 24-bit USB audio interface and a two-track recorder. It weighs 11.5 kg to the P-145BT's 11.1 kg.
If you'll keep the piano for years, play pedalled music or want to connect to an amplifier, the P-225 is the better long-term buy; for a first piano, the P-145BT covers the basics.
Yamaha P-225 vs P-525
The P-525 is a different class of instrument. Yamaha lists the P-525 with the GrandTouch-S keyboard (wooden white keys, synthetic ebony and ivory keytops, and escapement), CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial samples, 256-note polyphony, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, and (20 W + 6 W) × 2 speakers. It weighs 22.0 kg, nearly twice the P-225.
Choose the P-525 if the action and sound come first and the piano will mostly stay put; choose the P-225 if you want a light portable with Yamaha's CFX sound. Our Yamaha P-525 review covers the P-525 in depth.
Yamaha P-45 vs P-115, and the Older P-35 and P-105
Yamaha launched the P-45 and P-115 together in 2015. Yamaha USA still has a spec page for the P-115: GHS keys like the P-45, but the Pure CF sound, 192-note polyphony, 14 voices, two headphone jacks, AUX OUT and 7 W × 2 driving 12 cm and 4 cm speakers, at 11.8 kg. It isn't on Yamaha's current line-up.
Before those, Yamaha's entry portables were the P-35 and P-105. Yamaha USA no longer lists them, so we can't confirm their specs from Yamaha's own pages. If you're looking at a used one, compare it with the current P-45 and P-145BT above.
The Final Verdict: Which Yamaha P-Series Piano?
Here's the decision in plain language, including who each one doesn't suit.
Pick the Yamaha P-45 (or P-71) if…
- The lowest price matters most: it was the cheaper of the two when we checked.
- You want the simplest possible piano, with almost nothing to set up.
- You like a firmer key: GHS is usually described as heavier than GHC.
Pick the Yamaha P-145BT if…
- You want Bluetooth audio for lessons and backing tracks from a phone.
- You want Yamaha's newer GHC keys and CFIIIS sound.
- You might add three pedals later (LP-5A with the L-100 stand).
- A slimmer, lighter body helps.
The overall decision
For most buyers choosing a first Yamaha, the P-145BT is the better buy: newer keys and sound, Bluetooth audio and a lighter body, at the same 64-note polyphony. The P-45 (or the same piano as a P-71) still makes sense when the price is clearly lower. If the piano should grow with you, skip to the P-225, which adds 192-note polyphony, two headphone jacks and outputs.
For full specs, see Yamaha USA's P-45, P-145BT, P-125, P-125a and P-225 spec pages and its portable piano line-up. Our guide to the best Yamaha digital pianos ranks the whole range.
Buy the P-45
The lower-cost pick · GHS keys, 64-note polyphony, the simplest Yamaha to set up. The P-71 is the same piano.
Check price on Amazon for the Yamaha P-45 (opens in a new tab)Buy the P-145BT
Our pick · GHC keys, CFIIIS sound with damper resonance, Bluetooth audio, 11.1 kg.
Check price on Amazon for the Yamaha P-145BT (opens in a new tab)Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Yamaha P-45 and P-71 the same?
Yes. The P-71 is the P-45 sold under an Amazon-only model name, so the GHS keys, AWM sound, 64-note polyphony and 10 voices are the same. Yamaha USA lists only the P-45, and when we checked there was no current P-71 listing on Amazon US, so the P-45 listing is the one to buy.
Is the P-145 better than the P-45?
On paper, yes. Yamaha lists the P-145BT with the newer GHC keyboard, the CFIIIS piano sound with damper resonance, 7 W × 2 speakers and Bluetooth audio, in a lighter, slimmer body (11.1 kg). Polyphony stays at 64 notes and there's still one headphone jack. When we checked, the P-45 was the cheaper of the two.
Should I buy the P-45 or the P-143?
The P-143 has the P-145BT's GHC keys, CFIIIS sound and 7 W × 2 speakers, without Bluetooth or the three-pedal connector. Against the P-45, that's a newer keyboard and sound in a lighter body. On Amazon US we found the P-143 mainly as a bundle with a stand and bench, so compare it with the P-45 and P-145BT.
What's the difference between the Yamaha P-125 and P-225?
The P-225 keeps the P-125's 192-note polyphony, 24 voices, two headphone jacks and AUX OUT. It moves from GHS keys to GHC and from the Pure CF sound to CFX with key-off samples and VRM Lite, and adds Bluetooth audio. It's lighter (11.5 kg against 11.8 kg) and slimmer. The P-125 no longer has Amazon US offers.
Which Yamaha P-series piano should a beginner buy?
For the lowest cost, the P-45: GHS weighted keys and almost nothing to set up. For Bluetooth audio and Yamaha's newer keys and sound, the P-145BT. If the piano should last years of lessons, the P-225 adds 192-note polyphony, two headphone jacks and outputs. All three have 88 weighted keys and come with a footswitch.
Shahadat Shahi
Founder of PianoRanked. I research what performs best using spec analysis, user reviews, and market data — no paid placements, no brand partnerships.