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In this blog, I am going to be talking about what I deem to be some of the best budget digital pianos for beginners in 2022. I have included a wide range of models to help you decide which is best for you.
1. Yamaha Arius YDP-144
So why is the YDP144 at the top of this list? Well, let me tell you. As a piano specialist here, when I get asked the question of what is the best piano for a beginner, be it a child or adult; I always recommend the YDP144 in the cabinet model range.
From its ‘intelligent acoustic control (IAC)’ to its beautiful sounding ‘Yamaha CFX Concert grand sounds’ this model is the bread and butter of the beginner pianist.
The reason I recommend this is because it is small, powerful, and easy on the eyes. It gives a realistic feel while not being unreasonably expensive; the quality is something that every beginner should look for in a piano.
I must mention that the price of this piano is very fair. Listed for under £1000, it almost seems too good to be true! Plus, the Yamaha name on it is a reassuring badge of quality.
I can hear you all saying ‘but this is not a piano, this is a keyboard.’ Well…yes you are right. But the DGX670 can be so much more than that.
Simply add the Yamaha L300 stand and the LP1 pedal unit, all of a sudden this keyboard has been transformed into a budget digital piano that looks and plays the part.
Did I also mention that all of this falls under £1000, which only sweetens the deal?
One of my favorite ways the DGX670 can mimic a piano is by its ‘Piano room’. With this feature, you can virtually open and close the lid of the piano creating different reverberation effects; just like a real piano.
You can also change the location you are playing the piano in, such as a ballroom, studio, or nightclub. This gives the DGX670 an edge on most of the other digitals as this feature is what the whole keyboard hybrid is based around.
Take a closer look at this feature here –
3. Yamaha Arius YDP-164
Haven’t you already listed a YDP? I hear you ask- This one does look exactly the same as the other YDP model… I bet there is no difference? Well, there is.
Despite being similar in looks, internally, they could not be more different. Allow me to explain what the YDP-164 has over the YDP-144
Smooth Release keys – This is a feature that makes the keys move in a less clunky, more natural way. The keys bounce back after being held down in a more realistic manner. Something that the YDP-144 does not have.
GH3 Keyboard – A GH3 keyboard allows the velocity (how hard to hit the key) to be measured in much greater depth. GH3 also swings back faster, like high-quality piano keys. GH3 allows the player to feel the weight of the key when depressed a second time, even when the player has not completely released the key after the first push of the key.
Synthetic ebony and ivory keytops – This means that your keys look more authentic, much more like a classic grand piano. It’s not just the look, but also the feel it is mimicking. The keys have more grip, making for better key action.
20 W x 2 Amplifiers – Bigger speakers on this model make for and louder sound with a much better range of frequencies.
Taller cabinet size – Bigger is better, this carbonate allows for more reverberation from the speakers.
Have a look at our video comparing the two pianos –
4. Yamaha Arius YDP-S34
This digital piano is the little powerhouse of the list. It’s small yes, but not to be overlooked. The YDP is essentially the YDP-144 but in a much smaller, more modernistic and contemporary cabinet.
Live in a flat? Shared house? Or is space just very limited? Well, this piano is calling out your name. And you’ll gain an amazing piano that can do everything the big brothers and sisters can do, at a fraction of the cost.
After all, a piano with 192 note polyphony, 10 voices, and a dual and split mode is not something that will limit you, it’s something that will push you to achieve your musical goals.
I might note that all pianos on this list are compatible with the Yamaha smart pianist app, which is ideal for any beginner or player looking to grow. You also get 3 months access to a learning app called Flowkey.
Take a look at this review we have made on this model –
5. Yamaha Clavinova CLP-725
Finally, we approach the final boss of this list. It is the most costly, but trust me when I say that it is worth the extra money. This is the first piano on this list to feature the Bosendorfer imperial piano sound, binaural sampling, grand expression modeling plus much more.
This is the first in the CLP range that Yamaha makes – the range they’ve been improving and tweaking since 1985 – and great for a beginner.
Compared to the Yamaha YDP range, the CLP uses a much easier-to-navigate interface making the whole piano playing experience a tad bit less stressful.
This model also has the most impressive sound on this list. The low range resonantes through the room and gives off an aura of euphoria that none other can match.
It simply does things differently, and when being compared to the YDP’s, they just seem to fall short.
See the CLP- 725 in action here –
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Chris Hammond
Manager at ePianos
Chris handles all of our ePianos marketing, and is responsible for the creation and production of the majority of our product videos.
Chris is also one of our top blog writers, having extensive knowledge of keyboard instruments, years of experience in musical instrument retail, and a background in live performance and composition.
For more detailed information regarding delivery and returns, including our 14-day returns policy,
please click here.
Please note: UK mainland DOES NOT include the Channel Islands, or the Scottish
Highlands. Surcharges may apply, so please contact us for more information before purchase.
Additionally, our in-house team, courier delivery, and postal services neither deliver nor collect on Bank
Holidays, so there will be a delay during these periods.
Special Order items
These items are sold on behalf of Yamaha, and are sent to us on a per-order basis, typically within 5-7 working days, unless an ETA is otherwise stated.
We'll contact you the moment your purchase arrives with us to organise delivery, based on your selected option.
Brand new products over 30kg
Example products: Yamaha DGX670, Yamaha P-525, Yamaha YDP-S55, Yamaha Clavinova.
These items must be sent with a heavy-goods courier (typically APC or FedEx). On occasion, depending on which is fastest, we will drop-ship directly from Yamaha to your address via Dachser.
Tracking will be provided by the haulier, with a typical arrival time of 1-2 working days.
*If you have included the optional £180 "Yamaha Premium Service" home delivery & setup option offered on selected products, we will contact you regarding arrangements after purchase.
**The Yamaha CSP Series, Yamaha CVP905 & CVP909, Yamaha CLP875, 885 & 895GP, and Yamaha NU1Xa are all sold on behalf of Yamaha and arrive with us on a per-order basis. As soon as your piano has arrived, we will contact you to organise the appropriate dispatch method. ETA for stock is shown on the product page for those items.
***If you have included the optional £99 home delivery & setup option offered on selected products, we will send your details direct to the installation team, who will contact you within 48 hours to make arrangements.
Used or display products over 30kg
Depending on which option is most appropriate, we will either contact you to discuss a bespoke ePianos delivery surcharge for goods we can’t package for a 3rd party courier, or otherwise dispatch goods via FedEx or APC.
If a courier is used, tracking will be provided by them directly, with a typical arrival time of 1-2 working days.
All products under 30kg
Example products: Yamaha PSR-SX920, Yamaha P-225, Yamaha NP-15.
These items will be sent via courier (typically APC or FedEx). On occasion, depending on which is fastest, we will drop-ship directly from Yamaha to your address via UPS or Parcelforce.
Tracking will be provided by the courier, with a typical arrival time of 1-2 working days.
Smaller items, such as books, discs, etc, will be dispatched via Royal Mail second class.
Downloadable Content
After purchase, you can download the file either from the order confirmation page or the "Downloads" tab in "My Account".
If you have selected the option to receive a pre-loaded USB stick, then this will be dispatched via Royal Mail.
Pre-orders
We will contact you regarding any pre-ordered items, and let you know when they arrive so as to arrange delivery with you at a convenient time.
We offer interest-free and interest-bearing finance options on selected products.
Finance options for new products
2–5 years interest-bearing finance at 19.9% APR (minimum 10% deposit).
A minimum loan amount of £500 after deposit is required.
Finance options for used products
Used items can also be purchased using either of the following options
(minimum loan amount of £250 after deposit):
10 months at 0% APR (minimum 50% deposit)
6 months at 0% APR (minimum 10% deposit)
Representative Example
Cash price: £700
Deposit: £70
Loan amount: £630
APR representative: 19.9%
Interest rate: 19.9% p.a. fixed
36 monthly repayments of: £22.87
Total loan term: 36 months
Total amount payable: £893.32
Available finance options are displayed at checkout. Alternatively,
please get in touch
and we’ll be happy to discuss the options, or email a finance application to you. Find out more by clicking here
Seasonal Hours
Our seasonal opening hours are as follows:
Christmas Eve: 10am to 1.30pm
Christmas Day: Closed
Boxing Day: Closed
New Year's Eve: 10am to 1.30pm
New Year's Day: Closed
Bank Holidays
We are closed on all bank holidays, therefore the processing of sales and deliveries will be delayed.
Tyros Tipsters Bonus Content for Tyros 5
Here's what we offer when you select the option to include our Bonus Content...
We update the firmware so that your Yamaha Tyros 5 is running on the latest version
We load in 600 registrations into the Tyros 5 which give you sound set-ups in your
registration bank buttons for different genres of music
We add 1825 songs into the Tyros 5 Music Finder
Contact Us
We are pleased to be able to offer interest-free finance on selected products through Novuna Personal Finance, for a limited period only.
This offer is available on purchases of:
Brand New Yamaha Genos 2
Brand New & Used Yamaha SX920 (if purchased with bonus content & guide)
Used Yamaha SX900 (if purchased with bonus content & guide)
Used Yamaha Genos 1 (if purchased with bonus content & guide)
Get in touch to request a remote 0% finance application with or without a part-exchange using the form below:
Here's what we offer when you select the option to include our Bonus Content...
Latest Firmware
27 Expansion packs which include 557 voices and 381 backing styles
234 extra styles from Tyros 5
600 registrations
2673 song setups
Video showing where all the key features are
...and when you select the option to include our GenosTipsters Guide
We include our GenosTipsters guide (digital version) worth £99,
featuring over 3 hours of video and 200 pages of written accompaniment.
Disclaimer – a proportion of this content is made available freely by Yamaha,
for those fully competent and confident with using the required software to install it via computer.
Information about this item
For orders of any stock displaying a 7-10 day lead time, we will contact you as soon as the item arrives with us to schedule a delivery with you.
Occasionally, there may be availability issues with our suppliers, in which case we'll get in touch with you to see if you're happy to wait, or if you'd like to cancel the order and receive a full refund.
Information about this item
This is a special order "agency" item, and comes to us directly from Yamaha on a per-order basis.
It typically takes 7-10 days for this item to arrive with us, whereupon we'll contact you to discuss the arrangement of delivery.
Information about this item
For any pre-orders, we will contact you as soon as the item arrives with us to schedule a delivery with you, and update you with an ETA.
Occasionally, there may be availability issues with our suppliers, in which case we'll get in touch with you to see if you're happy to wait, or if you'd like to cancel the order and receive a full refund.
Claim Up To £50 Yamaha Cashback
Buy an eligible Yamaha piano or keyboard from us between
26th August 2026 and 13th January 2027
and claim cashback directly from Yamaha.
Yamaha P-145BT: £40 cashback
Yamaha P-225: £50 cashback
Yamaha PSR-E483: £30 cashback
Yamaha PSR-E583: £30 cashback
How To Claim
Sign in or create a free Yamaha Music Connect account.
Register your new instrument using its serial number.
Complete Yamaha’s cashback claim form within 60 days of purchase.
You’ll need your proof of purchase, so please keep your ePianos
order confirmation or receipt.
Cashback is provided and paid directly by Yamaha and is not
deducted from the price at checkout. Qualifying new instruments
only. Purchases and claims are subject to Yamaha’s full promotional
terms and conditions.
Available Content for Genos 1
Here's what we include when you select the option to add our Bonus Content...
Latest Firmware
23 extra expansion packs which include 877 voices and 577 backing styles
234 extra styles from Tyros 5
600 registrations
4096 song setups
Video showing where all the key features are
...and when you select the option to include our GenosTipsters Guide
We include our GenosTipsters guide (digital version) worth £99,
featuring over 3 hours of video and 200 pages of written accompaniment.
Disclaimer – a proportion of this content is made available freely by Yamaha,
for those fully competent and confident with using the required software to install it via computer.
Part Exchange
Genos Tipsters Bonus Content for SX900
Here's what we offer when you select the option to include our Bonus Content...
Latest Firmware
14 Expansion Packs inc many extra voices and styles
234 T5 styles
600 registrations
T5 Music Finder
15 Playlists with 2287 song set-ups
Video showing where all the key features are
...and when you select the option to include our GenosTipsters Guide
We include our GenosTipsters guide (digital version) worth £99,
featuring over 3 hours of video and 200 pages of written accompaniment.
Disclaimer – a proportion of this content is made available freely by Yamaha,
for those fully competent and confident with using the required software to install it via computer.
Available Bonus Content for SX920
Here's what we offer when you select the option to include our Bonus Content...
Latest Firmware
25 Expansion packs which include 780 voices and 540 backing styles
234 extra styles from Tyros 5
600 registrations
4256 song setups including 136 ‘Decades’ registrations
Video showing where all the key features are
...and when you select the option to include our GenosTipsters Guide
We include our GenosTipsters guide (digital version) worth £99,
featuring over 3 hours of video and 200 pages of written accompaniment.
Disclaimer – a proportion of this content is made available freely by Yamaha,
for those fully competent and confident with using the required software to install it via computer.
Bonus Content for Korg Pa5X
Here's what we include when you select the option to add our Bonus Content...
Korg Bonus Styles (Taken from the Bonusware downloads on Korg UK website) – 450 styles
Korg Pa2x Internal Styles converted to 5x – 419 styles, all complete with 4 x Keyboard Sets
Korg Pa3x Internal Styles converted to 5x – 486 styles, all complete with 4 x Keyboard Sets
Korg Pa4x Internal Styles converted to 5x – 584 styles, all complete with 4 x Keyboard Sets
Korg Pa800 Internal Styles converted to 5x – 409 styles, all complete with 4 x Keyboard Sets
Korg Musikant 4x Internal Styles converted to 5x – 577 styles, all complete with 4 x Keyboard Sets
ePianos Songbook for Pa5x – A collection of over 200 well-known songs with 4 Keyboard Sets per song, giving in
excess of 800 registrations
Latest Osimo Songbook from Korg
3 x User Sound Packs from Korg
6 x Korg Pa5x User Know How videos covering: "Power Up & Panel", "Selecting Styles", "Selecting Sounds", "My
Setting & Favourites", "Mixer Basics", "Songbook", and "Recording"
How to Locate and Load the Various Software Bundle Components (Video)
Available Bonus Content for Genos 2
Here's what we offer when you select the option to include our Bonus Content:
Latest Firmware
52 expansion packs which include 1,721 voices and 1,148 backing styles
234 extra styles from Tyros 5
816 registrations
4256 song setups including 160 ‘Decades’ registrations
Video showing where all the key features are
Some of the best parts of our Bonus Content option are the 1,721 new extra voices and 1,148 new extra styles
included
across 52 expansion packs. These packs are quite complex to upload and, whilst free to obtain, we pride ourselves on
getting them into your keyboard for you — something many dealers shy away from purely because of the time it takes
to get them uploaded.
...and when you select the option to include our GenosTipsters Guide:
We include our GenosTipsters guide (digital version) worth £99,
featuring over 3 hours of video and 200 pages of written accompaniment.
Disclaimer – a proportion of this content is made available freely by Yamaha,
for those fully competent and confident with using the required software to install it via computer.
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