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What is the smallest keyboard with weighted keys?

Mar 29, 2022
5 min read

Weighted keys, weighted keys, weighted keys. That’s a common phrase in the piano world. Ever touched a piano and thought “these keys feel a bit spongy’?… Well, I have news for you; the reason they feel like that is because the instrument did not feature weighted keys.

But I hear you say “Don’t you only get weighted keys on a full-sized digital piano?”. No! Not at all. You can find some great keyboards that are not even a fraction of the size of a digital piano that all feature weighted keys. Want to have a good feeling set of keys in a smaller space? Well here’s four for you! 

 

Firstly we have the Yamaha P-45 

Yamaha-P45-Lifestyle-3

Dimensions – 132.6 x 29.5 x 15.4 centimetres | 11.5 Kilograms

This piano is a 88 (weighted key) powerhouse. Light and compact with the amazing Yamaha sound, it remains a staple and a good starting point to any newcomer, or your average piano enthusiast looking to save on space.

When I play this model, I can tell that Yamaha’s sole intention was to deliver smooth and robust feeling keys at a very affordable price. This is one of the most attractive features of the P45 as it gives off a grand piano feel while being an easily portable keyboard.

Speaking of which, can you think of a grand or digital piano that can fit in a cupboard? No! But the Yamaha P45 most definitely can. Re-clam your space by packing the P45 away, taking a step back, and breathing. You have the space to; so why not?

My second choice is the Yamaha P-121 

Yamaha P121 (P-121) Lifestyle 2

Dimensions – 111.4 x 29.5 x 16.6 centimetres | 10.0kg

This is the model up from the P45 and is honestly a major step up. Featuring 73 notes that are again, all weighted; you’ll struggle to find fault with its authentic feel.

It’s so easy to navigate and is one of the more friendly keyboards to use. I bet I know what you are thinking. But it looks almost identical to the P45? What is so different about it?

Well, let me say in simple terms for you to understand. We all love features, the more the better? Well, the P121 has 18 more than the P45.

To name three of my favourites… There is a split mode, much louder and bigger speakers for a greater range of frequencies, and finally, there are many more styles and backings to pick from. Be aware there is much more than this to uncover.

I feel as if I must mention this; if you want to be using three pedals when you play then this (along with the P-125) should be the first keyboard to consider.

The reason for this is because it is the first keyboard (from my selection in this blog) that actually can have three mounted. This may be a real priority for some of you, so I thought I would mention it.

Next choice for this list is the Yamah P-125 

Yamaha P125 (P-125) Lifestyle

Dimensions – 1326mm x 166mm x 295mm | 11.8kg

A very popular keyboard indeed! There is something that screams comfort when I look at this model. It features full-sized and fully weighted 88 keys and has samples that sound amazing.

This keyboard combines all that there we love about the first two entries and made it a full-sized keyboard with all the features you could ever want.

I must mention that the only difference between the P121 and the P125 is the number of notes there are in the key bed.

I would still recommend the Yamaha P-125 without hesitation as it being full-sized means your chord progressions are not limited as you progress.

 

Are you still not sold on the Yamaha P’s? Watch this video comparing the Yamaha P45 with the Yamaha P125.

 

My final choice for this list is the Yamaha YC61

This keyboard is in a literal league of its own. Yamaha actually labels it into a different category entirely. It is more of a stage piano than a keyboard. I must say how amazingly brilliant the keys feel on this model.

Dare I say, even the best out of this entire list. Everything from its retro analogue look, to its synth-like qualities; this keyboard holds a special place in my heart. Its robust build is meant to last, to its intuitive design; this model holds a very competitive spot in our store.

One of my favourite aspects of this instrument that you don’t really see much is its ability to control the VCM rotary speaker. There are two modes that can be selected. Clean and full for the smooth easy listening sound, or dirty and aggressive for that louder more punchy sound.

You can even adjust the top or bottom rotor speed for total control over how the signal sounds. This degree of control over the sound really sets this keyboard apart from the rest on this list. This partnered with its Virtual Circuitry Modeling (VCM), vintage analoge EQs, compressors and phasers, transistors and resistors make for a very unique sound that just can’t be matched elsewhere.

In conclusion…

Smaller does not mean lesser. You can find fully weighted, amazing sounded, perfectly rounded keyboards with us. If you think one of these keyboards suits your needs but feel like you have more questions; then give us a call. We would be happy to walk you through the differences and comparisons of each model.

Until then… Happy playing!

[featuredblog]

 

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Chris Hammond
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.
chrisonpiano
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...and when you select the option to include our GenosTipsters Guide
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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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...and when you select the option to include our GenosTipsters Guide
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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
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  • 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.

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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.