We are digital piano & keyboard specialists, based in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Stay up to date with the latest news, reviews, tips, and offers by joining our FREE newsletter (unsubscribe at any time).
The Yamaha CLP-885 is the new pinnacle of Yamaha’s CLP Clavinova range, and this is my review.
Yamaha continues to set the benchmark in the digital piano industry by combining cutting-edge technology with decades of expertise in acoustic piano manufacturing.
This review explores why the CLP-885 stands out in the market, offering an experience that is nearly indistinguishable from playing a grand piano.
One of the most critical aspects of any piano is the touch, and the CLP-885 excels in this area.
Building on the GrandTouch keyboard technology first introduced in the CLP-700 series, the CLP-885 features new algorithms and sensor positions that provide an exceptionally accurate and responsive touch.
The keys are crafted from solid wooden elements and include counterweights, a 25 cm key length from the fulcrum, and an authentic escapement.
These enhancements ensure that players experience the same sensations as playing an acoustic concert grand piano.
The damper pedal, a crucial component for expressive playing, has also been upgraded.
The new GrandTouch pedals replicate the dynamic feel and weight changes of an acoustic piano’s damper pedal, allowing for precise control and nuanced performances.
Sound quality is paramount, and the CLP-885 does not disappoint.
Yamaha’s new sound engine, coupled with an innovative tone generator chip, brings to life the rich, expressive sounds of world-renowned pianos, including the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial.
Additionally, the Grand Expression Modelling technology accurately replicates the complex interactions between hammers, strings, and dampers, delivering an incredibly realistic tonal range.
Virtual Resonance Modelling further enhances the sound by creating a rich acoustic ambiance, making the CLP-885 not just a digital piano, but a true musical instrument that captures the essence of a grand piano.
Personally, I prefer a deep and layered soundscape, one that allows me to push all my emotions into the keys and feel the response from the piano as if it’s becoming part of me.
This is the true meaning of musical expression, and the CLP-885 excels in this regard.
>>> Watch below: Chris compares the Yamaha CLP & CSP ranges <<<
While the CLP-885 might look like a traditional piano, it is packed with modern features.
The intuitive touch sensor panel and a bright LCD display ensure that the user interface is straightforward and easy to navigate.
One of the significant upgrades is the Grand Acoustic Imaging, which optimises speaker placement and sound radiation to create an immersive auditory experience.
This technology, combined with new diffusers, wave guides, and bidirectional horns, simulates the natural sound field of a grand piano.
The piano also supports Bluetooth audio and MIDI for seamless wireless connectivity, and it includes over 350 songs and lessons that can be accessed via the Smart Pianist app.
This integration makes learning and playing more engaging and enjoyable.
The CLP-885 is not only a powerhouse of technology but also a beautiful piece of furniture.
Available in polished ebony, polished white, and standard black finishes, it can complement any interior decor.
The cabinet design, inspired by the elegant curves of an acoustic grand piano, adds a touch of sophistication and style to your home.
Yamaha has always represented quality in their digital pianos and keyboards, not just in cutting-edge software design and digital sound reproduction but also in the robustness of their equipment.
Nothing is done in a half-hearted way, particularly in their Clavinova range. These pianos are built to last as long as you require them to exist while you play them.
At ePianos, we’ve been trusted Yamaha Main Dealers for over 25 years, and our customer service is award-winning, particularly in how we support our customers with regular tutorials, demonstrations, and review videos, articles, and newsletters.
We love to support our digital piano-playing community and share our passion for making music with these fantastic instruments.
Simply order via our website or call us directly on 01295 266788.
From the very moment my hands laid on the keys and brushed them down, I could feel the quality in the keys and the truly authentic way they felt on my fingertips.
The way the keys generate sound and how the sound is produced through the speakers and amplifier creates a sonic experience that washes over you like a soundwave.
This first impression is always striking, and I believe the CLP-885 will please hundreds, if not hundreds of thousands, of pianists across the world.
Quick note: Any Yamaha CLP-885 review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning its sister models in the CVP & CSP range of Clavinovas. So, you can read about the differences here.
Enter your email address below to receive our free weekly newsletter containing the latest piano, keyboard and organ demonstration videos, breaking news, special offers, invitations to our live video events, technical support articles and much more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Used items can also be purchased using either of the following options (minimum loan amount of £250 after deposit):
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
Our seasonal opening hours are as follows:
We are closed on all bank holidays, therefore the processing of sales and deliveries will be delayed.
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.
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.
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.
*Cashback amount varies product to product, as indicated.
Comments: