Yamaha YDP-164 Arius Traditional Console Digital Piano With Bench Rosewood

Yamaha’s Arius console pianos are among the most popular and best-reviewed modern keyboard instruments designed for the home. And every year, Yamaha’s team of designers and builders make improvements up and down the model line. The YDP-164 is a 2019 offering in the middle price range, offering sound and features that align perfectly with the needs of many schools, homeowners and anyone who needs a handsome, beautiful-sounding and versatile keyboard instrument.

The chief improvements relative to the best-selling YDP-163 are upgraded piano samples (CFX Concert Grand relative to CF) and compatibility with the new Smart Pianist app. Other improvements include an increased polyphony (192 versus 128), and Yamaha’s GH3 (Graded Hammer) action, which features synthetic ebony and ivory keytops for an authentic grand piano feel. In its output stage, Yamaha has perfected a Stereophonic Optimizer, which spreads the sound out into an absolutely charming stereo field.

The best digital piano is one that can grow with a musician as he or she progresses. When a pianist's skill level rises, a keyboard action built for more serious playing is needed. The Arius YDP-164 features Graded Hammer 3 keyboard action with three sensors, and synthetic ivory keytops that provide a tactile surface with a response reminiscent of the finest pianos.

The YDP-164 delivers the Yamaha CFX concert grand piano tone through its powerful 20W stereo amplifier. With 192-note polyphony, complex piano compositions can be played without dropped notes, and the sustained notes ring through faithfully. The YDP-164 has all of the convenience of an electric piano without sacrificing the performance of an acoustic piano.

Yamaha's CFX Sound Engine is the result of many years of piano-making expertise combined with state-of-the-art sampling technology. Yamaha is an industry leader in digital piano technology, and this is evident when listening to Yamaha digital piano. The sound of the renowned Yamaha 9' concert grand piano is faithfully reproduced, allowing for incredible dynamics and expressiveness.

Superb playability and feel  
The Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) 88-key piano action reproduces the touch of an acoustic piano, from the heavy feel in the lower register to a lighter touch in the upper octaves. It also features a three-sensor configuration, which accurately senses and interprets the behavior of the keyboard to provide a grand piano-style response and feel. This allows for quick note repetition and authentic expressive control. The piano keyboard with synthetic ivory key tops provide a tactile surface to the white keys, absorbing moisture from the fingers and preventing them from slipping.

A piano with its own classic repertoire
The Yamaha digital piano is loaded with a variety of classic piano songs for your listening and learning pleasure. Players can use the accompanying book, 50 Greats for the Piano to follow along with the music and learn how to play iconic pieces. They can also simply listen to the songs and enjoy these recognizable piano favorites. This feature is sure to add hours of enjoyment to this terrific instrument.

Optimal tone at any volume level
With the Yamaha exclusive Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC) feature, people can enjoy playing their digital pianos at a lower volume in a quiet home environment. Before IAC was introduced, playing at a low volume resulted in a loss of treble and bass. With the addition of IAC, the instrument automatically adjusts the balance of bass and treble, creating a truer sound with more depth. Additionally, the volume dial automatically makes fine adjustments to the overall sound of the speaker system (EQ) when played at a low volume. This ability to retain a rich and balanced sound on the digital piano, regardless of volume, ensures the highest sound quality.

Connect and interact with your instrument
New to this model line, the Yamaha Smart Pianist App operates seamlessly with the YDP-164, opening up a wealth of material. In addition to selecting piano Voices, you can use the Layer function to overlay Voices, or the Split function to play different Voices with the left and right hands, all from the convenience of your phone. Transpose, Tuning, Pedal and acoustic settings can all be configured from the touchscreen. Play along with your favorite songs by following the chords, and Smart Pianist will analyze the songs in your music library and display the chord symbols so you can play along with your favorite tunes.

Also, a standard USB cable can be used to connect the instrument to a computer or mobile device, opening up a world of creativity, entertainment, and education. iOS devices can be connected to the instrument using the Yamaha UD-BT01 or the Lightning-USB Camera Adaptor. The instrument can be used to interact as a controller and/or sound source with a variety of music creation applications.