Yamaha
CLP-845
$3,000
GrandTouch action meets six-speaker immersion
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 9.4 Touch Reality 6.7 Value
88 72 kg
View Details Yamaha
Yamaha CLP-745 Review
Where the Clavinova lineup gets serious — GrandTouch action changes everything
88 Keys 72 kg grandtouch
Bluetooth
Advanced
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
10.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | Yes | +1.5 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 303 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 38 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
8.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | grandtouch | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 72 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1461 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
9.4| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | grandtouch (grade 9) | +5.4 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The CLP-745 is the first model in the CLP range to feature Yamaha's GrandTouch action, a fundamentally different key mechanism that brings you closer to the feel of a concert grand than the GH3X in the 725 and 735 can manage.
Pros
- • GrandTouch action — a major leap from the GH3X, with longer pivot length and more nuanced dynamic control
- • CFX and Bosendorfer Imperial concert grand samples with 256-note polyphony
- • 50W four-speaker system delivers substantially fuller sound than the CLP-725/735's dual speakers
- • Ivory-feel keys with realistic escapement (the subtle 'click' felt in acoustic grands near the bottom of the keystroke)
- • Bluetooth MIDI and Audio plus dual headphone jacks with Stereophonic Optimizer
- • 303 built-in lesson songs and MIDI recording for self-guided practice
Cons
- • 72 kg — this is a heavy, permanent piece of furniture
- • Still uses ivory-feel synthetic keys, not the real wooden keys of the CLP-775
- • No line out — connecting to external speakers requires workarounds
- • At $2,800 it's a significant investment; the CLP-735 offers 80% of the experience for $600 less
The CLP-745 is the sweet spot of the Clavinova lineup for serious players. The jump from GH3X to GrandTouch action is the single biggest upgrade in the entire CLP range — bigger than the speaker differences between the 725 and 735, and more noticeable day-to-day than the wooden keys of the 775. If you can only afford one upgrade over the entry-level CLP, make it the action. The CLP-745's four-speaker 50W system also fills a room convincingly. At $2,800 it's not cheap, but it's the model where you stop wishing for more and start simply playing.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The GrandTouch action is the dividing line in the CLP series. It uses a longer pivot length than the GH3X, which means each key has more travel and a more gradual resistance curve — closer to how a real grand piano hammer mechanism behaves. You can feel the difference most clearly in pianissimo passages where the GH3X tends to be either on or off, while the GrandTouch lets you shade dynamics more subtly. The escapement mechanism adds a realistic click near the bottom of the keystroke. It's a genuine upgrade that experienced players will notice immediately.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're a serious player — maybe you studied piano for years and can feel the difference between a cheap action and a good one. You want the keys to respond to your dynamics, your articulation, your intent. You've tried the GH3X models and they felt competent but not quite right. The CLP-745 is for the player who knows what a good piano should feel like under their fingers and wants that experience at home without buying an acoustic.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Grandtouch |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 38 |
| Weight | 72 kg |
| Speakers | 50W (×4) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | Yes |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 303 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1461×459×927 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand included
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
CLP-745 vs CLP-845
The CLP-745 and CLP-845 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-745 costs $200 less.
Yamaha CLP-845 →CLP-745 vs CA-501
The CLP-745 and CA-501 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-745 costs $400 less.
Kawai CA-501 →CLP-745 vs GP-310
The CLP-745 and GP-310 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-745 costs $500 less.
Casio GP-310 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha CLP-745 good for beginners?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-745 scores 10/10 on our Beginner scale, which means it has strong learning features like lesson modes, app connectivity, and built-in songs to help new players get started.
Does the Yamaha CLP-745 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Yamaha CLP-745 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Yamaha CLP-745?
The Yamaha CLP-745 weighs 72 kg (159 lbs). It scores 1.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Can I use headphones with the Yamaha CLP-745?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-745 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8.5/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Yamaha CLP-745 have?
The Yamaha CLP-745 has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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