Kawai
CA-701
$4,000
Kawai's flagship console — Grand Feel III meets Onkyo speaker engineering
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 9.2 Touch Reality 6.2 Value
88 76 kg
View Details Yamaha
Yamaha CLP-785 Review
Yamaha's furniture-style digital piano with premium sound
88 Keys 79 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 | 79 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1467 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
9.2| 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 | wood | +0.3 |
Our Verdict
If you want the closest a digital piano gets to a concert grand, the CLP-785 pairs Yamaha's top-tier GrandTouch wooden action with CFX and Bosendorfer Imperial sound modeling and a massive 200W eight-speaker system.
Pros
- • GrandTouch action with real wooden keys — Yamaha's finest digital piano action
- • 256-note polyphony with CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial sound modeling
- • Massive 200W eight-speaker system fills any room with concert-hall sound
- • Bluetooth Audio + MIDI for streaming and app connectivity
- • Built-in lesson function with 303 preset songs
- • Dual headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with binaural sampling
Cons
- • Extremely heavy at 79 kg — requires professional delivery and placement
- • No line-out jacks for external speakers or recording equipment
- • Premium price at $4,500 — a significant investment even for serious players
The CLP-785 is Yamaha's flagship Clavinova, and it shows in every detail. The GrandTouch wooden action is genuinely special — it rewards nuanced playing in a way that lesser actions simply cannot. The eight-speaker system means you feel the bass notes resonate in your chest, not just hear them. The main compromises are practical: at 79 kg and $4,500, this is a permanent, significant purchase. There are no line-out jacks, so it's designed purely for playing, not recording. But if your priority is the most authentic piano experience possible without an acoustic instrument, the CLP-785 is the benchmark.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The GrandTouch action uses real wooden keys and is Yamaha's most advanced digital piano action. Each key has a natural, graded weight that faithfully mirrors a concert grand, and the let-off simulation provides the same subtle resistance you'd feel on a Yamaha CFX. The key surfaces are smooth and slightly absorbent, giving your fingers the same confident contact as fine ivory. For players with acoustic piano experience, this is the most convincing touch available in a digital instrument at any price.
Who Is This Piano For?
You are an experienced pianist who has spent years on acoustic instruments and wants the most authentic digital alternative available. Perhaps your living situation no longer allows an acoustic grand — maybe you've downsized, or your neighbors are close — but you refuse to compromise on touch and tone. The CLP-785 is also ideal for households with an advancing student preparing for conservatory auditions, where consistent practice on a high-quality action is essential.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Grandtouch |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 38 |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Speakers | 200W (×8) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Wood |
| 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) | 1467×465×1003 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-785 vs CA-701
The CLP-785 and CA-701 score very similarly across all axes. The CA-701 costs $500 less.
Kawai CA-701 →CLP-785 vs LX-6
The CLP-785 and LX-6 score very similarly across all axes. The LX-6 costs $700 less.
Roland LX-6 →CLP-785 vs CLP-875
The CLP-785 and CLP-875 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-875 costs $700 less.
Yamaha CLP-875 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha CLP-785 good for beginners?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-785 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-785 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Yamaha CLP-785 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Yamaha CLP-785?
The Yamaha CLP-785 weighs 79 kg (174 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-785?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-785 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-785 have?
The Yamaha CLP-785 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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Read more →Similar Pianos
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10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 9.2 Touch Reality 6.3 Value
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View Details Yamaha
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Wood-surface keys and concert-hall power in a Clavinova
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View Details