Roland
LX-5
$2,500
Where Roland's flagship sound engine meets a refined PHA-50 action
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.8 Touch Reality 6.7 Value
88 68 kg
View Details Yamaha
Yamaha CLP-835 Review
The Clavinova sweet spot — full VRM and room-filling sound
88 Keys 60 kg graded hammer 3x
Bluetooth
Intermediate
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 | graded hammer 3x | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 60 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1461 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
8.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | graded hammer 3x (grade 8) | +4.8 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial (VRM) | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The CLP-835 upgrades to full Virtual Resonance Modeling and a powerful 100W four-speaker system, delivering the rich, enveloping sound that defines the Clavinova experience.
Pros
- • Full VRM (not Lite) reproduces authentic string resonance and damper effects
- • 100W amplification with 4 speakers fills a living room effortlessly
- • 38 voices including electric pianos, organs, strings, and harpsichord
- • GH3X action with ivory-feel keys and 3-sensor responsiveness
- • Bluetooth MIDI and audio for wireless app and music integration
- • Dual headphone jacks with Stereophonic Optimizer for immersive practice
- • 303 built-in songs and Smart Pianist app support
Cons
- • Same GH3X action as the CLP-825 — no upgrade in key feel
- • 60 kg — heavy and permanent furniture
- • No line out for connecting to external speakers or PA systems
The CLP-835 represents the sweet spot of Yamaha's new Clavinova range. The jump from CLP-825 is dramatic in sound quality: full VRM modeling adds layers of resonance that VRM Lite cannot reproduce, and the 100W four-speaker system projects that sound with authority. You also gain 38 voices for variety. The key action remains the same GH3X, so if touch is your top priority, look at the CLP-845 and above. But for most intermediate players, the CLP-835 delivers a deeply satisfying musical experience at a reasonable price.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The CLP-835 shares the same GH3X action as the CLP-825. The three-sensor system captures fast repetitions accurately, and the ivory-feel surface provides comfortable grip. While the key mechanism itself doesn't change at this price point, the upgraded sound engine and speakers make the same keystrokes produce noticeably richer and more nuanced tone.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're an intermediate player — perhaps returning to piano after years away — and you want an instrument that rewards your improving technique with beautiful, room-filling sound. The full VRM modeling means you'll hear the subtle string resonance and sympathetic vibrations that make piano music come alive. The 38 voices also let you explore electric piano, organ, and strings when you want a change of pace.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer 3x |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 38 |
| Weight | 60 kg |
| Speakers | 100W (×4) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial (VRM) |
| 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) | 1461×459×930 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-835 vs LX-5
The CLP-835 and LX-5 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-835 costs $100 less.
Roland LX-5 →CLP-835 vs HP-704
The CLP-835 and HP-704 score very similarly across all axes. The HP-704 costs $100 less.
Roland HP-704 →CLP-835 vs CA-401
The CLP-835 and CA-401 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-835 costs $300 less.
Kawai CA-401 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha CLP-835 good for beginners?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-835 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-835 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Yamaha CLP-835 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Yamaha CLP-835?
The Yamaha CLP-835 weighs 60 kg (132 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-835?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-835 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-835 have?
The Yamaha CLP-835 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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10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 8.8 Touch Reality 6.8 Value
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View Details Kawai
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View Details