Casio
GP-510
$5,000
Casio's ultimate Grand Hybrid — Bechstein heritage, concert-grade power
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 9.8 Touch Reality 6.3 Value
88 83 kg
View Details Yamaha
Yamaha CLP-885 Review
The ultimate Clavinova — GrandTouch-EX redefines digital piano touch
88 Keys 82 kg grandtouch ex
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 ex | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | Yes | +0.5 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 82 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1467 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
9.8| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | grandtouch ex (grade 10) | +6 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX + Bosendorfer Imperial (VRM) | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | wood | +0.3 |
Our Verdict
Yamaha's flagship upright-style Clavinova pairs the GrandTouch-EX action — their most advanced key mechanism — with wood keys, full VRM, and an immersive 200W eight-speaker system.
Pros
- • GrandTouch-EX action — Yamaha's finest, with counterweights in every key for acoustic-like balance
- • Real wood keys throughout with natural wood grain texture
- • 200W amplification with 8 speakers for three-dimensional sound projection
- • Full VRM with Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer Imperial grand piano voices
- • 38 voices including electric pianos, organs, and orchestral sounds
- • Bluetooth MIDI and audio for wireless connectivity
- • Dual headphone jacks with Stereophonic Optimizer for studio-quality private practice
Cons
- • 82 kg — approaching the weight of a small upright acoustic piano
- • Premium price at $5,200 / ¥572,000
- • No line out — surprising omission at this price point
The CLP-885 is the Clavinova you buy when nothing less than the best will do. The GrandTouch-EX action is in a class of its own — the counterweights in every key create a playing experience that will genuinely fool your fingers into thinking they're on an acoustic grand. Combined with 200W of power through eight speakers and the lush resonance of full VRM, it delivers a musical experience that rivals instruments costing far more. The price is substantial, but consider what you're replacing: a concert-quality acoustic piano that would cost several times more, require regular tuning, and disturb your neighbors. The CLP-885 gives you all the touch and tone with none of the compromises.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The GrandTouch-EX is Yamaha's pinnacle key action for digital pianos. Every key contains a counterweight that replicates the inertial balance of a concert grand's hammer mechanism — when you press a key slowly, you feel the subtle resistance and 'let-off' point just as you would on a Yamaha CFX. The wood keys provide the same thermal and tactile properties as an acoustic piano. The difference from the standard GrandTouch (CLP-845/875) is most apparent in very soft passages and rapid repetitions, where the counterweights provide more natural momentum and recovery.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're an advanced pianist who has played acoustic grands and knows exactly what you're looking for in a digital instrument. Perhaps space or noise constraints prevent you from owning an acoustic, but you refuse to compromise on touch. The GrandTouch-EX is the closest Yamaha gets to replicating a concert grand's action in a digital piano — complete with counterweights that mimic the mass of real hammers. This is also the ideal choice for serious students preparing for exams or competitions who need a practice instrument that matches the feel of the concert instruments they'll perform on.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Grandtouch Ex |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 38 |
| Weight | 82 kg |
| Speakers | 200W (×8) |
| Bluetooth | Audio + MIDI |
| Key Surface | Wood |
| 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) | 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-885 vs GP-510
The CLP-885 and GP-510 score very similarly across all axes. The GP-510 costs $200 less.
Casio GP-510 →CLP-885 vs LX-9
The CLP-885 and LX-9 score very similarly across all axes. The CLP-885 costs $800 less.
Roland LX-9 →CLP-885 vs CA-701
The CLP-885 scores higher in Touch Reality. The CA-701 costs $1,200 less. Choose the CLP-885 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Kawai CA-701 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha CLP-885 good for beginners?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-885 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-885 have Bluetooth?
Yes, the Yamaha CLP-885 supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, so you can connect wirelessly to apps and stream audio.
How heavy is the Yamaha CLP-885?
The Yamaha CLP-885 weighs 82 kg (181 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-885?
Yes. The Yamaha CLP-885 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-885 have?
The Yamaha CLP-885 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 9.8 Touch Reality 6.1 Value
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