Roland
F-701
$1,200
A slim, modern console piano that does not compromise on feel
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.9 Value
88 39 kg
View Details Yamaha
Yamaha YDP-S55 Review
The slimmest Arius — fits where other pianos cannot
88 Keys 35 kg graded hammer 3 Beginner
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
9.9| 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 | 10 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
8.0| 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 3 | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
3.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 35 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1353 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
7.9| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | graded hammer 3 (grade 7) | +4.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 192 notes | +1.2 |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX (VRM Lite) | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
At just 30.9cm deep, the YDP-S55 is Yamaha's space-saving Arius with GH3 action and ivory-feel keys — proving that a slim profile doesn't mean compromised piano quality.
Pros
- • Ultra-slim design at only 309mm deep — fits against walls in tight spaces
- • GH3 action with ivory-feel keys — significant upgrade from the YDP-145's GHS action
- • CFX concert grand sampling with VRM Lite resonance
- • Dual headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with Stereophonic Optimizer
- • 303 built-in songs for lesson and practice
- • Smart Pianist app connectivity via USB
- • 35 kg — lighter than most console pianos
Cons
- • Only 10 voices — minimal variety
- • No Bluetooth (neither audio nor MIDI)
- • 20W/2-speaker system — adequate for practice but won't fill a large room
- • No line out for external amplification
The YDP-S55 is the piano you buy when space is your primary constraint but quality is non-negotiable. Its 309mm depth is remarkably slim — nearly 15cm shallower than the YDP-145 — yet it packs a better key action (GH3 vs. GHS) and ivory-feel surfaces. The trade-off is modest speaker power and no Bluetooth, which means this is primarily a headphone-practice and app-connected instrument. For apartment dwellers and anyone with limited floor space, the YDP-S55 proves that physical constraints don't have to mean musical compromises.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The GH3 (Graded Hammer 3) action is a meaningful step above the GHS in the YDP-145. It uses three sensors instead of two, which means faster key repetition and more accurate detection of your playing dynamics. The ivory-feel key surface adds pleasant texture and moisture absorption. For a slim console piano, the quality of this action is impressive — it teaches proper finger technique and responds well to dynamic expression.
Who Is This Piano For?
You live in a small apartment or condo and every centimeter counts. A standard console piano is too deep for your available wall space, but you don't want a portable keyboard on a flimsy stand — you want real furniture with real piano touch. The YDP-S55 solves this perfectly: at barely 31cm deep, it fits in hallways, bedrooms, and tight living rooms where a full-depth Clavinova simply wouldn't work. Despite its slim profile, the GH3 action with ivory-feel keys delivers a genuinely satisfying playing experience.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Graded Hammer 3 |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 10 |
| Weight | 35 kg |
| Speakers | 20W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | Yamaha CFX (VRM Lite) |
| 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) | 1353×309×792 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
YDP-S55 vs F-701
The F-701 edges ahead in Night Practice. Choose the F-701 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Roland F-701 →YDP-S55 vs RP-107
The RP-107 edges ahead in Night Practice. The RP-107 costs $100 less. Choose the RP-107 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Roland RP-107 →YDP-S55 vs YDP-145
The YDP-S55 scores higher in Touch Reality. The YDP-145 costs $100 less. Choose the YDP-S55 if you prioritize realistic touch.
Yamaha YDP-145 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Yamaha YDP-S55 good for beginners?
Yes. The Yamaha YDP-S55 scores 9.9/10 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 YDP-S55 have Bluetooth?
No, the Yamaha YDP-S55 does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Yamaha YDP-S55?
The Yamaha YDP-S55 weighs 35 kg (77 lbs). It scores 3/10 on our Portability scale. This is a stay-in-place instrument — plan its location before setup.
Can I use headphones with the Yamaha YDP-S55?
Yes. The Yamaha YDP-S55 has 2 headphone jacks (6.3mm, 3.5mm). It scores 8/10 on our Night Practice scale. It also features headphone sound optimization for a more immersive experience.
How many keys does the Yamaha YDP-S55 have?
The Yamaha YDP-S55 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
Roland
RP-107
$1,100
Roland's connected console — Bluetooth + 324 sounds
10.0 Beginner 8.5 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 8.0 Value
88 37 kg
View Details Yamaha
YDP-145
$1,100
Yamaha's entry-level Arius — furniture-style simplicity
9.9 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 6.2 Touch Reality 7.4 Value
88 38 kg
View Details