Welcome to EzMusicBox.com again! This Yamaha P-143 review examines the instrument and offers a detailed and unbiased analysis.
The P-143 is the latest entry-level model in the P series and Yamaha’s most affordable weighted 88-key digital piano. It is the successor to the popular Yamaha P45, which we reviewed. The P-143 is ideal for beginning players and is equipped with essential instrument samples and functions. It is a compact and portable digital piano that provides enjoyment of authentic performance.
Note: You may have seen P-143B or P143B. The “B” at the end indicates the color black. Since the P143 model only comes with black color, the P-143B is the P-143 or P143. In this review, we use these terms interchangeably.
Table of Contents
Specifications of Yamaha P143
- Keyboard: 88 keys, Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) keyboard
- Touch Sensitivity: 4 levels (hard, med, soft, fixed)
- Sound: Piano sound features Yamaha’s full concert grand piano CFIIIS
- Effects: 4 reverb types
- 64-note polyphony
- Tones: 10 preset voices and 20 preset songs
- Dual/Layer and duo/twin modes
- Speakers: Oval (12 cm x 8 cm) x 2; 7Wx2 amplifiers
- Connections: 1/4″ headphones, sustain pedal unit, USB-to-Host
- Dimensions: 52 3/16″ x 10 9/16″ x 5 1/16.” (1326 mm x 268 mm x 129 mm)
- Weight: 24.5 lbs (11.1 kg)
- Yamaha P-143 Release Date: January 2024
Design
Let’s review the design of the Yamaha P-143 first. This digital piano has an elegant design. Its sleek and compact body weighs under 25 lbs which is lighter than the P45. You can play it on any desktop or take it on the go.
With its stylish design, the P-143 blends well with the decor of any room.
The redesigned solid music rest is robust and can support heavy music books or large smart tablets.
The user interface on the P143 uses physical buttons rather than a touch panel. This design makes it easy for anyone to operate the most essential functions.
You can activate a function by holding down the GRAND PIANO / FUNCTION button and pressing the corresponding key which you may need to reference the Owner’s Manual.
However, to make things easier, you can also change the settings from your smart device by using the Smart Pianist app.
Optional Stand
For those who desire an authentic piano-playing experience, Yamaha offers an optional stand L100B.
Using the stand provides stability and proper height to enable correct playing posture.
The keyboard does not have a built-in cover, but this can be easily mitigated by using a digital piano cover.
Pedal
The Yamaha P143 comes with a plastic foot switch to serve as a sustain (damper) pedal. It is not optimal. For any beginners with a serious interest in playing the piano, we recommend the optional FC3A sustain pedal which supports half-pedaling.
The P143 does not have a jack to plug in a three-pedal unit.
Sound
Most players will use the default piano sound on a digital piano 99% of the time. The Yamaha P-143 features the sound of Yamaha’s CF3S (CFIIIS) Full concert grand piano which is still used in many conservatories and music halls.
The piano voice sampling is excellent. It has the distinct Yamaha piano sound characterized by thick and rich bass notes, clear mid-range sounds, and bright higher notes.
You get a total of ten voices on this digital piano –
- 2 grand pianos
- 2 electric pianos
- 2 pipe organs
- strings
- 2 harpsichords
- vibraphone
Although these are high-quality voices, the list of onboard voices is not very different from that of the P45.
Unfortunately, Yamaha did not take the opportunity to increase the maximum polyphony notes on the newer model P-143. It has 64 notes just like its predecessor P45. On the other hand, a 64-note polyphone is enough for beginners.
Speakers
Yamaha upgraded the sound system on the P-143. The two-way speaker system on the back with additional sound slots on the top of the keyboard makes the sound output noticeably more powerful and louder.
The position and angle of the P143’s speakers have been adjusted to replicate as closely as possible the sound effect reflected from the soundboard and lid of an acoustic grand piano.
Keyboard
The most important thing on a weighted keyboard is the key action, specifically how close it feels to an acoustic piano.
The newly developed and more compact GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) keyboard in the Yamaha P-143B is an improvement compared to its predecessor’s GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) action. The GHC is a little firmer and quicker with a progressive key weight across the octaves.
However, the key length has been noticeably shortened to achieve a more compact design. The shorter key pivots may cause issues for some players when playing between the black keys.
One disappointing factor about the keys is that the white keys still have a glossy and smooth surface, while only the black keys have a matte finish.
Essential Features
The minimalistic design of the Yamaha P143 offers a few carefully selected features that make the piano easy to use without too much distraction.
- The onboard metronome is convenient for piano players to maintain a consistent tempo during practice and develop timing, rhythm, and accuracy.
- The dual voices feature allows you to layer two different instrument sounds together so they can be played simultaneously with each key press. For example, you might combine a piano sound with a string ensemble, creating a richer, more complex sound. This makes playing the piano more fun.
- The duo mode, also known as twin piano, divides the keyboard into two sections with the same pitch. Each has its own middle C. The feature is ideal for teaching, practice, and duet performances. In this mode, the keyboard effectively becomes two smaller pianos, enabling both the student and teacher to play simultaneously in the same register.
- The Sound Boost function switches to a punchy and powerful sound when the keyboard sound is being overpowered by the other instruments in an ensemble.
Connectivity
For silent practice, there is a 1/4″ headphone jack located at the rear. The jack also serves as an audio output. I prefer the headphone jack to be in the front for easy access.
In order to stream backing tracks to play along or use the Smart Pianist app, it requires a USB Type-B cable since the instrument does not have wireless Bluetooth connectivity.
This USB port, with its built-in audio interface, supports both MIDI and audio data. It is perfect for use with piano learning apps such as Piano Marvel.
Smart Pianist App
The Yamaha P-143B is compatible with the Smart Pianist app that is available on both iOS and Android.
Once you connect the P143 with the Smart Pianist app, you can adjust all settings on the P-143 from the screen of your smartphone or tablet. Therefore, there is no longer any need to consult the Owner’s Manual to see how things work.
Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app enhances the functionality and versatility of Yamaha digital pianos by providing a range of features designed to assist with practice, performance, and learning.
Intuitive Control
- Instrument Voices: Easily select and change instrument voices directly from your device, simplifying the process of exploring different sounds.
- Settings Adjustment: Adjust various settings such as reverb, touch sensitivity, and other parameters with ease.
Sheet Music Display
- Digital Scores: Access and view digital sheet music, making it convenient to follow along as you play.
- Audio to Score: Play your favorite songs using the “Audio to Score” function. This function automatically generates accompaniment scores from songs on your smart device, allowing you to enjoy playing along with your favorite tunes.
Practice Aids
- Chord Recognition: Analyze songs stored on your device and display the chord progressions, helping you understand and learn your favorite tunes.
- Metronome: The integrated metronome feature helps you maintain a consistent tempo during practice sessions.
Recording and Playback
- Record Performances: Record your playing and listen back to evaluate your performance and track your progress over time. This feature compensates the P-143 since it does not have an onboard recorder.
- Playback Options: Use playback to hear your recorded pieces, with options to adjust tempo and balance to suit your practice needs.
Educational Tools
- Lesson Mode: Access built-in lesson functions and exercises that guide you through structured practice routines.
- Duo Mode Compatibility: Pair with the Duo or Twin Piano mode to facilitate interactive learning between teacher and student.
Overall, the Smart Pianist app significantly enhances the user experience by providing a comprehensive suite of tools that support learning, practice, and performance, making it an invaluable companion for Yamaha digital piano users.
Yamaha P-143 Review Pros and Cons
- Portability: The sleek and compact design makes the P143 lightweight (under 25 lbs) and easy to transport.
- Sound: Beautiful default piano sound of Yamaha’s CFIIIS concert grand piano. The other voices are decent. With the optimal speaker positions, the sound output is powerful and clear.
- Graded Hammer Compact Action: The GHC action is adequate to support quick repetitive keystrokes.
- Compatible with Smart Pianist app: This enables you to leverage the app to manage the voice selection and settings of the P143B. Additionally, the Smart Pianist app offers many tools that support learning, practice, and performance.
- Affordability: The Yamaha P-143 is an entry-level piano under $500. It is perfect for new music students who are eager to get their hands on a piano.
- No Wireless Connectivity: You need a USB Type-B cable to connect to your smart device to use the Smart Pianist app or stream music.
- Headphone Jack Location: It is at the back of the piano, making it inconvenient to plug in the headphones.
Yamaha P-143 vs P-145
The Yamaha P143 and P145 are essentially the same but have some subtle differences. Here’s what sets them apart:
Pedal Compatibility
- P-145: Supports an optional triple pedal unit.
- P-143: Only supports a sustain pedal.
If you’re looking for the three-pedal experience, the P-145 would be the necessary choice.
Voice List
While both have 10 voices, the lists also differ slightly between the two models:
- P-143: Includes a second harpsichord and a vibraphone. The voice list is the same as its predecessor P-45.
- P-145: Features an accordion and a “Di Zi” Chinese flute.
The P143 is available in the USA, and the P-145 is available in Canada, Europe, and Asia. The reason Yamaha produces different models for various regions is not entirely clear. It might be related to market preferences or logistical considerations. Nevertheless, both models deliver quality sound and performance.
Final Thoughts
Before we conclude this Yamaha P143B review, let’s make a quick comparison between P-143 and P-45.
The Yamaha P-45 has been immensely popular and is a good entry-level digital piano. Our detailed review of the P45 may also be useful.
Since the P143 is meant to replace the older model P45, let’s share a summary of the upgraded features.
Yamaha P-143 vs P-45
- Mobility: The newer model P-143 comes with a more compact design. The footprint is smaller than P-45, and the weight is lighter.
- Key Action: While the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action received high praise from many users, the newer Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action allows a firmer grip of the keys, hence better player control.
- Sound Engine: The P143 features Yamaha’s full concert grand piano CFIIIS which is not offered on P45.
- Speakers: The speakers on P143B are more powerful than those on P45 and optimally positioned.
In terms of affordability, the Yamaha P-143 is still targeting entry-level players. Hence, the price point is ideal for beginners or those on a tighter budget seeking a reliable digital piano.
Conclusion
After reviewing the build, sound, key action, and features of the Yamaha P-143, we think it is an excellent digital piano for beginners.
Please keep in mind that the P-143 is an entry-level portable piano. It is mostly designed to allow you to take it and play anywhere. It can potentially be a gigging instrument for background music. However, with its limited features, you will not be able to do much.
The P143 offers a realistic playing experience and quality; hence, it is a great choice for beginners or those seeking an affordable and straightforward digital piano.
This concludes our Yamaha P-143 review. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to leave comments below.
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