Yamaha CLP-745 Review

We rated the CLP-745 a full 10/10. This intermediate hybrid / home digital piano has everything the classical pianist needs, and then some. We absolutely love the true-to-the-past tones, like the Chopin and Mozart pianos, as well as the power that the double 50-watt speakers bring. While no digital piano is perfect, the high-end CLPs sure are close to it. This piano isn’t the most ideal for the more experimental folks, we believe that the Yamaha CLP-745 exceeds the expectations of the intended audience.

Yamaha CLP-745 Overview

In this Yamaha CLP-745 review, we will be looking at a reliable digital upright with multi-amp speakers, and virtual resonance modeling!

The Yamaha CLP-745 comes from the Clavinova line. Clavinovas have been around a very long time… since 1983!  Piano lines last this long for a good reason. I can attest to the fact that Clavinovas are high-quality home digitals- And even saying that feels like an understatement. One interesting fact about the name of this group of pianos is that it is a mish-mash of the two words ‘clavier’ (piano) and nova (new). (Sourced from this page). 

The Yamaha CLP-745 is a digital piano that is part of the aforementioned Clavinova series. It features a graded hammer action keyboard, synthetic ivory, and ebony keytops, white keys with natural wood, and Yamaha’s Smooth Release technology. The 745 model was released around late 2020-2021, and can still prove difficult to find. While this model isn’t on Amazon right now, you can find it at Sweetwater at the link above. Now, let’s get into the specifics of this CLP!

Features

38 Voices including Vintage Fortepiano Tones

The Yamaha CLP-745 has 38 voices that lend extremely well to classical repertoire. For example, there is even a section of vintage fortepiano tones, which replicate the pianos of Mozart and Chopin. This means that you can take your pieces to the next level by playing historically-accurate piano tones- Acoustic pianos can’t do that! I love acoustic pianos, but the downfall is that they are a one-tone pony. And it’s not like a guitar where you can easily fit 10 of them inside your home… Enter The Yamaha CLP-745.

Other tones in this medium-sized sound bank include Yamaha’s CFX, Bosendorfer, mellow grand, and more. There are even some guitar and bass tones sprinkled in there. 

Side note: The CFX and Bosendorfers actually have buttons onboard, so you can access these high-quality samples even more quickly. 

Real Grand Expression 2 

The newer clavinovas, such as the CLP745, have had the key action redone. This means that the keys are more balanced. I find that this model has lighter action than some of the models before it, which is a good thing. If you prefer a heavier touch this model may not be the one for you, though. 

A 3D Binaural Experience  

This piece of technology makes it feel like you are surrounded by sound while you’re playing with headphones.

Clever Tone Escape Ports 

This CLP has several places inside of the cabinet where the sound comes out of, making playing out loud feel more realistic, too. 

Upgraded Touch, Smooth Release

The CLP745 has Yamaha’s upgraded touch, along with smooth-release technology. Smooth-release technology helps make staccatos more staccato, and legatos more legato. This feature can also be found in the Yamaha CLP765GP and the YDP-164.

Yamaha’s Great VRM/Grand Modeling

This member of the CLP line has virtual resonance modeling, and Real Grand Expression 2. These two features combine to make a totally immersive experience. Both aspects help to replicate the sound and feel of an acoustic instrument- And how all of the little moving parts would respond in a real acoustic. The VRM, which simulates the resonance of an acoustic piano’s strings and soundboard, gives the instrument a more realistic and expressive sound.

Handy Extras

The model comes with an included bench and a fair bit of included music. For example, it comes with a book with 50 famous classical pieces and 50 Classical Music Masterpieces. There are also built-in lesson songs (303 of them!) as well as 21 demo songs. 

Onboard USB Audio Recorder

The onboard recorder has a remarkable amount of space onboard and is able to record 80 minutes per song. That’s more like a piece, rather than a song! Other features in the audio recorder include SMF and WAV compatibility. 

Side note: It’s worth noting that there are multiple ways to record on the 745. You can use the USB audio recorder, or quick MIDI, MIDI to USB, and, MIDI multi-tracking. 

Other Features

Other features include:

• Duet/Split/Layer modes
• Bluetooth MIDI and audio
• Smart Pianist compatibility
• Effects like reverb, chorus, and brilliance
• Good connectivity
• New drum rhythms
• Editability inside Piano Room 
• 16-track sequencer
• Escapement

Whether you are looking to play duets with a friend or record something for your next Spotify single, this CLP is setting you up for success. The digital hybrid can be used to stream music or for intense learning. Plus, it has 3 kinds of effects. 

The new drum rhythm section also makes practice a lot more enjoyable. The Yamaha CLP-745 includes 20 different grooves to play along to. 

In terms of connectivity, the CLP-765 has USB audio recording and playback, Bluetooth audio, and MIDI connectivity. Pair that with a 16-track sequencer, upgraded key feel, and escapement?! It’s hard to go wrong. 

Specifications

Specs sourced from Sweetwater.com

• Piano Type: Digital Hybrid / Upright
• Speakers: 2 x 629 inch speakers
• Amplifiers: 2 x 50 watt
• Weight: 125.6 pounds
• Height: 36.5″
• Width: 57.5″
• Depth: 18″

Who is the CLP745 suitable for?

The CLP745 is best suited for serious upper-intermediate to advanced classical and jazz pianists. If you have been taking lessons for a few years, or are an undergraduate piano student, I’d consider the CLP745. This model is also great for choir teachers or church pianists who need a real instrument to practice at home. 

The Yamaha CLP745 isn’t the best option for electronic/ experimental artists who want those synthy sounds, though. 

CLP-745 In Action

Jacob Dupre from Sweetwater introduces us to the piano here and gives us a little demo.

Yamaha CLP-745 Reviews

Unfortunately, there aren’t many reviews to be found on the CLP-745. I did a deep dive and saw that several smaller online music retailers had 5-star ratings with no comments. The piano is also rated 5 stars on the big-name site Musicians Friend. Similarly, the review on the maker’s site were largely positive, with comments such as “Stunning baby grand” and “Sounds and feels like a real acoustic”. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The speaker system is great
• The sound bank includes historically accurate voices, grand piano samples
• More voices than the model it replaced
• It comes with a built-in 3-pedal unit
• Included drum rhythms make practice more fun
• There are several ways to record your playing 
• It comes in a new, unique ash color
• Improved Synthetic Ivory Feel 
• Included escapement
• It has Wood White Keys
• Great for jazzers or classical folks
• Included rep/lesson songs

Most mid-range pianos come with an amplifier, but certainly not two. With 100 watts of power in total, you’ve got a speaker system that can fill the house. This is one of the biggest cons to the CLP-745. Not all CLPs in this price range have such a nice speaker system. Plus, this instrument was designed to have sound come out of the instrument in a way that is more authentic than before. Speaking of authenticism, the old-timey voices, and grand piano samples are excellent. 

And, if you’re tired of digital pianos only coming in black and white, then you’re in luck! The CLP745 comes in a bevy of colors, including a new ash shade.

Lastly, let’s talk about the feel. The improved textured keys have real hardwood inside. The action is lighter than the models before it, which is a good thing. Other, older CLPs didn’t feel as effortless and buttery to me. This model also has counterweights, which balance the feel of the key, just like in an acoustic piano. 

Cons

• The synthetic ebony keys are not wooden
• The instrument isn’t cut out for gigging 
• It’s not a good fit for experimental artists
• It’s expensive

Unfortunately, most of the intermediate CLPs don’t have wooden black keys to match the white keys. While I find that the touch is smooth/consistent between the black and white keys, it is a bit surprising that the makers chose to make one type of key wooden and the other, not. This is the chief complaint I have about the model, but since it still feels good, I didn’t allow it to affect the score of the instrument. 

Comparable Instruments

• For Something More Economical: Try the CLP-735
• For a Step Up: Try the CLP-765GP 
• CLP-775 
• For a stunning touch: CLP-785 
• Kawai CA59: For an economical model from a different brand

If you are looking for a high-quality home digital piano that is comparable to the CLP-745, try looking at other members of the Clavinova line first. 

The CLP-735, for example, only costs $2,900. That’s almost $1,500 less than the CLP-745. And while it doesn’t have wooden keys or the umph of the speaker system, it’s still a great home digital. If you are looking for a more economical CLP that still has authentic Mozart and Chopin voices, this one is a great option. The most economical model of the line is the CLP-725, but the CLP-735 has more features and a much better cabinet build. 

On the other hand, for a step-up model, try the CLP-765GP. This model costs around $6,000-$6,500. It’s out of stock this week at Sweetwater, which goes to show how popular it is. The extra perk that you get with the CLP-765GP is the grand piano-style cabinet, paired with all the other goodies that are normally in an upper-level CLP (38 voices, wooden white keys, powerful speakers, etc).

Two other models in the CLP you might want to consider include the CLP-775 and CLP-785. These both have an even better touch than the CLP745. Other Yamahas with GH3 action will have a very similar feel to the CLPs, so keep that in mind in case you are looking for a different style of piano (Portable, cabinet, etc).

Comparable models can also be found in Kawai’s CA / Concert Artist line, such as the CA59. The CA59 is an intermediate piano with a comparable sound system, wooden keys, and grand piano tones. 

Quick View 

Yamaha CLP745: Conclusion

Overall, the CLP-765 is a high-quality digital piano that is suitable for both serious piano students (intermediate and up) as well as professional musicians. It has a very realistic touch, power, a sturdy build,  and high-quality sound samples. All of these things make it a good option for those of you who want the ease of a digital piano, without sacrificing any quality.

In conclusion, the CLP745 is a stunner of a digital piano, for those who are looking for a high-end, hybrid digital piano for their home. From the care taken to make the listening experience stellar, like the tone ports and 3D binaural technology, to the authentic pianoforte voices, and powerful double amps, the CLP745 is a monster of a piano for any classical player. 

Music quote of the week: 

“Musicians always make me say twice what I would say only once”. – Ben Franklin