Yamaha CLP-775 Review

We rated the Yamaha CLP-775 a full 10/10 because of its clever and authentic sound technology, well-rounded sound bank, and powerful 3-way speaker system.

Some of the other notable selling points within this model include its FX, VRM, piano room, and all-wood white keys. The heft of the keyboard is another one of the many facets I love about this digital upright.

While I wish the CLP-775 had counterweights in the keys like some of the newer models, I decided to not take any points off for this con, as this model still (admittedly) has a really nice touch without it.

Yamaha CLP-775: Overview

In this Yamaha CLP-775 review, we will be checking out an older Clavinova with great bones. Some of this instrument’s best selling points include its authentic and responsive touch, rich sounds, and uber-powerful 3-way speakers. 

The Yamaha Clavinovas as a whole are a line of digital pianos with an excellent reputation behind them. The CLP-775 was first released in July of 2020 and continues to be a relatively popular choice amongst intermediates and up.

Please note that the CLP-775 is currently out of stock on Amazon and Sweetwater. Check out the item used, or see our recommended comparable instruments at the bottom of this page! 

Features 

Grand Touch-S Keyboard

The first thing I noticed about the CLP-775 features is its Grand Touch-S keyboard. This graded hammer action keybed has textured synthetic ebony and ivory keytops, and real wood beneath the white keys. Each key on the instrument is also individually weighted, which is extremely rare (if not obsolete) in a digital keyboard. This provides a convincing touch that feels quite similar to that of an acoustic piano. 

Medium-Sized High-Quality Sound Engine

The CLP-775 model comes with both Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand piano samples. This instrument also comes with Fortepiano voices of old, like 

 Combine the above with the all-encompassing Yamaha VRM, and you end up with an expressive and silky sound reproduction. 

VRM

The Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) technology helps to enhance sound quality by simulating all the little sounds, and different ways an acoustic piano resonates. And, as I’ve mentioned in other reviews, Yamaha’s virtual resonance modeling is top-notch. The CLP775 has many features that the newer CLPs have, such as grand expression modeling key off, a stereophonic optimizer, and more. 

Piano Room

Piano room is another feature found in most Clavinovas. This digital effect allows you to change the size of the room. The digital room the voices are run through can be made bigger or smaller, more echoey or more flat depending on what settings you choose. 

FX

The 775 model has effects like reverb, chorus, and brilliance as well as master effects. Yamaha’s brilliance makes the voices warmer, whereas the reverb and chorus fill out the sound with digital acoustics. 

Binaural Sampling 

One of my favorite aspects of Yamaha’s digital piano sounds is their binaural sampling. Binaural sampling can’t be found in all models- You likely won’t get this feature in an entry-level instrument. 

This type of sampling recreates the sound of a piano by placing microphones inside people’s ears as they play. This means that the sounds float up in a way that just hits the right spot. This piece of sound engineers is clever, and, quite frankly, amazes me. 

An Elegant Look with Three Colors to Choose From

Like the other 700 Clavinovas, the CLP-775 has an extremely elegant cabinet design. This model comes in three different finishes, including polished ebony, polished white, and rosewood (my personal favorite is always rosewood!). 

Powerful Sound System 

The CLP-775 has looks and power.  The instrument has a total of three amplifiers and six speakers. The two included cone speakers measure 16 cm. There are also two 8-cm dome-shaped tweeters, which help deliver a clearer high end. Combine all this with Yamaha’s signature binaural sampling, this makes for a true treat of a playing experience! 

16-Track Recorder with Playback

The Yamaha CLP-775 record and hold up to 16 tracks, which can then be played back. I love having this much space to work with on a digital keyboard. This recorder is capable of multi-tracking, something I don’t see as often as I would like when I’m reviewing digital pianos. 

A Note on Yamaha’s Durability

When it comes to digital pianos, Yamaha has long been known for their quality and durability. With its uber-solid build and hardy electronics, it is clear that the CLP 775 is a study keyboard. 

More Features

Other, more basic aspects included in this model are

• Split
• Layer
• Duo
• Transpose
• Several FX
• Crisp touchscreen display

Overall, the CLP-775 has a really wide range of features to help enhance your playing experience. From dual and split modes for cultivating unique sounds, to the easy-to-use built-in metronome, and a variety of unique and high-quality FX, players are really set up for success with this model. 

Techy side note: One last feature I’ll mention is a facet of the touchscreen. This display automatically turns off when you’re not using it! I really enjoy this feature, because it gets rid of extra visual stimuli when you’re playing. 

Specifications

Sourced from Sweetwater.com 

• Weight: 156 pounds
• Dimensions:
•  Height: 38″
• Width: 57.5″
• Depth: 18.3″
• Connections:  Wireless connection, 2 standard jacks, (¼) mini aux jack (1/8th inch)
• Piano Type: Digital upright

Who is this Model Suitable for?

In my opinion, this model is suitable for a wide range of audiences, from music teachers to composers, performers, and even serious entry-level (adult) players who plan to stick to it for years to come. The main con, if you buy this model as a player with less experience, is that it’s a large financial investment- But it’s worth it.  

Overall, the onboard controls are relatively intuitive for a seasoned musician to navigate, and the instrument is a truly beautiful piece to have in your living room. 

That being said, this model isn’t suitable for everyone. Two demographics I can’t see this CLP serving very well include young children and traveling musicians. 

The Yamaha CLP-775 in Action

This instrument demo by Oostendorp Muziek with give you a better feel for the looks and sounds of this digital upright. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The authenticity is exceedingly lovely
• It has a sliding key cover to protect the instrument
• The pedals are built-in
• It comes with a bench at many online retailers
• You can use it as a MIDI Controller
• It will serve a wide range of instrumentalists well
• It comes in multiple finishes, all of which are elegant and timeless
• It has all the basics, and enough bells and whistles, too

The wooden keys on the CLP-775 paired with the grand touch-S keyboard make the touch and responsiveness of the instrument stunning. The instrument has many other basic pros that I’d expect for the price, like the included bench and built-in pedals. But it also has some surprising features, like the powerful 3-way speakers with multi-amps, the inclusion of the fortepiano tones, and a fleshed-out internal recorder. 

Cons

• It lacks counterweights like some of the newer models
• It’s difficult to find online right now
• No XG sound library
• They likely won’t be around much longer
• It’s expensive
• No experimental sounds
• It’s large and heavy

One aspect that I really wish the instrument has was counterweights. Counterweights on a digital piano replicate the feel of balanced hammers on an acoustic instrument. Counterweights help the keys bounce back faster after being pressed, allowing for quicker, easier note repetitions. 

The XG sound library is a feature that many Yamaha digitals come with. This is a 300-sound royalty-free bank. 

This instrument is getting harder and harder to find. It’s out of stock on Sweetwater, and Amazon doesn’t have it at all. I suspect that the Yamaha CLP-775 is about to be discontinued in favor of the newer CLPs. If you’re thinking of getting one, I’d do it sooner than later.

And, as I mentioned earlier, this instrument is a big financial commitment. Since the Yamaha CLP 775 falls into the higher price range for digital pianos, it’s way less accessible for beginners, and folks on a budget.

This model is relatively large and heavy, which can pose challenges for those with limited space or a need for portability. Moving or repositioning the piano may require considerable effort. 

Comparable Instruments:

For the most authentic touch: 

• The CLP-785
• The CLP-795GP

For more connections and a technology-friendly keyboard: 

• CSP150
• CSP170

The newer Yamaha CLPs’ such as the CLP-785 and CLP-795GP are some of the most similar digital pianos you’re going to find.

The Yamaha CLP-785 is a $6,500-8,000 instrument that features a cabinet redesign, and a more contemporary look. The downside to this upgrade, however, is that the instrument is much heavier, making it more difficult to move around your home.

The Yamaha CLP-795GP is an advanced miniature digital grand piano. Any CLP ‘GP’ you see is a grand piano-style Clavinova. The digital grands always look so much more svelte to me than the digital uprights- but at $8,799.99-$9,999.99, it’s a steep price compared to the CLP775.

If you’d like to stick to the same brand, Yamaha’s CSP sub-line also offers some comparable digitals, such as the CSP150 and CSP170. Both the CLP and CSP line are pianos under the Clavinova umbrella. The main difference between CLP and CSPs is that CLPs are more authentic (in other words, they feel more like an acoustic) whereas CSPs offer better wireless technology/connectivity. If you’re techy, go with the CSPs. If you’re a stickler for authenticity, go for the CLPs like the one in this review. 

Other Clavinovas we’ve previously reviewed include the CLP735, CLP765GP, CLP745, and CLP725. 

The CLP735 has 38 voices packed inside an elegant wood cabinet, just like this model. You don’t get the 3-way speakers, wooden white keys, or touchscreen interface, though. It runs about $2,899.99.

Similar to the CLP-795GP, the CLP765GP is a grand piano-style digital instrument. This model has fewer voices than its older sibling (the 795GP) and doesn’t have wooden keys, either, but it’s still a beautiful instrument. You can expect it to cost about $6,499.99 and up.

Lastly, the CLP725 is a great economical option that will get you started with the Clavinova line. It keeps the beautiful wood cabinet, Grand Touch, and binaural sampling of the CFX and Imperial Bosendorfer pianos, just the other CLPs. It doesn’t have 3-way speakers like this one, though. You can expect to see it on the market for around $2,000.

Reviews

Quick View 

Sourced from europe.yamaha.com 

Yamaha CLP-775: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Yamaha CLP-775 is an excellent instrument for serious pianists. While it doesn’t have all of the features that the newer, shinier CLPs have, it’s still a fabulous choice!

Music quote of the week:

“If you are born an artist, you have no choice but to fight to stay an artist.”  -Lana Del Ray

10Expert Score

We rated the Yamaha CLP-775 a full 10/10 because of its clever and authentic sound technology, well-rounded sound bank, and powerful 3-way speaker system. Some of the other notable selling points within this model include its FX, VRM, piano room, and all-wood white keys. The heft of the keyboard is another one of the many facets I love about this digital upright. While I wish the CLP-775 had counterweights in the keys like some of the newer models, I decided to not take any points off for this con, as this model still (admittedly) has a really nice touch without it.

PROS

• The authenticity is exceedingly lovely
• It has a sliding key cover to protect the instrument
• The pedals are built-in
• It comes with a bench at many online retailers
• You can use it as a MIDI Controller
• It will serve a wide range of instrumentalists well
• It comes in multiple finishes, all of which are elegant and timeless
• It has all the basics, and enough bells and whistles, too

CONS

• It lacks counterweights like some of the newer models
• It’s difficult to find online right now
• No XG sound library
• They likely won’t be around much longer
• It’s expensive
• No experimental sounds
• It’s large and heavy