Yamaha CLP-795 Review

When it comes to Clavinovas, the CLP-795 is as good as it gets. This digital grand is the newest GP CLP. If you ask me, it’s state of the art. From the Fortepiano voices of old to the stunningly authentic CFX and Bosendorfer sounds, this model has everything we love about the Clavinova line in a bigger, fancier package with an even more satisfying touch. This is why we rated the CLP-795 a full 10/10.

Yamaha CLP-795 Overview

The Yamaha CLP-795 is a truly remarkable digital piano. Not only is it one of the flagships of the Clavinovas, but it’s the grand piano flagship. This model looks, feels, and sounds eerily close to an acoustic baby grand. From its sleek glistening body to its versatile and rich sounds and decked-out specs, I was left feeling more than impressed. 

This instrument is one of the best digitals that you can get. Nearly every aspect of a grand is packed into the CLP-795…And then some. Let’s delve into this one-of-a-kind home instrument by looking at its most notable features. 

CLP795 Features

A Decked-Out Sound Engine 

The Yamaha CLP-795 is the most decked-out sound engine in a Clavinova yet. It includes two of Yamaha’s most sought-after samples: The CFX and Imperial Bösendorfer. But now, these two samples have been updated to sound more refined than ever. The sound bank also includes my favorite Fortepiano tones, which we talked about in my other Clavinova reviews. 

In total, the CLP-795 has 2 grand piano samples, 53 regular voices, 14 SFX and percussion kit sounds, and 480 XG (MIDI) voices. 

Accurate Tone Reproduction 

Another aspect of the CLP-795’s sound is its accurate reproduction of tones. The dynamic responsiveness of the keybed is lovely, and the overall sonic experience is extremely satisfying. The instrument is resonance, robust, and also, finessed. Right now, it’s the closest thing you’ll find to a grand inside a digital- Yamaha’s binaural sampling and grand expression modeling certainly play a big role in this realism of the Yamaha CLP-795. 

A Dreamy Keyboard with Grand Touch-S

The touch and feel of the CLP785 are equally as stunning. The keyboard uses Yamaha’s Grand Touch S action. Grand Touch S is phenomenal and makes the older NWX feel toy-like in comparison. The CLP-795 also has wooden white keys, escapement, counterweights, and textured keys to further add to the precision, and balanced, satisfying feel. 

The Resonance of an Acoustic

I could go on and on about the sound technology alone- Probably enough for a full article! But I won’t go into too much detail, fear not. Here’s one more technological aspect worth making into a headline:

The makers of the CLP-795 have gone the extra mile to make the body of the instrument feel and sound resonant. The speakers and internal parts are arranged ‘just so’ to recreate the sonic experience of a grand. But you’ll have to try out the 795 to fully understand what I mean. 

Internal and External Recording, Playback

Like the other Clavinovas, the CLP-795GP has an easy-to-use multi-track recorder. This internal feature has the capacity to record 250 songs, 16 tracks, and 500 KB per tune. 

The Finest Sound System in the Series

According to the maker, the Yamaha CLP-795 has the finest sound system in the Clavinova series thus far. The large number of 50-watt amplifiers inside the instrument, paired with careful placing and high-quality materials leads to a near-ethereal musical experience. 

Elegance in Your Living Room

I don’t typically spend a lot of time talking about how a piano looks- But the CLP-795 struck me as especially beautiful. At first glance, you wouldn’t know it was digital. Or second glance, or third…You get the point! 

Other visually-pleasing aspects include the classy lid (which can be propped up like an acoustic), and the minimalist control panel with cleverly-placed buttons that you can barely see. 

Great Connectivity

The CLP-795 has Bluetooth connectivity and app compatibility with programs like Yamaha’s Smart Pianist. The instrument can be used USB to host to record into devices like your MAC, PC, or recording interface. Producers will love having this model in the studio- Expressiveness can be captured so easily with this setup.

The instrument also has multiple headphone jacks, two ¼ inch audio outputs, and one ⅛ input. 

Other Features:

• Yamaha’s stunning VRM
• Internal acoustic optimizers
• Touch sensor control panel with auto-off features
• A crystal-clear LCD Screen
• Duo, dual, and split modes
• MIDI sequencing
• Reverb, chorus, and brilliance effects
• Included 3-pedal unit 

The same virtual resonance modeling that we all love is inside the CLP-795. Every little bump and buzz is recreated with the company’s sound technology. 

The internal acoustic optimizers inside the 795 model also greatly increase the quality of sound, as it recalibrates, and balances volume, as well as considers the acoustic parameters of the room. 

Other features, like FX, duo/dual/split, and a built-in 3-pedal unit are also great standard aspects to have in a digital instrument. 

Yamaha CLP-795 Specifications

Sourced from Sweetwater.com

• Weight: 277 pounds
• Dimensions: 
• Height: 36.6 inches
• Width: 56.3 inches
• Depth: 48.6 inches
• Effects: Yes, 16

Who is it suitable for?

The Yamaha CLP-795 is best suited for serious and or professional musicians. This instrument isn’t great for musicians on the go, because it’s extremely heavy. It best fits those who need a grand piano, but don’t want the hassle of maintenance. Composers and performers alike will love this model. 

The CLP795 in Action

To get a better feel for the CLP-795, check out this video by Kraft Music.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• It’s stunningly realistic
• The instrument has more updates than other Clavinovas in the line
• It looks like a grand piano but doesn’t have the maintenance requirements of one
• It has a broad sound bank
• The speakers are very powerful and rich

Cons

• It’s heavy and it’s big
• It’s expensive
• It’s likely too expensive for beginners 
• It’ll never quite be an acoustic

The CLP-795 is an extremely high-end digital grand piano. Unfortunately, this comes with some general cons. It’s heavy, big, and expensive. The extremely sturdy build further adds to the weight of the instrument, making it almost 300 pounds. It’s a beast to move around. 

The 795 is likely too complex for beginners as well, given its minimalist onboard setup. 

Lastly, it will never be exactly an acoustic. Purists will be purists! (Spoiler alter- I’m a tiny bit of a purist myself)I know some days, a real acoustic is what I want to play on, too. 

CLP Reviews

The Yamaha Clavinova CLP 795 received 5/5 stars on Guitar Center. There were no critical reviews that I found. Many customers like the hidden controls, beautiful design, and fine-tuned sounds. 

Comparable Instruments

• For a more economical version in an upright-style digital piano package try: Yamaha CLP-785 
• For a more economical digital grand try: The Yamaha CLP-765GP 

If you’re looking for a more economical instrument with similar specs, check out the Yamaha CLP-785. The CLP-785 model isn’t a grand piano, but rather, a digital upright. It has the same great recording features and sounds, as well as the hefty wooden white keys. This model generally costs about $6,400-$7,000. I personally enjoyed this model a lot. 

The CLP-765GP is a slightly older grand piano model that may also suit your needs. It generally costs about $6,000 and has a very similar design, visually speaking. The sound bank, internal recorder, and effect are pretty much identical as well, The most significant difference is that it lacks the new touch control panel. 

Quick View 

Yamaha CLP-795: Conclusion

In conclusion, the CLP795 is a wonderful digital grand- It is one of the best you can get on the market in 2023. From its refined speaker placement and updated tones to its authentic grand piano look and responsiveness, it’s a stand-out model that I personally can’t get enough of!   

Music quote of the week:

 “If you have stage fright, it never goes away. But then I wonder: is the key to that magical performance because of the fear?” – Stevie Nicks

10Expert Score

When it comes to Clavinovas, the CLP-795 is as good as it gets. This digital grand is the newest GP CLP. If you ask me, it’s state of the art. From the Fortepiano voices of old to the stunningly authentic CFX and Bosendorfer sounds, this model has everything we love about the Clavinova line in a bigger, fancier package with an even more satisfying touch. This is why we rated the CLP-795 a full 10/10.

PROS

• It’s stunningly realistic
• The instrument has more updates than other Clavinovas in the line
• It looks like a grand piano but doesn’t have the maintenance requirements of one
• It has a broad sound bank
• The speakers are very powerful and rich

CONS

• It’s heavy and it’s big
• It’s expensive
• It’s likely too expensive for beginners
• It’ll never quite be an acoustic