Yamaha CSP-170 Review

The Yamaha CSP-170 has more finesse than the CSP-150 I previously reviewed last week. From its more powerful speakers and amplifiers to its crisp sounds and sensitive touch, I truly loved playing on this one. Plus, the natural wood keyboard is unbeatable! 

I did end up taking half a point off of the final score. Though I liked almost everything about the instrument, it’s supposed to be accessible to beginners- but the price certainly suggests otherwise. 

Yamaha CSP-170 Overview

The CSP-170 is an expressive digital instrument with an authentic touch. It serves its target audience of beginners to upper intermediates very well! Furthermore, the interface is full of interactive features such as accompaniment styles, rhythms, FX, and streamlights. 

The CSP-170 was made to be used with smart devices and connects to phones and tablets with no hassle. 

 This is the second edition of the CSP/ Clavinova smart piano and is the current flagship CSP.  

A Brief History of Clavinova Smart Pianos 

Yamaha designed the CSP line of instruments to help make learning the piano simple, fun, and accessible to everyone. If you ask me, the company exceeded meeting that goal. 

The CSP-150  model was both the predecessor to the CSP-170 as well as first of its kind.  My favorite aspect of these instruments is the internal recorder paired with the microphone input. Two other big selling points worth highlighting are the audio-to-score features (which transform tracks into sheet music) and the broad sound bank. Both sound banks are the same on these two CSP instruments, but I don’t really think the tones needed any updating, as they are quite good. 

That’s all to say that CSP-170 is a top-selling digital Yamaha instrument: and for good reason! The model has the rich tones of the CSP-150, with an even more authentic touch. 

Features

Most of these features of the CSP-170 match those of the CSP-150, which we previously reviewed. 

Natural Wood Action

The main difference between the CSP-170 and the previous model is the action. This model has Yamaha’s superior NWX and is in a league all of its own. It is one of the manufacturer’s heaviest, most authentic touches yet. 

Interactive Features Like Stream Lights

If you’ve ever seen that viral reel of a chicken pecking out the notes to a song, then you’ve seen streamlights! These interactive lights can be turned on or off at the click of a button. 

While this isn’t my first go-to tool as a music teacher, stream lights have an important time and place, especially when introducing young learners to the piano. Hobbyists, or those who aren’t interested in learning to read sheet music will get a big kick out of these lights. I do love how they notate rhythms so accurately!

Another feature inside of the stream lights sections is that you can edit the tempo of the songs. This has to be done with your wirelessly attached smart device. This helps you to slow down the stream lights for more intentional practice. Later, you can click up the tempo, and work your way up to the tempo of the original song. 

Audio to Score

The Audio to Score feature will turn any track in your sound bank into a notated score. This makes it easier than ever to learn what you’re passionate about playing. 

Vocal Harmony 2 

This new smart piano is also equipped with Vocal Harmony 2. Vocal Harmony 2 is a harmonizer that lets you customize up to 3 backup singers. My favorite aspect of this feature is that the harmonizer allows choose the harmonies yourself. 

Melody Suppressor, Mic Input

Move over, Harry Styles! You can use the built-in melody suppressor to cancel out the melody of a song or piece so that you can sing or play the lead part. 

Speaking of singing, the CSP-170 also has a ¼-inch mic line input. This allows you to sing along to whatever you’re playing. In fact, if you’re feeling more like singing than playing, you can use the melody suppressor to cancel out the vox and sing (or, of course, play!) the lead part instead. 

VRM

Yamaha’s virtual resonance modeling is some of the best on the market. The Yamaha CSP-170 has string resonance, damper resonance, and more, which help to recreate the vibrations and feel of a real acoustic. 

Smart Pianist App

Once paired with the Smart Pianist App, players have access to almost 700 new voices, and over 400 songs. 

Side note: Quite a few musicians have technical issues with the app. It’s also (unfortunately) not the most easy-to-use piece of technology. We mentioned this in the previous CSP-150 review, but thought we’d remind you again- Try before you buy! 

A Minimalist Layout

Like the CSP-150, the CSP-170 only has two buttons that control everything. If you aren’t into maximalist keyboards, Clainova Smart Pianos are worth checking into. 

Onboard Multi-tracking Recorder and More

The CSP-170 has a 16-track recorder that records your music in SMF format. Another great facet of this internal recorder is that it has the capacity to layer. 

There is also a USB input on the device, so you can record onto a flash drive, too. 

Other Features:

Some other notable features within this model include:

• A sliding key cover
• Yamaha CFX piano sound (which includes binaural sampling)
• Master EQ
• Dual, split, layer
• Key stabilizers 
• Wireless connection
• Fine-tuning

Specifications

• Weight: 127 pounds
• Dimensions: 
• Width: 55.63 inches
• Height: 40.94 inches
• Depth: 18.34 inches 
• Piano Type: Smart piano

Who is it suitable for?

That’s the question, now isn’t it?

One issue with the CSP-170 is that I couldn’t quite tell who it was for! As some customers have said, judging by the guide lights, that makes it seem like a kid’s instrument- but at $5,000+, that can’t be, can it?!

This is, by no means, to mock the CSP-170. I love the wooden touch and the sheer number of options it offers us piano players. 

The CSP-170 would make a wonderful family instrument for those who have multiple musicians in the family. It is hardy/sturdy enough to withstand a little roughness from small tikes but finessed enough to impress the pickiest adult hobbyist. However, it is worth noting that this instrument is quite heavy, so it’s not meant to be taken on the go. 

The CSP-170 in Action

Check out this Sounds and Features video by Pianosmaene to get a better feel for the model: 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• The wooden action makes this model a cut above the rest

• The speakers and amplifiers have improved- a lot!
• The compatibility this device has with apps, and smart devices is seamless
• It also has a wireless connection
• The internal recorder is extremely handy for songwriters and budding composers
• It is relatively beginner friendly and has kid-friendly features like guide lights
• The CSP-170 has loads of sounds, and a bevy of different styles, voices, and FX

Much like the CSP-150, the connectivity, large sound bank, and internal recorder of the CSP-170 make the instrument a crowd-pleaser. However, it’s the wooden key action that makes the CSP-170 so much more stunning than its predecessor. Also, the larger, crispers speakers and amplifiers really make the low-range shine. 

Cons

• It makes for a great beginning piano, but the price range is out of reach for a lot of people
• It is often out of stock or on backorder
• A new Clavinova smart piano may be just around the corner
• The instrument is entirely incomplete without a smart device attached to it

Many have bemoaned the steep price of this Clavinova smart piano, myself included. The natural wood keyboard adds a lot of value to the instrument, but $5,000+ is really quite expensive for a digital piano aimed at beginners to early intermediates. 

Another con is that it’s really hard to find anymore– Some folks suggest it may be quietly discontinued at some stores, and that a new CSP might be coming soon. In this case, those who are looking for the newest models might ought to hold off until next season (But who am I to say?! If you don’t have a piano yet, don’t let me of all people stop you)

Lastly, if you aren’t a techie person, this instrument is certainly not in your best interests. You can’t experience the full range of features without having a smart device connect. This means those who still have a flip phone will miss out on tons of sounds and customization. If you’re not a Bluetooth person, it would be best to get a different model. 

Customer Reviews

The CSP-170 received a 4/5 rating on Musician’s Friend, and anywhere from 4-5 stars at other, smaller music retailers. As far as I can see, it was received fairly well. Of the reviews I read, some of the main complaints from buyers were about the Smart Pianist app, and that the guide lights feel a bit ‘gimmicky’ making the instrument feel less expensive than it actually is.

Comparable Instruments

• For a more economical piano: Try the Yamaha CSP-150 
• Also, be sure to check out: The Yamaha CVP line, and Nord instruments

The Yamaha CSP-150 is a slightly older CSP model. Unlike the CSP-170 costs around $5,000 and up, the 150 model is only $2,500-$4,000 or so. That being said, you will trade the better speakers and bigger amplifiers, as well as more authentic action for something a little less fancy. The CSP-150 has GH3X plastic action. It also doesn’t have nearly as big of a sound, especially in the low register. 

Alternatively, the Yamaha CVP line offers a few comparable models. The CVPs are Clavinova’s as well, and have a huge range of features. 

CLPs are another option to consider, but note that they are not as full-featured as the aforementioned CSP and CVP lines. The CLP 635 or CLP 645 are the closest models (both in price and features) from the CLP line to the one we reviewed today. The main difference is that the CVP line has more sounds than the CLPs have. 

It’s hard to beat a Clavinova, but if you want to check out models from another maker, consider testing out the following: 

• Nord Stage 3 
• Nord Stage 4

Both the Nord Stage 3 and Nord Stage 4 are within a similar price range to the CSP-150 (Four to five thousand). The Nord Stage 3 and Nord Stage 4 models are both MIDI-compatible, have excellent connectivity, and have lovely tones. This is a significantly different keyboard than the CSP-170 (and 150!), but as far as quality goes, it matches, or even, exceeds. 

For an even more economical model with full features, the Casio PX-S31000 (approx $1,000) is worth looking into. 

Quick View 

Yamaha CSP-170: Conclusion

Thanks for sticking around until the end! 

In conclusion, this CSP has many features that make it ideal for beginners to early intermediates, as well as one-man-band types of live performers. The CSP-170 is the best smart piano Yamaha has on the market, to date. 

Music quote of the week:

 “I spent my whole musical career trying to be different and make songs that people think shouldn’t go together… go together.” -Ronnie Radke

9.5Expert Score

The Yamaha CSP-170 has more finesse than the CSP-150 I previously reviewed last week. From its more powerful speakers and amplifiers to its crisp sounds and sensitive touch, I truly loved playing on this one. Plus, the natural wood keyboard is unbeatable! I did end up taking half a point off of the final score. Though I liked almost everything about the instrument, it’s supposed to be accessible to beginners- but the price certainly suggests otherwise.

PROS

• The wooden action makes this model a cut above the rest
• The speakers and amplifiers have improved- a lot!
• The compatibility this device has with apps, and smart devices is seamless
• It also has a wireless connection
• The internal recorder is extremely handy for songwriters and budding composers
• It is relatively beginner friendly and has kid-friendly features like guide lights
• The CSP-170 has loads of sounds, and a bevy of different styles, voices, and FX

CONS

• It makes for a great beginning piano, but the price range is out of reach for a lot of people
• It is often out of stock or on backorder
• A new Clavinova smart piano may be just around the corner
• The instrument is entirely incomplete without a smart device attached to it