Very recent model Yamaha piano
Video demonstration:
https://youtu.be/ArF4Mj7XtqY
A compact grand piano experience
The Yamaha YDPs54 is designed for contemporary living environments, which are typically more conservative both on space and in overall style.
The sleek, minimalist cabinet of the YDP-s54 also offers a practical advantage for many students living in halls or in shared accommodation, in that the flat key cover can double as an effective desk space for laptops.
Most importantly of all though, the Yamaha YDPS54 is designed to be a class-leading instrument, featuring Yamaha’s flagship CFXIII convert grand sound, and expressive Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) key action, featuring a dynamic and responsive 3-position key sensor.
YDPS54 | Sound & Feel
The YDP-S54 features a specially-sampled Yamaha CFXIII concert grand piano at its core, whilst providing an array of other voices such as strings, harpsichord and electric piano, to name a few.
Featuring 88 synthetic ebony and ivory keys, graded to replicate the ‘weightier’ response of bass keys and ‘lighter’ touch of treble notes, such as you would find on a concert grand piano, playing the YDP-S54 is an authentic experience from start to finish. The 3-sensor mechanism of the GH3 key action are able to interpret the position of a key press in three different positions, and respond accurately and realistically to note repetition at all speeds, offering expressive control.
Practical features
The Yamaha YDPs54 features Stereophonic Optimiser technology, providing an anti-fatigue mechanism for practice through headphones. The listener experiences the sound, through headphones, as if sat at an acoustic instrument, with a perceptible and realistic ambient distance between them and their playing.
Intelligent Acoustic Control manages low and high-end frequencies so that they are not compromised at low volumes, meaning you are able to retain a rich tone at all volumes. This is ideal for when you want to practice considerately, but without sacrificing the definition of your sound.
Yamaha YDPS54 & Smart Pianist
The YDP-S54 is compatible with Yamaha’s free Smart Pianist app for iOS and Android, offering the ability to access the features within the instrument via your smart device, extending the control of the piano beyond the confines of the built-in control panel.
You can even use the app to convert songs from your iOS music library into chords, allowing you to play along with your favourite songs with the instrument.
Yamaha YDP-S54 – our verdict
The Yamaha YDPs54 is, effectively, a Yamaha YDP164 in a slimline cabinet. The sample engine, interface, speakers – it’s all the same underneath.
We’ve found the YDP-S54 popular with students, or those with (very) limited space, as the lid of the Yamaha YDPS54 closes completely flat – like a desk – so it can double as a work surface (although of course, we don’t directly recommend doing this ourselves!)
All in all, the YDP-S54 is a good alternative to the YDP164 if space is at a total premium – or, alternatively, you just prefer a perhaps more ‘modern’ approach to piano design.