Yamaha Arius YDP-143R digital piano, rosewood

General

This Yamaha Arius YDP-143R digital piano is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for an affordable, high-quality instrument. The Arius digital piano in elegant rosewood looks stunning in any decor, and the ten samples it has to offer are nothing to sniff at. Yamaha even included a sample of their very own high-end CFS3 grand piano into the Arius, which sounds so convincing, your neighbours will surely think you actually have it in standing your living room!

Properties of the Yamaha Arius YDP-143R

As modest as it may look, the Arius has some significant features. For starters, it has a polyphony of 192 voices, which means you won't hear any dropped notes any time soon, not even in complex pieces. With the reverb on, it's as if you're playing in a royal concert hall (where a grand belongs, after all). You can even record over two tracks, which is handy for reference when writing a composition or practising. If you own an iPad, you can download the free Arius app for even more extra features.

Digital pianos: are they really that great?

Yes! And the further technology advances, the bigger and more resounding that "yes" becomes. Of course, decades ago, matters were different—lower quality, less expression. Luckily though, these days a digital piano is an excellent alternative to a real piano. The advantages are numerous: a digital piano is less expensive, easier to transport (especially up the stairs), and a headphone jack is available so you can practice in peace. Above all, a digital piano with the sound of a grand concert piano fits easily into any decor. A real piano, of course, is and will remain irreplaceable, but a digital model definitely wins in practicality and affordability.