Yamaha P-515 and P-525 Users Club
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keff Most welcome Keff. Touch sensitivity settings, even though I have never used them on my systems, as I use the default settings .... is basically configuring the relation between your actual key velocity (measured or estimated by your piano system) and the software velocity value that will finally determine how loud or soft your piano note will come out.
For example, suppose you play a note on one of your digi piano keys. Your piano system will make a measurement of your actual key velocity at some stage during your key strike.
If you struck the key very softly, then that would normally be expected to produce a soft or not very loud sound from the digital piano.
But ... because we have software involved, the software programmer can easily include a setting that scales up (increases) your original note velocity by some user-desired amount. This means ... if you push the key very slowly ... it is possible to configure your system to turn that slow key velocity into a much faster velocity, so that the sound coming out can be very strong and loud (even for slow key presses).
Naturally, there will be velocity range limitations. But the main idea is providing users with various choices of note velocity sensitivity is to give users some choices. Eg. some kids which haven't developed finger strength etc might need to have note velocities scaled up to provide extra oompf etc.
I own a P-515. Recently tried the P-525 at NAMM and was struck by how much better the action is. Yamaha really listened to complaints about the heavy action of the 515 and improved it with the updated model. Is this the sense that others have gotten when comparing the two? (I still enjoy the 515- it's in my office at work so I can play during my lunch hour)
1890 Steinway C (Piano Craft), 2019 Grotrian 208 Charis, Kawai Novus NV10S
Southern California
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APianistHasNoName I have two P-515 pianos and one P-525 piano. I personally love both of these piano models. I didn't treat the P-525 as an upgrade on the P-515. I find that the P-515 mechanism - that they called 'NWX' type - has nice substance in it - in my own view and preference - for my music. I use the P-515 and P-525 equally as much at home. I really like them a lot. More than a lot actually. They are excellent pianos.
i own a P525 and use it for daily practise with pianoteq on ipad. And i love it.
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This one's a super short demo of the P-515 bosie. The rounded/muted sound of some pianos do come in handy.
The audio is identical for both files. The wav file is three times larger in size when compared with the flac file.
I’m a new (proud) owner of a Yamaha p525. This is the first time I own a digital piano and I love it! The only complaint I have is the free stand that came with the purchase. It’s wobbling! I’d appreciate any advice on what is the best stand for the model. Ideally, I’d like to have a stand that looks “airy” (with a lot of space underneath) and can be easily moved around. Thanks!
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The Z stand is very sturdy indeed. Ultra sturdy. I have my P-525 on a Z-stand seen in the pic above. There are external speakers connected to this piano, although I rarely (or pretty much never) use them. The sound and levels coming from the onboard P-525 speakers are very nice. The external speakers were just for testing - to see how loud we could get if we did use speakers. And it can certainly get relatively very loud with the externals hehe. The sounds from the externals are very nice too.
The Z stand (or the one I bought) takes up more space in front of you than X-stand and the stock Yamaha L-515. The more front space taken is no problem for me, but just mentioning it - just in case. The dimensions and build of the Z-stand is what allows it to be very sturdy. Solid stuff.
And upstairs, I have a P-515 on the stock Yamaha "L-515" (self-assemble) stand, which is rock solid. And in another part of the house, I have another P-515 that is on a double-x stand, which seems to be rock solid and not wobbly at all. With the one on the double-x stand, I just use that particular P-515 for standing - without chair.
cheeeeee It’s wobbling
In your pic, is the base of that piano resting on the rubber sleeve? The sleeves (I think) are meant to provide some cushioning, damping etc.
SouthPark The Z stand (or the one I bought) takes up more space in front of you than X-stand and the stock Yamaha L-515. The more front space taken is no problem for me, but just mentioning it - just in case.
The Z stand can be oriented the opposite way, too. Mine has the vertical diagonal portion closer to my knees and farther away at my feet.
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iternabe The Z stand can be oriented the opposite way, too. Mine has the vertical diagonal portion closer to my knees and farther away at my feet.
Thanks for mentioning that iternabe! That's kind of a nice feature, the different orientations. I initially was thinking of flipping it around to the same orientation as what you have, and only ended up with the current set-up, as the long shaft at the bottom (for the one I have here) is extended more in one direction - and could potentially be a trip-hazard. But it should be no problem as we can automatically be aware of it after a while.
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Thank you both so much! Z stands seem to be the way to go for stability.
iternabe I replaced mine with a Z-stand (Roland KS-10Z) and it is rock steady.
This model looks really solid, more so than any other models I saw online.
SouthPark The Z stand is very sturdy indeed. Ultra sturdy. I have my P-525 on a Z-stand seen in the pic above.
Great setup! What’s the brand of your z stand?
SouthPark The Z stand (or the one I bought) takes up more space in front of you than X-stand and the stock Yamaha L-515. The more front space taken is no problem for me, but just mentioning it - just in case. The dimensions and build of the Z-stand is what allows it to be very sturdy. Solid stuff.
Good to know. The spot for my keyboard is somewhat tight. Hopefully I can find a z stand that requires not much floor space.
SouthPark And upstairs, I have a P-515 on the stock Yamaha "L-515" (self-assemble) stand, which is rock solid. And in another part of the house, I have another P-515 that is on a double-x stand, which seems to be rock solid and not wobbly at all. With the one on the double-x stand, I just use that particular P-515 for standing - without chair.
The L515 looks really nice. With a three-pedal unit, the whole setup looks like a good looking upright. I suppose the downside is that it is harder to move the keyboard around with this stand.
SouthPark In your pic, is the base of that piano resting on the rubber sleeve? The sleeves (I think) are meant to provide some cushioning, damping etc.
The sleeves are made of hard plastic. The piano sits between two sleeves front and back so that it doesn’t fall off. 
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cheeeeee Thanks for letting me know! The sleeves on mine are rubber ones. I was just giving the keys forceful pushes in the low and high ranges, and the whole structure is very solid. No wobbles at all. Quite solid. Just attaching a pic of one of my P-515 pianos, which has the same appearance as the 525.
The Peltier type cooling system on the floor, and the other three cooling units aren't shown, is just for testing ... which are just going toward making a cooling bed for my cat ... for hot summer days. It's not hot yet ... we're still in cold season right now.
cheeeeee Great setup! What’s the brand of your z stand?
Apologies! Didn't see your question before! The Z stand from the previous post is an 'On Stage' ks7350.
. Great setup! I got a new stand! It’s no longer wobbly even with vigorous playing.- Edited
cheeeeee Excellent to know that your new platform is solid. All set now. The P-525 is indeed a great piano. Excellent choice.
I have a P-515 upstairs, and downstairs is a P-515 and a P-525. The downstairs P-515 is just set up for standing and playing. The other two are sit/play (triple pedal).
My cat doesn't know how to play the piano yet haha! She is quite well-known though for her interesting behaviours, and is almost dog like ... or smart as particular young children. She was a stray, and I was lucky to meet her.
The nice story is from here: gingercat link
Just responding to your post before signing off. I will be over in reddit r/piano
Also, you may know about the relatively new yamaha fc35 pedal already ... but if not, that is a good one for the P-525.
Enjoy your new piano cheeeeee! And best regards.
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cheeeeee You are most welcome cheeeeee. Thanks for mentioning you have a dog!! Thanks for sharing that very nice detail too.
New P525 club member here. Did extensive research over several months. Had the opportunity to test the Roland PHA-50 action on a Roland HP-704 and found it to be a bit heavy and spongy. Never had the chance to actually play an FP90x ($2,000), but was concerned about its weight (52 lbs) and comments I heard about it's piano sounds. Tried a Kawai ES520, but not the ES920. Heard great things about the sounds on the ES920 ($1,900) with its plastic RHIII action, but was concerned about the overall build quality and lighter weight compared to its predecessor, the ES8. I tried very hard to like the Roland FP30x because of the much lower price ($699). Enjoyed the PHA4 key action, but was concerned that every demo model I played at Guitar Center had wonky keys and sounds, thus long term durability would definitely be an issue. Also sought out a Korg D1 (at $749), despite comments I read about the keybed durability. When I finally located a used model in "excellent" condition at Guitar Center, I was not surprised to find that it had five broken keys (thus affirming my concerns). Finally decided on the P525 due primarily to the responsive wooden key Grand Touch S action, the piano sounds, solid build, and the reasonable price ($1,599). I was primarily looking for a portable piano with a responsive action and wooden keys. After "auditioning" a P525 in the store I felt it was the best option for the price - hands down.
As you can see below, I own a 2003 Mason & Hamlin BB, a Kawai 2017 K500 upright, a 2013 Kawai CA65 with the Grand Feel wooden key action, and a 22 year old Korg SP100 stage piano. The Kawai CA65 still works fine, and has a very powerful sound. However, it is getting old, numerous keys are sticking, and all of the sliptape needs to be replaced on it (something I hope to do myself in the future). The Korg is a heavy, entry level keyboard with a whopping 32 note polyphony. Everything works, and the weighted keys are OK - except they don't allow for much in the way of nuance. I rarely use the Korg, and plan to give it away in the future. While I have the two acoustics, I'm not able to practice on them as much as I should (too much of a good thing for other family members to be subjected to over a long time). Thus I decided to "replace" the Korg with an ugraded portable piano that can be used for silent practice. I'm classically trained, and just use a digital for the piano and harpsichord sounds.
Last weekend, when I decided to audition a P525, I was surprised to find that there was only one on display in the entire Valley (Phoenix is the nation's 5th largest city, and is surrounded by several mid-sized cities). I drove 20 miles to the Guitar Center in Scottsdale only to find that the P525 model was NOT on display. HOWEVER, they had two in stock, so the salesman kindly offered to unpack one and put it up on the wall for me to play. I helped him unpack the board and then stood at it for over 45 minutes playing through the built in speakers. I figured it would sound even better through headpones, so I decided to take the leap and buy it. The salemsan went to the stockroom and brought out the other "boxed" P525. We somehow managed to creatively squeeze it into my Honda Accord, and I took it home, wheeled it into the house, carefully unpacked and set the keyboard up only to discover that the highest treble key was kapoot. Very disheartening. I immediately called the salesman, and we agreed that I would bring the damaged board back the next day and exchange it for the new one on the wall that I'd played for 45 minutes. He agreed to rebox that board so no one else would touch it. So after two trips and 80 miles, I finally got my new P525 home.
My impressions. While this is considered a "flagship" model of the Yamaha P series, it is, in fact, an intermediate level keyboard. But it is infinitely more refined than the popular Roland and Yamaha keyboards selling for half the price. My CA65 (which I paid $3K for eleven years ago) has twice the power and volume, more sounds, more substantial feel, etc. - - however, the Yamaha's Grand Touch S wooden key action is pretty amazing (light but firm). After initially setting the action to "Hard 2" I found the piano felt much more responsive on the "Medium" setting. I currently have the brightness set at 3, the reverb at "Room" and everything else pretty much at the factory settings. Playing with headphones, I was initially concerned about the "muddiness" of the CFX grand sound. I was using my trusty Sansui headphones that I purchased in an Army PX in Germany back in 1970 for about $16 dollars. grin Today I plugged in two other headphones, a Grado SR60x and a cheap ($20) headphone by Sony. Amazingly, the sound was great with these, and the muddiness went away. The only probem is that I have to keep the volume set at 80 or above - but it seems that is not unusual. Some revewers have expresed "concern" about the difference in feel between the wooden white keys and the all plastic black keys of the P525. Quite frankly, I feel no discernable difference between the two when playing.
Overall, I'm quite pleased with this purchase. The board comes with a 3 year warranty, and I'm hoping that the keybed etc. will hold up over the long haul.
