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Hi, anyone can give me some opinions on the Yamaha YDP-161, in terms of sound, action, and build ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT1mHBxmMwM

I'm primarily interested in the acoustic piano sound.

The YDP 161 is the cheapest Yamaha console piano featuring their GH action. In that sense, it's a recommended piano...it performs like many of the Yamaha pianos that are more expensive. Going cheaper you lose a lot because you move to a lower-end action. Going more expensive feels like a waste of money to me. So in the price/quality department, the 161 is good.

It's pretty basic in terms of how many sounds it has and it doesn't have the highest end tone generator or speakers, but it's a decent piano overall. The other problem I have with it is that it doesn't have auxiliary audio outs, which means you can't easily plug in external speakers. External speakers are nice when you get tired of the built in speakers and want something that sounds nicer.

If you are considering the 161 also consider two options that are yet cheaper (in the US) and in some ways better: the P-155 and CP33. The former has a slightly upgraded tone generator relative to the YDP (not sure how noticeable that is) and it also has auxiliary audio outs. It's a slab-style piano, though, so you need to get a stand (not too expensive, though). The CP33 will have an equivalent if not identical tone generator to the YDP. It's similar to the P155 except it's more of a stage piano with some better connectivity options. No speakers, though. These two options can be had in internet stores (unlike the YDP), which is another reason they are cheaper. Personally I think these two are a better buy than the 161, but it depends on your aesthetic and needs.

All three pianos have the same action, so they should feel the same.

it's nice - but if you have a few more dollars look at the ydp-181 - i think it sounds a little better and has the buttons, etc.

any yamaha is of high quality - i've had 3 of them and not really any issues to speak of

If you were to compare it with a Korg LP-350, which would you choose? Again , I'm mostly interested in the grand piano sound, since I want to play classical music on it. The Korg is a bit more compact and someone said it has a great piano sound. What do you say?

I say listen for yourself.

IMO, I greatly prefer the piano in the 161 over the LP-350, but that's personal preference. Korg has other strong sounds, but Korg's really good piano sounds are only in the new Kronos. Rather than the LP-350, at that pricepoint, I would really look at the new Casio PX-850 that's about to ship. The styling is even similar.

Interesting opinion about the Privia PX-850, when does it come out?


http://www.casio.com/products/Digital_Pianos_%26_Keyboards/Privia_Digital_Pianos/PX-850BK/

For some odd reason, it's going to cost 1500 $ ... that's 1240 EUR... Keeping in mind that the last one in the series, the PX-830 costs 888 EUR...

When new products are announced, they are announced at MSRP, not selling price. When comparing to the current Casio models with the newly announced Privias including the PX-850, the increase was more like 20% in the US. It helps to know that Casio had held to the same price point on previous models for like 7 years. I know Euro pricing varies.

Go to the other thread, "Casio introduces 4 models" and ask Mike Martin if he has an ETA. I think the PX-150/350 are due out first with the PX-750/850 shortly behind.

I've asked, so I'm waiting for a reply. Is there a chance the PX-850 is out by the end of 2012?