Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Adult Beginners Forum Yamaha CLP-735 as a first piano

I've never touched a piano or played one seriously my entire life. After doing some research, this one seems like a really solid choice. Would this model be a great starting point to grow with? What about transitioning to other pianos later on? Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Just to be clear, I'm pretty serious about this investment. I do realize the cost, and commitment. Thanks again!

Since you say you're pretty serious and are thinking about transitioning in the future, my recommendation would be to buy a model that has wooden keys because they feel more realistic (when compared to an acoustic piano). It seems the CLP-735 doesn't have wooden keys.

On the other hand .....

The Yamaha CLP-375 is a reasonable choice to begin with.

As a beginner .... it may be quite some time before you notice (or even care) what the keys are made of.

If it sounds and feels like a piano (to you) it will probably be fine.

A few years from now you will be in the market for an upgrade .... then you will know more of what things you are looking for.

Good Luck and enjoy

Yeah, I keep telling my wife that keyboards and material have come a long way compared to the nineties....lol. It should be fine. Worse case scenario, I can always get the CLP-745 (which has the white wooden keys) if she isn't happy. I think the price difference was a bit high though for wooden keys and a bit more power. I also think the bluetooth support was also in the 745. I think for a starter piano it's more than enough. Heck, I was impressed by the Yamaha keyboards myself. They seemed legit enough for me. Thanks for the feedback, guys!

There are extensive discussions of "What piano?" in the "Digital Pianos" sub-forum.

The CLP-745, if I remember correctly, is well above "beginner grade".

. . . Have fun!

In the days when you could try these out in the shop, I compared the CLPs 635 and 645, preferring the sound of the former but with the keys and action of the latter, which is wood.
The wood, I'm convinced, makes no difference whatsovever.
However, from what I've heard the sound of the 745 is far better than that of the 735. Never got round to trying these before lockdown 2 (Or is it "Son of Lockdown?")
The action, too is deemed lighter which I'd say is of benefit.
And the 745 has the larger music stand.
Sad isn't it? A bl**dy music! Why?

Absolutely, if anything it's probably overkill on a startup. I think the main thing for both of us is: it's something to grow with and appreciate the finer things in life that are available IF we decide to go that route. I actually sat down the other day to feel the keys, and honestly I was impressed on how they felt. Of course, this is an opinion of someone who knows nothing at the moment. It's still fascinating how far things have come over the years. I really think for both of us, it's a test of conviction. Do we REALLY want to play the piano? It's easy to say, but time will tell. So again, I think starting this expensive is a lesson and a test for conviction. I've never been this excited to start sucking at something! Lol. But in all seriousness, it's a journey that is far from worth it. I look forward to growing with you all.

U17 , sounds like you have made a very good choice. I have a Yamaha CLP 645 ,which is very similar to yours. https://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical_instruments/pianos/clavinova/clp-645/index.html

Enjoy lessons etc..

Are you going to have just one piano for both?. If you are both hooked with it, there will be a fight for playing it!

Yeah I think she will be mainly using it over me, just because I am still going through school. It's really going to be her piano, but since it is an expensive investment I figured I might as well get something out of it as well. Might learn a thing or two about myself, or better yet, know my limitations and struggles in something unknown. It'll be a breath of fresh air to suck at something other than my studies from time to time . I find a strange magnetic pull toward the impossible and daring, and this is one of many quests that might never be finished. That's OK with me, and to be honest music is something I truly hold close. So with this new member of the family coming sooner hopefully than later, it shall be played.