The Yamaha P-121 Black is a compact and portable digital piano that is nearly identical to the P-125 model, but features a keyboard instead of 88 keys. It is known for its authentic piano sound, drawing from the Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand, and is a popular choice for musicians needing a lightweight instrument for gigging, practice, or use in smaller spaces.
Key Features and Specifications
The P-121 is highly regarded for its balance of realistic feel and portability, making it a versatile instrument for various users.
Keyboard Action: The 73 keys feature a Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) weighted action, which means the keys are heavier in the low register and lighter in the high register, similar to an acoustic piano. The black keys have a matte finish to absorb moisture and enhance grip during extended play.
Sound Quality: It uses the Pure CF Sound Engine to reproduce the sound of a sampled Yamaha 9′ CFIIIS concert grand piano with great expressiveness. It incorporates advanced features like String Resonance, Damper Resonance DSP, and Key-off samples to add realism to the sound.
Portability: It is part of the P-series (portable) line, specifically designed to be lightweight at approximately 10 kg (22 lbs), making it very easy to transport to gigs or practice sessions.
Connectivity: The instrument offers USB to Host connectivity that transfers both MIDI and audio, allowing for a single-cable connection to music-making software on a computer or smart device. It also features two 1/4″ headphone outputs and Aux Outs.
Additional Features:
Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC): Automatically adjusts the EQ to provide a full and rich tone even at low volumes.
Stereophonic Optimizer: When using headphones, this feature adjusts the sound distribution to create the sensation that the sound is coming from the piano itself, not the headphones.
Onboard Rhythms: Includes 20 different drum and bass rhythm patterns for practicing different musical styles or performing with a “virtual drummer”.
Smart Pianist App Compatibility: The free app allows for intuitive control over voices, rhythms, and other functions from a smartphone or tablet, and can analyze songs from your music library to display chord charts.