Yamaha Clavinova CLP 825 Review

Discover the perfect blend of classic and affordability with the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-825. The latest digital piano series from Yamaha, their 800-series of the Clavinova model replaces the discontinued 700-series last year, in late 2024. The 825 is the “basic” model in the 800-series, but sometimes the basics is all that you need, or are looking for.

It also has seamless integration with smart devices to ensure endless entertainment and learning possibilities. With a space-saving cabinet style looking console, the CLP-825 is a standout instrument worthy of the trustworthy Yamaha name.

The CLP-825 is beautifully crafted, blending a classic aesthetic with a contemporary user experience. Its space-saving console-style cabinet adds elegance to any room without taking up too much space. Enjoy the Clavinova even more with Smart Pianist, an exclusive app from Yamaha. This app includes Sheet Music Reader technology, which plays the notes of any “You Are The Artist” sheet music on your smart device. You can also control every feature and setting of your instrument with Smart Pianist, as well as learn to play hundreds of popular songs with its built-in lessons.

If you imagine the CLP lineup as a staircase to piano heaven, the 825 is that middle stair that feels solid and promising — not the top, but you’re not crawling either.

It’s compact console cabinet is elegant, space-aware, not screaming “look at me” but still classy (and can pass for an upright, for those who can’t otherwise tell). Its side panels, music rest, sliding key cover, and minimalistic controls contribute to a clean aesthetic.

This is one of the CLP-825’s strongest suits (good thing, since “feel” is what makes or breaks digital pianos for serious players). Uses Yamaha’s GrandTouch-S keyboard with escapement. That “escapement” gives a faint click or tactile signal reminiscent of a real grand piano when keys are depressed lightly.

Key surfaces are synthetic ebony and ivory (textured), which help with grip and reduce finger slippage. The action is graded (heavier in the bass, lighter in the treble) — standard in serious models — giving natural piano behavior. It includes GrandTouch pedals (damper, soft, sostenuto). They offer responsiveness (including half-pedal nuances). Players report that the touch is “incredibly responsive” and surprisingly close to an acoustic experience in many ways.

That said, even Yamaha’s best digital actions can’t 100% reproduce the feel (especially in rapid technique or large fortissimos), but this is one of the better attempts out there at this price tier ($2,000 before tax or any shipping and/or other fees).

It incorporates samples of two of Yamaha’s flagship grand pianos: the Yamaha CFX and the Bösendorfer Imperial. Uses Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) to simulate the complex interactions between strings, soundboard, and the physical resonance that happens in an acoustic piano. It also uses Grand Expression Modeling, for more nuance in tone depending on how you press the keys (softer vs harder, speed, etc.).

For headphone use, it features binaural sampling (at least when using the CFX voice), letting you perceive spatial depth as though you’re sitting at a grand. The speaker system is a one-way amplifier + diffuser system, giving 2 × 20 W output.

In real use, people say the sound is rich, resonant, and surprising for an entry model. It holds up well for solo play and small performance settings, though in a large hall or if you demand orchestra-level power, a full grand or premium hybrid might still be preferable.

Transpose, metronome, recording capabilities. USB-to-Host port (MIDI/data connection) plus two headphone jacks (so two players or teacher/student can use headphones). A built-in songbook, and the ability to “play along” features via Smart Pianist.

Some users on forums debate whether CLP-825 supports a “pause” function in Smart Pianist when playing sheet music. It seems that the CLP-835 has slightly more advanced Smart Pianist integration. The speaker output, while good, is limited — in large spaces or performing, you’ll want external amplification, a real set of speakers.

Perfect for students/learners who want something more expressive and “real” than a basic keyboard without spending 5 figures; or hobbyist pianists who want a long-term instrument they can grow with, especially for home practice. Not ideal if you’re expecting full concert power or needing features exclusive to flagship models, but as a core piano instrument, it’s very compelling.

The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-825 is a beautifully balanced digital piano that gives you real piano feel and sound without making your wallet cry. It’s not perfect (nothing ever is compared to the real thing), but for most players — especially those learning, teaching, practicing — it is more than enough, and in many ways delightfully overqualified.