I'm so glad when people compare items at different ranges. When shopping, sometimes people want to know what they are missing (if they are missing anything) by not spending more, or what do the pros think about the value-laden piano. I literally typed in both of these for a review, so thank you!
Karan Lodaya I have the P-125 it’s one of his favorites for the concert grand sound and action in every comparison he put it up against. The P-515 will beat it naturally because it has the Bösendorfer sample. So if you can spend the extra 1000$ nearly do it. But the P-125 I am very happy with.
Thank to you, James, I bought my P515! Couldn't be more satisfied with it! Wonderful sound, love the bass of the CFX(leaves my 4'7" upright on the shade), heavy action but very responsive too... everything that you said is true! Still waiting for a comparison between this and the FP-90/ES8!!
I was expecting a Yamaha P515 - Kawai ES8 comparison but not quite this soon. I didn't know that the P515 and the Korg SV2S were your 2 favorite digital pianos under $2000. I know the P515 - ES8 comparison is coming soon. My only question is what happened to the Yamaha P515 review? The NAMM version is still up, but the longer version is no longer on your channel. That was a good review. I hope it reappears--perhaps with some minor editing? Thanks!
Thank u brother.. For constantly uploading such awesome videos. ..lots of love from india.... Wish to hear more beautiful piano pieces from u besides the comparison.....and p515 is indeed a beast.#Yamaharocks.. #pianoforever. .
I really appreciate you making this video. Its exactly what was missing from RU-vid. From the chord "melody" test of the sv2s it seems that there almost no sympathetic resonance on the acoustic pianos.
You are a GREAT reviewer! 👍🏻 With regards to acoustic piano voices, both sound pretty similar to my ears. Maybe the Yamaha a tad better (deeper base and slightly more clear), but very similar in the end. With regards to electric piano voices, the clear winner here is the Korg. Considering that the Yamaha is 550€ cheaper and I'm going to use the acoustic piano sounds more, I'm leaning towards the P-515.
Yamaha P-515 could also be a phenomenal instrument for performances, especially when it comes to piano or organ sounds. It is definitely meant for much more than just home usage by the Yamaha company.
This just reminds me of why I almost bought the 515. The piano samples just sound great and the action is one of the best. Wish they made a smaller/lighter version of it. That action is very controllable. The acoustic Yamaha baby grand we have at work feels so similar. Of course the real thing is better, but you’ll need several guys to move the real thing around... Yamaha’s digital lineup is ticks all the boxes at their price points.
Great review. I am presently torn between these two for a simple reason. I ordered a P-515 but it isn't in stock for another 4-6 weeks. I am seriously toying with the idea of switching to an SV2 (not the S model) as it is readily available. Cost is definitely a factor. Paying an extra $500 to get that beauty right away is tempting. But then, it isn't the one with those fancy speakers and "that grill". Very tempting, but I'm going to have to sit tight and wait for my P-515. That Bosendorfer did it for me :)!
The CFX sounds a little more "in-tune" and a bit fuller. I also think the high end is more "real" in some way. Like you say, these things are all subjective to the end user. My Vote is for Yamaha. (in drums too, btw!)
Nice comparison. Another 'versus' video I'd like to see would be the Yamaha P515 vs the CP88. Technically, they don't fall into the same category (one's a home piano, the other a stage piano) but they practically have the same keybed (except that the CP88 has no escapement). Would be interesting to see how different they really feel. And perhaps you could help clarify why Yamaha has decided to bundle the FC3A pedal (WITH half damping) with the CP88, a stage piano where its use case doesn't really require half-damping (or is less important), but sells the 'more pianistically inclined' P515 with the FC4A pedal (which doesn't support half-damping). Logic dictates it should be the other way around...
To my ears the Yamaha sounds more saturated yet cleaner, mellower yet slightly brighter. It's odd how the Yamaha has opposite qualities to itself in its piano tones. The Korg sounds fine, maybe projects well in a mix. It looks cool too.
Great comparison and a lot of fun to listen to. And yes, the wet hands sounds brilliant again. Did you dry you’re hands later on? 😀 I personally like the p-515 just that little bit more because of what I like to play, and the good piano sounds, but the sv2 is really awesome. Certainly the big sound of the churchorgan. On the other hand sometimes the sv2 sounds as if the paddle isn’t installed, you know. The sustain is not long and deep enough that’s to say what I hear off it. But in anyway thank you for sharing and playing!
Best review you have done. Nice back to back playing made differences clear. Upper range virtually different, bottom range of korg a bit muddy by comparrison. Debussy "Clear the Saloon" is a great choice to compare the sounds. Seems a trade-off between the great acoustic on Yamaha vs. editability of the Korg. At this price range though ($1800-2000) something like the Yamaha MODX8 has a lot more bang for the buck. More capability to interface with computers and other audio sources. Vast sound library and editing. Perfect for live settings, working with bands with a click, etc. Great job on the review!
I really prefer the 515 Acoustic piano sounds. Perhaps I am biased, because I have a P515. But as you say they are two different pianos. I have a feeling the Korg will have a better electric piano sounds.
Not much difference in the Grand piano sound , but yamaha definitely has its plus point in its bass line!! You reviews are amazing!! I love to watch them!!❤️
Thanks once again James....I think the Korg looks good....I've got a JunoDS and a pair of Mackie 8 inch speakers as my "piano" ...the Juno is built like a tank and the action is very nice...all in cost in the UK for Juno and Mackie 8" speakers (and sustain pedal) £1100. I've never had a bit of disappointment with any Korg.....my Prologue is a odd beast. I'm still waiting for Kawai to make the best ever digital piano.....the best ever acoustic upright I've ever played was a Kawai...and for Yamaha fans, I have a Yamaha drum kit with 14x6.5 bamboo snare (put in my will that I'll be buried with it). Cheers from the UK mate.
They provide the piano for my gigs so i just need the Yamaha for practicing up. That SG2 is awesome though but it is essentially a band backing instrument rather than solo. But, vintage sounds being popular for various covers the SG2 is definitely a great piano for gigging.
I just had an idea how piano sound can be tested on keyboards and compared to a real piano: Hold down (don't play) the first overtones of C, that means c, g, c' with your left hand, and e', g', bb', c'', d" with your right hand. Then let another person strike the C (one octave lower than the c) a resounding blow. The upper tones should vibrate in sympathetic vibration.
Hi James, another fantastic review. I am an electronic music producer looking at these two pianos for a studio piano. Will mostly be improvising chord progressions and melodies but would also like to have a piano that I can learn to play classical music on. Which one would you pick for this purpose?
I love my P515 and it will be great for trio work and practice. Run it through mixer with speakers for large rooms, keyboard speakers for small room single performer. So much better than out of tune acoustic piano.
James, could you, if you can get your hands on one, compare some of the earlier generations of the p series to the newer versions like the p255 and the p515, or the p115 and the p125?
Great video! I'm wondering if Yamaha's got some kind of sympathetic string resonance going on in that P515? You know where you hold down a G without triggering a note strike, and then play a c, you'll hear the G ring from the extra harmonics on the C? I know korg definitely doesn't do that on their SV2, but you are spot on with that right hand decay. Maybe as a piano player, I shouldn't have been so drawn to that SV2.....lol. Too late!
The p515 definitely has sympathetic resonance. Whether you are holding down the pedal or just several keys, you can hear the resonance. I bought mine several months ago and have no regrets. Amazing piano.
Nice review, as always ! James. How do you compare Korg RH3 vs Roland PHA4 (Fp10/30). Looking for a 88 midi controller with good action. I prefer thins on the lighter side.
I wouldn't classify the RH3 as light but its definitely more nimble and precise feeling than the PHA-4, which I would classify as heavy. Between the two I'd rather play on the RH3.
I have a SV2 and honestly,I cannot find MY accoustic pianosound,even when I browse the editor with loads of sounds. Im a sucker for a crispy,punchy and tacky «Elton John sound» and its not here,even if you can layer 3 pianos and add fx on it. But the Rhodes and wurlitzers,organs and strings are awesome. The majestic church organs are awesome but when you play fast passages,the sound clips and cannot follow. Even the classic guitar here are really good. But Im going for a yamaha next time. But awesome instrument indeed
Is the Yamaha CP-300 worth it? In your opinion, whats the best digital piano for a classical pianist for under £2000? Im considering the Kawai ES-8/MP-12 or the Yamaha P515 as well, thanks!
Question. My sustain pedals KEEP FAILING. As a Pro drummer I don't play my keys at home very much. I have a Motif ES8 for my own amusement and a couple of old wood Hammond's. (Sadly nota B-3 or C-3 ). I have tried a few ( i'm guessing Japanese built ). Is there ONE that doesn't poop out after a year or so??? THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR GREAT CONTENT. HAPPY 4TH to you. Dan in Mesa, AZ
That was an interesting review. Thank you. It's unclear how you recorded the audio on this. Were the pianos just recorded from the same microphone as your voice? I'd be interested in hearing the audio from the line-out instead of from the built-in speakers. Also, it would be interesting to hear these played via a third keyboard connected to the MIDI-in - to see whether there's more difference in the samples or the keybed sensitivity of the keyboards.
You CAN change and alter some effects in the P-515 in menu in Voice Edit (e.g. replace tremolo with overdrive or distortion on wurly sounds and instrument can remember those settings). There are some more things available to customize in menu. But it is very inconvenient comparison to hands-on controls in SV-2.
Ah, very cool! I agree, the physical controls are much more convenient than menu-diving, but fortunately I don't find myself wishing to alter the Yamaha's sounds very often.
Hey James, I was wondering if you have any insight as to the Roland FP 90 vs. the Korg SV2S, since you've played both (lucky dog!). I'm interested especially in a comparison of their action and on-board speakers, since they are basically the same price point and are some of the few keyboards in that price point to boast high-quality built-in speakers?
Great video, James! This makes it so much harder for me, though. I have narrowed down on these two as possible candidates for pianos I can use for both practice and gigs. I primarily want an acoustic piano, but I absolutely adore the EP sounds of the SV2. Like, they give me literal goosebumps. Add to this the fact that I've managed to find an SV2 in a local music store to try out, and I love its action to bits, but I have been unable to find a P515 to try so far. I'm wary of potentially ordering one online as I'm unsure of my personal preference when it comes to the action. Is there anyone here with the same focus who have been able to make a decision one way or another?
Damn. I already have the SV2, but at the crucial points the Yamaha has a tad better sound. On the other hand, you don't seem to be able to store your own sounds anywhere with Yamaha. Oh well... they both are very good though
Great comparison as always! I have already ordered the 515 after watching your videos. Just one question, do you know whether the 515 can play downloaded Style files (.STY)? Thanks so much!
Does the P515 come with a power supply? Just wondering because I've been checking around for one to purchase but, I feel like the description of content of our local store, said it's not included??
I have a question: I know the Korg lacks drawbars but why do the towel organ sounds seem to almost mute below about the third octave? Is that normal? Does anyone have any thoughts they'd be willing to share?
I play the SV1 for 10 years and for me the best sound is the fender Rhodes. The acoustic Piano's are not so good (quality of the samples, output) so I'm not sure about the new SV2 ... There are more sounds but I'm afraid it's still the same quality... And if I looked the specifications.... Hmm ... After all these years.... Should be nice to have the Kronos engine. It's very personal of course
You can edit the touch sensitivity and eq the sound right in the SV2 but I do know what you mean, many of the sounds lack the punch that the real deal would have, or even that the SV1 has. I have heard that Korg released an update for the SV2 that allows you to install all the old sounds of the SV1 on it, but since I have both an SV1 and an SV2 I haven't done this.
So to sum up; Korg = better looks, EP instrument, better strings and effects section. Yamaha = better AP instrument, better sound system and more bells and whistles plus more sounds, and 25% cheaper. I think I'll get an SV, then several years down the track, maybe the Yamaha, and have the best of both worlds for recording/playing. I can def hear the superior AP's coming through, and just wish the Korg had those equally, but it's almost impossible to get one instrument with everything you want. I like them both equally. Great comparo, cheers!
I mostly agree, but i do have to say that I think the SV2 is more for performance than practicing. It would work for practicing, but for me personally, I find myself messing around with all the cool sounds more than I do practicing on it. Still is a wonderful instrument and not a bad choice for a practice instrument at all. The action is fantastic.
I liked the p515 a lot more. Yamahas piano sounds are hard to beat right out of the box. I own a Korg Sp280 and it's time for an upgrade for real and it appears the P515 will be taking its place.
A keyboard with the amazing piano sounds of the P515, ease of use and cool styling of the SV2, powerful and loud speakers like the P515, and the other (EP's and such) sounds of the SV2 would be to die for.