Value for money isn’t a term I typically attach to Yamaha Clavinova digital pianos: they are luxurious and priced as such. However, the Clavinova CLP-835, a new mid-level addition to the series, might be the best buy of the bunch.
In this review, I’ll discuss everything the CLP-835 has to offer and if it lives up to its early promise.
Final verdict on the Clavinova CLP-835
The Clavinova CLP-835 replaces the CLP-735, and I already loved the older model.
While the CLP-835 remains similar to its predecessor on paper, the new model comes with an improved keyboard feel, enhanced speaker and cabinet design, and is more realistic than ever.
The upgrades aren’t drastic, but the old version was already great, and when I look at the models directly above and below the CLP-835, it’s the best value by far.
What I like
- Best CFX/Bösendorfer samples yet.
- 16-track recorder.
- Bluetooth.
- Ultra-realistic GrandTouch-S keyboard.
- Improved speaker and cabinet design.
- Simple interface.
- Authentic Fortepiano voices.
- Best value in range.
What I don’t like
- Non-flagship sounds could be better.
- The screen could be of higher quality at this price.
Why you should trust me
As a pianist for over two decades, I’ve played my fair share of incredible pianos and more than my fair share of terrible ones.
Over the years, I’ve learned to appreciate the good and make the most of the bad. As a performer, my experience, good and bad, has helped me understand what matters most and how to get the most out of my budget.
Value for money shouldn’t be reserved for cheap instruments; whatever you choose, I’d like to help ensure your money is well spent.
Contents
Use these jump links to navigate to the desired section of the review.
Sound quality 4.9
The Clavinova CLP-835 has 38 voices with a max polyphony of 256 notes.
As expected, the flagship voices are Yamaha’s CFX concert grand sample and a beautiful Bösendorfer Imperial. These two premium concert piano voices provide an ideal blend of bright (Yamaha) and dark (Imperial).
The Yamaha CFX sound has long been one of my favorite piano samples, and with recent tone generation enhancements, it has more depth and clarity than ever.
The Bösendorfer Imperial is more of an acquired taste, but while the CFX shines with brightness and clarity, I really enjoy the rich harmonic content of the Imperial, especially in the mid and low ranges.
There are various piano variations to suit different genres like rock or jazz, and even an upright with a more intimate sound. You also get the Mozart and Chopin fortepiano tones for a more authentic classical sound.
The remaining sounds are arranged into the following categories: E.Piano, Organ, Strings, Bass, and Other.
I rate the sound quality very highly, but there’s a catch. The remaining sounds (beyond the flagship pianos) are good; a few are very good. However, if you’re looking for a wide variety of world-class sounds, buy a high-end stage piano, or save some money and buy something cheaper.
Wanting a realistic and dynamic piano sound is the only reason you should buy the CLP-835, and it does that.
Built-in speakers 4.9
The CLP-835 features an enhanced built-in speaker system with two 6.29-inch speakers and dual 30-watt amplifiers.
On paper, the speaker system is the same as the previous model, although improved design and diffusers help project sound more organically. The sound is more immersive; it’s not a significant improvement, but it’s better.
Keyboard feel 4.9
Yamaha’s GrandTouch-S keyboard is one of my favorites to play. The ebony/ivory feel makes the keytops more realistic and provides additional grip.
The graded hammer-action keys are exceptionally well balanced, and that’s often lacking in lesser digital pianos. The difference in weight from the lowest/heaviest to the highest/lightest keys feels authentic and not clumsily mapped out in larger chunks.
The simulated escapement is noticeable but subtle; some manufacturers make the mistake of overstating the escapement mechanism to let you know it’s there.
The CLP-835 has six levels of touch sensitivity: Hard 1/2, Medium, Soft 1/2, and Fixed (the cheaper CLP-825 only has four levels).
This keyboard, combined with the flagship sounds and other realism features, is a joy to play.
Features 4.8
Most features of the CLP-835 are subtle but make a huge difference when working together.
VRM Physical Modeling
Virtual Resonance Modeling recreates every nuanced interaction between the various elements of a real grand piano. It mimics the interaction between the hammers, strings, soundboard, and piano body to recreate an authentic, rich, resonant sound. It’s a feature that might sound gimmicky, but it’s real.
Grand Expression Modeling
This feature adds to the outstanding sampled voices by allowing greater variation in dynamics and expression.
One of the things you pay for when you buy a Clavinova is the assurance that what you play is what you’ll hear, with very little, if anything, lost in translation.
3D Binaural Sampling
This feature applies only to the two flagship piano voices. It simulates a more realistic listening experience in headphones, creating the feeling of sitting at a real piano. It also helps reduce fatigue over prolonged periods.
Keyboard modes
The Clavinova CLP-835 has a few expected modes and one that you see far less often.
The expected modes are Dual, Duo, and Split:
- Dual mode allows you to layer two sounds, commonly piano and strings.
- Duo mode creates two equal zones across the keyboard for teacher/student practice.
- Split mode allows you to use a different voice for the left and right hands with a split point on the keyboard.
The interesting thing about this particular Split mode is that by pressing the Split button three times, you can add a second sound to the right hand. So, you can play a layered sound with your right hand and a single sound with your left.
Built-in recorder
The CLP-835 is significantly more expensive than the CLP-825, and it’s here that we see the most significant difference.
The cheaper CLP-825 has a two-track, one-song recorder, while the CLP-835 offers a 16-track, 250-song recorder.
If it’s not a priority feature, there’s an argument for buying the cheaper piano. But, in my opinion, when digital pianos aren’t typically used in the DAW environment, I think a built-in recorder is an important feature.
In this case, users can capture practice and performance sessions for critical listening and move beyond that into composition and arrangement.
Other features
- Rhythms, demos, and lesson songs. There are 20 built-in rhythms, 23 demo songs, 50 classic songs, and 303 lesson songs.
- Effects. The CLP-835 offers built-in reverb, chorus, and brilliance effects.
- Smart Pianist App. Yamaha’s Smart Pianist App provides additional features and educational content.
In use 4.9
Digital pianos typically don’t have many buttons and controls, which maintains the authentic look and means you can’t escape a little menu-diving.
The CLP-835 avoids becoming too tedious thanks to two very important buttons: the CFX and Bösendorfer buttons. The flagship piano voices have dedicated buttons that allow you to revert to either sound instantly.
You can browse all other sounds by pressing the Voice button and using the directional buttons and LCD screen to scroll through the categories.
There may be some call for a higher quality screen, but the featured LCD is more than enough to meet requirements.
Build quality 4.8
The CLP-835 comes in several colors/materials: matte black, matte white, rosewood, white birch (new), and polished ebony. The cabinet is robust, as is the sliding keyboard cover, regardless of the finish you choose.
The polished ebony is absolutely stunning; it’s the most beautiful version of this piano by far and the most expensive. As beautiful as it is, at around $500 more, it starts to strip away the value-for-money tag that I enthusiastically hang on this piano.
The CLP-835 looks gorgeous in any finish, so I advise buying the matte black or rosewood finish and avoiding looking at the polished ebony.
All versions come with a matching piano bench.
Connectivity 4.9
Connectivity is relatively impressive here. You get USB-to-host for connecting to your DAW and USB-to-device for additional storage to save your recordings.
You also get audio and MIDI over Bluetooth, which allows you to stream music from an external device through the built-in speaker system.
While the CLP-825 only provides two TRS headphone jacks as outputs, the CLP-835 includes stereo TRS audio outputs (L/mono, Right) and an AUX 1/8-inch audio input.
It covers everything from home practice and recording to plugging into a bigger PA system for a live show.
Compared to others
The Yamaha CLP-835 is a sizable investment, so it always pays to consider some alternatives.
Clavinova CLP-835 vs CLP-825
If you can live with a two-track recorder, fewer effects, rhythms, and songs, go for the cheaper CLP-825.
See Yamaha Clavinova CLP-825’s current price
Clavinova CLP-835 vs Kawai CA501
I’m a sucker for the Kawai sound; it’s a little darker than the CLP sound, and it feels great, too.
See Kawai CA501’s current price
Clavinova CLP-835 vs Casio AP-750
I love the Bechstein sound of this piano, but it lacks the versatility of the CLP-835.
See Casio Celviano AP-750’s current price
Who is the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-835 best suited for?
The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-835 is the best digital piano for serious pianists (particularly intermediate to advanced) seeking an authentic piano experience with the convenience of a digital instrument.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazon
