Yamaha NP-35chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Listeners consistently single out the NP-35's sound quality as a standout for its price. Commenters describe the piano, electric piano, organ, and string sounds as unexpectedly realistic and professional-sounding, especially compared to older Piaggero units that resembled cheap home keyboards. Several say the sound impressed them enough on headphones or in demos to influence a purchase, and one long-time Yamaha user noted this model's voices sound fuller than the cheaper NP-15 or older NP-32, reinforcing its reputation as a strong-sounding budget option.

The side-mounted speakers are the most frequently criticized design choice. Multiple commenters argue the speakers positioned at each end of the keybed add unnecessary width, making the NP-35 barely more compact than an 88-key instrument and defeating the point of a 'portable' keyboard. Several say this design flaw alone removes the NP-35 from consideration versus rivals like the Korg Liano, with some directly asking Yamaha to relocate speakers to the top or back in future revisions.

Key width and action limitations concern buyers focused on technique. Several users note the keys, while standard length, are narrower per octave than full-size keyboards, and the lowest octave range feels lacking for pieces like Rachmaninoff preludes. Others point out the action is unweighted, which some feel is acceptable for casual beginners but risky for students who need to build proper finger strength before moving to weighted instruments, and one owner even called it 'not a piano but a keyboard' for this reason.