Yamaha P-515chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Several users find the action too heavy compared to a real grand or lighter competitors like Casio Privia and Roland PHA-50, with one citing carpal tunnel discomfort forcing a resale and another regretting the purchase.

@sim-r3c

I bought this in black last year but the key action is way too heavy for me, unfortunately. I have.capal tunnel issues. Anyone know of the best way to sell it? Its in pristine condition but I dont have the box.launch

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September 2, 2023

@kamilkeyboardplayer7419

Yamaha! I am terribly disappointed with this product. The sound is okay, but the weight of the keyboard is too heavy, compared to a real grand piano. Why don't you do something more realistic, like Roland with his PHA-50? I think I have wasted my money. I am currently selling my P-515 and buying an instrument from a competitor.launch

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June 15, 2020

@hextherex

So if I pay 1300 for this am I pleased with it or do I regret that I did not waste more money on Roland FP90, CLP 645 or maybe even Kawai CA98? I just play regularly at home and I'm not pro. On some videos they say the touch is ''heavy'', what do they mean?launch

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November 16, 2019

@JimmyLeeHook

You're a terrific player, and Yamaha couldn't have picked anyone better to demo this instrument. I love Yamaha instruments. I only have one criticism of this digital piano and that is the weight. Casio makes the PX-160 and other models in the Privia lineup that sound terrific, have excellent touch, and are half the weight of this instrument from Yamaha. That extra weight means a whole lot when you are lugging to a gig.launch

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January 17, 2019

Commenters criticize the string, organ, guitar, and XG voices as dated, artificial, or barely usable, standing in contrast to the strong piano sound.

@golden-63

*I tried it at my local piano store and was impressed by the sounds, action, etc. I was going to buy it that day, but decided to sleep on it. The next day I read your online review and realized I hadn't listened to the XG voices. You were absolutely right. They sounded like they were from a keyboard made 30 years ago! You saved me from buying it and having to then return it. Thank you!*launch

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November 23, 2023

@Pegasus4213

This is the very best most comprehensive review of a keyboard I've seen! Explaining much more of the features than others I watched. While this keyboard has some outstanding features, it has some real letdowns for me. The string sound is very ordinary. Compared to a PSR 400 Yamaha keyboard I had in the 90s. That had a better string sound than here. Which is quite an indictment. The expanse of options for grand piano is excellent by comparison. For me, strings are an essential feature, but the P-515 does not offer more than a nod towards such a key sound. And some of the other voices like organ are pretty useless too. Why bother with their inclusion if they are not absolutely usable. Just focus - like with the grand piano sounds, on excellent voices, rather than attempting organ or guitar sounds that are unlikely to be used. Give us excellence of voices to be included.launch

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November 12, 2023

@zoltanns

I'm not a fan of writing negative comments but this keyboard really has a cheap, artificial, electronic sound. And the very amateurish level piano playing demonstration doesn't really help. And this supposes to be a newly developed Yamaha digital piano...launch

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August 22, 2018

Some owners report specific hardware problems such as a key producing a wood-clunk sound, a note losing velocity control and screaming at soft touch, and keys misfiring digitally on certain notes.

@poparip

Great video! Thanks! PROBLEM: I recently purchase a used P-515 hardly used by the previous owner and so far I love it with one exception: one white key (one above middle C) sounds like it is hitting wood when depressed all the way. The note sound is fine. But this 'clunk' is strikingly different from every other key. Can you tell me if this is a fixable (DIY) problem? Or one which requires a professional technician. Any suggestions appreciated and keep up the fine work you do as you are helping orient me to this, for me, new model.launch

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June 11, 2025

@ginises83

I bought it, but after a few months, one morning, a note had no velocity! In other words, I'd press the key gently and the note would scream! ....as the days went by, several notes were doing the same thing. Disgusted!launch

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August 20, 2023

@douglesw

The E, and particularly the F, and even the G above Middle C sound very shrill to me, those notes are out of balance\nI own this piano bought from Kraft and I'm still in my 45 day trial.\nAnyone else experience this? Is it possible these keys are misfiring digitally?.\nI have an old YPG 625, with the one button Grand Piano, and it is SUPERIOR however the keyboard clatters\nSo I'm wondering if the DGX 660 isn't better, maybe it has the YPG piano sample?\nOther than that the P-515 has a great keyboard and I like that it does NOT have special standlaunch

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January 28, 2019

Users report buzz or distortion when using the audio interface feature at higher volumes, plus frustration that the iPad doesn't charge while connected and buttons lock out during app use.

@danielstrange8162

Great review Eric! Recently just purchased this after renting one a few times. I, personally, love the keyed and the rig in general. I only have one complaint and wanted to know if you had the same issue. When using the audio interface feature (so that I could play my MainStage setup through the speakers for ease of practicing), I noticed some serious buzz/borderline distortion when having the volume up on the speakers at 40% or beyond. I checked with headphones to make sure it wasn't my computer settings. Did you encounter this when using it as well? Quite apparent on the Keyscape patches. Thanks for any insight!launch

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June 14, 2023

@Jasondb55

Why doesn't it charge the iPad while connected? Also, you can't use the buttons on the piano while connected to the app! I really hope Yamaha updates it to allow this!launch

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November 8, 2018

A longtime P-125 user is frustrated that the transpose function requires navigating a menu on the P-515 instead of a simple two-button shortcut, calling it a dealbreaker for singer accompaniment work.

@georgestein8211

I have a P-125 and love it, it got me back into playing piano, including some gigs and studio work. \nI think the P-515 would be a great upgrade ... one thing, though ... the TRANSPOSE function is buried in the Function menu. I use the transpose function ALL the time, especially when singers are looking for a comfortable key. On the P-125, it's easy ... press two buttons simultaneously, and use the keyboard to select what key you need. \nOn the P-515, why have they buried the Transpose function in a menu? Why? Why?? This is honestly about the only thing that keeps me from saying, yeah, I'm gonna upgrade. For me, this is not a small item. \nI am therefore also looking at other manufacturers.launch

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July 27, 2023

A prospective buyer notes concern, based on P-125 experience, that layered sounds may not sustain with the pedal, fading out once keys are released regardless of pedal state.

@20gravedigger11

I have a question regarding this piano: I have the a P-125 as low-cost spare piano, but one thing I don't like is when using a layer (like the strings), the layered sound does not sustain with the pedal. Once you lift off the keys, regardless of if you have the pedal depressed, they just fade out. This is the first digital piano I've played in which the layered sounded doesn't sustain. \nDoes this piano do the same? Or does it sustain layers with the pedal?launch

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November 7, 2022

A user notes the underside tip of the white keys has a sharp corner that can scratch the thumb during long chords or arpeggios.

@brickmissing8295

One annoyance with the action on my P515 - there’s a sharp corner on the underside tip of the white keys. This can sometimes scratch your thumb when you’re stretching for a really long chord or arpeggio. IMHO all corners should be rounded off for comfort.launch

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August 2, 2023

An owner notes that while it works as a MIDI controller, its response with VST instruments isn't as good as keyboards designed specifically for that purpose.

@franslengkeek

I own the Yamaha P515 for more than a year now. As a pianist for me it has the best keybed and the best pianosound, the CFX sound is amazing! BUT: it is a known fact that using it as a midicontroler the midi response is not great. It is not designed for that use. It works but there are keyboards that respond better with vst’s.launch

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October 15, 2022