Gearank

The Yamaha P-255 is a digital stage piano with full-weighted and graded hammer action keys that are made of synthetic ivory.

It has a built-in Pure CF Sound Engine that produces Yamaha's piano voices, such as the CFIIIS concert grand piano.

It also has built-in rhythm patterns for sequencing drums and percussion tracks, which makes it suitable as an accompaniment for live solo/duo type performers.

Specifications:

• Keys:88, Fully weighted hammer action
• Polyphony: 256
• Effects: Reverb, Chorus, Phaser, Rotary Speaker, Tremolo / Auto Pan, Equalizer, SOUND BOOST
• Sequencer: 2-track recording
• Audio Inputs:1 x Aux In
• Audio Outputs: 2 x Aux Out [L/L+R][R]
• Other Connectivity DC IN 16V, Sustain Pedal, MIDI In/Out/USB
• Dimension: 52.5" x 5.81" x 13.81"
• Weight: 38.1 lbs

Pros

With a simple design in mind, Yamaha has produced this great quality unit as part of its P-line range. A number of pianists were more than satisfied with how it replicates the natural and authentic sound of an actual grand piano. When it comes to accessing sounds and other parameters, its quite easy to navigate through its buttons and sliders. Yamaha's controller app for this stage piano is a bonus that makes it effortless to edit the P-255's features.

Richard Leiter mentioned in his Keyboardmag review that the app "handles every single function on the keyboard: Tasks like transposing, recording sequences and WAV files, and editing splits are suddenly a breeze. Even the more sophisticated settings like Key-Off Sample Volume and Damper Pedal Resonance Depth are a slide away. " It's also worth mentioning the hammer action keys provide great resistance that gave a nice feel and response.

Cons

There were a few musicians that found the built-in speakers sound mediocre. It's not much of a problem since it sounds great when plugged to an amplifier.

Overall

This is an roadworthy choice for those who are looking for a unit that emulates quality sounds.

Unfortunately the Yamaha P-255 isn't available new in stores these days, so if you're looking for an alternative then take a look at our guide to Digital Pianos.