A versatile companion for pianists of all levels: Discover the Yamaha CLP-885

The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-885 stands as the flagship model of the CLP-800 series, which was released last year. Designed to inspire pianists of all levels, this digital piano combines advanced technology with the elegance and feel of a traditional grand piano. Whether you're just beginning your musical journey, working through your grades, or performing at a professional level, the CLP-885 delivers exceptional versatility and a truly authentic playing experience.

This blog delves into the remarkable features that set the CLP-885 apart, including its GrandTouch keyboard, Grand Expression Modelling, and lifelike CFX and Bösendorfer binaural samples. With its refined design echoing the graceful curves of a grand piano and Yamaha’s cutting-edge speaker technology, the CLP-885 captures every nuance of expression, making it much more than just an instrument – it’s a musical companion for life.

Why the Yamaha CLP-885 is Perfect for Every Pianist

The Yamaha CLP-885 isn’t just a digital piano; it’s a refined instrument designed to cater to pianists at every stage of their journey, from beginners to seasoned professionals. Packed with advanced features, this flagship model of the CLP-800 series sets a new benchmark for digital pianos, blending cutting-edge technology with an authentic playing experience. Let’s explore these standout features and why they make the CLP-885 such an exceptional choice.

GrandTouch Keyboard with 88 Linear Graded Keys

The GrandTouch keyboard offers an unparalleled level of realism, designed to replicate the feel of an acoustic grand piano. With 88 linear graded keys, each individual key has its own weight and balance, providing a graduated feel from heavier bass keys to lighter treble ones. This not only mirrors the mechanics of a grand piano but also ensures that pianists of all skill levels can refine their technique with precision.

• For beginners: The keyboard supports the development of proper finger strength and control, helping to build solid foundations for technique.
• For intermediate players: The responsiveness of the keys aids in mastering dynamic control and interpreting graded repertoire with accuracy.
• For professionals: The nuanced touch allows for expressive performances, handling the complexities of advanced compositions with ease.

The addition of counterweights and individual key sensors ensures a level of control that accommodates every subtle detail of a performance, whether it’s a light pianissimo or a powerful fortissimo.

GP Response Damper Pedal

Yamaha’s newly designed GP Response Damper Pedal is a standout feature of the CLP-885. This pedal mimics the functionality of a grand piano, offering precise control over half-pedalling techniques.

• Learning made easier: Beginners can develop a clear understanding of how subtle pedal adjustments affect the sound.
• Expressive freedom: Professionals benefit from the pedal's sensitivity, which allows for smooth transitions between tones and expressive depth during performances.

This enhancement brings authenticity to every aspect of pedalling, making it feel indistinguishable from that of an acoustic instrument.

Advanced Sound Technologies

The sound engine of the CLP-885 has been crafted to deliver an unparalleled audio experience, bringing the magic of the world’s finest grand pianos to your fingertips.

• CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial Voices: At the heart of the CLP-885 are its CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial binaural samples, capturing every nuance of these two iconic concert grand pianos. When played through headphones, the binaural sampling creates an immersive experience, as if the sound is emanating directly from the instrument in front of you.

  These voices are not only stunningly realistic but are also perfectly suited for pianists who practice late into the evening or need to use headphones in shared spaces.

• Virtual Resonance Modelling (VRM): The VRM feature ensures that every interaction between the strings, soundboard, and pedals is faithfully recreated. This means that the CLP-885 doesn’t just play notes—it replicates the complex harmonic interactions of an acoustic piano. Every subtle detail, from sympathetic string vibrations to pedal dampening effects, is captured, ensuring the piano responds to your playing in the most natural way possible.
• Grand Expression Modelling: By simulating the interplay of key speed, depth, and pressure, the CLP-885 gives pianists complete control over their sound. The result? Performances that are not just technically accurate but emotionally powerful.

Spruce Cone Speakers and Enhanced Acoustic Design

The spruce cone speakers in the CLP-885 are crafted using the same wood as Yamaha's acoustic piano soundboards, offering unmatched tonal clarity and warmth. These cones reproduce the rich, resonant qualities of a grand piano, ensuring every note is full-bodied and vibrant.

Compared to its predecessor, the CLP-785, the CLP-885 features improved speaker technology, including Yamaha’s Grand Acoustic Imaging, which provides a more accurate projection of sound. The 3-way speaker system (45W + 30W + 40W x 2) fills any room with immersive, lifelike sound, perfectly balancing the bass, mid, and treble frequencies. This setup creates the sensation of playing an acoustic grand in a concert hall, with sound that surrounds the player and resonates beautifully throughout the space.

Features That Make Learning Fun and Accessible

The Yamaha CLP-885 goes beyond being just a digital piano; it’s a versatile tool for learning, offering a range of features that make practice enjoyable and rewarding for beginners and students alike.

One standout feature is the 303 built-in lesson songs, which include popular classical pieces and practice exercises. These pieces allow learners to play along, helping them build confidence and refine their skills. For students who enjoy a structured approach to learning, the integrated onboard metronome is a crucial tool for developing timing and rhythm, ensuring they stay on tempo as they progress through pieces.

The 16-track recording function adds an extra layer of interactivity, enabling students to record their performances and listen back. This feature is invaluable for self-assessment, allowing players to pinpoint areas for improvement and track their progress over time. Additionally, the Bluetooth connectivity transforms the learning experience by letting students stream audio directly through the piano’s speakers or connect to Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app, which offers intuitive learning tools, sheet music displays, and more to make practice sessions more engaging.

Ideal for Teachers and Educational Settings

For teachers, the Yamaha CLP-885 is a comprehensive teaching tool that enhances lessons and creates a dynamic learning environment. The Dual Voice and Split Mode features are particularly useful in one-on-one teaching sessions, allowing the teacher and student to play side by side on different octaves or experiment with layered sounds for creative exploration. These features not only foster collaboration but also make it easier for teachers to demonstrate techniques in real time.

Recording capabilities are another highlight for educators. Teachers can easily record lessons or student performances, providing a reference for future practice or progress reviews. This is particularly helpful in identifying areas where a student needs extra focus.

Moreover, the headphone compatibility ensures quiet practice in group settings or shared spaces, allowing multiple students to practice simultaneously without disturbing each other. And with Yamaha’s binaural sampling technology, students wearing headphones experience a sound so lifelike, it feels as though they’re sitting in front of an acoustic grand piano.

A Stage and Studio Performer

The Yamaha CLP-885 isn’t just a learning tool; it’s also a powerhouse for professional use, making it a favourite among performers and recording artists. Its MIDI, USB, and Bluetooth connectivity ensures seamless integration with modern recording studios and live setups, giving musicians the flexibility to connect to digital audio workstations, external devices, and apps with ease.

For stage performances, the CLP-885’s polished ebony finish and authentic resonance create a stunning visual and auditory experience. Its ability to mimic the sound and feel of a concert grand piano ensures it commands attention in live settings, while its portability and durable build make it ideal for touring musicians.

The CLP-885’s wide variety of voices – 53 instrument voices, 48 XG voices, and 14 drum/SFX kits – offers genre-spanning versatility. Whether you’re performing a classical recital, a jazz improvisation, or an electronic composition, this piano delivers a rich palette of tones to suit any style. The spruce cone speakers further enhance the sound, ensuring that every note resonates with clarity and depth, even in larger venues.

Elegant Design for Modern Homes

The Yamaha CLP-885 isn’t just a musical powerhouse; it’s also a statement piece for your home. Its polished ebony finish exudes the timeless elegance of an acoustic grand piano, while the sleek, modern curves of its design blend seamlessly with contemporary interiors. Despite its compact footprint, the CLP-885 sacrifices nothing in performance or style, making it a perfect fit for homes where space is at a premium but quality and aesthetics are non-negotiable.

Explore the Yamaha CLP-800 Range

The Yamaha CLP-885 is the pinnacle of the CLP-800 series, but the range is thoughtfully designed to offer something for every pianist:

• CLP-825: An ideal entry-level option with remarkable sound quality and essential features.
• CLP-835: Builds on the CLP-825 with enhanced keyboard sensitivity and sound projection.
• CLP-845: Offers advanced action with an upgraded sound system for more nuanced performances.
• CLP-865GP: A stunning baby grand design that combines premium features with a bold aesthetic.
• CLP-875: A step below the CLP-885 but still packed with professional-grade capabilities.

Each model in the CLP-800 range represents Yamaha’s dedication to innovation, offering pianists of all levels access to exceptional sound and design.

Celebrating 40 Years of Innovation

Last year marked a significant milestone for Yamaha as the brand celebrated 40 years of producing high-quality pianos at Broughton Pianos. As a proud Yamaha Agent Dealer, we’re delighted to offer the CLP-885 alongside other top-tier Yamaha instruments. With over four decades of expertise, we’re passionate about helping our customers find the perfect piano, whether you’re looking for an entry-level model or a professional-grade instrument.

Visit Broughton Pianos today to experience the Yamaha CLP-885 and let our knowledgeable staff guide you through its exceptional features. Whether you’re looking to purchase a new piano, explore financing options, or book a personalized demonstration, we’re here to help. Let us help you find your perfect musical companion.

Yamaha Premium Delivery – The White Glove Experience

As a Yamaha Agent Dealer, Broughton Pianos is proud to offer the Yamaha Premium Delivery & Installation Service. This service ensures your piano is delivered and installed with care, leaving it in a "Ready to Play" state for you to enjoy immediately.

The delivery includes:

• Professional transportation and assembly.
• Placement in your chosen ground-floor location.
• Full removal and responsible recycling of all packaging.

With Yamaha Premium Delivery, you can sit back and relax, knowing your piano will arrive in perfect condition and be expertly set up for your first performance.

Visit Broughton Pianos to discover the Yamaha CLP-885 and book your demonstration today.