Yamaha YDP 163 / Yamaha YDP 163 Review/ Yamaha YDP 163 Price / Yamaha YDP 163 Compare Sound & Function -Digital Piano Best Review..
Yamaha YDP 163 Black

Yamaha released the newest YDP 163 and YDP 143 series with better GH3 graded hammer key action with ivory touch feeling compare to its’ predecessor YDP 142 and YDP 162. Yamaha YDP 163 contains pure CF sound engine that simulates Yamaha CFIIIS grand piano sound along with 9 other sounds. YDP 163 came out with more polyphony, key sensitivity, and other small features than 162, but it needs less power. Along with existing usb midi function, there is now bluetooth function (requires wireless adaptor) available that user can now connect Yamaha YDP 163 to an ios device or computer wirelessly. Though it has powerful speakers, players can enjoy the sound of Yamaha CFIIIS though headphones with Yamaha YDP 163’s stereophonic optimizer. Yamaha YDP 163 comes with high-quality factory matching bench that adds sophistication of this Yamaha YDP 163. YDP 163 is perfect for both pro-pianists, and novice players at home or stage. Yamaha YDP 163 is available in black and rosewood in America.
Yamaha YDP 163 has sampling of Yamaha’s legendary stage 9′ grand piano CF3S (CFIIIS) which has warm and rich tones.
Apps | Apps can be used on your smartphones and pads which connects to the Yamaha YDP 163. You can enhance your enjoyment through variety of apps and functions through this technology.
Even though Yamaha YDP 163 does not have screen (still, intuitive controls) but Yamaha provides an app called Digital Piano Controller, which allows users for easier and more precise control like diving exact point of split function.
Yamaha YDP 163 Pedals
Grand pianos have 3 pedals:
-Damper (sustain) – located on the right, takes damper off the keys to make sound to resonate.
-Una Corda (soft) – located on the left, changes the volume of tone and timbre of sound.
-Sostenuto – located on the middle, sustain selected note(s) while other notes are not sustained.
And most upright pianos do not have Una Corda and Sostenuto pedals, they have half blow pedal and practice pedal instead:
-Half blow – This pedal is similar function as Una Corda but it is mechanically different because instead of hammers move aside to hit less string, hammers go closer to the strings.
-practice (muffler, mute) – This is completely different than Sostenuto pedal because this pedal just places a felt-fabric curtain between the hammers and string to make smaller sound.
Yamaha YDP 163’s all 3 pedals are grand piano’s pedals.
Sound | with Pure CF engine sound, Yamaha YDP 163 can simulate 3 grand piano sounds including CFIIIS, 2 E-pianos, harpsichord, vibraphone, pipe organ, jazz organ, and strings. 192 polyphony of YDP 163 enables players to experience dynamic and responsive sound. The synthesis of Yamaha YDP 163’s powerful dual speakers and meticulous sound sampling will give the best playing experience to players.
Touch | Yamaha YDP 163 has 88-key weighted hammer action. It has similar system as an acoustic piano in that higher pitched keys are lighter than lower pitched keys. YDP 163 has new GH3 key sensor, which is more sensitive and acoustic-like than its’ before model YDP 162.
Layer (Dual layer) | With this technique, you can play two different sounds simultaneously on one key. You will be able to play ‘piano and string’ sound or ‘piano and organ’ sound simultaneously on one key. You will be able to make the performance more beautiful and will give you more enjoyment.
Duet Mode | You can divide the keyboard into two separate keyboards with the same chromatic scale. This is will become similar to playing two different pianos; it is fit for performance or a lesson between a student and a teacher.
Split | You can play two different instrument sounds on each hand within a keyboard. For example, left hand can play vibratone, right hand can play piano; it gives effect of one person playing two different instrument sound.
Transpose Function | You can easily harmonize with different instruments.
Conserve Energy| In standby mode, the product consumes less power. Instrument turns off automatically after certain time when it was turned on by mistake or left on.
Other| Yamaha YDP 163 includes recording, metronome, USB function, 50 Greats for the piano music book, optional wireless adapter(can connect to smart devices to use app), and it has an OUT IN plug that can connect to another speaker. Yamaha YDP 163 also has USB function that connects to computer to do composition.
Option| Yamaha YDP 163 comes with piano, cabinet stand, A/C adapter, 3 pedal and 4-legged bench
Color| black and rosewood are available in America, but no satin white
Warranty| Yamaha YDP 163 provides 3 year part and labor warranty.
Yamaha YDP 163 and YDP 162 Comparison
YDP 163 | YDP 162 | |
Polyphony | 192 | 128 |
Key sensor | GH3 (3 sensors) | GH (2 sensors) |
Power Consumption | 12W | 13W |
Bluetooth using adapter | Yes | N |
Yamaha YDP 163 and YDP 181 and YDP V240 Comparison
YDP 163 | YDP 181 | YDP V240 | |
# of voices | 10 | 14 | 504 |
Polyphony | 192 | 128 | 64 |
Action | GH3 | GH | GHS |
Sound Engine | Pure CF Sound Engine | AWM Dynamic Stereo sampling | AWM Dynamic Stereo sampling |
# of songs | 60 | 64 | 30 |
The most important things that people should consider when buying a digital piano are Polyphony, Action, Sound Engine, and tone. Even though YDP 163 has less # of voices and preset songs, it has best and latest polyphony, action, and sound engine compare to the other 2.
Specs (Yamaha official website Specification)
Size/Weight
Dimensions | Width | 53 7/16″ (1357 mm) |
---|---|---|
Height | 33 27/64″ (849 mm) | |
Depth | 16 5/8″ (422 mm) | |
Weight | Weight | 9 lbs., 10 oz (42.0 kg) |
Control Interface
Keyboard | Number of Keys | 88 |
---|---|---|
Type | GH3 keyboard with synthetic ivory key tops | |
Touch Response | Hard/Medium/Soft/Fixed | |
Pedal | Number of Pedals | 3 |
Half Pedal | Yes | |
Functions | Damper, Sostenuto, Soft | |
Panel | Language | English |
Cabinet
Key Cover | Key Cover Style | Sliding |
---|---|---|
Music Rest | Yes |
Voices
Tone Generation | Piano Sound | Pure CF Sound Engine |
---|---|---|
Damper Resonance | Yes | |
Polyphony | Number of Polyphony (Max.) | 192 |
Preset | Number of Voices | 10 |
Effects
Types | Reverb | 4 types |
---|---|---|
Intelligent Acoustic Control (IAC) | Yes |
Songs
Preset | Number of Preset Songs | 10 Demo Songs, 50 Piano Preset Songs |
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Recording | Number of Songs | 1 |
Number of Tracks | 2 | |
Data Capacity | 100 KB/Song (Approx. 11,000 notes) | |
Compatible Data Format | Playback | Standard MIDI File (SMF) Format 0 & 1 |
Recording | Standard MIDI File (SMF) Format 0 |
Functions
Miscellaneous | Dual/Layers | Yes |
---|---|---|
Duo | Yes | |
Metronome | Yes | |
Tempo Range | 5 – 280 | |
Transpose | -6 – 0 – +6 | |
Tuning | 414.8 – 440.0 – 466.8 Hz |
Storage and Connectivity
Storage | Internal Memory | Total maximum size approx. 900 KB (User song : One song approx. 100 KB Loading song data from a computer : Up to 10 songs) |
---|---|---|
Connectivity | Headphones | Standard stereo phone jack (x 2) |
USB TO HOST | Yes |
Amplifiers and Speakers
Amplifiers | 20W x 2 | |
---|---|---|
Speakers | Oval (4.72″ x 2.36″) x 2 |
Power Supply
Power Supply | PA-300C or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha | |
---|---|---|
Power Consumption | 12W (When using PA-300C AC adaptor) | |
Auto Power Off | Yes |
Accessories
Included Accessories | Bench | Yes (Optional depending on locale) |
---|---|---|
Song Book | 50 Greats for the Piano | |
Others | Owner’s Manual, Quick Operation Guide |
Yamaha YDP 163 official website: http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/keyboards/digitalpianos/arius_series/ydp-143/?mode=model