Yamaha YDP-166 Noir

The Yamaha YDP-166 is a digital piano from the Arius series, designed for regular practice at home, from learning to advanced playing. It combines a GrandTouch-E keyboard, samples from the Yamaha CFX concert grand piano, and Bluetooth connectivity for both audio playback and music apps.

Highlights of the Yamaha YDP-166

• GrandTouch-E keyboard with escapement mechanism: This allows you to work on dynamic nuances and articulation, particularly in piano passages and repeated notes.
• Samples from the Yamaha CFX concert grand piano: The variations in the intensity of your playing are reflected in the sound, from pianissimo to the most forceful passages.
• VRM Lite: This technology reproduces the resonances between the strings and the soundboard of an acoustic piano, and influences how chords blend together.
• 192-note polyphony: This provides ample headroom for the sustain pedal and held chords, as each sustained note occupies a voice.
• 20 W amplification per channel: The sound is delivered through built-in speakers, without the need for external speakers.
• Bluetooth audio and MIDI: The former streams music from a smartphone or tablet, while the latter connects the piano to an app wirelessly.

GrandTouch-E keyboard and CFX concert grand piano sampling

The GrandTouch-E key action reproduces the “breakpoint” felt under the finger on a grand piano. This sensation helps you control soft attacks and repeat a note with precision.

The sound is derived from samples of the Yamaha CFX. It responds to the intensity of your touch, allowing you to explore phrasing and dynamic contrasts in classical or romantic repertoire.

VRM Lite Resonance and 192-Note Polyphony

VRM Lite technology reproduces the resonances of the strings and soundboard when you play chords or hold down the sustain pedal. Sustained notes interact with one another, rather than simply adding up without connection.

The 192-note polyphony is the maximum number of simultaneous voices. It is used up more quickly with the pedal depressed during an arpeggiated passage, which explains the value of a high polyphony count for advanced repertoire.

20 W per channel amplification and built-in speakers

The YDP-166 outputs sound through its own speakers, powered by 20 W of amplification per channel. You can play in a room without additional equipment, which simplifies setting up a portable piano in a living room or bedroom.

Bluetooth Audio, Bluetooth MIDI, and Smart Pianist

Bluetooth audio streams music from your smartphone or tablet to the piano, allowing you to play along with a recording, for example. Bluetooth MIDI transmits your playing data to an app without using audio files.

The Smart Pianist app, which you install on your device, gives you access to the piano’s settings and learning features. The YDP-166 also includes 50 classical pieces, 303 exercises, and a two-track recorder, so you can practice one hand at a time and listen back to your performance.