Known as one of the more popular digital piano manufacturers, Yamaha offers sturdy, reliable pianos that come at a reasonable price. The Yamaha YDP-143 Arius is no different. With a Graded Hammer Standard keyboard, improved Pure CF Engine, damper resonance, and 192-note polyphony, this model ranks high for quality and cost.
This Yamaha YDP-143 review will go over the main features of this model.
Touch
Like many of its predecessors, the Yamaha YDP-143 Arius is equipped with a Graded Hammer action keyboard. This feature allows the keyboard to have a more well-balanced feel, similar to that of a real piano.
Matte-finished black keys allows pianists to play for extended periods of time without the keys becoming slippery.
Players can also choose between soft, medium, or hard touch response thanks to the standard, individual weighting setting, satisfying players of all levels. However, it has been reported that when using the harder touch settings a distracting buzzing may occur, especially in the lower octaves.
I've collected a list of other great digital pianos you should also consider:
| Photo | Model | Keys | Polyphony | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Yamaha P115 | 88 | 192 | -$$- | |
 | Yamaha P45 | 88 | 64 | -$- | |
 | Casio PX860 | 88 | 256 | -$$$- | |
 | Casio Privia PX-160 | 88 | 128 | -$- | |
 | Yamaha YDP163 | 88 | 192 | -$$$- | |
 | Yamaha DGX-660 | 88 | 192 | -$$- |
Sound
The improved Pure CF Engine provides samples of high resolution recordings of concert grand pianos.
It also features 10 voices and allows players to layer two voices simultaneously, thus creating various new effects.
The Yamaha YDP-143R Arius has excellent sustain and damper resonance. Acoustic piano depth with newly improved reverbs replicate the feeling of playing in multiple environments and maintain a more detailed nuance when playing.
Equipped with dual amplifiers and speakers, as well as a two-track recorder, and dual headphone outputs, this piano is great for those looking to compose or playback their own practicings.
Features
192-note polyphony allows most pieces, even those of extreme virtuosity, to be played without any dropped notes.
One particular exciting improvement is that of the app capable of connecting to the keyboard itself and optimized for iOS touch screens, allowing players to save preset settings and share recordings.
The build-in two-track MIDI recorder allows for multiple track layering. Hands may be recorded separately for hand-separate practicing at any tempo. Ideal for the beginner pianist, practice one hand, while the recording plays.
50 different songs are also built in, allowing for hours of learning and numerous creative opportunities.
Tech Specs
Dimensions:
Width 1,369mm (53-7/8")
Height 852mm (33-9/16")
Depth 502mm (19-3/4")
Weight 38kg (83.75 lbs.)
Keyboard: 88 hammer action keys with black matte finish
Touch Response: Hard, Medium, Soft, Fixed
Pedals: Damper, Sostenuto, Soft
Sound: 192-Note Polyphony, CF Sound Engine, Damper Resonance, 10 voices
Effects: 4 reverb, Intelligent Acoustic Control
Functions: Dual/Layers, Duo
Metronome: 5 - 280 BPM
Transpose: -6, 0, +6
Tuning: 414.8, 440.0, 466.8 Hz
Storage: 900 KB (about 9 songs)
Speakers: 2 x Oval - 4.7 x 2.4" (120 x 60 mm)
Amplifiers: 2 x 6 W
