The NP-12 features 61 keys, making it considerably smaller than a standard piano - which typically has 88. It may have fewer notes, but Yamaha hasn't compromised on the size of those individual keys. The full-size, waterfall-fronted keys are perfect for novice piano players getting used to the instrument while feeling familiar to experienced pianists. The distinct styling of the keys gives the NP-12 a piano look, helping it stand out from the other home keyboards in the Yamaha catalogue. With that said, I do believe that the sluggish keys hurt the NP-32 / NP-12 in this regard. I’m more used to the weighted keys of fully-fledged digital pianos, but I still found the flatbed keys on the PSR-E363 usable. Straight-off the bat, this is something that stood out to me and in my opinion makes the NP-12 a fine choice for beginners seeking a quality digital piano that isn’t too difficult to come to grips with. The interface is easy to learn, even for first-time players, and there’s no risk of getting overwhelmed by countless buttons, sliders, and knobs. This seems trivial, but the company’s own YDP-series tends to use button-key combos that are less user-friendly than the alternative.

One more thing you might have noticed is the existence of ‘ Graded Soft Touch’ on the NP-32. This might lead you to believe it’s a weighted keybed. This is false, and we’ll talk more about this once we reach the Keyboard section of the review. With a 61-key keyboard, the NP-12 is probably best left to beginners, although experienced players seeking a reliable digital piano to use on the go will certainly appreciate what’s on offer. Weighing just 4.5kg, it’s one of the more impressive portable digital pianos available. The speakers on the NP-32 are another highlight, as they’re of a high wattage compared to the competition. Online demos show off the superb velocity sensitivity of the NP-32, but I personally needed to pay extra attention to nail down my dynamics.

Firmware / Software

Yamaha is one of the digital keyboard brands that is constantly updating and refining its products. It’s no surprise then that the NP-12 is the successor to the popular NP-11, and that it debuts alongside other keyboards in the series like the NP-32. The second electric piano sound is a glittery, 80s kind of bell-synth. It’s extremely bright, but it’s sampled well, and it allows for clean playing across the octaves. Each hit is initiated by a charming bell plink, followed by a warm muted tone that mellows out the first strikes. Using the sustain pedal warms this sound up quite a bit, as the clinks of the bell tone are very short, and the lower tone is longer and catches with the sustain. Another difference worth mentioning is that the NP-11 only has a 32 voice polyphony, while the other two have 64. This is an added benefit for players who need that extra room for notes played at the same time. While the NP-11’s polyphony is enough for beginners, it may not be enough for intermediate and expert level players. The CT-S1 is the latest offering from Casio. This 61 note beginners keyboard delivers fantastic sounds at a great price. However, the smaller number of keys does make the NP-12 a much lighter, more compact piano. Again, if you’re looking for something to use on the go, whether jamming with friends, taking to school, or for sessions, the build of the NP-12 is certainly a plus.

MASTER TUNING. The central tuning of the middle A can be modified from 414.8 Hz – 466.8Hz in 0.2 Hz increments. The default is 440 Hz. Polyphony is a measure of how many notes you can play simultaneously without cutting off earlier notes. As such, if you play 65 notes around the same time, the 1 st note you played will stop abruptly. TRANSPOSITION. You can transpose the keyboard either up 5 semitones or down 6 semitones to adapt to unfamiliar key signatures. Despite being unweighted, Yamaha does include velocity sensitivity, and it is responsive, like with the PSR-E363. You can come to grips with dynamic control, an absolute must for any pianist or keyboardist.

Manuals

Headphones come in very handy when you want to practice in private, focusing solely on your playing and not disturbing others nearby.

For those looking for a full-sized stage piano with weighted keys, we highly recommend the Yamaha P-45. At 61 keys, this keyboard is much more portable than a full range (88 keys), which can be a plus for beginners and mobile players because of its smaller size, but might be a hindrance for classical players who need all of those keys. METRONOME. A standard metronome is included to facilitate practice and can be used while recording.

Yamaha NP12 Piaggero Digital Piano review

But, a t a low price, and a fairly good design, you’re getting good value. The Yamaha NP-12 has enough features for a beginner to get started. You may find yourself needing a more in-depth keyboard down the line (especially since there are only 61 keys on this keyboard), but this is a wonderful place to start. Moreover, a good pair of headphones will provide a clearer and more detailed sound compared to the onboard speakers. The keys themselves have a good feel to them. Although not full-weighted (which is to be expected given the price), the keys still feel quite realistic, albeit slightly lighter. They are made with touch sensitivity, however, so there is more of a realistic feel compared to most other models in this range. When you reach the polyphony cap, the piano starts to drop the earliest played notes to free up memory for new notes, which in turn affects the quality and fullness of the sound.