What is the primary piano sound used in the Yamaha YDP-S35?

The YDP-S35 features high-fidelity samples from Yamaha's flagship CFX concert grand piano, providing a rich and expressive tone.

How many voices does the Yamaha YDP-S35 have?

The instrument includes a total of 10 voices, featuring the CFX grand piano, electric pianos, organs, vibraphone, and strings.

What type of key action does this model use?

It uses the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which provides a heavier touch in the low end and a lighter touch in the high end.

Does the YDP-S35 feature any resonance modeling?

Yes, it incorporates Virtual Resonance Modelling Lite (VRM Lite) to simulate the sympathetic vibrations found in an acoustic grand piano.

How many songs are built into the instrument?

The YDP-S35 comes with 353 built-in songs, offering a wide variety of music for listening and educational purposes.

What is the physical design style of the YDP-S35?

It features a slimline cabinet design with a folding lid, making it more compact than traditional cabinet-style digital pianos.

Are the keys textured on the YDP-S35?

The keyboard features matte black keytops, which offer a more realistic feel and better grip compared to standard glossy keys.

Is the YDP-S35 suitable for small apartments?

Yes, its slim profile and space-saving design are specifically intended for environments where floor space is at a premium.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Yamaha YDP-S35 typically retails for approximately GBP 794, depending on the retailer.

What finishes is the YDP-S35 available in?

While available in other colors, this specific model is finished in White, offering a clean and modern aesthetic.

How does the YDP-S35 compare to the Roland RP701?

The YDP-S35 uses Yamaha's CFX sampling and GHS action, whereas the Roland RP701 uses Roland's own modeling technology and PHA-4 keyboard action.

Does this piano include a bench?

Standard retail units typically do not include a bench, though some retailers may offer bundles such as the Gear4Music VISIONKEY-500 packs.

Gear article

Yamaha YDP-S35 Digital Piano

The Yamaha YDP-S35 is a compact digital piano from the Arius series featuring a slimline cabinet design and the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard action. It utilizes samples from the Yamaha CFX concert grand piano and incorporates Virtual Resonance Modelling Lite (VRM Lite) to replicate the acoustic properties of a grand piano.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The Yamaha YDP-S35 is designed for modern living spaces where floor space may be limited. Unlike traditional cabinet-style digital pianos, the S35 features a 'slimline' profile with a folding lid that serves as a music rest when open and creates a flat, unobtrusive surface when closed. The white finish provides a contemporary aesthetic intended to blend into minimalist interior decors. The instrument is built around an 88-key weighted keyboard, designed to provide the tactile response required for formal piano study and expressive performance.

Sound Generation and Technology

Central to the YDP-S35's performance is the inclusion of Yamaha's flagship CFX concert grand piano samples. This sound is further enhanced by Virtual Resonance Modelling Lite (VRM Lite) technology. VRM Lite simulates the complex sympathetic resonances created when the strings and vibrations of an acoustic piano interact with the soundboard and other strings.

Beyond the primary grand piano sound, the instrument includes nine additional voices: * Electric Pianos * Organs * Vibraphone * Strings

It also features a library of 353 built-in songs, providing extensive material for listening and practice.

Keyboard Action and Feel

The YDP-S35 employs Yamaha's Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard. This action is designed to mimic the physical characteristics of an acoustic piano, where the keys in the lower register have a heavier touch than those in the higher register. The keys are finished with matte black keytops, which are intended to provide a more realistic grip and feel during extended playing sessions, reducing the slipperiness associated with glossier plastic keys.

Target Audience

This model is primarily aimed at student and intermediate players who require a realistic touch and sound but have limited space. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for apartments, bedrooms, or study areas. The inclusion of a comprehensive song library and multiple voices also makes it a versatile tool for hobbyists who enjoy playing along with pre-recorded tracks or experimenting with different instrumental textures like strings and organs.

Market Comparison

Within the digital piano market, the YDP-S35 competes with other compact and mid-range furniture models. Notable alternatives include the Roland RP701 and DP603, which offer different physical designs and sound engines. Those seeking higher-end wooden key actions might look toward the Kawai CA series, such as the CA501 or CA901, while the Casio AP-300 offers a different aesthetic approach in the grey-beige palette. The YDP-S35 remains a popular choice for those specifically seeking the Yamaha CFX sound profile in a space-saving chassis.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary piano sound used in the Yamaha YDP-S35?: The YDP-S35 features high-fidelity samples from Yamaha's flagship CFX concert grand piano, providing a rich and expressive tone.
How many voices does the Yamaha YDP-S35 have?: The instrument includes a total of 10 voices, featuring the CFX grand piano, electric pianos, organs, vibraphone, and strings.
What type of key action does this model use?: It uses the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action, which provides a heavier touch in the low end and a lighter touch in the high end.
Does the YDP-S35 feature any resonance modeling?: Yes, it incorporates Virtual Resonance Modelling Lite (VRM Lite) to simulate the sympathetic vibrations found in an acoustic grand piano.
How many songs are built into the instrument?: The YDP-S35 comes with 353 built-in songs, offering a wide variety of music for listening and educational purposes.
What is the physical design style of the YDP-S35?: It features a slimline cabinet design with a folding lid, making it more compact than traditional cabinet-style digital pianos.
Are the keys textured on the YDP-S35?: The keyboard features matte black keytops, which offer a more realistic feel and better grip compared to standard glossy keys.
Is the YDP-S35 suitable for small apartments?: Yes, its slim profile and space-saving design are specifically intended for environments where floor space is at a premium.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Yamaha YDP-S35 typically retails for approximately GBP 794, depending on the retailer.
What finishes is the YDP-S35 available in?: While available in other colors, this specific model is finished in White, offering a clean and modern aesthetic.
How does the YDP-S35 compare to the Roland RP701?: The YDP-S35 uses Yamaha's CFX sampling and GHS action, whereas the Roland RP701 uses Roland's own modeling technology and PHA-4 keyboard action.
Does this piano include a bench?: Standard retail units typically do not include a bench, though some retailers may offer bundles such as the Gear4Music VISIONKEY-500 packs.