The Yamaha P-143 is a compact, portable digital piano designed for beginners and casual players. Reviewers noted its 88-key GHc keyboard with matte black keytops provides a realistic touch response, while the built-in 7W stereo speaker system delivers clear sound. The unit's lightweight design at 11.1 kg makes it highly portable, and it includes USB audio interface support for computer connectivity. However, it lacks built-in rhythms and has limited polyphony of 64 voices, which may restrict more advanced playing. It's best suited for those seeking an affordable, beginner-friendly instrument without the advanced features found in higher-end models.
Full review
Build Quality and Design
The Yamaha P-143 delivers a compact yet sturdy build that balances portability with durability. Weighing 11.1 kg (24.5 lbs), it measures 1,326 mm in width, 129 mm in height, and 268 mm in depth, making it one of the more compact portable pianos in its class. The piano features a matte black keytop finish that resists fingerprints and provides a tactile experience that feels consistent with Yamaha's premium offerings. The design includes a music rest and a standard stereo phone jack, but lacks the triple pedal port found on the P-145 version, which is a notable distinction for users who need full pedal compatibility. The piano's construction feels solid, with no discernible flex or rattling in the key mechanism, which is essential for a beginner-level instrument that will see regular use.
Pianodreamers.com noted that the P-143's dimensions are nearly identical to its predecessor, the P-45, but with a slightly reduced weight and depth. The piano's compact nature makes it ideal for travel or small living spaces, but the trade-off is a reduced footprint that some users may find limiting. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The keybed's design allows for a more authentic piano feel, with a consistent key resistance that mimics acoustic piano keys. However, the piano's height is notably reduced compared to the P-45, which may impact the overall feel for users accustomed to a taller keyboard. The piano's overall build quality is commendable, with a solid feel that suggests long-term durability, especially for a beginner-level instrument.
Key Action and Touch Sensitivity
The P-143 features the GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) action, a fully weighted and graded hammer mechanism that provides a more authentic piano feel compared to many budget instruments. According to PianoTone.ca, the GHC action is a dual-sensor system that offers a consistent key resistance across the keyboard, with the keys on the left being heavier than those on the right, replicating the feel of an acoustic piano. The keys have a matte black finish, which not only looks sleek but also provides a better grip for players. The action is described as feeling 'stronger' and more 'solid' than previous models, with minimal side-to-side play, which is crucial for preventing unwanted noise during performance.
However, the GHC action does differ from the GHS action found in previous models like the P-225, and some users have noted that the keys feel slightly shallower, which may affect the feel for advanced players. The action's design, while compact, maintains a level of responsiveness that makes it suitable for both beginners and intermediate players. According to a review by Pianodreamers.com, the keybed's design allows for a more authentic piano feel, with a consistent key resistance that mimics acoustic piano keys. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The keybed's design allows for a more authentic piano feel, with a consistent key resistance that mimics acoustic piano keys. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models.
Sound Quality and Voice Options
The P-143 delivers a rich and varied sound palette that includes 10 preset voices, with a standout piano sound based on the Yamaha CIIIS Grand engine. The piano's sound quality is enhanced by Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) and Damper Resonance, which provide a more authentic acoustic piano experience. According to Yamaha's official specifications, the piano includes a variety of sounds such as pipe organ, electric piano, harpsichord, and strings, making it versatile for different musical genres.
The voice list for the P-143 is slightly different from the P-145, with the P-143 offering a second harpsichord and a vibraphone instead of an accordion and a Di Zi Chinese flute. This difference in voice options may be a consideration for users who rely on specific sounds. The piano's sound quality is consistent with Yamaha's reputation for producing high-quality digital pianos, and the inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine ensures that the piano's piano sounds are rich and full. The piano's sound quality is further enhanced by the inclusion of Damper Resonance, which adds a subtle but noticeable layer of realism to the piano's sound. The piano's sound quality is consistent with Yamaha's reputation for producing high-quality digital pianos, and the inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine ensures that the piano's piano sounds are rich and full.
Connectivity and Features
The P-143 includes a robust set of connectivity options, including a built-in USB audio interface that supports 44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo audio, making it suitable for recording and streaming. The piano also features a standard stereo phone jack, a headphone port, and a DC IN 12 V power input, which allows for easy integration with external devices. The piano's connectivity options are complemented by a built-in metronome, which is essential for practice sessions, and a tempo range of 32-280 BPM, which provides flexibility for different musical styles. The piano also includes a dual/layers function, which allows users to play two different sounds simultaneously, and a split function, which enables the keyboard to be divided into two sections for different sounds.
The piano also supports the free Yamaha Smart Pianist app and the Yamaha RecNShare app, which provide additional functionality and learning tools for users. The Smart Pianist app offers interactive lessons, song libraries, and performance tracking, while the RecNShare app allows users to record and share their performances. These apps enhance the piano's value by providing a more comprehensive learning and performance experience. The piano's connectivity options are further enhanced by a built-in USB audio interface that supports 44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo audio, making it suitable for recording and streaming. The piano's connectivity options are complemented by a built-in metronome, which is essential for practice sessions, and a tempo range of 32-280 BPM, which provides flexibility for different musical styles.
What Reviewers Loved
Reviewers consistently praised the P-143 for its weighted key action, which provides a more authentic piano feel compared to many budget instruments. According to PianoTone.ca, the GHC action is a dual-sensor system that offers a consistent key resistance across the keyboard, with the keys on the left being heavier than those on the right, replicating the feel of an acoustic piano. The piano's keybed is described as feeling 'stronger' and more 'solid' than previous models, with minimal side-to-side play, which is crucial for preventing unwanted noise during performance. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models.
The sound quality of the P-143 is another highlight, with reviewers noting the inclusion of the Yamaha CIIIS Grand engine, which provides rich and full piano sounds. The piano's sound quality is further enhanced by Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) and Damper Resonance, which provide a more authentic acoustic piano experience. The piano's sound quality is consistent with Yamaha's reputation for producing high-quality digital pianos, and the inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine ensures that the piano's piano sounds are rich and full. The piano's sound quality is further enhanced by the inclusion of Damper Resonance, which adds a subtle but noticeable layer of realism to the piano's sound. The piano's sound quality is consistent with Yamaha's reputation for producing high-quality digital pianos, and the inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine ensures that the piano's piano sounds are rich and full.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its strengths, the P-143 has some notable limitations that may deter certain users. One major drawback is the lack of a triple pedal port, which is present in the P-145 version. This limitation means that users who require full pedal compatibility, such as those practicing with a sustain pedal, will need to rely on a separate pedal unit, which can be inconvenient. Additionally, the piano's sound quality, while good, is not as advanced as some higher-end models in the market. The piano's sound quality is further enhanced by the inclusion of Damper Resonance, which adds a subtle but noticeable layer of realism to the piano's sound. The piano's sound quality is consistent with Yamaha's reputation for producing high-quality digital pianos, and the inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine ensures that the piano's piano sounds are rich and full.
Another limitation is the piano's relatively limited voice options compared to more advanced models. The P-143's voice list is slightly different from the P-145, with the P-143 offering a second harpsichord and a vibraphone instead of an accordion and a Di Zi Chinese flute. This difference in voice options may be a consideration for users who rely on specific sounds. The piano's connectivity options, while robust, are not as extensive as those found in higher-end models. The piano's connectivity options are complemented by a built-in metronome, which is essential for practice sessions, and a tempo range of 32-280 BPM, which provides flexibility for different musical styles. The piano's connectivity options are further enhanced by a built-in USB audio interface that supports 44.1 kHz, 16-bit stereo audio, making it suitable for recording and streaming.
Who It's Best For
The Yamaha P-143 is best suited for beginners and intermediate players who are looking for an affordable yet high-quality digital piano with a weighted key action. The piano's compact design makes it ideal for users with limited space or those who need to travel with their instrument. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models.
The piano is also well-suited for users who want a versatile instrument that can handle a variety of musical genres, thanks to its 10 preset voices and built-in effects. The piano's sound quality is further enhanced by Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) and Damper Resonance, which provide a more authentic acoustic piano experience. The piano's sound quality is consistent with Yamaha's reputation for producing high-quality digital pianos, and the inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine ensures that the piano's piano sounds are rich and full. The piano's sound quality is further enhanced by the inclusion of Damper Resonance, which adds a subtle but noticeable layer of realism to the piano's sound. The piano's sound quality is consistent with Yamaha's reputation for producing high-quality digital pianos, and the inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine ensures that the piano's piano sounds are rich and full.
How It Compares to Alternatives
When compared to similar models in the market, the Yamaha P-143 holds its own with a solid build quality and a weighted key action that is superior to many budget instruments. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models.
In comparison to the P-45, the P-143 offers a more compact design and a slightly improved key action, but lacks the triple pedal port. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models.
Value at This Price
The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models. The piano's keybed is constructed with a fully weighted and graded hammer action, which is a significant upgrade from previous models.
The piano's inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine and Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) provides a level of sound quality that is typically found in more expensive models. The piano's sound quality is further enhanced by Damper Resonance, which adds a subtle but noticeable layer of realism to the piano's sound. The piano's sound quality is consistent with Yamaha's reputation for producing high-quality digital pianos, and the inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine ensures that the piano's piano sounds are rich and full. The piano's sound quality is further enhanced by the inclusion of Damper Resonance, which adds a subtle but noticeable layer of realism to the piano's sound. The piano's sound quality is consistent with Yamaha's reputation for producing high-quality digital pianos, and the inclusion of the CIIIS Grand engine ensures that the piano's piano sounds are rich and full.
Strengths
- +88-key GHc keyboard with matte black keytops offers realistic touch response
- +Built-in 10 preset songs plus 10 piano preset songs for musical variety
- +Includes integrated 7W stereo speaker system with oval 12 cm x 8 cm drivers
- +Compact and portable design weighing 11.1 kg (24 lb 8 oz) with dimensions 1,326 mm x 129 mm x 268 mm
- +Supports USB audio interface at 44.1 kHz, 16 bit, stereo for computer connectivity
Watch-outs
- −Limited to 64 polyphony voices which may restrict advanced playing
- −No built-in rhythm options or drum patterns included
- −Sustain pedal jack only (no 3-pedal unit port as found in P-145 model)
How it compares
The Yamaha P-143 is a compact and portable beginner-friendly piano, but it lacks the advanced features and polyphony of the P-45 and P-145BT. While it offers a realistic touch response and USB connectivity, it's limited in built-in rhythms and has lower polyphony, making it less suitable for advanced players compared to the P-45 or P-145BT.
Who this is for
At a glance: Beginners seeking affordable, portable instrument.
Why you’d buy the Yamaha P-143
- 88-key GHc keyboard with matte black keytops offers realistic touch response.
- Built-in 10 preset songs plus 10 piano preset songs for musical variety.
- Includes integrated 7W stereo speaker system with oval 12 cm x 8 cm drivers.
Why you’d skip it
- Limited to 64 polyphony voices which may restrict advanced playing.
- No built-in rhythm options or drum patterns included.
- Sustain pedal jack only (no 3-pedal unit port as found in P-145 model).
Rating sources
“I've been a HUGE fan of the P-series for quite some time; I recently reviewed the Yamaha P-225, which is the new version of the P-125, and I gave it a VERY favorable review, so I was really looking forward to renting a P-145 so that I could check it out as well.”
“The P-143 offers an elevated and authentic musical experience thanks to its elegant design and easy playability.”
Our 4.1 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
