Yamaha CSP-275 Clavinova Smart Digital Piano vs Yamaha CSP-170
The CSP-275 is the newer, better piano: wooden white keys, GrandTouch-S action, Grand Expression Modeling, 819 voices and Bluetooth MIDI. The CSP-170 is the older generation with a Natural Wood X keyboard, 692 voices and no Bluetooth. Both are big, heavy console pianos, so buy on price and generation. Check current prices at each store before deciding, since no dated price was given for either model.
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Yamaha CSP-275 Clavinova Smart Digital Piano
Choose the CSP-275 if you want the newer Clavinova with wooden keys, Grand Expression Modeling, 819 voices and wireless Bluetooth MIDI control from the Smart Pianist app.
- Wooden white keys and GrandTouch-S action feel closer to a grand.
- Grand Expression Modeling adds tonal response the CSP-170 lacks.
- Bluetooth MIDI lets the Smart Pianist app connect without cables.
- 819 voices and 495 styles give more variety.
- Strong onboard amplification for a console piano.
- 133 kg makes moving it a two-person job.
- Costs more than the older CSP-170 in most stores.
What separates them
| Yamaha CSP-275 Clavinova Smart Digital Piano | Yamaha CSP-170 | |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | GrandTouch-S weighted, wooden white keys, synthetic ebony and ivory keytops | Natural Wood X (NWX) weighted, synthetic ebony and ivory keytops |
| Sound engine | VRM plus Grand Expression Modeling | VRM only |
| Voices | 819 voices, 403 songs, 495 styles | 692 voices plus 29 drum/SFX kits |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C, MIDI In/Out/Thru, Bluetooth audio and MIDI | USB and MIDI, no Bluetooth listed |
| Amplification | (50 W + 50 W) x 2, 16 cm + 8 cm x 2 speakers | Not stated in the listing |
| Touch sensitivity | Five curves plus fixed | Fixed only per the spec sheet |
| Learning features | Stream Lights, Audio To Score, Smart Pianist app |
Price history
- Yamaha CSP-275 Clavinova Smart Digital Piano: lowest $4,066.75 on Nov 1 at Presto Music.
- Yamaha CSP-170: lowest $3,999.99 on Nov 1 at Heid Music Co.
Prices at every store
Yamaha CSP-275 Clavinova Smart Digital Piano
- Presto MusicCheck price at Presto Music
Yamaha CSP-170
- Eckroth MusicCheck price at Eckroth Music
- Heid Music CoCheck price at Heid Music Co
Specs compared
| Spec | Yamaha CSP-275 Clavinova Smart Digital Piano | Yamaha CSP-170 |
|---|---|---|
| Number Of Keys | 88 | 88 |
| Weighted Keys | Yes | Yes, Graded Hammer 3X weighted action |
| Key Action | Escapement | Escapement |
| Touch Sensitivity | Yes, Soft2/Soft1/Medium/Hard1/Hard2/Fixed | Fixed |
| Key Material | Wooden keys (white only), Synthetic ebony and i… | Synthetic ebony and ivory keytops |
| Key Finish | Synthetic ebony and ivory keytops | Synthetic Ebony and Ivory Tops |
| Number Of Pedals | 3 | 3 |
| Pedal Type | Sostenuto, Damper, Soft | Sostenuto, Damper, Foot pedals, Soft |
| Pedals Included | Yes | Yes |
| Pedal Functions |
What reviewers say
Yamaha CSP-275 Clavinova Smart Digital Piano
Owners of the CSP-200 series generally praise the piano sound and the guided-learning features, and reviewers treat the wooden GrandTouch-S action as a clear step up from entry Clavinovas. The most common complaints concern size, weight, and the app dependency for the smart features.
- Authentic grand piano tone from the CFX and Bösendorfer samples
- Stream Lights make learning new pieces faster
- Wooden key feel close to an acoustic grand
- Smart Pianist app is intuitive for settings and practice
- Heavy and hard to move once assembled
- Some features require the app and a connected device
- Price is high compared with slab pianos
- Speaker sound can feel boxy in small rooms
Yamaha CSP-170
Owner feedback on the Yamaha CSP-170 is generally positive, with praise for its realistic keyboard action and the interactive learning features. Some users find the tablet integration essential but occasionally cumbersome, and a few note that the piano is heavy and takes up significant space.
Questions and answers
- Is the CSP-275 worth the extra over the CSP-170?
- Yes if you play seriously. The wooden keys, GrandTouch-S action and Grand Expression Modeling are real playing differences, and Bluetooth removes the cable to your tablet. If you only need the CFX sound and Stream Lights, the CSP-170 covers that.
- Which has the better keyboard?
- The CSP-275. It uses the GrandTouch-S action with wooden white keys. The CSP-170 uses the older Natural Wood X action, which is good but a step behind.
- Do both have Stream Lights and Audio To Score?
- Yes. Both models guide you to the next key with Stream Lights and can turn audio into score with Audio To Score through the Smart Pianist app.
- Can I connect my phone or tablet wirelessly?
- On the CSP-275, yes, via Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth audio. The CSP-170 spec sheet lists USB and MIDI only, so plan on a cable.
- Which is easier to move?
- Neither is easy. The CSP-275 weighs 133 kg (293 lb). The CSP-170's weight is not reliably listed, but it is also a heavy console piano. Hire movers for either.
- Do they sound the same?
- They share the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial samples and VRM. The CSP-275 adds Grand Expression Modeling, which changes how the tone responds to your touch.