Yamaha Clavinova CLP-885

The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-885 is the flagship upright model in Yamaha's renowned Clavinova line, delivering the closest digital approximation to a concert grand piano experience in a console form factor. With its GrandTouch wooden-key action, dual concert grand samples, and a powerful 300W speaker system, this is the digital piano you buy when you want the real thing but cannot have an acoustic grand.

Sound Engine and Voices

The CLP-885 features two world-class piano samples at its core: the Yamaha CFX concert grand and the Bosendorfer Imperial, both captured with meticulous binaural sampling. Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) recreates the complex sympathetic resonance between strings and soundboard, while Grand Expression Modeling translates subtle variations in your touch into tonal nuance that goes beyond simple velocity response. Beyond the piano voices, you get 53 primary voices, 480 XG instrument voices, and 14 drum/SFX kits, giving the CLP-885 surprising versatility for a piano-focused instrument. Polyphony sits at a generous 256 notes.

Keyboard and Feel

The GrandTouch keyboard with wooden keys is Yamaha's best upright Clavinova action. Counterweighted keys across the entire range, escapement mechanism that mimics the click of a grand piano action, and the natural graduated weight from bass to treble make this feel remarkably close to the real thing. The GP Response Damper pedal adds realistic resistance that changes with pedal depth, and the full 3-pedal unit includes half-damper support.

Speaker System and Connectivity

The 300W, 3-way speaker system with spruce cone speakers and diffuser technology fills a room with rich, natural piano sound. Spruce cones are a deliberate choice, as spruce is the same wood used for acoustic piano soundboards. The CLP-885 includes Bluetooth audio and MIDI, USB audio recording, two headphone jacks, and a touch-sensor control panel that keeps the elegant cabinet free of buttons. The Smart Pianist app provides full control over settings and includes a sheet music reader.

Who Is This For?

• Serious pianists who need the most realistic touch and tone in a console digital piano
• Piano teachers running a home studio who want a reference-quality instrument
• Families investing in a long-term instrument that will grow with advancing students
• Anyone in an apartment or shared space who needs concert-quality piano with headphone practice

The CLP-885 is a significant investment, typically ranging from $4,500 to $5,500 depending on the finish. But it is the best upright-style Clavinova Yamaha makes, and for many pianists it will be the only digital piano they ever need. If the price is too steep, the CLP-845 and CLP-825 offer the same core technology with incremental compromises. But if you want the top of the line, this is it.