Yamaha Piaggero NP12 Review: 10 Reasons It's The Best Lightweight Digital Keyboard in 2023

Last updated: Feb 27, 2023

The Yamaha Piaggero NP12 Review At A Glance#

Yamaha Piaggero NP12 VIEW AT AMAZON

Ease of Use

Very beginner friendly

Price

Affordable at less than $150

Rating

Highly recommended!

We like:

●Light and compact design
●Highly portable
●AWM Stereo Sampling
●Stereo Speaker System
●Preset songs
●Auto shutoff


We don't like:

●No weighted keys
●No power cord included with the pack
●Doesn't come with a stand

Summary of our Yamaha Piaggero NP12 review: This portable digital keyboard by Yamaha is a sturdily built instrument. It has a minimalistic design that is very good for beginners. Quick Navigation The Yamaha Piaggero NP12 Review At A Glance A Short Introduction An Overview of Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 Features Advantages of Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 1) Lightweight, compact and portable - 2)Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) Stereo Sampling - 3) Built-in Stereo Speaker System 4)Piano Preset Songs 5)Battery Powered or AC adaptor Disadvantages of Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 1) Non-weighted keys 2) No power cord included with the pack Should you buy the Yamaha Piaggero NP-12?

A Short Introduction#

Yamaha has been producing top-notch musical instruments for quite some time now, and the Yamaha NP12 is another feather in the cap for the company. The Yamaha NP12 keyboard is extremely portable, and this quality is the single most distinguishing factor for you to pick up this keyboard.


Digital pianos are a good choice for new learners, whether children or adults. Although they do not have the range of a full-sized piano, they are a cost-effective solution for novices, who are interested in learning a new skill but do not want to invest much without knowing their capability.


The Yamaha NP12 has 61 keys that is less than the usual 88 keys but is very easy for beginners to master or for mobile players, like live bands, to use. However, a small keyset is not useful for seasoned players looking for a full range.


It is necessary to note that the keys of the Yamaha NP12 are not full-weighted. They are a bit lighter, though that does not prevent the keyboard from giving out the sound similar to a real piano. This is possible because the keys are touch sensitive. The use of lighter keys reduces the weight of the keyboard to around 9 pounds, an easy weight to carry around and lighter than most keyboards.

An Overview of Yamaha Piaggero NP-12 Features#


Advantages of Yamaha Piaggero NP-12#


1) Lightweight, compact and portable -#

The Yamaha NP12 is a 61 key model that is modeled after the Yamaha Piaggero signature of Skin, Light, and Compact, just that it is adopted more efficiently here than in the earlier models. This keyboard has a minimalistic interface but is less than none other in terms of performance or functions. It has a huge range of simple, user-friendly functions that help a learner immensely.

2)Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) Stereo Sampling -#

The Advanced Wave Memory sampling or AWM is a sampling system that echoes the sound emitted by the original instrument using advanced digital techniques. It mingles multiple waveforms artfully, using various algorithms and the end result is a rich, unique sound. The Yamaha NP12 employs the AWM technology so that you can enjoy your learning sessions.

3) Built-in Stereo Speaker System#

The stereo amplifier present in the Yamaha NP12 is so efficient, that it always gives you a seamless, solid sound output. The range of bass and treble are well designed, giving a nice depth to the music that you are playing. If anything, it makes your learning fun, instead of monotonous, and most likely you will end up playing for hours.

4)Piano Preset Songs#

The Yamaha NP12 has a range of preset piano songs as well as voice demo songs, both for you to listen or play along.

5)Battery Powered or AC adaptor#

The Yamaha NP12 runs on either an AC adapter or batteries. In fact, the 6-hour battery life is one of the key features to the keyboard's portability. You need not worry about carrying the power cord every time or going to places where there could be power outages or even no electricity. The keyboard also has a very useful Auto shutoff function that turns off its power automatically if the instrument has not been used for 30 minutes. A truly battery saving feature, that also extends battery life.

Disadvantages of Yamaha Piaggero NP-12#


1) Non-weighted keys#

Non-weighted keys are pretty common for beginner keyboards. At such a low price point, this really shouldn't come as a surprise. But still, it would be nice to have this feature onboard.

2) No power cord included with the pack#

Power cord is not included by default.

Should you buy the Yamaha Piaggero NP-12?#


At a low price and a good design, the Yamaha NP12 provides value for your money. Especially if you are a beginner, this keyboard is very useful to get you started. You will really enjoy playing on this keyboard and can later transition to a larger keyboard or even a full-sized synth. Though there are some limitations, like lesser sound options or no weighted keys, this is a good purchase in this range. There are more pros than cons, and the portability feature alone is good enough for you to consider the Yamaha NP12 as your first digital keyboard.

Check out our other Yamaha keyboard reviews:


Our Yamaha PSR E453 Review: The Best Digital Keyboard Under $300 in 2023 Yamaha PSR-EW400 Review: Best 76-Key Digital Keyboards Under $300 in 2023 Our Yamaha NP-32 Review: 6 Reasons Why It's The Perfect 76-Key Lightweight Portable Keyboard in 2023 Our Yamaha EZ 220 Review: Simply The Best Portable Keyboard Under $200 in 2023 Our Yamaha YPT 255 Review: One Of The Best Beginner Keyboard Piano For Adults and Kids in 2023 Our Yamaha YPT 240 Review: 10 Reasons It's a Top Portable Keyboard To Learn Piano in 2023 Our Yamaha PSR E253 Review: 7 Reasons It's An Excellent Portable Keyboard To Learn Piano in 2023