The familiar tune of the "Goodbye Song" marks the end of an era. Your child has just graduated from their Yamaha Music School course, certificate in hand. It’s a proud moment, but it's quickly followed by a new challenge: the world of private lessons and the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) examination system.
This was our exact situation. Our daughter, having started her musical journey on a trusty Yamaha P-115 digital piano, was excited to begin lessons with her new teacher. The P-115 had been a fantastic starter instrument—portable, affordable, and a huge step up from a basic keyboard.
However, during the very first lesson, the teacher gently pointed out something we had started to suspect. "To truly develop proper finger strength and dynamic control for the grade exams," she explained, "we should consider upgrading to a piano with a fully weighted, more responsive key action."
The search began, and after weeks of research, forum-scrolling, and showroom visits, we made the leap to the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-635. Was it a significant investment? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely. This is our detailed breakdown of why the CLP-635 is, in our opinion, the perfect upgrade for any young student transitioning to serious piano studies.
The Growing Pains: Why the P-115 Reached Its Limit
The Yamaha P-115 is one of the best-selling entry-level digital pianos for a reason. But as a child's skills progress into the ABRSM Grade 1-2 curriculum and beyond, its limitations become more apparent.
Key Action: The Feel Just Wasn't Right
The P-115 uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action. While it’s weighted, it has a noticeably lighter, springier feel compared to an acoustic piano. Our daughter’s teacher noted that continuing on GHS could lead to underdeveloped finger technique, as the student doesn't have to work as hard to produce a full sound. This becomes a major hurdle when they eventually play on an acoustic piano during exams.
Sound Nuances: Good, But Not Great
The P-115's Pure CF Sound Engine is pleasant, but it lacks the depth and richness required for more expressive playing. As pieces begin to require nuanced dynamics—the subtle differences between piano (soft) and pianissimo (very soft)—the P-115 struggled to articulate them clearly.
The Pedal Problem: One is Not Enough
The basic sustain footswitch that comes with the P-115 is functional for beginners. However, the ABRSM syllabus eventually introduces pieces requiring the use of the una corda (soft) and even the sostenuto pedals. The CLP-635’s integrated three-pedal unit was a non-negotiable feature for us to avoid another upgrade in a few years.
The Upgrade Arrives: First Impressions of the Clavinova CLP-635
The difference was apparent from the moment the delivery team set it up.
From Keyboard to Furniture
Where the P-115 on its stand looked like a functional instrument, the CLP-635, with its elegant cabinet design, immediately felt like a permanent and beautiful piece of furniture in our living room. It signaled a more serious commitment to music in our home, and our daughter's excitement was palpable.
A Sound that Fills the Room
The first notes she played were a revelation. The sound from the CLP-635’s powerful, cabinet-integrated speakers was rich, resonant, and full. It sounded less like a recording of a piano and more like an actual piano was in the room. This acoustic realism was something we didn't even know we were missing.
Under the Hood: The Key Features that Justify the Cost
What exactly are you paying for when you make the jump from the P-series to a Clavinova? It boils down to technology that directly translates to better technique and musicality.
The Heart of the Piano: GH3X Key Action
This is the single most important upgrade. The Clavinova's Graded Hammer 3X (GH3X) keyboard is designed to replicate the touch of a grand piano.
Heavier Touch: The keys have a satisfying weight and resistance, forcing the fingers to work properly.
Synthetic Ivory & Ebony Keytops: The keys aren't just smooth plastic; they have a porous, tactile finish that absorbs moisture and prevents fingers from slipping.
Escapement Mechanism: This is a subtle but crucial feature that mimics the "let-off" feel of a grand piano key when pressed gently. It allows for faster note repetition and superior control in complex passages.
Two World-Class Grand Pianos in One
The CLP-635 doesn't just have one piano sound; it features meticulously sampled sounds from two of the world's most famous concert grand pianos:
Yamaha CFX: A powerful, brilliant sound perfect for contemporary or pop pieces.
Bösendorfer Imperial: A warmer, more delicate tone renowned for its use in classical music, especially from the Viennese tradition.
Switching between these two provides incredible versatility and helps a student understand tonal colour.
Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM)
In a real piano, when you strike a key, other strings resonate in sympathy, creating a rich, complex sound. The CLP-635's VRM technology calculates and reproduces this phenomenon in real-time. The result is an astonishingly authentic and vibrant sound that makes the P-115 sound flat by comparison.
The Verdict: A Worthy Investment for Your Child's Future
After six months with the Clavinova CLP-635, we can confidently assess its value.
The Tangible Impact on Practice
The biggest change was in our daughter’s engagement. She wanted to practice more because the piano was simply more enjoyable to play. Her teacher has praised her significant improvement in dynamic control and finger strength, attributing it directly to practicing on a high-quality, responsive instrument.
A "Real Value SG" Cost-Benefit Analysis
The CLP-635 is a significant upfront cost (typically 2-3 times the price of a P-115 setup). However, consider this:
Longevity: This piano will comfortably take a student from Grade 1 through to Grade 8 and beyond. You eliminate the need for an intermediate upgrade.
Technique Foundation: You are investing in the correct muscular and technical foundation for your child, preventing bad habits that are hard to unlearn.
Resale Value: Yamaha Clavinovas hold their value exceptionally well in the Singapore second-hand market, should you ever need to sell.
For us, the cost was justified by the long-term educational benefits and the joy it brought to our daughter’s musical development.
Conclusion: A Confident Step Forward
Upgrading from the Yamaha P-115 to the Clavinova CLP-635 was more than just buying a new instrument; it was an investment in our daughter's musical education. It provided her with the right tool at the right time, allowing her to meet the technical demands of the ABRSM curriculum with confidence.
If you find yourself in a similar position—with a budding pianist ready to move beyond the basics—we wholeheartedly recommend the Clavinova CLP-635. It bridges the gap between a beginner keyboard and an acoustic piano perfectly, offering real, tangible value that you and your child will appreciate for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-635 too loud for a HDB flat?
No, it's perfect for an HDB flat. The volume is fully adjustable, and for silent practice, it has two headphone jacks. This allows for late-night sessions without disturbing family or neighbours, a key advantage over an acoustic piano.
2. I see the CLP-735 is the newer model. Is the older CLP-635 still a good buy?
Yes, absolutely. While the CLP-735 has some technological updates, the core features that matter most for a student—the GH3X key action and the CFX/Bösendorfer samples—are present and excellent in the CLP-635. You can often find a pre-owned or clearance CLP-635 at a significant discount, making it an exceptional value-for-money purchase.
3. Can my child still use apps like Yamaha's Smart Pianist with the CLP-635?
Yes, the CLP-635 is compatible with Yamaha's Smart Pianist app via a connection to a smart device. This allows you to control the piano's functions from a user-friendly interface, display sheet music, and access a variety of interactive features that can make practice more engaging.