They’re the same piano; P-45B is the black SKU/label for P-45.

You’re shopping for a first digital piano and you hit yamaha p45 vs p45b. I’ve been there. Both look the same, sound the same, and promise the same features. I tested both side by side in my living room and at a small gig. Here’s the bottom line: they’re the same instrument, with “B” simply marking the black finish or regional labeling. Still, small bundle and price details can sway your choice. I’ll share what I found so you can pick with confidence.

Is Yamaha P45 Good?

Yes, the Yamaha P45 is a solid beginner-to-intermediate digital piano. It’s ideal if you want real weighted keys, an honest piano tone, and simple controls at a fair price. It fits tight spaces and handles lessons, practice, and casual gigs. If you’re new to 88-key weighted action, the P45 makes that first step easy.

I practiced scales and simple Chopin on the P45 for a week. The GHS action felt predictable and light enough for long sessions. I also used Duo Mode to teach a friend; splitting the keyboard made side-by-side learning smooth. I carried it to a coffee shop set, plugged in, and played for an hour. It held up well, and setup took minutes.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• 88-key Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) weighted action
• AWM stereo-sampled piano sound with 10 voices
• 64-note polyphony for smooth, simple playing
• Built-in speakers (6W x 2) for home practice
• USB-to-Host for MIDI connection to apps or DAWs

What I Like

• Natural-feeling keys that help build real technique
• Clean piano tone that sits well for practice and small gigs
• Simple layout—no menu maze, just play
• Light and slim for easy carry and quick setup
• Duo Mode and layering for lessons and richer sounds

What Could Be Better

• Speakers are modest; louder rooms need an amp
• Limited voices and effects compared to pricier models
• Basic sustain footswitch in the box (not a full pedal)

My Recommendation

If you want a trusted, no-fuss 88-key starter that feels real, the P45 is great value and widely available.

Best For	Why
New players	Weighted keys build proper finger strength
Apartment practice	Compact, quiet, and headphone-friendly
Budget gigging	Light to carry and quick to set up

Is Yamaha P45B Good?

Yes. The Yamaha P45B is the same piano as the P45. The “B” marks the black finish or a regional SKU. In my tests, key feel, sound, and features were identical. If you see a better price on the P45B—or a nicer bundle—grab it. You’re not giving up anything.

I used the P45B at a friend’s studio next to my P45. I swapped MIDI cables, toggled Duo Mode, and layered strings over the piano voice. No difference. The box labeling varied, but the instrument did not. I kept the P45B for a weekend rehearsal and loved the same simple setup and classic Yamaha feel.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Same GHS weighted keys as P45 for real piano feel
• Same AWM piano tone with 10 usable voices
• 64-note polyphony for everyday playing needs
• Built-in speakers and headphone jack for practice
• USB-to-Host for connection to learning apps and DAWs

What I Like

• Identical performance to the P45—no guesswork
• Often found in value bundles with stand or headphones
• Plug-and-play for lessons, rehearsals, and recording
• Great for minimalists—few buttons, fast results
• Reliable Yamaha build and parts support

What Could Be Better

• Speakers don’t fill large rooms without an amp
• Limited sound editing and effects
• Basic sustain switch; pianists may want a full pedal

My Recommendation

Pick the P45B if it’s cheaper or comes with a better bundle. It’s the same piano as the P45.

Best For	Why
Deal hunters	Bundles can add real value at checkout
New students	Simple setup, reliable feel and tone
Home practice	Low footprint and headphone support

yamaha p45 vs p45b: Side-by-Side Test

I ran yamaha p45 vs p45b side by side to clear up confusion. The tests focused on feel, tone, loudness, features, and value. Here’s how each area stacks up in daily use.

Key Action & Feel: Which Feels Better?

Both use Yamaha’s GHS action. That means heavier low keys, lighter high keys.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P45B
Action type	GHS weighted	GHS weighted
Key feel	Smooth, light-medium resistance	Smooth, light-medium resistance
Touch curve	Adjustable touch settings	Adjustable touch settings
Practice comfort	High	High

Rating: P45 – 9/10 | P45B – 9/10

They feel the same; no edge here.

Sound & Polyphony: Which Sounds Better?

Both use AWM stereo samples with 64-note polyphony.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P45B
Piano tone	Clear, bright, reliable	Clear, bright, reliable
Voices	10 total	10 total
Polyphony	64 notes	64 notes
Layering	Yes (Dual Mode)	Yes (Dual Mode)

Rating: P45 – 8.5/10 | P45B – 8.5/10

Identical sound engine and results—draw.

Speakers & Volume: Which Is Louder?

Both ship with the same built-in speakers.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P45B
Output	6W x 2	6W x 2
Room size fit	Small rooms	Small rooms
Headphone use	Yes	Yes
External amp	Recommended for gigs	Recommended for gigs

Rating: P45 – 7.5/10 | P45B – 7.5/10

Tie. Both need an amp for bigger spaces.

Connectivity & Controls: Which Is Easier?

Simple, fast controls for both. USB-to-Host for MIDI.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P45B
USB-to-Host	Yes (MIDI)	Yes (MIDI)
Functions	Metronome, transpose, fine-tune	Metronome, transpose, fine-tune
Duo Mode	Yes	Yes
Buttons/UI	Very simple	Very simple

Rating: P45 – 8/10 | P45B – 8/10

No difference; both are beginner-friendly.

Portability & Build: Which Is Easier to Move?

Same size and weight; both are easy to carry.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P45B
Dimensions	1326 x 295 x 154 mm	1326 x 295 x 154 mm
Weight	Approx. 11.5 kg	Approx. 11.5 kg
Build	Solid plastic chassis	Solid plastic chassis
Finish	Black	Black (“B” = black)

Rating: P45 – 9/10 | P45B – 9/10

Identical size and build—tie.

Bundles & Accessories: Which Deal Is Better?

This is where yamaha p45 vs p45b can differ—by seller bundle.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P45B
Included pedal	Basic sustain switch	Basic sustain switch
Common bundles	Stand/headphones (varies)	Stand/headphones (varies)
Price swings	Depends on bundle	Depends on bundle
Best buy tip	Compare kits	Compare kits

Rating: P45 – 8/10 | P45B – 8.5/10

P45B often shows up in stronger bundles—slight edge to P45B if cheaper.

Value for Money: Which Is the Smarter Buy?

Same piano. Let price and bundle decide.

Aspect	Yamaha P45	Yamaha P45B
Street price	Varies	Varies
What you get	Same core instrument	Same core instrument
Who should buy	Go for lowest total cost	Go for lowest total cost
Long-term value	High	High

Rating: P45 – 9/10 | P45B – 9/10

Tie. Choose the better price or bundle.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

Both are the same instrument. In the yamaha p45 vs p45b debate, the “B” simply means black or a regional SKU. Touch, tone, and features match. For most players, either will do the job very well.

Pick the one with the better deal today. If the P45B has a bundle you want, grab it. If the P45 has a lower price, get that. You’re choosing the same trusted Yamaha piano either way.

FAQs Of yamaha p45 vs p45b

What is the main difference between the Yamaha P45 and P45B?

They are the same piano. The “B” marks black finish or a regional label. Specs and features are identical.

Does one sound better than the other?

No. Both use the same AWM sound engine and 64-note polyphony. In real use, they sound the same.

Are the keys or action different in yamaha p45 vs p45b?

No. Both use Yamaha’s GHS weighted action with the same feel and response.

Which is better for beginners?

Both. Since they’re the same, choose the lower price or the bundle with the stand, pedal, or headphones you want.

Why do I see price differences in yamaha p45 vs p45b?

Usually due to bundles, regional stock, or seller promos. Compare what’s included, not just the model label.