Yamaha pf85

This is an article culled from archive material, circa 1997.

The pf85 was the first of Yamaha's sample-based "Advanced Wave Memory" performance pianos, heralding the Clavinova series, with the legendary weighted keyboard action last seen on the weak-sounding, FM-based pf70 and pf80. The action is indeed impressive, although it is heavy, even compared to some concert grand pianos I've played. The instrument itself is very heavy as well, and although I have seen an experienced roadie carry my unit around on his shoulder, I wouldn't recommend the practice. The unit also needs a good solid stand, since it will sway worryingly on a standard X-frame.

The instrument has a small selection of onboard sounds (a few pianos, a harpsichord, and vibes), with a stereo chorus. The sounds were nice and natural, but a little lacking in presence with a slight tendency to hiss in the upper registers. For solo piano work I would possibly pick a Yamaha over a Roland, but for use in contemporary music or in a mix, the Roland would do a better job. The weighed action of the pf85 is also something that not everyone would like (it is useless for a lot of synthesiser playing styles, for instance), although it is ideal for developing piano technique.