What is the difference between the Yamaha P-125 and P-225?

The P-225 replaced the P-125 with three meaningful changes: a better sound engine (CFX Concert Grand vs Pure CF), a slimmer lighter chassis (11.5 kg, 258 mm deep vs 11.8 kg, 295 mm), and Bluetooth Audio for wireless streaming. The action changed from GHS (heavier, longer lever) to GHC (lighter, compact). Polyphony is 192 notes on both. The P-125 is discontinued; the P-225 is Yamaha's current entry-level portable piano.

Is the Yamaha P-225's Bluetooth useful for Simply Piano?

No — the P-225's Bluetooth is Audio only, meaning it streams music from your phone to the piano's speakers. It does not transmit MIDI data wirelessly. To use Simply Piano, Flowkey, or any MIDI-based learning app, you still need a USB cable connected to your iPad or iPhone via a USB-to-Lightning or USB-C adapter. This is identical to the P-125. If wireless app connectivity is your goal, look at the Casio PX-S1100 instead.

Which has a better key action, the P-125 or P-225?

It depends on your preference. The P-125's GHS (Graded Hammer Standard) uses longer key levers for a slightly heavier, more traditional piano feel — some players prefer it for classical technique. The P-225's GHC (Graded Hammer Compact) is lighter, faster, and built for the slimmer chassis — well-suited for pop, jazz, and general practice. Neither is objectively superior; GHS is heavier and GHC is more compact. Most beginners won't notice the difference.

Is a used Yamaha P-125 worth buying in 2026?

Yes, at the right price. A used P-125 in good condition at $300–380 is a strong buy — you get 192-note polyphony, GHS action, and the Pure CF sound engine for roughly half the cost of a new P-225. At $420+, the value proposition weakens considerably. Above $450, you're paying close to 60% of a new P-225 for a discontinued instrument without warranty — at that point, buy the P-225 new.

Does the P-225 have MIDI out?

No — the P-225 dropped the traditional 5-pin MIDI output that the P-125 had. The P-225 connects to external devices exclusively via USB to Host (which handles both MIDI and audio). If you need to connect to hardware that requires traditional MIDI (older synths, hardware sequencers), the P-125's MIDI out is a genuine advantage. For modern setups using a computer or iPad, USB is superior and the loss of 5-pin MIDI is irrelevant.

How much did the Yamaha P-125 cost when new?

The P-125 launched at approximately $699.99 MSRP and was available from 2018 to 2023. The P-225 launched at $649.99 — so the new model was actually $50 cheaper than the old model at launch, while being meaningfully better. Street price has since climbed to roughly $750. This is part of why paying full P-125 prices on the used market rarely makes sense.

Which piano is better for a complete beginner, the P-125 or P-225?

The P-225 is better for a new buyer starting from scratch — the CFX sound engine is more motivating to play as you improve, and buying a current model means full warranty coverage and accessory availability. For a beginner on a strict budget, a used P-125 at $300–350 is a capable and honest first instrument. Either will teach you to play piano. Choose based on budget and availability rather than brand allegiance.

Will my Yamaha P-125 sustain pedal work with the P-225?

Yes — both pianos use the same standard 1/4" TRS sustain pedal jack and the same continuous-pedaling protocol. The P-125's bundled FC4A pedal works perfectly with the P-225, as does any third-party pedal that fits the standard Yamaha sustain spec (FC3A, FC4A, FC5, FC6). If you upgrade from a P-125 to a P-225, you do not need to buy a new pedal.

Should I wait for the P-235 instead of buying the P-225 now?

Yamaha's P-series follows a roughly 5-year refresh cycle. The P-125 launched in 2018 and the P-225 replaced it in 2023, suggesting a P-235 (or whatever the next model is named) is unlikely before 2027 or 2028. If you need a piano now, the P-225 is the right buy — waiting two years for an unannounced model is rarely worth it. If you have a working piano and are considering an upgrade purely for "the next thing," there is no specific announcement to wait for as of mid-2026.