Yamaha NP-32 Piaggero Slimline Home Keyboard

Thank you for the question. The NP-32 doesn't have traditional 5-Pin DIN MIDI IN and OUT connections. Instead, we've included a USB-To-Host connection. Using a standard USB cable, the NP-32 easily connects to Macs, iPads/iPhones* and Windows PCs**.

To connect the NP-32 to conventional MIDI instruments without the use of a intermediary computer requires a realtime USB-MIDI translator device. For instance, Kenton's MIDI USB Host MkII.

*Apple's Camera Connection Kit is required; alternatively, our own UD-BT01 USB MIDI Bluetooth device can work with macOS and iOS
**Whereas the USB MIDI connection is class compliant on macOS and iOS, additional drivers may need to be installed for Windows; these drivers are available from the Yamaha Music website

Thank you for the question. We've built a USB-To-Host connection into the NP-32 Home Keyboard. Using a standard USB cable, the NP-32 easily connects to Macs, iPads/iPhones* and Windows PCs**.

To connect to MIDI instruments (such as the Tyros5) without the use of a intermediary computer is less straightforward; a realtime USB-MIDI translator device is required to sit between the Tyros5 and NP-32 (and few companies make these devices). Please search for Kenton MIDI USB Host MkII as an example.

*Apple's Camera Connection Kit is required; alternatively, our own UD-BT01 USB MIDI Bluetooth device can work with macOS and iOS
**Whereas the USB MIDI connection is class compliant on macOS and iOS, additional drivers may need to be installed for Windows; these drivers are available from the Yamaha Music website

Hi Mandy,

Thank you for getting in touch. The NP-32 is part of our home keyboard range. It has fewer keys than our digital pianos (76 compared to 88 on a piano) and the keys aren't weighted. The NP-32 doesn't come with a sustain pedal but is compatible with our FC5A, FC4A and FC3A pedals (the FC3A offering half-damper recognition). Our L-2C keyboard stand is suitable for the NP-32 (links below).

In comparison, the P-45 is part of our P Series Digital Piano range. It features a full-length, full size keyboard with fully weighted and graded keys (it has our Graded Hammer Standard key action under the keys so that it feels very much like an acoustic piano to play - essential for anyone learning to play piano rather than keyboard).

As well as differing keys and accessories, the P-45 has superb sound quality which is richer and more realistic than the piano sound from the NP-32. Generally, for anyone learning or wanting to learn piano, we'd strongly recommend the P-45 or another P Series or Clavinova Series piano. For somebody who already has a piano but needs something more portable and compact, the NP-32 is an excellent choice.

Key velocity and sustain pedal information are transmitted in the MIDI signal (via the USB-to-Host socket).

Thank you for the question. The MIDI connection with a Mac, Windows PC or iPad/iPhone using the USB-To-Host socket provides virtually instant transmission.

Within your audio interface and computer system setup, there will always be some latency when using the NP-32 to play or trigger virtual instruments. However, that latency will be usually be negligible and not-noticeable; if it is noticeable, check the audio interface settings in your DAW (for instance, the buffer size).

We include a music rest which attaches to the NP-32, along with the UK mains power adapter and owner's manual.

We'd recommend our own L-2C keyboard stand for a fixed height option; alternatively, Quiklok's T10 is an excellent height-adjustable keyboard stand.

Yes; we include a plastic music rest which slots into the keyboard behind the Yamaha logo.

The NP-32 has 76 notes (6 octaves) with our Graded Soft Touch keyboard action. This is shorter than an acoustic piano which (typically) has 88 notes (7 1/2 octaves). The key action will also be much lighter on the NP-32 compared to the acoustic piano. A lot of children start off by practicing on a keyboard before moving up to a full-size instrument and so we're sure your granddaughter would enjoy the NP-32!

That said, if budget and space did allow, we would recommend a full-size piano such as the Yamaha P-45, P-115 or higher. These models have 88 notes (as an acoustic piano would) and, crucially, the keys are fully weighted (with our Graded Hammer Standard action) - helping the finger muscles to build in strength and allowing the pianist to develop the technique and touch based on the keys' weights, momentums and movements as they would on an acoustic piano.