Yamaha CLP 440 Key Action

[pennib]

I recently bought this digital piano and i am surprised how heavy the key action is.
When I tried it out in the shop before purchase I didn't notice this for some reason?
I also have a kemble and the key weight on that is about 70 grms whereas the Yamaha is about 90 grms. Just wondered whether any one else has noticed this. When I spoke to Yamaha customer service they said the key weight cannot be altered and all models should be the same. This is of some  importance to me  as I have arthritis in my left hand.

[hfmadopter]

Seems to me I did some searches on this when another poster complained about this model Yamaha as well. I found a few articles or internet posts at least that appeared to confirm that others also felt this particular model had a rather heavy action. I don't recall that anyone measured it though, as you have done. 90 grams is heavy, plain and simple as that. I would think that you would want something more like 50 grams with the arthritic hand..

I'm not familiar with the key and action design of the CLP series but one would think that it could be counter weighted. It probably would take some home grown engineering skills though ( like dis assembly then adding weighted slugs to the keys under where you play on.). I've done the opposite to increase weight on my acoustic grand ( automotive stick on wheel weight added to the inside ends of the keys) . Piano supply houses sell weights in grams but getting someone to do it on a digital piano is unlikely, so that's why the home grown thought..

Not everyone is into taking their piano apart I know, I wouldn't blame them for not doing so if they have little mechanical ability or low sense of daring !

Here is one source and a couple styles of key weights:    https://www.vandaking.com/s-353-4-key-leads.html  

Incidentally, 50 grams is close enough to the weight of 10 US quarters to call 10 US quarters 50 grams of weight. It's within .0xxxx grams. 50 grams would be typical down weight at around middle C. On a graduated weighted keyboard that puts a lower octave C's up more like 70grams and upper C's more like 40-45 grams. Various keyboards work differently, mostly I'd consider this initial down weight on a digital keyboard. On a grand once you break through the let off that initial weight may hold the key down after the let off as well. i know my Kawai digital keyboard has more tension after the let off than before, a slight source of irritation for me but I cope OK with it. Middle C on both my Kawai and grand piano is right around 50 grams down weight FWIW. The grand has a more pronounced let off check point but then falls away at about 51, 52 or 53 grams depending on the given day ( it is due for regulation however). It's not enough to be concerning, the Kawai is noticeable.

So you might want to check more finely just how the CLP is working for or against you FWIW.

[pennib]

Thanks for your reply. I could just add that the 90 grams key weight was measured at middle C.
At the moment I am undecided about what I can do next, I could not contemplate any DIY solution. I shall have to check out other makes and models.

[hfmadopter]

Thanks for your reply. I could just add that the 90 grams key weight was measured at middle C.
At the moment I am undecided about what I can do next, I could not contemplate any DIY solution. I shall have to check out other makes and models.

Sorry, I had not noticed your post above till just now ( Sat the 22nd).

 90 grams at middle C is quite heavy and beyond what I would care to deal with myself. You know your situation best, just take your time !