Piano and Synth Blog

We’ve looked at Yamaha’s Disklavier in the past, and now they’ve upgraded the beast with the introduction of their Disklavier 2.0 service, available to Disklavier Mark IV owners who install a software update.

Yamaha has introduced the DisklavierRadio and the DisklavierMusicStore services, combining the best aspects of live performance with next-generation Internet streaming technology to offer an in-home entertainment experience that no radio can touch - apparently.

“For 20 years, the Yamaha Disklavier line of performance reproducing pianos has defined the leading-edge of music technology,” noted Bill Brandom, Disklavier marketing manager. “With the introduction of DisklavierRadio and the DisklavierMusic Store, we’re once again making history. Now, Yamaha Disklavier owners can take advantage of Internet streams and downloads to instantly access a vast selection of Disklavier music incorporating MIDI for the ultimate in realism. The radio may have surpassed the player piano in the early 20th century, but with these advancements, the piano is reclaiming the spotlight.”

DisklavierRadio is a groundbreaking service that elevates streaming radio to the level of a live performance. Each station includes a MIDI feed, enabling the Yamaha acoustic piano to play live, accompanied by specially recorded ensemble parts, for remarkable realism and accuracy. Yamaha Disklavier owners who subscribe to Disklavier Radio can choose from a range of music stations including Broadway, Classical and Semi-Classical, Country, Great Piano Solos, Jazz, Pop, Rock and Classic Rock, Soundtracks and Standards. Non-subscribers can access 30-second clips of channels, and can stream a complimentary channel featuring full-length, public domain songs. DisklavierRadio streams selections to Internet-connected Disklavier Mark IVs, offering nonstop entertainment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The subscriptions cost $19.95 per month or $199.50 per year. The service features the music of such renowned artists as David Benoit, Jim Brickman, Chick Corea, Elton John and The Beatles, to name a few.

For those who wish to download their favorite tracks, the DisklavierMusicStore can be accessed directly from the Disklavier Mark IV’s Pocket Remote Controller. After establishing an account, Disklavier owners can immediately preview, purchase and download songs directly to the instrument.

Current Disklavier Mark IV owners can access DisklavierRadio and DisklavierMusicStore functionality by installing the Disklavier 2.0 software upgrade, which is available free of charge, from Yamaha. Both services require a high-speed Internet connection.

Yamaha has introduced what it says is the most innovative and technologically advanced range of digital pianos, in the CVP400 series.

“No question about it: the Yamaha CVP400 Series Clavinova Digital Pianos are the most exciting CVP Series ever,” says Jim Levesque, Clavinova Marketing Manager, Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano Division. “For the first time in the history of the digital piano, users can record fully orchestrated performances, with vocals, onto their USB thumb drives. These acoustically stellar performances can then be turned into CDs, using iTunes or Windows Media Player, and then easily shared with friends, in person, on disc or over the Internet. And, for added convenience with fewer external interfaces, the Clavinova CVP400 Series is the first with a built-in LAN port.”

The range includes the CVP401, CVP403, CVP405, CVP407, and CVP409 (pictured).
With Yamaha’s groundbreaking Instrumental Active Field Control (iAFC) technology, the CVP-409/407 models use built-in microphones and speakers to reproduce the complex sonic textures of a grand piano, creating a richly resonant sound that’s truly unparalleled. The Natural Wood keyboard on the CVP409/407 reproduces as closely as possible the experience of playing an actual grand piano, including the authentic touch, feel and weight of the keys. Yamaha’s famed Graded Hammer 3 (CVP405/403) and Graded Hammer (CVP401) technologies give a remarkably natural piano touch and expressive response.

With the USB Audio Recorder feature on the CVP409/407/405/403 models, users can record their own performances, including singing, karaoke or anything else that comes through their Clavinova’s sound system, such as, for example, an electric guitar when plugged into the mic input jack. “Then, they can burn a CD or send their music over the Internet to share their creations with others,” says Levesque. “And, the Super Articulation Voices (CVP409/407/405) and Mega Voices (CVP409/407/405/403) make a wide range of acoustic and electric instruments playable directly from the keyboard with expressive realism and performance characteristics never before heard in a Clavinova Digital Piano. If you activate the guitar voice, for instance, you’ll hear harmonics, fret noise and body tap, just like you would when listening to a live guitarist. Same with brass instrument voices – you’ll hear shakes and falls – or saxophone, where you’ll hear breath noise. Yamaha designers purposefully created Super Articulation Voices to sound the way real instruments sound — and it all happens naturally and appropriately, just the way you hear these sounds when you’re listening to a musician performing live or on a high quality recording.”

In addition, the CVP400 Series’ Organ Flutes Voices and a realistic textured rotary speaker effect flawlessly reproduce the vintage organ sound heard in Gospel, Blues, Jazz and Rock music.

The range also include a variety of authentic accompaniment styles, plus an enhanced Music Finder and Internet Direct Connection, for discovering and purchasing music online.

Yamaha has introduced its MM6 Music Synthesizer, a younger cousin of the MOTIF series of instruments. It features high quality sounds, real-time control of sound, dynamic music creation tools including Authentic Pattern and Arpeggiator generators, performance memory, and versatile song recording.It’s a 61-note (5 octave), 32 note polyphony synth featuring Yamaha’s AWM2 sounds, 418 voices and 22 drum kits, 8 performance banks, a wide variety of effects, and 5 master equalizers.

The current specifications page doesn’t give much away about how versatile the MM6 is when controlling sounds, which, after all, is what you generally want a synth for. However, the “sales pitch” talks about tweaking sounds, by changing filter cutoff, resonance, EG attack and release, in real time, as well as a large number of built-in “jamming” rhythms, and 213 arpeggiators.

It sounds as if is an entry-level keyboard, and those serious about sound synthesis could be left disappointed. I may be wrong, but the rhythm sections sound more like glorified accompaniment sections found on many home keyboards. That’s not to knock the MM6 for what it is, but an observation.

Also, for those who like their additional touches on keyboards, the MM6 seems to have just initial touch sensitivity, but no aftertouch.

Chris Foley at The Collaborative Piano Blog is about halfway through his “31 Days to Better Practicing” series, aimed at pianists who wish to improve their practicing and piano playing.

So far, topics covered include building a regular practice schedule (with tips for children, students, and adults), warming up exercises and ideas, goal setting, starting out on a new repertoire, slow practicing, memorising music, endings, and fingerings.

And there’s still just under half a month to go. Phew!

I’ve not had an opportunity to read all of Chris’s posts yet, but it looks like a great series, whatever stage of piano playing you’re at, or what you want to achieve.

“The Black Apple” (I don’t know her name) chanced upon an antique (at least, I presume so) toy piano.

Though she doesn’t say much about it, close inspection of the photo suggests it’s an early two-octave model by Schoenhut. I admit to not knowing much about toy pianos. The closest current model it resembles might be the Model 6625 Schoenhut Traditional Spinet, available in black, white, red, mahogany, and mahogany/black.

Apparently, all the keys on this find work, and there’s something rather endearing about the state it’s in. Perfect it is not, but if it works, and you love that kind of thing, then it’s worth picking up.

If anyone knows what this “model” is, do let me know in the comments. Nice find.

Toy Piano

I rarely rant on Piano & Synth, but a couple of articles have really riled me, and since they mention music (possibly in an attempt to gain a bit of popularity as I can’t see much specific reference to music) I felt compelled to mention it here.

The first “article” which made me mad was about Reason 4 shipping. Reason is a fine piece of software, so I am irritated (as I am sure the developers are — probably an understatement) when I read statements like “It is noted that some people still wish it had VSTs and Linux support, and of course audio recording.” after “Propellerhead Reason 4 Now Shipping (and available on bittorrent sites with a serial keygen).”

People, there’s usually a reason (ahem) why requested features don’t make it into a product, and illegal software downloads is one very big reason. Propellerhead Software are NOT Microsoft, and they don’t have the margins to absorb the impact of the illegal used of their software.

That wasn’t even the rant.

This is…

In an artlcle entitled Avoid the Destruction of Positive Web Culture (and your music) we’re “treated” to a tirade of abuse against a number of web sites and “corrupt people using the net starting as recently as 3-4 years ago”.

Apparently, the social bookmarking site DIGG has articles which are always “posted to make you fear or hate something even if its benign”. Apparently, Slashdot is a better alternative. The writer has obviously never read the tons of vitriolic abuse that the owners of websites featured on Slashdot have to put up with, or indeed the in-fighting in the comments section.

Google is apparently “barf inducing”, though I doubt the writer minds getting listed in the search engine.

Weblogs Inc is apparently “shit”, and apparently only focused on technology, even though when I looked at their home page I found a number of non-tech sites…

And so on.

All this “positivity” (ha ha ha) is supposed to encourage you to “Make music you really care about please. Don’t fall into the cultural contamination in the same way. Companies will come at you with corrupt tactics, marketing, and hype. They will make shitty electronics & software for you to buy. Information affects your brain forever. Pretty soon you could be thinking like them and make shitty music about it. To avoid all the BS in the world you just have to make your own path and don’t look back. Just express yourself, and don’t get hooked onto someone else’s crap.

Take your culture back and start making positive music again!!”

Yes, that indeed is the only part of the article supposedly about music. I wasn’t aware that I had begun to make negative music, though after reading that tirade I think I might just have to.

After all that, the author’s idea of “positive web culture” includes The Pirate Bay. Yes, folks, apparently it’s just A OK to go grabbing whatever content you like, for free, without caring one iota for the content owners. Woo. Yeah, that’s so positive, man.

Having ranted about all of that, I’ve noticed that a lot of the content of “The Chip Collection” is bordering on being a splog, lifted verbatim from other sites. Hypocritical? Yep.

Apologies that this article wasn’t really about music, but that really irritated me.

Synesthesia has announced a new version of its popular Mandala drum synthesiser, offering true acoustic drum emulation plus a whole host of synthetic possibilities, and now able to connect easily to a Mac or PC for direct software control and integration into a range of music software.

Unlike most, if not all, other digital drum pads, the Mandala 2.0 doesn’t just register one central zone to determine how hard the user has hit the pad, but instead can detect the exact location and strength of every point on the drum’s surface, thanks to 128 concentric rings spread from the centre of the drum to its edge.

It comes with a massive four gigabytes of sound samples, including 3,000 professionally created, proprietary samples of the Black Beauty Snare Drum. It’s a synthesizer with drumsticks, with a drum pad so sensitive it responds even to a fingertip touch.

“The Mandala is anything you want it to be - it can be the best drum you’ve ever had, or any other instrument you can imagine,” said Vince De Franco, Synesthesia founder and CEO, and inventor of the Mandala. “Use it as a compositional tool, or to create any sonic reality your heart desires - it’s the smartest thing you’ll ever hit with a stick. It literally will be a different product for everyone who buys it, as simple or as complex as you want. Its lightning-fast trigger and ultra sensitivity help drummers play faster, more evenly and more expressively. Those who’ve used it tell us it helps them reach new levels of their talent, discover nuances in their playing and reignite their passion for drumming and for music.”

Accompanying software allows players to set up new sounds, and expand their drum kits and sample libraries. The software automatically accommodates up to five separate drum pads. It’s also designed to inspire and facilitate composition - along with the included instruments, players can add their own samples to the library, and use the effects to mold and create their own sounds.

The Mandala works seamlessly with most major music software, like Native Instruments Battery and Reaktor, FXpansion BFD, Ableton Live, Propellerhead Reason and Apple GarageBand.

It offers full functionality as a programmable real-time MIDI controller able to manipulate external MIDI-compatible gear like synths, samplers, tone modules, etc., using MIDI notes, velocity controller and position controller.

One Mandala drum pad can accommodate from one to seven different zones of sound - each of which can be configured as a separate instrument, with an array of specialized settings. Players can have a snare, a bass and a cymbal (or a harp, marimba or organ, or any other instrument) - all in the same drum head, all at the same time. One Mandala can act as one drum, as an entire drum kit, or as an eclectic combo.

The Mandala 2.0 retails for $349, and will be available November 1 online at mandaladrum.com and musiciansfriend.com. Each Mandala is hand-crafted and thoroughly tested before it is shipped, so expect two-week delivery.

One of Yamaha’s new arranger keyboards, the PSR-S900 is a step up from the PSR-S700, featuring:

• 61 touch responsive keys
• 128 notes of polyphony
• 320×240 resolution LCD capable of lyrics and score display
• AWM sample sounds
• 392 voices, 19 drum kits, 480 XG voices
• 15 MegaVoices
• 22 Sweet! Voices
• 26 Cool! Voices
• 20 Live! Voices
• 10 Organ Flutes
• Sound creator/voice set
• Vocal harmonisation
• 2 layer voices
• Large number of preset and user-definable effects including reverb, chorus, 4x DSP
• 205 preset 8-part auto-accompaniment + user category with mixer controls
• 305 accompaniment presets + user styles + style creator
• 16 track recording
• Performance assistance technology

First introduced in Tyros, MegaVoice brings a new level of realism to the PSR-S700 keyboard. The MegaVoices feature various playing techniques and performance sounds — such as finger slides and fret noise on guitar Voices — designed specifically to enhance playback of the built-in Styles. Simply hold down a chord while you play, and enjoy some of the most astonishingly realist, expressive accompaniment you’ve ever heard.

Super Articulation introduces a completely fine level of sonic realism and musical expressiveness, with remarkably authentic voices featuring the unique performance characteristics of each instrument.

More images of the PSR-S900 (click thumbnail for main image)

Baldwin Piano has unveiled its range of twenty new designs in its “Exotic Collection” of acoustic pianos. All are hand-built, limited edition instruments featuring wild designs and customized paints.

Each piano boasts its own dramatic, exotic, fun or elegant custom paint job that exquisitely showcases the true artistic nature of the Baldwin Custom House. From a striking striped zebra print to a whimsical abalone white grand, to a tied-dyed design with a happy face and one with a Hawaiian style sunset, Baldwin Custom House has created pianos that can serve as works of art in any finely designed home or as a stylized gift to fit any personality. With the launch of the Exotic Collection, Baldwin is demonstrating the future of piano design with the highest level of craftsmanship and unique custom models partnered with whimsical fun and inspiration from some of the world’s most creative artists and customizers.

Read on for the full list of pianos:

Abalone

This whimsical white grand features an iridescent finish with furniture-style legs and a special iridescent plate color. MSRP $85,548

Beauty in B Minor

With its rich tones of gold and burgundy this piano was designed to replicate the painting Beauty in B Minor by abstract artist Michael Ethridge. MSRP $87,348

American Flag Vertical

With a brilliant American flag style, this vertical piano emanates a patriotic feel. MSRP $14,868

Baroque

Representative of the beautiful Baroque period, this high polished ebony grand features a carved music desk, uniquely cut lid, lathed legs and lyre column. MSRP $79,248

Dark Blue

The eye catching color and style of this piano is a particular favorite of many jazz musicians. MSRP $88,602

Feelin’ Groovy (pictured)

Take a trip back in time with this tie dye creation featuring a green plate, colored keys and custom smiley face music desk and lid. MSRP $101,298

French Quarter

Drawing inspiration from the extravagant feathers of the peacock, this high polished mahogany grand features rich pink inlays throughout the music desk, legs and bracket. MSRP $109,848

Glitz & Glamour

Exuding glitz and glamour with its spectacular gold finish and gold trim, this piano is absolutely stunning. MSRP $91,848.00

The Majesty

Fit for royalty, this mahogany grand features gold leaf accents, furniture-style legs, and ornately carved music desk and lid. MSRP $75,390

Parisian

Inspired by the Parisian night life, this grand features mahogany accents, a hand painted mural of the Eiffel Tower and scalloped music desk. MSRP $98,148.00

Purple Passion

This contemporary purple marble finish combined with black plate, purple felt and nickel hardware makes a bold statement. MSRP $84,198

Silver Shimmer

This classic high-polished ebony grand has been transformed with dazzling silver shimmer finish, nickel hardware and a silver plate. Also comes in a vertical model. MSRP $76,458

The Flame

Hand painted hot rod flames and intricate pin-striping make this high-polished ebony 6′3″ grand one of a kind. Also available in 5′2″ and 5′8″. MSRP $100,302

The Princess

Studded with hundreds of tiny crystal, this white 5′2″ grand features a pink plate, pink sharps, nickel hardware and rhinestone accented decals sure to please any princess. MSRP $73,308

The Scroll

Elaborate metallic scroll work embellishes the lid, rim, music desk and legs of this unique high-polished ebony grand. MSRP $82,848

The Tuxedo

Inspired by the Art Deco period this high-polished ebony grand features white trim parts, black keys and white sharps, nickel hardware and a white plate. MSRP $84,423

Tropical Sunset

Purple and pink hibiscus flowers and a tropical sunset cover the lid, rim and music desk of this white high polished grand piano. MSRP $85,548

The Zebra

Go wild with this bold black and white piano, which features a red plate, nickel hardware, and red, white and black keys. MSRP $102,423

Two Tone Bubinga

Inspired by the exotic wood from Africa, this high polished ebony grand accentuates the richness of the wood grain. MSRP $69,348

See images and full specifications at the Baldwin Piano Image Gallery.