Piano article index

This section provides a variety of information about both acoustic pianos and digital pianos, as well as restoration, modifications, playing technique, advice on lessons, and more.

Casio launching new Celviano digital pianos

Together with the new Privia PX-830 digital stage piano, Casio has introduced its latest Celviano digital pianos, the AP-620, AP-420 and AP-220 models.

In a compact case design not dissimilar to the Privia PX-830, features include a four-layer dynamic stereo piano sample, 128 note polyphony, 88-note Tri-Sensor scaled hammer keyboard, plus a resonance effect that mimics the sound of the dampers being released from the strings.

Available from the spring with prices ranging from $899.99 to $1,399.99.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Casio shows off new Privia PX-830 digital stage piano

About six months have passed since Casio launched its last Privia digital stage pianos and now we have the PX-830 to peruse.

Casio has certainly pulled out all the stops with this one, which offers four-layer dynamic stereo piano samples with seamless transitions and a wide dynamic range — in other words, more realism.

In-built is the simulated sound of open strings when the dampers are raised, thanks to the Acoustic Resonance DSP.

128 notes of polyphony should ensure complex performances, pedal use, and layered sounds don’t result in dropped notes.

How an instrument feels to play is critically important, and Casio’s “Ivory Touch” Tri-Sensor scaled hammer action keys should satisfy in that department.

There are 16 tones built in, a duet mode that allows simultaneous playing by two people in the same range, plus a two-track recorder.

Available from April, with a price tag of $1799.99 for the black polished cabinet edition or $1399.99 for the black matte version.

Casio

Popularity: 1% [?]

Yamaha CF Series of handcrafted concert grand pianos introduced

Yamaha has announced its new CF Series of handcrafted acoustic grand pianos.

The three models, including the full-size (9 foot) CFX concert grand, the CF4 (6′3″) and CF6 (7′), are based on extensive research and development including play testing with some of the world’s top classical performers.

The new CF Series is unique in that many artists got involved with the design,” said Mark Anderson, marketing director for Yamaha’s Keyboard Division. “Most excelled in all music genres, but the focus was on classical performance. The result is an instrument that will appeal to the world.”

“We compared prototypes on stage in large concert halls against the best our competition had to offer in order to evaluate their positive qualities, as well as their limitations. Using this knowledge, we can now offer players incredible artistic possibilities.”

The CFX replaces Yamaha’s acclaimed CFIIIS concert grand piano.

Full specifications and exact launch date are to be confirmed.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Yamaha introduces new CP series of digital stage pianos

Yamaha has announced a redesigned series of CP digital stage pianos, including the CP1, CP5 and CP50.

The top-of-line CP1 features the new NW-STAGE weighted wooden keys plus Yamaha’s new Spectral Component Modelling process which is touted to reproduce the sound and expressiveness of acoustic and vintage electronic pianos better than any previous audio technology.

It replicates the instrument’s physical components, including the hardness of the hammers, resonance of the sound board and the striking position of the hammers, for an ultra-realistic tone generation.

If that weren’t enough, there’s also Virtual Circuit Modelling which replicates the effect units, amplifiers, compressors, EQ and other equipment that were so essential in creating many of those legendary vintage sounds.

Finally, there’s a huge range of effects including VCM emulations of a number of historic pedals.

With all that on board, it’s good to know there’s 128-note polyphony to play with.

The CP5 and CP50 offer a slightly cut down range of features.

The CP1 is available now, while the CP5 and CP50 are expected in April.

Check out the full specifications of the keyboards below:

CP1 Specifications
Keyboards		88 keys, NW-STAGE keyboard (Wooden synthetic ivory weighted keyboard)
Maximum Polyphony		128
Tone Generator		SCM
Performances	Preset	16 x 3 groups
	User	16 x 3 groups
	External	16 x 3 groups
	Parts	2
	Voice Block	17 piano types
	Modulation Effect Block	10 types
	Power Amplifier / Compressor Block	8 types
	Reverb	8 types
	Master Compressor	–
	Master Equalizer	5–band
Rhythm	Number of Kits	–
	Number of Patterns	–
Display		55 character x 2 lines, VFD
Controllers		Pitch bend wheel, Master volume, Knobs 1 to 6
Connectors	Output	PHONES L/MONO,R (Unbalanced) L, R (Balanced)
	Foot Switch	SUSTAIN, SOSTENUTO, SOFT, ASSIGNABLE
	Foot Controller	x 2
	Mic Input	–
	MIDI	IN, OUT, THRU
	USB	TO HOST, TO DEVICE
Power Consumption		16W
Dimensions (W x D x H; not including pedal unit)		1,385 x 420 x 173 mm
Weight (not including pedal unit)		27.2 kg
Additional Package Contents		Power cord, Pedal unit, Illustrated Guide to the CP1 booklet, Owner’s Manual, Data List booklet, Software DVD-ROM*
* Software DVD-ROM: Steinberg Cubase AI DAW Software.

CP5 Specifications
Keyboards		88 keys, NW-STAGE keyboard (Wooden synthetic ivory weighted keyboard)
Maximum Polyphony		128
Tone Generator		SCM + AWM2
Performances	Preset	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	User	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	External	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	Parts	6
	Voice Block	17 piano voices + 305 other voices
	Modulation Effect Block	49 types
	Power Amplifier / Compressor Block	8 types
	Reverb	8 types
	Master Compressor	3-band
	Master Equalizer	5–band
Rhythm	Number of Kits	14
	Number of Patterns	100
Display		24 character x 2 lines, VFD
Controllers		Pitch bend wheel, Master volume, Knobs 1 to 3, Part volume x 6, Gain Master equalizer x 5
Connectors	Output	PHONES L/MONO,R (Unbalanced) L, R (Balanced)
	Foot Switch	SUSTAIN, ASSIGNABLE
	Foot Controller	x 2
	Mic Input	x 1
	MIDI	IN, OUT, THRU
	USB	TO HOST, TO DEVICE
Power Consumption		25W
Dimensions (W x D x H; not including pedal unit)		1,381 x 405 x 174 mm
Weight (not including pedal unit)		25.2 kg
Additional Package Contents		Power cord, Foot pedal FC3, Owner’s Manual, Owner’s Manual CD-ROM, Software DVD-ROM*
* Software DVD-ROM: Steinberg Cubase AI DAW Software.

CP50 Specifications
Keyboards		88 keys, GH keyboard
Maximum Polyphony		128
Tone Generator		SCM + AWM2
Performances	Preset	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	User	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	External	10 x 4 groups x 3 banks
	Parts	3
	Voice Block	12 piano voices + 215 other voices
	Modulation Effect Block	49 types
	Power Amplifier / Compressor Block	–
	Reverb	8 types
	Master Compressor	3-band
	Master Equalizer	3–band
Rhythm	Number of Kits	14
	Number of Patterns	100
Display		24 character x 2 lines, VFD
Controllers		Pitch bend wheel, Master volume, Knobs 1 to 3, Part volume x 3, Master equalizer x 5
Connectors	Output	PHONES L/MONO,R (Unbalanced)
	Foot Switch	SUSTAIN, ASSIGNABLE
	Foot Controller	x 1
	Mic Input	–
	MIDI	IN, OUT, THRU
	USB	TO HOST, TO DEVICE
Power Consumption		7W
Dimensions (W x D x H; not including pedal unit)		1,381 x 332 x 165 mm
Weight (not including pedal unit)		20.9 kg
Additional Package Contents		Power adaptor PA-150 (or an equivalent recommended by Yamaha), Foot pedal FC3, Owner’s Manual, Owner’s Manual CD-ROM, Software DVD-ROM*
* Software DVD-ROM: Steinberg Cubase AI DAW Software.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Yamaha intros YDP-V420 Arius Ensemble digital piano

Yamaha has announced its latest Arius Ensemble digital piano, the YDP-V420.

It attempts to bridge the gap between a high-quality digital piano and the versatility of other keyboards, by including a wide range of high-quality sounds and accompaniment styles as well as cutting edge digital piano touch and sound.

As you’d expect from Yamaha, you get a great 88-key Graded Hammer Standard action and AWM sounds. You also get some of the best from Yamaha’s other keyboard instruments, such as 131 voices that include Sweet, Cool and Live voices, 191 interactive auto-accompaniment styles, plus XGlite song file compatibility that allows professionally-produced MIDI files to be loaded on to the instrument.

Full specifications should be available nearer to launch date, expected March 2010. As well as the spinet style cabinet, the set up comes with a padded bench.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Korg intros minimalist SP170 digital piano

Korg’s latest addition to its line of digital pianos is the SP170, a full-size keyboard that minimises distraction by doing away with control panels in favour of emphasising the keys and sound system.

If you’re after a simple keyboard where attention has been paid more to the feel and sound than additional features, the SP170 could be for you.

The ten sounds — two acoustic pianos, two electric pianos, harpsichord, clavichord, vibraphone, pipe organ, electric organ and strings — are selectable via the keys themselves, eliminating the need for buttons and leaving more room for the two 10cm x 5cm oval speakers, driven by 9W x 2 amplifier. There’s a reasonable 120 note polyphony (60 notes per stereo channel).

Korg has implemented its Natural Weighted Hammer Action system which promises a realistic feel — keys in the lower range are more heavily weighted than those in the upper range. Then again, every digital piano manufacturer offers something like this now, so you’ll need to play one to see if the feel is right for you.

Other functions include transposition, pitch control, MIDI output and damper pedal jack (just one pedal, it seems). Also two headphone/line out jacks.

It’s available in either black or white finish, weighs in at just under 27lbs and measures 51.65″ (W) × 12.8″ (D) × 5.24″ (H).

It has a RRP of $499.99.

Product page

Popularity: 2% [?]

Yamaha C7 grand piano accompanies Star Wars: In Concert

The greatest film saga and the greatest film music composed will come together this fall for Star Wars: in Concert, a multi-media touring event that will feature a Yamaha C7 grand piano.

Star Wars: In Concert combines John Williams’ unforgettable music, performed by a live symphony orchestra and chorus, with specially edited footage from all six Star Wars films. Through each musical piece, audiences experience the key themes, characters and story elements of the epic Star Wars saga in a fresh and exciting way.

Live narration by Anthony Daniels, who portrayed C-3PO in all six films, introduces each segment of the two-hour show, guiding audiences on a remarkable journey into the heart of a galaxy far, far away.

In addition to the main event, guests will have access to an exclusive exhibit of Star Wars costumes, props and production work, gathered from the Lucasfilm archives.

The worldwide concert tour begins Oct. 1 in Anaheim, CA at the Honda Center and plans to hit 50 North American cities before embarking on a global jaunt. To purchase tickets and see the full tour schedule, visit www.StarWarsInConcert.com.

Popularity: 7% [?]

Casio intros two new stage pianos: PX-130 and PX-330

Rather quietly, with no obvious press release, Casio last week announced the latest in its line of Privia stage/studio digital pianos.

The PX-130 and PX-330 are relatively lightweight, portable block digital pianos featuring realistic grand piano sounds, a range of other voices, expressive touch thanks to the Tri-Sensor 88-note scaled hammer action keyboard, plus built-in recorder and MIDI.

The full specifications for both models are below:

PX-130 technical specifications

Keyboard	88 keys, weighted scaled hammer action
Sound Source	4 level stereo samples, Linear Morphing System
Acoustic Resonance	Yes
Polyphony (maximum)	128
Tones	16
Reverb	4 types
Chorus	4 types
Brilliance	-3 to +3
Layer (with variable balance)	Yes
Split	Yes
Duet Mode	Yes
Metronome	0,2,3,4,5,6 beats
Transpose	-12 to +12 semi tones
Tuning Control	A4=440Hz +99 cents
Temperament(preset scale)	equal temperament + 16 scales
Recorder	1 Song, 2 Tracks
Preset Songs	60
USB Storage (utilizing PC)	Yes
Speakers	(13cmx6cm) x2
Amplifier	8W + 8W
Terminals
USB to Host (USB MIDI)	Yes, supporting XP, Vista, Mac
Damper (Sustain)	Yes
Connector for SP32 (3 Pedal Unit)	Yes
Headphones	Yes x 2
Accessories
AC Adaptor	Yes(AD-A12150LW)
Music Stand	Yes
Pedal	Yes
Score Book	Yes, SP-3
Dimensions and Weight
Unit size – W x D x H	52.05” x 11.26” x 5.31”
Unit weight in pounds	24.7 lbs
Boxed size – W x D x H	57.48” x 14.53” x 8.35”
Boxed weight	33.52 lbs
Optional Accessories
CS-67	Stand for P-130/330
SP-32	3 Pedal unit providing Sustain, Soft and Sostenuto

PX-330 technical specifications

Keyboard	88 keys, weighted scaled hammer action
Sound Source	4 level stereo samples, Linear Morphing System
Acoustic Resonance	Yes
Polyphony (maximum)	128
Tones	250
General MIDI Compatible	Level 1
Rhythms	180
Auto-Accompaniment	Yes
Reverb	4 types
Chorus	4 types
Brillianance	-3 to +3
Layer (with variable balance)	Yes
Split (with variable split point)	Yes
Registration Memory	Yes
Duet Mode	Yes
Pitch Bend Wheel	Yes
Metronome	0,2,3,4,5,6 beats
Transpose	-12 to +12 semi tones
Tuning Control	A4=440Hz +99 cents
Temperament (preset scale)	equal temperament + 16 scales
Recorder	10 Songs, 16 Tracks
USB Storage (utilizing PC)	Yes
SD Memory Card Storage	Yes
Display	96×32 Back Light LCD
Speakers	(13cmx6cm) x2
Amplifier	8W + 8W
Terminals
Line Out 1/4”	R, L/Mono
Line Input 1/4”	R, L/Mono
MIDI	IN, OUT
USB to Host (USB MIDI)	Yes, supporting XP, Vista, Mac
Damper (Sustain)	Yes
Soft/Sostenuto	Yes
Connector for SP32 (3 Pedal Unit)	Yes
Headphones	Yes x 2
Accessories
AC Adaptor	Yes(AD-A12150LW)
Music Stand	Yes
Pedal	Yes, SP-3
Dimensions and Weight
Unit size – W x D x H	52.05” x 11.26” x 5.31”
Unit weight in pounds	24.7 lbs
Boxed size – W x D x H	57.48” x 14.53” x 8.35”
Boxed weight	33.52 lbs
Optional Accessories
CS-67	Stand for P-130/330
SP-32	3 Pedal unit providing Sustain, Soft and Sostenuto

Popularity: 16% [?]

Steinway White House Pianos Pay Tribute to America

In a continuing celebration of its 156-year history, Steinway & Sons commemorates the Steinway piano as a cornerstone of American music and culture. Since 1853, Steinway pianos have captured hearts and inspired generations of Americans, from New York’s Tin Pan Alley, to the stages of legendary jazz clubs and renowned concert halls to Hollywood studios and countless family living rooms in between. Two instruments in particular are notable for their place in American history — the White House grand pianos of 1903 and 1938.

“We’ve always known that Steinway & Sons is a great American original,” said Todd Sanders, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Steinway & Sons. “By producing the finest handcrafted instruments available, our factory in Queens has contributed to a significant part of American culture for more than 156 years. Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers and Billy Joel, among many other legendary composers and performers, have all drawn their inspiration from the Steinway piano. We’re proud to take a moment to consider how important our company has been in our nation’s history. The White House pianos are also a great reminder of this.”

In 1903, to celebrate the creation of the company’s 100,000th piano – and the 50th anniversary of the firm’s founding – Steinway & Sons offered to transform its standard concert grand piano into an artwork suitable for use in the East Room of the White House. The “Gold Grand” was presented to the White House, and President Theodore Roosevelt accepted the $18,000 Steinway “on behalf of the nation.” The piano served through the administrations of Theodore Roosevelt, William H. Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, and Franklin Roosevelt; it was then donated to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.

The second White House piano was built and presented to President Franklin Roosevelt in 1938 to commemorate the production of Steinway’s 300,000th piano. The new piano, designed by New York architect Eric Gugler, was more than nine feet long, with a case of Honduran mahogany and gold leaf by artist Dunbar Beck. Last renovated in 1992 during the administration of George H. W. Bush, the piano remains today in the East Room of the White House.

“Steinway & Sons pianos have always had a significant place in American popular culture,” said Dr. Richard K. Lieberman, Director of the LaGuardia and Wagner Archives, which houses the Steinway collection. “From references to Steinway in the lyrics of Irving Berlin to the enormous celebration of Steinway’s centennial put on by Ed Sullivan in 1953, the company and the pianos it produces have captured the American spirit. The White House pianos are just one example of how important these pianos have been to America.”

Popularity: 6% [?]

Recommended Digital Pianos

Here is my current selection of favorite digital pianos that you can buy today.

Yamaha P-85 Digital Piano

More entry level digital piano with Yamaha’s realistic digital samples, realistic graded hammer touch, half pedaling and three pedal support, song recording, variety of other sounds.

Buy the Yamaha P-85 Acoustic-Like Touch Response AWM Stereo Sampled Tabletop Piano

Yamaha DGX630

Graded soft touch full size keyboard from Yamaha, featuring a 6-track recorder, DSP sound effects, a huge range of other sounds, virtual band, half-pedaling support.

Buy the Yamaha DGX630 88 Full-Sized Keys with Weighted Graded Hammer Action – AC Adapter Included

Yamaha P140

The digital piano I currently own. Has a great touch and good sounds. Though superseded by the Yamaha P155, still a recommended purchase. Half-pedaling support, graded hammer weighting.

Buy the Yamaha P-140 Portable Digital Piano

Yamaha CP300

This digital stage piano is specially built to withstand the rigors and requirements of gigging on the road. Authentic touch, a huge range of other sounds, 5-band equalizer.

Buy the Yamaha CP300 Digital Stage Piano

Casio Privia PX120

88-key piano keyboard with weighted keys, touch response, 128 note polyphony, various effects, Auto Accompaniment.

Buy the Casio PX120 Privia Digital Piano

Roland RD-700GX

88 keys PHA II Ivory Feel Keyboard with Escapement, Stereo Multi-sampled Piano Sound, range of other sounds, synthesizer capabilities, sound expansion cards.

Buy the Roland RD-700GX 88-key Digital Piano

Nord Stage EX 88

I love Nord’s range of keyboards, as much for their look as their capabilities. This 88 note stage piano offers both weighted keys and aftertouch, so it’s great for synth work too. Nevertheless, it’s lightweight, and comes with a range of sounds and effects.

Buy the Nord Stage EX 88, 88-Key Stage Piano

Disclaimer: I receive a small percentage of the sale price for anything you buy here, which goes towards maintaining this site. However, I fully endorse these digital pianos regardless of that, as I believe they are of high build quality and offer a great playing experience.

Popularity: 13% [?]

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