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.

Alesis Cadenza digital piano unveiled

Alesis has shown off the latest addition to its line of digital pianos. The Cadenza features 88 hammer-action graded weight keys and a range of simple controls designed to allow the pianist to concentrate on the performance.

The Cadenza features eight stereo voices, and although Alesis doesn’t seem to want to share exactly what they are at present, we do know there’s at least one acoustic grand piano and one string sample. We’d imagine the others are fairly standard fare, such as piano variation, electric pianos, harpsichord and organ.

The touch sensitivity is adjustable, and there’s a two-track recorder, metronome, audio input and output, chorus and reverb effects, supplied sustain pedal, and built-in speakers with adjustable treble and bass controls.

Check out the video below. The sound quality isn’t great so it’s definitely one worth checking out for yourself.

Alesis Cadenza Key Features

• 88 hammer-action keys for full piano range with graded, weighted feel
• Adjustable touch sensitivity for customized performance
• Choose from among eight stereo instruments with the ability to split and combine sounds
• Onboard two-track recorder for listening back to your unique creations
• Built-in speakers for rich, full sound that fills the room
• USB computer connection for recording, performing, and sequencing with virtually any Mac or PC music software
• MIDI Input and Output jacks for working with external keyboard controllers and sound devices
• Auxiliary 1/4″ (3.5mm) stereo input for playing along with an external music player
• Headphone jack for silent practice with your favorite headphones
• Comes with sustain pedal for complete musical expression
• Chorus and Reverb effects give you flexible variation over instrument sounds
• Metronome for practicing with a steady beat
• Backlit, blue LCD screen gives you easy-to-read information in any lighting conditions
• Dedicated Bass and Treble controls for optimizing the speaker system for any room
• Eight demo songs for exploring the Cadenza’s musical capabilities

Pricing and availability is still to be confirmed.

How To Play The Piano

Learning to play any new instrument can be daunting, particularly if you’ve never tried it before, but the benefits are worth the effort.

The piano is a wonderful instrument and fits nicely into a wide variety of musical styles. Here are our recommendations for the beginner wanting to learn how to play the piano.

Buy or Borrow the Best Piano You Can

Real acoustic pianos, even upright ones, can be very expensive — not to mention heavy, difficult to transport, and requiring considerable maintenance to keep them at their best.

You might do well to purchase a good digital piano instead. Digital pianos tend to be cheaper, more portable, and requiring less upkeep to sound good. Moreover, modern digital pianos sound and feel extremely realistic. Additionally, they sometimes come with built in features to make learning and playing easier.

If buying a digital piano, you should definitely look for one with 88 keys. Good manufacturers to go for are Yamaha, Casio, Roland and Korg.

Buy the Book: Buying a Music Keyboard or Digital Piano.

Find A Good Teacher

If you are serious about playing and can afford to go to a teacher, it’s definitely worth investing the time and money into doing so. Most towns have at least one decent teacher.

If you know someone who already takes piano lessons, ask for a recommendation.

It’s important to get on well with your teacher, and additionally to ensure that they’re happy and able to teach the kind of music you really want to play. Traditionally, piano teachers have swayed towards teaching classical music, but today it’s much easier to find tutors who will teach rock, pop, jazz or other styles of music — or indeed a mixture.

Invest in Some Software

There are a number of decent pieces of computer software available which can provide tutorials on the fundamentals of music and the basics of playing the piano. They can be a worthy alternative, or supplement, to having a piano teacher.

Recommended software includes Rocket Piano and Piano Wizard.

Online resources include OnlinePianist.com

Practice Often

Students who play the piano often will benefit the most, particularly if they have some kind of schedule or goal in mind.

It depends what you want to get out of playing the piano, but aimlessly tinkling the keyboard will generally not lead to great progress being made.

You don’t have to commit to learning so many pieces of music every month or doing this, that or the other, but it can be good to set even an informal schedule of the sorts of music you’d like to play, and then work out how you’re going to achieve that.

Of course, if you have a teacher you will more than likely have a weekly schedule of practice. Your tutor will help you achieve certain goals on a regular basis, such as learning to play particular pieces of music proficiently.

Whatever you decide, playing often (ideally, every day) will definitely help you improve.

Work on Technique

Playing technique is very important and it’s worth learning it early. A teacher will help you out in the early stages.

Think particularly about your posture, positioning of hands in relation to the keys, and the way you play the keys.

Poor posture and technique will, at best, impair the quality of the music you play. At worst, it could lead to injury.

If playing an acoustic piano, invest in a decent piano bench. If playing a digital piano, you should get a decent, adjustable stand as well as piano bench.

Technique can be improved by playing through various exercises such as scales and arpeggios.

Recommended Reading:

• 7 easy ways to improve your piano-playing strength and dexterity
• Essential Accessories for Keyboard Players: Keyboard Benches

Understand the Theory

Music theory may not seem like the most fun thing to learn at first, particularly if all you want to do is play, but in the long run it makes learning new pieces of music, as well as sight reading, improvisation and playing ‘by ear’, much easier.

A good piano tutor will no doubt introduce the concept of music theory along the way. At the very least, it’s worth learning basic major and minor chords, scales and arpeggios, note intervals, chord inversions, and basic music notation.

Learn to Read Music

Being able to read printed music can be of real benefit, as it means you can pick up any manuscript and have a decent attempt at playing it.

If you have a teacher, they will recommend basic music books to begin learning.

If you’re self-teaching, pick up beginner books to start with and gradually work up. It’s better to start with something simpler rather than buy more advanced music that’s difficult to play well and can leave you frustrated. Simple music is always good to have around for things like sight reading practice, even if you graduate on to more complex music.

It’s also worth learning to read lead sheets, particularly if you’re going to be playing more contemporary music, working with bands and singers, or improvising. This tend to show just the main chords to be played at any point during a piece of music.

Make it Fun

Always remember why you’re learning the piano. It’s to have fun. Take practicing and learning seriously, of course, but not so seriously that you end up hating it.

Mix things up a bit if learning and practicing become stale. Try a new piece of music or have a go at playing by ear or improvising. Really, don’t be afraid to experiment with the music you’re playing.

Develop the Passion

Get to the point where every time you see a piano you have the burning desire to play it. Don’t become a show-off (no-one really likes them) but do get a passion for playing. Desire to be the best you can be. Don’t compare yourself to other players and worry whether you’ll ever be as good as them. Concentrate on developing your own style.

Play With Others

Playing with other people in a band, or accompanying singers, can be a real buzz and take your playing to a new level. It develops cooperation and commitment. Even if it’s just a few musical friends jamming together, that no-one else ever hears, that’s great.

Learning how to play the piano is an exciting journey. Start off the right way and you’ll enjoy playing for many years to come.

Casio AP-220 and AP-420 now available in matte black [NAMM12]

It may not be the most exciting news around, but it’s no surprise that Casio wants to show off a couple of its existing Celviano digital pianos in matte black.

The AP-220 and AP-420 have been given the makeover to demonstrate Casio’s “commitment to dealers and the music enthusiast”.

Casio AP-420BK

The MSRP for the Celviano models range from $899.99 – $1,399. Click on those links in the previous paragraph to get the lowdown on the original models — the other specifications remain the same. The new model numbers are, predictably, AP-220BK and AP-420BK.

Korg updates SV-1 with black and retro look models [NAMM12]

Korg has updated its popular SV-1 vintage stage pianos with two new models.

The SV-1BK Black has an elegant matte black finish, while the limited edition SV-1RV features a bold red body and vintage reverse-colour keys that call to mind the classic combo organs of the 1960s and ‘70s.

Here’s a rundown of the feature set for that limited edition model.

• Two phenomenal grand piano sounds – 1 European, 1 Japanese
• Korg’s finest piano keyboard with Graded Hammer Action; 73 or 88 keys
• Intuitive “LIVE” front panel with single-function knobs
• 8 Easy-to-set car-radio style Favorites buttons
• 36 coveted and in-demand piano & vintage keyboard sounds:
  Grand Pianos: Smooth European; Lively Japanese; Mono Grand (for live); etc.
  • Electric Pianos: Tine styles; Reed Types; Plucked Type; Clavs; etc.
  • Electronic Pianos: Korg SG-1D; Transistor; ‘80s synth; VPM styles; etc.
  • Organs: Tonewheels; USA Tube Console; Italian Combo; VOX
  • Keyboards: String Machine, Tape Strings, Synth Brass; etc.
  • Other: Piano + Layers; Real Strings; Real Choir, etc.
• Valve Reactor 12AX7 tube-driven amp modeling (6 Models)
• 6 Pre-FX; 6 Modulation FX; 6 Reverb Delays; 3-Band EQ
• Stereo inputs / Stereo outputs ( all 1/4″)
• XLR Stereo balanced stage/recording outputs
• Headphone output
• Includes damper pedal & music rack
• Options: assignable footswitch; assignable footpedal;

Pricing and availability for these models to be confirmed.

Bösendorfer creates first “Artist Series” piano [NAMM12]

Bösendorfer has announced its Model 200 SPGK “Klimt”, the first in a new line of “Artist Series” acoustic grand pianos.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt.

This new model features:

• The Klimt model will be limited to a maximum of 25 units
• Each unit will have an individually numbered solid brass plate
• Made in cooperation with the Belvedere Museum, Vienna
• High resolution image of “The Kiss” and through advanced reprographic techniques is on the inside of the lid of our 200 model
• Our craftsmen further customize it by applying additional elements of real gold leaf

Bösendorfer Klimt Artist Series grand piano

That’s all the information we have, but you can see from the picture how special it looks.

A 25 instrument special edition. Bösendorfer. Acoustic grand piano.

How much will it cost? If you have to ask that, you definitely can’t afford it.

Bösendorfer Model 155 SP compact grand piano introduced [NAMM12]

Those wanting the amazing acoustic grand piano experience but in a smaller frame size will be interested to here that renowned piano maker Bösendorfer (owned by Yamaha) has revealed its Model 155 SP.

As model numbers reflect the length of the piano in centimetres, it doesn’t take a genius to work out that this grand piano is 155cms (about 5 foot 1 inch) in length.

Before this, Bösendorfers were a minimum of 170cms (5 foot 7 inches) in length.

Bösendorfer Model 155 SP acoustic grand piano

It’s the first new model from Bösendorfer in a decade, featuring the customary single stringing, separately cast screwed–on capo d’astro and the open pin block on the cast iron plate, resonant case principle with no corner joints as per the model 170, and the same key length as models 170-200.

That’s it. That’s all you’re getting for now. Hopefully we’ll get information about availability in due course.

Yamaha intros Disklavier E3 Series DGB1KE3Classic [NAMM12]

Yamaha has extended its range of Disklavier E3 digital pianos with the DGB1KE3Classic.

While it’s zero marks for the appalling product name, we should look beyond to the specs themselves.

Yamaha has developed a new “Damper Drive System” which makes the E3 Classic more affordable. Yamaha states that, “During playback, direct driving of the dampers provides the same damper effect as the conventional Disklavier,” whilst, “during recording, the damper pedal sensing system records your pedalling precisely.”

Yamaha Disklavier E3 Classic DGB1KE3Classic

The E3 Classic comes with a CD containing over 400 songs so it’s ready to listen to as soon as it arrives.

The built-in amplification system creates a spacious sound that’s ideal for the acoustic sounds the instrument is recreating.

It’s easy to record on the Disklavier and it has enough built-in storage for hundreds of hours of music. It’s even possible to record a MIDI file synchronised perfectly to an audio CD or file on USB memory stick, such as a track from a favourite band.

Full specifications:

Specs

Color/Finish

Size/Weight

Control Interface

Cabinet

Voices

Functions

Storage and Connectivity

Power Supply

Accessories

Yamaha intros ARIUS YDP-C71PE digital piano [NAMM12]

Yamaha adds to its ARIUS line of digital pianos — which already include the YDP-S31, YDP-181 and YDP-V240 — with the YDP-C71PE.

Featuring a Graded Hammer (GH) 88-key keyboard and 3-level Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) dynamic stereo sampling system, it comes with a luxurious polished ebony finish and offers a much improved acoustic system designed to give a cleaner sound with more presence.

128 notes of polyphony should be enough for the most demanding musical passages, while two track recording is great for capturing performances and improving technique.

Yamaha ARIUS YDP-C71PE digital piano

Specifications

Here’s the full specification sheet:

Size/Weight

Control Interface

Cabinet

Voices

Effects

Songs

Functions

Storage and Connectivity

Amplifiers and Speakers

Power Supply

Accessories

Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Roland intros RP301 and RP301R digital pianos [NAMM12]

Roland has introduced the RP301 and RP301R digital pianos, both featuring its SuperNATURAL sound technology, Ivory Feel-G keyboard and a number of features designed to make piano playing more fun and rewarding.

We don’t have the detailed specifications for each model, but it seems that the RP301R additionally features 60 built-in accompaniments and an intelligent chord recognition system, making it more suited to those who want that bit extra than most digital pianos offer.

Key features of the RP301 are:

• SuperNATURAL Piano recreating authentic piano expressiveness
• Ivory Feel-G keyboard for true piano feel and touch
• Easy access to features for practice and performance with dedicated front-panel buttons
• Metronome, recorder, and Twin Piano features convenient for skill building
• Environment friendly; low power consumption and Auto Off function
• Two beautiful cabinet finishes: Satin Black and Simulated Rosewood

And of the RP301R:

• 60 built-in rhythm accompaniments enrich your piano performance
• Newly developed full-keyboard chord recognition engine
• Three versatile playing modes: Pianist, Split Chord, and Split Tone
• Perfect sound through SuperNATURAL piano technology
• Authentic piano touch and feel with Ivory Feel-G keyboard
• Rhythm accompaniment can be expanded through USB memory
• Built-in LCD enhances the user-friendly operation
• Environment-concious design with Auto Off function and low power consumption (12 W* under the condition of average use without compromising its powerful sound)

Of particular interest to those who like auto-accompaniment features is the intelligent full-keyboard chord recognition system. Roland claims this means the pianist doesn’t need to change their playing style in order for the accompaniment system to recognise and adapt to the chords being played.

This is in contrast to the systems traditionally found on other keyboards whereby the player is forced to play chords in the lower octave or two of the keyboard with the left hand, or even to play various note combinations which denote major, minor and other chords.

Those systems work well if you get used to them, but not so well for trained pianists who are used to playing chords with the right hand, or split between left and right hand, often in differing inversions. It will be interesting to hear how well Roland’s technology copes with the many variations in chord style (including broken chords/arpeggios perhaps?)

Here’s more information about the different features found on the RP301 or RP301R.

60 Built-In Rhythm Accompaniments for Piano Performance

The RP301R incorporates 60 built-in rhythm accompaniments spanning 11 music genres, which are designed to enrich your musical repertoire and enjoyment. Each rhythm accompaniment contains an Intro, Ending, Variation, and Fill patterns that includes a basic rhythm part (drums/percussion) and melodic accompaniments, such as bass, guitar, and strings. Rhythm accompaniment can be expanded through USB memory.

Intelligent Full-Keyboard Chord Recognition (Pianist Mode)

Make incredible music with the RP301R’s newly developed full-keyboard chord- recognition engine, which reacts to the pressing level of the damper pedal. Any chord you play can be recognized in real time, allowing the auto-accompaniment to follow what you play. You can play along with sophisticated rhythm accompaniments without changing your piano playing style.

SuperNATURAL Piano

The RP301/RP301R incorporates Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano engine — a cutting-edge technology derived from the flagship V-Piano as well as 88-key stereo multisampling. SuperNATURAL Piano brings a new level of authentic sound and natural performance to the digital domain. Roland’s engineers relentlessly analyzed the complex, ever-changing characteristics of concert grand pianos, faithfully capturing and reproducing the tonal variations based on the velocity of each keystroke. With SuperNATURAL, three key elements are dramatically enhanced: velocity response, note decay and key-range behavior. The end result is an incredibly expressive and authentic sound that blurs the line between digital and acoustic.

Ivory Feel-G Keyboard

Featuring Roland’s acclaimed Progressive Hammer Action design with Escapement, the RP301/RP301R’s Ivory Feel-G keyboard inherits the functions, appearance, and texture of keyboards found on our flagship pianos. Thanks to a combination of advanced sensor technologies and our SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, the RP301/RP301R offers expression and performance that rivals high-end pianos.

Practice and Performance

The RP301/RP301R is equipped with friendly features to enhance your skills. The Twin-Piano feature, for example, is designed for side-by-side lessons or performances with a teacher or duet partner. It enables the keyboard to be split into two parts, each of which covers the same octaves. This makes it easy to see and hear when practicing beside a teacher. In the same way, the left and right pedals can be reassigned to act as damper pedals for either side of the split keyboard. The RP301/RP301R also has built-in metronomes and recorders, so you can practice with a perfect time reference, and record and listen back to your performances. The built-in song library includes a selection of classical piano etudes — great for practice sessions.

Digital Advantage

With the RP301/RP301R, you can play day or night, year after year, and enjoy perfect sound and performance. Since the instrument is fully digital, there are no strings to tune, and no need to worry about temperature changes or aging strings. Furthermore, the RP301 gives you the choice of playing through its built-in speakers, its external output, and/or through headphones so you can practice privately day or night without disturbing your neighbors. The built-in external input lets you connect an audio player for play-along fun.

Roland intros F-120 digital piano [NAMM12]

Building on the successful F-110, Roland introduces its F-120 digital pianos, which it says are ideal for pianists wanting authentic sound and touch in a compact, contemporary cabinet.

Key features include:

• SuperNATURAL Piano engine onboard
• Ivory Feel-G keyboard for true piano feel and touch
• Compact, lightweight and stylish cabinet
• Dedicated front-panel buttons for piano practice, lessons, and performance
• Metronome, recorder, and Twin Piano features for lessons or side-by-side performance
• Environment friendly; low power consumption and Auto Off function
• Two classy finishes: Satin Black and White

Read more about the features below:

SuperNATURAL Piano

With Roland’s breakthrough SuperNATURAL Piano engine at its core, the F-120 brings a new level of authentic sound and natural performance to the digital domain. Roland’s engineers relentlessly analyzed the complex, ever-changing characteristics of concert grand pianos, faithfully capturing and reproducing the tonal variations based on the velocity of each keystroke. With SuperNATURAL, three key elements are dramatically enhanced: velocity response, note decay and key-range behavior. The end result is an incredibly expressive and authentic sound that blurs the line between digital and acoustic.

Ivory Feel-G Keyboard

The F-120 is outfitted with an Ivory Feel-G keyboard, featuring Progressive Hammer Action with Escapement, inherits the functions, appearance, and texture of keyboards found on Roland’s flagship pianos. Thanks to the combination of the latest sensor technologies and the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, the F-120 offers expression and performance that rivals that of high-end pianos.

Slim Cabinet Design

Compact, stylish and only 30cm deep, the F-120 can be placed anywhere in your room. The unique folding-lid design covers the keyboard safely when closed, and serves as a music rest when raised. The F120 is available in two beautiful finishes: Satin Black and White.

Skill-Building Features

More than a great piano, the F-120 is equipped with features to enhance your skills. The Twin-Piano feature, for example, is designed for side-by-side lessons or performances with a teacher or duet partner. It enables the keyboard to be split into two parts, each of which covers the same octaves. This makes it easy to see and hear when practicing beside a teacher. In the same way, the left and right pedals can be reassigned to act as damper pedals for either side of the split keyboard. The F-120 also has a built-in metronome and recorder, so you can practice with a perfect time reference, and record and listen back to your performances.

Digital Advantage

With the F-120, you can play day or night, year after year, and enjoy perfect sound and performance. Since the instrument is fully digital, there are no strings to tune. No need to worry about temperature changes or aging strings. And since it’s digital, the F-120 lets you play through its built-in speakers, its external output, or privately through headphones. The built-in external input lets you connect an audio player for play-along fun.

Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

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