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.

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

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:

Kurzweil intros two new SP stage pianos: SP2XS / SP3x [NAMM09]

Kurzweil may not be the first name you think of when it comes to stage pianos (Yamaha and Roland come to my mind first) but its latest duo look pretty decent.

Shown off at last month’s NAMM, the SP2XS and SP3x both feature the Kurzweil Grand Piano sound, based on the combination of the highest quality sound samples, a powerful synth engine, and pristine reverbs.

The SP3x builds on the design of the highly successful SP2x with an expanded sound set of 512 programs. In addition to pianos, the SP3x offers a wide variety of other top notch sounds, including winds, voices, synths, brass, bass, guitar and ensembles. With a wide range of sounds, effects and extensive MIDI controller capabilities, the SP3x is equally well suited for use on stage, at home, or in the studio, and is perfect for worship based music.

The SP2XS joins the SP2 and SP3 to round out the product line, providing an option for players who need a high quality built-in sound system in a professional grade instrument. With a custom 20 watt per channel power amplifier and matched, high efficiency speakers with full range 3×5″ drivers, the sound system has been optimized for the SP2XS’s enclosure, delivering stunning sound quality.

Both feature 64 note polyphony, are 16 part multitimbral, have at least 60 pre-programmed drum patterns and a variety of controllers.

Available now.

SP2XS | SP3X