Yamaha iOS apps for music playing, arranging, organising, recording, editing [NAMM13]

A major feature at this year’s NAMM show is that of interaction between digital keyboards / pianos and mobile devices, in particular Apple’s line of iPad, iPhone and iPod products.

Yamaha is debuting a range of new apps for iOS-based devices, seeking to help musicians get the most from their Yamaha products.

MusicSoft Manager for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch that enables users to manage and move content between the instrument’s internal memory, any attached storage device, computer, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or Dropbox. MusicSoft Manager is free from the App Store and works with the Yamaha DTX400K, DTX430K, DTX450K, PSRS750, PSRS950, Tyros4, CVP601 and wirelessly with the CVP605 and CVP609. It is available immediately in 28 countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Repertoire Finder app allows players to browse songs on an easy-to-use interface complete with album artwork. Once a tune is found, users can see different banks of registration for playing that song and have them sent directly to their instrument. This feature is excellent for the user that doesn’t know much about combining Voices, setting effects or choosing Styles and perfect for the musician that wants to use the same settings as a specific artist. Users can also create and share their own registrations. It will be available in February 2013 in the App Store for free download.

My Music Recorder is a simple MIDI, audio and video recorder designed to track and share your keyboard performances on entry-level keyboards. My Music Recorder is free from the App Store, and is slated for release in April 2013.

Sound Controller allows musicians to control and manipulate instrument Voices on their portable keyboards. Sound Controller will be available in April 2013 for free in the App Store.

Each of these apps require an optional interface like Yamaha’s i-MX1 or i-UX1, unless otherwise stated.

Yamaha Arius YDP-142 and YDP-162 digital pianos [NAMM13]

Yamaha has updated its range of Arius digital pianos with the introduction of models YDP-142 and YDP-162.

Yamaha Arius YDP-142

The YDP-142 is aimed at the beginning pianist who wants an authentic experience at a more affordable price. It features the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action and PureCF audio sampling of Yamaha’s CFIIIS 9-foot acoustic grand piano — the first of the Arius series to have this.

The YDP-162, aimed at improving intermediate players, uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer (GH) system with synthetic ivory key tops, offering a moisture absorbant surface for greater comfort during prolonged playing periods.

Yamaha Arius YDP-162

Using a special design and position within the instrument, the Acoustic Optimiser physically adjusts the acoustical flow, which controls resonances and enriches the overall sound.

Available in either rosewood or black walnut finishes, customers can choose between the Arius YDP-142′s 32″ cabinet or the taller 33″ cabinet of the more upright YDP-162. Additionally, both models feature Duo Mode, which splits the keyboard into two 44-note keyboards each with their own middle-C, perfect for side-by-side or group practice environments.

Both 88-key digital pianos feature dual headphone jacks, Intelligent Acoustic Control which automatically adjusts EQ to your preferred volume setting, a two-track song recorder, and USB to HOST connector.

The Arius YDP-142 has an MSRP of $1,499.00 while the Arius YDP-162 comes in at $1,999.00. Exact availability and specifications to be confirmed.

Yamaha expands Disklavier E3 digital acoustic performance reproducing pianos [NAMM13]

Yamaha has announced new models in its line of Disklavier E3 and E3PRO Series performance reproducing digital/acoustic grand pianos.

These models combine the unrivalled touch, tone, elegance and style of traditional Yamaha acoustic pianos with cutting edge digital piano features that enable the instruments to play themselves – with exact keystrokes and pedal movements – in accompaniment to performance content streamed over the Internet or stored in its internal memory. New features and price points provide a whole new world of musical experiences to consumers whether playing or listening to their favourite music.

The E3/E3PRO Series models feature Yamaha’s proprietary RemoteLive™ technology that enables pianists to perform live in one location and have their keystrokes and pedal movements transmitted live to other networked Disklavier pianos anywhere in the world. Perfectly synchronized video can also be integrated in performances shared over the Internet or recorded locally.

These models also provide access to a wide range of previously recorded content — that will also be played keystroke by keystroke on the instrument — through downloads from Internet Direct Connection (IDC) and DisklavierRadio™ that delivers uninterrupted streams of music from more than 25 different channels covering genres from classical, jazz, pop, rock and beyond. In addition, the Disklavier E3 models are sold with more than 400 songs on exclusive Yamaha CDs that bring the instruments to life.

A free iOS Disklavier Controller app also enables operation of many of the models’ basic functions (volume, song playback start and stop, music media selection, DisklavierRadio™, etc.) to be operated from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. For more information, visit http://4wd.it/DISKLAVIERITUNESAPP. Players and music fans can also easily control the Disklavier E3 piano’s many cutting edge features via intuitively designed remotes and the electro-luminescent display panels on the instruments.

The E3 has an intuitive interface so users can capitalize on the entire range of Disklavier features immediately without a long learning curve. Musicians can also record video of their own performances, with a standard camcorder connected to the Disklavier E3 piano, which can be played on demand with their keystrokes and pedal movements. Up to 128 MB of content can be stored on Disklavier E3 Series pianos.

Users can adjust the volume, even to whisper-soft levels for private practice or late night playing, while still retaining Yamaha’s renowned sound fullness and clarity. The capability to record and transfer music from one Disklavier to another using a USB memory stick allows students to record their teacher’s material for practice at home.

Availability information to be confirmed.

Yamaha SH and SG2 Silent Pianos [NAMM13]

Yamaha is showing off its expanded range of SH and SG2 Silent Pianos at this year’s NAMM.

Yamaha Silent Pianos are acoustic pianos featuring sound-damping capabilities that allow players to plug in headphones and jam away without disturbing others. They can also be played like any regular piano, combining the authentic sound and touch of acoustic pianos with the convenience of digital models.

The Silent Piano’s incredible sounds are sampled from the top-of-the-line Yamaha CFX and CFIIIS Concert Grand Pianos. Even in silent mode, the piano faithfully reproduces an acoustic sound through headphones. Drawing from Yamaha’s expertise in acoustic piano design, digital sound creation and Disklavier technology, the silent pianos allow players to experience the same feel and touch they would from a regular acoustic pianos, whether the sound they want is soft or loud, gentle or sharp. The meticulously installed hammer, key and pedal sensors, along with sophisticated damper resonance effect, enable these silent models to faithfully reproduce the complex sounds of acoustic pianos.

Yamaha’s Silent Grand Pianos are equipped with Yamaha’s QuickEscape mechanism, which optimises the movement of the action, both in silent and acoustic modes. Yamaha Silent Grand Pianos are the only ones in the category that offer effective silencing and authentic key touch during acoustic play, which makes them ideal for use in music schools, conservatories and demanding professional environments.

These Silent Pianos are equipped with functions useful for practice, including metronomes and USB recording capabilities. They also offer convenient, easy-to-operate functions, including recording, playback and tonal controls. In addition, the pianos are fitted with MIDI and AUX connections for speakers and computers.

The full model list includes the C7X-SH, GB1K-SG2 and GC2-SH grand pianos and YUS5-SH, U3-SH and b3-SG2 upright pianos. Availability information to be confirmed.

Yamaha PSR-S650 Mexican Banda Expansion Pack [NAMM13]

Yamaha announces its Mexican Banda Voice and Style Expansion Pack for the PSR-S650, featuring brand new voices recorded by leading musicians in the genre.

This package contains seven new authentic Banda Voices recorded in a professional studio with professional Banda musicians. Instruments include Trombon Banda, Trompeta Banda, Clarinete Banda, Charcheta Banda, Tuba Banda, Bateria-Tambora and a special Gritos Kit of vocal expressions. One of the main ingredients of Mexican music is Gritos, the fun, vocal exclamations that accompany the music. The Voice and Style Mexican Banda Pack Expansion features 60 unique gritos that inject flavour into any performance.

It additionally includes 20 popular Banda Styles covering Acoustic Banda, Electric Banda and Duranguense. Each Style comes complete with four One Touch Settings that match these excellent new instrument Voices to each of the four Style sections. Panel registrations, with special Banda and Duranguense keyboard splits and layers for playing with a band, are also included.

For a limited time, downloads of this pack will be available free of charge at http://4wrd.it/BANDAPR.

Bösendorfer Marquetry Series Grand Pianos [NAMM13]

Yamaha has unveiled the first design of Bösendorfer’s new Marquetry Series of grand pianos, including the 200-SP Hummingbird pictured here.

Marquetry is the use of many pieces of different types of wood veneer to create images and has long been viewed a symbol of wealth. Many fine examples of marquetry can be found in the Imperial Palaces of Vienna, including the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of The Austrian Habsburg Imperial Family. While many historical pianos have included marquetry designs, they have seldom been re-envisioned for the 21st Century.

The Austrian Habsburg Imperial Family was delighted by exotic images of nature, covering the walls of their intimate music room with wonderful jungle scenes. The Palace, outfitted with a suite of rooms featuring exotic garden panoramas commissioned by Maria Theresa and hand painted by the celebrated 18th Century Bohemian Ornamentalist painter Johan Wenzel Bergl, played host to six-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who performed for the Empress Maria Theresa at Schoenbrunn.

Availability information to be confirmed.

Yamaha PSR-E243 and PSR-E343 keyboards [NAMM13]

Yamaha has extended its PSR-E line of beginner-friendly keyboards with the introduction of the PSR-E243 and PSR-E343 instruments.

Aimed at those just starting out on their learning journey, both 61-key instruments feature the Yamaha Education Suite which enables students to teach themselves piano.

Yamaha PSR-E243

Yamaha PSR-E343

As you’d expect, a range of other features include varied auto-accompaniment styles (100/136) and sounds (385/550), USB to HOST connectivity for using the keyboard with a PC or tablet, and audio line input. The PSR-E343 has touch sensitive keys, which implies that (disappointingly) the PSR-E243 has fixed velocity keys.

Shipping in May, we’ll have full specifications when they become available.

Yamaha i-UX1 iOS to MIDI instrument connector [NAMM13]

Cables and connectors aren’t particularly exciting, but they are essential particularly in the evolving world of music making using tablet PCs such as the Apple iPad.

Yamama i-UX1 USB MIDI iOS instrument cable

To this end, Yamaha has introduced its i-UX1 MIDI interface cable that enables quick, easy, seamless connection between the iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch and MIDI instruments. Just plug it in, and the i-UX1 works with Core MIDI compatible iOS Applications.

This is the first cable that connects instruments that have USB MIDI (vs. regular 5-pin DIN MIDI) to iDevices. The i-UX1 works with the iPad/iPhone/iPod touch.

Following an intuitive setup process, the i-UX1 quickly expands the functions of Yamaha MIDI instruments, enabling players to easily launch Yamaha’s innovative Apps, such as Piano Diary and MusicSoft Manager. It also allows users to edit the sound of their instruments from the iPhone, or the larger display of the iPad.

Pricing and availability information to follow.

Yamaha PSR-S750 and PSR-S950 Arranger Keyboards [NAMM13]

Yamaha has upgraded its range of PSR-S arranger keyboards with the introduction of the PSR-S750 and PSR-S950 models.

They feature Super Articulation Voices, more performance styles and a number of advanced connectivity options that offer possibilities previously only found on higher-end Yamaha instruments such as the Tyros4.

Yamaha PSR S750 Arranger Keyboard

The PSR-S950 arranger keyboard debuts Audio Style technology, bringing the realism, nuance and character of live drums and percussion to Styles. Each Audio Style adds a track of tempo-synchronised audio from drummers and percussionists around the world. It also features Vocal Harmony 2, a tool that augments singers’ vocals with 3-part harmonies and effects. Additionally, the color screen on the S950 makes the interface clearer and easier to read, while a brushed metal data entry wheel allows for simpler programming.

Yamaha PSR S950 Arranger Keyboard

Both the PSR-S950 and PSR-S750 models feature expressive Super Articulation Voices and offer “Real Distortion” DSP, which adds high-quality distortion and overdrive effects to instrument Voices like guitar and electric piano. The keyboards allow for the addition of Voices and Styles by loading Yamaha’s ever-growing library of Voice and Style Expansions into the 64MB FlashROM. Players can also assign and trigger WAV audio with Yamaha’s new Audio Link Multi-Pads, and a re-designed speaker box has extended lows along with a highly efficient digital amplifier and digital EQ to perfectly tailor the overall sound.

Full specifications will follow shortly. The PSR-S750 (MSRP: $1,499) and the PSR-S950 (MSRP: $2,499) are available now.

Yamaha b Series Acoustic and “Silent” upright pianos [NAMM13]

Yamaha B1

Yamaha has announced the US availability of its b Series upright pianos, touted to be the most affordable instruments in Yamaha’s acoustic piano line.

The Continental style b1 is designed for maximum performance and incorporates exceptional craftsmanship, space-conscious design and high-quality sound at a more sensible price.

The b1 Continental upright measures 43″ high with a width and depth of 58 1/4″ and 21 1/4″ respectively.

At 45″ high, the b2 offers a larger, more traditional case with the same width and depth of the b1.

The b3 model is a full 48″ high upright, with a width of 59 1/4″ and a depth of 24 1/4″.

All three models are available in both traditional acoustic as well as ‘silent’ instruments. They are sturdily constructed, featuring back posts for added strength, plus specially designed laminated soundboard that’s less prone to cracking, plus high-grade hammers.

Yamaha B2

Yamaha’s patented Extruded Aluminum Alloy Action Rail eliminates the common fluctuations in wood and metal encased rails that affect touch, thus allowing for a more stable, long-lasting action regulation. Yamaha only uses select Spruce for the keys on all models of pianos. Like all Yamaha pianos, the b Series offers Uniform Key Travel to ensure that regardless of size, type or model, Yamaha keyboards will always feel the same.

Yamaha B3

The b Series offers a Balanced Action. Each key of a Yamaha piano is individually weighted, allowing all keys to play uniformly, ensuring a lifetime of superior touch and control across the entire keyboard.

The b1 will be available in the US straight away with an RRP of $4,499. Arriving at this year’s Winter NAMM show, the b2 will retail for $5,999 and the b3 for $7,499.

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