Clavinova
From AudioLexic
The Clavinova is a long-running line of digital pianos created by the Yamaha Corporation. They are similar in styling to an acoustic piano, but with many features common to other digital pianos such as the ability to save songs, the availability of several different voices, and in some cases the ability to be connected to a computer.
The CLP range is aimed more towards those looking for a digital alternative to an acoustic piano and concentrates on accurately reproducing its touch and sound though most in the range also have a limited number of other voices available. The CVP range provides a greater variety of voices and also built in rythyms and accompaniments enabling complete performances to be played and recorded using built-in sequencing software.
[edit] Technical Information
Some Clavinovas (CLP and CVP-Series) feature graded hammer technology, a mechanical system of small metal hammers, weighted to be similar to those of a real pianoforte, which hit a digital pressure sensor that then translates into sound. This patented technology has contributed to the success of the Clavinova as an affordable substitute for a real piano. The 'Graded' action is intended to more accurately reproduce the varying weights of the hammers of an acoustic piano where the hammers vary in weight from the bass section to the treble.
The built-in synthesizer produces the sound. The synthesizer contains samples of real instruments which are then selected and modified by the electronics to produce the desired sound. Information comes in a MIDI or similar format either directly from the piano keyboard or from a stored source (from within the piano or via a computer or external sequencer). Digital pianos are not limited to only piano sounds however. The synthesizer can imitate an array of acoustic instruments and other sound effects. Several models of Clavinova have hundreds of such "voices". These usually include several types of pianos and organs, brass and woodwind instruments, and drums. Most of the CVP models also feature hundreds of accompaniment styles, ranging from traditional dance and classical orchestration, through to modern club, big band and jazz styles. Some Clavinovas feature polyphony of up to 128 notes.
The latest models of the Clavinova are the CLP-2X0 range and the CVP-30X range; the CVP-301 is the lower-end of the range, whilst the CVP-309 is the most expensive. Using technology from Yamaha's pioneering 'Tyros' keyboard, they feature such innovations as Yamaha's 'MegaVoice' technology, which accurately reproduces acoustic instrument sound, wireless internet direct connection facilities, and USB-to-device ports. The retail price of the CVP-309 is about US$10,000, although many retailers offer considerable discounts.
Yamaha is rumoured to be bringing out the new range of Clavinovas in 2007, possibly based around 'Tyros2' technology, although this has not been confirmed by Yamaha.
[edit] See also
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