ANAHEIM, Calif. — Yamaha Keyboard Division introduces the AvantGrand N1, an entry-level version of the company's acclaimed AvantGrand hybrid piano technology, which delivers the tone and touch of a nine-foot Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano in a smaller, more affordable package than the two other models in the series: the N2 upright and the flagship AvantGrand N3 hybrid piano.

The AvantGrand N1 offers advanced piano sound reproduction without the tuning, cost or footprint of a comparable stringed instrument. Serious players who live in small spaces or who have limited budgets need not sacrifice the feel and sound of an acoustic grand.

With the introduction of the AvantGrand, Yamaha ignited a revolution in the approach to sampling – the recording and playback of the notes of the actual acoustic piano. Treating the soundboard not simply as a point source of sound but as a plane, Yamaha took samples at four positions, adding optimum center and rear locations to the traditional left and right. As a sound source, Yamaha carefully selected the best single instrument from among its CFIIIS full concert grand pianos for sampling. The end result of these efforts is that AvantGrand series instruments recreate the original sound of a superb grand piano almost to perfection. Meanwhile, the instrument’s speaker system has been designed to ensure that this sound is heard best at the playing position. A three-way system, featuring woofer, mid-range and tweeter speakers reproduce the rich, natural resonance of the soundboard accurately. What's more, each of the low-, mid-, and high frequency bands has been given its own amplifier to prevent interference between bands. This innovative configuration allows the instrument's outstanding sound system to reproduce the nuances of each individual note.

"Yamaha brings its hybrid technology to an expanded market with the release of the AvantGrand N1," said Mark Anderson, Yamaha Keyboard Division marketing director. "It features the same exquisite sampling found in the other AvantGrand models. Encased within a compact, upright piano footprint, the N1 offers grand piano action and sound, making it a viable alternative to an acoustic upright or a smaller grand piano."

Beyond the AvantGrand's compact size, striking design, sound, touch and functionality, teachers, students, performers, hobbyists, apartment dwellers, schools and institutions with small practice rooms will appreciate the competitive price point compared to concert acoustic pianos, and the fact that the instrument requires no tuning. In addition to the remarkable grand piano sound sample, the N1 also features electronic piano and harpsichord voices.

The AvantGrand N1 (MSRP: $9,999) is scheduled to ship in April 2011.

For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2011 at the Anaheim Marriott Marquis ballroom, write Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011 e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com/press.