"They've done a tremendous job improving the features, benefits and upgrades--they're incredible," summarized Sam Falcetti of Falcetti Music in Springfield, MA. Boston Organ & Piano's John Totaro commented on the entire Clavinova line, "They're going from even better to best." The CVP90 series has an unprecedented 613 instrument voices, large displays, on-line help and various guide modes. These features offer many benefits to novices through advanced players, including piano realism, ease of use, greater control and power.

Craig Knudsen explains new features of the Clavinova CVP90 series as Dan Rodowicz looks on.

The new Clavinova models' realistic touch, tone and more realistic piano sound were a unanimous hit with dealers, including Larry Power of Warner Piano Company in Philadelphia, PA. "I especially like the bass sounds and new styling," he said. Brian Werner of Piano & Organ Distributors in Raleigh-Durham, NC added, "Everyone I've talked to agrees that the piano sound on the new Clavinova series is the most realistic they've heard to date." Denise Wunderlich of Southern Nevada Music in Las Vegas, NV concurs, describing the new CVP series as "the most impressive change I've ever seen."

Pictured left to right: Keyboard Division Product Manager Cam Shearer introduces dealers to the new Clavinova CVP line as Craig Knudsen and Dan Rodowicz stand by for product demonstrations.

 Dealers expect the instruments will have especially wide appeal among families and home computer users, as all four models have a PC interface and the CVP96 and -98 include a karaoke feature. In addition, intuitive auto-accompaniment functions, including "Virtual Arranger" and "Pianist Style" systems, react to user fingering and create instantaneous arrangements in authentic, familiar styles. As with past models, the unique Clavinova CVP guide lamps, in conjunction with a variety of software, help novices and students navigate through difficult arrangements. "I welcome the addition of the 'pianist style' mode since it enables the player to hear their left hand perform very intricate accompaniments even though they're actually playing a simple part--customers will definitely like that," commented John Totaro of Boston Organ & Piano.

Cindy Combs of Scott's Music Stores, Inc. of Grand Forks, ND was most impressed with the performance flexibility. "Besides having so many more sounds, you can record and stop the accompaniment to play rubato for a while and then resume back to tempo-all in one take. This feature is very handy for church musicians."