Winter 2003Volume 11Issue 3 Yamaha Unveils New CLP Models amaha raises the award-winning Clavinova® digital piano line another octave with the new CLP100 Series. These five unique instruments out-perform their predecessors in every facet, including price—each piano is at, or below, the original price of the former model. The CLP170, CLP150, CLP130 and CLP120—even the entry level CLP110—all feature the world-renowned Yamaha GH (Graded Hammer) weighted keyboard, which recreates the feel of an acoustic grand piano down to the increased key weights. Also, "while the Clavinova is first and foremost a digital piano, the new CLP Series offers a variety of lifelike organ, choir, harpsichord, vibraphone, string, and bass voices to complete any performance or composition," says Jim Levesque, Yamaha Electronic Keyboard Marketing Manager. The CLP170 features the new GH3 keyboard, which provides a heightened level of grand piano realism. Like other GH keyboards, the GH3 uses a weighted mechanism and grade-weighted keys (gradually heavier, top to bottom) to provide a natural feel. On the GH3, each key also has a damper mechanism with two velocity sensors that enable rapid playing of a single key without skipping notes, a characteristic of conventional digital pianos. And, each key has reduced spring load to absorb the shock when playing, taking the strain off the fingers. The difference will vastly be noticed during the performance of energetic, vivace passages. All CLP100 Series models include Yamaha AWM tone generation which varies the volume and timbre of sound according to the user's touch. To assure a warmer, more enveloping sound, the CLP170/150/130 boast new DSS (Dynamic Stereo Sampling) piano samples. Taken at different levels from loud to soft, these samples give a more lifelike response to the user's style. In addition, the CLP170/150/130 models offer Stereo Sustain and Key-Off samples. Stereo Sustain samples recreate the resonance of strings and soundboard when the damper pedal is pressed, which contributes to the unique sound of a grand piano. Key-Off samples provide the delicate sound made by keys the moment they are released, for another touch of realism. For authentic grand piano performance, the CLP170/150 come with String Resonance samples to provide the complex resonance which makes an acoustic piano rich and full. For connecting to a computer, the CLP170/150 features TO HOST and USB interfaces. (USB replaces the MIDI In/Out to the computer). Now, downloading songs from a computer is as easy as "drag and drop." Users can download MIDI song data and the Clavinova can play the song or use the computer to print out the score while it displays on the monitor. For the maximum acoustic experience, Yamaha has developed the exclusive iAFC (Instrumental Active Field Control), available on the CLP170. iAFC is a group of special effects that use built-in mics and rear-mounted speakers to make automatic adjustments to the sound for a richer tone that ideally suits the acoustic characteristics of the room you're playing in. DDE (Dynamic Damper Effect) sends special sustain and resonance samples out the rear speakers independently of what is heard from the front speakers, resulting in 4-way surround sound. SEE (Spatial Ensemble Effect) reproduces the reverberations and resonance of a real stage performance for far more spacious sound. And NSB (Natural Soundboard) picks up sound from the mics to recreate a virtual soundboard for a more expansive, natural tone. "You'll notice the iAFC difference instantly," says Dane Madsen, Product Manager. "It takes the Clavinova to a new sonic realm." The CLP100 models, state-of-the-art combined with elegant design, are available in a choice of four handsome woodgrain cabinets: Dark Rosewood (every model), Mahogany (CLP150/170 only), Cherry (CLP150/170 only) and Polished Ebony (CLP170 only). All CLP100 Series digital pianos include a headphone hanger and the CLP150/170 offer music clips to keep books from folding closed while playing.

Next Page
Key Action Home - Yamaha Home - Table of Contents

©2003 Yamaha Corporation of America
- Piano Division -
P.O. Box 6600 Buena Park, CA 90620