Kawai MP9500 Digital Piano

Kawai MP9500 Stage Piano
This is the cream of the crop ladies and gentlemen. Kawai has created an outstanding instrument with the MP9500 stage piano. A step up from the legendary Kawai MP9000, this piano arguably has the finest piano hammer action around, with a nice selection of controller functions as well.

Where to buy the Kawai MP9500 Digital Piano You may be lucky enough to find a used one lurking around. One of the very best places to look of course, is eBay.com Musical Instruments Listings. For all you Canadians out there (CleverJoe sees you wearing your touques and drinking Alexander Keith's) visit eBay.ca Canadian Listings for used digital pianos in Canada. Also, check out Musician's Friend Keyboard Gear or Music123 Keyboards for the newest Kawai and other digital pianos.

"The best in any electric keyboard yet made"
"I use the MP9500 in place of a grand to practice on because of it's superb touch-sensitive action, the best in any digital piano yet made. I travel a lot, and because of its portability and use of headphones, I can play it anywhere, at anytime. I've done gigs where I've lined it up against a full-length concert grand and challenged the audience to spot the difference in sound - they couldn't - and the fact that it has an infinite arsenal of fantastic electronic keyboard sounds makes boring practising a thing of the past! It's MIDI capabilities make it an ideal base keyboard for any computer software setup. I recommend it to all my students who have restricted accommodation yet need a realistic and silent substitute for an acoustic piano."

Michael Kieran Harvey - Concert Pianist

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Kawai MP9500 Digital Piano Features

Keys: Solid Wood
Weighting: Graded, Counter-balanced

Polyphony: 64 Voice
Sound Generation: Harmonic Imaging

Internal Sounds:

• Pianos (8),
• E. Pianos (12),
• Mallets (4),
• Organ (6),
• Harpsichord (2),
• Drawbars (8),
• Strings (4),
• Choir (3),
• Pads (5),
• Basses (8)

Reverb Types:

• Plate,
• Hall 1,
• Hall 2,
• Stage 1,
• Stage 2,
• Room 1,
• Room 2

Effect Types: Sympathetic Resonance, Chorus 1, Chorus 2, Chorus 3, Flanger 1, Flanger2, Ensemble, Celeste, Delay 1, Delay 2, Auto Pan, Tremolo, Phaser 1, Phaser 2, Rotary 1 (slow/fast), Rotary 2 (slow/fast w/dist.), Auto Wah, Exciter, Enhancer, Overdrive, Distortion, Pedal Reverb

Display: 16 Character x 2 line; Backlit LCD

Front Panel Controls: Pitch Bend Wheel, Modulation Wheel, Master Volume, Zone Volume (x4),Zone Edit Select (x4), Zone On/Off (x4), Real Time Edit Knobs (x4), Knob Mode Switch (x4), EFX On/Off, Reverb On/Off, Menu Up, Menu Down (Link Mode), Value Up, Value Down, Single Mode, Multi Mode (System Edit), Single/Multi Select (8x2), Store, Transpose

Back Panel: 1/4" Out Left, 1/4" Out Right, XLR Out Left, XLR Out Right, Headphone Out, Damper/Soft Pedal, Footswitch (assignable), Expression (assignable), MIDI In/Out/Thru, Power Cord Connection, Power On/Off

Zone Modes: Internal, External, Both Internal Zone: Sound Select, Key Range Hi, Key Range Lo, Velocity SW, Velocity Sensitivity, Transpose (±24), Volume Damper (ON/OFF), FSW (ON/OFF), Mod Wheel (ON/OFF), Bender (ON/OFF), Bender Range, Pan, Fine Tune, Voicing (Normal, Mellow, Bright, Dynamic)

External Zone: TX Program/Bank, TX Channel, Key Range Hi, Key Range Lo, Velocity SW, Velocity Sensitivity, Transpose (±24), TX Volume (ON/OFF), Damper (ON/OFF), FSW (ON/OFF), EXP (ON/OFF), Mod Wheel (ON/OFF), Bender (ON/OFF), TX Bender Range (ON/OFF), TX pan (ON/OFF), TX Fine Tune (ON/OFF), TX Knob A~D CC# (ON/OFF), TX Attack, Cutoff, Decay, Release (ON/OFF), Solo (ON/OFF), Solo Mode

System Parameters: System Channel, Touch Curve (Normal, Light+, Heavy, Heavy+, User 1-2, Off),Temperament (8 Historical + User), Master Tuning, Footswitch CC#, Expression CC#, Local ON/OFF, MIDI Receive Filter (Ch 1~16 Play/Mute), LCD Contrast

Lifelong Learning

Roland’s HPi-6 Digital Interactive Piano is a great choice for beginners. It combines Roland’s high-quality piano sounds with a Visual Lesson Education Suite, and the DigiScore function that displays notation and lyrics on an LCD screen built into the music stand. Music games can be played on the built-in screen to make learning the mysteries of music theory a breeze. The HPi-6 also features a built-in metronome, a USB port, MIDI compatibility, and two 25-watt speakers.

Grand Design

Yamaha has enhanced its CLP-200 Series of Clavinova digital pianos and has debuted two grand piano-style models, the CLP-265GP and the CLP-295GP. The CLP-265GP offers a luxurious polished ebony mini grand case cabinet, along with a range of the key CLP-200 Series technologies, including a Graded Hammer 3 keyboard for true grand piano feel, Stereo Sampling Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) tone generation, and PC interface via a USB port. Replacing the CLP-175, the CLP-295GP offers the same stunning polished ebony grand cabinet, AWM tone generation, and USB interface. This top-of-the-line model additionally features Yamaha’s Instrumental Active Field Control System, which enhances and enriches the piano sound to match the acoustics of the room in which it’s played. The CLP-295GP also offers a natural wood keyboard with real-wood white keys.

Yamaha Disklavier Piano Helps Restore Glenn Gould Recording

Nearly a quarter century after his death, the artistry of legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould gains new life in a never-before-seen CD recording event. Yamaha Corporation of America, along with Zenph Studios, have teamed to create a performance and broadcast taping of Gould's legendary 1955 rendition of Bach's Goldberg Variations.

This taping, which took place on September 25 at the Canadian Broadcasting Company's Glenn Gould Studio, was engineered for the SONY BMG Masterworks label, and marks the first commercial CD recording using the technology of Zenph Studios. Zenph has perfected the ability to turn recordings into live performances that recreate note-perfect renditions of the original. The process captures the information from an audio piano recording and transforms it into high-definition digital data, for playback on the state-of-the-art Yamaha Disklavier Pro performance reproducing piano.

This dramatic breakthrough literally captures the pianist's original performance intentions, placing the listener back at the moment of creation and recreating a performance that may previously have been obscured by the limitations of the original recording.

Driven by Zenph's unique software, the pristine playback is delivered by the Yamaha Disklavier Pro, a concert-quality grand piano just like those preferred on stages around the world – but with a built-in ability to record and reproduce live performances with remarkable accuracy. The result isn't a recording, a re-mastering or a reconstruction; it's the exact same performance, heard with a clarity and vibrancy that was once thought to be lost forever.

Gould's renowned Goldberg Variations, for example, are recorded in mono. "We were tremendously impressed with the demonstration; as many times as I've heard the '55 Goldbergs, it was like hearing them for the first time," said Malcolm Lester, managing director of the Glenn Gould Foundation in Toronto.

"Giving voice to Gould's tremendous work and taking part in this historic recording event is a testimonial to the technology of the Disklavier," remarks Jim Presley, Yamaha Disklavier Marketing Manager. "This recording could be delivered through nothing less than the world's premier performance reproducing piano."

Zenph's work has been hailed worldwide, including feature articles in The New York Times, Discover and DownBeat. Zenph is now working with Sony BMG on their first series of jazz and classical albums, which feature stellar playing that will be re-recorded in high-definition surround sound.

"Our technology provides a new way of looking at Glenn Gould's Goldberg Variations, one of the best-known classical recordings ever," said John Q. Walker, president of Zenph Studios in Raleigh, N.C.

Sponsors of the broadcast and performance event include Sony BMG Masterworks, Zenph Studios, The Glenn Gould Foundation, Yamaha Canada Music, Ltd., Yamaha Corporation of America, CBC Radio Two and the Glenn Gould Studio.

About Yamaha Disklavier Pro Series Grand Pianos

Yamaha Disklavier Pro
Integrating state-of-the-art technology into top-of-the-line Yamaha grands, Disklavier Pro Series grand pianos provide a uniquely effective, high-performance solution for studios, institutions and today's most discerning musicians. Their servo-controlled drive system and other advanced components record and reproduce acoustic piano performance with unprecedented power, precision and control.

Engineered to the exacting standards of professional music production, the New Disklavier Pro Series offers incomparable versatility and superior performance for applications from recording, collaboration and academic study to film scoring, music broadcasting and multi-media/Internet content development – as well as an unparalleled source of entertainment and enjoyment for those with the most highly developed musical sensitivities.

Interested in Yamaha Musical Instruments?

By : John Fisher

Yamaha founder, Torakusu Yamaha, began producing reed organs in 1887. Since that time, Yamaha musical instruments have been produced and today are highly regarded worldwide.

Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. (currently Yamaha Corporation) was established in 1897. Yamaha has accumulated a wealth of expertise in the production of Yamaha musical instruments for more than 100 years. The company relentlessly follows its mission which is: contributing to a richer life for all, via innovative, quality products and technology which is a de facto standard.

Since 1900, when Yamaha musical instruments first began to manufacture pianos, the company has created a full line of quality pianos that have won the trust and support of dealers and customers around the world. In 1991, Yamaha's piano production passed the five million mark.

In 1986 Yamaha developed the Disklavier piano, a combination of acoustic piano and electronic technology. In 1993, the epoch-making Silent Series Piano debuted, acoustic pianos capable of playing in complete silence. Yamaha is making efforts to create new demand in the piano market.

In 1954, Yamaha Music School System was inaugurated. In 1966, the Yamaha Music Foundation was established, generating a wide range of global activities designed to disseminate music. Over 800,000 students are currently enrolled in Yamaha Music Schools in Japan and in over 40 countries worldwide; over four million have graduated.

Yamaha's Junior Original Concert (JOC) program sets the stage for those educated at Yamaha Music School to perform their original compositions.

Since the development of the electronic organ, Electone, Yamaha musical instruments has produced products with its state-of-the art electronic technology, seeking tonal color and musical expression that appeal to the human mind. The myriad advances in this technology are reflected in electronic piano, portable keyboards, synthesizers, computer music equipment and professional audio (PA) equipment.

Yamaha Wind Instruments have been created in partnership with some of the world's greatest artists, and can be found in almost every major symphony orchestra. In addition, a large number of top jazz and studio musicians have chosen Yamaha musical instruments. Besides woodwinds and brass, Yamaha's percussion -- including keyboard percussion, timpani and a full range of drums -- and guitars, have had a major impact on raising the standards of such instruments, and thus have earned an enviable reputation among leading professional musicians.

Yamaha's long-standing commitment to superior instrument sound quality is evident in its audio products. Successful advances in LSIs, acoustics and materials continue to win critical acclaim for Yamaha Audio components.

Portable keyboards "Portatone" was launched in 1981.Yamaha's Protatone can be played and enjoyed by anyone. This is the instrument that brings music to all.

Clavinova was launched in 1983. Current Clavinova models, CLP series digital piano is another popular Yamaha innovation that offers effortless playing with the timbre and touch of a full-scale piano, The upgraded CVP series provides a variety of additional features and is enhanced by an array of Yahama musical instrument sounds so the player can experience the sensation of performing with an orchestra or band.

How to Purchase a Keyboard

Written by the Piano Guy, Ashley Southam

People have many different questions when it comes to buying a keyboard. How much they should pay, how many keys it needs, etc. A lot of this really depends on the buyer and your own personal preference. The best way to tell if the keyboard is right for you is if it “feels” right. Having said that, there are a few simple guidelines that will help you out when it comes time to buy your piano.

One of the great things about having so many different keyboards to choose from is that you can usually find one for a very decent price. The first thing is you want to make sure the keyboard actually works properly. The problem with keyboards is that as they age they tend to decay a bit. So be careful not to buy a keyboard before you’ve actually played on it, checked the keys and all the buttons and so on.

The next step is looking at how many keys the keyboard has. I’m often asked “how many keys should I get?” The answer is really down to personal preference and what exactly you’re using your keyboard for. My personal advice is to acquire a keyboard with the full 88 keys. However, 76 and even 61 will usually be enough. If you have the choice I think either 88 or 76 keys is best. If you were just using a small range of the keyboard and it’s more for recording interesting samples and so on, then fewer keys might be fine. Note that most professionals will use 88 keys.

The next thing to look at is the keyboard's weighted keys or “synth” action. This simply means what the feel of the actual keys is like. This again really depends on your personal taste. Weighted keys: this means that the keys on the keyboard have the same feel and weight as keys on a standard piano. A lot of trained pianists go this route, myself included. I don’t like to use synth style keys but that’s entirely my personal taste. One of the benefits of playing on a keyboard with weighted keys is that if you've never played on an acoustic piano before you should easily be able to quickly adjust because your hands will be used to to the feel of the keys. Synth style keys also have their advantages. Because they’re not weighted it can be a lot easier to play them faster.

Another aspect that shouldn't be overlooked is the velocity and after touch of the keyboard. Velocity refers to if how hard you hit the keys heavily affects how loud the sound that comes out. For instance, if you lightly touch the keyboard you will get a nice quiet sound. Similarly if you hit down hard you will get a full, louder sound. After touch refers to the sensitivity to the sound and touch after you hit the note and hold it down. If you play a note and you want it to ring the way an acoustic piano does, after touch is very important. Personally I believe that velocity and after touch is VERY important and any keyboard you have should really have these things take care of.

So as you can see, there are a lot of things to consider when looking at buying a keyboard. Ultimately I believe a lot of it comes down to personal taste and what your instincts tell you about the keyboard itself. Remember, you want it to be something that you can spend a lot of time on so be sure that you are completely happy with what you end up getting.

What's the Difference Between a Keyboard, Digital, Or Acoustic Piano?

By Ryan Schmitz

Keyboards:

Keyboards are typically smaller than a full acoustic piano in that they tend to have approximately 61 keys (4 or 5 octaves) whereas a full acoustic has 88 keys (6 octaves). The main benefit, however is that the keyboard is portable, able to provide a wider range of sounds, due to sound modification, and the ability to interact easily with computers via MIDI or USB connections.

When playing a keyboard one will notice that the keys are slightly smaller and are in fact easier to press than an actual piano. This may take some getting used to for a pianist that has been playing on an acoustic. The reason that the acoustic is heavier is because they are triggering the hammer that hits the string and makes noise, whereas a keyboard does not require this action to occur. Since the keys are lighter and smaller keyboards are sometimes better for younger children.

Digital Pianos:

Digital pianos are a mix between the keyboard and acoustic piano. Digital pianos allow for a greater variation in sounds because they allow for sound modification. They are however, larger than a keyboard and are usually the same length (88 keys) as an acoustic piano.

The sound quality of a digital piano is often better than a keyboard because they typically have built in speakers, but this also reduces the portability of in comparison to the keyboard. Digital pianos also tend to have "weighted keys" which make them feel more like an acoustic when playing.

Acoustic Pianos:

Acoustic pianos are the original and true form of piano playing. The piano, as we know it today, has been around since about 1700 (for more history of the piano refer to our piano history section in our piano articles).

The term acoustic was recently added to the piano after the creation of digital pianos. Therefore when one refers to an acoustic piano they are referring to a piano which makes sounds acoustically, which means through the vibrations caused by the hammer hitting a string. The vibrations are amplified by a board in the piano referred to as the "sound board." The soundboard then evenly distributes the sound via the cabinet (if your piano is enclosed) or out the top lid, in the case of a grand piano.

For more great information about pianos and piano resources such as free piano sheet music and professionals directory please visit http://www.freepianostuff.com