Very much the best of both worlds and a perfect blend of a acoustic and digital technologies, Yamaha's revolutionary AvantGrand series combines the unmistakable response and feel of an acoustic piano action with all the benefits of a digital piano.
No longer does a digital piano need to be a compromise or an approximation of the real thing, instead a Yamaha AvantGrand is the ideal solution for those who do not have the space for an acoustic piano, are restricted in terms of volume or simply wish to avoid the cost of maintaining an acoustic instrument.
The AvantGrand range consists of three models, all of which have a grand piano action.
Leading the way in hybrid piano technology, the success of Yamaha's AvantGrand range has led the way for others to introduce similar models, including the Kawai NOVUS and Casio Grand Hybrid.
The first grand piano model in the AvantGrand series and arguably the most popular, the N1X features a grand piano action in a cabinet that has been specially designed to evoke the presence and elegance of a grand piano, while also saving space. The piano features a soft closing fallboard which is very similar to that of a Yamaha grand piano, while the music is positioned on top of the instrument - as it would be on a grand piano. One could therefore describe the N1X as an interesting alternative to a new Yamaha GB1K grand piano or indeed the Kawai GL-10. The speakers on the N1X are positioned to direct the sound upwards from the top of the instrument, replicating the vibration and sound field created by an acoustic grand piano soundboard.
Key features:
- 88 note Specialised Grand Piano Action
- 3 pedals with GP response damper pedal and sostenuto
- Soft-close fallboard, similar to the Yamaha GB1K grand piano
- Virtual Resonance Modelling
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI connectivity
- 15 instrument voices including Yamaha CFX & Bosendorfer Imperial concert grands
- 10 song, 2 track record facility with USB audio recorder
- USB to HOST, USB to DEVICE, MIDI IN/OUT
- 6 speakers, with 6 x 30W amplification system
- Polished ebony piano black finish with chrome fittings
- Compare with Kawai NOVUS NV10S, Yamaha GB1K baby grand piano
An interesting model in the range, and one that has been around now for a very long time indeed, the N2 is a slimline Grand Piano model, benefiting from the same action as the N1X but in a beautifully styled, curved cabinet with an opening lid to enable increased sound projection. With just 5 sounds including the Yamaha CFX and a handful of keyboard instruments including electric pianos and harpsichord, the N2 is an ideal choice for the space conscious purist, without the need for the enhanced sound set and features of the N3X. Enhanced features over the N1X include the same Ivorite synthetic ivory key surfaces as the CX series grand pianos, along with TRS Tactile Response System, which reproduces the resonance that spreads throughout the body of an acostic piano when played, felt by the player as vibrations through the keys.
Key features:
- 88 note Specialised Grand Piano Action
- Ivorite white key surfaces
- 3 pedals with half-pedalling sustain and sostenuto pedal
- Soft-close fallboard, similar to the Yamaha GB1K grand piano
- Opening top lid for enhanced sound projection
- 5 instrument voices including Yamaha CFX concert grand
- Tactile Response System
- 10 song, 2 track record facility with USB audio recorder
- USB to HOST, USB to DEVICE, MIDI IN/OUT ports
- 6 speakers, with 10 x 20W + 2 x 80W amplification system
- Polished ebony piano black finish with chrome fittings
SItting at the top of the AvantGrand range, the stunning N3X features a grand piano style cabinet with a wood veneered 'soundboard' and 3 legs with castors. To keep the styling as clean and acoustic-like as possible, the features and sound set are accessible via a sliding control panel, neatly hidden away under the bass end of the keyboard. Truly remarkable in tonal quality, the N3X is the next best thing to purchasing a standard acoustic grand piano, benefiting from Yamaha's Spacial Acoustic sampling and Virtual Resonance Modelling for a thoroughly 'acoustic' playing experience.
Key features:
- 88 note Specialised Grand Piano Action with Ivorite naturals
- 3 pedals with GP response damper pedal and sostenuto
- Soft-close fallboard, similar to the Yamaha GB1K grand piano
- Grand piano style cabinet with three legs and castors
- Virtual Resonance Modelling
- Bluetooth audio and MIDI connectivity
- 10 instrument voices including Yamaha CFX & Bosendorfer Imperial concert grands
- Soundboard Resonator & Tactile Response System
- 10 song, 2 track record facility with USB audio recorder
- USB to HOST, USB to DEVICE, MIDI IN/OUT
- 12 speakers, with enormous 2 x 80W, 4 x 45W, 5 x 35W, 4 x 25W amplification system
- Polished ebony piano black finish with chrome fittings
- Compare with Yamaha GB1K SC3 Silent baby grand piano
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