Yamaha Expands Stylish Modus Digital Piano Line

Yamaha Pianos has added two new instruments to its sophisticated MODUS line of digital pianos.

The Yamaha MODUS F01

Previously known as the Yamaha "Slimline" piano, the instruments will now carry the brand name MODUS F01 and MODUS F11. These models join the MODUS H01 "contemporary grand" style digital piano to round out the stunning product line.

The elegant MODUS model F11 features player piano-like moving keys and offers Yamaha XG technology, an expanded voice library for fully orchestrated sound, a USB port for computer connectivity and record and playback functionality, as well as a LAN port to enable access to the Internet-based ModusRadio.

ModusRadio is a groundbreaking service that elevates streaming radio to the level of a live performance. Each station includes a MIDI feed, enabling the Yamaha piano to play live with moving keys, accompanied by specially recorded ensemble parts, for remarkable realism and accuracy.

Yamaha MODUS owners who subscribe to ModusRadio can choose from a range of music stations including Broadway, Classical and Semi-Classical, Country, Great Piano Solos, Jazz, Pop, Rock and Classic Rock, Soundtracks and Standards. Non-subscribers can access 30-second clips of channels, and can stream a complimentary channel featuring full-length, public domain songs. ModusRadio streams selections to Internet-connected MODUS pianos, offering nonstop entertainment, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The sleek, sophisticated MODUS F01 and F11 models in closed position reveal a streamlined configuration that resemble console tables from America's finest furniture collections. Both models feature a back plate in one of four designer colors: Polished Blue, Polished Ebony, Polished Orange, and Polished Red. Standing flush against the wall, the back plate frames the piano like a wondrous work of art. The instrument also offers 88 natural wood white keys and a choice of hard, medium, soft and fixed touch sensitivity.

In an industry first, customers now have the option of customizing the look of their MODUS F01 or F11 piano by submitting an image of a favorite design or photo to appear on the back plate of the instrument. Customers have always had opportunity to personalize their music, but now they can personalize the very instrument on which it is played.

"Yamaha is the first company in the history of the piano industry to provide such complete design customization options for its customers," states Jim Levesque, Electronic Keyboard Marketing Manager, Yamaha Piano Division. "This demonstrates Yamaha's commitment to addressing the needs of luxury homeowners, who put a premium on efficient use of space and enjoy adorning rooms with stimulating accents that make their homes unique and sophisticated."

MODUS models all feature AWM (Advanced Wave Memory) Stereo Sampling technology with 30 Sample Banks (50 on the F11), which varies the volume and timbre of sound according to the player's touch on the keyboard. Combined with 64-note polyphony (128-note on the F11), reverb and Dual Voice effects, the instrument offers 20 instrument voices (10 on the H01) and 50 onboard preset piano songs.

In an industry first, customers now have the option of customizing the look of their MODUS F01 or F11 piano by submitting an image of a favorite design or photo to appear on the back plate of the instrument.

MODUS takes the realism of the grand piano sound to new heights with its Stereo Sustain and Key-Off samples—Stereo Sustain samples recreate the resonance of the strings and soundboard when the damper pedal is pressed, contributing to the unique sound of a grand piano, and Key-Off samples provide the delicate sound of the dampers touching strings as the keys are released.

The F01 and F11 feature metronomes and auxiliary jacks that allow the user to connect the instrument to a home audio system or for use with headphones. Each piano has a built-in 40-Watt sound system and comes with an owner's manual, the book 50 Greats for the Piano, and an ideally-suited piano bench.

The MODUS F01, MODUS H01 and F11 Digital Pianos are available. The "Custom Panel" version of the MODUS F01 or F11 will be finalized at a later date. All MODUS models carry a Yamaha Piano Division five year warranty.

For more information on the Yamaha MODUS digital piano series, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Piano Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; or e-mail infostation@yamaha.com.