Yamaha Unveils Clavinova CLP300 Series Digital Pianos

Yamaha Keyboard Division announced the launch of the Clavinova CLP300 Series of digital pianos—the most technologically advanced CLP Series ever. In addition, variations of the CLP320, CLP330, CLP340 and CLP370, with polished Ebony cabinets, are also now available.

Clavinova CLPS Series

Yamaha also introduces an entirely new concept in cabinet design, the slim and luxurious CLPS models (CLPS306/S308). These striking new additions to the line share many of the exciting CLP300 Series highlights, including a LAN Port (for Internet Direct Connection, enabling piano streaming radio and "Exercise On Demand"), two 40-watt amplifiers, an Enhanced Speaker System with a speaker box, and a folding Key Cover.

"The new CLP300 line provides an extraordinary value," says Dane Madsen, Yamaha digital piano marketing manager. "In addition, the new CLPS models offer a thrilling new design concept, sure to appeal to music lovers who demand that their piano looks as good as it sounds."

For the first time ever, CLP models feature Internet access, enabling the new "Exercise On Demand" learning program. Yamaha has selected the finest and most widely played exercises in the keyboard repertoire to create a special series of learning guides to help users master them, including Czerny, Beyer, Bach and more. The system allows users to hear professional examples, isolate left- and right-hand parts and adjust the tempo to practice difficult sections. This subscription service is available for the CLP380, CLP370, CLP340, CLPS308 and CLPS306 models. Headphone jacks enable users to enjoy their instrument (as well as practice) in private.

All CLP300 Series models feature Pure CF Sampling, offering the same tonal variety as a Yamaha acoustic concert grand piano. "Yamaha technicians selected a Yamaha CFIIIS full concert grand and finely tuned it under the best conditions," says Madsen. "Then, they used our unique Pure CF Sampling technique to create the new CLP300 Series piano sound. The result is the same natural tonal variety as a Yamaha acoustic concert grand."

CLP300 Series models can also realistically reproduce the complex sounds of a grand piano, with such features as Key-Off samples, which provide the delicate sound made by piano keys when released; Stereo Sustain samples recreate the resonances of the strings and soundboard when the damper pedal is pressed. String Resonance samples provide the rich tones produced when one hammered string causes related strings to ring out in harmony.

A "Watch & Learn" Benchpack DVD and the music book 50 Greats for the Piano will be included with the sale of all CLP300 Series models.

The S306 offers a GH3 Keyboard, while the S308 comes with an NW Keyboard (both with synthetic Ivory keytops). The CLP380 features the new proprietary Tri-Amp System, which improves sound quality by using three separate amplifiers for the high, middle and low frequency ranges. The result is greater amp efficiency, lower distortion and improved frequency response across the entire sound spectrum.

For more information on the Yamaha Clavinova Digital Piano Series, write Yamaha Corporation of America, Keyboard Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.