I'm moving house shortly and although I already have a decent piano, I would like to buy a Clavinova piano so that I can plug in earphones and play to myself. I'd like to play in the evening without disturbing my neighbours.
Has anyone got any advice on how I should proceed with this? Obviously I need to take money matters into account...it would so helpful if you could tell me what you think I should do. If you have recommendations or knowledge of Clavinova pianos that would be great.
The most important thing is that I would like it to feel and sound like a piano as much as possible and I'm even willing to pay a bit more for this.
Thanks very much.
Full Version: Want To Buy A New Piano
You could try eBay, if you've got a user name.
There's a new range of Clavs coming out very soon -- check the Yamaha website for more details. The best ones are >£2K and I guess you get (in terms of sound) what you pay for..
Good luck !
Good luck !
I sometimes play a clp120 which is ok as things go. It isn't powerful enough for the room it's in or maybe it's the acoustics. For domestic use and headphones it'll be fine.
It has an authentic Yamaha grand sound if a bit slushy at times.
The sustain isn't quite like any acoustic I've played (I'm not a prof pianist by the way) and the action is quite heavy.
It has a 2 track recorder so you can play duets with yourself or record accompaniments to play to. Also has midi but I haven't used that since it isn't required where i've played it. Could be useful to connect to your computer.
It's problem is the "polyphony" the number of notes you can play / or "will sound" at the same time. This model allows 64 I think.
That's probably enough for most stuff including clair de lune! and other debussy heavy on the pedal. But if you sustained a glissando across the whole keyboard the bottom ones would drop out. I think the next model up has 128-note polyphony. the clp150 has a 16 track recorder.
It's ok for piano sounds but the other instruments.....poor. I think it gives one "pipe organ" sound which is as useless as a fridge in the arctic. The harpsichord isn't bad. I was surprised at the lack of instruments of this kind. Possible to connect other midi sound generators tho.
Have you thought about a portable - same stuff but you save on the cabinet expenses and weight. Unfortunately the internal speakers aren't up to much but it sounds as good on phones. Suggesting P90 or P250 if you care to check em out. I've had to play a P90 through an amp and speakers.
PS don't buy one of these things off ebay unless you absolutely know what you're doing and have the chance to play it. There's no guarantee and unless you know all the electronic gubbins to check you won't know what functions don't work until its too late. Besides, I seen instruments being offered at £1000 and up by people who have never sold on ebay before, feedback of 0, pay by paypal. Sure, sure...
It has an authentic Yamaha grand sound if a bit slushy at times.
The sustain isn't quite like any acoustic I've played (I'm not a prof pianist by the way) and the action is quite heavy.
It has a 2 track recorder so you can play duets with yourself or record accompaniments to play to. Also has midi but I haven't used that since it isn't required where i've played it. Could be useful to connect to your computer.
It's problem is the "polyphony" the number of notes you can play / or "will sound" at the same time. This model allows 64 I think.
That's probably enough for most stuff including clair de lune! and other debussy heavy on the pedal. But if you sustained a glissando across the whole keyboard the bottom ones would drop out. I think the next model up has 128-note polyphony. the clp150 has a 16 track recorder.
It's ok for piano sounds but the other instruments.....poor. I think it gives one "pipe organ" sound which is as useless as a fridge in the arctic. The harpsichord isn't bad. I was surprised at the lack of instruments of this kind. Possible to connect other midi sound generators tho.
Have you thought about a portable - same stuff but you save on the cabinet expenses and weight. Unfortunately the internal speakers aren't up to much but it sounds as good on phones. Suggesting P90 or P250 if you care to check em out. I've had to play a P90 through an amp and speakers.
PS don't buy one of these things off ebay unless you absolutely know what you're doing and have the chance to play it. There's no guarantee and unless you know all the electronic gubbins to check you won't know what functions don't work until its too late. Besides, I seen instruments being offered at £1000 and up by people who have never sold on ebay before, feedback of 0, pay by paypal. Sure, sure...
I have a clavinova 206,and it's pretty decent...I love it because I can record and use headphones(I can play in the middle of the night if I want to!) I would suggest visiting a music store (for instruments,I mean) or a music school if they use clavinovas.I think yamaha is the best brand for electric pianos.
If you're going to use the Net,then try the yamaha site to see if they have come out with an upgraded version.Mine is 64-note polyphony.
If you're going to use the Net,then try the yamaha site to see if they have come out with an upgraded version.Mine is 64-note polyphony.
We've got a 950 and it's great. of course they keep changing the spec all the time. I'd suggest getting a used one from a reputable shop - I can't see any point in holding out for the very latest spec.
Liz
Liz
I have just bought myself a Calvinove CLP240 one of the new 200 series and I must say I am not disappointed in it at all.
I started learning on a cheap electronic keyboard but felt I needed something better.
Not cheap compared to other makes but I felt it was worth the money.
Also look around I was planning to buy off the Net but found that the shop I eventually bought it from will price match any internet web site price.
I started learning on a cheap electronic keyboard but felt I needed something better.
Not cheap compared to other makes but I felt it was worth the money.
Also look around I was planning to buy off the Net but found that the shop I eventually bought it from will price match any internet web site price.
Hi Edward
I have CVP-203 and I am well pleased with it, but then I can't play the piano!!! So I can't give you a judgement on how it compares. However I think the voices are excellent though, and I use it mainly to record my Grade pieces (for violin) on midi so I have a practice partner.
I WILL learn to play it at some point, but not enough time yet.
Why don't you pop down Bond St to Chappell's and try a few in the shop, see what you think.
I have CVP-203 and I am well pleased with it, but then I can't play the piano!!! So I can't give you a judgement on how it compares. However I think the voices are excellent though, and I use it mainly to record my Grade pieces (for violin) on midi so I have a practice partner.
I WILL learn to play it at some point, but not enough time yet.
Why don't you pop down Bond St to Chappell's and try a few in the shop, see what you think.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.