New Product: Yamaha Clavinova CLP-700 Series

Yamaha has introduced a new range of Clavinovas — the CLP-700 Series. Initially, there are four models: the CLP-735, CLP-745, CLP-765GP, CLP-775. A little later the CLP-785, and CLP-795GP flagship digital pianos will be added.

The Clavinova (“clavier”, stringed keyboard instrument + “nova”, new) was initially designed as a high-end digital alternative to the acoustic piano – specifically for the home. It also “challenged” the dwindling home organ market.

Now most digital keyboard manufacturers (Kawai, Casio, Roland, etc.) have their own equivalents to the Clavinova, but arguably Yamaha was in there first!

Yamaha introduced the Clavinova digital pianos way back in 1983. This was in the guise of the YP Series (YP-10, YP-20, YP-30 and YP-40). These were the forerunners to the CVP models. A year later Yamaha unveiled the CV-100 and CV-300 predecessors to the CLP instruments.

In 1985 came the Clavinova CLP and CVP instruments proper. The first models were the CVP-3, CVP-5, CVP-7, and the CLP-20 and CLP-30.

These two model ranges continue to this day… And in 2017 Yamaha introduced the Clavinova CSP instruments.

Yamaha regularly update the Clavinova range. And, in total (excluding these new CLP-700 series instruments), there have been a staggering 76 CVP-, and 94 CLP- models. Each having their own specific model ID. These figures do not include all the colour/finish variations.

Before the launch of the new CLP-700s, the current products were the CLP-600 and CVP-800 ranges. 

So what is the difference between CLP, CVP and CSP instruments?

A good question, because the choice is quite confusing. Yamaha give the following explanation.

The CLP instruments are for…
People who focus on sound quality and elements of feel such as touch and pedal response.
People who seek a simple piano
Players of all skill levels.

So these instruments have a feel and response most close to that of a traditional grand piano. They translate every nuance of a performance just as an acoustic instrument would. There is just a simple control panel so the player can focus on the performance.

The CVP instruments are for…
People who want to enjoy a variety of musical genres, including jazz and pop
People who want to listen to music and sing along with family and friends
Intermediate to advanced players.

The CVP models are more ensemble instruments, with which you can realise complete multi-part renditions. These Clavinovas feature a wide range of instrumentation and offer rhythmic and harmonic accompaniments. You can even plug in a microphone for karaoke performances.

The CSP instruments are for… 
People who struggle to read sheet music
People who want to practice by themselves
Beginners, and players who have not played for a long time.

The CSP instruments have “Stream Lights” above the keys. These are used in conjunction with Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app as a training aid to help beginner and improving pianists. And so Yamaha claim, a CSP Clavinova is “the world’s most advanced piano teacher”.

All Clavinova digital pianos have common elements. There is overlap across the three ranges, with many features common to two or all three of the classifications. 

The new Clavinova CLP-700 Series

The table below details the key features of the first four new instruments in the CLP-700 series. This is a quick and easy way to identify the key differences between the various models.

The CVP-700 instruments again feature samples of the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand pianos, however the recording procedure has been enhanced. Both sample sets include binaural recordings for 3-D sound when using headphones. These new digital instruments also include fortepiano sounds for enthusiasts of 18th and 19th century piano music.

The CLP-735 is the entry-level instrument and has an upright console piano style, as does the CLP-745 and CLP-775. The CLP-796GP has an appearance akin to a very small baby grand piano (the “GP” is the giveaway!)

The CLP-785 and CLP-795 arrive later in the year, and these will be the top-of-the-range console and grand respectively.

It is not clear as yet if or when the Clavinova CLP-600 series will be phased out. There are currently seven models in the range (two grands and five consoles). Note that the new CLP-765GP is coming in at much the same price as its predecessor the CLP-665GP. 

More information (websites)
Clavinova CVP (US)
Clavinova CLP (US)
Clavinova CLP-700 Series (UK)
Clavinova CSP (US).

CLP-700 Series Features