Yamaha has just launched two new digital pianos—the Piaggero NP-15 and Piaggero NP-35.
The term “Piaggero” is the branding given to Yamaha’s NP-Series of portable digital pianos. It is a combination of “piano” and “leggero” (an Italian word meaning “light”). Useless fact: this type of word is often called a neologism!
The NP-Series has been around since 2010, when Yamaha introduced the NP-10 & NP-30. Later models include: NP-V60 & NP-V80 (2011); NP-11 & NP-31 (2012); and NP-12 & NP-32 (2016). Now the range is updated.
Both these digital pianos are designed with the beginner and the “fun” pianist in mind. As the term Piaggero suggests these models are “go anywhere” instruments— they are, comparatively, very light (6kg/5.2kg) and portable.
Lighter Keyboards
To help keep the weight down and to attract those who find the keys of an acoustic piano, or a weighted keyboard, too heavy, the Piaggeros have sprung keyboards. These have a lighter feel. Nevertheless, the pianos are still fully touch sensitive enabling realistic dynamic control.
Essentially the NP-35 is a 76-note (6+ octaves) version of the NP-15 which has 61 notes (5 octaves). However with the NP-35 the keys are graded so the bass notes do feel a little heavier. The only other important differences are the dimensions/weight, and the amplification—6W stereo for the NP-35, 2.5W stereo for the NP-15.
The Piaggero’s sound is generated from samples of a CFIIIS—Yamaha’s gold-standard 9ft concert grand piano. And utilises the company’s Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) stereo sampling technology. It provides just 64-note of polyphony which isn’t musch these days, but more than adequate for most amateur pianists.
The features are simple and basic. Yamaha’s philosophy with this range embraces a sit-down-and-play attitude. The minimalistic control section offers 15 preset vocings, and simple Record/Play facilities.
However, both Piaggero pianos can connect to Yamaha’s “Smart Pianist” app. This provides additional features such as displaying musical scores.
More details can be found on the Yamaha website.
Guide prices are as follows:
Yamaha Piaggero NP-15: £321.00 / €341.00 / $tbc
Yamaha Piaggero NP-35: £486.00 / €517.00 / $tbc.
Details of availability will be released shortly.
Yamaha Piaggero NP-15 / NP-35 Product Highlights
- Touch-sensitive keyboard with 61 keys (NP-15); Graded- Soft-Touch with 76 keys (NP-35)
- 15 instrument voices; Dual/Layer
- Damper Resonance
- 64-note polyphony
- 6 Reverb types; Chorus (Preset Only)
- 15 Preset Voices in 5 groups: Piano, E.Piano, Organ, Harpsi/Vibes and Strings
- 10 Piano Preset Songs – the NP-15 and NP-35 feature different songs.
- Sound Boost – raises volume and enhances the overall sound presence
- Metronome
- USB-TO-HOST port for MIDI & Audio
- Smart Pianist app / Rec’n’Share app connectivity
- Speakers: (12cm × 8cm)
- Amplifiers: 2.5 W x 2 (NP-15) 6 W × 2 (NP-35)
- Power: 6x AA size batteries or suitable AC adaptor
- Finish: Black or White
- Dimensions: 1052 x 104 x 260mm (NP-15); 1260 x 104 x 260mm (NP-35)
- Weight: 5.2kg (11lb 7oz) (NP-15); 6.0kg (13lb 4oz) (NP-35).
Anyone know if the sample in the new Piaggeros are different from the previous one? I’m asking specifically about the main piano sound.