The “World of Clavinovas” can be a bit confusing. There are three different series of models – the CSP-Series, CVP-Series and CLP-Series. In essence, CSP instruments are for musical beginners, or those seeking to improve their playing skills; CVP instruments are for those wanting to delve into a wider variety of musical sounds and genres with full accompaniments; and CLP instruments are for those who are simply looking for an instrument that sounds and plays just like an acoustic piano.
The new CLP-800 Series of Clavinovas comprises seven models: CLP-895GP, CLP-865GP, CLP-885, CLP-875, CLP-845, CLP-835, and CLP-825. GP Clavinovas have a (baby) grand piano styled casework, whilst all the other models have an upright/console piano type housing.
The features of these digital pianos vary across the range, with the CLP-825 being the more basic entry-level model and the CLP-895GP the all-singing, all-dancing flagship instrument. Except for the speaker system, the CLP-885 offers the same features as the flagship CLP-895GP, but in the upright format.
All seven models feature the Yamaha CFX and the Bösendorfer Imperial concert grands as their two main piano voicings. And when used with headphones can be experienced in binaural sound (the CLP-825 only offers binaural for the CFX voicing, not the Bösendorfer). Binaural sound monitoring using headphones is more immersive, and said to be far less tiring on the ears. The real Bösendorfer Imperial piano actually has 97 keys, with extra notes in the very low bass range. These additional notes are not available on the Clavinova models, which have the standard 88 keys.
New Tone Generator Chip
At the heart of the new 800-Series pianos is a new tone generator chip with increased computational power to facilitate a richer more natural sound. The chip also enables Virtual Resonance Modelling (the sympathetic resonance of all the strings that aren’t being played). This is a complex process but adds immeasurably to the authenticity of the overall sound.
For the output of a digital piano to truly emulate that of an acoustic instrument, it needs to reflect every aspect of the pianist’s playing style — the expression. This includes how hard or lightly the key is pressed, how the key is released, and how rapidly the same key is played. Yamaha has introduced Grand Expression Modelling with the CLP-800 Series, and this addresses all three of these elements.
Yamaha equips these new Clavinovas with its advanced GrandTouch and GrandTouch-S keyboards. These keyboards are engineered to replicate the authentic touch and feel of an acoustic grand piano as closely as possible, and feature synthetic ivory keytops.
The GrandTouch keyboard (CLP-895GP, CLP-885, CLP-845) features authentic wood for the white keys, providing a more natural playing experience, whilst the GrandTouch-S keyboard (CLP-865GP, CLP-845, CLP-835, and CLP-825) has a slightly shorter key length. The GrandTouch keyboards on the CLP-895GP and CLP-885 are fitted with counterweights to balance them across their compass. Also, to add to the confusion, the GrandTouch-S keyboard on the CLP-845, has white keys made of wood.
Amplification is an extremely important factor when emulating an acoustic piano. The CLP-800 Series pianos use special sound diffusers to spread the sound. In addition, Yamaha equips its higher-end models with waveguides and bi-directional horns. These distribute the sound more precisely and create a more enveloping listening experience.
The introduction of the 800-Series means that there are currently 14 models available in the CLP range – 7 in the CLP-800 Series, and 7 in the CLP-700 Series. However, it is expected that the CLP-700 Series, which was launched in 2020, will soon be phased out, as the 800-Series Clavinovas are seen as direct replacements..
For more information on the new CLP-800 Series visit the Clavinova pages of the Yamaha website. The entire range is shipping now.