I've been searching for months and yours is the first review of the NU1XA that I've found that *isn't* from a piano dealership! A fantastic review, and very realistic in terms of both the benefits and the compromises. I was originally certain that I wanted an NU1XA but after trying it in store I wasn't so sure anymore. It feels fantastic to play, but it sounds too pristine (like you mention in the video!) and something about it still feels too digital. For me, I've shifted back towards searching for a true accoustic piano, possibly with a silent system installed, but you really nailed the overview, and I know a few people who would love this piano. Thanks for the great objective review!
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel Haha, well it's good for us, at least! The world needs more reviews like this. Maybe some mysterious third party will pay you for your altruism
I got an offer for a mini chainsaw review the other day, but they never responded after that. I was looking forward to destroy this bench with a chainsaw...
Holy shit, I started watching with very low expectations (not even thinking about buying a hybrid piano), but I ended up watching the video entirely, learned about imperfect octave in acoustic piano, differences of pedaling in real piano vs not, sound of natural piano keys, etc. Nice work! I’m a new subscriber!
Welcome aboard! I try to share information people are often unaware of. Check out my other videos, you may find more things yo udind't know about piano and music in general.
@@tomschaffner9704 No it's not, tom. He never said he wants to be a concert pianist. One can learn to play a musical instrument for personal enjoyment at any age. Don't discourage people like that!
@@Salahdin89 I agree. Age doesn't matter, I mean there is age restrictions for stuff, sure, BUT, playing a piano is for anyone and everyone no matter who you are. Like I'm 18 and I'm thinking about playing as an exmple
I don’t want to create any competition or anything, but I’d like to share my thoughts. I faced a similar problem myself. I needed practice equipment. In my living room, I have an acoustic Yamaha G2 piano, so for my tedious daily practice, I was looking for something that would serve as a workhorse, closely replicating the mechanics and feel of playing an acoustic piano. I couldn’t imagine spending a fortune on Silent Pianos or similar solutions because, truth be told, I was looking for something that had a similar mechanism but not necessarily the same sound quality. To be honest, considering that I practice with headphones and use other equipment for concerts, I didn’t want to overpay for something that would never have the opportunity to showcase its capabilities and price. I chose the Casio GP310 precisely because it has a full analog hammer action system designed by Bechstein (not any pressure or sandwich systems, but literally the entire hammers striking a digital sensor). The feel of playing is very close to my piano. The sound... well, it’s mediocre at best. Casio isn’t a specialist in sound quality. Nevertheless, that doesn’t matter at all. For practice, this equipment is fantastic. I don’t know if there’s any competition in the market when it comes to this price point and the acoustic representation of piano mechanics. I recommend considering this option if you’re looking for something solely for practice that’s as good as possible for your fingers-at a relatively good price (though still not low). For consideration. Cheers!
Hello! Referring to the loud note "problem" at 18:55: I had the same issue with different keys and re-calibrating the key- and hammersensors solved the problem. Here is how to do it: There is a hidden menu for this calibration procedure: When press and hold the Power-On button, press "Voice" twice when it shows up and then release the power-button. After that the NU1XA boots up into a "Menu2" Then press ">" to go to the "Key Calibration", "Hammer Calibration" and other options. In my case I used a 100gram weight for the calibration and it worked very well.
I have a Yamaha CLP 645 which I love. However I had to buy a new adjustable bench. I got a nice Roland that matched the finish of the piano and I like it a lot. I agree that a non-adjustable bench was a cheap move for pianos that cost thousands! My piano needs serviced, probably cleaned. Sometimes I'll be playing along and a note will suddenly sound way too loud. I swear it's not me! I got rid of my acoustic piano because the constant tuning bills were too much. I'm an amateur so I only need "pretty decent" which my Yamaha fulfills perfectly. Your new piano is very beautiful, plus you gave it a great review. Thank you!
I have a U1-TA2 which shares the synthesizer with the silent piano and I believe the NU1XA as well. The TA2 does support custom tuning of the digital sounds so you could basically de-tune the digital sounds.
Good review thank you. I was interested in [12:20] your comment about remembering 128 key plays when sustain pedal is pressed, when there are 84 only notes across 7 octaves. Was wondering if you repeatedly play same note with pedal down how much quieter is the reverb from preceding notes? - on my acoustic piano volume does not increase repeatedly playing same note with pedal down. I can't see this being a limitation in practice.
When you repeat notes with damper pedal down, you are re-stimulating the same string that's already vibrating, so it's not like you are adding a sound to the first note. But I can see how enharmonic is augmented. It's very complicated physics, but I think NU1XA's sound engine mimics it pretty well.
I bought a Kawaii CA79 which came with a proper adjustable piano bench and a professional headset/headphones. The piano itself seems identical to your Yamaha. Cost me €3500 (~$3800). I couldn't be happier. I get the advantages of an acoustic piano and a digital one together. Best of all, no one hears all the mistakes I make when playing!
I remember seeing instruments from this series around music stores before, but dismissing them as rather gimmicky keyboards. Glad to know that these are more than a regular digital keyboard instrument. I ultimately arrived to the same conclusion as you. I think that while the MSRP of the NU1XA makes it a tough sell against similarly priced upright pianos (or better if there's a good second hand market), specific use cases might mean that this instrument is a decent buy. Being able to practice with headphones on during odd hours might be worth that price for someone on a tight schedule who can justify the price to themselves.
I think they could add a 'detune' feature. Thing's like ... a timer that gradully detune all the key in different rate over time, and a button to tune up all to standard 440. Combining those two, it'd be more close to a real piano futher. Oh and to make it even more close to a real piano, the owner should not be able to turn it off, and the button would require certified piano technocian authorization. On a serious note, I think some of the VST have this kind of detune built-in to it, especially the sampler-based one (because it's recorded from a real piano). Maybe there're softwares that samples each string on each key separately, and make them go out of tune in a different rate (but very close to each other). Again the sound espect is just a part of the instrument, I think :).
Some top-range digital pianos do allow to edit the sound parameters not only on a global basis but also for each individual key. Individual key eding is possible In this Yamaha digital piano if you use their app. So, you can detune octaves and other intervals for a few cents. This type of configuration (and many others) is straightforward in VSTs like Pianoteq that use modelling instead of sampling. Sample-based piano VST are often less configurable because the samples are fixed.
I' ve just bought a NU1XA before watching this video... and after watchiing this video, I think I deserve praise.. :) thank you for your video. I think it's a very decent digital piano model...from now on , I'm your subscriber
I have the N1X with the grand action and i am very happy with it. The sound reproduction while using headphones is unreal compared to using the onboard speakers.
Speakers are chosen specifically for the purpose, but there is countless choice for headphones. I think open-back headphones with natural sound (no heavy bass or sound augmentation) will make it sound the way it's intended to sound.
Yes, I also have one of those and I agree about the headphones. Mine lives in my shed in the garden - we don't have space in the main house. Yes, a lot like a beach house. The environment would be terrible for an acoustic grand. Would I prefer a full acoustic piano if I could accommodate it? Yes, definitely. I managed to get a deal without the standard bench and bought separately an adjustable bench. You demonstrate the features beautifully!
My old office before moving was an insulated shed in the backyard. I originally wanted this piano there, but just as my personal toy wasn't strong enough case for purchasing it, especially when I already have 2 perfectly fine pianos :)
Oh man… this has been the most entertaining piano video and a very informative that helped my decision. Thank you. We live in Tokyo and I’ve been agonizing for my daughter’s first piano who’s 7. We have a 4.5jo space to put the piano and live in an apartment. I know that a used upright piano can be purchased at a similar price, so I just couldn’t make a decision. But when you say about the environment, this piano suits our needs better it seems. We live near the ocean and Japan is so humid as you know. Also it’s an apartment so the noise will be an issue. Fortunately it costs 480,000 yen and they do provide the adjustable bench in Japan, so we should just go for it…! Thank you so much.
I just happened to have played NU1X previously, but I hear Kawai makes good hybrids, too. Grand action was not really an option for us because of space and budget. It was a supplemental instrument for my wife's violin studio, so smaller hybrid upright was more suitable.
Superb. I only tried briefly at the dealership, so don't take my word for it. But if I had the budget and space for it, I would have definitely considered it.
Really enjoyed this video--thanks! I'm sitting here watching, hearing you talk about the non-adjustable bench, . . . and looking across the room at the non-adjustable bench that came with my Yamaha U1. Fortunately it fits me, so I never noticed (although I did learn to adjust the bench when I approach a piano). I guess it's a thing with Yamaha!
It only works if you happen to have the right body proportion for that particular bench/piano combination and never change your technical approach :) You'll be surprised to see how much difference a tiny bit of bench height change makes.
I have an old CVP 303. It's the piano I learned to play the piano on, studied between lessons, learned to improvise and play by chords etc. I'm playing for 20 years and are searching for a new piano. I can't decide between the NU1XA and the CLP-885. What's your recommendation?
A very tough call. NU1XA has real action, so it really eels real, but the touch of that of an upright piano. CLP-885 claims to "mimic" grand piano touch with escapement, but I don't think it has real action inside, so I doubt it's as realistic as NU1XA. N1X is a grand version of NU1X with real action inside, but it's significantly more expensive. I haven't experienced CLP-885 myself, so I can't make any recommendation here, but ultimately it comes down to which one you like more after playing them.
Can you give your opinion on a clavinova 795GP vs a N3x? I have a Roland 90x and love acustic but want to upgrade and it must be digital for multiple reasons. weight is a factor as its on a yacht. and the N3x is significantly heavier.
I'm not familiar enough to give an opinion on those specific models, but having actual hammer action is crucial to me. It really makes a huge difference.
I'm currently playing a Yamaha Clavinova CLP-220 but when I have piano lessons on a real piano, I always have to adjust. I can't buy a real piano since it would probably be too loud in my apartment. If it is possible to adjust the volume of this piano, it may be the perfect solution to have the same expressiveness of a real piano with the benefits of an electronic piano!
It's very similar to one of the situation I described in the video. The feel of the keys is much closer than any other keyboard I every played. If your budget allows, there is a grand piano version (with grand action) called N1X.
It seems like it would feel a little weird for me too! If real grand piano's go out of tune with time, do people like Yiruma record their accoustic piano albums using midi software or do they just use well placed mics? If sonically good piano albums use well placed mics, I am more inclined to go with a real piano and buy some good mics. Is there a way to get it to sound slightly out of tune for each key like you do in this video without over doing it with Midi Software, and without going through a lot of effort? I know they have global asio4all tuning + or - 100hz~, but that effects all keys.
Great review I really enjoyed this. I have piano vsts programs and digital pianos and a real piano. They are all amazing but nothing replaces the real instrument. but real pianos are not suitable for everyone. It's horses for courses
From what I heard, it was pretty consistent before. But it only happened to me a few times and I couldn't reproduce it for the video, so at least I think it has been improved.
I have tried «them all». It certainly can’t replace an acoustic, but some are pretty good. I have to say Kawai’s best digital models outperforms Yamaha’s best models because of the key action.
I had a U3 later replaced with a NU1 (before X) for noise problems in the building. There is no way any hybrid replaces a true acoustic piano. It’s a nice remedy but never as close. Plus the NU1 first release had tech issues with a couple of keys playing randomly louder than others. Sold it. Still undecided on the next choice.
If you must go electric, I definitely recommend these hybrid piano series. I wish I could get the grand version, but unfortunately it didn't fit the violin studio and our use case didn't justify the cost.
Greav video! Can you recall the previous model, the NU1X? I am not yet able to afford the 1XA but have seen the 1X for around £2,500 (about £2,000 less than the 1XA). Do you think this is a good deal? I am fairly advanced (Fantasy Impromptu level) and action is the most important thing to me. I know there is a 'loud note' issue but I never came across it playing the NU1X in stores. So I guess my question is - is the action about the same on the two instruments?
I only payed the older version NU1X briefly at the store, but that was impressive enough to make me buy NU1XA without ever playing it. So as far as the touch goes, I think NU1X still feels like a real upright piano. Of course technologies are always evolving and just like any other electric devices, it's ultimately up to you to decide if the saving from purchasing used older model is worth giving up some of the new improvements. If you are satisfied when you played NU1X at the store, it may not be a bad choice to get it used. There are differences between the older and newer models, but you may not even notice many of them unless you compare them side by side.
I'm starting to learn piano, but I can't house an upright piano in my room, yet I need to train my fingers to get used to acoustic piano action. Does it make this piano suitable for me ?
I have an online student who is learning well on a similar instrument. But this will not take any less space than an acoustic upright. In fact, any full-size keyboards that are in decent quality will take almost as much space as an upright. While you may be able to save an inch or so of depth, getting electric over acoustic for space reason doesn't usually make sense to me.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel thank you for your quick reply. Though it does take up some space, it weights much less than an actual upright, since I'm putting it on tatami floor. Do you still exprerience the "loud note" error, which usually happens on previous models, on this instrument ?
My Kawai MP10 (now quite old) has all sorts of selectable tunings and adjustable stretch settings. Presumably using midi with a vst with those settings you can get the same effect
I appreciated the valuable insight into how close this hybrid can get. Maybe in following they can add a super knob to adjust the action weight or resistance as well as simulated string resonance feedback. Something tells me yamaha had reasons to leave a little bit off of the table.
Weight of the action is weight of parts, so I don't think you can adjust that. I don't think adding a kind of "break" to 88 keys and keeping them even is feasible. There is always something you can do to make digital piano closer to real pianos, but I don't thing they will be exactly like a real piano for a very long time (they've been trying for decades already).
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel You are probably right. I was thinking between an upright and grand piano there are different amount of leveraged used to affect the key response. A moving pivot might changed the leverage.
I spent quite a bit of time checking out both the Yamaha AvantGrand and Kawai hybrid pianos. In my personal opinion the NU1X wasn’t quite up to the more expensive models. I like the Yamaha’s, but with the exception of the N3X, I didn’t feel the touch or sound was as realistic as the Kauai Novus series. I found the Kawai touch a bit more to my liking, but both companies produce good hybrid actions. To my ears the Kawai NV5S sounds better than the more expensive NS10S, possibly due to the NV5S having a real wood sound board. I’m sure the acoustic piano purist will cringe, but at the level of these upper tier hybrids I would think they could easily be substituted for an acoustic piano for many even more advanced pianists, especially if piano maintenance, need for additional sounds, or playing with earphones is an issue. I think this was born out by blind testing where experienced pianist and piano technicians mistook hybrids for acoustic pianos.
Good and helpful review for people. Had one myself and then bought an acoustic. Especially the pedaling on any electric piano is pretty far off. The thing is: you can play great on any digital piano if you practice on an acoustic but not the other way round. For beginners I recommend an acoustic (doesn’t have to be a grand) and then a lNord Grand to practice in the evenings if you have neighbors.
Does it do sympathetic vibration? Hold down a note until it decays to silence, keep holding it, play the note an octave higher and let go. On a real piano, the string one octave below that you are still holding should vibrate at the 1st harmonic so you are still hearing the second higher note you played. Most electronic pianos I've tested fail this test. This is one of the reasons that playing a note with the pedal down sounds different to playing it with the pedal up, because it isn't just that string that responds to you playing the note.
My daughter has a Yamaha P-125a, is this a worthy upgrade to it? I like the idea of being able to plug in headphones and it sounds like a proper acoustic piano but since she's just started seriously learning should I get an acoustic piano for her instead?
I suggest acoustic for anyone even for beginners, because from my experience, having real feel and sound affect's students progress tremendously. NU1XA feels terrifically real, but it still isn't a real acoustic piano. If your daughter is a serious learner, I definitely recommend a real acoustic piano. If being able to use headphones is important to you, you can always add a silent system to an acoustic piano so you can turn it into digital piano only when you need it.
Rather than make, I'm more concerned about the quality. I would recommend taller higher quality piano even if they are used. Yamaha and Kawai are both reputable companies. I had student purchase Boston, which had wonderful warm sound for an upright. Our local dealer Cunningham recently started making good pianos, which many of our students end up buying. Unfortunately, I really need to play the instrument to know the quality of the strument, so I can't make any specific recommendation here.
It has more voice than just piano sound. I haven't really explored any extra features yet, but I'm sure the lovely touch panel on the left let you control tons of things for fun. That is a good point. Like any machinery, eventually hammer action will wear out. But from my experience with acoustic pianos, most maintenance work is to adjust the action so that hammers hit the strings properly, and not so much of keys and hammers physically not moving properly. Since the actual sound is not coming from the hammers and strings, I would expect this instrument to be maintenance free for years or even decades to come if you take good care of it. But if it does break unexpectedly, I'm sure you'll hear from me on this channel :)
Thats why I always think what if digital piano manufacturers came with tuning setting feature? We could actually mimics the natural tuning imperfection of a real acoustic piano!
It requires simulating over 200 strings going slightly out of tune over time in different ways, but I don't see why that would be impossible with modern technology. I guess not enough demand for that from consumers?
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel perhaps if they sampled each note of the CFX rather than generating sounds from sampled notes they would capture the authenticity of the actual piano. I'm not sure what their sampling and final production process is, but it does not portray or present the actual sound of an acoustic piano. Even if the piano was perfectly tuned, there are interactions between the strings -- sympathetic vibrations -- affecting each other that is missing from the digital production of the sounds.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannelThe ability to use strings slightly out tune is available on some external computer piano libraries. Some also have higher note polyphony than the one you quoted. For example, one called Pianoteq allows adjustment of especially many parts of a piano’s mechanism. It’s forum has posts from users combining it with keyboard modules like yours.
It still sounds very electronic to my ears, mostly because you're not recording with the piano connected directly to the sound mixer, so, it may sound excellent when you play, but from here, from this side, it's like we are listening to a loudspeaker playing a recording. But the touch, mechanism should have be outstanding. I would love to purchase one of these. I'm a pianist also, but I don't like heavy mechanisms. My touch is very light, and I don't like to employ much effort in fast passages. I like pianos that helps the pianist. Currently, I own an upright acoustic, which is very good, and a Roland RD2000 with several VSTi pianos. 🎉❤
Wire-connecting it to the mixer will get a very pure sound, but I wanted to show how the speaker sounds, because that's how majority of people use. But if I was to record samples for dictation or something, that'll make the recording process much easier and noise-free! I have the luxury of having 3 different pianos to practice on now. Each piano has different characteristics, but as a pianist, it's important to be able to adapt to different pianos on the spot. I find it easier to control lighter piano once you get used to heavier touch piano. I like your set up of an acoustic piano and a keyboard. I used to practice on keyboard with different voice or even turning the power off before performances to test my memory/stability.
This generation of piano’s speakers are pretty convincing in the room, with the advantage that you can turn it down a bit and not blow everyone out of a small room like a piano might
Nu1x does not have a heavy feel in my opion, to me it felt the keys were light and the key depth was too shallow. I chose to buy the Yamaha n1. The X's are just a bit of a midlife update software wise and mechanical they remain the same.
I watched the video. Unfortunately I don't speak English. I enabled Russian subtitles in the settings. Of course I would like to compare the NU1XA with my Yamaha CLP-785 instrument. I studied the technical characteristics of both instruments. In general they are similar. Except that the CLP-785 has a significantly more powerful speaker system. Indeed, my CLP-785 produces such powerful bass that I turned the bass to minimum in the equalizer settings. I am also sure that the semles of both instruments are the same. With closed listening, no one will be able to determine what the CLP-785 or NU1XA is playing. Interesting question, does the NU1XA cam mechanism have the same problems as an acoustic piano keyboard? It also requires maintenance and repair. Although those who are interested can read it - the CLP-785 keyboard is also not easy. Engineers worked a lot on it to bring the tactile sensations closer to those of a piano keyboard (the length of the key lever, different weights of the keys....) Again, close the pianist’s eyes to see if he can feel which keyboard he is playing on - NU1XA or CLP-785. In general, I consider these tools to be equivalent. Although NU1XA is much more expensive. I am an amateur and rarely have the opportunity to play an acoustic piano. If in life you have the opportunity to seriously play the acoustic piano, it doesn’t matter. A few weeks of practice and your hands adapt to the acoustic instrument. This will also be necessary after playing on NU1XA. After all, even after moving from one acoustic piano to another acoustic piano, it takes time to adapt in order to learn the character of the instrument. It's like changing from a familiar car to another - it also takes time to adapt. Even two acoustic instruments sound different. I take lessons at a music school. And in my office there are two acoustic pianos, their sound is more different than in this video ua-cam.com/video/_qai2gLz2Ec/v-deo.html I apologize for the inaccuracies in the text, I am writing through a translator Посмотрел видео. К сожалению я не владею английским языком. В настройках включил русские субтитры. Конечно хотелось бы сравнить NU1XA с моим инструментом Yamaha CLP-785. Изучил технические характеристики обоих инструментов. В общем они аналогичны. За исключением того, что у CLP-785 существенно мощнее акустическая система. И действительно, моя CLP-785 издает такой мощный бас, что в настройках эквалайзера бас я убрал на минимум. Так же я верен, что семлы обоих инструментов одинаковы. При закрытом прослушивании, никто не сможет определить, что играет CLP-785 или NU1XA. Интересный вопрос, а кулачковая механика NU1XA имеет те же болезни, что и клавиатура акустического пианино? Так же требует обслуживания и ремонта. Хотя, кому интересно, могут почитать - клавиатура CLP-785 тоже непростая. Над ней очень много поработали инженеры, что бы приблизить тактильные ощущения к клавиатуры рояля ( длина рычага клавиши, разный вес клавиш .... ) Опять таки - закрыть пианисту глаза, почувствует ли он, на какой клавиатуре играет - NU1XA или CLP-785 . В общем я считаю эти инструменты равнозначными. Хотя NU1XA значительно дороже. Я любитель , мне редко когда выпадет случай играть на акустическом фортепиано. Если в жизни представиться возможность серьезно поиграть на акустическом фортепиано, не беда. Несколько недель занятий и руки адаптируются к акустическому инструменту. Это так же будет необходимо и после игры на NU1XA. Ведь даже пересев от одного акустического пианино, за другое акустическое пианино, нужно время для адаптации, чтобы изучить характер инструмента. Это как пересесть с привычного автомобиля, на другой - тоже нужно время для адаптации. Даже два акустических инструмента звучат по разному. Я беру уроки в музыкальной школе. А моём кабинете два акустических пианино, их звучание отличатся больше, чем в этом видео ua-cam.com/video/_qai2gLz2Ec/v-deo.html
Looking for a replacement/upgrade from my Kawai CA97 I tried an NU1XA (and the N1XBT - based on grand action) and ended up going for the Yamaha U1SH3PEQ Silent Upright Piano - to me there was still no comparison - these hybrids still feeling too much like digitals. Is it just me... both the NU1XA and N1XBT felt even less close to a real piano than my CA97, to me still the most realistic digital/hybrid I've ever played.
I definitely agree with your conclusion -- a standard acoustic Yamaha U1 is far preferable to any digital instrument and can be had for even less than the cist of the NU1XA. I' actually a bit surprised that you even considered the digital instrument -- the only advantage I can see is the tuning, which you pointed out. I'm even wondering at that -- is the tuning authentically stretched as it would be for an acoustic instrument, and if so, to what model? To what extent would that be noticeable to a violinist. You make a valid point about having it as a second instrument for some situations -- especially like a beach house, etc. Those who need to practice quietly could also consider the Yamaha SH2 Silent piano series which are an actual acoustic instrument with action and strings, but which can be switched to a digital silent mode.
This wouldn't have worked as a primary instrument for me, but again, this is in my wife's violin studio that doesn't require authentic piano experience. It's an upgrade from a portable keyboard she used to have in her studio. The sound is recorded from Yamaha CFX grand. I'm not sure what you mean by tuning being stretched, but as far as I can tell, it sounds good (too good to be true, in fact). Silent pianos are excellent choice. I've owned one before. They are more for people who wants real piano, but also needs an option to go silent. It all depends on what your priorities are.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel That makes sense - the hybrid is definitely a step up from the P-series keyboards and should be adequate for accompanying lessons. Since the sample set is from a CFX it likely includes the stretch tuning of the instrument it was sampled from. Stretch tuning (you can Google it -- it's rather involved) is where the notes throughout the instrument are altered just slightly beyond their perfect mathematical even temperament values (12th root of 2) to better accommodate getting the upper partials in tune -- it's what makes a piano sound at its best in-tune with itself. But you are correct -- the digital instruments always sound " ... too good to be true" -- they are missing that gentle warm celeste that comes from ever-so-slightly out-of-tune strings. Perhaps some day the digital instrument makers will provide a parameter in the settings to add (or remove) some degree of "out-of-tune strings celeste".
I study at a music school. There are two acoustic pianos in my office. So their sound is more different than that of an acoustic and digital piano. ua-cam.com/video/_qai2gLz2Ec/v-deo.html
5:14 - nice vid! But when playing consecutive notes, I don't think we can actually use 'arm weight'. Eg. for scale runs, arpeggios etc. Arm weight only works when you're like pushing down multiple notes at the beginning of a piece -- eg. to start a note softly, or start a chord softly. And also - once again - digital pianos are REAL pianos. Just as acoustic pianos are real pianos. Both are pianos. Acoustic pianos are 'acoustic pianos'. Essence of piano is 'piano forte' - soft loud control of independent notes on harpsi keyboard layout. Piano forte - shortened to piano.
Arm weight can be applied in any situation. Check out my video about arm weight. That may help you gain a new way of controlling the instrument. At the end of the day, you can call whatever you want a piano, but my definition of piano is an acoustic piano with real strings and hammers. I'm not saying keyboards are bad though. I like keyboards and they excel in different ways from pianos. I own one myself.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel Thanks akira! Just keep in mind that the reason why the word 'piano' seen in the words 'digital piano' and 'acoustic piano' are because - they're both pianos. Real pianos. Back in the old days, they didn't have any other means to achieve 'piano forte' (independent soft loud control of notes) - shortened to 'piano'. So that's why they had only the mechanical way - due to not having the technology do it it any other way. The word piano in acoustic piano and digital piano is the give-away -- in that they're both pianos. This is something that many people didn't realise before - even though it is actually obvious.
This is a very interesting but endless discussion :) I'm just an old school person whose concept of piano is what I grew up and learned to play. Again, not saying keyboard is not an instrument. I'm also the kind of person who thinks you are not driving unless you are driving stick shift. Just out of curiosity, do you consider "vegetarian burger" a real burger because the word "burger" is in it?
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel I know what you mean Akira. I grew up on acoustic piano too, and probably been playing piano for equally long as you, or even more than you. But realised that essence of piano is in piano forte. And - under the umbrella of 'burger' are various kinds of burgers, which are all burgers - such as hamburger, vege burger, chicken burger etc. All are burgers. Hamburger is a burger too. Just as digital pianos and acoustic pianos are under the piano umbrella - piano category. Real pianos. And - the highest performance cars these days are a combination of mechanical and digital elements, including paddles or something for gear change, instead of stick.
Different strokes for different folks. If you are a concert level pianist, you’ll never be happy with any digital piano. The NU1XA is for the advanced pianist, the ones who play Fantasie Impromptu or Hungarian Rhapsody 2 for fun. The model proves to be very popular and I am very sad I’ll never reach playing at advanced level (for example, I can play Maple Leaf Rag at a moderate tempo, the speed it is actually meant to be played). It is also good for composers/players who want to record their music. Hit a button and off you go. Try to record from an acoustic, you’d rather rent a studio for that, whereas with the NU1XA you can do it conveniently at your home. It is also great if you live in an apartment building and do not want to perform free concerts for your neighbours every time you start practicing. Years ago, I had the chance to play one of the predecessors, the NU1 or whatever it was called. It felt like I was playing a piano keyboard and the hammers hit some metal plates. Have no idea how the NU1XA feels in that regard because it is not available here in Bulgaria. (The local store does not cater high end because playing the piano, or any other acoustic instrument for that matter, is not popular here but this is a topic for another conversation) I’d like to thank you for sharing your point of view. I play digital pianos from Yamaha, too, but I have got accustomed to their shortcomings to the extent they don’t bother me. Rather play a digital than acoustic whose keyboard is not regulated, needs tuning, is loud and etc. Unless you are a concert-level pianist or purist, the digitals offer a 99% good alternative. Finally, remember, it’s just a computer that produces sound. I would not call it a proper musical instrument. In 10 years’ time there will be newer technology, whereas an acoustic Petroff will stay the same for decades, especially if you take care of it.
I agree with you. Keyboards are instrument of its own kind. They have their unique advantage and fits certain use cases like you mentioned. While they are not real pianos in my view, that doesn't mean they are inferior instruments. But pianists at any level can benefit from real touch. It creates connection to the instrument and help you learn sound control. From my experience, students practicing on real pianos tend to advance more, and it's definitely easier to teach because they have same or very similar experience at home.
I agree with you. When playing an acoustic piano, one feels the connection from the touch with the strings, the resonance, the sound. For the very same reason I like playing the Viola because the touch between your fingers and the strings is real and not trough an elaborate mechanism.
I haven't played it, so I can't say for sure, but for the same price, I would imagine Clavinova would have fancier features than NU1XA. In our case, real touch was far more important than different tone, connectivity, etc. It's not better or worse, but it's all about what you are looking for in your instrument.
Considering to buy a N1X, that's CFX grand real action. For now I have an old Clavinova CLP-230 and the action is worn out, makes me feel uncomfortable cause the touch response is not even (octave 5 only plays mf and f, for example). I know that digital piano sound is too perfect for feeling real; there are alternatives; for example Pianoteq uses full synthesis based on mathematical model of the real instrument, so you can simulate a real Steinway (or most of great brands) and adjust the tuning unison width, soundboard age and all you want about; it sounds more realistic but it's resource hungry and it seems it's tricky to get rid of the sound latency in order to play in real time.
I would have gotten N1X if we had enough space, but it still is a violin studio and N1X's footprint was a bit too big for the purpose of the room. We can try to create real experience digitally, but so far, only real instrument can create real experience. With real piano feel, I can play these instruments like a piano. Although they are not real pianos, that's not necessarily a bad thing. But if you want a real piano experience, you buy a real piano :)
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel I am "convicted" to play a digital, I can only find time for practice the night, and I have neighbors, so using headphones 🤭 As far as I know, the only thing as close to a real piano sound as Pianoteq is Vienna Synchron Player piano library, much heavier in resources and more expensive, but both are resource hogs and hard to use for real time playing.
I've had digital pianos do that weird note thing before! My teacher's roland digital upright piano did this! She said there were ants or something in the piano 🤭
Sometimes it seems to me that the music starts from the correct height of the pianist's bench))) (Apparently Gould knew a little more about this than the others)
It sure does. You can see it at 7:48. But if you are switching from a grand piano and using it as a primary instrument, I highly recommend considering N3X or N1X. I believe they have grand action and feels much more like a grand piano.
This is a great review, so the following is nit-picking. With only 88 keys, you're not likely to notice any cut-off with 256-note polyphony (not 128). Although it seems like we only need a maximum of 88-note polyphony, that's not true. Mixing of two (or more) voices for each note reduces the effective polyphony, but with 256-note polyphony you can mix three sounds per note and still only ever need to lose one of the secondary voices off the oldest notes. I don't think anyone would be able to hear this, not with 80 other notes ringing. The occasional surprise note is a problem for most digital keyboards, and it's not something you're doing. All it takes is for a single data bit to get flipped. This could be by a solar particle, background radiation, or some noise in the power supply (maybe someone turned on the kettle), and if you're unlucky it happens in the velocity sensing circuit. This could turn a velocity of say 53 into 117. The solution to this is used in aerospace, but it is not cheap. It requires all the sensing electronics to be triplicated. If there is an error in one circuit, it ignores it, because the other two agree. I think you're overplaying the advantage of the acoustic piano for learning. One big plus to digital pianos, especially when learning, is that you can record exactly what you did and analyse it. You can compare the notes you played and how you played them with the score. Is your phrasing off? Is one finger consistently louder or softer than the others? When playing chords, are you accidentally striking another key? Are you hitting the pedal at the right time? I think those are much more important than extremely subtle physical differences. If you're a composer, there's no need to transcribe what you play, making the whole process much quicker, and you can easily edit and play it back. You can arrange strings, wind, and percussion, and hear approximately how they'll sound together if you use the keyboard to drive a DAW. None of this is possible with an acoustic piano. Another advantage you missed, is that the tuning can be varied. Many (most?) tuners will make the higher notes very slightly sharp. The degree of this can be set in software, as can the temperament. You're not limited to just one sound either. They can serve as any keyboard, so you can also play honky-tonk, harpsichord, organ, synthesizer, and even percussion. A hybrid keyboard is so much more than a piano. Not all of the potential may be present in one model, but it could be, and if it's used with a DAW, you can play just about anything with all the expression that a real piano allows.
There will never be an electric piano that replicates a real piano to a satisfying degree. The nuances available on a real piano go beyond what an algorithm can reproduce, unless we manage to create completely accurate physical models of pianos down to the air they vibrate in and the physical mechanism behind the pedals. I have no doubt that this piano feels like a real one, but they will never sound like a real one. For one thing, the strings in a piano are essentially a bespoke dynamic speaker designed to create exactly the tone required of a piano, and an electric speaker just doesn't have the capability to produce the same sound. It makes me wonder, if you are going to replicate every element of a piano except for the strings then what's the point? The only advantage I can see is being able to practice on a real feeling instrument without making a sound, but then if you are practicing the subtleties of touch you won't get an accurate response from the instrument compared to a real one, so not even that seems like a valid reason.
Exactly. That's why this is an addition to our studio. Technology still can't replace real acoustic pianos. But like I said in the video, it's good for certain use cases like when you live in a remote place and can't find a piano technician to maintain an acoustic piano, outdoor venues, etc. In our case, in the violin studio to accompany during lessons. But we still use piano studio with real pianos to prepare violin students for performances.
My roland rd-700nx is not a hybrid, and this piano would probably be better for feel. But for feel it's about 95 percent there, and the sound is as good as any piano, at least this one's equal. I think there is a niche market for this piano, but it's not for everyone, and other, less expensive, and more portable stage pianos are plenty good for most purposes.
At the end, you have to choose an instrument that fits you with your budget. But the dilemma is that it's commonly thought that beginners or amateurs do not need high-end pianos. You could be limiting your enjoyment and development without knowing, but the only way to know it is to regularly play quality instruments. But at the same time, I understand why people need cheaper, smaller piano. Even mine are not full-size grands for space/budget reasons.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel I think this is an interesting debate to have, but ultimately I come down on the side of "don't let perfect be the enemy of good". There is a place for cheaper or less authentic pianos, and the technology is good enough now that it's very difficult to tell the difference unless you've already reached a place where that becomes important. I'm a high intermediate to low end advanced player, and while I see the benefit of having a high quality instrument, I can get nearly all of what I need out of my stage piano. I'm considering buying a real piano at some point in the future, but injust don't see the need to spend that kind of money at the moment, and besides I couldn't fit it in my office even if I wanted. The ability to pipe the sound directly into my audio setup is of high use to me and that's nearly impossible to do in the same way on an acoustic piano. I think we're generally in agreement but I don't want to get into the mindset of discouraging beginners by placing the instrument out of their reach, and there are things you can do with a digital piano that are impossible otherwise. It all comes down to the right tool for the job.
I hear you. As a teacher, I want all of my students to reach the point they can tell the difference and it matters. But in my experience, students are far more likely to get there if they practice on that kind of instrument. It could be just a commitment thing, but I think it's more motivating if felt the connection with the instrument and if your instrument reacted precisely to your control every time. That is not to say you will never advance if you have a keyboard. It also depends on what you want to learn. this is a very important discussion and I want to make a video about it. I have yet to find an effective way to describe this without confusing people. But it has always been in my mind to make a video about my view on keyboard v. piano.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel I think you kind of hit upon it when you said that it depends on what y9u want to accomplish and maybe a student should have to answer that question first. What isnyour goal? There are some goals which are accomplished absolutely fine on a stage piano and maybe even better, mine are kind of in that direction. There are other goals that really are better served on an acoustic piano. When you knownwhat your goals are you can invest your resources in that direction. Maybe talk about the different motivations people might have for learning and playing piano, and which instrument is better for those end goals?
Yamaha makes a lot of good products, some great some bad. When it comes to pianos, they are truly hit or miss for me. The NU1X is pretty nice! though for me personally, I prefer the Kawai Novus better. the NV5s has a spruce soundboard just like an acoustic piano, and it has Kawai's Millennium III Action.
I ordered a Yamaha YUS5-TA3 to be delivered before Christmas 2023. It is now end May 2024 and I still don’t have the piano. Yamaha have failed 4 delivery dates so far. If you want a Yamaha piano don’t buy one unless it is in the store. I gave my spinet piano away in readiness for the Christmas delivery. I now don’t have a piano for 6 months! Thank you Yamaha for stabbing earth in the back. Don’t trust ANY promises Yamaha make. In my opinion thet are not trust worthy.
Sorry you had a bad experience. I'm not sure if it's Yamaha or the dealer, but I agree with you that it's better to purchase a piano that's actually in stock. My usual dealer didn't have it in stock, so I had to shop around.
While I think those high-end actions are worth the money, I do not find value in anything that tries to replicate the acoustic sound with fancy transducers. Digital pianos are now fantastic practice tools but they do not cut it as performance tools. I only play my Kawai with the headphones, and switch to the acoustic piano when I feel I have practiced enough to not be a nuisance. Nothing comes close to the real thing.
I have one. I wanted to love it but didn't. I feel guilty for spending 10k only to leave it sitting there. It's been played for like half an hour in three years :'- (
While they are both real acoustic pianos, grand and upright action are very different. If I had the space and money but was still looking for hybrid pianos than acoustic grand for some reason, I would go for N3X.
Perhaps it is my device but it sounds a little on the 'tinny' side, and lacking in the deep sonority of a quality acoustic. However you still have two grand pianos.
It is speaker sound recorded with condenser microphones, so it's a little different from what you actually hear. But you are right, it is not same as an acoustic piano.
Here's a question, why don't you learn to do piano tuning yourself? It seems that that would be a very profitable investment of time for you since you have so many pianos to tune! :-)
Good question. It's not just "tuning" that a technician does during each visit. There is just so much to maintain these instruments in good condition, and you need tons of experience to be competent. Check out my videos about tuning and an interview with my piano technician. It's like not servicing your own car you drive, or repair your own house you live in. Some people do, but I just don't have time to train myself enough to be a competent piano technician while teaching, playing, making videos, etc.
I don't agree with you, no one needs the real acoustic piano imperfections to learn how to play piano neither those imperfections contribute in anyway to enhance the learning process, quite the opposite. I really don't like "graded" actions for instance, because it brings to new technologies old inherit problems. I just love my weighted digital piano keyboard controlling Pianoteq ( simply the best piano algorithm available ) and change whatever aspect I want, including use different temperaments with a press of a button. This is a new era, we have to be open mind and if Beethoven or Chopin were alive they would play digital pianos. All these arguments about how acoustic pianos are better it's just nostalgy. So, am I stating digital pianos are better the old real thing? Yesss, hands down
I didn't say imperfection helps you learn. I just said imperfection is part of acoustic instruments. I didn't deny digital piano being real instruments, either. If that's what you want to learn and play, you should go for it. But if you want to learn how to play acoustic pianos, then you should use an acoustic piano to practice.
Saying a digital piano is a keyboard and isn’t a real piano is just wrong. It is a piano it just has a different way of producing the sound. The keyboard is just the key set you depress. It’s like saying a flat screen tv isn’t a real TV because it lacks a cathode ray tube. An acoustic piano is a technological tool just as a digital piano is. Great video though.
I disagree, I think if you are talking to someone about your instrument and you specify that it's a "real" piano, they will take that to mean an acoustic instrument. Unless you are talking about a model piano that doesn't actually make any sound, that's really the only reasonable use of the term "real piano" without being pedantic. There are electric pianos and acoustic pianos, both of them are certainly pianos and they're both certainly "real" as opposed to imaginary, but of course of those two options the term "real piano" refers to the acoustic as opposed to the electric because that just makes the most sense. It's not an insult to electric instruments it's just a practical use of the English language to communicate what you mean. I don't think your flat screen TV analogy works because people don't actually talk about "real" TVs. If you told someone your TV is "real" they would probably give you a funny face, because nobody considers a flat screen as an imitation of a CRT - unless someone produced an LCD TV with a fake glass bulge and a fake boxy housing that was actually trying to look like a CRT, then you could say I have a "real CRT" and they might not give you such a funny face. But if you tell someone you have a "real piano" they will know exactly what you mean, because that's just how language is used in this specific case.
You must realize that when LCD TVs were produced, they COMPLETELY phased out and overtook CRT TVs. Another example: sheet music used to be printed by hand. As soon as composition softwares were created, the former were COMPLETELY phased out. You cannot say the same for digital pianos vs acoustic pianos. And there is a good reason why. They are simply not in the same class.
@@Ambidextroid how would you picture a ‘real guitar’? Electric, acoustic? Or like the TV has the question no value because they are both real in the sense the TV is. Saying ‘real piano’ is no less pointless than saying real TV and the only reason this term is viable is because of historic snobbery for acoustic instruments over digital (electric pianos are a totally different beast). Ultimately we can disagree all we like it doesn’t mean anyone is right. All this is subjective anyway.
@@ElikemTheTuner I’m not comparing them to each other. Each does things better than the other. You’re right acoustic pianos still exist and always will but digital instruments probably outsell them by 20 to 1 and for good practical reasons. Acoustic pianos are incredibly impractical for most people these days however a smaller overall market does lead to higher quality instruments for those that can justify/afford/accommodate them.
It's capitalism. Yamaha want you to pay extra to get a better piano bench. lol Btw the perfect tuning from NU1XA and keyboards is gonna bother me so much now. 😅
He said ‘strings and soundboard’ - not ‘strings and keyboard’. Extremely big difference. The keys and action are almost identical to a Yamaha U1J (they improved the repetition speed on the NU1XA so it is easier to play than the U1J).
'Its a real piano with a proper hammer action but without strings or soundboard ' ??????? How can it be a real piano without any strings or soundboard ? Its just a fancy keyboard, nothing else.
Hogwash. Let us know when concert pianists start requesting these Yamaha toys over a 9ft. Steinway, Bosendorfer, etc. Yeah, they're great to move, great to practice on, but you'll never find one at a recital or concert, and I mean never ... that's how good they sound.
How can you compare a £6,000 Yamaha to a £200,000 Steinway or Bosendorfer ?? That’s like comparing a Ford focus to a Ferraris 😂😂 course there’s gonna be huge differences 😅. And these sorts of pianos are mainly used in flats/terraced houses as to not disturb the neighbours etc.
Venues around Philadelphia actually uses grand piano version of this for outdoor concerts where it's hard to keep acoustic pianos in tune. But @garypotter1985 is right, this is not to replace those kinds of pianos in those venues. However, Yamaha 9ft grand is one of the choices for pianists for the famous Chopin Competition, and it does get picked.
I've been searching for months and yours is the first review of the NU1XA that I've found that *isn't* from a piano dealership! A fantastic review, and very realistic in terms of both the benefits and the compromises. I was originally certain that I wanted an NU1XA but after trying it in store I wasn't so sure anymore. It feels fantastic to play, but it sounds too pristine (like you mention in the video!) and something about it still feels too digital. For me, I've shifted back towards searching for a true accoustic piano, possibly with a silent system installed, but you really nailed the overview, and I know a few people who would love this piano. Thanks for the great objective review!
I guess not being sponsored by the manufacturer is a good and bad thing :)
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel Haha, well it's good for us, at least! The world needs more reviews like this. Maybe some mysterious third party will pay you for your altruism
I got an offer for a mini chainsaw review the other day, but they never responded after that. I was looking forward to destroy this bench with a chainsaw...
Holy shit, I started watching with very low expectations (not even thinking about buying a hybrid piano), but I ended up watching the video entirely, learned about imperfect octave in acoustic piano, differences of pedaling in real piano vs not, sound of natural piano keys, etc. Nice work! I’m a new subscriber!
Welcome aboard!
I try to share information people are often unaware of.
Check out my other videos, you may find more things yo udind't know about piano and music in general.
Anyone wondering, the soundless playing at 3:26 was Fantaisie Impromptu op/66 by Chopin 😅
Yes, indeed!
Grazie.
Thank you very much for your generosity!
I just subscribed. I am 59 years old; I just retired and decided to learn how to play the piano.
Welcome aboard! Check out my tutorials and other videos. They may be helpful along the way.
@@tomschaffner9704 No it's not, tom. He never said he wants to be a concert pianist. One can learn to play a musical instrument for personal enjoyment at any age. Don't discourage people like that!
Great video, my friend! Your new studios look great ! Talk to you soon. 🎉
@@Salahdin89 I agree. Age doesn't matter, I mean there is age restrictions for stuff, sure, BUT, playing a piano is for anyone and everyone no matter who you are. Like I'm 18 and I'm thinking about playing as an exmple
Thank you!
I don’t want to create any competition or anything, but I’d like to share my thoughts. I faced a similar problem myself. I needed practice equipment. In my living room, I have an acoustic Yamaha G2 piano, so for my tedious daily practice, I was looking for something that would serve as a workhorse, closely replicating the mechanics and feel of playing an acoustic piano. I couldn’t imagine spending a fortune on Silent Pianos or similar solutions because, truth be told, I was looking for something that had a similar mechanism but not necessarily the same sound quality. To be honest, considering that I practice with headphones and use other equipment for concerts, I didn’t want to overpay for something that would never have the opportunity to showcase its capabilities and price.
I chose the Casio GP310 precisely because it has a full analog hammer action system designed by Bechstein (not any pressure or sandwich systems, but literally the entire hammers striking a digital sensor). The feel of playing is very close to my piano. The sound... well, it’s mediocre at best. Casio isn’t a specialist in sound quality. Nevertheless, that doesn’t matter at all. For practice, this equipment is fantastic. I don’t know if there’s any competition in the market when it comes to this price point and the acoustic representation of piano mechanics.
I recommend considering this option if you’re looking for something solely for practice that’s as good as possible for your fingers-at a relatively good price (though still not low).
For consideration. Cheers!
Thanks
Thank you for your generosity!
I hope this video was informative.
I recently upgraded from a CLP-645 to the NU1XA. I have no regrets. The NU1XA has really nice bass.
hi, is the mechanical noise greater on the nu1xa or on the clp? I would like to buy the hybrid and now I have a clp 745 but I study at night...
I love your sense of humor!
Thank you!
This is my first video of Akira’s. I’m 2:53 in and he’s my favourite piano UA-camr.
Welcome to the channel. Check out the other videos, too!
Just purchased an NU1XA thanks to this review ❤
Congratulations. Enjoy!
I do agree a perfectly tuned sounds weird, I do hear a difference!
this is so endearingly wholesome. internet, we have to protect this man at all costs.
Wow, a real, unbiased review! Great job!
Love the very thorough information and also the humor. Great video!
Very Helpful video Akira!! Thank you for making!
Hello! Referring to the loud note "problem" at 18:55: I had the same issue with different keys and re-calibrating the key- and hammersensors solved the problem.
Here is how to do it:
There is a hidden menu for this calibration procedure:
When press and hold the Power-On button, press "Voice" twice when it shows up and then release the power-button.
After that the NU1XA boots up into a "Menu2"
Then press ">" to go to the "Key Calibration", "Hammer Calibration" and other options.
In my case I used a 100gram weight for the calibration and it worked very well.
Wow. I'll keep that in mind!
I have a Yamaha CLP 645 which I love. However I had to buy a new adjustable bench. I got a nice Roland that matched the finish of the piano and I like it a lot. I agree that a non-adjustable bench was a cheap move for pianos that cost thousands! My piano needs serviced, probably cleaned. Sometimes I'll be playing along and a note will suddenly sound way too loud. I swear it's not me! I got rid of my acoustic piano because the constant tuning bills were too much. I'm an amateur so I only need "pretty decent" which my Yamaha fulfills perfectly. Your new piano is very beautiful, plus you gave it a great review. Thank you!
Thank you very much for doing these informative and fun videos
Wow, what an amazing and helpful video! (And funny, also)
I have a U1-TA2 which shares the synthesizer with the silent piano and I believe the NU1XA as well. The TA2 does support custom tuning of the digital sounds so you could basically de-tune the digital sounds.
That is interesting... Maybe I should look into the manual. This may be able to do that through the fancy touch panel on the left.
Good review thank you. I was interested in [12:20] your comment about remembering 128 key plays when sustain pedal is pressed, when there are 84 only notes across 7 octaves. Was wondering if you repeatedly play same note with pedal down how much quieter is the reverb from preceding notes? - on my acoustic piano volume does not increase repeatedly playing same note with pedal down. I can't see this being a limitation in practice.
When you repeat notes with damper pedal down, you are re-stimulating the same string that's already vibrating, so it's not like you are adding a sound to the first note. But I can see how enharmonic is augmented. It's very complicated physics, but I think NU1XA's sound engine mimics it pretty well.
I bought a Kawaii CA79 which came with a proper adjustable piano bench and a professional headset/headphones. The piano itself seems identical to your Yamaha. Cost me €3500 (~$3800). I couldn't be happier. I get the advantages of an acoustic piano and a digital one together. Best of all, no one hears all the mistakes I make when playing!
I have a very similar CA97 and have recently tried an NUX1A. I still think the CA97 both feels more real and sounds better.
I don't think the CA79 has a full acoustic action compared to the NU1XA.
I remember seeing instruments from this series around music stores before, but dismissing them as rather gimmicky keyboards. Glad to know that these are more than a regular digital keyboard instrument. I ultimately arrived to the same conclusion as you. I think that while the MSRP of the NU1XA makes it a tough sell against similarly priced upright pianos (or better if there's a good second hand market), specific use cases might mean that this instrument is a decent buy. Being able to practice with headphones on during odd hours might be worth that price for someone on a tight schedule who can justify the price to themselves.
The moments where you just stop and put reverb on your voice is so funny and weird. Good job.
Thank you for sharing both wisdom and humor.
I think they could add a 'detune' feature. Thing's like ... a timer that gradully detune all the key in different rate over time, and a button to tune up all to standard 440. Combining those two, it'd be more close to a real piano futher.
Oh and to make it even more close to a real piano, the owner should not be able to turn it off, and the button would require certified piano technocian authorization.
On a serious note, I think some of the VST have this kind of detune built-in to it, especially the sampler-based one (because it's recorded from a real piano). Maybe there're softwares that samples each string on each key separately, and make them go out of tune in a different rate (but very close to each other).
Again the sound espect is just a part of the instrument, I think :).
Just buy a real piano
Some top-range digital pianos do allow to edit the sound parameters not only on a global basis but also for each individual key. Individual key eding is possible In this Yamaha digital piano if you use their app. So, you can detune octaves and other intervals for a few cents. This type of configuration (and many others) is straightforward in VSTs like Pianoteq that use modelling instead of sampling. Sample-based piano VST are often less configurable because the samples are fixed.
Great video
Love your review. I have the NU1XA too and love it. Btw you look abit like Bruce Lee! =D
It’s amazing…I bought it today and it Feels superb! 👌🏻
Congratulations. Enjoy!
This review has solidified, even with the give and take, that this is the proper piano for where I've moved.
Brilliant review!
Thank you!
A wonderful review. I never heard of this keyboard. Thx!! Very insightful!
I' ve just bought a NU1XA before watching this video... and after watchiing this video, I think I deserve praise.. :) thank you for your video. I think it's a very decent digital piano model...from now on , I'm your subscriber
I have the N1X with the grand action and i am very happy with it. The sound reproduction while using headphones is unreal compared to using the onboard speakers.
Speakers are chosen specifically for the purpose, but there is countless choice for headphones.
I think open-back headphones with natural sound (no heavy bass or sound augmentation) will make it sound the way it's intended to sound.
Yes, I also have one of those and I agree about the headphones. Mine lives in my shed in the garden - we don't have space in the main house. Yes, a lot like a beach house. The environment would be terrible for an acoustic grand. Would I prefer a full acoustic piano if I could accommodate it? Yes, definitely. I managed to get a deal without the standard bench and bought separately an adjustable bench.
You demonstrate the features beautifully!
My old office before moving was an insulated shed in the backyard. I originally wanted this piano there, but just as my personal toy wasn't strong enough case for purchasing it, especially when I already have 2 perfectly fine pianos :)
Oh man… this has been the most entertaining piano video and a very informative that helped my decision. Thank you.
We live in Tokyo and I’ve been agonizing for my daughter’s first piano who’s 7. We have a 4.5jo space to put the piano and live in an apartment. I know that a used upright piano can be purchased at a similar price, so I just couldn’t make a decision. But when you say about the environment, this piano suits our needs better it seems. We live near the ocean and Japan is so humid as you know. Also it’s an apartment so the noise will be an issue. Fortunately it costs 480,000 yen and they do provide the adjustable bench in Japan, so we should just go for it…! Thank you so much.
Wow, that's a lot cheaper than here. I should have bought it in Japan and shipped it over :)
Good luck with your daughter's musical journey!
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel thank you! My husband and I are also lurking at it 🤣 we are secretly thinking about learning how to play too 😂
That's even better. Enjoy the experience together!
Good and honest review. Did you consider the kawai NV10s with a full grand piano key board action?
I just happened to have played NU1X previously, but I hear Kawai makes good hybrids, too. Grand action was not really an option for us because of space and budget. It was a supplemental instrument for my wife's violin studio, so smaller hybrid upright was more suitable.
Very helpful review - thank you. I would be very interested to know what you think of the Yamaha N3X Avantgrand.
Superb. I only tried briefly at the dealership, so don't take my word for it. But if I had the budget and space for it, I would have definitely considered it.
Really enjoyed this video--thanks! I'm sitting here watching, hearing you talk about the non-adjustable bench, . . . and looking across the room at the non-adjustable bench that came with my Yamaha U1. Fortunately it fits me, so I never noticed (although I did learn to adjust the bench when I approach a piano). I guess it's a thing with Yamaha!
It only works if you happen to have the right body proportion for that particular bench/piano combination and never change your technical approach :)
You'll be surprised to see how much difference a tiny bit of bench height change makes.
I have an old CVP 303. It's the piano I learned to play the piano on, studied between lessons, learned to improvise and play by chords etc. I'm playing for 20 years and are searching for a new piano. I can't decide between the NU1XA and the CLP-885. What's your recommendation?
A very tough call.
NU1XA has real action, so it really eels real, but the touch of that of an upright piano. CLP-885 claims to "mimic" grand piano touch with escapement, but I don't think it has real action inside, so I doubt it's as realistic as NU1XA. N1X is a grand version of NU1X with real action inside, but it's significantly more expensive.
I haven't experienced CLP-885 myself, so I can't make any recommendation here, but ultimately it comes down to which one you like more after playing them.
Can you give your opinion on a clavinova 795GP vs a N3x? I have a Roland 90x and love acustic but want to upgrade and it must be digital for multiple reasons. weight is a factor as its on a yacht. and the N3x is significantly heavier.
I'm not familiar enough to give an opinion on those specific models, but having actual hammer action is crucial to me. It really makes a huge difference.
@ thanks, they have that btw
I'm currently playing a Yamaha Clavinova CLP-220 but when I have piano lessons on a real piano, I always have to adjust. I can't buy a real piano since it would probably be too loud in my apartment. If it is possible to adjust the volume of this piano, it may be the perfect solution to have the same expressiveness of a real piano with the benefits of an electronic piano!
It's very similar to one of the situation I described in the video. The feel of the keys is much closer than any other keyboard I every played. If your budget allows, there is a grand piano version (with grand action) called N1X.
It seems like it would feel a little weird for me too!
If real grand piano's go out of tune with time, do people like Yiruma record their accoustic piano albums using midi software or do they just use well placed mics? If sonically good piano albums use well placed mics, I am more inclined to go with a real piano and buy some good mics.
Is there a way to get it to sound slightly out of tune for each key like you do in this video without over doing it with Midi Software, and without going through a lot of effort? I know they have global asio4all tuning + or - 100hz~, but that effects all keys.
Great review I really enjoyed this. I have piano vsts programs and digital pianos and a real piano. They are all amazing but nothing replaces the real instrument. but real pianos are not suitable for everyone. It's horses for courses
18:55 The infamous "Loud note" issue from Nu1x. It's surprising that Yamaha hasn't fixed it in the latest model.
From what I heard, it was pretty consistent before. But it only happened to me a few times and I couldn't reproduce it for the video, so at least I think it has been improved.
I have tried «them all». It certainly can’t replace an acoustic, but some are pretty good. I have to say Kawai’s best digital models outperforms Yamaha’s best models because of the key action.
I have yet to try Kawai version. I hope I get a chance in the near future.
I had a U3 later replaced with a NU1 (before X) for noise problems in the building. There is no way any hybrid replaces a true acoustic piano. It’s a nice remedy but never as close. Plus the NU1 first release had tech issues with a couple of keys playing randomly louder than others. Sold it. Still undecided on the next choice.
If you must go electric, I definitely recommend these hybrid piano series. I wish I could get the grand version, but unfortunately it didn't fit the violin studio and our use case didn't justify the cost.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel If I go digital, then it’s the new Roland LX9. Beautiful piano sounds. Don’t like the Yamaha CFX sample
Greav video! Can you recall the previous model, the NU1X? I am not yet able to afford the 1XA but have seen the 1X for around £2,500 (about £2,000 less than the 1XA). Do you think this is a good deal? I am fairly advanced (Fantasy Impromptu level) and action is the most important thing to me. I know there is a 'loud note' issue but I never came across it playing the NU1X in stores. So I guess my question is - is the action about the same on the two instruments?
I only payed the older version NU1X briefly at the store, but that was impressive enough to make me buy NU1XA without ever playing it. So as far as the touch goes, I think NU1X still feels like a real upright piano.
Of course technologies are always evolving and just like any other electric devices, it's ultimately up to you to decide if the saving from purchasing used older model is worth giving up some of the new improvements.
If you are satisfied when you played NU1X at the store, it may not be a bad choice to get it used. There are differences between the older and newer models, but you may not even notice many of them unless you compare them side by side.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel Thanks for this reply!
What is the piece you are demo-ing at 4:50 ?
ua-cam.com/video/FAqBRzTc2so/v-deo.html
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel thanks!!
I love "Yamaha didn't sponsor this video. But they could have!"
In your opinion if you had to choose between vault avanti and juarez jrk 881 which one will you choose please let me know SIR
I have to try them to answer that question
I'm starting to learn piano, but I can't house an upright piano in my room, yet I need to train my fingers to get used to acoustic piano action. Does it make this piano suitable for me ?
I have an online student who is learning well on a similar instrument.
But this will not take any less space than an acoustic upright. In fact, any full-size keyboards that are in decent quality will take almost as much space as an upright.
While you may be able to save an inch or so of depth, getting electric over acoustic for space reason doesn't usually make sense to me.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel thank you for your quick reply.
Though it does take up some space, it weights much less than an actual upright, since I'm putting it on tatami floor.
Do you still exprerience the "loud note" error, which usually happens on previous models, on this instrument ?
My Kawai MP10 (now quite old) has all sorts of selectable tunings and adjustable stretch settings. Presumably using midi with a vst with those settings you can get the same effect
I appreciated the valuable insight into how close this hybrid can get. Maybe in following they can add a super knob to adjust the action weight or resistance as well as simulated string resonance feedback. Something tells me yamaha had reasons to leave a little bit off of the table.
Weight of the action is weight of parts, so I don't think you can adjust that. I don't think adding a kind of "break" to 88 keys and keeping them even is feasible.
There is always something you can do to make digital piano closer to real pianos, but I don't thing they will be exactly like a real piano for a very long time (they've been trying for decades already).
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel You are probably right. I was thinking between an upright and grand piano there are different amount of leveraged used to affect the key response. A moving pivot might changed the leverage.
Have you ever tried the Kawai keybeds? I think something like the Nord Grand should be easy to try out.
I haven't had a chance to try out Kawaii ones, but I heard they have similar products. I'll be happy to try it tout if @kawaii sends me one :)
I spent quite a bit of time checking out both the Yamaha AvantGrand and Kawai hybrid pianos. In my personal opinion the NU1X wasn’t quite up to the more expensive models. I like the Yamaha’s, but with the exception of the N3X, I didn’t feel the touch or sound was as realistic as the Kauai Novus series. I found the Kawai touch a bit more to my liking, but both companies produce good hybrid actions. To my ears the Kawai NV5S sounds better than the more expensive NS10S, possibly due to the NV5S having a real wood sound board. I’m sure the acoustic piano purist will cringe, but at the level of these upper tier hybrids I would think they could easily be substituted for an acoustic piano for many even more advanced pianists, especially if piano maintenance, need for additional sounds, or playing with earphones is an issue. I think this was born out by blind testing where experienced pianist and piano technicians mistook hybrids for acoustic pianos.
How does the NU1Xa handle fast repeated notes
Handles will in my opinion. Just like an upright piano.
Good and helpful review for people. Had one myself and then bought an acoustic.
Especially the pedaling on any electric piano is pretty far off.
The thing is: you can play great on any digital piano if you practice on an acoustic but not the other way round.
For beginners I recommend an acoustic (doesn’t have to be a grand) and then a lNord Grand to practice in the evenings if you have neighbors.
Does it do sympathetic vibration?
Hold down a note until it decays to silence, keep holding it, play the note an octave higher and let go. On a real piano, the string one octave below that you are still holding should vibrate at the 1st harmonic so you are still hearing the second higher note you played.
Most electronic pianos I've tested fail this test.
This is one of the reasons that playing a note with the pedal down sounds different to playing it with the pedal up, because it isn't just that string that responds to you playing the note.
I didn't think about that experiment.
And I'm happy to report IT DOES!!!!
My daughter has a Yamaha P-125a, is this a worthy upgrade to it? I like the idea of being able to plug in headphones and it sounds like a proper acoustic piano but since she's just started seriously learning should I get an acoustic piano for her instead?
I suggest acoustic for anyone even for beginners, because from my experience, having real feel and sound affect's students progress tremendously. NU1XA feels terrifically real, but it still isn't a real acoustic piano.
If your daughter is a serious learner, I definitely recommend a real acoustic piano. If being able to use headphones is important to you, you can always add a silent system to an acoustic piano so you can turn it into digital piano only when you need it.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel thanks! I spoke to her teacher and she recommended either Yamaha or Kawai do you have a stand up piano that you can recommend?
Rather than make, I'm more concerned about the quality. I would recommend taller higher quality piano even if they are used. Yamaha and Kawai are both reputable companies. I had student purchase Boston, which had wonderful warm sound for an upright. Our local dealer Cunningham recently started making good pianos, which many of our students end up buying. Unfortunately, I really need to play the instrument to know the quality of the strument, so I can't make any specific recommendation here.
Does it only have one sound? Does it have a more worn-out preset?
Parts wear out, so what are the maintenance and repair services like?
It has more voice than just piano sound. I haven't really explored any extra features yet, but I'm sure the lovely touch panel on the left let you control tons of things for fun.
That is a good point. Like any machinery, eventually hammer action will wear out. But from my experience with acoustic pianos, most maintenance work is to adjust the action so that hammers hit the strings properly, and not so much of keys and hammers physically not moving properly. Since the actual sound is not coming from the hammers and strings, I would expect this instrument to be maintenance free for years or even decades to come if you take good care of it.
But if it does break unexpectedly, I'm sure you'll hear from me on this channel :)
hola akira...id like to know your opinon about the pha 50 action (roland fp90x & lx series, RD 2000)
I don't have access to that, unfortunately.
Thats why I always think what if digital piano manufacturers came with tuning setting feature? We could actually mimics the natural tuning imperfection of a real acoustic piano!
It requires simulating over 200 strings going slightly out of tune over time in different ways, but I don't see why that would be impossible with modern technology. I guess not enough demand for that from consumers?
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel perhaps if they sampled each note of the CFX rather than generating sounds from sampled notes they would capture the authenticity of the actual piano. I'm not sure what their sampling and final production process is, but it does not portray or present the actual sound of an acoustic piano. Even if the piano was perfectly tuned, there are interactions between the strings -- sympathetic vibrations -- affecting each other that is missing from the digital production of the sounds.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannelThe ability to use strings slightly out tune is available on some external computer piano libraries. Some also have higher note polyphony than the one you quoted. For example, one called Pianoteq allows adjustment of especially many parts of a piano’s mechanism. It’s forum has posts from users combining it with keyboard modules like yours.
I'm pretty sure they sampled from multiple keys, but not sure how many.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel Pianoteq physically models a piano instead of sampling one. The free demo may surprise you.
It still sounds very electronic to my ears, mostly because you're not recording with the piano connected directly to the sound mixer, so, it may sound excellent when you play, but from here, from this side, it's like we are listening to a loudspeaker playing a recording. But the touch, mechanism should have be outstanding. I would love to purchase one of these. I'm a pianist also, but I don't like heavy mechanisms. My touch is very light, and I don't like to employ much effort in fast passages. I like pianos that helps the pianist. Currently, I own an upright acoustic, which is very good, and a Roland RD2000 with several VSTi pianos. 🎉❤
Wire-connecting it to the mixer will get a very pure sound, but I wanted to show how the speaker sounds, because that's how majority of people use. But if I was to record samples for dictation or something, that'll make the recording process much easier and noise-free!
I have the luxury of having 3 different pianos to practice on now. Each piano has different characteristics, but as a pianist, it's important to be able to adapt to different pianos on the spot. I find it easier to control lighter piano once you get used to heavier touch piano.
I like your set up of an acoustic piano and a keyboard. I used to practice on keyboard with different voice or even turning the power off before performances to test my memory/stability.
This generation of piano’s speakers are pretty convincing in the room, with the advantage that you can turn it down a bit and not blow everyone out of a small room like a piano might
A person filled with humor and it shows.
A fart is NOT a mistake! Haahahha
Nu1x does not have a heavy feel in my opion, to me it felt the keys were light and the key depth was too shallow. I chose to buy the Yamaha n1. The X's are just a bit of a midlife update software wise and mechanical they remain the same.
I watched the video. Unfortunately I don't speak English. I enabled Russian subtitles in the settings.
Of course I would like to compare the NU1XA with my Yamaha CLP-785 instrument. I studied the technical characteristics of both instruments. In general they are similar. Except that the CLP-785 has a significantly more powerful speaker system. Indeed, my CLP-785 produces such powerful bass that I turned the bass to minimum in the equalizer settings. I am also sure that the semles of both instruments are the same. With closed listening, no one will be able to determine what the CLP-785 or NU1XA is playing.
Interesting question, does the NU1XA cam mechanism have the same problems as an acoustic piano keyboard? It also requires maintenance and repair. Although those who are interested can read it - the CLP-785 keyboard is also not easy. Engineers worked a lot on it to bring the tactile sensations closer to those of a piano keyboard (the length of the key lever, different weights of the keys....) Again, close the pianist’s eyes to see if he can feel which keyboard he is playing on - NU1XA or CLP-785. In general, I consider these tools to be equivalent. Although NU1XA is much more expensive. I am an amateur and rarely have the opportunity to play an acoustic piano. If in life you have the opportunity to seriously play the acoustic piano, it doesn’t matter. A few weeks of practice and your hands adapt to the acoustic instrument. This will also be necessary after playing on NU1XA. After all, even after moving from one acoustic piano to another acoustic piano, it takes time to adapt in order to learn the character of the instrument. It's like changing from a familiar car to another - it also takes time to adapt.
Even two acoustic instruments sound different. I take lessons at a music school. And in my office there are two acoustic pianos, their sound is more different than in this video ua-cam.com/video/_qai2gLz2Ec/v-deo.html
I apologize for the inaccuracies in the text, I am writing through a translator
Посмотрел видео. К сожалению я не владею английским языком. В настройках включил русские субтитры.
Конечно хотелось бы сравнить NU1XA с моим инструментом Yamaha CLP-785. Изучил технические характеристики обоих инструментов. В общем они аналогичны. За исключением того, что у CLP-785 существенно мощнее акустическая система. И действительно, моя CLP-785 издает такой мощный бас, что в настройках эквалайзера бас я убрал на минимум. Так же я верен, что семлы обоих инструментов одинаковы. При закрытом прослушивании, никто не сможет определить, что играет CLP-785 или NU1XA.
Интересный вопрос, а кулачковая механика NU1XA имеет те же болезни, что и клавиатура акустического пианино? Так же требует обслуживания и ремонта. Хотя, кому интересно, могут почитать - клавиатура CLP-785 тоже непростая. Над ней очень много поработали инженеры, что бы приблизить тактильные ощущения к клавиатуры рояля ( длина рычага клавиши, разный вес клавиш .... ) Опять таки - закрыть пианисту глаза, почувствует ли он, на какой клавиатуре играет - NU1XA или CLP-785 . В общем я считаю эти инструменты равнозначными. Хотя NU1XA значительно дороже. Я любитель , мне редко когда выпадет случай играть на акустическом фортепиано. Если в жизни представиться возможность серьезно поиграть на акустическом фортепиано, не беда. Несколько недель занятий и руки адаптируются к акустическому инструменту. Это так же будет необходимо и после игры на NU1XA. Ведь даже пересев от одного акустического пианино, за другое акустическое пианино, нужно время для адаптации, чтобы изучить характер инструмента. Это как пересесть с привычного автомобиля, на другой - тоже нужно время для адаптации.
Даже два акустических инструмента звучат по разному. Я беру уроки в музыкальной школе. А моём кабинете два акустических пианино, их звучание отличатся больше, чем в этом видео ua-cam.com/video/_qai2gLz2Ec/v-deo.html
Looking for a replacement/upgrade from my Kawai CA97 I tried an NU1XA (and the N1XBT - based on grand action) and ended up going for the Yamaha U1SH3PEQ Silent Upright Piano - to me there was still no comparison - these hybrids still feeling too much like digitals. Is it just me... both the NU1XA and N1XBT felt even less close to a real piano than my CA97, to me still the most realistic digital/hybrid I've ever played.
I definitely agree with your conclusion -- a standard acoustic Yamaha U1 is far preferable to any digital instrument and can be had for even less than the cist of the NU1XA. I' actually a bit surprised that you even considered the digital instrument -- the only advantage I can see is the tuning, which you pointed out. I'm even wondering at that -- is the tuning authentically stretched as it would be for an acoustic instrument, and if so, to what model? To what extent would that be noticeable to a violinist.
You make a valid point about having it as a second instrument for some situations -- especially like a beach house, etc.
Those who need to practice quietly could also consider the Yamaha SH2 Silent piano series which are an actual acoustic instrument with action and strings, but which can be switched to a digital silent mode.
This wouldn't have worked as a primary instrument for me, but again, this is in my wife's violin studio that doesn't require authentic piano experience. It's an upgrade from a portable keyboard she used to have in her studio.
The sound is recorded from Yamaha CFX grand. I'm not sure what you mean by tuning being stretched, but as far as I can tell, it sounds good (too good to be true, in fact).
Silent pianos are excellent choice. I've owned one before. They are more for people who wants real piano, but also needs an option to go silent. It all depends on what your priorities are.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel That makes sense - the hybrid is definitely a step up from the P-series keyboards and should be adequate for accompanying lessons.
Since the sample set is from a CFX it likely includes the stretch tuning of the instrument it was sampled from. Stretch tuning (you can Google it -- it's rather involved) is where the notes throughout the instrument are altered just slightly beyond their perfect mathematical even temperament values (12th root of 2) to better accommodate getting the upper partials in tune -- it's what makes a piano sound at its best in-tune with itself.
But you are correct -- the digital instruments always sound " ... too good to be true" -- they are missing that gentle warm celeste that comes from ever-so-slightly out-of-tune strings. Perhaps some day the digital instrument makers will provide a parameter in the settings to add (or remove) some degree of "out-of-tune strings celeste".
I study at a music school. There are two acoustic pianos in my office. So their sound is more different than that of an acoustic and digital piano. ua-cam.com/video/_qai2gLz2Ec/v-deo.html
I enjoy tuning my acoustic piano. It's a feature to me.
5:14 - nice vid! But when playing consecutive notes, I don't think we can actually use 'arm weight'. Eg. for scale runs, arpeggios etc. Arm weight only works when you're like pushing down multiple notes at the beginning of a piece -- eg. to start a note softly, or start a chord softly. And also - once again - digital pianos are REAL pianos. Just as acoustic pianos are real pianos. Both are pianos. Acoustic pianos are 'acoustic pianos'. Essence of piano is 'piano forte' - soft loud control of independent notes on harpsi keyboard layout. Piano forte - shortened to piano.
Arm weight can be applied in any situation. Check out my video about arm weight. That may help you gain a new way of controlling the instrument.
At the end of the day, you can call whatever you want a piano, but my definition of piano is an acoustic piano with real strings and hammers. I'm not saying keyboards are bad though. I like keyboards and they excel in different ways from pianos. I own one myself.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel Thanks akira! Just keep in mind that the reason why the word 'piano' seen in the words 'digital piano' and 'acoustic piano' are because - they're both pianos. Real pianos. Back in the old days, they didn't have any other means to achieve 'piano forte' (independent soft loud control of notes) - shortened to 'piano'. So that's why they had only the mechanical way - due to not having the technology do it it any other way. The word piano in acoustic piano and digital piano is the give-away -- in that they're both pianos. This is something that many people didn't realise before - even though it is actually obvious.
This is a very interesting but endless discussion :)
I'm just an old school person whose concept of piano is what I grew up and learned to play. Again, not saying keyboard is not an instrument. I'm also the kind of person who thinks you are not driving unless you are driving stick shift.
Just out of curiosity, do you consider "vegetarian burger" a real burger because the word "burger" is in it?
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel I know what you mean Akira. I grew up on acoustic piano too, and probably been playing piano for equally long as you, or even more than you. But realised that essence of piano is in piano forte. And - under the umbrella of 'burger' are various kinds of burgers, which are all burgers - such as hamburger, vege burger, chicken burger etc. All are burgers. Hamburger is a burger too. Just as digital pianos and acoustic pianos are under the piano umbrella - piano category. Real pianos. And - the highest performance cars these days are a combination of mechanical and digital elements, including paddles or something for gear change, instead of stick.
Yamaha NU1XA or Kawai NV5S? I have to decide between them
Tough call. I haven't experienced Kawai counterpart yet, but I would love to one day.
Different strokes for different folks. If you are a concert level pianist, you’ll never be happy with any digital piano. The NU1XA is for the advanced pianist, the ones who play Fantasie Impromptu or Hungarian Rhapsody 2 for fun. The model proves to be very popular and I am very sad I’ll never reach playing at advanced level (for example, I can play Maple Leaf Rag at a moderate tempo, the speed it is actually meant to be played).
It is also good for composers/players who want to record their music. Hit a button and off you go. Try to record from an acoustic, you’d rather rent a studio for that, whereas with the NU1XA you can do it conveniently at your home.
It is also great if you live in an apartment building and do not want to perform free concerts for your neighbours every time you start practicing.
Years ago, I had the chance to play one of the predecessors, the NU1 or whatever it was called. It felt like I was playing a piano keyboard and the hammers hit some metal plates. Have no idea how the NU1XA feels in that regard because it is not available here in Bulgaria. (The local store does not cater high end because playing the piano, or any other acoustic instrument for that matter, is not popular here but this is a topic for another conversation)
I’d like to thank you for sharing your point of view. I play digital pianos from Yamaha, too, but I have got accustomed to their shortcomings to the extent they don’t bother me. Rather play a digital than acoustic whose keyboard is not regulated, needs tuning, is loud and etc. Unless you are a concert-level pianist or purist, the digitals offer a 99% good alternative.
Finally, remember, it’s just a computer that produces sound. I would not call it a proper musical instrument. In 10 years’ time there will be newer technology, whereas an acoustic Petroff will stay the same for decades, especially if you take care of it.
I agree with you. Keyboards are instrument of its own kind. They have their unique advantage and fits certain use cases like you mentioned. While they are not real pianos in my view, that doesn't mean they are inferior instruments.
But pianists at any level can benefit from real touch. It creates connection to the instrument and help you learn sound control. From my experience, students practicing on real pianos tend to advance more, and it's definitely easier to teach because they have same or very similar experience at home.
I agree with you. When playing an acoustic piano, one feels the connection from the touch with the strings, the resonance, the sound. For the very same reason I like playing the Viola because the touch between your fingers and the strings is real and not trough an elaborate mechanism.
Oh yeah. Other instruments are a lot more direct when it comes to generating sound.
How come Clavinova CSP-295 is about the same price and it’s not hybrid? Is it any better? How much worse do you think it is than Nord Grand 2?
I haven't played it, so I can't say for sure, but for the same price, I would imagine Clavinova would have fancier features than NU1XA. In our case, real touch was far more important than different tone, connectivity, etc. It's not better or worse, but it's all about what you are looking for in your instrument.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannelI care more about the touch! Thanks
Considering to buy a N1X, that's CFX grand real action. For now I have an old Clavinova CLP-230 and the action is worn out, makes me feel uncomfortable cause the touch response is not even (octave 5 only plays mf and f, for example). I know that digital piano sound is too perfect for feeling real; there are alternatives; for example Pianoteq uses full synthesis based on mathematical model of the real instrument, so you can simulate a real Steinway (or most of great brands) and adjust the tuning unison width, soundboard age and all you want about; it sounds more realistic but it's resource hungry and it seems it's tricky to get rid of the sound latency in order to play in real time.
I would have gotten N1X if we had enough space, but it still is a violin studio and N1X's footprint was a bit too big for the purpose of the room.
We can try to create real experience digitally, but so far, only real instrument can create real experience.
With real piano feel, I can play these instruments like a piano. Although they are not real pianos, that's not necessarily a bad thing. But if you want a real piano experience, you buy a real piano :)
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel I am "convicted" to play a digital, I can only find time for practice the night, and I have neighbors, so using headphones 🤭 As far as I know, the only thing as close to a real piano sound as Pianoteq is Vienna Synchron Player piano library, much heavier in resources and more expensive, but both are resource hogs and hard to use for real time playing.
I've had digital pianos do that weird note thing before! My teacher's roland digital upright piano did this! She said there were ants or something in the piano 🤭
I presume this instrument is using sampling not modelling… It would be great to compare this with a Roland LX9
I'll be happy to make a comparison video if #Roland sends me one :)
Sometimes it seems to me that the music starts from the correct height of the pianist's bench)))
(Apparently Gould knew a little more about this than the others)
Hi, does that have headphone jacks. I looking for an alternative to my grand piano when we move to a retirement village.
It sure does. You can see it at 7:48.
But if you are switching from a grand piano and using it as a primary instrument, I highly recommend considering N3X or N1X. I believe they have grand action and feels much more like a grand piano.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel Many thanks
This is a great review, so the following is nit-picking.
With only 88 keys, you're not likely to notice any cut-off with 256-note polyphony (not 128). Although it seems like we only need a maximum of 88-note polyphony, that's not true. Mixing of two (or more) voices for each note reduces the effective polyphony, but with 256-note polyphony you can mix three sounds per note and still only ever need to lose one of the secondary voices off the oldest notes. I don't think anyone would be able to hear this, not with 80 other notes ringing.
The occasional surprise note is a problem for most digital keyboards, and it's not something you're doing. All it takes is for a single data bit to get flipped. This could be by a solar particle, background radiation, or some noise in the power supply (maybe someone turned on the kettle), and if you're unlucky it happens in the velocity sensing circuit. This could turn a velocity of say 53 into 117. The solution to this is used in aerospace, but it is not cheap. It requires all the sensing electronics to be triplicated. If there is an error in one circuit, it ignores it, because the other two agree.
I think you're overplaying the advantage of the acoustic piano for learning. One big plus to digital pianos, especially when learning, is that you can record exactly what you did and analyse it. You can compare the notes you played and how you played them with the score. Is your phrasing off? Is one finger consistently louder or softer than the others? When playing chords, are you accidentally striking another key? Are you hitting the pedal at the right time? I think those are much more important than extremely subtle physical differences.
If you're a composer, there's no need to transcribe what you play, making the whole process much quicker, and you can easily edit and play it back. You can arrange strings, wind, and percussion, and hear approximately how they'll sound together if you use the keyboard to drive a DAW. None of this is possible with an acoustic piano.
Another advantage you missed, is that the tuning can be varied. Many (most?) tuners will make the higher notes very slightly sharp. The degree of this can be set in software, as can the temperament. You're not limited to just one sound either. They can serve as any keyboard, so you can also play honky-tonk, harpsichord, organ, synthesizer, and even percussion. A hybrid keyboard is so much more than a piano. Not all of the potential may be present in one model, but it could be, and if it's used with a DAW, you can play just about anything with all the expression that a real piano allows.
There will never be an electric piano that replicates a real piano to a satisfying degree. The nuances available on a real piano go beyond what an algorithm can reproduce, unless we manage to create completely accurate physical models of pianos down to the air they vibrate in and the physical mechanism behind the pedals.
I have no doubt that this piano feels like a real one, but they will never sound like a real one. For one thing, the strings in a piano are essentially a bespoke dynamic speaker designed to create exactly the tone required of a piano, and an electric speaker just doesn't have the capability to produce the same sound.
It makes me wonder, if you are going to replicate every element of a piano except for the strings then what's the point? The only advantage I can see is being able to practice on a real feeling instrument without making a sound, but then if you are practicing the subtleties of touch you won't get an accurate response from the instrument compared to a real one, so not even that seems like a valid reason.
Exactly. That's why this is an addition to our studio. Technology still can't replace real acoustic pianos.
But like I said in the video, it's good for certain use cases like when you live in a remote place and can't find a piano technician to maintain an acoustic piano, outdoor venues, etc. In our case, in the violin studio to accompany during lessons. But we still use piano studio with real pianos to prepare violin students for performances.
My roland rd-700nx is not a hybrid, and this piano would probably be better for feel. But for feel it's about 95 percent there, and the sound is as good as any piano, at least this one's equal. I think there is a niche market for this piano, but it's not for everyone, and other, less expensive, and more portable stage pianos are plenty good for most purposes.
At the end, you have to choose an instrument that fits you with your budget.
But the dilemma is that it's commonly thought that beginners or amateurs do not need high-end pianos. You could be limiting your enjoyment and development without knowing, but the only way to know it is to regularly play quality instruments. But at the same time, I understand why people need cheaper, smaller piano. Even mine are not full-size grands for space/budget reasons.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel I think this is an interesting debate to have, but ultimately I come down on the side of "don't let perfect be the enemy of good". There is a place for cheaper or less authentic pianos, and the technology is good enough now that it's very difficult to tell the difference unless you've already reached a place where that becomes important. I'm a high intermediate to low end advanced player, and while I see the benefit of having a high quality instrument, I can get nearly all of what I need out of my stage piano. I'm considering buying a real piano at some point in the future, but injust don't see the need to spend that kind of money at the moment, and besides I couldn't fit it in my office even if I wanted. The ability to pipe the sound directly into my audio setup is of high use to me and that's nearly impossible to do in the same way on an acoustic piano.
I think we're generally in agreement but I don't want to get into the mindset of discouraging beginners by placing the instrument out of their reach, and there are things you can do with a digital piano that are impossible otherwise. It all comes down to the right tool for the job.
I hear you. As a teacher, I want all of my students to reach the point they can tell the difference and it matters. But in my experience, students are far more likely to get there if they practice on that kind of instrument. It could be just a commitment thing, but I think it's more motivating if felt the connection with the instrument and if your instrument reacted precisely to your control every time. That is not to say you will never advance if you have a keyboard. It also depends on what you want to learn.
this is a very important discussion and I want to make a video about it. I have yet to find an effective way to describe this without confusing people. But it has always been in my mind to make a video about my view on keyboard v. piano.
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel I think you kind of hit upon it when you said that it depends on what y9u want to accomplish and maybe a student should have to answer that question first. What isnyour goal? There are some goals which are accomplished absolutely fine on a stage piano and maybe even better, mine are kind of in that direction. There are other goals that really are better served on an acoustic piano. When you knownwhat your goals are you can invest your resources in that direction. Maybe talk about the different motivations people might have for learning and playing piano, and which instrument is better for those end goals?
Yamaha makes a lot of good products, some great some bad. When it comes to pianos, they are truly hit or miss for me. The NU1X is pretty nice! though for me personally, I prefer the Kawai Novus better. the NV5s has a spruce soundboard just like an acoustic piano, and it has Kawai's Millennium III Action.
I haven't had a chance to try Kawai yet. One day I would love to.
I ordered a Yamaha YUS5-TA3 to be delivered before Christmas 2023. It is now end May 2024 and I still don’t have the piano. Yamaha have failed 4 delivery dates so far. If you want a Yamaha piano don’t buy one unless it is in the store. I gave my spinet piano away in readiness for the Christmas delivery. I now don’t have a piano for 6 months! Thank you Yamaha for stabbing earth in the back. Don’t trust ANY promises Yamaha make. In my opinion thet are not trust worthy.
Sorry you had a bad experience. I'm not sure if it's Yamaha or the dealer, but I agree with you that it's better to purchase a piano that's actually in stock. My usual dealer didn't have it in stock, so I had to shop around.
While I think those high-end actions are worth the money, I do not find value in anything that tries to replicate the acoustic sound with fancy transducers. Digital pianos are now fantastic practice tools but they do not cut it as performance tools. I only play my Kawai with the headphones, and switch to the acoustic piano when I feel I have practiced enough to not be a nuisance. Nothing comes close to the real thing.
The NU1XA PIANO IS VERY GOOD
I have one. I wanted to love it but didn't. I feel guilty for spending 10k only to leave it sitting there. It's been played for like half an hour in three years :'- (
You can still learn how to play it!
But this piano did not exist three years ago..
@@Vipeeri My bad. Mine is the N1X. Not sure how different they are but look the same outwardly.
While they are both real acoustic pianos, grand and upright action are very different.
If I had the space and money but was still looking for hybrid pianos than acoustic grand for some reason, I would go for N3X.
Perhaps it is my device but it sounds a little on the 'tinny' side, and lacking in the deep sonority of a quality acoustic. However you still have two grand pianos.
It is speaker sound recorded with condenser microphones, so it's a little different from what you actually hear. But you are right, it is not same as an acoustic piano.
Here's a question, why don't you learn to do piano tuning yourself? It seems that that would be a very profitable investment of time for you since you have so many pianos to tune! :-)
Good question. It's not just "tuning" that a technician does during each visit. There is just so much to maintain these instruments in good condition, and you need tons of experience to be competent. Check out my videos about tuning and an interview with my piano technician.
It's like not servicing your own car you drive, or repair your own house you live in. Some people do, but I just don't have time to train myself enough to be a competent piano technician while teaching, playing, making videos, etc.
I prefer the Steinway.
I don't agree with you, no one needs the real acoustic piano imperfections to learn how to play piano neither those imperfections contribute in anyway to enhance the learning process, quite the opposite. I really don't like "graded" actions for instance, because it brings to new technologies old inherit problems. I just love my weighted digital piano keyboard controlling Pianoteq ( simply the best piano algorithm available ) and change whatever aspect I want, including use different temperaments with a press of a button. This is a new era, we have to be open mind and if Beethoven or Chopin were alive they would play digital pianos. All these arguments about how acoustic pianos are better it's just nostalgy. So, am I stating digital pianos are better the old real thing? Yesss, hands down
I didn't say imperfection helps you learn. I just said imperfection is part of acoustic instruments.
I didn't deny digital piano being real instruments, either. If that's what you want to learn and play, you should go for it.
But if you want to learn how to play acoustic pianos, then you should use an acoustic piano to practice.
The purchase price is the stumbling block , that margin where its all or nothing from $2k
I hear you.
Saying a digital piano is a keyboard and isn’t a real piano is just wrong. It is a piano it just has a different way of producing the sound. The keyboard is just the key set you depress. It’s like saying a flat screen tv isn’t a real TV because it lacks a cathode ray tube. An acoustic piano is a technological tool just as a digital piano is. Great video though.
I disagree, I think if you are talking to someone about your instrument and you specify that it's a "real" piano, they will take that to mean an acoustic instrument. Unless you are talking about a model piano that doesn't actually make any sound, that's really the only reasonable use of the term "real piano" without being pedantic. There are electric pianos and acoustic pianos, both of them are certainly pianos and they're both certainly "real" as opposed to imaginary, but of course of those two options the term "real piano" refers to the acoustic as opposed to the electric because that just makes the most sense. It's not an insult to electric instruments it's just a practical use of the English language to communicate what you mean.
I don't think your flat screen TV analogy works because people don't actually talk about "real" TVs. If you told someone your TV is "real" they would probably give you a funny face, because nobody considers a flat screen as an imitation of a CRT - unless someone produced an LCD TV with a fake glass bulge and a fake boxy housing that was actually trying to look like a CRT, then you could say I have a "real CRT" and they might not give you such a funny face. But if you tell someone you have a "real piano" they will know exactly what you mean, because that's just how language is used in this specific case.
You must realize that when LCD TVs were produced, they COMPLETELY phased out and overtook CRT TVs.
Another example: sheet music used to be printed by hand. As soon as composition softwares were created, the former were COMPLETELY phased out.
You cannot say the same for digital pianos vs acoustic pianos. And there is a good reason why. They are simply not in the same class.
@@Ambidextroid how would you picture a ‘real guitar’? Electric, acoustic? Or like the TV has the question no value because they are both real in the sense the TV is. Saying ‘real piano’ is no less pointless than saying real TV and the only reason this term is viable is because of historic snobbery for acoustic instruments over digital (electric pianos are a totally different beast). Ultimately we can disagree all we like it doesn’t mean anyone is right. All this is subjective anyway.
@@ElikemTheTuner I’m not comparing them to each other. Each does things better than the other. You’re right acoustic pianos still exist and always will but digital instruments probably outsell them by 20 to 1 and for good practical reasons. Acoustic pianos are incredibly impractical for most people these days however a smaller overall market does lead to higher quality instruments for those that can justify/afford/accommodate them.
@@andybarker8787 Right 👍
It's capitalism. Yamaha want you to pay extra to get a better piano bench. lol
Btw the perfect tuning from NU1XA and keyboards is gonna bother me so much now. 😅
Haha, You cannot unhear it anymore. You are welcome for ruining all the keyboards for you :)
@@AkiraIkegamiChannel 😂😂😂
Never!!!!!!!
"This is basically a real acoustic piano minus strings and soundboard.” Sorry, but then it's nothing like a real acoustic piano.
He said ‘strings and soundboard’ - not ‘strings and keyboard’. Extremely big difference. The keys and action are almost identical to a Yamaha U1J (they improved the repetition speed on the NU1XA so it is easier to play than the U1J).
@@pianowhizz Yes, now corrected. Thnx.
Yes, it's not a real acoustic piano. I think it's as close as it can be, but of course it's not a real acoustic piano.
too much talking. not much sound demo.
Will YAMAHA ever stop copying KAWAI?
Yamaha made the first hybrid piano in 2009 with the Avantgrand. Kawai didn't make the Novus until 2017
no, sorry, I don't excuse you for poor technique.
'Its a real piano with a proper hammer action but without strings or soundboard ' ???????
How can it be a real piano without any strings or soundboard ?
Its just a fancy keyboard, nothing else.
Did you watch the whole video?
Hogwash. Let us know when concert pianists start requesting these Yamaha toys over a 9ft. Steinway, Bosendorfer, etc. Yeah, they're great to move, great to practice on, but you'll never find one at a recital or concert, and I mean never ... that's how good they sound.
How can you compare a £6,000 Yamaha to a £200,000 Steinway or Bosendorfer ?? That’s like comparing a Ford focus to a Ferraris 😂😂 course there’s gonna be huge differences 😅. And these sorts of pianos are mainly used in flats/terraced houses as to not disturb the neighbours etc.
Venues around Philadelphia actually uses grand piano version of this for outdoor concerts where it's hard to keep acoustic pianos in tune.
But @garypotter1985 is right, this is not to replace those kinds of pianos in those venues. However, Yamaha 9ft grand is one of the choices for pianists for the famous Chopin Competition, and it does get picked.
최고다 👍
감사합니다. 한국말 코멘트는 처음입니다 :)