Me, too! I have relatives in Oakville, where Merriam Music is located. If this virus hysteria ever ceases the next time I get up there, I will stop by for sure!
I just purchased this baby for my upgrade from Yamaha P125. Yes, it's quite a jump, but this video convinced me to make this big move, especially specifically for the feel of the "real" action. If it were only for the sound, I wouldn't consider it, and Yamaha P125 was just fine for my ears. But, I tried it personally at our local dealer in Calgary (Piano Gallery), and it blew my mind. I literally felt the vibration of the body, both mine and piano itself. I am very very happy, and thank you for your passionate and very honest review of this piece of art. Thank you!
Hello, I’m currently trying to upgrade from yamahap125 to an acoustic upright like kawai k500 but my teacher has lots of praises for kawai digital pianos with real action/touch as well. Have you been enjoying your NV5? I think NV10 has actual grand piano touch but only NV5 is in my budget 😅 Would you say NV5 is superior to upright Kseries?
Kawai know what they're doing. The NV5 was out of my price range and I went with the CA79. I mean to be honest the CA79 was out of my price range too but I loved it, haha. The experience of the CA79 is definitely not as good through the speakers, and lack of a sound board, but it's still good. For me, I'm usually playing on headphones after work, and for that it's been absolutely amazing.
I played Kawai ca93 for 8 yrs and finally purchased NV5. During these 3 weeks of playing I notice my wrists are getting sore from the real upright action because coming from simulated key action I wasn’t prepped for a real key action of NV5. I need to up my antes. I am so so happy with this purchase. The soundboard in this NV 5 resonates and you can feel vibrations from this piano. There is a long wait for this piano. Thanks Stu, another brilliant video.
@@SpaghettiKillah You cannot. You can set the touch curve (the loudness of the sound relative to how hard you hit the key) but you cannot modify the weight of the keys.
Andre Fontes you cannot change the weight of the keys in any digital piano. That would require installing a motorized mechanical system or something which would cost a fortune.
@@jayshko I am afraid you are incorrect. In several digital pianos you can regulate how hard you need to press for the key to actuate, from light to hard. Meaning, the key becomes lighter or stiffer to the touch. eventually you can get pain in your wrists after playing on the stiffer settings
Your passion for music and piano is an inspiration to many. Your affection toward Kawai Novus NV5 is even more evident, looks like it is close to your heart. As usual, it is wonderful passionate review. I can imagine all the "Lullaby" you play at your home to put all of them to sleep. I cannot afford many piano that you demonstrate, but can live the dream by watching you play. If you get a piano, it starts feeling like we also have it. Happy playing and Happy watching.
I've visited the Merriam Music stores, both in Vaughan and Oakville locations, many times. I just loved and appreciated my time there, and the 1-hour drive to either store was filled with anticipation. The only reason I didn't go more often was that I didn't want to tease the sales staff - otherwise I would've been there once a month. Can't wait to test this new NV5 some day.
Thanks for this review Stu. I purchased one of these, sight unseen, for my wonderful wife based on your long awaited video along with several others. In short, this instrument is a wonderful alternative to an acoustic piano and we're both really happy with it overall. There are however a couple areas where I would have hoped for MORE based on your comments. I'd be hard pressed to call the BASS response on instruments such as Church Organ or Strings as "BONKERS". It's certainly better than many other keyboards BUT doesn't approach any decent sub-woofer for those lower frequencies. A word of caution IF you plan to place this instrument against a wall. Make sure that your power and interconnection cables do NOT touch the Soundboard or you will get objectionable rattles at certain resonant frequencies. That's easy to correct though. Within the "Music" section, the onboard samples provided for things like Hymns, etc. sound like they were recorded by someone with about Grade One Piano proficiency, i.e. no emotion or depth. Perhaps they were recorded using a "Step Time Sequencer". Certainly nothing like Stu Harrisons playing talent! I had been hoping to use the Bluetooth Audio feature as an external speaker system for our newly acquired Large Screen TV which is mounted directly above the piano. To be fair, it sounds really good when playing back audio files of an acoustic piano. However, as a "Full Frequency" high fidelity audio system it falls FAR short. Obviously, the audio system within this Kawai NV5 is equalized to enhance the frequency spectrum of a piano, i.e. from 27.5 to 4186 Hertz. It is particular lacking in high frequency response where the "sibilants" required for clear speech recognition are totally missing. We're going to need an additional Sound Bar for T.V. or movies, etc. In summary, the Kawai Novus 5 EXCELS at it's PRIMARY mission of representing a fine acoustic piano and we're certainly not sorry we made this acquisition. However, IF you are hoping to use it extensively for other purposes, an in depth personal audition of it's capabilities, prior to purchase, would be worth your investment in time.
I have a NV5 since January and i can sign through everything you said. It's a true beauty in terms of sound, action and looks. I noticed you missed the fact, that the sustain pedal has a direct impact on the weight of the action.
Thanks for the comment - yes, as an upright action, there is a slight weight easing that occurs when the sustain pedal is down, since each key isn't pushing against the damper spring. I guess I didn't mention it because it's a common behaviour of all upright actions, but it's a good point that some viewers may not be aware of it - especially if digital pianos were the only prior experience. All the best Tyr, thanks! -stu
Great Video. I got a NV5 for now about 14 months. Very happy with the sound quality. Could not agree more with you Stu. Would you find the time to show how to pull out the Piano Action in order to clean it? Cheers from Berlin
Wow! The harpsichord reminds me of music school -- we had a resident harpsichordist. The realism of this instrument is beyond compare for a digital piano.
@@Goyote yes i've received It and it's an Amazing instrument! I traded It with my old acustic piano and well...the feeling Is different, in the beginnig i was pretty confused but After some days i would Say that i'm Happy about my choise! I had problems in playing my old piano at home...now i can play anytime without loosing the touch of a real piano.
Family is everything! This is one of my favorite videos of yours. Mainly because you struggle/love to fit your family neatly in the mix. Honestly, I think you’re the best piano interviewer out there. I always look to what you have to say first. Yooo-da-man!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for supporting the channel and for sharing your wonderful comments! I will certainly pass them along to Stu. I know he appreciates it immensely! All the best and happy playing! :)
I'll hazard a guess that for the vast majority of prospective buyers (myself included, a classically trained pianist) this NV5 will prove to be a more viable and attractive alternative than the more expensive NV10, due to its more affordale price point, and the presence of that actual wooden soundboard. Sure the NV10 has that grand piano action, but unless you're a concert level professional needing extremely rapid note repetition (for playing repertoire like Ondine or Scarbo from Ravel's Gaspard de la Nuit, for example) OR you regularly perform recitals on concert grands, and so need to habituate to that particular action, it's not really a necessity. Sure there might be some additional tactile pleasure in striking those longer keys of a grand piano action. But I'd like to think that the musculo-digital sensory feedback you get from the vibrating soundboard on this NV5 more than compensates for that. I for one would certainly like to experience it for myself first hand. Lucky Toronto-nians to have such an enviably well-stocked and knowledgeable resource as Merriam Music so close at hand!
It's interesting that you talk about the limits of particular key actions, and what can be played. I'm very much a beginner, but my piano teacher makes very interesting points around this. He's a concert pianist, and at home he plays a Roland piano, the 605 I think, so not the very latest action. But he's purely using at as a controller for Pianoteq software, which he thinks is remarkable. My point is that to him this Roland action feels very much like a Steinway, and happily plays concert level pieces (including Gaspard de la Nuit) on it, and has recorded albums with this set up. He plays a little of the Ravel here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6WPKchQDUJ4.html The level of nuance this set-up affords him doesn't limit what he plays. Even more confusingly, he is playing the piece with the Bechstein Piano simulation, and points out that the keyboard - being Steinway like - doesn't match exactly the feel of the Bechstein Pianoteq is giving him. I think my point is that at a certain level the discussion one can have about the equipment doesn't matter to a great pianist. Beyond a certain level of equipment they will always be able to produce music at the highest level. I think it becomes more of a preference rather than a limitation.
It's the escapement issue for me. I am currently working on Ondine and it needs that technical support only the grand action offers. But how often do I need to play above the escapement as opposed to being able to use a set of headphones?
This looks incredible, you did an amazing job running through this... if this was around a couple of years ago before I bought an acoustic I’d have definitely considered it (having adjoining neighbours with a child). It was great to see you have a legitimate vested interest, looked like you were having a blast! Question, if this has an official upright action, does it suffer from damp/humidity, lost motion etc as normal action might suffer from? Can a regular piano technician regulate the action? Fix lost motion, alter touch weight etc!? Or are these non issues? Would be great to know. Thanks again for the video, great stuff!
Thanks a lot Stu for this fantastic and personal review!!! I have been looking for this kind of review for a very long time. Your fantastic playing of that Chopin showed that we're dealing here with an unprecedented sound quality. Probably the only thing that you didn't mention was that the NV5 has a real damper mechanism such as the NV10 - this obviously adds to the realism of this fantastic piano. After a review like this, I can say that I only need to save the money to buy this piano :-). Thanks again!
Next year the NV1 will be in a grand piano cabinet with grand piano action from shigeru with ABS carbon fiber.. It's going to be amazing to see the reaction.. And the VPC 2 will be released with midi 2.0 connectivity.. Such exciting times for producers and musicians..
GOSH I love your reviews ! For what it's worth, although others had already reviewed the NV5, your piano skills are astonishing and I'd watch just for that! Now I'm more into the NV10 grand action, but I really like the nv5 form factor and the soundboard (whereas the back of the nv10 is ... ugly honestly). Still struggling to make a choice!
I mostly enjoyed listening to you playing. You are very good and it was a brilliant review. Probably the best I have seen for this piano. See if you can do a comparison review with the yamaha nu1x please. Lots of chatter online but no one is providing a decent review. I would be surprised if that video doesn’t generate more views. Thanks.
Yes, it arrived on Tuesday. I can not give a full review yet but my impression so far is very positive. Beautiful sound, more dynamic range and a more responsive pedal, a wonderful instrument. It took longer because they sent the new NV5S.
Hello Stu, This was one of your best reviews ever! Just fabulous! You mentioned that the NV5 has the Millennium upright action similar to the K200 without the hammers. Does the action require any type of regulation a few years down the road? Once again, awesome review and keep them coming. Hearing you play inspires me. Ciao
Ok, it's been over a month now and I have to ask this question. Stu, did you finally choose NV5 for your own usage to use instead of acoustic piano? This is a serious question.
One concern I have is the longevity of digital pianos. If I buy a K300 I know that, if I look after it, it will last for decades. How long do the manufacturers estimate an NV5 will last?
That's what's running around my mind . I know with an accoustic I can always get it repaired . I wonder how many piano technicians would go near this piano if I needed a repair on a key mechanism for example ? It's a tough one to decide
@@Fedupbrummie good point, hard to decide especially when you're talking about this kind of money. Old digitals are unplayable once you've tried the better new ones. Question is whether Kawai has reached a level that is good enough for this instrument to last 10 - 20 years. It seems like it but it will be improved upon again. Ideally I'd like this Novus5 with the Novus 10 action, just a matter of time I'm sure. If you can own an accoustic piano, noise-level wise, it's a no brainer to me. If not, then this piano is worth its price because you can play it anytime and it seems to be a fantastic experience, albeit expensive. The technology makes me curious, to be honest, but that will wear off as what matters most is the musicality and playability of the instrument. I am considering this as a replacement for my kawai mp11SE which I play more often then my Schimmel upright because I live in a rowhouse and have a kid. Will be interesting to see which one I will choose at times when I can play out loudly. I might have to rethink my 'no-brainer' decision on this topic... Also, for the entrepreneurs, there is now an obvious opportunity for technicians who specialize in repairing digital piano's.
@@omedome2787 i obviously can't tell about this one in particular, but a close friend of mine uses her (back then) high end digital piano for almost 20 years now. Kawai gives an extended warranty of 5 years i think. Mechanical parts can allways be fixed, electrical/software problems are a bigger issue after the warranty ends. But thats a small risk. 90% (about the actual percentage) of damage happens within the first years while warranty still is in order, after that your product is kinda safe for years to come until it comes to its lifes end.
Based on experience at the church I attend, electronic musical instruments can have a pretty decent lifespan. Our organ is a 33 year old Allen Digital and it's still going fine. We also have a 20+ year old High End Roland digital piano which cost over $6,000 Canadian when purchased. The only issue we've had with that is a damaged 1/4" Line Out Jack because some idiot rolled it away from it's usual position without unplugging that jack. Granted, neither of these instruments would experience the hours of use that a home piano might be subjected to. I also personally own a 22 year old Marantz home surround sound receiver which still works flawlessly so electronic circuitry can have a decent lifespan. In short, I would expect this Novus 5 to last at least 20 years, but certainly not up to the lifetime of my 100+ year old Canadian made acoustic upright piano. That old upright certainly doesn't have the clarity/ambience/transparency of more modern piano designs but it still holds it's tune remarkably well. I really think the choice between an acoustic and a digital boils down to your living conditions and whether you or your neighbours can tolerate the volume an acoustic piano will ALWAYS deliver. It appears that this Novus 5 can also produce such volumes; perhaps even more, BUT we have choices of reducing volume or using headphones. The additional capabilities/features that a digital piano/keyboard offers CANNOT be matched by any purely acoustic piano.
Very lovely. The future is here. Please publish your improvisation. Mere mortals would like to try to play it. I think the high wattage has to do with driving a large wooden sound board as compared to a paper speaker cone. I'm waiting for the NV Novus Grand with the computer balanced accelerated Millennium Concert Grand action and the transducer driven diaphragmatic winter hardened 100 % virgin Canadian Sitka Spruce crowned rib Stradivarius tuned resonance soundboard driven by 200 watt stereo hybred transistor input / tube output amplifiers.
What an amazing video on an amazing piano!! I love your demo songs, it’s exactly the style of piano I play as well, just not as good as you 😉. I can’t wait to get one for myself.
Great review Stu! I'm currently considering the CA79, CA99 or NV5. Although the latter is probably out of my budget. Enjoyed your review of the CA79 last week also...so just waiting for the CA99 full review to complete the picture. A comparison of these would be great, if not as a full review then at least in some passing comments. One can imagine the soundboard of the CA99 raises the richness of sound above that felt from the CA79...but then how much further in experience does the NV5 take you above the CA99? Considering the modest price difference from the CA79 to CA99 compared to the more substantial jump up from the CA99 to the NV5, some comparison in quality/experience would be beneficial. Thank you.
Hi Maurice. I'm exactly in the same situation as you were 8 months ago. Seriously considering to get the CA99 over the CA79, but wondering if it'd be worth going for the NV5 (the price of the NV5 is 50% more of the CA99). Did you made a decision? Happy with what you got?
@@fontexstudios Hi Andre. I eventually bought the CA99 and I'm very pleased. I hadn't played for 20 years, so I have probably forgot how a real piano really feels. But to me it does the job perfectly. Never could try the CA79 or NV5 though, so can't really compare. But as I said, the CA99 was a perfect choice for me. Good luck with yours!
I've considered looking at these models too. I've played a CA99, but haven't managed to try out an NV5. As far as I am aware, the main difference between the two models is the action. The CA99 has a simulation grand piano action, whereas the NV5 has a real acoustic upright action. A lot of it comes down to personal preference, and which sort of action you prefer. I'd love to try them out side by side.
Apologies for not replying earlier. I went for the CA79 after all. Supply issues due to Covid meant no NV5s to try. I did try the CA79 and CA99 side by side. I thought the CA79 was very good indeed. Such a great feel in the keys and the sound was plenty loud and rich. I simply didn't see the benefit of the CA99 for my purposes. The sound was different but difficult to say it was better. So I am very happy with the CA79.
Edit: This question has been asked and answered among the comments below. Cheers! Hey Stu, just got a chance to watch this. Fantastic video, I loved hearing what this instrument can do (though I'm sure my headphones don't do it justice). Based on the smaller form factor, spruce soundboard, and otherwise very similar construction, is there any reason you'd recommend the NV10 over this one? It seems like they occupy the same niche, but this one might be strictly more practical. As always, love hearing your thoughts.
I have been watching so many of your videos lately as I am trying to purchase a piano for my kids and myself. I just wanted to say, you are truly amazing. Thanks! Can I ask how do you think about the concert grand setting versus upright setting on NV5?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for supporting our channel. We appreciate it. :) The NV5S has an excellent upright piano sound. Most digital manufacturers treat upright sample sets as an afterthought, but that is not the case with Kawai. Even their upright sounds are quite good. With that said, the main SKEX samples are superior. These are the most highly-detailed samples available on the piano and it shows. They are incredibly authentic sounding.
Agree Stu! Great potential for professional live/studio application. Unfortunate not to have balanced 1/4”/XLR outputs. If ever implemented, suggest these being placed on the lower side of the piano.
Stu, what is the name of the song you played at 7:40ish??!!!! It’s beautiful… I want to learn it. I’ve put a deposit down for NV5S, thanks to your review.
Stu, thanks for your review. I always enjoy watching you play. Just curious, how's does the digital aspect of the Aures compared to the NV5? Are they using the same tech?
This is good, Stu, I have watched this review from start to finish twice now. Can you please do a comparison of this instrument to the CA99? Besides the millennium 3 upright action vs the grand feel iii, they seem to share the same onkyo treatment and their speaker wattage is apparently the same... Would like your expert impression. Can't test the pianos myself due to covid here in the UK at the moment...
@@MerriamPianos Hi Stu, i compared both the CA99 and the NV5. I'm curious on your impression from the sound of both. After my comparison i changed my decision and bought the other. I don't write now which i bought. ;-)
@@MerriamPianos hey, its on our shortlist as well. Basically from CA-79-99 and NV5. beside the actions the piano should also have a spare time job to play music via BT or Line Input (Sonos) so it would be great to have comparison about the Sound capabilities of the three especially from speaker and soundboard perspective. Especially as some folks stating the "boxy" aspects of the CA-99, also present at NV5. and BTW: is there any point to compare with the NU1X, N1X line up?
The Millennium III action in the NV5 is from a K200 (as far as I know). I wonder if a better hybrid would be created if the action, let’s say, from a K500 was installed. True, all the K models have the Millennium III action but the geometry is different for the different sizes.
Excellent review. You really made me rethink my plans for the next piano purchase. I understood that purely digital piano will never satisfy me and there will be a constant quest for upgrades. For now, I started to use VST piano emulation and just focus on the action part of my digital piano, The rest will be done on my computer and audio system (high end). Will you review high end MIDI piano controllers and VSTs?
Hi Stu. I enjoyed very much your review of the novus nv5 and the pieces you played. I wonder if you can answer the following: In an accoustic piano, when you press the right pedal, all the strings continue vibrating until the pedal is released or until they lose all their energy. But, there is another very interesting and important property to accoustic pianos: when you press any key or a combination of keys and you do it gently enough, the hammers do not reach the strings and no sound is produced. However, if you leave those keys pressed and you play some other keys, the open strings resonate with the active strings and this produces a subtle effect, which is different from pressing the righr pedal. but no less interesting and important. My question is then: Is this effect occuring also with the nv5 or any other hybrid piano?
Thanks so much Stu, for another terrific review. A question if I may, would you care to compare Novus 5 to K300 Aures? Is Novus 5 better than the Aures despite lacking the "acoustic" mode? Cheers, Ali.
The Novus 5 is definitely a better musical experience when comparing the Aures to digital/silent mode only. The two are very different beasts, meant for different situations IMO - If the majority of time you have the option to play acoustically without sound / noise considerations, and you don't mind the additional maintenance of an acoustic, the Aures is the better instrument (i.e. Novus vs a K300 acoustic). If you'd have to be playing in digital and/or silent mode MOST of the time, I'd give serious consideration to the Novus for sure.
Wow that was very intense and touching. Although I haven't played this piano yet, I can tell that it is quite special. Quick questions: did you play the Roland LX708? If you did, in your personal opinion, is it in the same league as the NV5 when it comes to "real piano" sensations? Thanks a lot again for the video, you've gained a subscriber!
I realize that this is a bit too late to be of any help to you, but for future viewers of these comments, here's a link to Stu's comparison of the NV5 and the LX708: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6Fam4EnMHU4.html
Thanks for this very informative review! I also watched your review of the Kawai K-300 Aures and I am wondering how these two pianos compare. Do you feel from the NV5 action, that the hammers do not touch any strings and bounce back? In which regard you would prefer one or the other piano (apart from the obvious point, that the K-300 adds the acoustic mode, and other bare specs)?
"USB to Host" connector is labeled as "Connect this instrument to a computer or tablet to send or receive MIDI data" (in the Owner's Manual). Question - so it cannot output a digital sound stream of what it has created internally? (If it could that would allow to connect that digital stream to be routed into a discrete Digital to Analog converter that could then send the analog signal to amplification/speakers. Yes, that's what the 1/8" connector does on an analog level.
Will the *Grand Feel III* (in the CA99) fare better than a full-action *Millennium III*, when it comes to frequent moving around the house (due to renovations)? Our living room is going to be seeing a complete overhaul over the next decade. And so, I will need a piano that can put up with frequent moving around the house (perhaps one that features a soundboard). It'll be exciting to see where this technology end ups in 5-10 years once I can afford one. Would love for the option to turn on the piano, by simply opening the lid.
Hmmm, this video really made me think !!! I was looking to replace my creaky 50 year old Petrof upright (I'm the original owner) and have been leaning towards getting another European made upright (something along the lines of a 48 inch tall Hoffman Tradition or similar) when the Covid pandemic reared its ugly head. I am no great shakes as pianist having not played for years prior to my retirement but I now play regularly (somewhere around RCM grade 8-10 in terms of the pieces I tend to work on) and would like to get a decent piano to last the rest of my life . Covid related considerations have put my looking around and trying different pianos on hold for now but, based on this review, I wonder if this NV5 or the NV10 may be a better alternative to the acoustic if the digitals truly sound and feel like a "real" piano and are in a similar price range !!! Hmmmmmm .......
Hey Stu, great review, as always, but I have a question. If you're using headphones most of the time when you're playing this at home (as you would be, right?), doesn't that negate many of the advanced features of the NV5 compared to, say, the CA 79? I mean, what difference does the soundboard make when you're playing through headphones?
I can't speak for Stu, but I am in a similar situation with family and neighbors, and switching from the alto sax to a digital piano for those same reasons. The thing is not black or white. You win the opportunity to play anytime, BUT, there is also moments in which you can play without headphones, and man it makes a difference.
coming in a little late - but how did you find it when played with headphones? Your domestic description suggested the need to play with headphones sometimes, where maybe the soundboard is not in use etc? So it’d just be the action. Maybe the soundboard can still be partly used for not ‘silent’ mode but giving vibrations back through your fingers?
The key action is better (or more real) than on the CA-99, but is the sound better on the ear and not on line out? can anyone describe this? Louder, more space, more dynamic, more separation (clear sound with more air). I saw the NV 10 has more depth, but how does the NV5 against the CA-99. And how would it compare against the Roland LX-708 which has also a better new larger key action (but no real action like this one)?
Yes - they’re identical except for the action: NV5 uses a real upright action, CA99 uses Grand Feel 3 - simulated grand action. Need to audition both to see if the NV5 action is worth the extra money.
Thank you for your great reviews Stu! Can one say it is the equivalent of the Novus 10? Or does it already have better technology and workmanship than the Novus 10? Would you say that it is ultimately a question of how important a Grand Piano Action is to you versus Upright Action to decide between the two (apart the price and size difference)? I was super interessted in the NV10, but your enthusiasm for the Novus 5, as much as I can understand it, is a little unsettling for the Novus 10 for me, because it seemed to me in your Novus 10 review you were less enthusiastic. To cut a long story short: are the Novus 5 and Novus 10 at eye level? Cheers Tim
Hey Tim! Great question, and one I've been wrestling with since I did this review. In my mind, there's only one reason to get the NV10 over the NV5 (and maybe this is obvious) but it's the action. For people really wanting the response of that Millennium III grand action, no other place to look than the 10...but from a sonic standpoint, zero advantage on one vs the other. In fact in some respects I prefer the sonic "presentation" of the NV5 more. (* I've always been an upright guy anyway, and prefer the intimacy of the playing experience vs. larger grands, so this is prob a personal preference vs an objective judgement). So to answer your question, absolutely eye-to-eye. Worth equal consideration on all fronts. -stu
Marcus Valdes, entirely a preference of aesthetic or action (or perhaps the sonic experience of the one vs the other...the difference is quite remarkable). There is no discernible difference in quality of programming / hardware / amps / speakers / overall technology whatsoever. Thanks for the question! -stu
Too much talking ... definitely NOT. It's always the sounds between the notes that mesmerize. Stu, I'd like to shake your hand. Tremendous review on all fronts.
Hi, thank you for the wonderful video. I too have a 19 month old and am interested in the Novus series for the same reasons you mentioned. Could you tell me how loud the action is? The piano would be situated about 4-5 metres from the babies room and wanted to make sure the sound of the action won't disturb him. Any help with this would be greatly received.
If the action were loud enough to disturb a sleeping child, there’s an easy solution: a white noise machine or fan or something (either in the baby’s room or outside of it) to cover up that minimal sound.
I have a Yamaha grand c1s and a nord grand ,2022 with krk speaker and matching sub. I play the Yamaha c1s 99% of the time because I can’t stand the sound from the nord for even 5 minutes. I have owned korg sv1 and other top end electronic keyboards. Can these new hybrid pianos nv5 or yamaha n3x ever satisfy that the sound a C1S produce?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for writing in! At the end of the day, it really comes down to the subjectivity of the player. Everyone's threshold for what is a satisfactory sonic experience is a bit different. With that said, the Kawai NV5S is a bit of a special piano given that it has the TwinDrive Soundboard system. The soundboard gives a warmth and nuance that is far more akin to an acoustic piano experience in my opinion. However, I would recommend trying it in person yourself if possible. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Hi Stu, Thanks for you prompy reply. I have a dealer near me who has the Yamaha and Kawai Pianos in the Showroom. I have only just found out about the new Hybrid Designs. Having now looked at the various options the Novus NV5 looked favouite due to the sound board used. I have been playing bass guitar and keyboards for over 40 years and I think the mature ear had a high level of expectations. I have has many high quality Acoustic pianos and now for the last 10 years the C1S keep me satisfied with the sound. If i move to smaller property I will need to comprise and choose a smaller instrument, Thanks for your help, I have seen many of your well presented videos. Take a look at my Channel, some interesting topics Mike Manchester, Bury, UK
You do not get that out of speakers (about low frequency and the soundboard) - at the frequencies you demonstrate, the wavelength is several meters and at the pianist location you only hear a fraction of the power it has when you are in the belly of such waves ...
Does the NV hammers hitting still feel real at low volume ? Ive tried a hybrid Casio & the action is nice at medium or high volume but at low volume feels fake / doesn’t match! “The hammers is too hard or have too much swing” wondering if we should just go with a CA79 or 99
Maybe a naive question but, wouldnt an acoustic piano with a silent system do the trick as well if anyone is looking to not bother family ? If anyone could answer that’d be great :)
Yes - for sure! But, an acoustic piano does require more maintenance (annual tunings, etc.). There are also more components that will be sensitive to temperature/humidity fluctuation.
@@MerriamPianos if you knock out tunes like that then maybe you should consider publishing your music . It's good stuff and would be great to study ...kind regards . D . UK
@@MerriamPianos Really beautiful, Stu! You might need to put that to sheet music - a little cash on the side :-). I really enjoy your reviews - your review is a big reason why I'm about to pull the trigger on an NV5. Thank you for sharing your insights and wonderful music.
Thank you for the suggestion! We do not have any Kayserburg grand pianos at the moment, but we will do our best to tackle reviews of their line if the opportunity presents itself. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
