With the introduction of the new CVP-809GP Yamaha is taking the CVP series to new technical and musical heights. Over the years the Yamaha CVP series has become a fully-fledged digital piano with advanced technology. Time to take a look at the possibilities of the success model of the CVP pianos.
The CVP-809 allows you to play the piano while accompanying yourself as if you were playing with a combo, a band or an entire orchestra. Whether you want to play complicated chord progressions or a one-finger system, the instrument will always provide the right accompaniment and sounds for any style of music. For example, the piano recognizes the chords you play and automatically generates suitable accompaniment.
The CVP-809 accommodates two well-known concert grand pianos: the Yamaha CFX and the Bösendorfer Imperial. The piano comes with binaural samples of a CFX concert grand piano recorded with special microphones at various locations in the grand piano. Using a virtual modelling technique, the resonant sounds of the soundboard, case and frame are reproduced. The result is a piano sound that comes very natural to the ear. Evidently, the piano is provided with an output for headphones.
The GrandTouch™ keyboard features 88 synthetic material keys with ivory characteristics, linearly graded hammers, counterweights and escapement that enhance the pianist's feel and expression, and closely mimic the touch of a grand piano.
The CVP's operation is generally straightforward and user-friendly, despite the many buttons on the control panel. The CVP-809 comes with 1605 different sounds, 480 XG sounds, 58 drum/SFX kits and 675 styles. It also features all-new samples for instruments such as electric piano, strings, guitar, bass and drums.
The 7-inch colour LCD screen is touch-sensitive and provides a good overview of the chosen settings. The styles are located on the left side of the screen and are grouped into only 6 groups. This keeps the control panel clear, although it can be difficult to find the right style. The sounds are on the right side of the screen in the voice section. The question is whether the voice section should have been exchanged with song control such that the sounds are closer to the screen.
The sound of the CVP-809 is certainly impressive. The speaker system consists of 2x 6 speakers of 40W, 30W and 20W driven by an 80W amplifier, which should be more than enough for any living room. Four speakers are located under the keyboard and are directed forward. In combination with the two speakers in the keyboard lid, they provide a spatial experience as if you are on stage and among the musicians. This is especially noticeable in the Piano Room with session mode.
The CVP-809 has everything you would expect from a contemporary instrument. Modern techniques and advanced high-resolution sampling render the instrument the most versatile digital piano available today. The CVP-809 is equipped with a multi-track recorder that can record and play back 16 tracks simultaneously. The USB audio recorder can record WAV and MP3, as well as the 'USB to host' and 'USB to device' connections to connect the instrument to an external disk or computer running music software. For those who are not familiar with music software, Yamaha has several apps on the market, free or paying, that expand the functionality even more.
The instrument also offers the possibility to stream audio via bluetooth via the Smart Pianist app. This app analyses every commercially available song in the pianist's music library and converts them into chords. The novice pianist can learn with guide lights that adjust the accompaniment to the playing speed. In addition to playing music, the display can show sheet music and song lyrics (depending on the file) so that you can even sing karaoke with a microphone. You can use the vocal-harmony function while playing, which adds choruses and second voices to the lead vocals based on the chords.
The CVP-809 looks good and is nicely finished. Yamaha has come up with a sleek design that would certainly not be out of place in most living rooms today. The flat back allows the instrument to be easily placed against the wall. The CVP-809GP has a round back that can be placed in the room like a grand piano.
The CVP-809 is a versatile instrument for the entire family. The layout is logical and straightforward, and very easy to use for everyone. The sounds and styles have been improved considerably, and the sound is everything you would expect from an instrument in this price range. The CVP809 can be connected via a wireless WiFi adapter to several apps, including the Smart Pianist. It' completely up to date! An all-round instrument with which you can immerse yourself in music for hours, for young and old.
The Yamaha CVP-809 is now in the showroom.
