The Privia Pro is a new category of Casio digital piano, targeted at professional stage pianists. Not only is it a digital piano but it can also serve as an advanced MIDI controller and performance workstation.

Casio’s new sound source AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonation) is on board, delivering realistic, detailed acoustic piano sounds, as well as a range of authentic vintage electric piano and clavinet sounds. Additionally, the PX-5S features a large assortment of fully programmable sounds, including Hex Layer tones derived from the award winning XW-P1 synthesiser. Hex Layers can produce evocative synth sounds as well as complex acoustic and orchestral simulations.

Weighing in at 24 pounds, the PX-5S can act as a four-zone controller, with four assignable knobs, six sliders, two pedal inputs, pitch and modulation wheels. Four independent and programmable arpeggiators allow the PX-5S to expand in to sonic territory by creating an array of animated textures. An eight track phrase sequencer allows the performer to trigger sequences and riffs which can be triggered and transposed and on the fly, allowing for unheard of performances by a single musician.

Performances can be recorded directly to a USB thumb drive as a 44.1kHz WAV file.

Specifications

Keyboard: 88-key, Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action II
Maximum Polyphony: 256 Notes
Number of Tones: 340 Preset / 220 User
Controllers: 4 knobs, 6 sliders, Pitch & Modwheel, 2 Pedal Inputs
Arpeggiator: 4 simultaneous programmable
Phrase Sequencer: 8 Tracks, up to 1,000 phrases
Storage: USB / File & Audio Recording
System Effects: Reverb, Chorus, Delay, String & Damper Resonance
Insert Effects: 4 simultaneous / Equalizer, Compressor, Limiter, Enhancer, Early Reflection, Phaser, Chorus, Flanger, Tremolo, Auto Pan, Rotary, Drive Rotary, LFO Wah, Auto Wah, Distortion (w/ Amp Simulator), Pitch Shifter, Multi Chorus, Ring Mod, Delay, Piano effect
Master Effects: 4 Band EQ & Compressor
MIDI: Independent USB & MIDI I/O
Audio Terminals: 1/4″ L&R Input & Output, 1/8″ Audio Input
Weight: 24 lbs

The Privia Pro PX-5S is available for a RRP of $1299.

With over three times the waveform memory available in previous models, plus Casio’s Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator (AIR), the AP-250, AP-450 and AP-650 digital pianos are worth taking a look at.

Their cabinetry has been modernised and come complete with a piano bench, stand and three pedals. They feature 88 keys using Casio’s Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action system with simulated ebony and ivory textured keys.

The AP-450 and AP-650 can record 44.1kHz quality audio of a performance directly to a USB memory stick.

The AP-250, will be available in black or brown for an MSRP of $1399.99; the AP-450 will be available in black or brown for an MSRP of $1699.99; and the AP-650 will be available in black only for an MSRP of $1999.99.

Casio Celviano AP-250 Specifications

Casio Celviano AP-250BK

Keyboard: 88 keys, weighted scaled hammer action, Tri-Sensor keys:
Touch Response: 3 Sensitivity levels / Off
Sound Source: AiR (Acoustic & intelligent Resonator)
” Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source ”
Acoustic Resonance: Yes
Polyphony (max): 128
Tones: 18
Reverb: 4 types
Chorus: 4 types
Brilliance: -3 ~ 0 ~ +3
Layer/Split: Yes
Registration Memory: -
Duet Mode: Yes
Preset Songs: 60
Metronome: Yes
Transpose: 25 steps (-12 semitones ~ 0 ~ +12 semitones)
Tuning Control: A4 = 415.5Hz ~ 440.0Hz ~ 465.9Hz
Recorder: 2 Tracks / 1 Song
USB Storage (to PC): Yes
Speakers: 4.7” x 2”
Amplifier: 8W + 8W
:
Terminals:
USB: Yes
Pedals: Built-in 3 pedals
Half-Damper pedal Operation
Headphone Hook: -
:
Accessories:
AC Adaptor: Yes
Pedals (Half-Damper pedal Operation): Yes
Bench: Yes
Music Stand: Yes
Score Book: Yes
:
Dimensions and Weight:
Unit size w/stand: 54.2″ x 17.0″ x 33.1″ (w/o score stand)
Unit weight w/stand: 87.1 lbs.
Boxed size: 58.7” (W) x 22.6” D) x 19.5” (H)
Boxed weight: 125.7 lbs.

Casio Celviano AP-450 Specifications

Casio Celviano AP-450BK

Keyboard: 88 keys, weighted scaled hammer action, Tri-Sensor keys, Ivory Touch
Touch Response: 3 Sensitivity levels / Off
Sound Source: AiR (Acoustic & intelligent Resonator)
” Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source ”
Acoustic Resonance: Yes
Polyphony (max): 256
Tones: 18
Reverb: 4 types
Chorus: 4 types
Brilliance: -3 ~ 0 ~ +3
Layer/Split: Yes
Registration Memory: Yes
Duet Mode: Yes
Preset Songs: 60
Metronome: Yes
Transpose: 25 steps (-12 semitones ~ 0 ~ +12 semitones)
Tuning Control: A4 = 415.5Hz ~ 440.0Hz ~ 465.9Hz
Temperament:
Recorder: 2 Tracks / 1 Song
USB Storage (to PC): Yes
Speakers: 4.7″ x 2 / 2.0″ x 2
Amplifier: 20W + 20W
:
Terminals:
Line Out: Yes
USB: Yes
Pedals: Built-in 3 pedals
Headphone Hook: Yes
AC Adaptor: Yes
Pedals (Half-Damper pedal Operation): Yes
Bench: Yes (height adjustable)
Music Stand: Yes
Score Book: Yes
:
Dimensions and Weight:
Unit size w/stand: 54.2″ x 16.8″ x 33.1″ (w/o score stand):
Unit weight w/stand: 89.3 lbs.
Boxed size: 58.7″ x 22.6″ x 22.0″
Boxed weight: 137.8 lbs

Casio Celviano AP-650 Specifications

Casio Celviano AP-650MBK

Keyboard: 88 keys, weighted scaled hammer action, Tri-Sensor keys, Ivory Touch
Touch Response: 3 Sensitivity levels / Off
Sound Source: AiR (Acoustic & intelligent Resonator)
” Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source ”
Acoustic Resonance: Yes:
Polyphony (max): 256
Tones: 250
General MIDI Compatible: Yes
Rhythms/Auto-Accompaniment: 180
Reverb: 4 types
Chorus: 4 types
Brilliance: -3 ~ 0 ~ +3
Layer/Split: Yes
Registration Memory: Yes
Duet Mode: Yes
Preset Songs: 60
Metronome: Yes
Transpose: 25 steps (-12 semitones ~ 0 ~ +12 semitones)
Tuning Control: A4 = 415.5Hz ~ 440.0Hz ~ 465.9Hz
Temperament:
Recorder: 17 Tracks / 5 Songs
USB Storage (to PC): Yes
Display: LCD with backlight
Speakers: 6.3″ x 2 / 2.0″ x 2
Amplifier: 30W + 30W
:
Terminals:
Line Out: Yes
Line In: Yes
MIDI: Yes
USB: : Yes
Pedals: Built-in 3 pedals
Headphone Hook: Yes
:
Included Accessories:
AC Adaptor: Yes
Half-Damper pedal Operation: Yes (seamless recognition)
Bench: : Yes (height adjustable)
Music Stand: Yes
Score Book: Yes
:
Dimensions and Weight:
Unit size w/stand: 54.2″ x 16.8″ x 35.9″ (w/o score stand)
Unit weight w/stand: 110.7 lbs
Boxed size: 58.7″ x 22.6″ x 24.9″
Boxed weight: 164.2 lbs

More information is available at CasioMusicGear.com.

Yamaha is debuting a range of new apps for iOS-based devices, seeking to help musicians get the most from their Yamaha products.

MusicSoft Manager for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch that enables users to manage and move content between the instrument’s internal memory, any attached storage device, computer, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or Dropbox. MusicSoft Manager is free from the App Store and works with the Yamaha DTX400K, DTX430K, DTX450K, PSRS750, PSRS950, Tyros4, CVP601 and wirelessly with the CVP605 and CVP609. It is available immediately in 28 countries including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Repertoire Finder app allows players to browse songs on an easy-to-use interface complete with album artwork. Once a tune is found, users can see different banks of registration for playing that song and have them sent directly to their instrument. This feature is excellent for the user that doesn’t know much about combining Voices, setting effects or choosing Styles and perfect for the musician that wants to use the same settings as a specific artist. Users can also create and share their own registrations. It will be available in February 2013 in the App Store for free download.

My Music Recorder is a simple MIDI, audio and video recorder designed to track and share your keyboard performances on entry-level keyboards. My Music Recorder is free from the App Store, and is slated for release in April 2013.

Sound Controller allows musicians to control and manipulate instrument Voices on their portable keyboards. Sound Controller will be available in April 2013 for free in the App Store.

Each of these apps require an optional interface like Yamaha’s i-MX1 or i-UX1, unless otherwise stated.

Yamaha Arius YDP-142

The YDP-142 is aimed at the beginning pianist who wants an authentic experience at a more affordable price. It features the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action and PureCF audio sampling of Yamaha’s CFIIIS 9-foot acoustic grand piano — the first of the Arius series to have this.

The YDP-162, aimed at improving intermediate players, uses Yamaha’s Graded Hammer (GH) system with synthetic ivory key tops, offering a moisture absorbant surface for greater comfort during prolonged playing periods.

Yamaha Arius YDP-162

Using a special design and position within the instrument, the Acoustic Optimiser physically adjusts the acoustical flow, which controls resonances and enriches the overall sound.

Available in either rosewood or black walnut finishes, customers can choose between the Arius YDP-142′s 32″ cabinet or the taller 33″ cabinet of the more upright YDP-162. Additionally, both models feature Duo Mode, which splits the keyboard into two 44-note keyboards each with their own middle-C, perfect for side-by-side or group practice environments.

Both 88-key digital pianos feature dual headphone jacks, Intelligent Acoustic Control which automatically adjusts EQ to your preferred volume setting, a two-track song recorder, and USB to HOST connector.

The Arius YDP-142 has an MSRP of $1,499.00 while the Arius YDP-162 comes in at $1,999.00. Exact availability and specifications to be confirmed.

These models combine the unrivalled touch, tone, elegance and style of traditional Yamaha acoustic pianos with cutting edge digital piano features that enable the instruments to play themselves – with exact keystrokes and pedal movements – in accompaniment to performance content streamed over the Internet or stored in its internal memory. New features and price points provide a whole new world of musical experiences to consumers whether playing or listening to their favourite music.

The E3/E3PRO Series models feature Yamaha’s proprietary RemoteLive™ technology that enables pianists to perform live in one location and have their keystrokes and pedal movements transmitted live to other networked Disklavier pianos anywhere in the world. Perfectly synchronized video can also be integrated in performances shared over the Internet or recorded locally.

These models also provide access to a wide range of previously recorded content — that will also be played keystroke by keystroke on the instrument — through downloads from Internet Direct Connection (IDC) and DisklavierRadio™ that delivers uninterrupted streams of music from more than 25 different channels covering genres from classical, jazz, pop, rock and beyond. In addition, the Disklavier E3 models are sold with more than 400 songs on exclusive Yamaha CDs that bring the instruments to life.

A free iOS Disklavier Controller app also enables operation of many of the models’ basic functions (volume, song playback start and stop, music media selection, DisklavierRadio™, etc.) to be operated from an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. For more information, visit http://4wd.it/DISKLAVIERITUNESAPP. Players and music fans can also easily control the Disklavier E3 piano’s many cutting edge features via intuitively designed remotes and the electro-luminescent display panels on the instruments.

The E3 has an intuitive interface so users can capitalize on the entire range of Disklavier features immediately without a long learning curve. Musicians can also record video of their own performances, with a standard camcorder connected to the Disklavier E3 piano, which can be played on demand with their keystrokes and pedal movements. Up to 128 MB of content can be stored on Disklavier E3 Series pianos.

Users can adjust the volume, even to whisper-soft levels for private practice or late night playing, while still retaining Yamaha’s renowned sound fullness and clarity. The capability to record and transfer music from one Disklavier to another using a USB memory stick allows students to record their teacher’s material for practice at home.

Availability information to be confirmed.

Yamaha Silent Pianos are acoustic pianos featuring sound-damping capabilities that allow players to plug in headphones and jam away without disturbing others. They can also be played like any regular piano, combining the authentic sound and touch of acoustic pianos with the convenience of digital models.

The Silent Piano’s incredible sounds are sampled from the top-of-the-line Yamaha CFX and CFIIIS Concert Grand Pianos. Even in silent mode, the piano faithfully reproduces an acoustic sound through headphones. Drawing from Yamaha’s expertise in acoustic piano design, digital sound creation and Disklavier technology, the silent pianos allow players to experience the same feel and touch they would from a regular acoustic pianos, whether the sound they want is soft or loud, gentle or sharp. The meticulously installed hammer, key and pedal sensors, along with sophisticated damper resonance effect, enable these silent models to faithfully reproduce the complex sounds of acoustic pianos.

Yamaha’s Silent Grand Pianos are equipped with Yamaha’s QuickEscape mechanism, which optimises the movement of the action, both in silent and acoustic modes. Yamaha Silent Grand Pianos are the only ones in the category that offer effective silencing and authentic key touch during acoustic play, which makes them ideal for use in music schools, conservatories and demanding professional environments.

These Silent Pianos are equipped with functions useful for practice, including metronomes and USB recording capabilities. They also offer convenient, easy-to-operate functions, including recording, playback and tonal controls. In addition, the pianos are fitted with MIDI and AUX connections for speakers and computers.

The full model list includes the C7X-SH, GB1K-SG2 and GC2-SH grand pianos and YUS5-SH, U3-SH and b3-SG2 upright pianos. Availability information to be confirmed.

Yamaha announces its Mexican Banda Voice and Style Expansion Pack for the PSR-S650, featuring brand new voices recorded by leading musicians in the genre.

This package contains seven new authentic Banda Voices recorded in a professional studio with professional Banda musicians. Instruments include Trombon Banda, Trompeta Banda, Clarinete Banda, Charcheta Banda, Tuba Banda, Bateria-Tambora and a special Gritos Kit of vocal expressions. One of the main ingredients of Mexican music is Gritos, the fun, vocal exclamations that accompany the music. The Voice and Style Mexican Banda Pack Expansion features 60 unique gritos that inject flavour into any performance.

It additionally includes 20 popular Banda Styles covering Acoustic Banda, Electric Banda and Duranguense. Each Style comes complete with four One Touch Settings that match these excellent new instrument Voices to each of the four Style sections. Panel registrations, with special Banda and Duranguense keyboard splits and layers for playing with a band, are also included.

For a limited time, downloads of this pack will be available free of charge at http://4wrd.it/BANDAPR.

Marquetry is the use of many pieces of different types of wood veneer to create images and has long been viewed a symbol of wealth. Many fine examples of marquetry can be found in the Imperial Palaces of Vienna, including the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of The Austrian Habsburg Imperial Family. While many historical pianos have included marquetry designs, they have seldom been re-envisioned for the 21st Century.

The Austrian Habsburg Imperial Family was delighted by exotic images of nature, covering the walls of their intimate music room with wonderful jungle scenes. The Palace, outfitted with a suite of rooms featuring exotic garden panoramas commissioned by Maria Theresa and hand painted by the celebrated 18th Century Bohemian Ornamentalist painter Johan Wenzel Bergl, played host to six-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who performed for the Empress Maria Theresa at Schoenbrunn.

Availability information to be confirmed.

Aimed at those just starting out on their learning journey, both 61-key instruments feature the Yamaha Education Suite which enables students to teach themselves piano.

Yamaha PSR-E243

Yamaha PSR-E343

As you’d expect, a range of other features include varied auto-accompaniment styles (100/136) and sounds (385/550), USB to HOST connectivity for using the keyboard with a PC or tablet, and audio line input. The PSR-E343 has touch sensitive keys, which implies that (disappointingly) the PSR-E243 has fixed velocity keys.

Shipping in May, we’ll have full specifications when they become available.

Yamama i-UX1 USB MIDI iOS instrument cable

To this end, Yamaha has introduced its i-UX1 MIDI interface cable that enables quick, easy, seamless connection between the iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch and MIDI instruments. Just plug it in, and the i-UX1 works with Core MIDI compatible iOS Applications.

This is the first cable that connects instruments that have USB MIDI (vs. regular 5-pin DIN MIDI) to iDevices. The i-UX1 works with the iPad/iPhone/iPod touch.

Following an intuitive setup process, the i-UX1 quickly expands the functions of Yamaha MIDI instruments, enabling players to easily launch Yamaha’s innovative Apps, such as Piano Diary and MusicSoft Manager. It also allows users to edit the sound of their instruments from the iPhone, or the larger display of the iPad.

Pricing and availability information to follow.