My one concern would be the inevitable technological obsolescence of these fully digital hybrids: further down-the-road improvements and refinements will eventually render these current offerings obsolete. Yamaha has already done so with the N1X and N3X replacing former models in their Avantgrand line. These big ticket products aren't easily upgradeable items like mobile phones or tablets. Many consider an instrument to be a family heirloom to be passed down from one generation to the next. In three or four decades, will your grandchildren want to play on what will then be technological dinosaurs from the early years of the 21st century?
Yep. You buy a real piano for future and family, and a digital one (inc hybrid) for current needs. A deal on last years cast off can be a good way to go if said instrument does the job. Things like neighbours, lack of space, multi use rooms, frequent moving, tuning costs, unsuitable acoustic locations (e.g. temperature fluctuation like a conservatory) can make the digital domain a sensible option. They will simply not last generations however, and herein is the real cost .
Excellent - strikes me you could buy a decent acoustic and a hybrid digital action for the price of a true acoustic hybrid, which might be a better choice for some - you get 2 pianos for a start which is excellent for teaching....
Hi everyone! So the Casio GP510 and GP310 models could definitely have been mentioned as a Hybrid Action Digital. Although the video wasn't intended as an exhaustive list of specific models, (but rather a review of what I saw was the different categories of the hybrids), I definitely didn't mean for a prominent brand/model to be omitted with intent. A few have commented on this, so let's just be up front with this - The Casio Hybrids definitely would fall squarely in the Hybrid Action Digital category. Thanks everyone!! - Stu
May be wrong, but was Casio had invented the concept togheter Bechstein. After this, other follow them creating variation in the action. I like so much of the Casio GP500 key action, is very responsive since from a soft pianíssimo till a strong sfforzato. I hate the sampling of the Berlin sound, a lot of bright - all sample with bright I found strange to my ears , even in the "melow" version, and is not so good in the agudes.... But the Hamburg Melow and Vienab Melow are very very beautifull, the last one specially in baroque temperament at 415Hz with Werckmeister. Bach comes to life! The pedals are very responsive also.
@@rolexmarcelo3218 I have a question if you know the answer😅 Do only these Three brands (Yamaha kawai Casio) have true digital hybrid piano's in the market to this day ? I want to explore all possibility before doing my choice... Casio hybrid is actually cheaper than the other... And I just heard about it one day ago 😂
What is the life expectancy of a digital piano. How do they depreciate in value in five or ten years? What is the trade-in value in five to ten years? Can they be leased, something like a car? Before you could rent an acoustic piano and felt somewhat protected.
We just ordered a Yamaha CLP795gp ( Clavinova Digital Grand ) the dealer is giving us a two year trade-up period with full credit toward an Acoustic Grand. I’m hoping our digital will serve us for the next 20 years, but I do realize the technology will become obsolete. I am going to decide within the next year wether to trade-up or not. I don’t know if this really answers your question about the piano’s trade in value, but you do get a couple years to figure out what you want to do.
Great info, this channel is super informative. Many music store product videos here on YT are from a salesman who happens to work at a piano store; this channel gives actual knowledge I feel I can trust.
The Royal Conservatory of Music requirements for online practical exams through Zoom are as follows: a.) Preparatory to Level 8 - a tuned acoustic piano or a 76- or 88-key weighted electronic keyboard (ie. a digital piano) b.) Level 9 to Licentiate - a tuned acoustic is required Would anyone know if a Kawai NV-5 or NV-10 hybrid would be acceptable for an RCM practical exam at a Level 9 to Licentiate?
Very good and informative, however it would have been much better if you could show the mechanims of hammer action on each category while you were explaining them.
Thanks for tuning in! We have an entire video series dedicated to exploring the various actions that each company offers. I would recommend checking those out as they go into a lot more detail than this video, which serves more as an overview of hybrid pianos. All the best! :)
No mention of the Casio hybrids huh.. mind you, those are digital hybrids.. not true hybrids but they feel better to me than any other hybrid I've tried.
There's a very helpful comment predating yours: " Hi everyone! So the Casio GP510 and GP310 models could definitely have been mentioned as a Hybrid Action Digital. Although the video wasn't intended as an exhaustive list of specific models, (but rather a review of what I saw was the different categories of the hybrids), I definitely didn't mean for a prominent brand/model to be omitted with intent. A few have commented on this, so let's just be up front with this - The Casio Hybrids definitely would fall squarely in the Hybrid Action Digital category. Thanks everyone!! - Stu "
You say Yamaha and Kawai are the only companies that produce true hybrid pianos. Why would you not include the Casio Grand Hybrid pianos as a true hybrid? In collaboration with C. Bechstein, these pianos use the same materials in their keys (in both their white and black keys) as well as the same length of key that C.Bechstein uses in their acoustic grand pianos. The Casio grand hybrid also uses graded hammer action, and you can actually see the hammer hitting the sensors as you play. Of course, the hammers are hitting sensors and not strings, but neither are the Yamaha and Kawai hybrids hitting strings. I think the name "Casio" faces a bit of snobbery from the traditional piano industry world now including their digital pianos. I think Casio's hybrids meet your definition of hybrid, and C.Bechstein should add some weightiness to their line of hybrid pianos.
Casio Natural Grand Hammer action is not a true piano action, it is more like Kawai Grand Feel (1/2/3) action, so they are hybrid action digital pianos.
I wouldn't. The definition used for this video was: "True hybrid digital pianos are instruments that generate tone digitally, but amplify said tone acoustically, and include an authentic acoustic piano action." The Casio GP models do NOT have an authentic acoustic piano action inside. (Though some people and even music stores propagate that myth.)
@@clothearednincompoop did you watch the video? there was 5 sections.. i'm talking about the 5th section "Hybrid Action Digitals" which listed the kawai Ca79, Ca99 the roland LX and yamaha's as an example.. the kawai, roland and yamaha's in that section don't have true acoustic key actions either... the Casio GP's falls into that section also i believe.
Okay, they would belong to the "Hybrid Action Digitals" category at the end of the video, but that wasn't a comprehensive and detailed list anyway. And a bit vague. But the GPs "implement" the real key stick feature. That's all.
@@clothearednincompoop in that category Casio probably have the best wooden key stick, roland offer that hapic feedback on the key as you play and 8 speakers, kawai offer that transducer based "sound board".. All of those 'features/gimmicks" are things to persuade potential purchasers on limited budgets looking for an affordable digital piano that has a nod toward the feel/sound of an actual acoustic piano without the hassle/cost/weight/upkeep. not everyone has a spare £250,000 for a real grand piano and the 16ft x 16ft climate regulated piano room to house one.
The video mentions that a "silent piano" costs just a few thousand dollars more than the acoustic version. I wonder how the digital component in question compares to a standalone digital piano available at the same price e.g. what's likely better : a three-four thousand dollar standalone digital or a silent component in an acoustic ? Curious because a decent acoustic lasts 50 years or more whereas digital components likely become obsolete in less than a decade. Would it not make more sense to keep the digital aspect separate if it's only required once in a while and you have room ?
An excellent point to make, and one which is a bit difficult to definitively answer. In the case of a Kawai example (a K200 ATX3 is an acoustic piano with CA-series tech minus the speakers) it's about $2500 more than it's plain acoustic cousin...the digital piano with the same guts (but with a speaker system) is around $3500, so in this case, you're not "over paying" for the digital stuff...it's valued about the same regardless of which vehicle they've strapped it to. But to your other comment about the likely discrepancy in longevity, this is a battle of engagement & entertainment vs practicality. Sure, the digital components in the True Acoustic Hybrid maybe 'out of date' in 10 years, but are likely to stay functioning well for 15-20 years. But even in those 20 years, if the instrument gets enjoyed and played 200% more than if it had just been acoustic, just by virtue of the added functionality and versatility (to some players...this is obviously highly personal), the pro's likely outweigh the con's. After all, worthwhile instrument is one that gets enjoyed :). -stu
Thanks Stu for another great video. Does the action on a novus or an avantgrand need regulating? At the end of the day, a wood action is what it is, whether the hammers strike strings or trigger sensors, so I have a feeling that they do.
I heard that silent piano systems in a fully acoustic piano can hurt the action over time because the hammer is artificially barred from hitting the strings causing the resulting force misalign things over time.
Very nice sum up ! Definitely waiting for the NV20 to come out: ideally the grand action of the nv10, a soundboard like nv5, and perhaps a grand cabinet like the N3X 🤩.
Can someone tell me if hybrids are "clicky clacky"? The one thing I hate the most about digitals is that you can hear clacking keys even when using headphones, which can be very irritating to people nearby (or sleeping wives!).
Wish to share that few years back, my Yamaha U1 SH (silent model) cost a lot more than Yamaha U1. I recall i can at least get a U3 if i dont need the Silent system of U1. By the way, good video!
There's a very helpful comment predating yours: " Hi everyone! So the Casio GP510 and GP310 models could definitely have been mentioned as a Hybrid Action Digital. Although the video wasn't intended as an exhaustive list of specific models, (but rather a review of what I saw was the different categories of the hybrids), I definitely didn't mean for a prominent brand/model to be omitted with intent. A few have commented on this, so let's just be up front with this - The Casio Hybrids definitely would fall squarely in the Hybrid Action Digital category. Thanks everyone!! - Stu "
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 should we just get a CA79 or 99 ?
Considering I’d spend 10k+ in, let’s say an NV5S, I have certain concerns: Hybrid mechanism and the whole idea of an “analog-digital” correlation is just amazing but is just not at the top of what it should for what u pay (to my own taste) since all u have is a perfectly pitched bunch of pianos that ain’t so far from what u already had 20 years ago with any other brand at more than half the price. In this very case I’m afraid Nord has understood that non-perfect string resonance & pitch plays an important role in therms of realism rather than perfection as a “core” purpose. When u play Nord u can also hear some slightly detuned keys (actually pleasantly detuned nuances) that adds REALISM instead of perfection. I mean, I never expect to have a perfectly tuned “faky” piano sound whenever i visit a studio but an awesome natural sounding piano instead which basically means this hybrid idea is everything else but a real approach to what the actual real deal is like. The idea of downloading any other piano sound you like for free at the Nord’s website is also beyond amazing so paying 10k+ for no more than just a bunch of “fancy-non relevant” sounds seems like a bad deal to me. So here’s another thing… can’t hear or see u could tweak any pedal sound at this hybrid things, I mean, c’mon! There’re some Chinese controllers with built in real acoustic piano shells that you could use with any amazing vsts out there at a su much lower cost with literally dozens of real customizable nuances, so thanks but this hybrid pianos are not for me. I mean, I could buy an NV5S, just not really big fan of that perfect-almost-unrealistic piano sound approach. 😢 Will stick to Nord and VsTs for now.
Thanks for writing in with your insights! With that said, there are a few things to consider of course. While Nord make some excellent instruments with some impressive piano samples, the Kawai NV5S' action is quite spectacular and, most high level players, find it to be far superior to the average or even top-tier digital piano action. I would also say that, in my opinion, the TwinDrive Soundboard system on the NV5S provides an impressive layer of nuance and warmth that is very difficult to achieve through speakers alone. With that said, at the end of the day, the choice that one makes when it comes to instrument selection is deeply personal and subjective. The most important thing is to find an instrument that you connect with. Thanks!
@@MerriamPianos agree 100%. In fact, I feel somehow frustrated cuz Kawai is so close to the perfect ever created digital piano… all they need is a more organic approach just as what they did whit the rest of the mechanism, or at least that they added a new downloadable library with more natural samples, I mean, I wouldn’t even care to pay an extra for them! 😣
The definition used for this video was: "True hybrid digital pianos are instruments that generate tone digitally, but amplify said tone acoustically, and include an authentic acoustic piano action." The Casio GP models do NOT have an authentic acoustic piano action inside. (Though some people and even music stores propagate that myth.)
@@joaquinmontes9745 Yeah, in the last category. It does have a real soundboard so it "implements" that acoustic feature. And the GPs "implement" the real key stick feature.
We're sorry to hear that you're feeling confused. But, with that said, there is a lot to talk about with the world of hybrid pianos, so a follow up video may be in order. ;)
The Yamaha CLP series is still a "digital" piano opposed to a "hybrid". While some digital pianos may have wooden keys, they may still have a digital piano action opposed to an acoustic piano action.
This guy saying you would spend $3,000 for a used upright 😂. I paid £300 including shipping for my 1938 Edinburgh built overtrung upright piano. Gloriously rich tone with crisp highs and bassy lows!
Does it also have fast responsive action and nuance in dynamics? These aspects in mechanism determine the price of a piano and if it is an option for student players. I highly doubt you will find a piano helpful to serious players under 7000$.
No of course is doesn't...but it is absolutely fine for anyone who isn't a classical pianist and was looking to learn about piano mechanics or learn to play. It was basically unplayable when I bought it but with a bit of googling, and a light resto that I did myself, it came up a treat. All for £300. Some people can't afford to remortgage their house to buy a piano....and tbh...if you're at the point where nuances in the action actually make a difference to your playing, you'd be able to make a 150 year old saloon piano sound like a Baldwin. I've played many incredible pianos and yes you can tell there is a huge difference...but there is nothing I could play on an Estonia that I couldn't play on my £300 upright
@@curtisstroud3 Thanks for your response, now I have a better picture. I commend you for restoring it on your own. Something I haven't tried myself yet, as I find it quite daunting. Absolutely, a piano shouldn't break the bank. I'm actively trying to get back in shape with piano playing and I do require good responsive action and a wide dynamic range for the music I am interested in like Ravel's. For various reasons, a hybrid piano is what I am looking to buy next, bc of apartment situation. Though I will always agree that a well maintained acoustic piano has the best well-rounded sound.
Incredible the didn't mention casio grand hybrid....I have appreciate a lot the rational use when analysing, and the objetivity, but not to even mention the grand hybrid, and moreover have got the the extend to mention the ca99 make me feel like this is more an issue of publicity than an objective analysis of the offert available...this channel has let me down...😥
The definition used for this video was: "True hybrid digital pianos are instruments that generate tone digitally, but amplify said tone acoustically, and include an authentic acoustic piano action." The Casio GP models do NOT have an authentic acoustic piano action inside. (Though some people and even music stores propagate that myth.)
Okay, they would belong to the "Hybrid Action Digitals" category at the end of the video, but that wasn't a comprehensive and detailed list anyway. And a bit vague. But the GPs "implement" the real key stick feature. That's all.
Hi Joaquin! So the Casio GP510 and GP310 could definitely have been mentioned as a Hybrid Action model. No real rationale here other than that the video wasn't intended as an exhaustive list of specific models, but rather a review of what I saw was the different categories of the hybrids. I should also mention that no manufacturers have any direct influence on my videos whatsoever (no payments, no editorial requirements or requests, no donated models etc), and even more specifically, we're actually authorized dealers for the Casio GP510, of which we're big fans. So I'm going to pin this comment to the top so it's nice and visible. Thanks for the comment! -stu
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I would have to check with Stu as to what piece he is playing, but, perhaps, one of our community members here will be able to assist. :)
@@MerriamPianos Hi Brent, thanks for the prompt reply! The title is on the tip of my tongue 😅 but even Shazam could not find it and I find it a wonderful song to play on the piano and looking forward if Stu or someone else could give us a hand 😁
A MIDI keyboard may be fine for some of course, but it all depends on context of use. For high-level piano playing that can't accommodate an acoustic piano in their home for various reasons, the hybrid digital options are very attractive alternatives.
The Hybirds in most cases will sound better than most pure acoustics other than large expensive grands such as the Steinway B or D. As for the Hybrid action, I think it may end up being more trouble than it's worth unless you have a Masters Degree in piano performance. Cateen owns and plays a Casio Priva CX-1000 and a New York Steinway Model B: ruclips.net/video/6EG4kcFtsLs/видео.html In the above video, he's concertizing in Tokyo with his Casio which sounds great, particularly when he's playing it.
I think it is a very difficult call. If it was as easy to generalize as this then noone would have been buying lower end acoustic pianos, vut still they do. Then there is the depreciation problem. You can invest as much as a baby grand or a very good acoustic upright on a high end digital, but it is very difficult to assess where the technology be in 5-10 years time, and these pianos will depreciate immensely. So it is a very fine balance of your budget, depreciation, your expectations and ultimately how you feel when you play the instrument. My personal realistic combo with my budget, experience and needs is a Kawai K300 + a Roland FP30 for night time practice and taking it to the beach house during the summer. Though this is only my personal preferance and noone really has to agree with me.
@@aliar11I was determined to get a brand new Kawai K500 last year but fell in love with a brand new Kawai GL10 which I bought for $10,000 out the door delivered brand new (good deal). Now she (Kawai GL10) gives company to my Yamaha P515. I then later on got Casio GP510 to give piano lessons on. When I get a bigger place I would like a Kawai GL30 or GX1
@@gustavogo2915 a very good combination. GL 30 and GX1 are also very nice choices as well. I enjoyed them both when I had the chance to try at the showroom. Enjoy👍
IMHO theonly real Hybrid purely digital at this point is the NV5 the reason being they didnt try to create aGrand but a truly digital upright ,which they did.All other Hybrids are trying to be Grands,starting with the sound.The n they use some form of cabinet with speakers which doesnt make it adigital Grand.A real digital Grand must have aGrand action and a Grrand body with real soundboard with transducers.Anything that doesnt have that cannot be called areal digital Hybrid.So in this sence real Hybrids are only the digital parts of the KAWAI Grands with AUREs systems and the Yamaha Transacoustics,but those are mainly acoustic pianos,so theres really no real digital Grand in existence at this point.
I am a massive fan of the Kawai NV5S and, as you've mentioned, the combination of a solid wood soundboard and a real acoustic upright action make it a very compelling option. With that said, I wouldn't write off models like the NV10S. While it may not have the exact look of a grand piano, the musical experience it offers via its acoustic grand action and sophisticated speaker system is quite impressive.
1:16 What is a hybrid piano?
1:42 True digital hybrids
4:23 True acoustic hybrids
6:10 Silent pianos
8:01 Hybrid action digital
NV5 for me all day.. I was also pleasantly surprised by the N1X, mainly with the action.
My one concern would be the inevitable technological obsolescence of these fully digital hybrids: further down-the-road improvements and refinements will eventually render these current offerings obsolete. Yamaha has already done so with the N1X and N3X replacing former models in their Avantgrand line. These big ticket products aren't easily upgradeable items like mobile phones or tablets. Many consider an instrument to be a family heirloom to be passed down from one generation to the next. In three or four decades, will your grandchildren want to play on what will then be technological dinosaurs from the early years of the 21st century?
Yep. You buy a real piano for future and family, and a digital one (inc hybrid) for current needs. A deal on last years cast off can be a good way to go if said instrument does the job. Things like neighbours, lack of space, multi use rooms, frequent moving, tuning costs, unsuitable acoustic locations (e.g. temperature fluctuation like a conservatory) can make the digital domain a sensible option. They will simply not last generations however, and herein is the real cost .
Rapidly diminishing returns at this point, so it's not the issue you think it is, IMO.
Excellent - strikes me you could buy a decent acoustic and a hybrid digital action for the price of a true acoustic hybrid, which might be a better choice for some - you get 2 pianos for a start which is excellent for teaching....
Hi everyone! So the Casio GP510 and GP310 models could definitely have been mentioned as a Hybrid Action Digital. Although the video wasn't intended as an exhaustive list of specific models, (but rather a review of what I saw was the different categories of the hybrids), I definitely didn't mean for a prominent brand/model to be omitted with intent. A few have commented on this, so let's just be up front with this - The Casio Hybrids definitely would fall squarely in the Hybrid Action Digital category. Thanks everyone!! - Stu
This Casio piano is the best option of the moment. See it on my channel: ruclips.net/video/BZDHHIJg0ws/видео.html
May be wrong, but was Casio had invented the concept togheter Bechstein. After this, other follow them creating variation in the action. I like so much of the Casio GP500 key action, is very responsive since from a soft pianíssimo till a strong sfforzato. I hate the sampling of the Berlin sound, a lot of bright - all sample with bright I found strange to my ears , even in the "melow" version, and is not so good in the agudes.... But the Hamburg Melow and Vienab Melow are very very beautifull, the last one specially in baroque temperament at 415Hz with Werckmeister. Bach comes to life! The pedals are very responsive also.
Yey! We love Casio too!
@@rolexmarcelo3218
I have a question if you know the answer😅
Do only these Three brands (Yamaha kawai Casio) have true digital hybrid piano's in the market to this day ?
I want to explore all possibility before doing my choice...
Casio hybrid is actually cheaper than the other... And I just heard about it one day ago 😂
What is the life expectancy of a digital piano. How do they depreciate in value in five or ten years? What is the trade-in value in five to ten years? Can they be leased, something like a car? Before you could rent an acoustic piano and felt somewhat protected.
We just ordered a Yamaha CLP795gp ( Clavinova Digital Grand ) the dealer is giving us a two year trade-up period with full credit toward an Acoustic Grand. I’m hoping our digital will serve us for the next 20 years, but I do realize the technology will become obsolete. I am going to decide within the next year wether to trade-up or not. I don’t know if this really answers your question about the piano’s trade in value, but you do get a couple years to figure out what you want to do.
I bought my Yamaha CLP-990 in 2001 and still working perfectly. It was about $4K brand new, but I’d say I’ve gotten my money out of it!
Great info, this channel is super informative. Many music store product videos here on YT are from a salesman who happens to work at a piano store; this channel gives actual knowledge I feel I can trust.
We appreciate that immensely! Thank you for the kind words and for tuning in! All the best and happy playing! :)
The Royal Conservatory of Music requirements for online practical exams through Zoom are as follows:
a.) Preparatory to Level 8 - a tuned acoustic piano or a 76- or 88-key weighted electronic keyboard (ie. a digital piano)
b.) Level 9 to Licentiate - a tuned acoustic is required
Would anyone know if a Kawai NV-5 or NV-10 hybrid would be acceptable for an RCM practical exam at a Level 9 to Licentiate?
Hahahahaha… No, not at all.
No, they can’t be tuned.
I'm waiting for an acoustic hybrid with the sound of a Nord Stage :-D
You must not have heard the Yamaha CVP 709 GP
Very good and informative, however it would have been much better if you could show the mechanims of hammer action on each category while you were explaining them.
Thanks for tuning in! We have an entire video series dedicated to exploring the various actions that each company offers. I would recommend checking those out as they go into a lot more detail than this video, which serves more as an overview of hybrid pianos. All the best! :)
No mention of the Casio hybrids huh.. mind you, those are digital hybrids.. not true hybrids but they feel better to me than any other hybrid I've tried.
Seriously considering to buy GP310 and I started watching this video hoping that Casio GPs would have been mentioned.
There's a very helpful comment predating yours: " Hi everyone! So the Casio GP510 and GP310 models could definitely have been mentioned as a Hybrid Action Digital. Although the video wasn't intended as an exhaustive list of specific models, (but rather a review of what I saw was the different categories of the hybrids), I definitely didn't mean for a prominent brand/model to be omitted with intent. A few have commented on this, so let's just be up front with this - The Casio Hybrids definitely would fall squarely in the Hybrid Action Digital category. Thanks everyone!! - Stu "
You say Yamaha and Kawai are the only companies that produce true hybrid pianos. Why would you not include the Casio Grand Hybrid pianos as a true hybrid? In collaboration with C. Bechstein, these pianos use the same materials in their keys (in both their white and black keys) as well as the same length of key that C.Bechstein uses in their acoustic grand pianos. The Casio grand hybrid also uses graded hammer action, and you can actually see the hammer hitting the sensors as you play. Of course, the hammers are hitting sensors and not strings, but neither are the Yamaha and Kawai hybrids hitting strings. I think the name "Casio" faces a bit of snobbery from the traditional piano industry world now including their digital pianos. I think Casio's hybrids meet your definition of hybrid, and C.Bechstein should add some weightiness to their line of hybrid pianos.
Casio Natural Grand Hammer action is not a true piano action, it is more like Kawai Grand Feel (1/2/3) action, so they are hybrid action digital pianos.
RUclips recommends a Merriam Music video. I click.
Same
i would add casio GP510 and GP310 range in to the Hybrid Action Digitals area.
I wouldn't. The definition used for this video was: "True hybrid digital pianos are instruments that generate tone digitally, but amplify said tone acoustically, and include an authentic acoustic piano action."
The Casio GP models do NOT have an authentic acoustic piano action inside. (Though some people and even music stores propagate that myth.)
@@clothearednincompoop did you watch the video?
there was 5 sections.. i'm talking about the 5th section "Hybrid Action Digitals" which listed the kawai Ca79, Ca99 the roland LX and yamaha's as an example.. the kawai, roland and yamaha's in that section don't have true acoustic key actions either... the Casio GP's falls into that section also i believe.
Okay, they would belong to the "Hybrid Action Digitals" category at the end of the video, but that wasn't a comprehensive and detailed list anyway. And a bit vague. But the GPs "implement" the real key stick feature. That's all.
@@clothearednincompoop in that category Casio probably have the best wooden key stick, roland offer that hapic feedback on the key as you play and 8 speakers, kawai offer that transducer based "sound board".. All of those 'features/gimmicks" are things to persuade potential purchasers on limited budgets looking for an affordable digital piano that has a nod toward the feel/sound of an actual acoustic piano without the hassle/cost/weight/upkeep.
not everyone has a spare £250,000 for a real grand piano and the 16ft x 16ft climate regulated piano room to house one.
@@cresshead no, the Casio GP keys are too short: around 21-22 cm, an inch shorter than the Kawai CA79/CA99.
The video mentions that a "silent piano" costs just a few thousand dollars more than the acoustic version. I wonder how the digital component in question compares to a standalone digital piano available at the same price e.g. what's likely better : a three-four thousand dollar standalone digital or a silent component in an acoustic ? Curious because a decent acoustic lasts 50 years or more whereas digital components likely become obsolete in less than a decade. Would it not make more sense to keep the digital aspect separate if it's only required once in a while and you have room ?
An excellent point to make, and one which is a bit difficult to definitively answer. In the case of a Kawai example (a K200 ATX3 is an acoustic piano with CA-series tech minus the speakers) it's about $2500 more than it's plain acoustic cousin...the digital piano with the same guts (but with a speaker system) is around $3500, so in this case, you're not "over paying" for the digital stuff...it's valued about the same regardless of which vehicle they've strapped it to. But to your other comment about the likely discrepancy in longevity, this is a battle of engagement & entertainment vs practicality. Sure, the digital components in the True Acoustic Hybrid maybe 'out of date' in 10 years, but are likely to stay functioning well for 15-20 years. But even in those 20 years, if the instrument gets enjoyed and played 200% more than if it had just been acoustic, just by virtue of the added functionality and versatility (to some players...this is obviously highly personal), the pro's likely outweigh the con's. After all, worthwhile instrument is one that gets enjoyed :). -stu
Casio GP 500 is 3000 usd, anss it action is great, you have not mention it.
Thanks Stu for another great video. Does the action on a novus or an avantgrand need regulating? At the end of the day, a wood action is what it is, whether the hammers strike strings or trigger sensors, so I have a feeling that they do.
I heard that silent piano systems in a fully acoustic piano can hurt the action over time because the hammer is artificially barred from hitting the strings causing the resulting force misalign things over time.
We have not experienced that particular issue with our Kawai Aures pianos, which are our most popular hybrid acoustic pianos. :)
Very nice sum up ! Definitely waiting for the NV20 to come out: ideally the grand action of the nv10, a soundboard like nv5, and perhaps a grand cabinet like the N3X 🤩.
We can only dream Remi! Trust me, I've passed on that literally-exact feedback to Kawai!
@@MerriamPianos Thanks Stu 😍! Then I'm so glad Kawai has at least heard you
Thanks for clarifying the various technologies available!
You're very welcome! :)
Can someone tell me if hybrids are "clicky clacky"? The one thing I hate the most about digitals is that you can hear clacking keys even when using headphones, which can be very irritating to people nearby (or sleeping wives!).
yea me too. i hope weighted keys can solve this
Keyboard noises exist in all pianos, including acoustics. I don't think there is a way to solve the problem.
@@justinzhao9831 exactly, weighted keys still have some type of song.
Wish to share that few years back, my Yamaha U1 SH (silent model) cost a lot more than Yamaha U1. I recall i can at least get a U3 if i dont need the Silent system of U1.
By the way, good video!
Thanks - very helpful to have some of the jargon cleared up.
You're very welcome! I'm happy to hear that it was helpful! :)
Any idea what the Casio GP-310 falls under? Like what category? Appreciate any reply!
There's a very helpful comment predating yours: " Hi everyone! So the Casio GP510 and GP310 models could definitely have been mentioned as a Hybrid Action Digital. Although the video wasn't intended as an exhaustive list of specific models, (but rather a review of what I saw was the different categories of the hybrids), I definitely didn't mean for a prominent brand/model to be omitted with intent. A few have commented on this, so let's just be up front with this - The Casio Hybrids definitely would fall squarely in the Hybrid Action Digital category. Thanks everyone!! - Stu "
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 should we just get a CA79 or 99 ?
Great Video, very informative, Thank You
You're very welcome! Thanks so much! :)
Considering I’d spend 10k+ in, let’s say an NV5S, I have certain concerns:
Hybrid mechanism and the whole idea of an “analog-digital” correlation is just amazing but is just not at the top of what it should for what u pay (to my own taste) since all u have is a perfectly pitched bunch of pianos that ain’t so far from what u already had 20 years ago with any other brand at more than half the price. In this very case I’m afraid Nord has understood that non-perfect string resonance & pitch plays an important role in therms of realism rather than perfection as a “core” purpose. When u play Nord u can also hear some slightly detuned keys (actually pleasantly detuned nuances) that adds REALISM instead of perfection. I mean, I never expect to have a perfectly tuned “faky” piano sound whenever i visit a studio but an awesome natural sounding piano instead which basically means this hybrid idea is everything else but a real approach to what the actual real deal is like. The idea of downloading any other piano sound you like for free at the Nord’s website is also beyond amazing so paying 10k+ for no more than just a bunch of “fancy-non relevant” sounds seems like a bad deal to me. So here’s another thing… can’t hear or see u could tweak any pedal sound at this hybrid things, I mean, c’mon! There’re some Chinese controllers with built in real acoustic piano shells that you could use with any amazing vsts out there at a su much lower cost with literally dozens of real customizable nuances, so thanks but this hybrid pianos are not for me. I mean, I could buy an NV5S, just not really big fan of that perfect-almost-unrealistic piano sound approach. 😢
Will stick to Nord and VsTs for now.
Thanks for writing in with your insights! With that said, there are a few things to consider of course. While Nord make some excellent instruments with some impressive piano samples, the Kawai NV5S' action is quite spectacular and, most high level players, find it to be far superior to the average or even top-tier digital piano action. I would also say that, in my opinion, the TwinDrive Soundboard system on the NV5S provides an impressive layer of nuance and warmth that is very difficult to achieve through speakers alone. With that said, at the end of the day, the choice that one makes when it comes to instrument selection is deeply personal and subjective. The most important thing is to find an instrument that you connect with. Thanks!
@@MerriamPianos agree 100%. In fact, I feel somehow frustrated cuz Kawai is so close to the perfect ever created digital piano… all they need is a more organic approach just as what they did whit the rest of the mechanism, or at least that they added a new downloadable library with more natural samples, I mean, I wouldn’t even care to pay an extra for them! 😣
What Piano stool is this on 0:56? Can you please tell me. it´s great in my Opinion.
That piano bench is a duet hardtop bench in polished ebony that comes with the Kawai GL series instruments. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for you kind reply. Is there a way to order the bench by itself?
What happened with the casio gp 510 grand hybrid??
exactly.. seems to have slipped his list somewhat
The definition used for this video was: "True hybrid digital pianos are instruments that generate tone digitally, but amplify said tone acoustically, and include an authentic acoustic piano action."
The Casio GP models do NOT have an authentic acoustic piano action inside. (Though some people and even music stores propagate that myth.)
@@clothearednincompoop CA99 does not have an authentic piano action neither, even though it was mentioned
@@joaquinmontes9745 Yeah, in the last category. It does have a real soundboard so it "implements" that acoustic feature. And the GPs "implement" the real key stick feature.
@@clothearednincompoop This Casio piano is the best option of the moment. See it on my channel: ruclips.net/video/BZDHHIJg0ws/видео.html
Now I'm really confused. We need a chart showing type of hybrid versus features.
We're sorry to hear that you're feeling confused. But, with that said, there is a lot to talk about with the world of hybrid pianos, so a follow up video may be in order. ;)
Thanks for the in-depth video!
I am going to buy a digital piano but I am confused between Roland rp501 and Yamaha clp625 which should I buy. Please tell🙏🙏.
I think that the rp501 is competition for the yamaha 184, which is a step down from the clp 625, if that helps.
@@zl1David thank you very much David. 🙏🙏
I learned something new today.
We're happy to hear it! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Just asking if no need to tune with the acoustic action-ed piano when moving to a different place?
There is no need to tune hybrid digital pianos as they do not have strings. :)
What category would Yamaha's CLP series fall into?
The Yamaha CLP series is still a "digital" piano opposed to a "hybrid". While some digital pianos may have wooden keys, they may still have a digital piano action opposed to an acoustic piano action.
Love the channel! Really great content.
This guy saying you would spend $3,000 for a used upright 😂. I paid £300 including shipping for my 1938 Edinburgh built overtrung upright piano. Gloriously rich tone with crisp highs and bassy lows!
Does it also have fast responsive action and nuance in dynamics? These aspects in mechanism determine the price of a piano and if it is an option for student players. I highly doubt you will find a piano helpful to serious players under 7000$.
No of course is doesn't...but it is absolutely fine for anyone who isn't a classical pianist and was looking to learn about piano mechanics or learn to play. It was basically unplayable when I bought it but with a bit of googling, and a light resto that I did myself, it came up a treat. All for £300.
Some people can't afford to remortgage their house to buy a piano....and tbh...if you're at the point where nuances in the action actually make a difference to your playing, you'd be able to make a 150 year old saloon piano sound like a Baldwin. I've played many incredible pianos and yes you can tell there is a huge difference...but there is nothing I could play on an Estonia that I couldn't play on my £300 upright
@@curtisstroud3 Thanks for your response, now I have a better picture. I commend you for restoring it on your own. Something I haven't tried myself yet, as I find it quite daunting. Absolutely, a piano shouldn't break the bank.
I'm actively trying to get back in shape with piano playing and I do require good responsive action and a wide dynamic range for the music I am interested in like Ravel's. For various reasons, a hybrid piano is what I am looking to buy next, bc of apartment situation. Though I will always agree that a well maintained acoustic piano has the best well-rounded sound.
Today, do you find easy hybrides pianos ???? In France with thé crise it s no possible.
Incredible the didn't mention casio grand hybrid....I have appreciate a lot the rational use when analysing, and the objetivity, but not to even mention the grand hybrid, and moreover have got the the extend to mention the ca99 make me feel like this is more an issue of publicity than an objective analysis of the offert available...this channel has let me down...😥
The definition used for this video was: "True hybrid digital pianos are instruments that generate tone digitally, but amplify said tone acoustically, and include an authentic acoustic piano action."
The Casio GP models do NOT have an authentic acoustic piano action inside. (Though some people and even music stores propagate that myth.)
Okay, they would belong to the "Hybrid Action Digitals" category at the end of the video, but that wasn't a comprehensive and detailed list anyway. And a bit vague. But the GPs "implement" the real key stick feature. That's all.
Hi Joaquin! So the Casio GP510 and GP310 could definitely have been mentioned as a Hybrid Action model. No real rationale here other than that the video wasn't intended as an exhaustive list of specific models, but rather a review of what I saw was the different categories of the hybrids. I should also mention that no manufacturers have any direct influence on my videos whatsoever (no payments, no editorial requirements or requests, no donated models etc), and even more specifically, we're actually authorized dealers for the Casio GP510, of which we're big fans. So I'm going to pin this comment to the top so it's nice and visible. Thanks for the comment! -stu
Hi there, great video! Does anyone know the name of the song at 1:05? Thanks everyone
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I would have to check with Stu as to what piece he is playing, but, perhaps, one of our community members here will be able to assist. :)
@@MerriamPianos Hi Brent, thanks for the prompt reply! The title is on the tip of my tongue 😅 but even Shazam could not find it and I find it a wonderful song to play on the piano and looking forward if Stu or someone else could give us a hand 😁
Ahh, a MIDI keyboard is fine 😭
A MIDI keyboard may be fine for some of course, but it all depends on context of use. For high-level piano playing that can't accommodate an acoustic piano in their home for various reasons, the hybrid digital options are very attractive alternatives.
The Hybirds in most cases will sound better than most pure acoustics other than large expensive grands such as the Steinway B or D. As for the Hybrid action, I think it may end up being more trouble than it's worth unless you have a Masters Degree in piano performance. Cateen owns and plays a Casio Priva CX-1000 and a New York Steinway Model B:
ruclips.net/video/6EG4kcFtsLs/видео.html
In the above video, he's concertizing in Tokyo with his Casio which sounds great, particularly when he's playing it.
I think it is a very difficult call. If it was as easy to generalize as this then noone would have been buying lower end acoustic pianos, vut still they do. Then there is the depreciation problem. You can invest as much as a baby grand or a very good acoustic upright on a high end digital, but it is very difficult to assess where the technology be in 5-10 years time, and these pianos will depreciate immensely. So it is a very fine balance of your budget, depreciation, your expectations and ultimately how you feel when you play the instrument. My personal realistic combo with my budget, experience and needs is a Kawai K300 + a Roland FP30 for night time practice and taking it to the beach house during the summer. Though this is only my personal preferance and noone really has to agree with me.
@@aliar11I was determined to get a brand new Kawai K500 last year but fell in love with a brand new Kawai GL10 which I bought for $10,000 out the door delivered brand new (good deal). Now she (Kawai GL10) gives company to my Yamaha P515. I then later on got Casio GP510 to give piano lessons on. When I get a bigger place I would like a Kawai GL30 or GX1
@@gustavogo2915 a very good combination. GL 30 and GX1 are also very nice choices as well. I enjoyed them both when I had the chance to try at the showroom. Enjoy👍
Why would hybrid action be more trouble than it’s worth?
@@aliar11 Thanks and very nice. Did you feel the GX1 was worth the price difference over the GL30?
IMHO theonly real Hybrid purely digital at this point is the NV5 the reason being they didnt try to create aGrand but a truly digital upright ,which they did.All other Hybrids are trying to be Grands,starting with the sound.The n they use some form of cabinet with speakers which doesnt make it adigital Grand.A real digital Grand must have aGrand action and a Grrand body with real soundboard with transducers.Anything that doesnt have that cannot be called areal digital Hybrid.So in this sence real Hybrids are only the digital parts of the KAWAI Grands with AUREs systems and the Yamaha Transacoustics,but those are mainly acoustic pianos,so theres really no real digital Grand in existence at this point.
I am a massive fan of the Kawai NV5S and, as you've mentioned, the combination of a solid wood soundboard and a real acoustic upright action make it a very compelling option. With that said, I wouldn't write off models like the NV10S. While it may not have the exact look of a grand piano, the musical experience it offers via its acoustic grand action and sophisticated speaker system is quite impressive.
I just want a midi controller that plays like an acoustic.
So what is a hybrid piano more technically??? You didn't answer the main question.
A hybrid piano is a piano that has some elements of both an acoustic and digital piano simultaneously. Hope this helps! :)
7000 dollars is a lot of money for a superseluxe midi keyboard....
N3X not NX3 :)
oops!...yep good catch.
@@MerriamPianos hopefully they release an N2X soon and you can update the guide :). This was a top quality video btw.
So basically they’re a digital piano that has fancy sound resonance for the speakers lol. Not worth my money.
Ah!! It's easy. A Hybrid Piano IS NOT A PIANO. Voilà !! Salutations d'Orléans, France !!
Mais oui! Un piano digitale c’est un piano vrai... presque. 😂
@@KeepingOnTheWatch Hahahaha… À peu près. OMD !!
Too much talking. Just demonstrate them!
Is there any digital piano with an extended range? Something like the Bosendorfer Imperial?
Hmmm that is a good question. I am not familiar with any digital models on the market currently with an extended range.