NC-500 and NC-300 Join Korg's Digital Piano Line

Korg presented the NC-500 and NC-300 Concert Digital Pianos at the Winter NAMM show in Anaheim. Both provide piano sounds along with a modern design and color options to match any decor. The NC-500 and NC-300 have an authentic feeling, 88-note hammer-action keyboard that faithfully reproduces the touch of an acoustic piano, which is complemented by a variety of sounds including 11 spacious stereo-sampled acoustic and electric pianos. Three velocity-response curves allow players to tailor the action of the NC-500 or NC-300 to their own playing style.

These new pianos utilize Korg's latest stereo sampling technology. Their sounds are derived from stereo digital recordings taken directly from a concert grand piano. In addition to acoustic and electric piano sounds, both models include harpsichord, clavinet, vibraphone, jazz and church organs, strings/pad, and choir presets, for a total of 24 sounds. All sounds can be played individually or in two-timbre layers. Reverb and chorus effects add spaciousness and depth to these sounds. Effects level settings -- Light/Normal/Deep -- have been optimized for each sound individually.

The NC-500 provides a dual 25-Watt 2-way stereo speaker system, with a Unity Bass Reflex system built into the stand and tweeters mounted in the top of the piano cabinet for a rich and spacious listening experience. The NC-300 provides a dual 15-Watt stereo speaker system mounted into the top of the cabinet.

Both pianos include Key Transpose, a built-in metronome, and dual headphone outputs, which are ideal for student use. Additional temperaments (Equal, Kirnberger, and Werckmeister scales) are provided, as well as a transposition function, up to 60-note polyphony, and 40 built-in demonstration songs. Musical scores for the 32 piano-based demos are included for play-along fun and study.

For pro players, both models include MIDI in/out, as well as Audio Out jacks for connecting an external amp or speakers. The NC-500 has a USB connector for direct connection to a computer, as well as an Audio In jack for running an external audio device (CD player or electronic musical instrument) through the built-in speakers, plus a 2-track recorder (20,800 notes).

The NC series feature a three pedal unit (damper, soft, sostenuto) that matches the piano's finish and style. Both models are available in a modern natural brown and a more traditional dark brown (with matching optional benches). Other features include illuminated buttons and intuitive knobs, a sliding key cover (NC-500), and a music stand that stores flush in the top of the piano.

MSRP:

• NC-300: $2,000.00
• NC-500: $2,300.00