Yamaha Displays New Arius Line Of Console Digital Pianos

Drawing on more than 100 years of experience and craftsmanship in making world class acoustic pianos, Yamaha introduces the latest Arius line of digital pianos. On display at Winter NAMM 2010, each of these instruments provides an exceptionally natural, piano-like touch and tone packaged in a popular Rosewood-finish spinet cabinet. "These models mark a completely new lineup of Arius digital pianos," notes Dane Madsen, Digital Piano marketing manager, Yamaha Keyboard Division. "It was important for us to not only deliver quality piano touch and tone at these price points, but to continue providing plenty of benefits to allow a smooth transition for more discerning customers when stepping up to the Clavinova line. Now, more than ever, these two product families offer a clear progression of increasing value to dealers and end users." The YDP141 and YDP161 models replace the YDP140 and YDP160, while the YDP181 replaces the best-selling YDP223. Geared towards beginning piano hobbyists taking traditional piano lessons, the line's key benefits include 3-level AWM Dynamic Stereo Samples for an authentic piano tone, Graded Hammer (GH) effect action (YDP161 and YDP181) for authentic piano touch, and classic Rosewood spinet piano cabinetry that looks great in virtually any home environment. The YDP141 features the entry-level Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action ideal for beginners. Offering Yamaha's unsurpassed piano heritage, and an industry-leading three-year product warranty on both parts and labor, the line may also be used institutionally in conjunction with Yamaha Piano Labs featuring LC3. "The YDP181 is the first ARIUS model to include a USB device port for storing your own songs recorded on the instrument," commented Madsen. "You can also use it to play back piano song files from virtually anywhere." According to Madsen, as customers have become more cautious about spending, their tastes for Digital Pianos have shifted into the Arius price range, and demand for the product line is, therefore, expected to be high. The new Arius line of digital pianos, YDP141 (MSRP: $1,349), YDP161 (MSRP: $1,849) and YDP181 (MSRP: $2,199) are currently available.