Yamaha Introduces New Hybrid Instrument, the AvantGrand N2 Upright Piano

Yamaha Keyboard Division announces the introduction of the AvantGrand N2, the first upright piano ever crafted to feature the sound, touch, and action of a grand piano. Priced at fraction of the cost of a concert grand, and measuring less than 21" wide, the N2 features the exquisite sound of the acclaimed Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano. The N2 is the highly anticipated follow up to the flagship AvantGrand N3 hybrid piano. While the N3 offers a stunning grand piano style cabinet, the N2 offers a sleek, stylized, upright cabinet with a glossy ebony finish. Fusing 21st century music technology with Yamaha's century-long heritage of piano craftsmanship, the N2 features the same highly advanced sound reproduction and sampling technology as the category-defying AvantGrand N3 without the tuning, cost, or footprint of a comparable stringed instrument. Serious players with a limited space or a limited budget are no longer required to sacrifice the look and feel of an acoustic grand for the smaller footprint of a digital piano. According to Paul Calvin, Vice President/General Manager, Yamaha Keyboard Division, The AvantGrand Series offers another choice. "With its compact form and elegant feel, the N2 upright molds beautifully to any wall, yet maintains the essence of a grand piano," states Calvin. "The AvantGrand's remarkable music technology replicates the acoustic playing and listening experience of a concert grand piano in an upright cabinet." Mark Anderson, Yamaha Keyboard Division marketing director, adds, "People typically purchase upright pianos to save money and space. But what if they could enjoy grand piano sound and action as well? With the creation of the N2, Yamaha fulfills that dream." One of the greatest challenges in creating a true acoustic piano experience electronically is to accurately re-create the vibrations integral to the playing experience. The AvantGrand Series are the first pianos to actualize the physical connection with their instrument that pianists could only experience—until now—with an acoustic grand. "I'm tempted to say that the AvantGrand raises the bar—substantially—for digital pianos, but it actually establishes a completely new benchmark," says Alden Skinner, associate publisher, Acoustic & Digital Piano Buyer. "The new category of hybrid pianos is going to cause people to seriously reconsider the acoustic/digital equation. For many applications, its combination of sound, feel, and practicality will make AvantGrand a 'no-brainer' choice." Its innovative Tactile Response System transmits "string" vibrations through the keys to player's hands, while the revolutionary four-channel, three-way Spatial Acoustic Speaker System reproduce the original grand piano samples. These technologies combine to authentically re-create the depth of tone of the Yamaha nine-foot CFIIIS grand piano, the choice instrument of many of the world's top musicians and performance venues. Beyond the AvantGrand's striking design, sound, touch, and functionality, customers will appreciate the highly competitive price point compared to concert acoustic pianos and the fact that the instrument requires no tuning. In addition to the remarkable grand piano sound sample, the N2 also features electronic piano and harpsichord voices. To experience this amazing instrument, visit www.avant-grand.com. The AvantGrand N2 is slated to ship in September 2009. The N3 will be available in July 2009. Both models include a matching padded bench. For more information on the Yamaha AvantGrand Piano, visit Yamaha at Summer NAMM, Room 104, Nashville Convention Center; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Keyboard Division, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamaha.com.