Anticipating the CVP-4xx series

[steeveevee]

Okay, so I've been lurking on this forum for about two weeks now, taking it all in. I have an inherited acoustic grand that is too much piano for me, even as it's not enough...so I'm looking to sell/trade it for a Clavinova.

After much reading, I've determined that I want a CVP-309. It doesn't have many shortcomings, but there are just enough that it makes me wonder what's coming down the pike.

From reading the Wish List forum, here is a summary of what I would hope will show up in the CVP-4xx series, in order of importance:

[list=8]
Ability to sample any sound and edit it
Pitch-bend wheel(s)
Touch screen
Replace SmartMedia slot with SD/CF or equivalent still-viable medium
Replace floppy drive with CD drive
Three voices on right
More flash memory built in (why is there such a puny amount as it is?)
More USB ports above and below keyboard
[/list=8]

Would anyone care to weigh in on this list...add to it, correct it, move items around?

== Steve

[JaysonCVP85a]

The only things that matter to me:

:1: Better keyboard action (GH4) :PIANO:
:2: Better Piano Samples (even better than Synthogy’s Ivory)
:3: Improved iAFC :RND:

I don’t care about rhythms, touch screens, or media slots. I would like to see a digital that can come closer to an acoustic in action and sound.

:D

[PEPyle]

Next year's models will probably be even-numbered 3XXs.
We should have several years to wait for 4XXs.
_ _ _ _

Do not expect that they will eliminate the floppy drive.
Yamaha has too much invested in their floppy-based software inventory. They aren't going to cut a CD for every one of their midi packages, the sales volume is too low.
And they won't put them onto a card now, the media is still too expensive.
Floppy drives remain a cheap standard interface.

Do not expect an added CD either.
This is available on their Disclavier line, and Yamaha will want to keep the market for CD/pianos limited to the higher priced Disclavier.
_ _ _ _

I would like to see some new new cabinets!
The only thing I really like in the 3XX series is the 309 with its mini grand look.
They could have a high end that looks more like a traditional spinet shell (hardwood, more substantial, etc.).
And, they could modernize the cabinet at the low end. Maybe use the new "flat" CLP as their inspiration.

[nickb]

steeveevee,

I agree with you!! It would be very nice to see all of these features for the new series. I am about to buy the CVP-309GP, but the lack of features you listed is making me think twice. I really don't care too much about the CD player, touch screen or other type of memory cards. But the features I would like more are:

Ability to sample any sound and edit it
Pitch-bend wheel(s)
Three voices on right
Maybe a better cabinet like Roland KR-17M


When do you think they will release the new CVPs?

[steeveevee]

nickb --

I thought about the GP myself, but I think all I wanted in addition to the "better" keyboard was an ebony case. I can live without the nicer style. Also, despite its weight the 309PE can be moved more easily, being 66 pouinds lighter (260 vs 194). If I really want to take it somewhere to perform, I'll need one less person to help move it.

But you'd think that considering the high end of piano we're talking about, Yamaha would include *all* the features of a Tyros, or even a garden-variety synthesizer. They have drawbar simulation built-in, so no one's pretending that this is purely a piano; it has gizmos of non-acoustic instruments.

I'm really ready to buy a 309. But if pitch bending and sampling are included in their very next models, I'm going to be a little bitter.

== Steve


Originally posted by nickb
steeveevee,

I agree with you!! It would be very nice to see all of these features for the new series. I am about to buy the CVP-309GP, but the lack of features you listed is making me think twice. I really don't care too much about the CD player, touch screen or other type of memory cards. But the features I would like more are:

Ability to sample any sound and edit it
Pitch-bend wheel(s)
Three voices on right
Maybe a better cabinet like Roland KR-17M


When do you think they will release the new CVPs? :RND: :RND: :RND:

[kp88keys]

Greetings:

I have been following your discussion about desired features for the next generation CVP (4xx). There is a way to get some of the additional features like more voices in the upper part, pitch bend and modulation wheels, etc.

By purchasing a Yamaha P-250 stage piano and stacking a PSR-3000 on top you would have available a total of 4 voices layered together, pitch bend and modulation wheels and almost all of the arranger functionality of the CVP series. Of course you would lose the nice furniture styling of the CVP cabinets. You would also give up the GH3 or natural wood keyboard.

I have considered doing this myself because I like the idea of being able to take the lightweight PSR-3000 "on the road" to family events and still have the weighted 88-note board at home. The PSR has all of the recording and editing features of the CVP and many of the mega voices, etc.

Just a crazy idea - what do you think?

Ken

[steeveevee]

I think I'm confused. Just when I thought I was buying a piece of furniture, I'm forced to contemplate this idea.

I inherited a grand piano. It's beautiful. It's also 7' long and my apartment just isn't big enough for it, physically or acoustically. It's worth enough that I can contemplate trading it in for any Clavinova and still get cash back.

I like the CVP-307 and 309. They'll look better in my home. But they just won't be able to do everything that the PSR-3000 or TYROS can do, and they're just not portable.

Another idea is to get the CVP-307 for home and the PSR-3000 for travel. I dunno. This is getting too complicated.

== Steve

Originally posted by kp88keys
Greetings:

I have been following your discussion about desired features for the next generation CVP (4xx). There is a way to get some of the additional features like more voices in the upper part, pitch bend and modulation wheels, etc.

By purchasing a Yamaha P-250 stage piano and stacking a PSR-3000 on top you would have available a total of 4 voices layered together, pitch bend and modulation wheels and almost all of the arranger functionality of the CVP series. Of course you would lose the nice furniture styling of the CVP cabinets. You would also give up the GH3 or natural wood keyboard.

I have considered doing this myself because I like the idea of being able to take the lightweight PSR-3000 "on the road" to family events and still have the weighted 88-note board at home. The PSR has all of the recording and editing features of the CVP and many of the mega voices, etc.

Just a crazy idea - what do you think?

Ken

[steeveevee]

Okay, here are my latest questions. Anyone who can help me answer them has my gratitude.

1. How much difference is there between a PSR-3000 and a TYROS? Which one is newer; which one has more capabilities?

2. Can you plug a subwoofer into a PSR-3000?

3. Am I not correct in assuming that the only reason I need a SmartMedia card for a CVP is to do firmware upgrades?

4. Am I not correct in assuming that, if I attach a CD drive to a CVP via USB, the CVP will treat the CD just like a floppy?

5. Why don't people just glue a multi-port USB hub to the bottom of a CVP near its USB port, to make multiple USB ports available?

6. [really important question for me] Is there some instrument I can use to make a "voice" that can then be transferred to and played by a CVP? Can I sample something on a TYROS or PSR-3000, for example, save it as a "voice," transfer it to a CVP, and then expect that voice to play?

== Steve

[nickb]

steeveevee, seems that we want the same features!!!

I saw the ROM memory for waves is smaller on PSR-3000 than Tyros and the CVP-309 has all the of Tyros plus 64MB more for Pianos, so I assume that the CVP-309 piano sounds are better than Tyros and the rest is the same. I think you are correct about the CD-ROM. And now I am sure that CVP-309 will not support voice editing!!! I already ordered mine, because I heard the CVP-305 and it is really good!! I just wonder when the new series will come out...