CLP-175 Discontinued, no replacement?

[raktron]

I've had my eye on the CLP-175 for a while, and I just found out that it's been discontinued. Why is Yamaha discontinuing this model without first offering a replacement?

By replacement, I mean incorporating the improved CLP-280 technology in a grand style cabinet. I'm not interested in an upright cabinet, and that's the only format available for the CLP-280 at this time.

Here's the dilemma:
If I buy the CLP-175 today, then I'm going to feel like an idiot if Yamaha announces next month that they are doing a CLP-280 in a grand cabinet format.

If I don't buy one now, then I may miss the opportunity to ever get one. I would be stuck spending more money for the CVP-309GP which is basically a CLP-175 with lots of extra bells and whistles I don't care about. I just want a good piano.

If anyone has inside info on a 175 replacement, I'd appreciate a quick response. I may end up buying a 175 this evening.

Of course, the CGP-1000 will be coming to the US in a few months. It will have CLP-280 technology in a full baby grand (4'11") cabinet with an actual soundboard. Although it's an amazing piano, I do not consider it a suitable replacement for the CLP-175, due to the fact it will cost 3 times as much.

[Scubacpa]

Where did you hear that it was being discontinued?

And even if true why should that stop you from buying it? If you have decided that is what you want, get it. You said that you were not interested in lots of bells and whistles anyway so even if it is going to be replaced with something that had new features you don't seem interested in them.

[raktron]

I read on 2 different dealer websites that it was discontinued, and I think one dealer even mentioned this over the phone.

To me, bells and whistles refer to recording features, extra instrument sounds, and other gadgets that I already have in my PC-based studio. These things don't enhance the piano playing experience.

The CLP-280's 4-step dynamic response is not a bell or a whistle. It actually improves the realism of the piano sound by using 4 sets of samples to alter the tone based on how hard you press the key. The CLP-175 does not have this, nor does the CVP-309GP, or any other currently-available model with a grand piano cabinet.

My point was that there is currently a void in their CLP line, and my fear was that they are just waiting for all the remaining CLP-175s to be bought up before announcing a CLP-275 featuring the 4-step response of the CLP-280.

As for a purchasing decision, I decided to leave it up to the dealer. I walked in with a maximum price in mind, and I was prepared to walk out if I couldn't get it for that price or less. I got it for $5 under my number, and they knocked the delivery charge down from $100 to $50, so they made the sale. I will have it tomorrow.

[Scubacpa]

Now I understand your concern. Thanks.

Good luck with your new instrument. I'm sure you will enjoy it.

[kempedkemp]

I think you may be mistaken about the other instruments not having a "4 step" dynamic response. Have you played any of these instruments?

The case for the CLP 175/CVP 309 is smaller than that of a baby grand piano.

I owned my CLP 170 before I purchased the CVP 307. While I have little use for many of the bells and whistles on the 307, it was purchased particularly for its registration memory features which do not come on the CLP's.

I can hardly believe they are discontinuing the 175. Must be those who can afford it realize they can get more features with the CVP model so nobody is buying them. The CLP170/175 is a super instrument! GO FOR IT! You will not, ever, be disappointed.