CVP-30x purchase price

[TheRussells]

Happy 2005 to all,

SO glad this forum is here...we're total newbies, prepping to purchase a new CVP-30x, and have already learned much from everyone's info and experiences.

We ALMOST purchased a CVP-206 from BestBuy (Adina316) on eBay but stopped short...thanks to Steve's experience. :D We decided to go the "local" route...

Here in central Ohio, USA, we've been "shopping" for a CVP-303 and have thus far negotiated a best price of $3,570, new in an unopened box, delivered, including tax (7%), from an authorized Yamaha dealer.

Can anyone comment on how that measures up to your experience for the same unit?

Do the benefits outweigh the extra cost for a CVP-305 instead?

One last thing: any input on "must-dos" prior to, during, or after the purchase?

Cheers,
TheRussells

[ericho]

HI

Welcome to the Clavinova Versitile Piano User Group (cvpug).

What do you mean with "we're total newbies"
Are you planing to learn how to play piano
Or have you been playing synth's for 20y and gonna swith to digital piano ?

Kind regards

Eric

[TheRussells]

Greetings Eric, and thank you for the welcome and the reply! :)

We're total newbies as in, new to the world of everything piano - this will be our first piano of any kind. Lessons are already in progress, and the last step is this purchase.

We checked out Yamaha upright acoustic pianos (also very nice), but the flexibility, teaching features, and NO TUNING built into a Clavinova made this a relatively easy decision. :p

Cheers,
TheRussells

[Steve]

The Russles,

Glad to hear you found such a great deal on a CVP-303. I paid $3595 shipped to my front door. I finally got mine this week. It's Awesome! If you and your family are new to the piano, you probably won't notice much difference between the 303 and the 307's features (except for the case). To a beginner, the biggest "noticable" differences between the 303 and 307 are the sound system and the case. As beginners, you will really like the guide lights for learning songs too(available on all 303's). Unless you just happen to have an extra $1500 laying around, the CVP-303 would be a great choice for your family.

[ericho]

OK

In the piano department there is no difference between the 303 and the 305, they are exactly the same.
a 305 is conciderably better in the other (than the piano)voice department than the 303.

I would advice you the 303, all you need for learning is in there + much more.

Kind regards

Eric


O yes another ting: don't be so sure about "NO TUNING"
every note can be tuned or better said detuned if you would wish it so, not to worry, if you dont change it it stayes perfectly tuned

:p

[Steve]

TheRussels,

Oops, I misread your post. You were comparing the 303 and the 305 (not the 307). You wont notice any difference between the 303 and 305. Even the cases are the same. The differences are small and not worth the extra money for your particular use. You found a great deal on that CVP-303. Go for it!

[tomz17]

Agreed, the major differences (GH3, better sound system, different form factor) all come in on the move from 305->307...

A 307 will cost in the $5,000 ballpark.


303 and 305 appear to be virtually the same instrument..

the 305 adds a color screen (same resolution as 303, additional voices, additional styles, and 128 note polyphony versus the 303's 96)

To be quite frank, I would not be the least bit surprised if the 303 and 305 ran on virtually the same hardware, but with slightly different firmware.

-Tom

PS. you might also want to consider purchasing a used high-end 200 series clavinova (for roughly the same price as a new 303). The 207, 209, 208, and 210 are all great choices. I would even venture to say significantly better than a 305. If you look around for a little while, you may be able to find one for sale in your area.


Originally posted by Steve
TheRussels,

Oops, I misread your post. You were comparing the 303 and the 305 (not the 307). You wont notice any difference between the 303 and 305. Even the cases are the same. The differences are small and not worth the extra money for your particular use. You found a great deal on that CVP-303. Go for it!

[TheRussells]

Hello everyone,

Thanks for all the input, it's much appreciated.

The different replies brought back a few things learned during our research that caused us to lean towards either a CVP-303 or CVP305:

1. CVP-30x series uses LEDs for the guide lights....meaning, less likelihood of them burning out vs CVP-20x.

2. The Yamaha website indicated that none of the 20x series have GH3 (?), whereas in the 30x series it begins with the 305. CVP-303 has GH and CVP-305 has GH3 - is there enough improvement in the feel and response of the keys to justify the increased cost? If there was a considerable difference, this might be convincing enough to choose the CVP-305.

3. The physical profile or color of the piano isn't a factor - it's for our home, and a modest home at that. We're more concerned with maximizing the overall "bang for the buck" - all things considered, including sound style/quantity, built-in hardware (i.e. USB, optical out, memory slot), firmware upgradabiilty, and of course reliability.

FYI, while out shopping for a Clavinova, we got the standard mantra as others have - everything from "we can't disclose prices via telephone or e-mail...come in when in to the showroom and we'll make you a great deal" (reminded us of used car sales... :mad: ) to "Yamaha doesn't allow us to blah, blah, blah" (territory issues), etc.

Steve, we'd love to buy one out-of-state via the internet like you did - just to skip the taxes! :eek:

Cheers,
TheRussells

[sablair]

Welcome Russell Family (with 2 "S's" and 2 "L's" ) ;) -

The CVP 200's are older technology and there have been more than one report on this list of broken keys and need to replace the entire keyboard with a 300 series. Also, the GUIDE lights are all red on the 200 compared to the red and green (flats/sharps) on the 300. I find the 2 colors MUCH easier to follow on the 300.

Comparing the 303 and 305, the 305 has more and BETTER voices (same mega voices as the 307, NO mega voices on the 303), more polyphony, color display, and more accompanyment styles. And optical out for karoake.

Even though you will start out using this as a piano, you will quickly discover and start using the very features that attracted you to the clavinova. Over the years, you will be glad you got the MOST features that you could afford.

SO get a price for the 305 and 307, then compare and make your decision. Most of all be PATIENT...:D

[tomz17]

My mistake, I erronesouly stated that the 305 did not have GH3, wheras it in fact does (my brain is on vacation between semesters).

You are correct, none of the 200 series have GH3.

When trying both pianos side by side, I did not notice much of a difference between GH and GH3. Supposedly, the chief difference is in the presence of an additional velocity sensor for each key. From my understanding of what this additional sensor accomplishes, on 99.9999% of the material you would play as a beginner, it would be exceedingly difficult to notice the advantages afforded by GH3.

Mechanically, the 30x series keyboards are apparently more durable (or at least don't suffer from the "cracked key" flaw that plagues the 20x series). Additionally, some members here have noted that the key action on the 30x keyboards is quieter. I personally did not notice this, but admittedly did not spend a lot of time comparing a 20x keyboard to a 30x keyboard.

-Tom




Originally posted by TheRussells
Hello everyone,

Thanks for all the input, it's much appreciated.

The different replies brought back a few things learned during our research that caused us to lean towards either a CVP-303 or CVP305:

1. CVP-30x series uses LEDs for the guide lights....meaning, less likelihood of them burning out vs CVP-20x.

2. The Yamaha website indicated that none of the 20x series have GH3 (?), whereas in the 30x series it begins with the 305. CVP-303 has GH and CVP-305 has GH3 - is there enough improvement in the feel and response of the keys to justify the increased cost? If there was a considerable difference, this might be convincing enough to choose the CVP-305.

3. The physical profile or color of the piano isn't a factor - it's for our home, and a modest home at that. We're more concerned with maximizing the overall "bang for the buck" - all things considered, including sound style/quantity, built-in hardware (i.e. USB, optical out, memory slot), firmware upgradabiilty, and of course reliability.

FYI, while out shopping for a Clavinova, we got the standard mantra as others have - everything from "we can't disclose prices via telephone or e-mail...come in when in to the showroom and we'll make you a great deal" (reminded us of used car sales... :mad: ) to "Yamaha doesn't allow us to blah, blah, blah" (territory issues), etc.

Steve, we'd love to buy one out-of-state via the internet like you did - just to skip the taxes! :eek:

Cheers,
TheRussells

[bluemonkey]

hello to the russells....

for fair cvp 30x prices, try the yamaha dealer in jackson, tennessee: keyboards international: (800) 499-7190. the manager (mike williams) will negotiate with you very reasonably. just tell him you've done your research and you're trying to get the best instrument you can afford within your limited budget. then, get him to start the negotiation by asking him to give you his best price on each model you are considering. he is friendly and open to counter offers.

here's what we agreed to in december 2004:

cvp 301: $2695
cvp 303: $3095
cvp 305: $3895
cvp 307: $4895

if possible, go for the 307; it's got much more to offer than lower models: twice the amplifier, twice the speakers, more voices, better voices, 128X128 polyphony, larger color screen with better resolution (needed for weak vision), iAFC, 3 step dynamic stereo sampling AWM, and a more piano-appearing cabinet. although the difference in price may be a couple thousand dollars, you will have your cvp for many years and, later, the extra cost will be insignificant.

i don't know if he will accomodate shipping it to you, or not. if that's a deal breaker for you, why not save it for last?

best wishes,

bluemonkey

[TheRussells]

Thanks again to EVERYONE for the great feedback! You folks sure are serious about your Clavinovas! :p

The Russells are also serious about Yamaha products - from our piano black BBG5S bass guitar to our piano black Yamaha birch custom absolute drums - Yamaha makes quality stuff, which is why we keep coming back. And the Clavinova will only add to the monopoly. (sure would be nice to purchase a matching CVP-309PE!)

FYI, we've officially written off the CVP-20x series:

1. we don't like the sound of a propensity for broken keys (although the owners of Clavinovas with broken keys were surely happy to receive a CVP-30x in the place of their CVP-20x!) :D

2. we didn't realize the guide lights were multi-colored on the CVP-30x series - that's a GREAT feature for all.

3. with the timely pricing comparison info that BlueMonkey provided, we're leaning towards a CVP-305 or CVP-307. Would you believe that we'll actually be passing through Jackson, TN on I40 within two weeks? What shipping costs? There won't be any if it all works out, as the Clavinova tags along for the ride! :eek:

This is simply providential!. Can't wait to see how it turns out. (well, as for patience, we've been patient up to this point and we won't blow it now that the end of the road is in view!)

This forum and all of you have been invaluable...we hope to return the favor! ;)

Oh, and SABlair: you forward-thinking is in line with ours - the total cost, spread out over time, won't compare to the return on investment. As we grow with the Clavinova, the extra features would no doubt make a difference. The only kicker is the time-value relationship of the technology integrated into the Clavinova...just as our 6 month "new" Dell PC is already outdated, as "brand new" Dells are roll off the manufacturing line 30% faster and 50% less expensive! :mad: It's a love-hate thing.

We'll fill everyone in on the details post-purchase (or sooner if we hit a snag). Our apologies for all the smileys, but this has made our week!

Cheers for now.
TheRussells

[tomz17]

Originally posted by TheRussells
3. with the timely pricing comparison info that BlueMonkey provided, we're leaning towards a CVP-305 or CVP-307. Would you believe that we'll actually be passing through Jackson, TN on I40 within two weeks? What shipping costs? There won't be any if it all works out, as the Clavinova tags along for the ride! :eek:
[/B]

PS.. Make sure you measure your car... If i recall correctly, my 2000 Nissan Maxima (a normally very spacious midsize sedan) was just a few inches shy of fitting an unpacked 209 in the backseat..., and my girlfriends focus hatch didn't cut the mustard either...

[sablair]

Your best bet in transporting the CVP is to leave it in the box. It's the most compact and VERY well protected. The box measures 62" long x 28" high x 30" wide (I just went out and measured it in my garage....I hate to throw away boxes).

Weighs about 200 pounds. You'll need a van or pickup or SUV as a minimum. Assembly is no big deal, instructions are right on the outside of the box. Very straight forward and solid machine screw connections. I have several photos I took as I assembled mine.

If you want the dealer to install the USA Version Extras, they'll have to open the box and bring out the clavinova body, hookup a usb floppy drive, plug in the power cord, turn on the machine, then pop in the USA disk. Installs in about 2 minutes all by itself. Then have them put the main CVP body back in the box and you're set to go.

[pianogirl]

Hi, Russells!

Welcome to the board! I read your posts, and thought I'd tell you that I bought my CVP-307 out state, but not via the internet. I simply called around to Yamaha Dealers fairly close to me and told them exactly what I was looking for and how much I was willing to pay. I had to call several. But the last one said "sure, we can do that."

They helped arrange financing, and when I could pick it up, all over the phone. The great news for me was because it was out of state, I didn't have to pay any tax. :D

We transported it in an Oldsmobile Sillouette van. We took the back bench seat out and one middle seat. We could easily have put in 2 CVPs with both middle seats out. Even though it was fully assembled. We even thought about transporting it in my Scion XB. I think it would have fit. But we didn't officially measure it because we wanted to be on the safe side.

pianogirl

[TheRussells]

Hey everyone, our thanks again for the additional info.

PianoGirl, both you and BlueMonkey both brought up a point that we thought was an already foregone conclusion - that authorized Yamaha dealers won't "deal" on the phone (at least this has been our experience here in Ohio up to this point). :confused:

Could you provide details on how you were able to do this? We just don't understand how! Out-of-state, non-internet, no sales tax, and financing to boot!? We're stunned. :eek: And how did your price stack up against the price list that BlueMonkey posted?

P.S. We have a truck for the pickup, so shipping a large heavy box wouldn't be a problem.

Cheers,
TheRussells

[bluemonkey]

TheRussells....

i decided how far i would be willing to drive, assuming i made a deal, and went to www.yamaha.com to use theire dealer locator. then, i just called each one and talked to the manager.

when i was told that they did not give prices over the phone, i told them i would have to travel too far just to get a price quote...so, no thanks. each time, that did the trick and i got my quotes. of the dealers i checked, jackson, tn and little rock, ark were the most helpful, friendly, and willing to negotiate.

i knew what i was willing to pay and asked them to give me their best price on cvp-30X. then i counter offerred below what i was willing to pay. ...and so on, until either agreeing or one of us saying no.

as for taxes...my understanding is that if you pick it up and take it with you, you have to pay state taxes in the state where you purchased the goods. but if you have it shipped, you may not have to pay state tax unless your home state law says you must.

best,

bluemonkey

[pianogirl]

bluemonkey,

I don't know how I got out of paying taxes. I certainly wasn't going to argue with this authorized Yamaha dealer. Especially since I was getting the deal of a life-time.

russells,

I got mine in Nebraska. All I did was ask them if they carried Yamaha Clavinovas, and they happily said, Yes ma'am! Then I told them exactly the model I wanted and that I knew how much I was willing to pay. All of them took the bait and asked what price I would pay. This tells me that these dealers were willing to deal over the phone if the price for them was right. Most said no way. But I found one that did. I almost gave up. I'm glad I didn't. If you are somewhat close to the state border, try that state. All they can do is tell you no. Let us know how it goes.

pianogirl:D

[bluemonkey]

hi pianogirl...

no offense intended, and i hope none taken. i would not argue with the dealer, either...let him pay any applicable taxes!

best,

bluemonkey

[pianogirl]

bluemonkey,

No offense taken. I actually meant it in a sarcastic/funny way. I meant that since Yamaha dealers act like they were God's gift to every piano customer (just like other types of salesmen); why bother reminding them that 'hey, shouldn't I have to pay taxes on this item?' Especially since it took so long to find a dealer willing to "deal".

I must have been at the right place at the right time.

pianogirl ;)