Hybrid piano
A hybrid piano is a musical instrument that is constructed as a hybrid of classical piano or grand piano technology and digital technology. Some manufacturers understand this to be a digital piano with a real hammer mechanism , but without strings . Other manufacturers use it to refer to the technology of an acoustic piano (in pianino or grand piano design) that has additional integrated electrical pickups (with preamplification) (1970s / 1980s) or integrated digital (piano) technology (since the 1990s) . This variant is also known as the Silent Piano . It is a compromise to combine the advantages of the acoustic piano (e.g. unlimited polyphony , sound rich in nuances and authentic feel, infinite dynamic resolution) with those of the electric piano or digital piano.
history
As early as the early 1930s , Professor Walther Nernst, together with the companies Bechstein (mechanics) and Siemens (electronics), developed an electro-acoustic piano known as the Neo-Bechstein or Bechstein-Siemens-Nernst grand piano, where the strings were struck with microhammers and the vibrations were inductively recorded with pickups , amplified with a tube amplifier (and influenced in terms of timbre ) and reproduced via loudspeakers .
"Live pianos" of the 1970s / 1980s
Since the early electric pianos did not have a piano-like sound, in the 1970s and 1980s the classic acoustic piano or grand piano technology was built into modern, lighter yet more robust housings that are also suitable for touring. The chassis of these devices was made of hard plastic and metal. Large resonance bodies were dispensed with in favor of electrical pickup. These devices were marketed as robust, "transportable" electric pianos with an authentic piano sound. The target group were professional (live) musicians from the rock, pop and jazz scene.
Due to sound defects, the still very high weight and the predominance of synthesizers , this genre was only able to establish itself for a short time and only in the professional field. Nowadays, these electric pianos are sought-after collector's items. Examples are:
- Yamaha CP-70, CP-80
- Kawai EP 308 (Grand Piano), EP 608 (Upright Piano)
Acoustic pianos with additional digital technology
Hybrid pianos from the 1990s and 2000s are marketed as acoustic pianos that allow (the ambitious musician / music student) to practice noiselessly for neighbors during the night. This is why some manufacturers use the term "Silent Piano". Since the chassis is a traditional piano body, these devices can only be used for home and studio use. Target group are v. a. Music students and studios.
In principle, every acoustic piano can be upgraded to a silent piano for an extra charge . The hammer heads are stopped in front of the strings and a MIDI signal is generated or a sampled sound output is generated by means of optical or piezoelectric sensors by a built-in digital piano .
The surcharge for the additional digital technology is 1400–2000 € compared to the acoustic basic model.
Examples:
- Kawai Anytime
- Kemble Silent Series (e.g. Oxford II, Windsor)
- Seiler DuoVox
- Mold TwinTone
- Yamaha Silent Pianos (e.g. V 118 N-TS E / P), Disklavier
Digital pianos with full hammer action
New developments want to combine digital pianos with a touch that is as true to the original as possible. One approach is to use a complete hammer mechanism in the devices, but to forego the strings. It can save the cost, weight and space for the complex string construction. Despite all the efforts of the manufacturers, the sound experience does not come close to the sound of conventional pianos, despite the 5-digit € prices.
Examples:
- Yamaha Hybrid Piano NU1; AvantGrand N1, N2, N3
- Kawai Novus NV10; Novus NV5
- Casio Grand Hybrid GP-500 BP
swell
- ↑ YAMAHA SILENT Piano System ( Memento from August 18, 2012 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ GT-O System TFT ( Memento from February 11, 2013 in the web archive archive.today )