Yamaha AvantGrand NU1XA

Upright Style, Grand Spirit

The NU1XA utilizes a complex and elaborate upright piano action mechanism that transmits the delicate movements of the keys to the hammer. It responds accurately to the subtlest nuances and expressive intentions of the player, including delicate performance techniques such as trills and continuously repeated notes. In addition, the keyboard is made of wood, just as with an acoustic piano, providing a solid, natural response.

Remarkably Detailed Expressiveness

The NU1XA features our newly developed Articulation Sensor System, which accurately and continuously captures the pianist’s subtlest performance nuances, through non-contact electromagnetic sensors and Yamaha's proprietary algorithm. This system utilizes two separate sensors on each key: one for the hammer—the most crucial part of the acoustic piano sound mechanism—and the other for the key itself, to precisely measure the movement of finger release and articulate exactly the special nuances when the sound stops. Together, they fully capture the most delicate expressions of the player.

GrandTouch™ Pedals

The damper pedal on a grand piano responds with slightly different resistance to the player’s foot, depending on when the pedal is pressed, when it begins to have effect, and when it is held down. Skilled players generally pedal while feeling these subtle differences in resistance, and add their own delicate variations to the tone and sound. Moreover, when the pedal is released, there is a different change in resistance than when being pressed. The GrandTouch™ Pedals feature adopts a fulcrum structure similar to that of a grand piano, delivering the same expressive and familiar pedal-pressing feel, and further expanding the performance range.

Resonance That Fills the Performance Space

The very moment the hammer strikes the strings, the sound is immediately heard by the performer, and at the same time, the entire instrument resonates, filling the room with gorgeous sound. In order to faithfully reproduce this unique sonic experience created with a grand piano, the NU1XA employs a new sound system. It features upward-facing woofers that deeply resonate throughout the instrument and tweeters with a newly designed horn structure that resonate in the high frequencies with the front and back of the instrument. Together with these synergistic resonance effects, the tonal quality and sound projection gives the player meticulous real-time control over the sound as they perform, resulting in an amazingly realistic grand-piano-like sound that expands three dimensionally throughout the performance space.

Virtual Resonance Modelling

Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM) technology faithfully reproduces the extraordinarily complex resonances in a grand piano that are created by the sympathetic vibration of the strings and soundboard. These sympathetic tones are added corresponding to the timing and intensity of your keystrokes and pedaling—expanding your palette of tonal colors for even greater expressive variety.

Grand Expression Modelling Technology

Acoustic pianos have an intricate assembly of internal mechanisms, including hammers, dampers, and strings, that elaborately interact with each other as they respond to the delicate variations in the player's touch. Grand Expression Modeling technology accurately simulates this complex interplay between player and instrument, reproducing the same limitless tonal variation of a grand piano. In addition to using your finger strength for expression, from playing a key to releasing it, you can also craft changes in timbre according to the speed and depth with which the keys are pressed—providing the enjoyment of a full-fledged performance where all the fine nuances you envision as you play are perfectly reproduced.

Two World-Renowned Grand Pianos In Just One Instrument

In order to satisfy the various expressive needs of the most demanding performers, the NU1XA incorporates the sounds of two globally acclaimed grand pianos, the Yamaha CFX and the Bösendorfer Imperial. The CFX is the pinnacle of Yamaha grand pianos possessing a wide range of dynamic tones from sparkling highs to profoundly deep bass, while the Bösendorfer's flagship Imperial model is known for its delicate tonal color and its warm Vienna sound. Play with the instrument sound you like, depending on the music you’re playing.

Extraordinarily Natural Sound

When playing the NU1XA with headphones and when you don’t want to bother anyone, such as at night-time, you don’t have to sacrifice any of the luxuriously rich piano sound. By using special microphones at the player’s position when recording the piano samples, Binaural Sampling technology effectively reproduces the sensation of hearing an acoustic piano in front of you as you play. The technology was used on both the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial Voices. The resulting sound is so natural and enveloping, you’ll forget you even have headphones on as you play.

Authentic Fortepiano Voices

The NU1XA features four additional piano voices that authentically reproduce the sound of the “fortepiano” from the 1700’s and 1800’s. These let you experience the characteristic sounds of the pianos of those eras in which famed composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin lived, and allow you to deepen your understanding of the composers’ intentions in the scores written during those times.

Attractive Design and Intuitive User Interface

By incorporating graceful curves from the side arms to the legs, the NU1XA evokes timeless beauty while radiating the elegance of an acoustic piano. Moreover, the height has been reduced allowing you to bring it into virtually any room without feeling cramped or confined. The shiny, mirrored key stop rail beautifully reflects your hands and the keys in the same way as a grand piano, adding a sumptuous visual presence and enhancing your performing pleasure.

The NU1XA has a beautiful yet unassuming touch-sensitive control panel that allows you to easily operate various basic instrument functions, including Voice selection, reverb adjustment, and metronome control. When not in operation, the display panel turns off and virtually disappears, making the overall appearance even more like an acoustic piano, further enhancing your piano-playing enjoyment.

Even More Musical Fun

Download the free Smart Pianist app to your smartphone or tablet, connect it to the NU1XA via Bluetooth®, and then enjoy the powerful functions and intuitive control you have over the various features and operations of the instrument—all while looking at your smart device’s screen. You can select the built-in Voices while seeing realistic illustrations of each instrument, as well as use the metronome and tuning controls with greater ease. The NU1XA is also compatible with Bluetooth® Audio. Wirelessly connect your smart device to the instrument and enjoy playing along with song data that streams from the device.

5 Year Guarantee

More than a promise! Register your AvantGrand Premium digital piano within six months of the date of purchase and receive a free warranty extension to five years.

FlowKey

Have you always dreamed of playing the piano or keyboard? Learn at your own pace and with your favourite music, thanks to Yamaha and flowkey – one of the most popular apps for learning to play the piano intuitively. With the purchase of a Yamaha digital piano or keyboard, you will receive three months of premium access to flowkey, including all songs and tutorials. After purchase, all you need to do is register the instrument on the Yamaha website. No payment information is required to register.

Specs