New Casio Grand Hybrids launched

Casio held a big bash in Berlin to launch two new hybrid digital pianos based around a new enhancement of its AiR (Acoustic and intelligent resonator) technology. 

Available from October, with RRP ranging from £1,499 to £2,999, the GP-500BP and GP-300 head up the new Celviano Grand Hybrid lineup, which combine the advantages of both digital and acoustic pianos and are designed to deliver an experience like that of a grand piano, including the tone, keys, and playing comfort.

Casio has developed new AiR Grand Sound Source technology that mimics the sound and reverberation of a grand piano. It provides the sound profiles of three grand piano styles with a long history: the Berlin Grand; the Hamburg Grand and the Vienna Grand. The Berlin Grand sound was developed in collaboration with piano manufacturer C. Bechstein, which has a history of over 160 years.      

The pianos also feature a Grand Acoustic System that seeks to faithfully represent the sound of a grand piano as it emanates from above and below the soundboard. The system delivers three-dimensional sound with tonal elongation, expansion and depth.　

Another feature is the Natural Grand Hammer Action Keyboard which combines spruce wooden key material as used in C. Bechstein grand pianos, and a new action mechanism that delivers the right hammer movement, which has a big impact on the playing response of a grand piano. 

It is designed to allow the pianist to produce a more nuanced sound with a delicate touch that is essential for demonstrating the expressive power of the piano, while also enjoying reliable key response and supple playing comfort.

In addition, the firm announced the Celviano AP-700, which also features the newly developed AiR Grand Sound Source.