Yamaha Clavinova CLP-735R Digital Piano (Rosewood)

When Yamaha boldly state that ‘Digital Never Felt So Grand,’ in the case of the Clavinova CLP-735, they’re not overstating. Overflowing with functions, this innovative digital piano adds multiple dimensions to the playing experience. The installed GrandTouch-S keyboard offers 88 keys that give the player the constant feeling that they are in absolute control, while Real Grand Expression technology shapes an astoundingly authentic sound. This is partly supported by the innovation of Grand Acoustic Imaging which cleverly uses the natural acoustics of the Clavinova itself to boost the realism of the playing experience.

The Yamaha Clavinova CLP-735: Binaural Samples
The Clavinova CLP-735 expertly mimics the dynamic range and tonal variations of the Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand pianos. It manages to do this using ‘binaural sampling’. These are samples with a kind of three-dimensional stereo shaping that serves to fill the sound with more space. While this is first time that binaural samples of a Bösendorfer have been used within the Clavinova 700 Series, the CFX binaural samples included with this model have been upgraded. Binaural samples are particularly beneficial for pianists who enjoy playing wearing headphones since they’re better able to conjure a feeling of space while limiting the listening fatigue that often follows hours of practice. Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM), meanwhile, simulates the resonance and various mechanical sounds of a real acoustic piano so that you truly have the feeling of sitting at a genuine upright.

Digital Effects, Rhythms, and More …
Comprehensive samples of two classical piano fortes have also been included to support the distinct sound required to play classical compositions from the 18th and 19th centuries with accuracy. Effects including reverb, chorus, brilliance, and ‘piano effects’ have also been provided to further enhance the sound, alongside a bank of 21 demo songs, 50 piano songs, and 303 built-in lessons. Up to 16 tracks can also be recorded, one of 20 rhythms can be selected, and an on-board USB Audio Recorder can be used for playback as well as for making WAV recordings.

Stereophonic Optimizer
This already accomplished digital piano also comes supported by a Stereophonic Optimizer that’s able to adjust the spatial definition of the audio to conjure a kind of ‘surround sound’ effect. This sounds particularly stunning when wearing a good pair of headphones, and since the CLP-735 also comes fitted with not one, but two headphone outputs, this is the ideal instrument for playing together in silence or for more private lessons. Unplug the headphones, and two 16cm speakers and two 50 Watt amplifiers are activated for accurate audio reproduction. Even if you’d prefer to play using your own samples via something like a laptop, this has been made possible by the inclusion of a USB to Host and USB to Device port. And, to finish, a clear yet subtle LCD screen has been fitted so that the various menus can be navigated with ease.