Casio to Release Digital Piano with the Rich Expressiveness of a Grand Piano

■Grandphonic Sound System: Delivering a natural sense of authenticity and sound dimensionality (AP-750)
The upgraded four-channel eight-speaker configuration delivers a natural and authentic experience of being immersed in sound, which has been unattainable with a conventional two-channel stereo system. Additionally, the system employs a new construction, with the sound pathways and sound-reflecting components housed internally. This design minimizes the incongruous impression that the sound is emanating directly from the speakers, creating a more natural acoustic space where users can feel delicate overtones and expansiveness as if a grand piano were right in front of them.

■Two types of sound sources recreate the rich, beautiful resonance of a grand piano
The AiR Grand Sound Source employed on the AP-750 provides the sound profiles of three grand pianos with a long history. Of the three, the Berlin Grand sound was developed in collaboration with piano maker C. Bechstein. The Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source employed in the AP-550 and AP-S450 realizes tonal changes based on the way the keys are pressed and the passage of time to capture the characteristically sophisticated expressive power of a grand piano.

■Classical Piano Repertoire tones: Select optimal tones for each musical genre (AP-750)
Performing classical music demands a diverse range of expressive techniques taking into account the specific characteristics of the genre of each piece. The new piano provides a special selection of 10 Classical Piano Repertoire tones developed based on analyses of different genres’ characteristics, including considerations such as the tone quality and string resonance, as well as the player’s touch and playing techniques. Users can select the optimal tone for the genre of each piece they perform, making it easy to enjoy experiences of a diversely varied range of classical piano styles.

■Keyboard design with the playability and expressive power of a grand piano
The hammer action mechanism and key counterweights deliver the feel and playing comfort of a grand piano. Combined with the original digital control technologies, this enables richly expressive performances down to the finest touch sensitivity. In addition, the white keys feature a hybrid construction of resin and spruce wood, which is also used for grand pianos. With meticulous attention to the feel of the keys as well, surface finishing is applied to create white keys with the look and feel of natural ivory and black keys with a texture evoking real ebony.

■Pedals recreate natural sounding tonal changes to offer more expressive performance potential
All three models feature a continuously variable damper pedal, and the AP-750 features a continuously variable soft pedal as well. Additionally, the pedals are configured with a form and spacing based on grand piano design to enable precision control and subtly nuanced expression of the tonal changes and resonance that characterize classical piano performance.

■Visual Information Bar: Real-time visual display of piano performance status
A glossy panel on the front of the keyboard illuminates to visually convey information such as keystroke velocity and the amount of pedal depression. The feature provides real-time display of users’ playing status to help users be even more mindful of the dynamics of their playing or tendencies while performing, and help them develop advanced performance skills on their own.

■Instant RePlayer: Providing handy continuous recording
This function automatically starts performing continuous recording when keys are pressed or pedals are operated. Users can easily replay passages they wish to listen back to right away, while concentrating on their playing, without having to concern themselves with recording their playing.

■CASIO MUSIC SPACE: A dedicated app making it easy to change piano settings
The dedicated CASIO MUSIC SPACE app syncs with digital pianos via Bluetooth®, allowing the Instant RePlayer function to be operated on a smart device, as well as to change settings, including the tone and the keyboard’s touch response. This connectivity opens the door to a diverse range of ways to enjoy music as well, such as by playing a favorite piece of music through the piano’s speakers via Bluetooth® and playing along to it.