Much like "Hoover" became synonymous with vacuum cleaners, "Clavinova" is the staple name for digital pianos. In 2020, Yamaha gave its flagship product, the Clavinova, a rejuvenating makeover via the CLP-700 series, especially in the grand piano department. The distinguished CLP-745 model shown here comes with a choice of finishes - which also affect the final price. Those seeking even more enhanced features, such as more powerful speakers or absolute top-of-the-range keyboard mechanics and advanced editing options, should opt instead for the CLP-775 or even the CLP-765-GP (GP standing here for Grand Piano, i.e. "baby grand" format). Additionally, Yamaha offers more affordable Clavinova models, for those who won’t need as many "bells and whistles".
The Yamaha CLP-745 features the exceptional "Grand Touch S" keyboard, an 88-key marvel that faithfully replicates the dynamic range and nuanced response of an authentic grand piano. Crafted with precision, each white key is fashioned from solid wood, and features a sophisticated double escape mechanism that imitates the hammer rebounding off piano strings. The black keys are made of synthetic ebony, which further elevates the realism and refinement when playing. Among the modelled pianos are the illustrious Yamaha CFX and the equally famous Bösendorfer Imperial, both meticulously captured in binaural audio for complete authenticity, in the best conditions possible. Two fortepiano options, named "Mozart" and "Chopin", faithfully reproduce the distinct sounds of pianos from the 18th and 19th centuries - and 34 more voices are included, spanning a broad range of acoustic and electric pianos (and more). Bluetooth connectivity is supported, allowing the transmission of both MIDI and audio signals with ease.
A versatile digital piano with advanced capabilities, the CLP-745 is tailored for both novice and seasoned pianists seeking excellence from a digital piano in terms of touch, sound, and expressiveness. Backed by a five-year warranty (subject to registration), it exemplifies Yamaha's renowned reputation and will appeal to a very wide audience. This model boasts four dynamic 50W speakers for optimum sound reproduction, in line with the CLP-700 series, and features sustain, sostenuto, and soft pedals, dynamically controlled to enable advanced techniques such as half-pedalling. The CLP-745 is equipped with two USB ports ("To host" and "To device") as well as a MIDI interface, thus facilitating seamless connectivity to computers or other compatible devices.
For decades, Yamaha has been one of the world’s best-known manufacturers of musical instruments and audio technology. The Japanese company’s long history began at the end of the 19th century with the harmonium. The product range has constantly expanded since then, which has made Yamaha one of the few manufacturers today to offer almost the entire range of existing musical instruments: From upright and grand pianos to guitars, wind instruments, and bowed string instruments and from drums and percussion to electronic keyboards and synthesizers. Yamaha is also a major force in the field of audio engineering as a manufacturer of mixing consoles, amplifiers, PA systems, and more. Yamaha's guiding principle is to combine traditional craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology.
The Yamaha CLP-745’s touch sensitivity curve can be subtly tuned - from "soft" to "hard", with the flexibility of a customisable "medium" between. Opting for a fixed velocity value ensures that the volume output remains constant and is unaffected by the force of the key strikes. The CLP-745 features a stereo auxiliary input via a stereo mini-jack connection (for playing a backing track, for example), two auxiliary outputs, and dual headphone jacks – which are ideal for late-night duets and practice sessions. Sounds can be layered simultaneously or split across the keyboard, with one sound for each hand. The "Duo" mode divides the keyboard in two, but keeps the same octave range on each side to facilitate teacher/student scenarios.