Yamaha CLP-170

Beautiful Piano. I really enjoy how beautiful this piano plays! You can almost feel as if you are sitting at the keys of a full concert grand. The point I took off was for the menu. You only have a +/- for scrolling through presets. I use this piano sometimes for accomp. theater shows. It is used mostly as a piano instead of a senth.

The action on this keyboard is very good. The biggest feature no other keyboard of its kind offers is the iAFC. It is really wonderful. The presets are really nice, the guitar is probably the worst, but it isn't even that bad.

The sounds? Wow. I am an organist as well and playing a pipe organ is really as entertaining as playing this piano. The preset organ sounds are very nice! This is a must for shows!

So far, it has been really wonderful. It is mostly loud, it could fill a room better than those crappy $500 keyboards (duh). You could need an amp on a tour. And moving wise, you cannot tour with it unless you really want to. It is really 180 lbs. I would hands down use it in a theater production though. I am really a perfectionist when it comes to that.

Yamaha is really nice to work with. I called them with questions, i got answers.

Rating, if there was an 11, I would give it one. This keyboard is really for people who like playing, composing, and performing. I thought when I bought it that it was really expensive, but it really was a fantastic value!

Oh...this piano is sooo great!!..
Have had it for 3 weeks now. I'm using the preset grand piano 99.9% on this instrument and it sounds absolutely stunning. My impression is that most sounds are as good as they can possibly be.
iAFC is pretty impressive. The settings for this is the only parameters i've changed from factory presets so far.

My main intrest of this instrument was the keyboard quality and action and that's why i choose the 170 over 150.
I play 90% classic and 10% composition (pop).
I sold my old piano since it's hard to use as i want in my apartment. However i'm more than satisfyed with the keyboard. Keys have absolutely perfect weight, damping and springback feel for my taste. Well beyond my old acoustic. I'm now able to play really fast.
The onboard sequencer is very basic but i like the fact that i can very quickly record something if i improvise. Excellent!
For real editing i will use Steinberg anyway. Haven't used the MIDI interface yet. Maybe i can use the USB port instead?

It has 50 presets songs in ROM with a score book included, all with absolutely professional quality.
Most sounds are pretty impressive. It is also nice with the numerous XG instrument setup, but they sounds more simple.

If it will be lost i will buy it again. I have been playing for 30 years. Vital parameters for me are keyboard feel, keyboard feel, keyboard quality, overall build quality, finish and sound quality. I think Roland, Kawai and Technics couldn't really compare.

(the only s/w that comes with the unit)
The presets sound good to excellent. Many of the XG voices sound just great. On the whole, it's the best set of patches I've heard.
Can't edit the patches, as far as I know. The manual isn't as clear as it could be.

128 voices, I think, the action is excellent, just like a real piano. Some reverb is included which sounds good; the iAfc setting is just great - the piano sound like a real acousic piano, not like an electronic at all. Velocity sensitive keys do nicely when connected to a sequencer program via USB. No on-board sequencer.

Wonderful sound on the whole.

Too heavy to take on a gig (180 lbs). Great for home use, studio.

Tough to figure out who to call.

I'd definitely buy it again - wish I'd bought it sooner. I run it with a laptop and Band in a Box. Wish I could reprogram the preset voices to allow the XG voices to be available more quickly. The USB connection is a godsend.

This is a followup to a review below to help answer people's questions on connecting the instrument to a computer.



There are 3 ways to tranfer midi information between
your clav and the computer
1. To host cable
2. USB cable
3. Midi cables

there is a switch that allows you to select
between these three options on the clav

To host requires:
for MAC
mac cable that goes from the "to host" port to the
modem port on the computer (like a 56k dialup modem).
or
For PC
pc cable that goes from the "to host" port to the
serial port (d-sub 9 pin or dsub 25 pin) on the
computer.

USB requires:
a usb cable that goes from usb port on clav to the usb
port on the commputer.

Midi jacks require:
2 midi cables (in/out) that go to two midi ports on a
midi interface for your computer.


The above three connections are all MIDI conections,
not audio signal connections.

AUDIO:
There are stereo 1/4 inch TRS (tip ring sleeve) jacks
for outputing stereo audio signals. You can send these
signals to an audio sound card on your computer. Then
you will be able to use any software (that recognizes
the sound card) to record the audio signal.

NO CABLES ARE INCLUDED WITH THE INSTRUMENT.

there are some manuals on these sites:
Once there search for "the clavinova-computer connection".
http://www.yamahaclavinova.com/
http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/english





Example setup:
Here is how I'm setting my system up.

clavinova clp170

mac g4 1.25 dual processors OS9 and OSX bootable with
a superdrive for making backups to dvd disks which
hold gigs of information.

digi001 (www.digidesign.com) (midi and audio
interface)
fire wire drive (www.digidesign.com) (dedicated audio
drive)
(the above come with Pro Tools LE 6.0 software to
handle all midi and audio on the computer end)

600 AT4050 (Audio Technica studio vocal Microphone)
Mackie HR824 speakers (near field active reference
monitors)

Other stuff:
surge protector
2 midi cables
2 trs 1/4 inch cables
diffusers and absorbers
mic cable
akg knm210 mic stand

total cost: $7000 (us dollars).


you can do it cheaper with a PC, but there will be
more technichal problems.

I found the my new CLP to be very well laid out and designed to please any serious stundent of the piano. In fact this instrument is an excellent introduction into the electonic music field. The late jazz pianist Bill Evans (Conversations with Myself)probably would have loved this thing with it's ability to lay down multiple tracks and combine that with a convincing piano sound.

Overall I thought the CLP-170 was pretty easy to use. The trickiest part was figuring out how to edit the voice parameters. But once I had learned how to set the sounds, reverbs, panning, track volume etc. it was a real joy to make great sounding live performance or midi songs.

One of the reasons I got this piano is because of the great features which are not by the way "bells and whistles." The feel and keyboard action are very satisfying. The onboard XG synth sounds are excellent quality. The nylon guitar, vibes, and accoustic bass were very immpressive. Be sure to check out the "vibe rotor effect." It's a knock out. And let's not forget the onboard sequencer which makes this digital piano a wonderful tool for composition and practice.

Unlike the CVP series, the CLP does not come with auto-accompaniment. However I found Band 'n' the Box (PG Music) midi's work great with this unit giving me all the drum tracks that I need. The CLP's drums are very good sounding as well. I highly recommend using Band 'n' the Box with any Clavinova especially if you are a jazz musician.

There are a couple features missing that I like to see on this instrument:
(1) Dedicated midi-out channel routing for the song-player. If you have an external sound module, this would be great improvement. I would love to see such a feature on the CLP-170 where I can change midi channeling to local sounds or to external midi only.
(2)Mod wheel and pitch bender. Like 99.9 % of digital pianos, the CLP doesn't support these features. But why not? Real midi musicians love mod wheels! On the other hand Kudos for the foot-pedal inovations especially the pitch bender and rotary spk. toggle.

Overall the I love the sound and midi features.

The CLP-170's grand piano simulation is simply outstanding. Every serious piano student ought to have one. I think the iAFC feature really does bring more life into the sound, it's an improvement over standard reverb effects. Sampling the dynamic registers and damper pedal adds more realism to the piano. all this and you never have to call the piano tuner!

So far no problems.

Never called anyone yet.

Right now my concern is with the cat scratching the fabric on the speaker cabinet, the little rascal! But if it were stolen I would attempt to replace it as soon as possible. The experience of learning and enjoying the piano are of much greater value than the cost of the instrument. Meanwhile the cat goes to the pound (just kidding).

First off, I play classical piano music, so I can't comment on other sounds, PC connectivity, etc. Just the keys and the sounds mainly.

Very easy to use, just turn it on and play! I'm taking one point off because the options I sometimes want may be burried in the middle of 10 other options and you have to scroll past them all with A+/-. Needs a wheel for that.

Also, if you are playing a song from the recorder and you forget to exit the recording menu, you can't turn on the metronome for some reason. Maybe I just havn't understood it completely.

I think the manual is adequate, but not very detailed. Could be some in-depth about things like how touch sensitivity (light/medium/hard) relates to the touch (1-127) setting.

The action is quite good for a plastic action. Real acoustic keys are better (I have an acoustic to compare with), but these keys are the best I have tried on a digital in this price range. Yamaha GT-2's keys are better but they are also connected to a "real" action as far as I know.

The built-in effects are very good. I like the iAFC, but it seems you can't combine the three modes. Lots of options, and I think anybody needs to adjust the presets for one's personal tastes.

The sequencer seems a bit crude, but functional. I think professional users will hook it up to a computer anyway, but it's nice to have built-in.

I like the fact that it comes with, say, Chopin etudes (including very high quality sheet music).

The pedal is graded, which is very important.

It's the best digital piano I have heard, save the Yamaha GT-2 (which is three times more expensive). The sound comes very close to the real thing, but lacks punch in the bass, which is probably due to the speakers.

I'm still trying to set a really good touch sensitivity, but it seems nice to play. Very fast repetitions are possible.

The soundboard simulation is very good. The fact that a key sounds different when when sustained by the damper pedal than when just held down is VERY nice.

It seems very well built, solid, heavy. I have previously had a Yamaha P-100 which lasted well past 10 years even when heavily used, so I'm confident about the quality. I have only had it for a few days.

Never talked to them.

I think, for the price, it's an excellent instrument.

I have been playing classical piano music for about 5 years. I also have an acoustic upright but not for long. The CLP-170 is meant to replace it because of the cost-effeciency in the long run.

I love the looks, the solidness, the features.

Because I play Steinways and acoustic pianos often, I have to say that they feel different - the relation from the keys to the sound, but the simulation comes quite close. I don't hate anything on this piano. The iAFC system goes a very long way.


This piano is meant for me to practice on for the next 10 years. Then I will probably get a real grand piano, but it will be sufficient in the mean time.

I compared it to acoustics and the Yamaha GT-2, knowing that I couldn't afford the GT-2.

I wish it had a user group on the internet. Also, I wish it had a way of getting the sound output out digitally, perhaps through an ethernet connection so I could get an MP3 or OGG file saved directly to my computer.

Again, given the price, it's excellent!

Made to be a piano. Turn it on and go.
Saving midi recordings is easy.
The piano patch is the best I've ever heard with several samples per note one of which is the sound of the damper hitting the string when you let go of the key. Wow.
Manual is goofy. Might make sense after a few beers. But the keyboard is so simple I haven't used it much.

Polyphony is 128 and it's fun to hold down the pedal and strum it and listen to all the notes play (and resonate!!).
The iAFC effects are AWSOME. It calibrates the speakers for the accoustics of your room to get the most realistic sound. You can close your eyes and if you've got it set up correctly it comes pretty close to a grand piano (sound is all around you). Except it stays in tune.
Comes with a floppy for saving midi files and 1.5 megs of internal memory. It has all the ports to be a studio controller but NO aftertouch so you better have another little controller for your studio.
Arranging and track editing on the sequencer (16 tracks) is really a joke on this thing but that's not what it's for.
It's got an on board metronome that goes down to 10 bpm.
midi, 2 headphone jacks, 2 aux outs, a USB port, midi in/out/thru, and SP/HP control.
I give it good grades for everything it was made to do.
Took a piont off for lack of aftertouch.

Piano sound, once calibrated, with iAFC on, is the most realistic I've ever heard.
The action is great! slightly heavy and a little deep but rebound is fast and single note repetition is quick. Keys are slightly bouncy and soft when they hit bottom, not as hard as roland's. Just right for my tastes.
It's got velocity sensors that register the velocity of the strike on the way down AND the force with which strikes the felt. Very expressive.

Have only had it a month.
This is a piece of furniture. Put it in your studio or living room,
or your gym and bench press it.
(182lbs)
No gigging with this baby.

Haven't dealt with em yet.

If it were lost or stolen I would kill myself.
Would buy it again.
Have owned a home studio (cakewalk) controlled with an alesis Qs7 for 6 years. Been playing bebop and classical improv for 15 years.
I wanted something that I could really practice on and know that when I went to play on a concert grand my fingers wouldn't disintigrate.
Wish it had aftertouch.
If you are looking for a substitute for a grand piano this is it. The action and sound kick a significant amount of butt. I still can't believe what they do with the sound. Magic. Check it out in person. The back of the unit should be around 6 inches from a wall which it will use as a sound board. Did I mention how good the piano sound was?

OK.
A lot of the other preset sounds are lame but it does have:
A good Whaka Clav for doing funk.
A GREAT harpsichord.
Nice church organs
In its extended GM banks it has:
Some nice deep, warm bass sounds (nice fretless and standup).
Exellent sounding drum kits.
I believe (with a mac and protools) you could cut a CD using only the sounds on this keyboard and it wouldn't have that dead midi sound. With the exception of the guitar sounds. If you want this keyboard to make nice guitar sounds, plug a real guitar into it.

I will answer peoples' questions about it as long as my computer still works. You have 10 seconds.

Final Point: Get this if
1. you want the best grand piano sound out there (it will inspire you).
2. you want good action to practice on.
3. you want decent drums and basses for your studio recordings.
4. you are ready to go broke and live with your parents.

Do NOT get this if:
1. you are into editing patches and sampling and geeking out.
2. you've gotta have aftertouch.
3. you expect to do all your arranging and sequencing on board.
4. you are ALREADY broke and live with your parents.

The basic functions are pretty easy to use. If you want to play the piano or another preset instrument, just push the button and you're at it. It gets worse when you want to use the sequencing functions. You'd better use a computer sequencing software. The connections are quite easy to make.

128 notes of polyphony is quite enough for me. The keyboard action is very reallistic although a little hard compared to some actual accoustic pianos. But it gives you good, strong fingers.
I bought this clavinova for its piano sound and key action as well as its connectivity capacities that are quite good.

The grand piano is the moste realistic piano sound i've ever heard in digital pianos. The vitual soundboard gives it even more depth. It simulates grand piano strings and soundboard pretty well. Clap your hands close to it and you'll hear reverbaration in the strings... !!!I was surprised by the harpischord sound which is almost as realistic as the grand piano. The negative point is that the key action is not intended to simulate harpischord touch.

I don't know about that. I'm confident in the Yamaha Clavinova's reputation of extremely good reliability. I've had my piano for only two weeks.

I have not dealt with customer support yet.

I've tried every digital piano of the same category. This is, for me the best one. Rolands are good but the sound is to lignt and the key action not hard enough (it's a matter of taste I know). Technics sound very well, good key action too but too much expansive for an equivalent Clavinova.