Digital Acoustic Hybrid Technologies

 

Digital Acoustic Hybrid Technologies

Since the development of the first digital piano, instrument makers have strived to create an instrument that could provide the experience of playing an acoustic grand piano. For years, Casio has refined its technologies with this goal in mind. Casio derives a significant advantage in reaching this goal since it does not manufacture acoustic pianos. This position has allowed Casio to research the finest acoustic pianos from around the world and develop groundbreaking music technology that recreates the piano experience. The result is a revolutionary line of digital pianos. These digital pianos incorporate tones developed from three world-famous grand pianos, a keyboard system employing the same materials and dynamic mechanisms as grand pianos, and a sound system that delivers the rich, natural tone quality and sound field of an acoustic grand piano. Casio’s CELVIANO Grand Hybrid represents this convergence of acoustic and digital technologies.

 

With the new GP-510BP and GP-310BK/WE, Casio has succeeded in expanding the range of musical expression even further. This is the crystallization of 40 years of instrument making at Casio.

 

Three Legendary Pianos.
Their individual character and
tone faithfully recreated.

 

CELVIANO Grand Hybrid reproduces even the subtle nuances of the world’s most respected pianos.
Three pianos that originate in Berlin, Hamburg and Vienna were chosen for this project.
CASIO has painstakingly researched and analyzed the unique characteristics of each piano.
CELVIANO Grand Hybrid delivers brilliant sound of these pianos reproduced with CASIO’s advanced technology. It will provide the experience of owning three of the finest pianos on earth.

The AiR Grand Sound Source recreates the grand piano sound experience

 

CASIO’s AiR (Acoustic and intelligent Resonator) Grand Sound Source is designed to meticulously convey every aspect of the grand piano sound. Smooth dynamics between soft and loud playing are made possible with CASIO’s Multi- Dimensional Morphing technology. Damper and sympathetic string resonance is also faithfully recreated. Even the mechanical sounds of the grand piano are also provided to create a deep sense of realism. Press the damper pedal, and hear the sound of the felt as it lifts away from the strings. Completing the experience, you can even adjust the lid position, which will affect the acoustics of the piano as if you had adjusted the lid on an acoustic grand piano. Closing your eyes, you will feel like sitting at a 9-foot concert grand.

 

 


More natural sustain that improves chord resonance

 

More gradual decay of notes after sounding, individually optimized for each of the “Three Legendary Pianos”.

 


The new Grand Acoustic System delivers a more powerful and dynamic playing feel

 

Casio has developed a new dedicated speaker system for the CELVIANO Grand Hybrid that reproduces the characteristics of sound emanating upwards and downwards from an acoustic grand piano. This enables powerful and dynamic expression from rich, stately bass to bright mid-to-high sounds. The four-channel audio system incorporates six speakers, carefully positioned in a structural design that releases sound outward from the interior of the body. The system delivers the same sound field experience a player would enjoy while playing an acoustic grand piano.

Your performance demands
authenticity. It begins
at the first touch.

 

The player’s movement is transformed into music with many important factors. The most tangible factor is the keys.
CELVIANO Grand Hybrid delivers authenticity from the first touch.

 

The revolutionary Natural Grand Hammer Action keyboard is made with high-quality wooden keys. Its mechanism incorporates a hammer action that follows the same path of motion as in a grand piano. When the lid is lifted, you can see the hammers in motion through a clear panel as you play. Going beyond a standard acoustic mechanism, this action allows faster note repetition than acoustic pianos, while maintaining a true piano touch.

 


Hammer Action derived
from the response of a grand piano

 

To achieve the level of responsiveness of a grand piano, CASIO intensively researched the action of grand piano hammers. The result is a mechanism with the same principles as a grand piano. Using precise measurements in conjunction with wooden keys, this mechanism delivers the exact response you would expect when playing a concert grand. Every nuance of the player’s touch is conveyed.

 

 


Precision-made wooden keys,
faithful to traditional designs

 

The materials and manufacturing processes adopted to make the keyboard are those used for grand pianos. Higher-quality wood was carefully chosen, dried, machined and finished. The finish was completed at the same level as acoustic grand pianos, providing a welcome and familiar touch. The feel of these keys contributes to players’ comfort and confidence.

 

The Grand Hybrid experience goes far beyond playing piano

 

Play a legendary space

 

CELVIANO Grand Hybrid includes a Hall Simulator featuring numerous world-class performance venues. Using advanced analysis and signal processing, CASIO has recreated the acoustic characteristics of renowned concert halls, opera houses, cathedrals and other performance spaces around the world. You can instantly select one of these settings, creating an immersive atmosphere for your performance.

 

Play with a symphony orchestra

 

CELVIANO Grand Hybrid’s Concert Play feature gives you the role of solo pianist with an orchestral performance. The sound system plays the orchestral part accompanying you. Works by Tchaikovsky, Pachelbel, Smetana and others are featured. The tempo of these pieces can be slowed down to facilitate practice.

 

Play a moment in time

 

The GP-510BP model has an additional feature allowing the player to design or select Scenes. You will enjoy customizing your own Scenes by selecting a type of piano, a Hall Simulation and any desired effects. CASIO has also created several inspirational preset Scenes. These thoughtfully designed examples let you interact with the history of piano music. Select the name of a famous composer, and you will be presented with an instrument customized to suit their music and a venue where their music might have been performed.

AiR Grand Sound Source

 

The CELVIANO Grand Hybrid incorporates AiR Grand Sound Source, a newly developed system using CASIO’s state-of-the-art sound technologies. It includes many impressive features. Multi-dimensional Morphing delivers smooth changes between soft anf strong playing. Acoustic Simulator reproduces the characteristics of sounds produced by acoustic grand pianos. The authenticity generated by the AiR Grand Sound Source ensures a pure piano experience.

AiR Grand Sound Source
Easily replicate the tones of the “Three Legendary Pianos”

 

AiR = Acoustic & Intelligent Resonator

The completely distinct essences and personalities of the Three Legendary Pianos, all in one, each at the touch of a button

Acoustic Simulator

 

Resonance System

 

The various types of resonance in a grand piano are crucial to the playing experience. The CELVIANO Grand Hybrid incorporates String Resonance, which exposes the harmonic relationships between various strings when keys are struck. Also Damper Resonance reproduces the resonance occurring when a damper pedal is pressed. The GP-510BP is equipped with Open String Resonance and Aliquot Resonance functions for enhanced realism. Casio’s Resonance System reproduces the resonance of both the strings and sound board of a grand piano by selecting, controlling and synthesizing according to performance conditions.

 

Hardware Resonator

 

The unique Hardware Resonator synthesizes Damper, Open String and Aliquot Resonances to reproduce distinctive, individual sounds for all the respective 88 keys.

 

 

Action Sound System

 

A grand piano also generates several types of mechanical sounds, which are an important part of the playing experience. CASIO has sought to provide a more realistic simulation by reproducing the sounds of these mechanisms. Four types of operating sounds are included, and the volume of each can be set independently or turned off.

 

 

Key Off Simulator

 

The lengths of the lingering sounds produced by a grand piano vary depending on the speed at which players release their fingers after pressing the keys. In a similar fashion, Casio’s Key Off Simulator controls the length of these sounds based on the key’s release speed and delivers a natural decay of the sound. This enables players to express delicate nuances when playing staccato and legato.

 

 

Hammer Response

 

The timing of a grand piano’s sound varies subtly depending on which keys are being played, even when the keys are struck with the same force. To achieve optimal authenticity, CASIO has installed appropriate settings for each of the three grand piano tones. The sound production timing can also be adjusted to suit the player.

 

Grand Pedal System

By continuously sensing and detecting the position of the damper pedal, Casio’s Grand Pedal System enables fine-tuning of the damping volume and note length depending on the degree of pedal depression. In addition, the Half Pedal Position function permits adjustment of the depression position at which the damping effect comes into play accoridng to the player’s preference. For performances which utilize the soft pedal, the change in volume and characteristics of sound is extremely natural where the player can enjoy a wide range of expression when playing softly. The Action Sound System’s Damper Noise and Pedal Action Noise features reproduce even subtle operating sounds like those experienced with an acoustic grand piano.

*Pedal Action Noise : GP-510BP only

Grand Acoustic System

 

Casio has developed a new dedicated speaker system for the CELVIANO Grand Hybrid that reproduces the characteristics of sound emanating upwards and downwards from an acoustic grand piano. This enables powerful and dynamic expression from rich, stately bass to bright mid-to-high sounds. The four-channel audio system incorporates six speakers, carefully positioned in a structural design that releases sound outward from the interior of the body. The system delivers the same sound field experience a player would enjoy while playing an acoustic grand piano.

3D Acoustic System Envelops the Performer
Offers the player a “grand piano playing” experience

 

Thoroughly simulates how sounds emanate vertically and horizontally from a grand piano soundboard

  • Equipped with 6 speakers
  • Creates a 3D sound field simulating how sound reverberates off the piano lid and the floor
  • Delivers immersive sound, including sound that passes through the wooden keyboard like that of a grand piano

 

(1) The performer also hears sound that passes through the “real wooden keyboard” like that of a grand pian

(2) Efficient use of the sound from the back of the speaker

(3) Uses reflected sounds to create a sound field surrounding the performer

(4) Delivers a more powerful and dynamic playing feel

Improved overall sound using at downward-facing main speaker with excellent bass reproduction

– Dynamic expression from rich, deep bass tones to crisp mids and highs

– Creates a wider output range to achieve clear sound quality with minimal distortion

– Automatically adjusts output balance of upward- and downward-facing speakers depending on volume to create a more natural sound field

Adjustable Lid Posiotion

 

The CELVIANO Grand Hybrid’s design includes a top panel that can be manually raised and lowered. The lid’s position not only physically affects the sound coming from the upper speakers, but also works in conjunction with the “Lid Position” setting to accurately duplicate the characteristics of the adjustable lid on an acoustic grand piano.

 

Hall Simulator & Listening Position

 

Twelve types of Hall Simulator are included, each one based on careful analysis of the acoustic characteristics of a world-famous concert venue. Each space has a total of four Listening Position settings. For example, the pianist can simulate the experience of hearing the piano from a seat in the audience, as opposed to the playing position.

 

Lid Simulator

 

The volume and timbre of sound produced by a grand piano change depending on the degree to which the lid is open or closed. The Lid Simulator simulates these acoustic effects digitally. Pianists can select among four settings for opening and closing stages and enjoy playing music with the piano sound effect of their choice.

 

*The Lid Simulator’s setting value remains unchanged, regardless of whether the piano’s top board is open or closed.

 

The 4 stages of a grand piano’s lid opening and closing have been investigated and imitated.

 

Volume Sync EQ

Volume Sync EQ is especially useful for quiet playing at home and other times when you want to keep the speaker volume low. This function balances the sound at low volumes by adjusting the sound quality in the low and high registers. The result is a constantly pleasant playing experience, no matter where the volume is set.

When playing at low volume

When the piano is played at low volume, natural sound is maintained through compensation of the tone in the low and high ranges.

Headphone Mode

Headphone Mode automatically creates a spacious sonic image while wearing headphones, recreating the feeling of playing an acoustic piano. With the experience of wearing headphones significantly enhanced, pianists can enjoy playing naturally and feeling the sound field of a traditional grand piano.

 

The Perfect Combination of Innovation and Tradition

The Innovation

For 40 years, CASIO’s vision has always been the same – creating musical instruments that everyone can enjoy playing. Some notable milestones:

1980 CASIO produced first electronic keyboard
Casiotone 201

1991 “CELVIANO” series was introduced starting with AP-7
2003 CASIO established “Privia” line featuring PX-100
2015 CASIO presents “CELVIANO Grand Hybrid”
Since 1980, CASIO has been advancing technologies to develop unique musical instruments.
As of 2019, it is estimated that CASIO has sold over 89 million digital musical instruments all around the world.

The Future of Tradition

The rich history of piano spans over 300 years. It has been embraced around the world as a vehicle for artistic expression. The piano’s design has evolved over time, but the fundamental structure is still true to tradition. As a modern musical instrument manufacturer, CASIO desired the development of an instrument that could bring traditional piano to a new level. CASIO’s expertise in digital technology made it possible to create a new world of instruments. CELVIANO Grand Hybrid is a futuristic musical instrument with legacy of classic piano that will satisfy the most demanding piano purists.

Sound Development in Collaboration

The Berlin Grand sound was developed in collaboration with C. Bechstein. Casio sought a clear, balanced and elegant sound for CELVIANO Grand Hybrid. The D.282, C. Bechstein’s ultimate masterpiece, is the model Casio intensively studied to achieve the goal. Mr. Albrecht, CTO and Master Piano Maker at C. Bechstein, visited Casio R&D to supervise the sound development process through the final modification.

 

About C. Bechstein

Since Carl Bechstein founded the Pianoforte production facility in Berlin in 1853, the name C. Bechstein has stood for the highest class of upright and grand pianos. C. Bechstein pianos have been appreciated by many famous composers and artists for their finest quality of sound and touch for many years. In the 21st Century, C. Bechstein is still recognized as one of the world’s leading piano manufacturers.

Superior sound and a professional touch.
We believe we have crafted a sensational digital piano
we can be very proud of.

Werner Albrecht, CTO and
Master Piano Maker (Klavierbaumeister) at C. Bechstein

“CASIO is a very successful company in the field of electronic musical instruments.
C. Bechstein is Europe’s most important maker of high-end acoustic grand and upright pianos, with 160 years’ history and expertise in traditional craftsmanship. With their rich and noble tone, providing a wide range of tone colours and their professional and elegant touch, C. Bechstein pianos have continued to inspire and delight music lovers and famous artists around the world. We are confident that these two companies, by collaborating in a partnership that draws on their mutual experience, can create new digital pianos unlike anything we have seen before. For this project, we developed the tone colours for the CELVIANO Grand Hybrid “Berlin Grand” based on sampling of a C. Bechstein concert grand piano. At the same time, we focused our efforts on also achieving an excellent key action. Through this collaboration between CASIO and C. Bechstein, we believe we can take pride in having created a very competitive digital piano with excellent sound and a professional touch.”

Getting ever closer to perfection in collaboration with C. Bechstein.
There was no compromise in our development
process to evolve the distinctive character
of the CELVIANO Grand Hybrid.

Naoaki Ito,Sound Designer at CASIO

“The collaboration with C. Bechstein gave Casio an opportunity to discover the true beauty of traditional grand pianos. With greater understanding of their fundamental elements, we modified our approach to develop new instruments that are evolutionary steps forward from other digital pianos. In this challenging work, we experienced immensely exciting moments with many discussions. As the sound was expected to be perfect, we focused not only on the tone of each individual note but also reverberation in actual musical performances. After developing higher quality keys, we worked to create a mechanism that responds to the subtle nuances of a player’s touch. The superior feel of CELVIANO Grand Hybrid is the result of our work with a persistent attitude without compromise.

We are proud of the high praise that CELVIANO Grand Hybrid has earned from so many people, but we weren’t yet satisfied with what we’d achieved and have further refined these qualities in the development of GP-510BP and GP-310BK/WE. We hope everyone can try CELVIANO Grand Hybrid and enjoy the experience.”

[Data] Concert Play Expanded Song Data

* These files are available for only customers who purchased the instruments included in “Supported Models”.

Supported Models

GP-510BP, GP-310BK, GP-310WE, AP-710, GP-500BP, GP-400BK, GP-300BK, GP-300WE, AP-700

Download
Celviano Grand Hybrid SKUs

GP-510BP

GP-310BK

GP-310WE

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