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Yamaha TC3 pianos introduced at The 2023 NAMM Show. Yamaha has expanded its range of TransAcoustic pianos with the launch of the TC3 uprights. Like other products in the TransAcoustic line-up, these promise to give you the sound and touch of an acoustic piano but also enable you to mute or control the volume using digital technology.

Yamaha first introduced the TransAcoustic piano concept back in 2014, but with the TC3, it’s adding the technology to its b series, JU109 and UJ1 compact upright pianos. The system works by attaching a transducer to the soundboard, and is designed for those times when you need to practise quietly.

The transducer used here has been developed specifically for uprights; it converts digital sound information into vibrations and delivers them to the soundboard. This in turn vibrates and joins the resonance of the strings to turn the entire piano into a resonator. Digital sound sources can be used to produce “natural acoustic sound” from the body of the piano, meaning it’s possible to control the volume when playing without the need for headphones.

Yamaha has also included its Articulation Sensor System. This places sensors under all 88 keys, and these communicate wirelessly with the piano to create what’s said to be a more natural playing experience.

On the sound front, Yamaha’s Grand Expression Modeling technology promises to deliver rich tonal variation by detecting the force and acceleration of the keystrokes and changing the audio output in real-time.

In another nod to modernity, the TC3 pianos also include Bluetooth audio and MIDI for syncing with apps such as the Yamaha Smart Pianist.

Prices and release dates for the TC3 pianos are still to be mentioned, but you can find out more on the Yamaha website.

Roland’s “premier” GP digital grand piano range includes a $19,000 self-playing model, but there are cheaper options, as well.

The GP-6, GP-9 and GP-9M join the super-compact GP-3

Roland Corporation today has introduced its full line-up of flagship GP digital grand pianos, which are designed to look as good as they sound. We’d already seen the ultra-compact GP-3, and this has now been joined by the GP-6, GP-9 and GP-9M.

The GP-9 and GP-9M sit at the top of the range, coming in large cabinets that are finished in either high-gloss ebony or polished white, features the ‘Piano Reality Concert modelling’ represents Roland’s latest technology and is designed to emulate every element of an acoustic piano – from the soundboard material and frame to the strings, hammers and more.

GP-9 and GP-9M offer unlimited polyphony, notes and resonances, a progressive hammer action keyboard with escapement, hybrid wood/moulded key construction with Ivory Feel, and advanced acceleration sensing technology for accurate detection of the subtlest playing nuances.

You even get haptic feedback from the keys that’s designed to emulate the physical resonances of an acoustic piano’s body, along with “high-performance” sustain, soft and sostenuto pedals with a weighted feel and damper modelling.

Careful attention has also been paid to the sound system, which promises multi-channel amplification, premium audio circuitry and advanced sonic processing to create an immersive, surround experience.

The guts of the GP-9 and GP-9M are the same, but the latter model is notable for its self-playing key function. It also comes with pro-level audio outputs and a mic input that enables you to sing along through the onboard speaker system.

The GP-6 is the mid-level piano in the range but, you still get the Piano Reality Premium modelling sound engine and keyboard and unlimited polyphony, and even though the cabinet is smaller, we’re still promised amazing sound.

GP-6 and GP-9 will be available this month priced at $6,300 and $11,000 respectively. The GP-9M will be available in May priced at $19,000, while at the other end of the scale, the GP-3 is available now at $4,000.

Find out more on the Roland website.

As mentioned earlier, we are in favour of digital piano manufacturers taking a few risks with their designs including Donner and Casio for their recent efforts – so we are fully onboard with what Roland has done with its new concept model.

Unveiled as part of the company’s ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations, this has a one-piece wooden body that incorporates Japanese oak, and was created in collaboration with Japanese furniture designer Karimoku. There’s what appears to be a clamshell lid, which lifts up to reveal a display.

The combination of classic materials and innovative design is no coincidence, as it plays on the fusion of past and future that Roland wants to highlight during its half-centenary year. The wooden body promises to help deliver truly resonant piano tones from the speakers, which Roland says are powered by its latest technology. The company also claims to have come up with a keyboard that offers “a touch that’s more natural and responsive than ever before”.

Since the release of the company’s first electronic pianos, the EP-10 and EP-20, back in 1973, Roland has been a consistent innovator. In 1974, the EP-30 became the world’s first touch-sensitive electronic piano, while more recent breakthroughs include 2009’s V-Piano  and the Facet concept grand piano from 2020.

The new piano joins Roland’s Jupiter-X 50th anniversary model in its celebratory concept line-up. Announced in May and featuring a fully black keyboard with gold accents, this is based on the standard Jupiter-X synth.

There is also the D-Flux concept electronic drum set, a decades-hopping electronic drum set that bears more resemblance to Roland’s early electronic kits than the V-Drums we know and love from today

Perhaps, as you might expect, neither of these keyboard instruments is available to buy, but you can find out more about them, and Roland’s history of developing pianos and synths, on the Roland website.