Clavinova impressions

Got a chance to play two different Clavinovas today; a 601B and a 705B.

Keybed wise they both seemed to play a bit better than my DGX650 but I couldn't tell a huge difference in touch from my DGX. Of course, I'm no expert.

Arranger wise, I didn't think they were any better than a basic Yamaha arranger. Not impressed at all in this regard.

Sound wise was another disappointment. I think the sound system in my DGX is as good as either Clavinova.

And again, I'm no expert, but I couldn't tell a huge difference in piano sound..Clavinova vs my DGX.

I may try to play a 609 or 709 if one becomes available.

I came away thinking Clavinova = lots of $$$ for little improvement over my DGX.

Espescially the 705 is a big step up when it comes to the keybed compared to the DGX, the 601 has the same keybed is guess as the DGX, the 705 would probably compare best to a psr s950 where it comes to the arranger part, but withouth the multipads

I've owned a Clavinova CVP307 since 2006. I did have a DGX but don't remember what model number it was. In my opinion with my experience with the 307 vs the DGX, there's no comparison. Not sure about the models you wrote about because I have never played either of them. At least the DGX action was closer to an arranger touch/action versus a piano.

As far as the CVP 307 it has Graded Hammer 3 (GH3) the key itself is made of wood with a synthetic covering. the GH3 swings back faster, like high quality piano keys. GH3 allows the player to feel the weight of the key when depressed a second time, even when the player has not completely released the key after the first push of the key and also performs as fast as an acoustic grand piano. Do a wikipedia search for the Clavinova it has some great info there.

The sound system of my 307 is far superior than to what my old DGX had:

Amplifiers and Speakers

Amplifiers 60W x 2 + 20W x 2
Speakers (16cm + 5cm + 3cm (dome)) x 2 + 10cm x 2

Here's a link to the CVP 307 now discontinued:

http://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical-instruments/keyboards/digitalpianos/cvp_series/cvp_307/

Another link below to a review posted by Tapas a SZ member, the thread is from 2004. Note his comment #2 about the CVP 307 and 309 comparing keyfeel/touch similar to a Steinway.

http://www.synthzone.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/131535/Yamaha_CVP_307_First_Impressio

A little OT, but my wife's CVP105 has to have the felt strips that dampen the key noise replaced. I understand this is a common fault of Clavinova's. Gaining access to the old strip in the keybed has stopped me, temporarily. Has anyone done it?