Dear Sirs,

Question/ Some advice please. I've had my Clavinova now for nearly 15 years and wonder whether it needs a service after all this time?! It is used a lot but recently I find the G above middle C rattles slightly, especially if playing a trill, and its position is slightly below the level of the other keys. I would love to update it to a newer model but, unfortunately, that's not possible. Your help would be much appreciated.

Yours faithfully,

Betty Malyan (Mrs)
Answer/ Hi Betty
A 15 year old Clavinova is almost certainly in desperate need of a service. I am actually amazed there is only one rattly key after all this time.
I am not a qualified Clavinova repairer but it does sound like the rattly key is worn and needs a part replacing inside.

I recommend to call in a digital piano repairer. The only one I know is Dave Wiseman. I can't publish his phone number, but if you give us a call on 020 8367 2080 we will pass you his number.

Regards,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos

Further Comments/

Dear Graham,
 
Your answer has caused much laughter.  In previous years with a normal piano I had it tuned regularly of course but no mention is ever made of a digital piano needing servicing!!  Never even thought about it!  I have now obtained the telephone number of Dave Wiseman, but understand it was not possible to speak to you direct - so, in response to your request, yes I am quite happy for you to print my question & your reply on your website.
 
One quick question whilst writing - is there a lot of improvement in newer models?  I know I said in my email that I would not wish to purchase a newer model but I am amazed at the prices now.  Mine cost me £1500 in 1992 - it just shows how prices reduce as technology advances.  This Clavinova has done me well over the years.  I also have a DOM (Yamaha Disc Orchestra Module) which I connect to the Clavinova for recording on to floppies.  If  (!!) I were to buy a modern Clavinova would the floppies be useable with a newer model because, of course, this facility is now integral.
 
Thanks again for your prompt reply.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Betty Malyan 

Answer/ Hi Betty

Each new Clavinova model that comes out has slight improvements over the previous models be it in sound, touch, or functions.

However...

The improvement in newer Clavinovas over a 15 year period is INCREDIBLE!

If you pop down to your local piano shop and try these new models out, you will be amazed.

My background is with acoustic pianos and struggle to keep up with technological advances. I am not sure if your floppy discs will work with newer Clavs as they now come with in-built smart media or DVD's/CD players. Your local piano shop will know (should know!) the answer.

Regards,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos

Question/ Dear Graham,
 
First of all can I say thanks for all the advice and information on your website- it has been a great source of really useful information.
 
I am currently shopping around for my first digital piano; I've been playing on an upright for years and am looking for some guidance as to which digital model you might recommend.
 
Having always played an upright, my key priority is the authenticity of the sound and the feel of the keyboard, with features such as digital connectivity of little importance for my needs.
 
Further, as a recent graduate living in a small London flat, compactness and affordability (my absolute top budget is around £700, although ideally I'm looking to spend as little as possible!) are also really important, although portability is not a concern.
 
From the Yamaha range, the only clavinova that is really small enough for my needs is the CLP-F01 which is unfortunately way out of my price range so I have been considering the models in the P-range as well as the YDP models (notably the YDP S-30  http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/uk/10_musical_instruments/50_clavinova/30_ydp_series/10_ydp_series/10_no_series/15_YDP_S30/index.html ) and the NP-30 from the 'portable grand' series.
 
From the Casio models I have been looking at the Privia range (which seems to represent great value for money, with loads of deals available from Internet suppliers and local retailers alike)
 
I have also been considering the Roland F-50 and FP-4.
 
Naturally, with such a limited budget and restrictions on size I appreciate that I cannot expect too much; I'm basically looking for something to use until I can afford (and accommodate!) an upright.
 
Any advice you could give would be hugely appreciated!
 
With Regards,
 
Jonathan Yong

Answer/ Hi Jonathan
If your key priority is the authenticity of the sound and the feel of the keyboard and your budget is up to £700, then I recommend the Yamaha CLP220.
Although it is not as compact as the Casio Privia pianos the sound quality is MILES better and the touch is 'almost' the same as an acoustic piano.

The Casio Privias - at first glance - do look like a wonderful deal, but, in my opinion, their sound is a little weak and the touch a little spongy.

The equivalent Roland models are FAR to expensive in my opinion and the Yamaha YDP range doesn't have the same sound output of the CLP range -- this is mainly due to the speaker quality and wattage output.

If compactness outweighs sound and touch then go for the Casio PX700. Otherwise, there really isn't any other digital piano on the market that comes close to the Yamaha CLP220.

The CLP220 is currently £698. You can read more about it here: http://www.ukpianos.co.uk/yamaha-clp220.html

Regards,
Graham Howard
UK Pianos

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