Acoustic Tranquillity
The sound of hammers striking strings, resonating through solid spruce. Warm vibrations that illuminate a room, leaving its audience enchanted. The natural voice of an acoustic piano is truly unmistakable.
A fine piano entices musicians to perform with spontaneity and passion, yet such unbridled expressiveness may not always be appropriate. Indeed, in certain environments, an acoustic piano can prove disruptive; the diligent tones of children practising scales are unlikely to be welcomed by other family members wishing to watch television, while even the most gentle, soothing chopin preludes have the potential to irritate neighbours if performed after an acceptable time.
Fortunately, AnyTimeX instruments incorporate an acoustic muting feature with powerful digital audio components, allowing pianists to continue enjoying the distinctiv feeling of a traditional piano, while listening discreetly using private headphones. Exceptional touch, optimum responsiveness, digital flexibility: The new range of AnyTimeX hybrid pianos from KAWAI.
Tone
With the acoustic components muted, KAWAI AnyTimeX pianos employ a unique digital technology, developed and refined at the Shigeru Kawai Research & Development Laboratory in Ryuyo, Japan, calling upon the finest hand-crafted KAWAI EX Concert Grand piano to deliver an unmistakably warm, authentic tone. Placed inside a purpose-built anechoic chamber, free of audio reflections, the rich sound of this world class instrument is meticulously analysed and recorded by our Master Piano Artisan pioneers. The acoustic portrait of each note is later transformed into a highly precise three dimensional digital representation, employing KAWAI's proprietary Harmonic Imaging™ technology. This unique process faithfully reproduces the broad dynamic range of the original grand piano, while also providing the source for a rich selection of additional high-quality instrument sounds.
Exclusive Ultra-Responsive Action
Kawai's "Ultra-Responsive Action" stands alone in providing the finest combination of strength, stability, precision and reliability. Hammer heads are made with 100% premium wool felt. To make the action resistant to climatic and seasonal changes in temperature and humidity, we pioneered the use of aluminium action rails, aluminium hammer rest rails and precision parts made of extremely stable, low-friction ABS Styran.
IHSS Sensor System
A fine acoustic piano entices musicians to perform with enthusiasm, spontaneity and passion. Yet, the satisfaction that one enjoys when hammers strike the strings is often diluted by traditional piano silencing techniques. Sensors located below the keyboard struggle to accurately interpret the subtleties of musical expression, which is why AnyTimeX pianos integrate sensors within the fine workings of the piano action, reading the precise movements of each hammer. Whether performing rapid passages that demand the same key be played repeatedly before returning to its natural starting position, or pianissimo pieces desiring the very softest of key strokes, the Integrated Hammer Sensing System (IHSS) represents the elaborate nuances of every note. Pianists can finally enjoy the convenience of absolute privacy, without sacrificing the responsive touch and authentic expression of a traditional acoustic piano.
Digital Convenience
KAWAI designers believe that the conspicuous presence of modern technology diminishes the enjoyment of playing and listening to a traditional acoustic instrument. The AnyTimeX control box is therefore discretely placed below the keybed, providing convenient access to useful functions without devaluing the piano's appearance. The GM-10 ATX model features an innovative slide-out control panel, with a gentle push revealing an LCD display and array of function buttons. Digital operation greatly extends the capabilities of the AnyTimeX piano beyond that of a traditional acoustic instrument, with convenient transpose and tuning facilities, a metronome and song recorder, and a selection of high fidelity sounds suitable for various musical occasions. Dual headphone sockets provide greater flexibility for academic institutions, while MIDI and Line-Out connectors allow a range of creative music-making opportunities.