Kawai Novus NV5 Hybrid Piano Review | Helpful Buyers Guide

[@davidleyland3170]

I took delivery of a NV5S from Bonners last week. I bought it sight-unseen as they are in such demand that they don't seem to get as far as the showroom. Fortunately Bonners had one in stock so I took a deep breath and bought it online. It is absolutely brilliant. If you're looking for a digital hybrid upright then you will not be disappointed.

[@HelenClarkePianist]

Thank you for letting me play the nv5s yesterday, I really love this piano and am thinking of buying one for filming on, the staff were so helpful ❤

[@svensmusicrelaxationandvis3988]

The first time I've played this instrument I literally had tears of joy in my eyes and I was so astonished by the feel and sound. As a student I don't have the money for it yet, but who knows, maybe in the future. Thanks for the great review and the gorgeous playing. :))

[@franquitofrankilopez]

yo tengo el roland gp3 la pulsacion es verdad que es mejor porque es hibrido pero el roland gp3 tiene tambien muy buen tacto , en sonido no tiene mucho que envidiar suena realmente increible , y el precio es 3 veces menos , mira lo , yo lo tengo y estoy encantado, además lo puedes poner donde quieras no solo pegado a la pared, si es verdad que tuve que tratar el sonido en piano designer un poco , alguna nota pero una vez echo , el gp3 es una maravilla , roland a cambiado totalmente

[@teacherbentley3726]

Hello, Is there any chance of a comparison video on this and the NU1X? Thanks

[@naturalrestingface4909]

I was hoping to buy the CS11 and now I'm thinking this! Luckily I like beans on toast.

[@jorgflosdorff4782]

Cook the beans for listeners and ask for donation. They will donate far above average.

[@davidhamtaro]

In my 30+ years of piano playing I’ve never experienced pedal “vibrating” from the vibration of sound board. I’ve played so many makes and models, pianos from China, Japan, Korea, Indonesia, UK, Germany, US, from Pearl River to Fazioli to Steinway. If you can feel pedal vibrating that’s a major flaw in its design and construction.

[@maximusheronimus23980]

What an epic video ! one of the best demonstrators, GREAT sound and quality of video... ( unsubcribed a lot of channels because of lack of quality)

[@vacation_generation]

What a beautiful warm and rich sound.

[@michaelsmith697]

I agree! But it doesn’t seem to have the “grunt” of a concert grand even though the sounds are sampled from one the SK concert grand

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

Appreciated the part where Tony shares his personal opinion. Waited a long time to see this piano released. Excellent video!

[@GOLTSYNTH]

I’ve been waiting for you to review this one. I’ve had my eye on the NV5 since the announcement. The NV10 is not compact enough for me and I prefer the NV5 soundboard to the NV10 speakers. I really like the Kawai upright actions, I don’t think many people realise how playable they are. As a compact digital piano the NV5 has everything I ever wanted. If I was in the UK I would have bought one from you already! I even emailed Kawai Australia a month ago to ask when we would get one, but no reply. It’s so frustrating. Still none is stock down here.

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

I agree about the Kawai upright actions. I've tested the Millenium 3 action and it felt great! Even the Ultra-Responsive action found in their K15 acoustic upright felt very good. Anyway, can't wait to try the NV5.

[@AmeliaStarVlog]

Thank you! You bellissimo plays!

[@pskertchly9576]

Brilliant review!

[@keska01]

What do you think in terms of playability, sound and realism compared to the new CA 99 ?

[@jamesid2846]

Always such great videos! Background music is off putting though lol Oh and please PLEASE do a NU1X comparison video! :D

[@1975Stevo]

Brilliant video. Fantastic piano. Excellent supplier. Ordered from Bonners today

[@quananginh9446]

Knowing that the sound is digital, but somehow these hybrid pianos sound so much better than the digital pianos (such as the CA901). This NV5 sounds much more closer to an acoustic piano.

[@cyrw]

I can get the Nu1x new in my country for 2000 GBP less than the NV5. Is the NV5 that much better?

[@av-uc4vx]

Wéll done Tony!!!

[@franquitofrankilopez]

Tenía mucha ilusión en probar este piano. Porque el sonido era muy bueno en you tuve. Lo probé hace unos meses. La pulsación no me gustó muy blanda y el sonido no era lo que sonaba en you tuve. Tendré que escucharlo de nuevo porque la verdad que me lleve una desilusión.

[@michaelsmith697]

That is one really nice digital piano! How does it respond to Rachmaninov and Chopin?

[@chanyou9567]

Does the actions/touch require regular regulation like normal acoustic piano?

[@roda-694]

What is the name of the song from 7 minutes onwards??

[@andreasd.5649]

Can someone tell me what the piece of music is called at the beginning? Are there piano notes for this?

[@flugelberger]

Is the Milton Keynes store open now? The website still says 'coming soon'.

[@bonnersmusic]

Opens 30th November :)

[@kalilavalezina]

@@bonnersmusic Hi, what's the address of the new store? I wrote to customer services and was told it's on Mount Farm Industrial Estate, not Ward Road.

[@bobbytang9924]

Anyone knows what's the music being played at 7:00 min mark? It's so relaxing and calm!

[@user-pg6xs9sp6l]

I wish we knew - same impression here, it’s beautiful

[@douglasrobert7368]

This model does allow to layer sounds?

[@naicupp5478]

Great video Tony, I would appreciate a comparison video between the Novus NV5 and the Yamaha NU1X, I am in a decision process between these two models!

[@bungeecum7277]

Have you made a decision yet?

[@naicupp5478]

@@bungeecum7277 No, not yet! I want to save a little more money until then. Do you have a favorite?

[@naicupp5478]

@@bungeecum7277 I went for the Kawai Novus NV5! Great digital piano :)

[@alexanderdcdeflorenne4798]

@@naicupp5478 Why did you choose Kawai?

[@naicupp5478]

@@alexanderdcdeflorenne4798 The main reasons were the more balanced sound and the more realistic feeling while playing (mainly because of the soundboard)

[@pianoman0609]

How does this compare to the CA 98?

[@claytonroot806]

The Novus 5 is in a whole different league, even when compared to the newer CA99.

[@pianoman0609]

@@claytonroot806 Thanks, Clayton. I appreciate your input and agree.

[@herrdertoene]

Great Video! Could you please tell me how loud the hammer noise is compared to the Yamaha N1X? I thought it was quite loud on the Yamaha. I'd have loved to put it in our living room but even when practicing with headphones the noise of the piano would have been to loud for my family to relax on the sofa.

[@Tidus3960]

Acoustic action will always be loud and I don't think they have managed to come up with any way around that.

[@herrdertoene]

@@Tidus3960 Well I did buy the Kawai Novus NV5 in the end and the action is quieter than the one of the Yamaha N1X. I still think it should be possible to make it even quieter. But what do I know? :)

[@Tidus3960]

@@herrdertoene Congrats on your purchase! I've never tried the NV5 but it surely looks and sounds like an incredible instrument. I have the N1X and the action sure does sound very loud.

[@herrdertoene]

@@Tidus3960 Thanks! It was a hard choice. The N1X is great too. If I hadn't had Kawai Stage Pianos before I might have gone for the Yamaha instead.

[@enriqueali]

@@herrdertoene the N1X has a grand piano action, the NV5 has an upright piano action, so you aren't really comparing apples to apples

[@Imm3rs1on]

This might be the sucessor to my old roland hp103! Too bad where I live there are no stores where I can test pianos, they are all a plane ticket away :(

[@eleanortheamazing]

Thanks for the great description of the soundboard speaker system. Do you think that it actually feels more alive than the Nv10 given the NV10 does not have one?

[@Assassunn]

The NV10 has huge subwoofer just above the pedals which is good enough to let you feel the vibrations from the feet to the fingers

[@valedurov3913]

What tune you're playing at 3:21? Btw, it is always a pleasure to watch your reviews.

[@MostEasterlySteve]

'Shine on Through' - Elton John

[@valedurov3913]

@@MostEasterlySteve Thank you

[@carlosmagno1112]

Piano digital magnífico, tanto na forma física quanto nos seus timbres. Qual valeria a pena comprar, um acústico ND 21 ou o digital Novus 5 ???

[@douglasrobert7368]

The sound from this model comes from a soundbar such as acoustic?

[@RA-el6zj]

It comes from speakers, plus a soundboard like an acoustic piano. So, it's a mixture of both. I'm not sure but i think the soundboard is mainly used for the bass end.

[@douglasrobert7368]

@@RA-el6zj could you help me I am looking for a dealer in US and how much for that?

[@RA-el6zj]

@@douglasrobert7368 I have no idea, I live in holland!

[@douglasrobert7368]

@@RA-el6zj do you own it? If so how much you paid? NU1x from Yamaha vs NV5 which one do you prefer? Both are similar

[@RA-el6zj]

@@douglasrobert7368 Sorry i don't own it. Also i haven't played the nv5. I have played a nu1x and that was the best digital piano i have played. But maybe the nv5 is even better, i don't know! I'm sure both are great choices, you really have to play them and see which one you like best. They have different actions and different sounds. The nv5 has got a soundboard, the nu1x does not but it's sound system is great without it. Also the nv5 has real damper pedal action, so when you press the pedal, it actually raises dampers, which pressing the keys themselves does too. So, when you press the damper pedal, the keys will feel slightly lighter, because the dampers are already raised by the pedal, just like on a acoustic piano. This might not be very important, but it is realistic, and the nu1x doesn't have it.

[@Marco.fm.73]

Does Kawai have a replacement sound board if it got damaged by water, rat, termites, etc?

[@c3piano]

Check with your insurance company.

[@NiladriSaren]

Sir which one would be the best Casio gp510 or this one or the yamaha??

[@RA-el6zj]

I'd prefer a kayamasio nu1vus gp510x

[@SoDhahri]

@@RA-el6zj 😂

[@waffles5306]

Too bad I don’t have enough money for it (3k)... and that I’m a beginner but I almost got minuet in G and gypsy dance down so silver lining

[@scdobserver835]

Upright action? So no let off/escapement simulation?

[@RA-el6zj]

Correct. It has actual real let off/escapement instead. 😉

[@scdobserver835]

@@RA-el6zj real upright piano does not have actual let off or escapement.

[@RA-el6zj]

@@scdobserver835 Yes, it does. If it didn't have escapement the hammers would get stuck against the strings when you push the keys. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apOYgGqEa5l5mLM Here you can see how the jack disconnects from the hammer butt after a key press. Because of this, the hammer is disconnected and free to bounce back. That's your escapement.

[@scdobserver835]

@@RA-el6zj I used to play on a crappy kawai upright when young and could not for the life of me remember of there was a discernable let off. More than ten years ago I reconnected with my first love in classical music and started practising on a piano again. Only then I learnt the use of mastering playing 'under escapement' on a grand piano. But now I relish in practising with a digital piano (Kawai CA78) and the let off simulation is remarkably similar to the real thing. Tell me, does real upright piano escapement actually allow similar advantage to playing softly or in very quick repeated one note succession?

[@RA-el6zj]

@@scdobserver835 I couldn't answer your questions, I'm just a hobby player that's never had a lesson. I have heard of playing "under escapement", but I never went on to discover what it actually is, let alone try it, so I wouldn't know. I do know uprights do not have the high repetition rate like a grand, because they lack the repetition lever. I think this is probably what you are talking about, one of the differences between a grand and a upright action. (I believe there are a couple of high class uprights that have some kind of extra mechanism that aim to provide grand-like repetition rate.) All i further know is, all acoustic piano's, grand or upright, crappy or not crappy ☺️ do have escapement, or else they wouldn't work. Well, without it, you would get a very short stacatto sound if you don't immediately release the key after pressing it, because the hammer would be stuck against the string, effectively damping it.

[@Jayrec]

Tony n.1 😉👍 thank you for video

[@alexbrown4862]

How much better is this than the Kawai CA98, which I gather also has a realistic feel, high quality speakers and a sound board at essentially half the price? Thanks for the high quality videos, I may well make the trip from South Wales to yourselves when I'm ready to upgrade my piano - I can't find anywhere local ghat has anywhere near the level of varieties of piano that you seem to stock!

[@bonnersmusic]

It really is a completely different playing experience to the CA98. The CA98 is one of the better standard digital pianos on the market today, but the keyboard action and sound system in the NV5 is on another level. Hope to see you in one of the stores sometime!

[@sabrang1430]

@@bonnersmusic does it have escapment

[@RA-el6zj]

@@sabrang1430 The nv5 yes, it is a real upright action, and therefore has real escapement. The ca98 no.

[@Kref3]

I don’t get this instrument. Just like I don’t get the Yamaha NU1. The upright was invented to offer people with less room the option to play piano and they always tried to be as close to the „real“ piano - the grand - as possible, still always being only a substitute, because the action could not offer what a grand action offers. Then they work hard to perfect the digital. By now they sound fantastic and their actions are actually very close to the grands making them the better substitute. I would sort pianos: 1: Grand - because of best sound and action 2: modern digital - digital sound from speakers, which is just not right but close to grand action which is more important than sound to me 3: big upright - good sound if it is big enough, but not nice action and I might have said so: action is more important then sound 4: NV5, NU1 - digital sound and upright action - combines the worst of both worlds

[@RA-el6zj]

I get what your saying, but i don't think i agree, because i think you might be overlooking something. A simulated grand action found on digital piano's does not have real let-off, where the hammers actually are not connected to the keys from the let-off point. So, the weight of the hammer is always on the key. I think this makes quite a difference, and therefore i think these actions are not as close to a real grand action as the digital piano makers would like you to believe. Also, therefore a real upright action is still better in my opinion, unless you need the higher repetition rate of a (simulated) grand action.

[@Kref3]

@@RA-el6zj True on that behalf and there are reasons for the upright, too. But I am accustomed to my grand piano and when I play a fast trill, I stay in the keys, not letting them go up fully. When I play an upright, I never get a single fast trill out properly, for I am simply not accustomed to the necessity of releasing the key almost completely. For that reason alone I would rather take a decent digital than a good upright. Also: We are talking about the Nu1X here, so if we really want to compare it price and qualitywise, we have to compare it to other hybrids. I would really like to have a Novus NV10 or Yamaha N1X for night time practice. I fully understand the purpose of a real grand action in a digital. Or - much cheaper - of a substitute as in almost all other digitals. But paying almost what I have to pay for an N1X with a grand action to then get the same piano with an upright action? That I simply don‘t understand. Why?