The Yamaha S7X is an Incredible Piano

The Yamaha S7X is unlike really anything that Yamaha has produced so far, and it has a uniquely rich, warm, and powerful tone that is rather difficult to find in pianos. It is truly a joy to play, and is one of my favorite pianos under 9 feet long. I found this piano at:
Piano Emporium
828 Hendersonville Rd
Asheville, NC
28803

[@zain4019]

This is probably the most glowing review you’ve ever given to a piano:)

[@thehousewhisperer6933]

Yamaha changed their tone in 2013 when they came out with the X series. They modeled the new improved tone after Bosendorfer (Yamaha purchased the Bosendorfer company). Jack Brand, the owner of Wurzen felt company in Germany worked with Yamaha to develop the hammer and felt for the newer CX Yamaha line, so it has a version of Wurzen felt which has transformed the Yamaha tone into a more world and musically friendly sound. People who have played my C2X and C7X can't believe their ears. Very rich complex tone. Yamaha designs and makes their own actions. Yamaha actions on their high end piano's are probably the finest actions I've played. Great review James.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I'd say 2010 with the CFX (and CF6, CF4). The CX shares with the CFX but the CF-series is more refined.

[@fishchrome1332]

This piano is a work of art. So beautiful to look at, and the sound is sublime. I want one.

[@ProjectOverseer]

I'm new to your channel and absolutely love the fact you're an "audiophile" from the most important end of the spectrum i.e. the instrument 🎵🎶👍 I've spent many years of my life on the sound engineering side of the spectrum. I love audiophile quality recordings that captures the instrument and the musicianship/performance elements. I've never lost my passion for recording. So pleased I accidentally found your channel 👍

[@NeighborhoodCarReviews]

That mirror finish is STUNNING.

[@ThePianoforever]

The piano is stunning.

[@NeighborhoodCarReviews]

@@ThePianoforever Agreed.

[@wayne1141]

It sounds great.

[@kevinchambers2327]

That’s beautiful you’re great keep being yourself ❤️

[@mr.truslcair5788]

As soon and you started to play I was like wait it that really a Yamaha. That is a huge change for the tone..... I must have one! thank you for a great review!

[@SalComuna]

I love Yamaha sound!

[@TheCynedd]

JPS, I do not think I can remember you giving such an exuberant and effusive review of a new instrument. This was a fun video.

[@ThePianoforever]

Thank you so very much. I sat down at this piano and started to play like we were old friends.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

The best Yamaha piano I've ever heard. And that includes some very impressive CFX's. Who voiced this? Goosebumps.

[@ThePianoforever]

We were only in the shop for a few minutes, but I believe it was voiced at the factory. The new top end Yamahas are GRAND.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@ThePianoforever Thanks. I've heard a few other S7Xs that were great. But this one is special.

[@thehousewhisperer6933]

Jack Brand, the owner of Wurzen felt company in Germany worked with Yamaha to develop the hammer and felt for the newer CX Yamaha line, so it has a version of Wurzen felt which has transformed the Yamaha tone into a more world and musically friendly sound.

[@pianotunerpianotuner3795]

reallyreally good👍🏻😀

[@danielwhite9595]

Normally I don't care for when a company moves away from their distinctive sound but it is impossible not to be blown away by these new Yamahas. Curiously the sound seems to have no departures from high end sound concepts, no identifying characteristics that we might associate with one brand or another and yet the overall perfection itself forms its signature and it stands out very markedly in its totality. It now vies with the very best and if there were any way to yet improve it would have no peers. I wonder if Kawai will try to respond as I feel Yamaha is easily ahead at this point

[@ThePianoforever]

To me, the ultimate comparison would be the CFX compared to the Fazioli F308.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@ThePianoforever F308 has too much size and boutique factor, it'll prove itself the superior instrument. However, it some ways the CFX could hold its own. But the F308 is built to the utmost top standards and while both are expensive, the Faz is really expensive.

[@rikspector]

James, There is a evenness of tone and a rich beautiful and emotional feel to the music. I could listen to it (with you playing,of course) all day. I know it's a 7 footer, not a concert grand, but how does it compare with your Steinway? Not asking you to betray your instrument, well maybe a little:) Cheers, Rik Spector

[@organist660]

hi james thanks for this wounderfull video. I will allways enjoy any piano music. .I still use all of the settings on my organ. as every song we learn has such amazeing piano sounds. I had my piano teacher. set up the best one .so I would sound awesome. playing the beatls let it be. also playd it again with the choir as idon,tplay and sing

[@kyrvhy]

Hand made in Japan. Top of the line S series have been available for a while but in very limited editions on spec. lovely sound.

[@robertveal7187]

The word is crisp

[@KeepingOnTheWatch]

This doesn’t sound like a Yamaha. I’m glad to see that finally they stepped up their game and made a warmer sounding instrument. The next improvement Yamaha will (hopefully) make is to fix the faulty keys on their digital NU1X model... you know when you play a key ppp but all of a sudden sounds fff?

[@bernardofitzpatrick5403]

Does sound like a concert grand, man! Love it! Oh bro Clair de Lune - I am in heaven! Dope!

[@rupe82]

Oh for sure bro Clair de lune is the dopest.

[@austindiepenhorst2494]

That bass sounds rad! Love your videos; it's cool to see all the different instruments you encounter. I play a little but not well, however I've always loved the Cape Bretton style of piano playing. I feel like anything you could play would just pop with the sound of this one.

[@CONTRER2010]

Yeah is beautiful this Piano Yamaha, I consider it one of the best in the world...

[@ThePianoforever]

I do too!

[@mrjoe5661]

Hi James! I only just caught up with this video. As far as Yamaha grands go you're preaching to the choir! My local showroom had a CFX on display some time ago, and, having bought a Yamaha Clavinova with samples from said CFX I had to try it out. What an absolute dream to play! Sadly"somewhat" outside my price range! I wondered what are the first two pieces you play here, I think you said both were by Bach?

[@frederickchao]

Excellent sounding piano in every way! At least equal to more expensive premium pianos that you have reviewed.

[@MichaelHeil-kc8lm]

There is also the CF6 7' model which I believe this series is considered their top tier of instruments. CF pianos are completely hand crafted where SX is a combination of hand crafted and automated assembly. The SX class is without a doubt a feast for the ears and fingers and in my opinion I prefer the sound and touch of the SX compared to CF models.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I think the only thing that is automated on the SX is the plate. Much of it is hand-crafted too. I don't think it matters that much. Too much is made of hand-crafted vs. automated or CNC machining because it is the quality of the strings, woods, hammer shape and material and the amount of prep work on the SX that elevates it to the level it is at. Yes, the CF is better but in some ways I like the quality of the SX-series just as much. The CF is the more dynamic and powerful piano, however.

[@pianodreamsmotherson5053]

i know what you mean With icy and crispy. This is the sound the I prefere and love….

[@edoardovicere6132]

i would like to see you playing my yamaha c3. Nothing comparable to this, but it would really be a honor for me

[@granthamcaravansltd4903]

James, great video, but please note that the S7x is longer than 7ft. Yamaha have been producing world class pianos for many years, my S6 (2006) is an incredible instrument but I understand why you're enchanted with the latest tone quality (so was I ) which partly came about because of their investment in hammer technology. The actions on Yamaha high end pianos are very responsive and reliable and I've found nothing to better them. Thanks for your review.

[@orangemoonglows2692]

at 100k, it should be playing for me.

[@alexc2259]

James could you do a video with your thoughts on the C7x vs the S7x please?

[@robertg0105]

You should try and find whats known as a Pedal Piano. Its a grand or upright with a pedalboard like an organs. Best of both worlds

[@hansroemerszoonvanderbrikk7626]

I usually define the Yamaha sound "dry". It allows a very high mechanical resolution but in some cases could be too flat and could have noisy attacks that makes a little dirty the whole timbre. Latest ones are far more better than previous, I think the S series it's the middle end grands between CF series and G series. Anyway Yamaha has one of the most performing actions ever and it's responsiveness and sturdyness it's unique (and I feel it better than Renner). I played them for so many years, I've tried almost every period of the CF3 and I can confirm that the X series it's wonderful compared to the previous ones.I never had the occasion to play an S series but also the latest G series (the low end one) it's good.

[@The_Smith]

putting the forte in Pianoforte . . . :) sounding good!

[@CalvinLimuel]

It's not new. The S series has been around since 1994. (yes I'm aware the SX series was introduced exactly 2 years ago) also would love to see you play some jazz standards too, non-classical type harmonies, Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, Oscar Peterson stuff. Especially on this type of piano. When I had the Yamaha MOTIF XF I loved using the Natural S6 patch to play jazz standards. I've never encountered any Yamaha S series, I still prefer the brighter sound of Yamaha that I grew up playing, but it'll be cool to be able to find one someday.

[@ThePianoforever]

The new Yamahas have very little in common with a older Yamahas when it comes to sound.

[@Mrpoulenc1899]

But the question is, which would you take home if offered one for free, the Mason & Hamlin of yesterdays Vlog or the Yamaha in today`s Vlog ? "What a question" - Greetings to you James, you are absolutely right Yamaha are "upping their game" but Technically what are they doing to make these Changes / improvements manifest ? Is it a new shape or thickness or treatment to the soundboard ? are the strings changing ? has anybody from Yamaha stated what they are changing in order to have this "JPS approved" sound: nice to have the Bach and Debussy once again, it was useful to do a comparison with yesterdays vlog. Kind regards Simon.

[@ThePianoforever]

Let's not forget Fazioli. Was this new sound in some way connected to the purchase of Bosendorfer, or was it inspired by the new generation Fazioli, I don't know, but they are the two greatest pianos in the market today.

[@jaydee2620]

Wow it does sound good, Mayb they been watching your videos 😂

[@mimoochodom2684]

Beautiful. Very warm indeed. I bet the price is hot though. lol.

[@MarkZander]

Hi! You checked out the C7X as well. Can you tell me about the difference? How far is the S7X better?

[@ThePianoforever]

From my experience, the C7X is brighter and more oriented towards power, and performance, while the S7X (and the whole SX line of pianos, really) is oriented towards a rich, warm, full sound I find ideal for recording.

[@MarkZander]

Do you find the price difference between the C Series and S Series adequate?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@MarkZander It's really CX and SX now. C and S are discontinued series. The SX is a better piano. Now, it's up to the buyer to determine if the price difference is worth it. I think it is personally.

[@AMFluevog]

Do you have sheet music for your test piece? I would love to play that on my own pianos.

[@ThePianoforever]

Sorry, no sheet music.

[@dr.davidhorowitz8131]

I plan to buy a piano like the S7X. Initially I liked Shigigeru Kawai S7. Would you recommend the S7X yamaha over shigeru? Any other pianos in this price range you would consider comparable.? Nice review. David

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Estonia, Petrov, Mason and Hamlin. You have to see which one you like better Shigeru SK7 or Yamaha S7X.

[@huemanatie4392]

Any chance of them sampling it for a digital model?

[@ThePianoforever]

I would guess that they sample the CFX for the best Yamaha keyboards.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Possible in the future from a virtual piano company. Yamaha sampled the older S6. But in actuality, it's really a filtered sound and not as rich as the virtual piano. As James said, they've sampled the CFX and they've also sampled the older C7 since it is a model used in studios so often. They called it the "studio grand."

[@KlarkKent843]

Actually the "studio grand" was a sampled C3 that they used. The Genos arranger was the first time they actually modelled a C7 on a keyboard.

[@jazzfanCA]

@@ThePianoforever CP88 sampled the CFX, no?

[@suzyflorida1193]

Another great video. I wonder why you never mention how much the pianos you play cost? Also, I wonder how long a piano like this (I'm sure it's very expensive) stays on the showroom before it's sold? Also, did you fly from California to Asheville just to go to this store or were you in the area for other reasons? Or do you travel around the country going from piano store to piano store? I'm glad you do, of course. It's an interesting hobby I must say. Maybe you should get paid for advertising all these stores and their pianos! Would you take this piano over the Mason & Hamlin one you featured the other day?

[@ThePianoforever]

Money is not the focus of this channel, and we do travel a great deal to find the best instruments.

[@amaymankad121]

I would love it if you could tell us the price of the piano.

[@jazzfanCA]

Just played one recently at a shop. Retails for 79,000 I believe

[@Rscanlon322]

Oh wow it sounds amazing, on par with Steinway for sure

[@ThePianoforever]

Better

[@Rscanlon322]

ThePianoforever haha yeah I was actually going to edit my comment. The prospect of Yamaha creating such an incredible piano is exciting as it means other manufactures will now be put under even more pressure to created better sounding instruments, which of course is great for musicians

[@ThePianoforever]

Steinway is really going down hill as of late. You should check out this video I did on their new flagship piano. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5qVeqSbqNyjqqc The end of the video is the most important part.

[@prestige2000rider]

Looks like nice instrument, and a departure from the Yamahas previous. I played a yamaha CF 111S and left me kinda of dry. It didn't have the body or richness that the Steinway or Baldwin had. This then makes the new Yamaha Line sound very appealing !. I Haven't seen one in person, but hope too soon ! Nice work James.

[@benedictdsilva3954]

Good but not quite like the European pianos...I played the C x series and the Bosendorfer and Steinway Hamburg...You can make out the difference .Also Shigeru Kawai SK series and then Schimmel and Faizioli.... Anyway get the best instrument you can afford voice and regulate it and then just play

[@benjaminsmith2287]

The CX is in a lower category, the Conservatory category. This is in the upper category Yamahas. Only thing higher is the CF. This SX is on par with the best Europeans. Maybe the tone is different but the quality of the tone, action is on par with Europe's best.

[@elguapo8586]

7' 6"****

[@ZeldaZelda-RichesToRags]

What do you think of the Bostons?

[@ThePianoforever]

Honestly, not a big fan of the Boston line of pianos.

[@orangeswalnuts7861]

Yamaha is becoming much like Bösendorfer's child now huh!!?!

[@Tidus3960]

Ironic considering Yamaha is Bösendorfer's parent company.

[@markjaylandes]

Yamaha grand was good enough for Elton John and Billy Joel on tour

[@ThePianoforever]

The new Yamaha pianos are the best they have ever made.

[@James-df5wd]

This sounds like Bosendorfer

[@shaneebersole6050]

HKW MUCH DOES JT COST

[@amascia8327]

You are suggesting technology improvement: for the bass of a 7' piano to aproach yhat of a 9' piano means someone is understanding physics better. That's fun.

[@joeb4349]

James, I like all your piano videos. But what is that electronic device sitting on the rim? A cell phone or what. Get up and describe the instrument.

[@ThePianoforever]

It's one of several recorders that we use to capture the performance.

[@andrewmarvell4604]

Give me a Fazioli or nothing at all.

[@wenzehanliu2041]

Yamaha CF4 (191) CF6 (212) ist much more expensive than this S7X, near the same price like the similar sized steinways. The new SX series is not hand made like the old S4 and S6 anymore, just a update of CX series. If you talk about “the rich tone”, you really have to try the old S series.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

It's not an update of the CX, which is a recent line that replaced the C-series. It's a different line although it uses the same size range and possibly plates. It uses Yamaha's A.R.E., wood-aging technology, which sets it apart from the other lines. It's a premium-line Yamaha, above the CX, below the CF.