Yamaha AvantGrand N3X Owner's Manual page 8

Hybrid Piano
N3X
Combining over a century's experience in crafting world-class pianos with the latest in advanced
technologies, Yamaha proudly introduces an instrument that is closer than ever to an actual
acoustic grand piano—equipped with every essential element pianists demand.
Authentic acoustic piano touch with special grand piano action and piano keyboard
An actual acoustic grand piano has an unmistakable rich expressive quality, thanks to its finely nuanced touch and
exceptional response. The remarkable AvantGrand N3X is the culmination of our many decades of expertise in
crafting grand pianos, and offers the discerning player a specially-developed grand piano action featuring a
configuration identical to the action of a real grand. The wood construction of the keyboard mirrors that of a grand
piano, and features the material "Ivorite" for the white keys, giving them a texture amazingly close to that of natural
ivory. The result is a wonderfully expressive keyboard that provides an authentic touch and feel. In addition to a
hammer sensor, this instrument employs a non-contact key sensor that has no effect on the movement of the keys, yet
accurately recognizes the player's pressure on the keyboard, timing, and the other delicate nuances that affect musical
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expression. Moreover, the TRS (Tactile Response System; ) realistically reproduces the resonance of the
instrument, or the physical vibration that you feel from the keys or the pedals when you play a real grand piano.
Unique acoustic-sampling technique and speaker system
One of the most important factors in the resonance of an actual grand piano is the soundboard. Aiming to effectively
recreate that resonance, we sampled the grand piano voices utilizing Spatial Acoustic Sampling, which samples at
not only the left and right, but also center and rear positions. In addition, the installed speakers mimic the positions in
the grand piano from which the original samples were taken, and each of the speakers is equipped with its own
dedicated amplifier. This Spatial Acoustic Speaker System ensures optimum sound at the player's position, providing
more natural expression in the delicate nuances of each note. Moreover, a Soundboard Resonator, installed where the
music rest would be when laid flat, enhances the expressive response of the sound, providing a realistic response—
especially in the high notes.
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The sound of several famous grand pianos in a single instrument
The AvantGrand N3X puts the sounds of several different renowned grand pianos at your fingertips, including the
CFX, Yamaha's flagship concert grand piano, a Bösendorfer* Imperial, an instrument esteemed by pianists
throughout its long history, and more—each with its own distinctive appeal and sonic characteristics. Simply select
the particular piano sound desired, according to the music you intend to play or your personal preferences.
* Bösendorfer is a subsidiary company of Yamaha.
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Natural sound distance sensation for headphone play
This instrument features a binaural sampling sound designed especially for use with headphones. Binaural sampling
is a method which uses two microphones placed where the ears of a performer would be, and records that piano
sound as it is. Listening to the sound created through this method with headphones gives the impression of being
immersed in the sound, as if it was actually emanating from the piano.
8 • N3X
Owner's Manual