�e true �ran� �iano expe�ence

The Novus NV10 is the perfect blend of tradition and innovation. A stunning hybrid
instrument that combines a full grand piano keyboard action and damper mechanism,with the latest digital sound and amplification technologies.
Designed for and tested by professional pianists, the NV10 provides the unmistakable
feeling of playing a premium quality acoustic instrument, with all the practicality andconvenience of a modern digital.
Introducing the Novus NV10 – a hybrid piano that delivers the true grand experience.

“ The Novus touch is indistinguishable from a grand piano –If I was to close my eyes, I really wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”‒ Takeshi Oi, Concert Pianist

�e touch o� a gran� �iano
The future of the piano
The Millennium III Hybrid action represents the latest milestone in Kawai’s richlegacy of piano innovation, and serves as the centrepiece of the Novus NV10.
Based on the GX series’ proven action design, Millennium III Hybrid retains thecomposite parts and extended key sticks of its acoustic cousin, while replacing theA quest for perfection

traditional felt hammers with individually-weighted ABS equivalents. As a hybrid
piano, there are no metal strings inside the Novus for these hammers to physicallyKoichi Kawai designed and built the first complete acoustic piano action in Japanin the early 1900s. In the decades that have followed, Kawai engineers continue tostrike when the keys are played, therefore their precise movements are instead captured using high-resolution optical sensors mounted above the action.

pursue the company founder’s quest for perfection, pioneering the use of state-ofthe-art materials and designs that advance the piano art form.

Millennium III Hybrid delivers all of the benefits of a premium Kawai grand piano
action within a digital instrument. This feat of modern engineering allows pianists

The Millennium III grand piano action found in today’s Kawai GX series instruments
exemplifies Koichi’s philosophy. This highly-coveted action incorporates components
produced using ABS Carbon, an extremely sturdy and rigid composite material thatallows these action parts to be stronger, lighter, and faster than their conventional
wooden counterparts. In addition, Kawai GX series grand pianos also utilise extendedlength key sticks, providing greater control and a more even response from the front
to the back of the playing surface.

of every level to enjoy the unmatched feeling of playing an acoustic grand piano,
regardless of the time of day, or the size of their home.

“ The first-ever grand piano damper mechanism on the Novus has raised
the bar by which all makers’ ‘flagship’ hybrid pianos are measured.”‒ Dr. Owen Lovell, Assistant Professor of Music, Georgia College�e feel o� a gran� �iano
The soul of the piano

Unprecedented realismThe dampers of an acoustic grand piano consist of soft felt pads that rest directly

The Novus’ beautiful chrome plated pedals and exposed pedal rods are sourced fromover the instrument’s metal strings, effectively muting their vibrations. As eachthe same GX series instruments as the premium Millennium III keyboard action.

piano key is pressed and the string is struck, the corresponding damper lifts off theMoreover, in addition to featuring a full grand piano action, the Novus NV10 is thestring, allowing it to vibrate freely, and for the note to sing.

first hybrid instrument to also incorporate a real grand piano damper mechanism.
Again, there are no metal strings inside the Novus to require physical damping, as theinstrument’s sound is produced digitally. However, in order to reproduce every aspectof playing a grand piano, the NV10 retains the damper mechanism behind the keyboard action, with graded weights attached to each damper lever replicating the loadof traditional wood and felt parts, as the keys and pedal are pressed.

While the keyboard action activates dampers individually, the damper pedal is used
to lift all of the piano’s dampers simultaneously. This allows all of the instrument’s
strings to vibrate and resonate in sympathy, creating a wonderfully rich sound andsustaining notes even after their respective keys are released.

This innovation allows pianists to not only hear how the damper pedal affects theNovus’ generated sound, but also feel the various mechanical interactions throughtheir hands and feet. Such attention to detail is unprecedented in a digital instrument, and further reinforces the NV10’s objective of delivering a true grand piano
playing experience that is indistinguishable from the real thing.

The damper mechanism therefore plays a pivotal role in influencing the overallsound of a piano. However, the process of raising and lowering dampers also has asubtle but noticeable effect on key touch, with the weight of the action gently easing
when the damper pedal is depressed. This natural interaction between keyboard andpedals is a fundamental characteristic of every grand piano, and one that requires
patience and skill to master.

“ The Novus is the best hybrid piano I’ve ever come across.
Its dynamic sound and responsiveness brings it one step closer to an acoustic.”‒ Kenji Miura, Concert Pianist�e �oun� o� a gran� �iano
A personalised piano experience
As the most authentic recreation of an acoustic grand piano, the Novus NV10 also
provides a variety of options to personalise the instrument through the powerful
Virtual Technician feature. As the name suggests, this convenient function simulates the numerous voicing and regulation adjustments performed by a skilled piano
technician virtually, allowing discerning musicians to shape characteristics of theThe premier piano of Japan

Novus to suit their unique personal preferences, or match a certain style of music.

The spirit of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano is at the heart of theNovus NV10. Each world-class instrument is hand-crafted by Master Piano Artisans(MPAs), utilising the finest available materials to ensure optimum touch, tone, andartistic expression. Widely regarded as ‘the premier piano of Japan,’ the SK-EX graces
the stages of concert halls and musical institutions around the globe, receiving universal acclaim for its magnificent tonal clarity and exceptional dynamic range.

High performance delivery
Developed in collaboration with Onkyo, one of Japan’s leading premium audio
equipment manufacturers, the NV10 features specialist filtering and amplification
components designed for high-resolution sound reproduction. This technology
helps to preserve the unique harmonic characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai piano,

In order to reproduce the stunning tonal qualities of the Shigeru Kawai concert

delivering the true concert grand experience through the Novus’ speaker system

grand piano digitally, the NV10 incorporates Kawai’s latest SK-EX Rendering tech-with power, depth, and clarity.

nology. This advanced piano sound engine combines the well-established processof sampling with the modern approach of physical modelling, to produce a pianosound that is both rich in natural acoustic character, and dynamically responsive tothe player’s musical desires.

“ I was very happy to settle down to playing Rachmaninov on the Novus.
It’s an efficient instrument that would satisfy everyone up to professional level.”‒ Murray McLachlan, Head of Keyboard, Chetham’s School of Music�e look o� a gran� �iano
Acoustic piano personality

Digital piano convenience

In addition to housing the keyboard action, damper mechanism, and pedal system

While the Novus’ core features are unquestionably derived from an acoustic piano,of a grand piano, the Novus’ stunning ebony polish cabinet exhibits numerous otherthe instrument neatly incorporates various additional technologies that provide theacoustic piano characteristics that enhance the instrument’s form and function.

modern conveniences of a premium digital piano.

The NV10’s grand piano-like music rest is broad enough to accommodate the mostThese features are primarily controlled through the NV10’s touchscreen LCD, whichambitious of musical works, with tapered edges and simulated leather lining theis discretely embedded within the instrument’s left cheekblock. This high resolution

base. The viewing angle can be easily adjusted to suit the performer’s height andtouchscreen allows sounds and settings to be adjusted from an attractive user interface

posture, while a special ‘composer’s desk’ position provides optimum comfort andsimply by tapping or swiping the display with a finger. For piano purists, the screen

productivity when annotating or transcribing scores.

can be set to turn off automatically while playing, thus preserving the Novus’ classic
appearance, and minimising any visual distraction to the performer.
Unlike an acoustic piano, the Novus provides a variety of options for connecting
to other devices, with audio jacks that allow the instrument to be amplified in halls
and other large settings, and USB and MIDI ports for transferring music data toand from a computer. The NV10 even supports Bluetooth®, providing an effortless

With its classic curved side arms, the NV10’s acoustic piano inspired cabinet designalso boasts an actual grand piano fallboard. This generously-sized keyboard coverincorporates Kawai’s Soft Fall system with dual-damping mechanism, to ensure asmooth, ultra-slow shutting motion that protects both the player’s hands and the
instrument’s finish from a jarring close.

way to connect and enjoy smart devices wirelessly.

“ Next to its great design, the Novus impresses me with its amazing touch.
It inspires, excites, and is the best hybrid piano that I have ever played.”‒ Jean-Jacques Kravetz, Pianist

S pecifications
Acoustic specifications
Keyboard action

PedalsCabinetType

Millennium III Hybrid, grand piano keyboard action

Keyboard

Extended length spruce keys, acrylic/phenol key surfaces

Hammers

ABS grade-weighted hammers

ABS Carbon parts

Yes

Sensing system

Integrated Hammer Sensing System (IHSS), contact-less optical sensors

Type

Grand piano pedals

DamperGrand piano damper mechanism

Soft/Sostenuto

Grand Feel pedal system

FinishEbony polish

Keyboard coverGrand piano type, Soft Fall fallboard (removable)

Music rest

Grand piano type, adjustable angle (6 positions)

Dimensions(not including music rest)

148 (W) x 64.5 (D) x 99.5 (H) cm
58 1/3" (W) x 25 1/2" (D) x 39 1/3" (H)Weight127.0 kg / 280 lbs.

Mode

Pianist mode

Sound mode

Sound engine

SK-EX Rendering

Harmonic Imaging XL

Piano source

SK-EX

SK-EX, EX, SK-5, K-60

No. of sounds

10 rendering characters

88 sounds

Polyphonymax. 256 notes (depending on selected sound)

Virtual Technician

Smart Mode: –Advanced Mode: 9 parameters

Onkyo technology

1-bit processing, Dual DAC, DIDRC filter, Premium Power amp, Premium Headphone amp

Digital specifications
Sound

DeliveryFeatures
Connectivity

Smart Mode: 10 types
Advanced Mode: 19 parameters

Output power

135 W (45 W x 3)

Speaker system

10 cm x 4 (top speakers), 1.4 cm x 2 (dome tweeters), 16 cm x 1 (woofer)

Display

5" colour LCD touchscreen

Recorder10 x internal song recorder, MP3/WAV record/playback (USB), Metronome

Headphones

1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" Stereo jacks

Audio

LINE IN (1/8" STEREO), LINE IN Level, LINE OUT (1/4" L/MONO, R)

MIDI/USB

MIDI (IN/OUT), USB to Host, USB to Device

Bluetooth®

Bluetooth MIDI, Bluetooth Audio

PowerAC IN (60 W power consumption)

Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
and any use of such marks by Kawai is under license. Other trademarks and trade names
are those of their respective owners.

Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Availability of Bluetooth function dependent on market location.

Copyright © 2018 Kawai Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.kawai-global.com/novus

CA1120E-S1807 Version 1
Printed in Japan