�e true acoustic �iano expe�ence

P r e m i u m
H y b r i d

Q u a l i t y

I n s t r u m e n t s

Designed to answer the calls of avid pianists
wishing they could play a grand or upright piano without worrying about the time of day or
their living environment, the Novus NV10S and
NV5S are premium quality hybrid instrumentsthat deliver the true acoustic piano playing experience.
Adopting modern, innovative designs thatembrace the latest digital technologies, the stunning ebony polish Novus cabinets incorporate
full acoustic piano keyboard actions completewith a real damper mechanism.
These unique hybrid instruments aim to provide
the most compact grand and upright piano
alternatives possible, satisfying the rigorous demands and lifestyle needs of today’s professional
pianists.

G r a n d

P i a n o

A c t i o n�e touch o� a gran� �iano
M i l l e n n i u m

I I I

G r a n d

P i a n o

A c t i o n

When a piano key is pressed, a mechanism referred

The hammers that strike the strings are another core

to as the “action” triggers a hammer, which strikes

component of an acoustic piano. Attached to eachthe strings to produce a sound. This is the essence ofof the 88 keys, the size of the hammers gradually

Kawai’s piano technology, which has continued todecreases from the bass to the treble end of the key-advance and evolve, ever since the company’s estab-board. Moreover, due to their size, each individual

lishment in 1927.

hammer has a different weight – and this difference is

The NV10S is equipped with the same Millennium III

an integral part of what influences the piano’s touch.

action mechanism as that found in Kawai’s finest pro-

For this reason, the NV10S is equipped with 88 in-fessional grand pianos. This highly-coveted action in-dividually grade-weighted hammers, reproducing thecorporates components produced using ABS Carbon,

genuine feeling of playing an acoustic grand piano.

an extremely sturdy and rigid composite material that

These precision-engineered hammers are also crafted

allows these action parts to be stronger, lighter, andfrom ABS resin, ensuring exceptional structural sta-

faster than their conventional wooden counterparts.

bility and optimum keyboard touch-response.
The precise movements of each hammer are measured using high-resolution optical sensors, providing
greater accuracy than conventional key-based sensor
systems. This more advanced approach closely reproduces the mechanical flow of an acoustic piano, andallows rapid pianissimo passages with mordents ortrills to be performed with greater fluency.

�e feel o� a gran� �iano
G r a n d

P i a n o

D a m p e r

M e c h a n i s m

The Novus NV10S’ beautiful chrome plated pedals

This innovation allows pianists to not only hear how

and exposed pedal rods are sourced from the samethe damper pedal affects the Novus’ generated sound,

GX series instruments as the premium Millennium

but also feel the various mechanical interactions

III keyboard action. Moreover, in addition to featur-through their hands and feet.

ing a full grand piano action, the Novus NV10S is
the first hybrid instrument to also incorporate a real
grand piano damper mechanism.
There are no metal strings inside the Novus to requirephysical damping, as the instrument’s sound is produced digitally. However, in order to reproduce every
aspect of playing a grand piano, the NV10S retains
the damper mechanism behind the keyboard action,with graded weights attached to each damper leverreplicating the load of traditional wood and felt parts,
as the keys and pedal are pressed.

Such attention to detail is unprecedented in a digital
instrument, and further reinforces the NV10S’ objective of delivering a true grand piano playing experience that is indistinguishable from the real thing.

�e look o� a gran� �iano
S t r i k i n g ,P r o f e s s i o n a l

a p p e a r a n c e

Visual stimulation can have a tremendous impact on

The NV10S cabinet was designed taking the player’s

musical expression. The sense of exhilaration that one

perspective into consideration, giving the instrument

feels when sitting down at an acoustic grand pianoa sense of depth when seated at the instrument, along

cannot be understated, and is one of the essential

with the elegant curved edges and exquisite details

ingredients in creating a memorable and inspiringaround the keyboard.

playing experience for the pianist.

Its grand piano-like music rest is broad enough toaccommodate the most ambitious of musical works,
with simulated leather lining the base. The viewing
angle can be easily adjusted to suit the performer’sheight and posture, while a special ‘composer desk’position provides optimum comfort and productivity
when annotating or transcribing scores.

U p r i g h t

P i a n o

A c t i o n�e touch o� an upright �iano
M i l l e n n i u m

I I I

U p r i g h t

P i a n o

A c t i o n

Kawai’s ‘K’ series professional upright pianos have

As with its larger sibling, there are no metal strings

received numerous industry awards, and are widely

inside the NV5S for the action’s hammers to physi-

regarded by academics and institutions as some of thecally strike when the keys are played, therefore theirfinest instruments in their class.

precise movements are also captured using high-reso-

The Novus NV5S utilises the same Millennium III

lution optical sensors mounted inside the action.

upright piano action mechanism as that found in the

Another important characteristic of Kawai’s premium‘K’ series instruments, including the precision engi-

acoustic instruments that is inherited by the latest

neered ABS Carbon components that are stronger,

Novus hybrid models is the pioneering use of extend-

lighter, and faster than wooden parts. Moreover, ABS

ed key sticks. Longer keys result in lighter movement

Carbon parts are also impervious to environmental

and easier key control, because the key can be playedchanges in temperature and humidity, ensuring out-

with a larger keystroke, even towards the rear of thestanding action performance for many, many years.

playing surface. This enhancement affords pianists a
greater range of expression during performance.
In addition, Novus keys are cut from the same luxurious solid spruce as their acoustic piano counterparts.
This light and resilient solid wood contributes to thesmooth action feel, and is carefully seasoned to ensure
enhanced durability against changes in humidity.

�e feel o� an upright �iano
U n d e r s t a n d i n g

t h e

D a m p e r

M e c h a n i s m

The dampers of an acoustic piano consist of soft felt

This natural interaction between keyboard and pedals

pads that rest directly over the instrument’s metal

is a fundamental characteristic of every acoustic pi-

strings, muting their vibration. As each piano key isano, and one that requires the pianist’s patience andpressed and the string is struck, the corresponding

skill to master. Novus instruments strive to reproduce

damper lifts away from the string, allowing it to vi-

every aspect of the acoustic piano playing experience,brate freely, and for the note to sing.

therefore both the NV10S and NV5S incorporate theWhile 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 and sustaining notes
after their respective keys are released. The damper
mechanism therefore plays a pivotal role in influencing the overall sound of a piano. However, the process
of moving the dampers also has a subtle but noticeable
effect on key touch, with the weight of the action gently easing when the damper pedal is depressed.

important damper mechanism as an integral part of
the keyboard action.

�e look o� an upright �iano
P r e m i u m

F i n i s h ,U l t r a - s l i m

F o o t p r i n t

The Novus NV5S’ stunning ebony polish cabinet is

Yet, despite housing an acoustic piano keyboard ac-crafted in the same piano production facility as Kawai’s

tion and damper mechanism, the NV5S is a remarka-‘K’ series upright instruments, ensuring exceptional

bly compact instrument, occupying a depth of just 46

build quality and an immaculate mirror-like finish. Its

cm – far smaller than a conventional upright.

exterior appearance is undoubtedly inspired by classic
piano design, thanks in part to the handsome fallboard
and wide music rest, providing a sense of stability andreassurance when sitting at the instrument.

This slim profile allows pianists to enjoy an authentic,
acoustic piano playing experience, in confined spaces
previously limited to a standard digital piano.
The NV5S’ topboard speaker cover features an original Kvadrat material, customised to meet Kawai’s
specifications, with a woven mesh composition
optimised for musical clarity and tonal projection.
Its soft, dark-grey yarn with pearl-like highlights,
contrasts with the lustrous sheen of the NV5S’ ebonypolish cabinet, elevating this musical instrument to
the level of a piece of fine furniture, destined to become the centrepiece of any room it occupies.

S K - E X

R e n d e r i n g

M u l t i - c h a n n e l

�e sound o� an acoustic �iano

S o u n d

O n k y o
E n g i n e

T e c h n o l o g y

P r e m i u m

A u d i o

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

Developed in collaboration with Onkyo, one of Japan’s leading premi-

concert grand piano digitally, Novus instruments incorporate Kawai’s

um audio equipment manufacturers, the NV10S and NV5S featurelatest SK-EX Rendering technology. This advanced piano sound engine

specialist filtering and amplification components designed for high-res-combines the well-established process of sampling with the modern ap-

olution sound reproduction. These technologies improve tonal clarity

proach of physical modelling, to produce a piano sound that is both richthroughout the dynamic range, while helping to preserve the uniquein natural acoustic character, and dynamically responsive to the player.

harmonic characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano.

The spirit of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano is at the heart of the
Novus NV10S and NV5S. Each world-class instrument is hand-crafted by Master
Piano Artisans (MPAs), utilising the finest available materials to ensure optimum
touch, tone, and artistic expression.
Widely regarded as ‘the premier piano of Japan,’ the Shigeru Kawai 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.

A d v a n c e d
C u s t o m

D e l i v e r y

S p e a k e r

D e s i g n s

A c o u s t i c
T w i n D r i v e

A m b i e n c e

S o u n d b o a r d

S p e a k e r

Shigeru Kawai is also frequently provided for official selection at some of theworld’s most prestigious music competitions, including the Chopin International
Piano Competition, held every 5 years in Warsaw, Poland.

The NV10S’ high-fidelity sound is delivered through a powerful

By contrast, the NV5S’ custom speaker system takes full advantage of

7-speaker output system, which combines a large 20 cm woofer en-

the instrument’s upright piano cabinet design, pairing four premium

closed within the instrument’s base, with four premium quality top fac-quality speakers and two front-facing tweeters with Kawai’s exclusive

ing mid-range drivers, and two tweeters placed behind the upper board.

TwinDrive soundboard technology. This combination delivers an ex-

The result is a remarkably authentic playing experience that immerses

ceptionally rich, yet warm, organic sound that faithfully reproduces thethe performer in a grand piano-like three dimensional sound field.

tonal ambience of an acoustic upright piano.

S�eci�ications

�e features o� a digital �iano

Acoustic specifications
Keyboard Typeaction Keyboard

Millennium III Hybrid, grand piano keyboard action

Hammers

H e a d p h o n e

S o u n d

L C D

T o u c h s c r e e n

D i s p l a y

ABS grade-weighted hammers

ABS Carbon parts

Yes

Sensing system

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

Pedals TypeS u p e r b

Millennium III Hybrid, upright piano keyboard action

Extended length spruce keys, acrylic/phenol key surfaces

DamperSoft/Sostenuto

Grand piano pedals

Upright piano pedals

Grand piano damper mechanism (half-pedal support)

Upright piano damper mechanism (half-pedal support)

Grand Feel pedal system (soft half-pedal support)

Grand Feel pedal system

Cabinet Finish

Ebony Polish

The Novus pianos feature an audiophile-grade headphone amplifier

The NV10S and NV5S’ various features are primarily controlled

Keyboard coverGrand piano type, Soft Fall fallboard (removable)that delivers piano sounds with richness and clarity. In addition, Spatial

through a touchscreen LCD, which is discretely embedded within theMusic rest

Grand piano type, adjustable angle (6 positions)

Upright piano type

Headphone Sound (SHS) technology enhances the depth and realism

instruments’ left cheekblock. This high resolution touchscreen allows

Dimensions

148 (W) x 65 (D) x 99.5 (H) cm

149.5 (W) x 46.5 (D) x 110 (H) cm

58 1/4" (W) x 25 1/2" (D) x 39 1/4" (H)59" (W) x 18 1/3" (D) x 43 1/4" (H)of the instruments’ sound, while also helping to reduce auditory fatigue

sounds and settings to be adjusted from an attractive user interface sim-

Weight132 kg / 291 lbs.

113 kg / 249 lbs.

when using earphones or headphones for extended periods of time.

ply by tapping or swiping the display with a finger.

Upright piano type, Soft Fall fallboard

Digital specifications
Sound Sound engine

SK-EX Rendering: 88-key multi-channel piano sampling, 88-key resonance modelling
Harmonic Imaging XL: 88-key piano sampling, Acoustic Rendering resonance

Piano source

Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, Shigeru Kawai SK-5, Kawai EX

No. of sounds

SK-EX Rendering: 10 rendering characters | Harmonic Imaging XL: 90 voices

Polyphonymax. 256 notes (depending on selected sound)

Virtual Technician

10 presets, 21 adjustable parameters

Reverb & Effects

Reverb: 6 types, Effects: 24 types, Ambience: 10 types (SK-EX Rendering only)

Delivery Onkyo technology

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

Output power
Speaker system

B l u e t o o t h

C o n n e c t i v i t y

M o d e r n

A p p

S u p p o r t

130 W
10 cm x 4 (top speakers), 1.4 cm x 2 (dome tweeters),

TwinDrive Soundboard Speaker System

Features Display

In addition to USB and MIDI ports, the NV10S and NV5S also fea-

Leveraging their built-in Bluetooth features, Novus instruments also

ture integrated Bluetooth® technologies that allow the instruments to

support Kawai’s latest generation apps for iOS and Android devices.

communicate with smart devices wirelessly. Once paired with a phone

The PianoRemote app provides an alternative way to change sounds

or tablet, Novus owners can enjoy a wide variety of music-related apps,

and adjust settings, while the PiaBookPlayer app displays notated scoresor stream audio through the instruments’ premium speaker systems.

for over 370 classical pieces, complete with hands-free page turning.

8 cm x 4 (top speakers), 2 cm x 2 (dome tweeters),

20 cm x 1 (woofer)5" colour LCD touchscreen

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

App support

PianoRemote (iOS/Android), PiaBookPlayer (iOS/Android)

Connectivity Headphones
Audio
MIDI/USB1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" Stereo jacks
LINE IN (1/8" STEREO), LINE IN Level, LINE OUT (1/4" L/MONO, R)

LINE IN (1/8" STEREO), LINE OUT (1/8" STEREO)

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

Bluetooth®

Bluetooth MIDI, Bluetooth AudioPower

AC IN (60 W power consumption)

Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of suchmarks 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 © 2022 Kawai Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.kawai-global.com/novus

CA1149E-S2202 Version 1
Printed in Japan