Yamaha Corporation of America introduces the 88-key, ultra compact P120 Electronic Piano. Equipped with a stunningly realistic piano sound, weighted action and built-in speaker system, the P120 is equally at home on a professional stage, in an educational or worship setting, or as an elegant addition to a contemporary living room. Two models, the P120 and P120S are currently available.

"Previously, consumers who wanted a quality electronic piano at this price point would have to compromise features," states Athan Billias, marketing manager, Digital Musical Instruments. "The P120 and P120S not only feature the most sophisticated digital piano and sound reproduction technology Yamaha has to offer, but they are also beautiful pieces of furniture."

The P120 contains a liberal 64 notes of polyphony, and a selection of some of the best voices available today, including stereo sampled pianos, electric pianos, strings, harpsichord, and organ.

Dynamic stereo sampling, consisting of four separate layers of stereo samples at different velocities, provides realistic reproduction of volume and harmonics. Separate samples even reproduce subtle detailsÖincluding the sound of the piano's key release and soundboard resonance when the damper pedal is pressed. A Graded Hammer (GH) effect keyboard provides an action that accurately emulates the touch of an acoustic piano.

Integrated effects include chorus, delay, tremolo, and Yamaha's acclaimed reverb, which reproduces environments ranging… read more from a small room to a large hall. Effects may be layered for additional warmth and ambiance. A 2-track sequencer with fully adjustable tempo lets users record their performances, then play along or overdub a second voice. Different voices may be selected for left- and right-hand parts in "Split" mode; any two voices may be combined in "Layered" mode. In addition, the P120 may be enjoyed through the built-in stereo speakers or through the privacy of headphones.

A PC MIDI interface allows the P120 to connect directly to a Macintosh or Windows computer with a serial port, as well as other MIDI port expansion products (such as the Yamaha UX256 USB MIDI interface).

The low-profile, lightweight home-style cabinets are available in elegant traditional Mahogany grain on black (P120) or contemporary Cherry grain on silver (P120S) finishes. Accessories include a sheet music stand, AC adapter and foot pedal which can emulate half pedaling and soft pedaling effects. An optional black or silver stand is available.

Piano Performance Crafted for the Digital Age
Whether you're practicing at home, playing with the band, or doing a live solo performance, the Yamaha P Series offers a range of models with just the features you need. All boast superb acoustic and electric piano voices along with a number of other essential instruments such as organs, bass, and even strings. And thanks to their GH (Graded Hammer effect) keyboard, the action on these digital pianos is as close to the real thing as you can get. Of course, what else would you expect from the world's leading manufacturer of acoustic pianos.

Graded Hammer Effect Keyboard
Leave it to the world's leading manufacturer of acoustic pianos to develop a keyboard with action that's virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. Just as on a traditional acoustic piano, the keys of the lower notes have a heavier touch, while the higher ones are more responsive to lighter playing. The keyboard's sensitivity can even be adjusted to match your playing style.

Superb Voice Quality
The voices onboard the P-120/ P-120S are among the very best available on the market today. In addition to their rich and expressive stereo-sampled piano voices, they also feature a range of other essential instruments including electric pianos, harpsichord, organs, and strings.

Dynamic Stereo Sampling
To achieve such a remarkably authentic piano sound, many of the piano voices use Dynamic Stereo Sampling Ö three separate layers of stereo samples each set at a different velocity. This means that not only the volume but also the harmonic structure of the notes changes depending on how hard you play the keyboard Ö just like on a real acoustic piano! For even more accuracy, there's also a fourth sample layer exclusively for the damper pedal to recreate the unique resonance of a piano's soundboard and strings when the damper pedal is pressed, and key-off samples to add the subtle sound of the keys being released.

Half/Soft Pedaling Capability
For even more authentic piano performance, the P-120/P-120S can emulate the soft pedaling and half pedaling effects of an acoustic piano. A newly designed footswitch (included) lets you take advantage of the keyboard's half pedaling capability.

Built-in Stereo Speaker System
Featuring a built-in stereo speaker system with 12 watts of power per channel, these digital pianos are ready to play whenever you feel like practicing.

2-Track Sequencer
An onboard sequencer lets you record an entire performance and play it back at the touch of a button. You can even record a second part over it using a different voice. The tempo can be slowed down or sped up during recording or playback, which makes this sequencer a great tool for practicing.

PC Interface
The P-120/P-120S are equipped with a PC MIDI interface that allows direct connection to Macintosh¬ and Windows¬ computers with a serial port. This interface also lets you take advantage of the MIDI port expansion capability offered by Yamaha USB MIDI interfaces such as the UX256 and UX96.

Split and Layer Modes
Split mode lets you select different voices for the left-hand and right-hand parts. Layer mode lets you combine any two voices together, such as piano and strings, to create lush timbres. The volume, fine-tuning, transposition, and MIDI channel can be set individually for each voice within a layer or split.

64 Notes of Polyphony
All the P series models provide a generous 64 notes of polyphony. This ensures that notes won't be cut off, even when playing intricate classical and jazz pieces with long sustaining passages.

Onboard Effects
The P-120/P-120S feature a variety of high-quality digital reverbs that simulate different playing environments, from small rooms to large concert halls. For further warmth and ambience, you can add a second digital effect such as chorus, symphonic, tremolo, or delay. read less