�e true acoustic

�iano expe�ence

P r e m i u m Q u a l i t y

H y b r i d 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 pi-

ano without worrying about the time of day or

their living environment, the Novus NV10S and

NV5S are premium quality hybrid instruments

that deliver the true acoustic piano playing ex-

perience.

Adopting modern, innovative designs that

embrace the latest digital technologies, the stun-

ning ebony polish Novus cabinets incorporate

full acoustic piano keyboard actions complete

with a real damper mechanism.

These unique hybrid instruments aim to provide

the most compact grand and upright piano

alternatives possible, satisfying the rigorous de-

mands 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 each

the strings to produce a sound. This is the essence of of the 88 keys, the size of the hammers gradually

Kawai’s piano technology, which has continued to decreases 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

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

The NV10S is equipped with the same Millennium III

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 the

corporates 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, and from 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 meas-

ured using high-resolution optical sensors, providing

greater accuracy than conventional key-based sensor

systems. This more advanced approach closely repro-

duces the mechanical flow of an acoustic piano, and

allows rapid pianissimo passages with mordents or

trills 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 same the 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

Such attention to detail is unprecedented in a digital
the first hybrid instrument to also incorporate a real
instrument, and further reinforces the NV10S’ objec-
grand piano damper mechanism.
tive of delivering a true grand piano playing experi-

There are no metal strings inside the Novus to require ence that is indistinguishable from the real thing.

physical damping, as the instrument’s sound is pro-

duced 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 lever

replicating the load of traditional wood and felt parts,

as the keys and pedal are pressed.

 �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 piano a 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 inspiring around the keyboard.

playing experience for the pianist.

Its grand piano-like music rest is broad enough to

accommodate the most ambitious of musical works,

with simulated leather lining the base. The viewing

angle can be easily adjusted to suit the performer’s

height 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 the cally strike when the keys are played, therefore their

finest instruments in their class. precise movements are also captured using high-reso-

lution optical sensors mounted inside the action.

The Novus NV5S utilises the same Millennium III

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 played

changes in temperature and humidity, ensuring out- with a larger keystroke, even towards the rear of the

standing 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 luxuri-

ous solid spruce as their acoustic piano counterparts.

This light and resilient solid wood contributes to the

smooth 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 is ano, and one that requires the pianist’s patience and

pressed 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 the

important damper mechanism as an integral part of

While the keyboard action activates dampers individ-
the keyboard action.
ually, the damper pedal is used to lift all of the piano’s

dampers simultaneously. This allows all of the instru-

ment’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 influenc-

ing 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 gen-

tly easing when the damper pedal is depressed.

 �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

This slim profile allows pianists to enjoy an authentic,
piano design, thanks in part to the handsome fallboard
acoustic piano playing experience, in confined spaces
and wide music rest, providing a sense of stability and
previously limited to a standard digital piano.
reassurance when sitting at the instrument.

The NV5S’ topboard speaker cover features an orig-

inal 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’ ebony

polish cabinet, elevating this musical instrument to

the level of a piece of fine furniture, destined to be-

come the centrepiece of any room it occupies.

 �e sound o� an acoustic �iano

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.

Shigeru Kawai is also frequently provided for official selection at some of the

world’s most prestigious music competitions, including the Chopin International

Piano Competition, held every 5 years in Warsaw, Poland.

 S K - E X R e n d e r i n g O n k y o T e c h n o l o g y

M u l t i - c h a n n e l S o u n d E n g i n e 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 feature

latest 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 rich throughout the dynamic range, while helping to preserve the unique

in natural acoustic character, and dynamically responsive to the player. harmonic characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano.

A d v a n c e d D e l i v e r y A c o u s t i c A m b i e n c e

C u s t o m S p e a k e r D e s i g n s T w i n D r i v e S o u n d b o a r d S p e a k e r

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 the

the performer in a grand piano-like three dimensional sound field. tonal ambience of an acoustic upright piano.
 �e features o� a digital �iano

S u p e r b 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

The Novus pianos feature an audiophile-grade headphone amplifier The NV10S and NV5S’ various features are primarily controlled

that delivers piano sounds with richness and clarity. In addition, Spatial through a touchscreen LCD, which is discretely embedded within the

Headphone Sound (SHS) technology enhances the depth and realism instruments’ left cheekblock. This high resolution touchscreen allows

of the instruments’ sound, while also helping to reduce auditory fatigue sounds and settings to be adjusted from an attractive user interface sim-

when using earphones or headphones for extended periods of time. ply by tapping or swiping the display with a finger.

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

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 scores

or stream audio through the instruments’ premium speaker systems. for over 370 classical pieces, complete with hands-free page turning.
S�eci�ications

Acoustic specifications
Keyboard Type Millennium III Hybrid, grand piano keyboard action Millennium III Hybrid, upright piano keyboard action
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
Pedals Type Grand piano pedals Upright piano pedals
Damper Grand piano damper mechanism (half-pedal support) Upright piano damper mechanism (half-pedal support)
Soft/Sostenuto Grand Feel pedal system (soft half-pedal support) Grand Feel pedal system
Cabinet Finish Ebony Polish
Keyboard cover Grand piano type, Soft Fall fallboard (removable) Upright piano type, Soft Fall fallboard
Music rest Grand piano type, adjustable angle (6 positions) Upright piano type
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)
Weight 132 kg / 291 lbs. 113 kg / 249 lbs.

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
Polyphony max. 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 135 W (45 W x 3)
Speaker system 10 cm x 4 (top speakers), 1.4 cm x 2 (dome tweeters), 8 cm x 4 (top speakers), 2 cm x 2 (dome tweeters),
20 cm x 1 (woofer) TwinDrive Soundboard Speaker System
Features Display 5" colour LCD touchscreen
Recorder 10 x internal song recorder, MP3/WAV record/playback (USB memory), Metronome
App support PianoRemote (iOS/Android), PiaBookPlayer (iOS/Android)
Connectivity 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) LINE IN (1/8" STEREO), LINE OUT (1/8" STEREO)
MIDI/USB MIDI (IN/OUT), USB to Host, USB to Device
Bluetooth® Bluetooth MIDI, Bluetooth Audio
Power AC IN (60 W power consumption)
Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such Specifications are subject to change without notice.
marks by Kawai is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Availability of Bluetooth function dependent on market location.
Copyright © 2022 Kawai Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. CA1149E-x2202 Version 1
https://www.kawai-global.com/novus Printed in Japan