🎹 KAWAI NV12 FIRST LOOK 🎹

🇺🇸 Get the Kawai Novus 12 HERE ▸ https://us.merriammusic.com/kawai-nv12/ 🇨🇦 Get the Kawai Novus 12 HERE ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/product/... 💕 Subscribe to Merriam Pianos HERE ▸ http://bit.ly/SubscribeMerriam 🔔 Click the 🔔 bell to be notified of all videos! ▸ http://bit.ly/SubscribeMerriam #kawainovusnv12#kawai#kawaidigitalpiano Welcome back to the channel! In today’s video, we bring you a first look at the all-new Kawai Novus NV12, filmed live from the Kawai booth at NAMM 2026. This is a ground-up redesign of the Novus concept, and Kawai is clearly doubling down on the hybrid piano philosophy — blending real acoustic piano elements with cutting-edge digital technology. This isn’t a spec-sheet overview. This is a genuine first-impression walkthrough, exploring how the NV12 feels, sounds, and responds in a real-world show environment. What You’ll See in This Video: 1. A Completely New Soundboard-Based Design The NV12 introduces a dedicated soundboard-driven tone generation system, with five drivers mounted directly to real spruce. There are no traditional speaker arrays here — the soundboard is the instrument, creating a warm, organic tone that behaves much more like an acoustic grand. 2. Realistic Stereo Imaging & Sound Projection As you move across the keyboard, you’ll hear the sound travel naturally from bass to treble, just like on a real grand piano. The multi-driver soundboard design creates a true stereo field that’s immediately noticeable, even in a noisy show floor environment. 3. Reweighted Action for a More Authentic Grand Feel Kawai has reworked the action compared to the NV10. Instead of mimicking a 9-foot concert grand, the NV12 feels more like a 5.5–6 foot baby grand, making the playing experience more proportionally accurate to the instrument’s size. 4. Deep Tone Engine & Virtual Piano Editing We explore Kawai’s latest multi-dimensional sampling system, combining close, mid, far, and player perspectives into a single integrated sample set. Subtle adjustments to resonance, voicing, reverb, and tonal balance reveal just how flexible — and musical — this engine really is. 5. Real Musical Impact from Physical Design Choices Features like the half-stick lid position aren’t just cosmetic — they meaningfully affect tone and projection. Combined with the soundboard-only output, the NV12 delivers an analog warmth that all but eliminates the typical “digital piano” artifacts. Key Highlights: Full soundboard-driven tone generation (no traditional speakers) Five-driver soundboard for authentic stereo imaging Newly balanced hybrid grand action Multi-perspective piano sampling Deep virtual piano editing options Finished cabinet design for flexible room placement Who Is the NV12 For? If you’re a pianist looking for the most authentic grand piano experience possible in a digital instrument, the Kawai Novus NV12 may be a game changer. From private studios to high-end homes, churches, and teaching environments, this feels less like a compromise — and more like a true hybrid evolution. First Impressions: Even in a loud NAMM show setting, the NV12 delivers a warm, resonant, acoustic-like tone that’s genuinely impressive. In a quiet room, the potential for cabinet resonance and subtle detail is huge. This may be one of the most innovative tone-generation systems the digital piano world has seen to date. Join the conversation: What are your thoughts on the Kawai Novus NV12? Is soundboard-only amplification the future of hybrid pianos? Let us know in the comments below! If you enjoyed this first look, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you don’t miss future reviews and deep dives. Thanks for watching — Stu Harrison Merriam Pianos on YouTube🎹 Connect with Merriam Music: ● Website ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/ ● Contact Us ▸ https://www.merriammusic.com/contact/ ● Instagram ▸   / merriammusic   ● Facebook ▸   / merriammusic   ● Twitter ▸   / merriammusicinc