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Clavinovas are versatile piano style keyboards that, depending on the model selected, offer a whole new dimension of features over and above an acoustic instrument. There are two principal ranges, namely “CLP” and “CVP” which offer distinctly different playing experiences.
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CLP Clavinova The CLP range is designed principally for the piano player with graded hammer weighted keys for a natural feel, and high quality piano samples (sounds) being given priority over a large selection of alternative voices and features. They feature several piano samples, optimised for particular playing styles such as classical or jazz that accurately reproduce every nuance of an acoustic piano.
They do however also incorporate many features that you would expect of a digital instrument which (dependant on model selected) include two-track sequencer, MIDI connectivity, and a wide range of additional voices and split modes (two voices to be played simultaneously).

As you progress through the range generally speaking the quality of sound, power of amplification, number of sounds, and digital features increases. The specific models and their key specifications are as follows:
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CLP 115 The first piano in the clavinova range, the CLP 115 has 88 full size touch sensitive keys with a graded hammer effect keyboard which replicates the subtle changes in the feel and weight of each key found on a real acoustic piano.
There are 10 voices to choose from and the option of dual-play (two instruments simultaneously). Other key features include metronome, MIDI in/out (allowing you to connect your keyboard to other MIDI compatible hardware), and two headphone jacks. |
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CLP 230 The CLP 230 builds on the CLP115 by adding a two-track recorder. This is a valuable learning aid as you can record your two hands separately and replay it with both parts combined.
It also has an enhanced graded hammer action (GH3) and a choice of colours. |
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CLP 240 Taking a further step, the CLP 240 includes a higher quality (three-step dynamic stereo) sound sample. Upgraded amplifier power means these new samples are reproduced with increased clarity and definition.
In addition, split-play allows two instruments to play together in different areas of the keyboard and you can import or export performances via USB. |
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CLP 270 The CLP 270 upgrades the two-track recorder from previous models with a 16-track sequencer, allowing you to create full orchestral arrangements using the large library of built-in voices.
In addition an upgraded sound and amplification set up (iAFC technology) creates a superior tone quality. |
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CLP 280 The pinnacle of the CLP range is the CLP 280 which incorporates all the features of previous clavinovas together with a natural wood key action.
Available in polished ebony or mahogany finishes. |
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CLP Clavinova Comparison Chart |
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CLP115 |
CLP230 |
CLP240 |
CLP270 |
CLP280 |
CLP175 |
Does this CLP have an 88 note graded & weighted action? |
YES (GH) |
YES (GH3) |
YES (GH3) |
YES (GH) |
YES (GH3) |
YES (Wooden) |
| Is there a Metronome and a Lid? |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Does this CLP record your performance? |
No |
Yes (2 Track) |
Yes (2 Track) |
Yes (16 track) |
Yes (16 track) |
Yes (16 track) |
| Can you play & Record Midi files? |
No |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Is there a choice of colour? |
R |
R-C-M |
R-C-M |
R-C-M |
R-C-M |
PE-PM |
| Is there external storage available? |
No |
No |
PC via USB |
PC via USB |
PC via USB |
PC via USB |
[ R-Rosewood ] [ C-Cherry ] [ M-Mahogany ] [ PE-Polished Ebony ] [ PM - Polished Mahogany ]
CVP Clavinova The CVP range encompasses more feature-rich instruments designed as musical home-entertainment systems. Across the board they offer a wider range of sounds and features than the CLP range including internet-direct connection.
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CVP 301 The CVP 301 is still, first and foremost, a piano and offers 88 full size touch sensitive keys on a graded hammer effect keyboard.
In addition, it offers preset accompaniments and rhythms (that add backings to accompany any melody), and “music finder” (choose from a huge list of built-in songs and the entire keyboard sets itself up ready to play).
Other innovative features include score display (the keyboard will display a score from any MIDI song file) - the guide mode clearly displays which note is to be played next and waits for it to be played!
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A 16-track sequencer allows you to record complex arrangements which you can store via the on-board Smart Media facility or export through either USB or MIDI connectors. It’s available in two choices of finish (dark rosewood and cherry). |
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CVP 303 Enhanced with higher quality sound, the CVP 303 also benefits from the “guide function” which provides “lamps” over the keyboard. These illuminate showing you which notes to play. At the same time your performance is enhanced with professional arrangements and, what’s more, you don’t have to keep in time with the recording, it literally waits for you! In addition, microphone input and vocal harmony allows your vocals to be amplified and voice transformed with incredible 2 or 3 additional harmonised parts. |
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Cosmetically the CVP 303 incorporates an innovative soft-fall lid with large LCD display that hides and protects the controls when not in use.
Mahogany is added to the choice of finishes. |
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CVP 305 The CVP 305 benefits from an enhanced quality graded hammer effect keyboard and high quality sounds together with more voices and preset accompaniments.
Visually the LCD display is upgraded to colour and the video and Optical Out feature allows you to display the contents of the LCD onto a TV. |
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CVP 307 The look of the CVP 307 moves from an “upright” to “grand” piano style. The playing experience is enhanced with a materially better sound. In addition there are more voices, accompaniments and a larger colour display. |
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CVP 309 The CVP 309 offers all the features of the 307 together with a natural (wooden keys) keyboard to give the feel and expressive control of an acoustic piano.
Available in a choice of polished mahogany or ebony finishes. |
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CVP Clavinova Comparison Chart |
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CVP301 |
CVP303 |
CVP305 |
CVP307 |
CVP309 |
Does this CVP have an 88 note graded & weighted action? |
YES (GH) |
YES (GH) |
YES (GH3) |
YES (GH3) |
YES (wooden) |
What sampling technology is used for the Piano Voice? |
AWM Stereo |
DSS Stereo |
DSS Stereo |
Supreme |
Supreme |
| How Many Voices? |
806 |
813 |
850 |
948 |
948 |
| How Many Styles? |
180 |
258 |
308 |
386 |
386 |
Is there Vocal Harmony, Video out and Optical Audio? |
No |
VH Only |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Is there a choice of colour? |
R-C |
R-C-M |
R-C-M |
R-C-M |
PE-PM |
| Is there storage available? |
Smart Media & USB |
Smart Media & USB |
Smart Media & USB |
Smart Media & USB |
Smart Media & USB |
[ R-Rosewood ] [ C-Cherry ] [ M-Mahogany ] [ PE-Polished Ebony ] [ PM-Polished Mahogany ] [ CVP309GP-Polished Ebony Only ]
What other people choose Clavinova customers fall in to a few general categories:
Schools and colleges Tend to opt for lower end CLP models (120 & 130) as a practical alternative to pianos with the benefit of MIDI connectivity.
Piano players/ Teachers Prefer higher end CLP models (150 & 170) for their homes, which combine better sounds and looks with additional features.
Organ players and “non pianist” musicians Musicians without a classical piano training and people who have played previously on home organs often gravitate towards the CVP range with the 303 & 305 being our most popular models.
Colours Without doubt the Dark Rosewood finish is by far the most popular choice for our clavinova customers – being both discreet and smart it fits in with and enhances almost any surroundings. |