Kawai NOVUS NV12 Hybrid Grand Piano - Ebony Polish
Introducing the Kawai NOVUS NV12…
By combining Kawai’s renowned Millennium III Hybrid grand piano action and real damper mechanism with the innovative PentaDrive soundboard system, the Novus NV12 delivers one of the most authentic grand piano experiences ever realised in a digital instrument. Housed in a grand piano–inspired cabinet with an opening topboard, the NV12 seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with advanced hybrid piano technology.
- Millennium III Hybrid grand piano keyboard action
- Real grand piano damper mechanism
- SK-EX Rendering piano engine with Competition Grand sounds
- PentaDrive speakerless soundboard system
- Premium audio processing and amplification technologies
- Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio v5 wireless connectivity
- 5" LCD touchscreen embedded within the cheekblock
- USB-C port with power delivery and integrated USB audio interface
- Spatial Headphone Sound for enhanced depth and realism
- Grand piano cabinet with three-position opening topboard
NOVUS NV12 dimensions and weight
Please refer to this diagram to help visualize how this piano might fit in your room of choice. The weight listed is based on the finished, assembled instrument, and is measured in pounds. The height, width and depth dimensions are measured in inches.
Color Swatches - Polished Ebony
Please note that the color may vary depending upon your screen settings or due to the device that you are viewing. These photos are designed to give you an idea of the rich finish of the piano.
The true grand piano experience
The Novus NV12 combines the expressive touch and nuanced response of a concert grand piano with the versatility of a hybrid instrument. Its innovative PentaDrive soundboard system produces rich, natural sound that fills the room, while the authentic mechanical components allow pianists to feel every subtle interaction between keys, hammers, dampers, and pedals. The elegant cabinet design, fully polished finish, and three-position topboard reinforce the NV12’s grand piano identity. Designed for discerning pianists, the NV12 represents the pinnacle of hybrid piano design—where tradition and innovation exist in perfect balance.
A quest for perfection
Kawai’s pursuit of piano perfection began in the early 1900s with founder Koichi Kawai, who built Japan’s first complete acoustic piano action. That legacy continues today through constant innovation in materials, engineering, and design. The Millennium III grand piano action, found in Kawai’s GX series instruments, exemplifies this philosophy. It features ABS Carbon components—lighter, stronger, and more stable than traditional wood—along with extended-length key sticks that provide greater control and consistency across the keyboard.
The touch of a grand piano
At the heart of the Novus NV12 is the Millennium III Hybrid action, comprising nearly 10,000 individual components. Based on the proven GX-series design, it retains the composite action parts and extended keys of its acoustic counterpart, while replacing traditional felt hammers with individually weighted ABS hammers. Because the NV12 produces sound digitally rather than striking strings, each hammer’s movement is captured by high-resolution optical sensors mounted above the action. This preserves the full mechanical motion of an acoustic piano while enabling exceptional precision and responsiveness, even during rapid repetitions, trills, and delicate pianissimo passages.
Realistic hammer and damper response
Each ABS hammer is grade-weighted to mirror the heavier bass and lighter treble hammers of an acoustic piano, ensuring a familiar and balanced touch across the keyboard. The NV12 is also unique in its class for incorporating a real grand piano damper mechanism. Although no physical strings require damping, the weighted damper system recreates the resistance and mechanical feedback felt through both the keys and pedals, allowing pianists to both hear and feel the effect of the damper pedal.
The sound of a grand piano
The Novus NV12 is voiced around the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano, widely regarded as the premier piano of Japan. Known for its tonal clarity and dynamic range, the SK-EX is featured in concert halls, conservatories, and international piano competitions worldwide. To faithfully reproduce this instrument, the NV12 uses Kawai’s SK-EX Rendering sound engine, which combines detailed sampling with physical modeling to deliver a naturally expressive piano tone that responds fluidly to touch and dynamics.
PentaDrive soundboard system
The NV12 introduces the groundbreaking PentaDrive soundboard system, a speakerless design that brings digital piano sound closer to the behaviour of an acoustic instrument. Five strategically positioned transducers energize a large wooden soundboard reinforced with four ribs, allowing the entire surface to vibrate freely. This design produces warm, resonant tone that radiates naturally throughout the instrument, creating an immersive, three-dimensional sound field with authentic projection and depth—exclusive to the Novus NV12.
The look and presence of a grand piano
Beyond its internal mechanics, the NV12’s cabinet captures the elegance and authority of a grand piano. Increased depth, a rounded back, and a luxurious ebony polish finish give the instrument a commanding presence, while careful proportions ensure it remains suitable for modern living spaces. The three-position topboard—fully closed, partially open, or fully open—enhances both tonal projection and visual authenticity. A grand-style music shelf offers adjustable positioning or full removal, while the six-position adjustable music rest ensures comfortable visibility for pianists of all heights.
Modern digital convenience
While rooted in acoustic tradition, the Novus NV12 integrates modern digital piano features with elegance and restraint. A high-resolution touchscreen is discreetly embedded within the left cheekblock, providing intuitive access to sounds and settings. The display can automatically fade out during performance to preserve the instrument’s classic appearance. Connectivity includes headphone and audio outputs, USB audio and MIDI support, and Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio. The NV12 is also compatible with Kawai’s PianoRemote app for iOS and supported Android devices, allowing wireless control of sounds and settings from a smart device.
Frequently Asked Questions: Kawai NOVUS NV12 Hybrid Upright Piano
How many sounds does the NV12 offer?
The NV12 features 100 total sounds, including 10 SK-EX Rendering piano sounds and 90 Harmonic Imaging XL voices. These range from detailed concert grand and upright pianos to electric pianos, organs, and other classic keyboard tones, providing expressive depth and versatility for performance and practice.
What kind of speaker system does the NV12 use?
The NV12 uses the innovative PentaDrive soundboard system, which eliminates traditional speakers and energizes a large wooden soundboard with five strategically positioned transducers. This design allows the entire surface to vibrate, producing a warm, resonant tone with natural projection, depth, and immersive, three-dimensional sound.
Does the NV12 feel like a grand piano?
The Millennium III Hybrid action in the NV12 combines real wooden keys, graded ABS hammers, and an authentic grand piano damper mechanism. While the sound is produced digitally rather than by strings, the touch and mechanical feedback are as close as you can get to a grand piano in a hybrid, offering nuanced dynamics, precision, and responsiveness for discerning players.
Can you connect headphones to the NV12?
Yes. The NV12 includes stereo headphone outputs and supports Spatial Headphone Sound, creating a realistic and immersive listening experience for private practice.
Is there an app to control the NV12?
Yes. Kawai’s PianoRemote app lets you adjust settings, select sounds, and control the NV12 wirelessly from a tablet or smartphone, providing convenient, intuitive operation.
Does the NV12 support Bluetooth audio or MIDI?
Yes. The NV12 features Bluetooth MIDI and Audio connectivity, enabling wireless connection to music apps, educational software, and playback devices.
What maintenance does the NV12 require compared to an acoustic piano?
Unlike acoustic pianos, the NV12 does not require tuning or humidity control. Its hybrid action and digital sound engine provide consistent performance with minimal upkeep, making it ideal for home, studio, or performance spaces.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | KAW-NV12 |
| Vendor | Kawai |
| Bluetooth | Audio Receiving and App Connectivity |
| Built In Speakers | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB to Device and USB to Host |
| Keys Weighted | Hammer Weighted |
| Key Cover | Yes |
| Number of Keys | 88 |
| MPN | NV12 |
| Piano Cabinet Style | Grand |
| Key Action | Millennium III Hybrid grand piano action; 88 wooden keys with graded ABS hammers and contact-less optical sensors |
| Speaker Power | 130 W |
| Speaker Size | PentaDrive soundboard (approx. 53 1/8" × 23 5/8" resonating soundboard) |
| Pedals | Damper (grand piano damper mechanism), Soft, Sostenuto |
| Half-Damper Support | Yes (Damper and Soft pedals) |
| Number of Instrument Sounds | 100 total (10 SK-EX Rendering characters + 90 Harmonic Imaging XL voices) |
| Voices of Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Transpose Feature | Yes |
| Split Feature | Yes |
| Duet Mode | Yes (Four Hands mode) |
| Song Recorder | Yes (internal recorder) |
| Number of Tracks | 2 |
| Number of Songs | 10 |
| Storage Type | Internal memory; USB flash drive (USB to Device) |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Rhythm Patterns | 100 drum rhythms |
| Audio Outputs | 1/4" L/MONO, R (unbalanced) |
| Audio Inputs | 1/8" stereo line input (with volume control) |
| Finish | Ebony Polish |
| Width | 59 5/8" (151.5 cm) |
| Depth | 34 1/4" (87 cm) |
| Height | 40 3/8" (102.5 cm) [music rest flat] |
| Foot Dimensions |
Front: approx. 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" Back: approx. 6" x 7" Back total width: approx. 29 1/2" |
| Product Weight | 381.5 lbs. (173 kg) |
Kawai CN, CA, DG and NV models are covered by Kawai’s five (5) year limited warranty. This warranty covers digital piano models CN, CP, DG and NV against defects in materials or workmanship for five (5) years from the date of purchase. Kawai will attempt to perform service at the location of the instrument. However, if this is not reasonably feasible, then you will be responsible for any installation or removal charges and for any initial shipping charges if the instrument(s) must be shipped for warranty service. However, Kawai will pay the return shipping charges to your location within the USA if the repairs are covered by the warranty. For more information please visit kawaius.com
This oversize item ships via our Freight Delivery Service.
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