Yamaha TransAcoustic™ Piano Lineup Expands with Addition of New TC3 Type

Enjoy Playing with Rich Acoustic Sound, Any Time You Like

Yamaha Corporation announces the addition of the TC3 type to its lineup of TransAcoustic™ Pianos, which preserve the rich sound and authentic touch of an acoustic piano, while also allowing the player to mute or control the volume of the piano using digital technology.

TransAcoustic™ Piano b2 TC3

In addition to a Quiet mode that allows the player to perform using headphones, TransAcoustic™ Pianos also offer volume control functionality so that you can enjoy rich acoustic sound, no matter what the time or circumstances. By affixing a transducer to the soundboard—also known as the heart of the piano—TransAcoustic™ Pianos allow you to control the volume while still taking full advantage of the original sound-projecting design of the piano. The ability to control volume freely without using headphones means that you can enjoy rich acoustic sound comfortably in any environment, even when you need to play quietly. First released in 2014, Yamaha's TransAcoustic™ Pianos have been praised for offering players the ability to enjoy the uniquely rich sound and feel of an acoustic piano, any time they like.

The new TC3 type expands the lineup of TransAcoustic™ Pianos by adding TransAcoustic™ technology to Yamaha's b series, JU109, and U1J compact upright pianos*1. TC3 type TransAcoustic™ Pianos are equipped with a transducer developed exclusively for compact upright pianos to offer volume control functionality while preserving rich acoustic piano sound. The pianos also feature an Articulation Sensor System that accurately detects and interprets key motion, reproducing every piano sound exactly the way the player intended, while also preserving authentic acoustic piano touch almost perfectly. Unique modeling technology faithfully reproduces tonal variation in response to subtle nuances of the player's touch, making it possible to enjoy an authentic performance experience. The pianos are also equipped with Bluetooth® technology*2, allowing them to easily connect to the Yamaha Smart Pianist app to offer a more enjoyable playing experience.

1. Exclusive transducer delivers vibrations to the soundboard, offering volume control functionality without sacrificing rich acoustic sound

1. Exclusive transducer delivers vibrations to the soundboard, offering volume control functionality without sacrificing rich acoustic sound

Yamaha has developed a new transducer exclusively for compact upright pianos. The transducer converts digital sound information into vibrations and delivers them to the soundboard, which in turn vibrates and joins the resonance of the strings to turn the entire piano into a resonator. Digital sound sources can be used to produce natural acoustic sound from the body of the piano, making it possible to control the volume when playing without the need for headphones.

2. Articulation Sensor System offers more accurate interpretation of subtle musical expression during performance

2. Articulation Sensor System offers more accurate interpretation of subtle musical expression during performance

The pianos feature Yamaha's Articulation Sensor System. Sensors placed under all 88 keys communicate wirelessly with the piano to offer a more natural playing experience while also preserving authentic acoustic piano touch almost perfectly. The system precisely detects the strike and release of the keys for more accurate interpretation of subtle key movements, such as those used when playing staccato.

3. Unique modeling technology offers the ability to explore subtle tonal nuances

3. Unique modeling technology offers the ability to explore subtle tonal nuances

Grand pianos offer seemingly unlimited tonal variation resulting from the inner workings of the piano, such as the way the hammers strike and the dampers contact the strings in response to the player's touch. Reproduction of this rich tonal variation is made possible by Yamaha's Grand Expression Modeling technology. This technology provides the player with the ability to explore subtle tonal nuances, faithfully reproducing every piano sound exactly the way the player intended. Grand Expression Modeling detects both the force and acceleration of the keystrokes and changes the audio output accordingly in real time, making it possible to enjoy an authentic performance experience using a variety of playing styles.

4. Bluetooth® technology (audio and MIDI)*2 makes connecting to apps easy for even more ways to enjoy playing

4. Bluetooth® technology (audio and MIDI)*2 makes connecting to apps easy for even more ways to enjoy playing

Connect the piano to a smart device wirelessly using Bluetooth® technology and enjoy playing along to music on your device. The Yamaha Smart Pianist app makes it easy to enjoy a variety of playing experiences, with controls for metronome and other functionality and features like the ability to play along to sheet music for songs on your smart device.

*1 Model availability varies by region. Contact your local sales subsidiary for details.

*2 May not have this functionality depending on your area.