Brutally Honest Review on NU1XA Review - Is This Hybrid Piano Viable Alternative to Acoustic Pianos?

This is an review on Yamaha's new AvantGrand NU1XA hybrid piano by a pianist/piano teacher. In this video, I'm going to talk about good and bad of this instrument while demonstrating its ability with actual musical example, then sharing my opinion whether this can be a good primary instrument for learners.

For online lessons and consultations, please make an appointment at:

Support this channel through Patreon:

[rharrisondev]

I've been searching for months and yours is the first review of the NU1XA that I've found that *isn't* from a piano dealership! A fantastic review, and very realistic in terms of both the benefits and the compromises. I was originally certain that I wanted an NU1XA but after trying it in store I wasn't so sure anymore. It feels fantastic to play, but it sounds too pristine (like you mention in the video!) and something about it still feels too digital. For me, I've shifted back towards searching for a true accoustic piano, possibly with a silent system installed, but you really nailed the overview, and I know a few people who would love this piano. Thanks for the great objective review!

[karlkarnadi]

Holy shit, I started watching with very low expectations (not even thinking about buying a hybrid piano), but I ended up watching the video entirely, learned about imperfect octave in acoustic piano, differences of pedaling in real piano vs not, sound of natural piano keys, etc. Nice work! I’m a new subscriber!

[scottfisher]

I recently upgraded from a CLP-645 to the NU1XA. I have no regrets. The NU1XA has really nice bass.

[rarsenio]

I just subscribed. I am 59 years old; I just retired and decided to learn how to play the piano.

[whiteshiftracing]

This is my first video of Akira’s. I’m 2:53 in and he’s my favourite piano YouTuber.

[thegardentourist]

Just purchased an NU1XA thanks to this review ❤

[R.Williams]

I have a Yamaha CLP 645 which I love. However I had to buy a new adjustable bench. I got a nice Roland that matched the finish of the piano and I like it a lot. I agree that a non-adjustable bench was a cheap move for pianos that cost thousands! My piano needs serviced, probably cleaned. Sometimes I'll be playing along and a note will suddenly sound way too loud. I swear it's not me! I got rid of my acoustic piano because the constant tuning bills were too much. I'm an amateur so I only need "pretty decent" which my Yamaha fulfills perfectly. Your new piano is very beautiful, plus you gave it a great review. Thank you!

[vling]

Wow, a real, unbiased review! Great job!

[dr.punjab]

Very Helpful video Akira!! Thank you for making!

[TheBmontalto]

I bought a Kawaii CA79 which came with a proper adjustable piano bench and a professional headset/headphones. The piano itself seems identical to your Yamaha. Cost me €3500 (~$3800). I couldn't be happier. I get the advantages of an acoustic piano and a digital one together. Best of all, no one hears all the mistakes I make when playing!

[MertOzdag]

Thank you very much for doing these informative and fun videos

[carlosazambujayt]

Wow, what an amazing and helpful video! (And funny, also)

[gautrstafr]

I do agree a perfectly tuned sounds weird, I do hear a difference!

[kuroneko]

I remember seeing instruments from this series around music stores before, but dismissing them as rather gimmicky keyboards. Glad to know that these are more than a regular digital keyboard instrument. I ultimately arrived to the same conclusion as you. I think that while the MSRP of the NU1XA makes it a tough sell against similarly priced upright pianos (or better if there's a good second hand market), specific use cases might mean that this instrument is a decent buy. Being able to practice with headphones on during odd hours might be worth that price for someone on a tight schedule who can justify the price to themselves.

[thashalorin]

It’s amazing…I bought it today and it Feels superb! 👌🏻

[_ttii]

Oh man… this has been the most entertaining piano video and a very informative that helped my decision. Thank you.
We live in Tokyo and I’ve been agonizing for my daughter’s first piano who’s 7. We have a 4.5jo space to put the piano and live in an apartment. I know that a used upright piano can be purchased at a similar price, so I just couldn’t make a decision. But when you say about the environment, this piano suits our needs better it seems. We live near the ocean and Japan is so humid as you know. Also it’s an apartment so the noise will be an issue. Fortunately it costs 480, 000 yen and they do provide the adjustable bench in Japan, so we should just go for it…! Thank you so much.

[StefVR]

Good and helpful review for people. Had one myself and then bought an acoustic.

Especially the pedaling on any electric piano is pretty far off.

The thing is: you can play great on any digital piano if you practice on an acoustic but not the other way round.

For beginners I recommend an acoustic (doesn’t have to be a grand) and then a lNord Grand to practice in the evenings if you have neighbors.

[가슴을열고-fp]

I' ve just bought a NU1XA before watching this video... and after watchiing this video, I think I deserve praise.. :) thank you for your video. I think it's a very decent digital piano model...from now on, I'm your subscriber

[WutipongWongsakuldej]

I think they could add a 'detune' feature. Thing's like ... a timer that gradully detune all the key in different rate over time, and a button to tune up all to standard 440. Combining those two, it'd be more close to a real piano futher.

Oh and to make it even more close to a real piano, the owner should not be able to turn it off, and the button would require certified piano technocian authorization.

On a serious note, I think some of the VST have this kind of detune built-in to it, especially the sampler-based one (because it's recorded from a real piano). Maybe there're softwares that samples each string on each key separately, and make them go out of tune in a different rate (but very close to each other).

Again the sound espect is just a part of the instrument, I think :).

[tutituti]

Hello! Referring to the loud note "problem" at 18:55: I had the same issue with different keys and re-calibrating the key- and hammersensors solved the problem.
Here is how to do it:
There is a hidden menu for this calibration procedure:
When press and hold the Power-On button, press "Voice" twice when it shows up and then release the power-button.
After that the NU1XA boots up into a "Menu2"
Then press ">" to go to the "Key Calibration", "Hammer Calibration" and other options.
In my case I used a 100gram weight for the calibration and it worked very well.