Kawai Novus NV12, The New Benchmark in Hybrid Piano Performance

The Kawai Novus NV12 represents the future of piano craftsmanship, a masterful fusion of
premium acoustic grand piano engineering with cutting-edge digital innovation.
Designed for pianists who demand absolute authenticity, expressive control, and silent-practice flexibility,
the NV12 stands as Kawai’s most advanced hybrid instrument to date.

With its Millennium III Hybrid Action, SK-EX Rendering engine, and revolutionary
PentaDrive soundboard system, the NV12 captures the soul of a world-class concert grand in a
form that suits modern homes, studios, and teaching spaces.

Millennium III Hybrid Action, Real Grand Piano Mechanics

At the heart of the NV12 lies Kawai’s legendary Millennium III grand piano action, the same
action used in the elite GX series acoustic grands. This action embodies Koichi Kawai's
philosophy: innovation driven by uncompromising musicality.

ABS Carbon Action Components

Instead of wooden parts found in traditional actions, Kawai’s ABS Carbon composite provides:

• Superior structural stability
• Faster hammer repetition
• Enhanced durability
• Lighter, more responsive feel

Extended key sticks give players greater leverage, improved control, and the unmistakable sensation of a
finely regulated acoustic grand.

Hybrid Hammers + Optical Sensors = Mechanical Perfection

Because the NV12 produces sound digitally, its hammers do not physically strike strings. Instead, every
hammer movement is captured by high-resolution optical sensors, more accurate than key-based
sensors used in most digitals.

ABS Hybrid Hammers

Each hammer is precision-weighted, exactly matching the heavier bass and lighter treble hammers of an
acoustic piano.
The result? Natural, consistent touch from the front to the back of the key.

Optical Hammer Sensors

These sensors track accurate hammer movement for unmatched realism:

• Perfect for trills, tremolos, and rapid pianissimo passages
• No missed notes, no scanning delay
• True “acoustic-style” performance sensitivity

This is why the NV12 feels alive under your fingers.

Authentic Damper System, For True Grand Piano Physicality

Even though the NV12 is digital, Kawai includes a complete grand-piano damper mechanism with graded
counterweights.
This replicates the natural physical resistance encountered when playing an acoustic instrument.

So when you play the NV12…

• ✔️ The keys push back correctly
• ✔️ The pedal feels authentic
• ✔️ The entire mechanism behaves like a real grand

This hybrid authenticity makes the NV12 uniquely satisfying for classical, jazz, and contemporary performers.

The Sound of the Premier Piano of Japan, SK-EX

At the core of the NV12’s tone is the iconic Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano —
considered Japan’s premier piano and used by elite performers in concert halls worldwide.

Two SK-EX Voices, Recorded in Different Perspectives

SK-EX Concert Grand – warm, elegant, rich
SK-EX Competition Grand – bright, clear, articulate

Both are powered by Kawai’s SK-EX Rendering Engine, combining:

• Multi-channel sample layering
• Advanced physical modelling
• Full-depth dynamic sampling

The result is breathtaking expressiveness, clarity, and realism.

PentaDrive Soundboard System, Acoustic Resonance, No Speakers

Exclusive to the NV12, the PentaDrive system uses five transducers to energise a
135 × 60 cm wooden soundboard, reinforced with four ribs.

This creates:

• Rich acoustic projection
• Warm, immersive resonance
• Full-body sound dispersal (not forward-speaker-only)
• A 3D sound field similar to an actual grand piano

This is the closest any digital has ever come to producing real acoustic energy.

Stunning Grand Piano Cabinetry

A hybrid should look as good as it sounds, and the NV12 does precisely that.

Key visual highlights

• Luxurious high gloss Ebony Polish finish
• Elegant grand-style topboard with three positions
• Enhanced centre column and pedal lyre
• Broad, adjustable grand-style music shelf
• Soft-Fall closing mechanism
• Refined proportions ideal for modern homes

This is a prestige instrument designed to be the centrepiece of any room.

Modern Connectivity for Today’s Pianists

The NV12’s connectivity options allow proper integration with modern digital workflows:

• USB-C port
• USB Audio Interface (built-in)
• Bluetooth MIDI & Audio
• Dual headphone jacks
• Line in/out audio ports

Perfect for recording, silent practice, or performing in larger spaces.

5-Inch Anti-Glare Touchscreen

Control sounds, settings, and functions using the elegant built-in touchscreen.
For traditionalists, the display can fade out automatically to preserve a pure acoustic appearance.

Carlingford Music Centre, Australia’s Sydney centre, Home of Kawai Hybrid Pianos

As Sydney Metro’s premier piano centre offering the very best Musical Instrument true-value since 1982,

• Expert advice
• In-store demonstrations
• Delivery + setup expert installation
• Trade-in options
• Exclusive service and support from an independently owned & operated Australian Musical Family business since 1982

Experience the NV12 in person, nothing compares to feeling this hybrid masterpiece under your fingers.
@CarlingfordMusicCentre
Watch video 1 on YouTube
Watch video 2 on YouTube