Kawai Novus NV12
Kawai Novus NV12
The new dimension of the hybrid grand piano
The Kawai Novus NV12 redefines the concept of the hybrid piano. As the direct successor to the award-winning NV10S, it combines the authentic touch of an acoustic grand piano with state-of-the-art digital technology – all in an elegant, concert-grand-inspired design.
Design with depth and elegance
The NV12 impresses with its newly designed cabinet, which is about one third deeper than its predecessor. The gently curved rear, the three-position lid and the open centre-column design give the instrument a harmonious balance between classical elegance and modern lightness.
For the first time, a Novus model also offers a genuine grand piano music desk, whose angle and position can be individually adjusted or completely removed if required.
PentaDrive resonance soundboard system
The heart of the NV12 is the revolutionary PentaDrive resonance soundboard system. Instead of conventional speakers, the sound is transmitted via five precisely positioned transducers onto a large soundboard – producing a natural, room-filling projection that comes astonishingly close to that of an acoustic grand. The result is an immersive sound experience you not only hear, but feel.
True grand action
Like no other hybrid piano, the NV12 combines cutting-edge sensor technology with real grand action. The Millennium III hybrid grand action with extended spruce hammer shanks and lightweight, stable ABS carbon components provides an authentic touch. The optical sensor system captures every hammer movement with the highest precision – for dynamic, expressive playing like on a concert grand.
Authentic pedal feel
The same pursuit of perfection is evident in the pedals: the integrated damper mechanism reproduces the natural weight and physical response of a real grand piano pedal, giving your playing an exceptionally realistic feel.
Shigeru Kawai SK-EX
Inside the NV12 works the latest SK-EX Rendering Sound Engine, which captures the sound of the legendary Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand in all its nuances. Thanks to multichannel sampling and precise resonance modelling, a lively, detailed sound is produced that conveys the full emotional depth of the original.
Additionally, Harmonic Imaging XL provides alternative piano sounds, electric pianos, organs, strings and synths – perfect for creative variety.
State-of-the-art connectivity and audio quality
With Bluetooth® MIDI & Audio (Version 5), a USB-C audio interface with power supply and high-quality audio components, the NV12 is perfectly equipped for the modern musician's everyday life. Whether wireless music streaming, studio recording or connecting to music apps – the NV12 offers maximum flexibility with the best possible sound quality, even through headphones.
Virtual Piano Artisan
Via the integrated 5-inch touchscreen you can precisely adjust all sound characteristics – from intonation and resonances to key noises and the tuning of individual notes. This creates an instrument that can be shaped entirely to your personal playing style and sonic preferences.
A new chapter in hybrid artistry
With its elegant design, the innovative resonance soundboard system and the incomparable grand action, the Kawai Novus NV12 embodies the perfect symbiosis of tradition and technology. It is more than just an instrument – it is an experience that blurs the boundaries between digital and acoustic.
Product information "Kawai Novus NV12"
The Novus NV12 is the newest model in the Novus range and the successor to the award-winning NV10S hybrid piano. The 2025 model combines a larger, grand-piano-inspired cabinet with a revolutionary sound system, while retaining the proven Millennium III hybrid keyboard and the authentic damper mechanism.
Visually the NV12 impresses with a deep, gently curved cabinet and a three-position folding lid, improving sound projection and aesthetics. The central support still features polished silver pedal rods, now designed openly for a more airy appearance. New is a true grand-piano music desk that flexibly adjusts angle and position or can be removed entirely.
At the heart of the instrument is the new PentaDrive soundboard system: five carefully positioned transducers transfer energy directly to a large wooden soundboard. This produces a rich, full-bodied sound that emulates the projection of an acoustic grand piano.
Like the NV6, the NV12 benefits from digital improvements derived from the CA901 digital piano, including the new SK-EX Competition Grand Piano sound for clear, brilliant tones, complemented by the warm SK-EX Concert Grand. The 5" touchscreen is anti-reflective, offers new UI updates and an inactivity shut-off option. Bluetooth MIDI & Audio v5 as well as a USB-C port with audio interface and power delivery complete the modern connectivity.
With its distinctive cabinet, innovative acoustics and refined digital performance, the NV12 sets new standards for hybrid pianos and conveys a true grand-piano experience.
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth MIDI v5, Bluetooth Audio v5
- Color/ Finish: Black
- Colour: Black
- Connections: 2x Phones, Line in, Line out, MIDI (in/out), USB to Host, USB to Device
- Dimensions (WxHxD): Deckel offen: 151 x 172,5 x 87 cm
- Display: LCD Touchscreen (5 inch)
- Effects: Hall, Stereo Delay, Ping Delay, Triple Delay, Chorus, Classic Chorus, Tremolo, Classic Tremolo, Auto Pan, Classic Auto Pan, Phaser, Rotary, 4x Combination Effects, 3x Amplified Effects
- Finish: High gloss
- Key Cover: Yes
- Keyboard type: Millennium III Acoustic Grand Piano Action
- Keys: 88
- Loudspeaker: PentaDrive Soundboard-Lautsprechersystem
- MP3/WAV Player/Recorder: USB Recorder (MP3/WAV)
- Memory: Internal recorder and USB ( mp3/Wave)
- Metronome: 10 time signatures + 100 rhythms, tempo and volume adjustable
- Modes: Dual, split and four hands mode
- Piano sounds: 90
- Polyphony: 256
- Power (watts rms): 3x 45 W
- Sequencer: 10 songs, 2 tracks (max 90,000 notes)
- Sound generation: Virtual Piano Artisan, SK-EX Competition Grand Piano Sound, Multi-Channel SK-EX Rendering Soundengine, Piano-optimierter Sampling-Filter, Dual-DAC
- USB / MIDI: USB-C Anschluss mit Stromversorgung, integriertes USB-Audio-Interface
- Flügel-ähnliches Gehäuse mit 3-Positionen-Topboard
The name Kawai stands for the perfect combination of craftsmanship, sound quality and innovation and is one of the leading manufacturers of keyboard instruments. Since its foundation by Koichi Kawai in Japan, the company has convinced musicians around the world with first-class instruments and relies on continuous development.
Innovative technologies and an exceptional sound characterise Kawai pianos and grands. Through constant research, Kawai has achieved significant advances in the art and technology of piano making. The use of top-quality materials and careful workmanship down to the smallest detail are hallmarks of the brand.
Kawai is also known for the particularly inspiring and balanced sound of its instruments. You can hear in every piano how much value is placed on emotional expression and individuality. A wide tonal spectrum from delicate, warm to crisp, powerful tones characterises the sound of the instruments and allows pianists to express themselves musically. The outstanding sound is not least due to the special keyboard: The combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology comes together here in an especially pleasant playability and delights pianists worldwide. A special feature is the weighted keys, which in professional digital pianos provide the touch of a grand piano.
From the concert stage to the private living room, Kawai instruments inspire musicians around the world. Also in the field of digital pianos, which combine a classical touch with the latest technology, Kawai takes a pioneering role. Kawai remains the unsurpassed standard for quality and passion in the piano world. In 2017 the Japanese manufacturer proudly celebrated its 90th anniversary.