The Clavinova is a long-running line of premium digital pianos created by the Yamaha Corporation. They are similar in styling to an acoustic piano, but with many features common to various keyboards such as the ability to save and load songs, the availability of different voices, and, in more recent models, the ability to be connected to a computer via USB or wireless network for music production or interactive piano lesson programs.
All current (and many past) Clavinovas (CLP and CVP-Series) feature Yamaha's Graded Hammer technology, a mechanical system of small metal hammers, weighted to be similar to those of an acoustic piano, which activates a digital pressure sensor that then translates into sound. This advanced technology has contributed to the success of the Clavinova as a more affordable substitute for an acoustic piano. The Graded action is intended to reproduce more accurately the varying weights of the hammers of an acoustic piano where the hammers vary in weight from the bass section to the treble. Higher-end models, such as the CVP-600 Series from 2012, incorporate real wood keys and linear grading for added realism.
The built-in synthesizer produces the sound. Early Clavinova models used FM synthesis. Later models use sample-based synthesis to produce the sound. Information comes in a MIDI or similar format either directly from the piano keyboard or from a stored source (from within the piano or via a computer or external sequencer). The synthesizer can imitate a large array of acoustic instruments, electronic instruments and other sound effects. Recent models of CVP Clavinova have hundreds of such voices. These usually include many types of pianos and organs, string, percussion, brass and woodwind instruments, as well as modern and vintage synthesizer sounds, sampled effects etc. The more recent CVP models also feature many accompaniment styles, ranging from traditional dance and classical orchestration, through to more modern club, pop, rock, big band and jazz styles.