I haven't seen a thread dedicated to this subject, so thought I'd start one.

Has anyone discovered anything interesting from NAMM yet?

Post your news here!

I will be there tomorrow for opening day.. I will post as much pics and vids as i can..

Stay tuned....

Yeah.. the main stage is outside this year! (and it's supposed to rain tomorrow and Friday)...
- Gary

I think kawai are releasing a MIDI proper piano action keyboard. this is a dream come true, because this is exactly what i am looking for! Thank god i didn't buy a piano yet. check link below

Kawai MIDI Piano Namm 2013 http://www.kawaivpc.com/

There's a whole thread devoted to this VPC product. But I'm having trouble understanding the product. The web page shows a picture of what must be a new keyboard model (with little to distinguish from any other keyboard) and a laptop running what must be some piano software.

So what's the fuss all about? This is nothing new. Or am I missing something?

Gary, will there be any Physis Piano news at NAMM?

well i am looking for a midi control with proper piano action eg.graded hammer mechanism. I am having trouble finding any in the market right now that have a decent comparable to the nice action they have on the Kawai MP6 and MP10 models. if there is something, please tell me.

What you're missing is that tomorrow Kawai will release it's own virtual piano controller (VPC-1). The selling point will be the action you are looking for, though Kawai James has not confirmed if it will be RM3 or the newest GF action.
This piano controller will be compatible with Ivory II, Pianoteq, and Galaxy Vintage D. We don't know if the software comes in the box to be uploaded, is already preloaded, or is just compatible. There will also be a fourth virtual piano, and many posters believe that will be a sample or samples of Kawai's own piano(s) (perhaps the Grand EX). You can see the teaser at [url=http://facebook.com/kawaivpc]
All questions answered tomorrow. Definitely something you want to check out!

By the way the teaser reads, "Finally a virtual piano controller that plays out of the box." Therein lies the mystery!

@HisKidd,

You meant "GF" (i.e., Grand Feel action), not BF, right?

Yes, and thanks for the correction!

GF action...

"Plays out of the box" in a controller scenario is something you can say about most newer DPs that have MIDI over USB to-host connectivity.

Yes, you would want a "GF" action, not a "B" (Broken) "F" (Fulcrum) action.

I was hoping it was the new "Bloody Fantastic" action.

Still namthing
http://www.yamaha.com/namm/

Hopefully, it turns out to be GF which then becomes your BFFL. How's that? Amazing what a typo will do for you! Lol!

M-Audio Axiom Air 25:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGD7_P4cAhk

For those of you at the show, Joe Sample will be at our booth both tomorrow and Friday roughly between 3:00 and 6:00. The booth is closed off between 5:00 and 6:00 for press (Thursday) and dealers (Friday) between 5:00 and 6:00 but you should be able to see and hear him play.

Awesome. Wish I could be there...

By no means does this begin to tell the whole or even part of the story, but here is a taste of what we'll be showing.

https://soundcloud.com/casiomusicgear/privia-pro-px-5s-intro

Not a bad guess by me . Congratulations CASIO and Mike on this new release!

Yamaha is releasing a new app for the Apple iPad this Winter NAMM 2013:

Mobile Music Sequencer

http://www.motifator.com/index.php/forum/viewthread/457797/P30/

The only two digitals worth reporting about (from NAMM) are:

1) Physis Piano - http://www.physispiano.com/
2) Alpha Piano - http://www.alpha-piano.com/

The Physis uses modeled sounds and the Alpha has an action from a real 9-foot grand.

Actually, all digital piano makers have missed the mark if they don't incorporate a true 9-foot grand action into a purely modeled digital, which neither of the two above combine, into one instrument.

That Alpha Piano is plain ugly, unless you're living in a Startrek environment. Perhaps Porche Design isn't the right party to go to , for designing instruments. Or for TV's (Toshiba), harddrives (LaCie) or some other design failures for that matter. Perhaps they should try their skills on sports cars. Just a thought...

Second note;

if they had just sticked to classic black and skipped the fake silver/ chrome on the stand and several other parts , that would already make a difference. I don't have anything against modern / sleek design, but these chrome parts break it and as a whole I personally don't see this fit in within most interiors.

And wireless pedals. Nice gimmick, as long as it works - and keeps on working. Form follows functions, follows form...

But who cares - It's probably vaporware anyway ; would be very surprised if this really hit the marked any time soon , or at all.

Edit: uhm..."The ALPHA Studio is available starting at 29,000 euros, including 20% VAT. It is expected to be deliverable as of 2011. We would be happy to take reservations and orders immediately."

Here we are 2013 and counting. I DO however applaud some of the features they implemented , like adjustable height and new sensor mechanism.

€30.000 for what exactly?

An unproven action, an unproven modeling from an unproven manufacturer thats been vaporware so far.

I could buy a Kronos X, a Nord Stage 2, the new Kawai VPC, an PC, Ivory II, Pianoteq 4, Imperfect Samples, National Instruments Komplete and a V-Piano plus stands and accessories and still end up with enough money left over to buy a car. (My utilities bill would go through the roof though).

Or I could buy a real grand piano plus the cost of remodeling a room to put it in.

That Alpha Piano looks like one of the huge tank like things from the movie Tron.

I wasn't expecting anything beautiful though. Porsche design only does ugly.

Never mind Alpha - is Physis Piano ever going to appear?

From their web page:

Visit us at Musikmesse Frankfurt
5th - 9th of April 2001 hall 5.0

€30,000 including 20% sales tax/VAT would be €25,200 excluding tax or $33,600 at today's exchange rate.