NAMM 2025 Through the Eyes of a Starstruck Piano Tech

Walking into the Anaheim Convention Center for my first NAMM Show felt like stepping into a piano wonderland. As a Piano Technician who’s spent years tuning, regulating, and repairing instruments, seeing (and hearing) the latest innovations from the world’s top brands was nothing short of magical. Here’s what blew me away:

Yamaha’s Hybrid Revolution

Yamaha’s booth was a hive of activity, and for good reason. Their TransAcoustic grand piano, now with enhanced hybrid modeling, blurs the line between acoustic and digital like never before. I ran my hands over the keys and marveled at how naturally the soundboard responded, even when using silent mode. The new CSP-300 series also caught my eye, with AI-driven learning features that adapt to a player’s technique. As a Piano Tech, I appreciated the accessible action adjustments, no more crawling under the piano for minor tweaks!

Kawai’s Masterful Engineering

Kawai’s Novus NV20S hybrid piano was a revelation. The upgraded Millennium III Hybrid Action felt indistinguishable from an acoustic grand, and the SK-EX rendering engine delivered breathtaking resonance. I also got to inspect their Shigeru Kawai SK-7, which now features a refined sostenuto mechanism, something I’ll definitely be studying for future regulation work.

Roland’s Digital Wizardry

Roland’s LX-900 digital piano stole the show with its PureAcoustic Modeling 2.0, which replicates the quirks of real acoustic pianos (including string imperfections!). Their collaboration with Pianoteq for built-in physical modeling hints at an exciting future for digital realism.

The Acoustic Legends: Fazioli, Bösendorfer & Steinway

Fazioli’s carbon-fiber-reinforced F228 was a technical masterpiece, while Bösendorfer’s VC7showcased their signature Vienna sound. Steinway’s Spirio r updates, including live concert streaming, left me dreaming of high-tech service calls.

Final Thoughts

NAMM 2025 wasn’t just about shiny new gear, it was a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and the future of piano technology. As a Piano Tech, I left inspired (and maybe a little overwhelmed) by the possibilities. Whether you’re a player, teacher, or fellow technician, one thing’s clear: the piano world is evolving fast, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.