03.09.2015

C. Bechstein cooperates with Casio

Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced the release of two new digital pianos, developed in cooperation with C. Bechstein. The international press conference took place in the stilwerk in Berlin where the headquarters of C. Bechstein is also located.

With the new GP-500BP and GP-300, Casio is introducing the new CELVIANO Grand Hybrid lineup, which combines the advantages of both digital and acoustic pianos while delivering an experience like that of a grand piano, including the tone, keys, and playing comfort.

Kazuhiro Kashio, Casio President & Chief Operating Officer, and Karl Schulze, CEO of the C. Bechstein Pianofortefabrik AG in Berlin, presented the new instruments. Both CEOs proudly spoke of a first step into a long-lasting cooperation.

C. Bechstein helped Casio to create the „Berlin Grand Sound“. The sound is based on a sample of a C. Bechstein grand piano D 282. The „Natural Grand Hammer Action Keyboard“ combines spruce wooden key material as used in C. Bechstein grand pianos, and a new unique action mechanism that delivers the right hammer movement, which has a big impact on the playing response of a grand piano. This allows the pianist to produce nuanced sound with a delicate touch that is essential for demonstrating the expressive power of the piano, while also enjoying reliable key response and supple playing comfort.

Benjamin Grosvenor, brand ambassador of the new digital piano line, performed at the international press conference. The internationally known pianist praised the wide dynamic range and the tone colours of the C. Bechstein sound as well as the touch of the new digital pianos.

The Japanese company Casio was founded in 1957 and is one of the most successful manufacturers of consumer electronics worldwide. C. Bechstein, established in 1853, is one of the leading piano manufacturers of the world and known for the highest class of upright and grand pianos.

The launch of the new Casio Celviano Grand Hybrid digital pianos was celebrated in the evening with a red carpet event in the historic Meistersaal in Berlin, charmingly presented by Nova Meierhenrich. The audience including Casio President Kazuhiro Kashio and C. Bechstein CEO Karl Schulze enthusiastically enjoyed wonderful renditions of Jacob Collier and Gabriela Montero. Among the guests was the German actor Heiner Lauterbach.

Photos: Clemens Bilan/Casio