What do you get when two artisans meet? A beautiful new creation, that’s for sure. That is exactly what happened when musical instruments and appliances creator Roland and Japanese wooden furniture maker Karimoku teamed up and started brainstorming. Combining their respective fields of expertise, they created a wooden digital piano that has even gone on to win the Good Design Award. This Kiyola series is bound to be a hit amongst those who want the technology of a digital piano but long for the feel of an acoustic one – or those who just want a pretty addition to their house.
Both companies have gone above and beyond for this series, with the cabinet being handcrafted from natural wood by Karimoku’s craftsmen, and the digital side of the piano including all kinds of funky, new technology. Bluetooth has been installed in the piano, giving you the possibility to control a metronome, download your favourite scores, add new music or even switch timbre through your phone (or Apple Watch, if so inclined; some of these features do require a purchase, PiaScore, through your app store). Even the seat contains some form of technological advancement: they decided to research the best possible seating angle to relieve any stress placed on the spine. Now that’s a comfortable idea. It’s all very hi-tech and we’re slightly confused by the sheer amount of technological options, but the combination of futuristic and traditional make this digital piano a treat for the eyes and ears.
The Kiyola, available in Pure Oak, Sheer White and Walnut, will go on sale in Japan on December 19, with an expected 1,000 pianos being produced this year (price TBC by individual stores). More info (in Japanese) here.
– By Kirsty Bouwers