I recently had a client request that I replace the stock GH3 action in her Yamaha CVP-305 with a Yamaha Natural Wood action, and so I had an opportunity to do some experimenting. I replaced the basic GH3 keybed in her piano with a GH3-NW keybed, which has noticeably better (and lighter) touch. She’s been extremely pleased with it even since!
The Yamaha GH3 keyboard action can be replaced with the NW-GH3 action, the GH3X action, or the NWX action. All four of the actions below seem to be interchangeable, with the features as listed:
Note that these action swaps are possible, but are in no way endorsed by Yamaha, and will result in voided warranties.
If you have a 2-sensor Yamaha action, you cannot swap a 3-sensor GH3 action in its place. It’s important to note that although the GH3 actions seem to be substitutable with one another, the GHD and GHS actions are not compatible.
Keyboard compatibility lookup tool
Quick answer: If your Yamaha uses a GH3-family triple‑sensor keybed, you can often swap the complete keybed assembly between GH3 (ZV601600), GH3X (ZV601400), NW‑GH3 (WV830100/WH757100), and NWX (ZV601500). If your instrument uses a 2‑sensor action (e.g., not GH3-family), these swaps usually won’t work. Use the lookup tool below to check your model.
Note that the above application will ignore dashes and case. “CLP-625” and “clp625” will both work. This script also will identify nonexistent models as likely not compatible.
How different do the GH3, GH3X, NW-GH3, and NWX really feel?
Although there’s some subjectivity, we mutually agreed that the Natural Wood actions felt lighter than the plastic equivalents (which is a bit counter-intuitive initially), and that the escapement added perceived weight.
Overall, we found that the NW-GH3 action was the lightest action, and the GH3X had the fullest response. You can read more about the specific differences in this article from Yamaha (from 2019). Her favorite action was the NW-GH3 which is discontinued from Yamaha’s lineup. She was an organist, and wanted as light a touch as possible, even though that’s not necessarily the most accurate simulation of a piano.
Availability and pricing
The Yamaha part numbers and prices from Syntaur as of this writing (12-14-25)
I also can’t guarantee compatibility of any replacement key bed; although this has always worked for me, it’s an at-your-own-risk operation!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I can quickly look up your keyboard and see if this might be an option for you.
Not sure if you will see this. Is there any chance I could put a nw-gh3 in a Yamaha cp300 which would have used a gh action?
The Yamaha CP-300 uses two contact sensors, rather than three contact sensors. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be possible to substitute a NW-GH3 in place of any Yamaha GHD or GHS two contact actions.
I edited this on March 14th, 2025 with new information and a demonstration of the new tool above.
Hey, i find it amazing you post such a helpful tool online, thank you for that.
I’m currently looking to replace the gh3 action of my old CLP-230 with a brand new NWX.
You think there is some adjustment work to do on the velocity curve or should I be fine?
Unfortunately I’m from Italy else i would call you for the job hehe.
Hello Florian! Thank you for the kind words; I’m glad you found the tool useful! The NWX features wooden keys and an escapement mechanism, both of which enhance the tactile experience and can aid in expressive, delicate playing. While it’s not strictly necessary to adjust the velocity curve when transitioning to NWX, it might be helpful to tailor the response to your personal playing style. Although this is very subjective, the NWX probably feels “lighter” than the basic GH3.
And please let me know how you like it when the work is done!