Search found 36 matches

by RWAS
18 Apr 2018, 09:41
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: The "C" in front of Sauter, Bechstein
Replies: 5
Views: 17461

Re: The "C" in front of Sauter, Bechstein

Kawai uses K. Kawai after the company's founder, Koichi Kawai, for all acoustic grand pianos. All the vertical and digital pianos have just Kawai.

Regards,
Robert.
by RWAS
02 Feb 2018, 01:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Does anyone know the model of this K KAWAI Baby Grand ?
Replies: 1
Views: 4304

Re: Does anyone know the model of this K KAWAI Baby Grand ?

I think it is a Kawai RX-2 grand. The Kawai RX-2 is 5'8" in length and was made between 1995 and 2014 approximately. It was replaced by the Kawai GX-2. The smaller Kawai GE models had a different frame design The view of the frame of the piano suggests that it is a Kawai RX-2 because of the rou...
by RWAS
16 Dec 2017, 19:34
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Second hand baby grand for under £1000
Replies: 1
Views: 4640

Re: Second hand baby grand for under £1000

All pianos will sound better after a good tuning. I am guessing that there are two causes of the "mulchyness" of the bass of the Challen piano. The short length of the strings is a factor and the age and condition of the piano. New bass strings would probably improve the tone considerably,...
by RWAS
03 Dec 2017, 19:40
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Duck son & pinker ltd
Replies: 5
Views: 11141

Re: Duck son & pinker ltd

The C. Bechstein name is clearly shown on the fall board of your piano and on the piano's iron frame. There is no chance of confusion with pianos made by the original retailer of your C.Bechstein piano. I agree that retaining the sticker would be a nice way of showing part of the history of your pia...
by RWAS
03 Dec 2017, 19:09
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Is my piano worth keeping
Replies: 2
Views: 6034

Re: Is my piano worth keeping

I would say that your old piano is not worth keeping. It has an over-damper action which makes it a relic of the past. It is not a famous or popular make of piano and its general condition seems poor. I think that you should put your money towards a newer piano which will be a much more satisfying i...
by RWAS
17 Jun 2017, 22:51
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Short sustained sound of Boston GP 193
Replies: 4
Views: 13059

Re: Short sustained sound of Boston GP 193

As Boston pianos did not come onto the market until 1992, it is unlikely that this loss of sustain is caused by the aging of the piano. However, the extent of the sustain loss suggests that there is a soundboard failure that could be caused by humidity and or temperature extremes or even some violen...
by RWAS
17 Jun 2017, 22:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Harsh sounding note
Replies: 4
Views: 12586

Re: Harsh sounding note

I am sorry to hear of this frustrating and disappointing note on your almost new piano. Your piano which you presumably bought new from dealer should have a warranty which will cover any problems arising after purchase provided they are not caused by environmental issues like extreme temperatures an...
by RWAS
17 Jun 2017, 21:50
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Best piano
Replies: 4
Views: 13476

Re: Best piano

Yes, I agree that increasing your budget a little may enable you to get a better quality used piano with more life in it. In the second hand market, a Japanese Kawai or Yamaha piano would suit probably best suit your needs although I would certainly include along with Welmar, a Knight or a John Broa...
by RWAS
24 Nov 2015, 18:26
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Early Bluthner Boudoir - a good purchase?
Replies: 10
Views: 15974

Re: Early Bluthner Boudoir - a good purchase?

Instinctively, I would balk at purchasing any 153 year old piano. It would be painstakingly difficult to restore completely any piano of that age to its original condition because of the unavailability of parts and its obsolete technology. Of course, there are piano restorers who can achieve miracle...
by RWAS
27 Jun 2015, 21:45
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha U1 or Kawai K50
Replies: 8
Views: 15147

Re: Yamaha U1 or Kawai K50

Kawai and Yamaha make pianos of similar quality and although Yamaha has better brand recognition, Kawai has established an excellent reputation for both customer support (especially with their new pianos) and innovative technology in piano construction. A general principle in purchasing pianos is th...
by RWAS
01 May 2015, 20:48
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: K500 anyone
Replies: 3
Views: 6889

Re: K500 anyone

According to Kawai information, the K-500 has a newly redesigned scale and the full Millenium III action. As pianos are variable, even within the same make and model, I think that your best option is to try them at Jaques Samuels and decide for yourself. Kawai have an excellent reputation for consis...
by RWAS
25 May 2014, 19:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C3 made in 1967 -any good?
Replies: 6
Views: 16257

Re: Yamaha C3 made in 1967 -any good?

You could also consider some of the older Kawai grand pianos. The older RX models and even KG and GS series could be attractive both musically and financially.

However, in the UK they are not as well known as Yamaha.

Good luck!

Robert.
by RWAS
22 May 2014, 22:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New piano, New issues.
Replies: 7
Views: 14114

Re: New piano, New issues.

Hi Tomer, I am sorry that you are experiencing these irritations with your new piano. It is really disappointing when a new piano arrives and there are problems which impact on our happiness and delight on receiving a new instrument. However, the issues that you describe seem not serious and a good ...
by RWAS
29 Dec 2013, 18:18
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Does cleaning strings always improve tone?
Replies: 23
Views: 28481

Re: Does cleaning strings always improve tone?

I am no expert, but my piano tuner advised me to use the soft brush attachment of the vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust from the strings. A grand piano with an open lid is obviously more prone to dust build up than a vertical piano. Depending on use, I carefully vacuum clean the strings every few...
by RWAS
18 May 2013, 21:38
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: RX-2
Replies: 3
Views: 6237

Re: RX-2

I would say that the price could be very negotiable as the Kawai RX line has been replaced this year by the new Kawai GX series of grand pianos. A 1997 RX 2 would not have the Millenium III action which Kawai has used in all the RX models since 2004. More recently, the RX BLAK series replaced the st...
by RWAS
14 Dec 2012, 18:03
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kawai RX-2 vs Yamaha C2
Replies: 22
Views: 39180

Re: Kawai RX-2 vs Yamaha C2

More than 5 years ago, I posted comments about my then new Kawai RX3 grand piano which was delivered to me in Auckland, New Zealand. I thought it could be helpful to give some feedback on the same piano which has had a moderate amount of playing. As with all new pianos that are played over a period ...
by RWAS
08 Dec 2012, 18:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New British Cavendish Piano
Replies: 20
Views: 28556

Re: New British Cavendish Piano

Thank you, Joseph and although you have not played one, I believe you have made a sensible assumption given the pricing of these pianos.
Kind regards,

Robert.
by RWAS
08 Dec 2012, 07:53
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New British Cavendish Piano
Replies: 20
Views: 28556

Re: New British Cavendish Piano

I have been looking for some independent reviews of Cavendish pianos, but all I can find are promotions by the company. Despite my earlier congratulatory post on the launch of this piano, I have been concerned by one or two extravagant and suspect claims on some piano forums, that the Cavendish vert...
by RWAS
05 Apr 2012, 21:31
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Shigeru EX
Replies: 1
Views: 4153

Re: Shigeru EX

I must admit that I am a Kawai piano fan too. Last year, in Shanghai and more recently in Singapore, I tried the full range of Shigeru Kawai and Kawai grand pianos. The Shigeru Kawai pianos are superb with a most sensitive, responsive action and a tonal radiance that we find only in the very best pi...
by RWAS
23 Mar 2012, 20:24
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New British Cavendish Piano
Replies: 20
Views: 28556

Re: New British Cavendish Piano

This is a very audacious enterprise in a very competitive piano market and I congratulate Cavendish Pianos on the launch of their pianos with my best wishes for the future. I was brought up playing British pianos and I loved the sweet, warm sound of Broadwood, Collard and Collard, Welmar and Marshal...
by RWAS
11 Jan 2012, 20:02
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C7 v Kawai RX-7
Replies: 7
Views: 13144

Re: Yamaha C7 v Kawai RX-7

Yes, I agree that humidity affecting any part of the piano should be avoided. That's why I believe that room humidity control is better than humidity control of just the soundboard. My answer to your question is that the seasonal humidity swings cause most damage to the action, soundboard and pinblo...
by RWAS
03 Dec 2011, 20:23
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Baby grand: Kawai 1985 or reconditioned Ibach 1920?
Replies: 4
Views: 7795

Re: Baby grand: Kawai 1985 or reconditioned Ibach 1920?

Instinctively, I would go for the Ibach as it is a longer piano and 1920 was part of the "Golden Age" of German piano manufacture. However, it depends what "fully reconditioned" means. It is a loose term that could be anything from a complete rebuild to a clean up to make the pia...
by RWAS
09 Apr 2011, 20:22
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: New Boston Grand GPE 156
Replies: 2
Views: 5082

Re: New Boston Grand GPE 156

The Boston grand pianos are made by Kawai in Japan. Kawai make excellent pianos and apart from the marketing and the "designed by Steinway" decals on the piano, their quality, components and manufacturing have little to do with Steinway and Sons. I believe that Boston pianos have recently ...
by RWAS
09 Apr 2011, 20:05
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: humidity and pianos
Replies: 9
Views: 13503

Re: humidity

It depends on the de-humidifier and where you live. The portable model which I have, allows you to set the humidity level you require. You can also monitor its accuracy with a hygrometer. I live in Auckland, New Zealand which has quite a high level of humidity (often 70+) throughout the year. I am n...
by RWAS
14 May 2010, 21:12
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kawai RX2: New or secondhand?
Replies: 12
Views: 18741

Re: Kawai RX2: New or secondhand?

Dear PowersOfTwo, Congratulations and it is great news that you are delighted with your piano. When dusting your piano NEVER rub dust as the particles of grit will damage the finish. I suggest a light, careful removal of the dust with a light cloth or feather duster. After the dust has been removed,...
by RWAS
30 Mar 2010, 08:36
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kawai RX2: New or secondhand?
Replies: 12
Views: 18741

Re: Kawai RX2: New or secondhand?

The Kawai RX2 is, I believe, the most popular selling model of all Kawai grands. A 2007 RX2 will have the Millenium III action and although Kawai have refreshed the Kawai RX line with the new "Blak" series, the changes seem mostly cosmetic. If you are happy with the piano, you have chosen ...
by RWAS
29 Jan 2010, 18:04
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Opinions please on English pianos?
Replies: 4
Views: 7250

Re: Opinions please on English pianos?

I was brought up around English pianos and I have always loved the better quality ones like Welmar, John Broadwood, Marshall and Rose, Challen and Knight pianos. Sadly, production of these pianos has stopped although I have seen beautiful samples of Welmar and Marshall Rose from the 80s. I heartily ...
by RWAS
12 Jan 2010, 19:21
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: De-humidifier recommendation
Replies: 10
Views: 15698

Re: De-humidifier recommendation

Since my last post on this topic, I have bought a hygrometer to monitor and check humidity levels as well. One of my Mitsubishi "Oasis" de-humidifiers broke down last year and starting icing up in a room where the ambient temperature was about 18 degrees. It was quite expensive to have rep...
by RWAS
10 Jan 2010, 19:58
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Problems Kaiwi white key surface
Replies: 6
Views: 9641

Re: Problems Kaiwi white key surface

I also have a newish (2007) Kawai RX3 grand piano. It receives regular yet moderate playing. I have just checked the white key covers and they are still in pristine condition. I also keep my fingernails well trimmed and I wash my hands each time before I play the piano. Kawai's neotex key covers are...
by RWAS
10 Jan 2010, 19:20
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Overdamper – best avoided?
Replies: 7
Views: 11549

Re: Overdamper – best avoided?

It is very wise advice to have any second hand piano checked by an independent piano technician if you are seriously considering purchasing it. Pianos deteriorate with age and any piano which is more than a hundred years old will need careful scrutiny. I used to own a Bluthner vertical piano with th...
by RWAS
26 Jun 2009, 23:32
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: De-humidifier recommendation
Replies: 10
Views: 15698

Re: De-humidifier recommendation

I live in Auckland, New Zealand and the humidity level are high throughout the year. I have a de-humidifier set on automatic at the 50% level running continuously and my piano, a Kawai RX3, seems stable. The disadvantages with the de-humidifier are the noise and in the summer time it pushes up the a...
by RWAS
09 Dec 2008, 19:04
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kawai RX-3 elusive noise
Replies: 5
Views: 9223

Kawai RX-3

I have had my Kawai RX-3 piano for a year now and I am delighted with it. However, within a month or so of delivery it developed a "fuzzy" quality on one note, the B flat nearly two octaves above Middle C. It was very quickly and easily put right. It was a settling in problem on the front ...
by RWAS
13 Jun 2008, 19:32
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha C7 v Kawai RX-7
Replies: 7
Views: 13144

The new Kawai action which I believe has been installed in both the K Kawai and Shigeru Kawai pianos since 2004 is claimed to be "better" for the following reasons. It is stronger than wooden actions and more durable. It is not affected by humidity and temperature changes as wood is. It wi...
by RWAS
28 Nov 2007, 05:32
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Kawai RX-2 vs Yamaha C2
Replies: 22
Views: 39180

I have recently acquired a new Kawai RX3 grand piano and I am delighted with it although it is still being "played in". I had tried the slightly smaller RX2 model and was most impressed by its responsive action and singing tone. The RX3, because of its length gives a more powerful bass res...
by RWAS
09 Jun 2007, 22:42
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Bechstein B rebuild or buy a new upright?
Replies: 11
Views: 17039

I agree with Barrie Heaton that a good rebuild on a Bechstein B grand piano would be much more musically rewarding than an upright piano could give. The outcome of a rebuild, however is not completely predictable and it is essential to find a rebuilder of excellent credentials and try the examples o...
by RWAS
09 Jun 2007, 22:06
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Yamaha v Kawai
Replies: 4
Views: 7791

Dear piano friends, Mr Larry Fine in "The Piano Book" gives a discreet preference to Kawai grand pianos. In recent years, Kawai pianos have shown an innovative technological spirit with the development of their new action, and tonally, they are generally more mellow and lyrical than their ...