question about responsiveness of keys

[Diana]

We've been enjoying our new K-25 for a couple of months now but finally got the chance to try the K-3. The keys felt very responsive and even to the touch, it was an *easy* piano to play. Sound was OK, not really much different from the K-25 to my ears (hard to compare in the store setting without a K-25 there).

My question: what is the advantage/disadvantage of learning and practicing on a piano with such responsive keys? I realise the repetition rate is higher (quicker? not sure what the correct term is) on the K-3, not really an issue at this point because neither of us play at an advanced level. Having said this, I don't plan on having to upgrade for a number of years so this may become relevant.

I noticed that my daughter sometimes struggles with pieces on her teacher's piano (a Knight) that she has no problems with at home. She says it's the different action on her teacher's piano. Wouldn't we make this problem worse by upgrading to the even more responsive K-3?

You all speak very highly of the K-3 -- we've been happy with the K-25 but need to decide now whether to pay another US$ 1500 to replace it with the K-3.

I'd like to hear what you think. Is there anything else to consider?

Thanks a lot for your help.

[Barrie Heaton]

What part of the US are you form, you may have a moisture problem in the action. The Knight is about the same touch as a K25 about 45g -55 g around Middle C The K-3 has the new Millennium action and is very responsive don’t know what the down weight is but it will be round the 45g but a better balanced action and up weight is quite high making it more responsive than a Knight and K25

In the long term if you can afford the better piano your daughter will appreciate the more responsive action later on

Barrie

[Diana]

We definitely have high humidity. The Knight in our teacher's studio has firmer action than the K-25. It's a much older piano though, could this be a factor?

[Diana]

Our location may have gotten lost in the subject line, we're in New Zealand.

Definitely high humidity all year round!

[Barrie Heaton]

Sorry I assumed US because of the $

The age of the action will be a factor in the Knight, has your tuner commented on the humidity. Your daughter will benefit form playing on pianos that have a different touch when she takes exams, as the exam piano will be different again

I do know that some students who have keyboards and take exams seem to have more problems and even more so when it is a grand



Barrie,