I am from Canada and very happy to find this forum full of information. I don't know music at all and would like to get advice for purchasing a new acoustic piano. My choice is between Yamaha U1 or Kawai K-3 or Kawai KX21. Following is the detail about the price and color:
Yamaha U1: $7476 USD (Polished Ebony, made in Japan)
Kawai K-3: $7471 USD (Mahogany finish, made in Japan)
Kawai KX21: $5577 USD (Mahogany finish, made in China)
My untrained ear could not figure out any obvious difference between K-3 or KX21. Between Yamaha U1 and Kawai, I feel the sound in bass range is a little richer (or softer?) with Kawai and in treble range Yamaha seems to be a bit thinner too (I don't know if I am right).
Could any one give me detail difference between Kawai and Yamaha from QUALITY and PERFORMANCE aspects? I could afford U1 or K-3, but I am not sure if it's valuable to go from KX21 to K-3 just because it's made in Japan (the dealer thinks manufacturing location doesn't worth $1894 USD)? Also, K-3 or U1, which one I should buy?
I really appreciate your help.
Yamaha U1 or Kawai K-3?
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stuartylad
- New Member
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- Joined: 12 Aug 2006, 19:46
Yamaha U1 or Kawaii K 3
Hi,
Just read your post with interest and in my opinion it would al come down to personal preference in sound. Really Kawaii and Yamaha are in a similar price band but it seems that the kawaii are a little more respected for their pianos (did you know they manufacture the Boston piano designed by Steinway?) I myself own a moderately large Kawaii grand and have had it for 10 years and have no intention of changing it. However, I'm an accompanist and prefer a slightly darker or less bright sound than the Yamaha can provide. The difference between Japan and China? For $1,500 dollars I'd take the risk of the cheaper option!
Hope you found my inane ramblings useful!
Regards,
Stuart
Just read your post with interest and in my opinion it would al come down to personal preference in sound. Really Kawaii and Yamaha are in a similar price band but it seems that the kawaii are a little more respected for their pianos (did you know they manufacture the Boston piano designed by Steinway?) I myself own a moderately large Kawaii grand and have had it for 10 years and have no intention of changing it. However, I'm an accompanist and prefer a slightly darker or less bright sound than the Yamaha can provide. The difference between Japan and China? For $1,500 dollars I'd take the risk of the cheaper option!
Hope you found my inane ramblings useful!
Regards,
Stuart
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sussexpianos
- Persistent Poster
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- Joined: 19 Aug 2006, 17:01
- Location: East Sussex
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The KX21 (not sold in the UK) is made in China under licence from Kawai using their ABS actions. Its a good piano but not as good as the K3. The K3 is made in japan and has the Carbon action. www.kawai.co.uk will give you more info on the K3. Its a great piano, Id buy one if I wasn't a dealer! Its built using a different back and has a much deeper bass.