Kawai makes two series of grand pianos: GX and GL. The GX line (formerly RX), which is sold in North America in a version known as the BLAK series, is the most expensive and has the best features. It is designed for the best performance, whereas the GL series is designed more for efficiency in manufacturing, with fewer refinements. All the GX pianos feature a radial beam structure, converging together and connected to the plate using a cast-iron bracket at the tenor break. This system makes for a more rigid structure, which translates into better tone projection. The soundboards in the GX models are tapered for better tonal response; and the rims are thicker and stronger than in the GL models, and are made of a blend of open- and closed-pore hardwoods to improve the tone. The Kawai Millennium III actions used in both series now have hammer-shank stabilizers, designed to retain power by keeping the shank from wavering under a heavy blow. All GX pianos have agraffes, duplex scaling, lighter hammers (less inertia), and Neotex synthetic ivory keptops; and come with a slow-close fallboard. The GX grands get more precise key weighting, plus more tuning, regulating, and voicing at the factory. The cabinetry is nicer looking and of better quality than that of the GL series pianos, with the polished ebony models in the new BLAK series receiving a UV-cured, scratch-resistant coating on the music rack.
In 2013, the GX BLAK models replaced the previous RX series. The changes from RX to GX include a pinblock that is fitted to the plate flange and more securely attached to the case for better tuning stability, and the front stretcher has been made thicker, stiffening the structure, and thus both conserving tonal energy and contributing to tuning stability. The GX rims use alternating layers of two different hardwoods, one chosen for tonal power, the other for warmth. There have also been some changes to the scale designs and soundboard taper.
In the fall of 2015, Kawai consolidated its GM and GE piano lines into a single, new GL line of models: GL-10 (5'), GL-20 (5' 2"; 157.5cm), GL-30 (5' 5"; 165.1cm), GL-40 (5' 11"), and GL-50 (6' 2"). The GL models share some important features with the higher-end GX models: Millennium III action with hammer-shank stabilizers, agraffes, stronger pinblock/stretcher design, longer keys, full sostenuto pedal, and soft-close fallboard, among others. However, the GL models have a single-wood-variety hardwood rim, rather than the blended hardwoods of the GX series; a solid rather than a vertically laminated bridge, without cap; acrylic rather than Neotex keytops; a simpler beam structure in the smaller models (GL-10/20/30); and a simpler cabinet design and less elaborate interior finishing. The GL-20/30/40/50 models are all built in Japan; the GL-10 is made in Indonesia. The inclusion of several GX-level features makes the GL-10/20 models significant steps up from the discontinued GM models.
Kawai's quality control is excellent, especially in its Japanese-made pianos. Major problems are rare, and other than normal maintenance, after-sale service is usually limited to fixing the occasional minor buzz or squeak. Kawai's warranty service is also excellent, and the warranty is transferable to future owners within the warranty period (a benefit that is not common these days). The tone of most Kawai pianos, in my opinion, is not as ideal for classical music as some more expensive instruments, but when expertly voiced, it is not far off, and in any case is quite versatile musically. In part because the touch is so good, Kawai grands are often sought by classical pianists as a less-expensive alternative to a Steinway or other high-end piano. Kawai dealers tend to be a little more aggressive about discounting than their competition (Yamaha). There is also a thriving market for used Kawais.
~ excerpted from critique piano buyer
SPECIAL FEATURES:
GL30
Kawai's Exclusive Millennium III Action – Featuring ABS-Carbon Technology with Carbon Fiber
Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design (SOLID) – Double-width Stretcher Bar for optimum strength
Extended Length Keysticks – For more even response from the front to the back of each key
Concert-Length Key Buttons – Doubled length for maximum energy transfer and optimum power
Solid Spruce Precision Tapered Soundboard – Permanently crowned for long-term tonal stability
Dual-Duplex Scaling – For added tonal richness
Solid Brass Agraffes – For even string spacing and easier tuning
Multi-Grip 11-Ply Laminated Pin Block
V-Pro Plate – Gray Iron with “Crossbone” Design
Steel-Reinforced Keyslip for strength and stability to avoid sticking keys
Steel-Reinforced, Multi-Laminated Keybed for strength and optimum energy transfer
Ultra-slow “Soft Fall” Fallboard Closing System
KAWAI Ten Year FULL Transferable Manufacturer's Warranty
Size
Length 5''5" (166 cm)
Width 59" (150 cm)
Height 40" (102 cm)
Weight 688 lbs. (312 kg)
Touch
White Key Surfaces Acrylic
Black Key Surfaces Phenol
Action Millennium III Action with Carbon Fiber
Hammers All Underfelted
Sound
Soundboard Solid Spruce, Tapered
Agraffes 1-46 keys
Duplex Scaling Fore & Back
Back Posts 3
Exterior Design
Pedals Damper, Sostenuto, Soft
Casters Single, Brass
Lid Props 2
Fallboard "Soft Fall" Closing System
Music Rack
Position 5 Positions
Hard Finish -
Lock -
Other Features
Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design (SOLID)
Longer Keys
Steel-Reinforced Keyslip & Keybed
V-Pro Plate
-------------------------------------------
GX1
SPECIAL FEATURES
Kawai's Exclusive Millennium III Action – Featuring ABS-Carbon Technology with Carbon Fiber
Exclusive NEOTEX™ Key Surfaces – With moisture-absorbing properties for greater touch control
Konsei Katagi Rim – Utilizing a blend of distinctive hardwoods to achieve an ideal balance of tone
Vertically Laminated Bridge with Solid Maple Cap – For enhanced energy transfer
Elegant Appointments – Brass Lid Prop and Cups, Brass Finials on Plate, Beveled Lid Edges, Spade Legs
Hard Finish Music Desk – To preserve the piano's beauty
Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design (SOLID) – Double-width Stretcher Bar for optimum strength
Extended Length Keysticks – For more even response from the front to the back of each key
Concert-Length Key Buttons – Doubled in length to provide maximum energy transfer and optimum power
Solid Spruce Precision Tapered Soundboard – Permanently crowned for long-term stability
Advanced Scale Designs – Created in the Shigeru Kawai Research and Development Laboratory
Dual-Duplex Scaling – For added tonal richness
Multi-Grip Pin Block – Laminated with 11 plies
Solid Brass Agraffes – For even string spacing and easier tuning
Steel-Reinforced, Multi-Laminated Keybed – For strength and optimum energy transfer
Steel-Reinforced Keyslip – For strength and stability that avoids sticking keys
V-Pro Plate – Gray Iron with “Crossbone” Design
Ultra-slow “Soft Fall” Fallboard Closing System
Adjustable Artist Bench (Polished Ebony finish only)
KAWAI Ten Year FULL Transferable Manufacturer’s Warranty
Size
Length 5''5" (166 cm)
Width 5'0" (150 cm)
Height 3'4" (102 cm)
Weight 692 lbs. (314 kg)
Touch
White Key Surfaces NEOTEX™
Black Key Surfaces NEOTEX™
Action Millennium III Action with Carbon Fiber
Hammers All Underfelted
Sound
Soundboard Solid Spruce, Tapered
Agraffes 1st - 46th Key
Duplex Scaling Fore & Back
Back Posts 3
Exterior Design
Pedals Damper, Sostenuto, Soft
Casters Single, Brass
Lid Props 3
Fallboard "Soft Fall" Closing System
Music Rack Position 5 Positions
Hard Finish ✔
Lock ✔
Other Features
Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design (SOLID)
Longer Keys
Steel-Reinforced Keyslip & Keybed
V-Pro Plate
CORE System
Vertically Laminated Treble Bridge
Konsei Katagi Rim with Blended Dense Hardwoods
留言列表
神學一 (3)