well, I never thought that I would say this. But in many respects, this delapidated old steinway is showing it's true colours.

It will be leaving shortly, for a soundboard repair / restringing operation, and I sincerely hope it is going to come back with much of that beautifull sound quality retained.My previous discontent has now morphed into an appreciation of the quality of this instrument.

Even though my RX6 is sublime - it is so precise. So clear, and so clean, that one sometimes find that producing the right sound or nuance becomes an effort. It delivers with precision. And there lies the difference. Even though the Kawai is the ultimate technical instrument, the Steinway seems to just deliver what you ask in an almost nonchalant way.

The Kawai, serious instrument that it is, makes you work. There is no shortcuts. And I know that I am going to be reprimanded here. Even though the Kawai has an action that is effortless, it seems to elude that quality of just going with the flow. So sitting down to play, after having savoured the Steinway, the Kawai, ultimately, delivers a better response and sound (especially the bass, and upper register), but you have to work it. Where the Steinway shines, is in overall balance. It just seems to deliver, without any labour.

Considering that the upper register hammers on the Stienway is FLAT - yip, it has had a hard life, and collapsed given the South African humidy on the east coast, it still delivers on its promise of being an instrument that aids the performer, rather than work the performer.

So, my apologies if I have participated in any Steinway bashing, and maybe the particular instruments that I had the opportunity to play was not well cared for and neglegted by unscrupilous tuners and self-aggrandized technicians.

Suffice to say, this instrument was taken care of by my faithfull tuner - Dennis Stevens, who is now nearing 85 years of age, and I am afraid that we are going to loose a great paino lover, when he is gone. He has taken care of this instrument with utter diligence - as it was, after all, the performance instrument of a very reputable institution.

So, even though I respect my Kawai every day as the ultimate performer for the very serious and accomplished pianist, the Steinway is forgiving enough to make me sound like Horowitz. Even the action, although slow and rather cumbersone (currently - wait for the new Hamburg action to be installed!!!)it still moves with a fluidity that is amazing. And who plays that fast anyway. your fingers either move or they dont.

So, I now have two favorites. My Steinway and Kawai (in no particular order). And going from one to the other is like sampling two great wines. Both different, yet both spectacular.

However, I must state that the sound quality on both instruments are equal. Kawai is certainly, in my opinion, the poor man's Steinway. Now, if Kawai can get their actions to be forgiving and supporting,(even though it is fast and effortless) it would be a winner. Then it would be goodbye Steinway, and hello Kawai! Maybe Shigeru fits the bill

All said and done, both brands are superb instruments.

Kindest, Deon

Thanks for the post. If you like the RX6 that much, just wait until you try a Shigeru. A whole other level of refinement and rich tonal colours.
Cheers.....