Just enhanced the big MP10 picture a bit so I could read/decipher the text below the knobs and sliders: quite an impressive easy-to-use layout for the gigging musician, especially the sound selection!

Ouch! This way seems quite limiting. Indeed, with the controls the MP5 (and MP6) offer is a challenge to control the drawbars. I guess that configuring the mod-wheel to enter values (MP5 can, so I assume MP6 will), then you could use it for enter the value of each drawbar.

I know it is a usability challenge because I use the MP5 with the sadly discontinued Native Instruments B4. I use the knobs to control the drawbars. As the knobs can be configured to different MIDI controls for each zone (very nice feature), with two zones I can control 8 of the 9 drawbars. Of course, it is far from perfect, but it works. Using the zone faders seemed even a better way to do it, but unfortunately the faders are not assignable.

Of course Kawai engineers have looked at the problem with far lot more information (and skills) than me. I don't know the best solution, but I know how I would like to control the drawbars: with the faders. A button would switch the faders between 'normal' volume mode and 'drawbar' mode. In drawbar mode the faders would control the drawbars, and the each zone would control different drawbar (1-4 first zone, 5-8 second, 9 third). But there are some problems... the biggest I see is when you have set the positions for drawbars 1 to 4, and then you change to drawbars 5-8, then the faders positions will not reflect the values of the current drawbars. Automated faders would solve it, but that increases costs.

Currently I have the same problem using the knobs... but if the screen shows the numeric values, well, it works well enough.

I hope the drawbars in MP6 can be controlled via MIDI, then the same solution I've used to control the B4 will work for the internal drawbars, and it's far better than nothing.

Interesting stuff Kurtie - I'll pass on your suggestion to the MP6 programmer and see what he thinks.

Cheers,
James
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Yeah I had a look at the MP6/10 pics to check out the control layout and found they were tiny (compared to what Yamaha and Roland offer) also there seemed to be only a couple of complete board pics of each which again is unlike the others who provide larger, better images from different angles to show the various interfaces. The pdf brochure again is fairly scant on detailed info as is the products webpage (not existent in English actually).

Makes a huge difference compared with Yamaha who launched the CP1/5/50 in a flurry of video demos, huge pics and detailed brochures. And Roland of course who just launched the RD700NX with the same. I noticed that pretty much every country in the world with a Yamaha or Roland website has info up about their new pianos within a day or two but with Kawai they don't seem to be able to disseminate their product information as efficiently. They might be real competitors to Roland and Yamaha but at this stage who would know they exist beyond a select few piano watchers ?

On a more personal note Kawai might have the best sounding DP's in the world but yet again people like me wouldn't know because their artist services efforts to get us to try them have been non existent and yet they say they have a wide artist services program but nobody I've spoken to except one person (who they tout fairly widely as one of their "stars") has ever been involved with them and he had no idea that the MP6/10 existed and hasn't heard from Kawai in a while.

Not picking on Kawai ... just find the marketing odd.

Dr Popper,

I don't believe anyone would dispute the fact that Kawai's approach to marketing is a little old fashioned.

However, the situation is definitely improving. This is actually the first time Kawai have made English language materials available on the same day as the domestic Japanese announcement. And regardless of whether you believe the PDF brochure is lacking in detail, I'm sure you'll agree that the information presented is far better than attempting to decipher a Google translation of the Japanese news release.

Admittedly, the product pictures from Kawai Japan's website are a little small. However, these images are not the highest resolution data, nor are they the only angles photographed. I'm confident that by the time these new MP models arrive in dealers' stores, consumers will have access to a great deal more content that has been widely disseminated through Kawai's overseas channels.

Regarding artist services/endorsements, in this area Kawai is blessed to be working with a select number of highly talented musicians and producers performing a broad range of genres. Granted, we may struggle to match the packages offered by other major brands, however I can guarantee that each and every musician that chooses to play Kawai on stage does so because they absolutely love the touch and tone of our instruments.

I believe the MP10 and MP6 have already created quite a buzz within this forum and will no doubt continue to do so elsewhere in the industry as the news of their existence gradually filters through. These are truly great instruments that I'm proud to have had a part in developing, and I personally can't wait to hear the reactions and feedback from amateur and professional musicians in the coming weeks and months.

Cheers,
James
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Yeah I don't know James, when I think of Kawai I'm really thinking acoustics not DP's. You might have noticed that by the time models arrive in stores Yamaha, Roland etc have numerous videos, demo's, manuals and HiRez pic's available for months. You have to get the buzz flowing long before the products are in the stores. A bit like how we release singles for radio 6-8 weeks before a album. I'd like to see more active competition and I've got no doubt given a push Kawai could be right up there. After all ... Roland and Casio don't actually make Pianos yet they would have a much larger market share of the dp market because they push them hard. Admittedly Yamaha is the 600 pound Gorilla in the industry but because of them they can be overly corporate and slow to respond to market trends.
If Kawai improves their communication then I see big opportunities for the future.

Dr Popper,



Well, I'll take that, thanks.



I agree. In fact, when it comes to console digital pianos, some might say we're all ready 'there'. Arguably the only reason Kawai's stage piano side of things looked a little tired is because the instruments hadn't been refreshed for a few years.



Again I agree, Roland's marketing is terrific. And Casio certainly aren't too far behind - did you catch Mike Martin's live streaming demo of the PX-3? That was truly pioneering stuff. What I would say however, is that Casio's price:performance ratio is perhaps the main reason their market share is so strong - nobody (not even a 600 lb. gorilla) can touch them for features at the sub-$500 price point. Plus it obviously helps that their instruments are available to purchase from general stores such as 'Best Buy'.



I'll drink to that.

Cheers,
James
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From the hardware side, especially design, action and sound, I can confirm that Kawai is already top notch with their new 2010 product line. From the software side, I expect that Kawai continues their excellent track record of implementing customer requests for additional features in excisting top of the range models.

Well I did like the RX7 a lot actually. It really impressed me, great keys,a kind of blended slightly richer but still neutral tonality that's very similar to a S6 but in a different way and a nice looking slab it was too. Well finished and obviously high quality in materials and workmanship. I recall it was able to be very loud when bashed ...which I like.

Lovely turn of phrase there.

Cheers,
James
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EDIT: Nice new signature line too.

Even though I'm not in the market for a new stage piano (having recently bought a CP5), the MP10 looks interesting and I will try and play one. Who knows, I might be sold on Kawai.

For sure, I will benchmark the MP10 with the other top-of-the-line stagepianos that Feedback Apeldoorn has in store.

Three questions for James:

Any word as to when the owner's manuals will be available for the MP6 and MP10 online?

Roughly when would you expect the pianos to be available in the US?

Any word on US pricing? Will they be close to what the MP5 and MP8ii went for?

Here's what I heard from Kawai USA several days ago:

MP6
Overview of New Kawai MP10 and MP6 Professional Stage Pianos
New‐ Progressive Harmonic Imaging New ‐ 88‐Key piano sampling New ‐ RH action with let‐off New ‐ Ivory Touch key surfaces
New ‐ 2 sets of piano sounds + original MP5 piano set New ‐ EP sounds New ‐ Tone wheel organ simulator New ‐ Amp simulator w/ drive
New ‐ USB recorder/player – MP3, .WAV and MIDI New ‐ USB storage for user settings Continues MP5 controller keyboard concept 4 independent internal and external zones
256 sounds / 256 user setups 3 band EQ with sweepable mid MIDI Transport controls F10H pedal w/ half‐dampering Heavy duty music rack $1799.00 List


MP10
27 sounds / 156 User Setups 3 independent sound sections (Piano, EP and Sub) plus MIDI section 3 band EQ w/ sweepable mid range
Ultra Progressive Harmonic Imaging 88‐Key piano sampling RM3 wooden‐key action with let‐off Ivory Touch key surfaces
Concept & design, simple and focused 3 different sets of acoustic piano sounds EP sounds (Tine, Reed and FM) Amp simulator w/ drive USB recorder/player – MP3, .WAV or MIDI USB storage for user settings
MIDI transport controls F20 Dual pedal w/ half‐dampering Heavy duty music rack $2999.00 List

So...where is that information coming from; is it already in the catalogue of one of the US stores, as this posting implies ?! I asked the European department today (again) for info and got no answer other than this - seems you've got more luck:

"as I already mentioned in my last mail, the release dates and the retail prices of the new MP models are not fixed yet.

Please contact your favorite dealer and tell him about your strong interest in buying one of the new MP-models.

I guess he will reserve a model of the first delivery for you and he will contact you immediately after receiving the
price and delivery information."

I rest my case about Kawai's gonzo marketing ....

The owner's manuals will be available to download from the Kawai Europe, America, and Australia websites in the usual way, as and when the product pages are updated.

My advice would be to simply remain patient. It's easy for me to say that, I know. However MP fans have been longing for new models with updated keys, sounds, and features for quite some time, so in the grand scheme of things a few more weeks shouldn't hurt too much.



I'm sorry but I'm afraid I don't have any direct involvement in sales or distribution. Questions regarding pricing and availability should be addressed to the regional subsidiaries for each market.

Cheers,
James
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I hope we'll be able to hear recordings of the pianos, soon, at least.

I guess the MP6 will have fewer acoustic pianos than the MP10?

"...so in the grand scheme of things a few more weeks shouldn't hurt too much. "

Well, it's like putting a nicely packed present right in front of someones nose , pretending it contains an item the birthday boy most wanted and then telling him he may not open the box for another 30 days. We're all little children anyway in that respect ;-)

So....the sooner the better !

JFP,



There, I fixed it for you.

Seriously though, as my colleague at Kawai Europe informed you earlier (and by private email, I might add...), the pricing and release dates for the new MP models have yet to be fixed.

Cheers,
James
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Gimme my present !!

Thanks for the 'typo correction'. I know they can't say anything when dates and prices are not fixed yet. But perhaps when customers are pushing for information, they might speed-up things a bit. Who knows...(noticed that I'm still in for the instruments despite the heavy lifting it requires ? That's something that has to be rewarded by an earlier introduction, don't you think ?)

My previous post on this thread that included the retail prices came directly from Tom Love
Sr. Manager - Electronics Division / Sr. Manager - Online Marketing
Kawai America & Kawai Canada.

James' presence here might be termed gonzo marketing.

On the other hand, what Kawai S&D and in turn Kawai Europe are doing is generally referred to simply as "incompetence".

I consider James' presence more as an extra service. What about your presence?

+1

+2

I think he does what he possibly can within the restrictions that corporate Kawai has set. I very much value the info and effort.Thanks a lot James.

That said , I also wonder why the competition can introduce new instruments and have all the websites , promotional material and dealer networks up-to-date in no time. The FP7F and RD700NX were here in the shop lists within days and could immediately be pre-ordered. I know the delivery-time is still a few months, but al least they make it no secret of it and pricing information is also immediately available. Very fast, very transparent (although specs may be an issue e.g. the PHAIII vs PHAIIIs debate), very consumer friendly.

Why must Kawai deal in such secrecy as if they almost regret the word is out and are surprised and anxious that people might actually be interested and want to know more and ...(oh dear) buy the products. It's a mystery to me ..., just put on the pricing, specs and delivery times and open pre-order accounts and the problem is solved. It might even help them a lot when they know how much buying potential they generate to scale up and down production and other company efforts. (Compared to other high-tech companies, they must live in another world and/or century in headquarters Kawai).

I also had to laugh at the tiny pics on their website, its as if they don't want people to see the interface before the board is released.I think its fairly obvious the reasons that Kawai's marketing is less then ideal is that they are struggling with the modern worldwide marketing approach. They also have the difficult situation of not being able to control what many of their distributors do as they do not own their own distribution network. I've had a few discussions with people about Kawai in the past few weeks and the consensus seems to be they are a bit old fashioned and slow to change. Their piano's seem fantastic though, but if few people know its of little use.

Well, I do tend to prefer product excellence and value for money as compared to marketing excellence on itself, e.g. Yamaha's high prices for yesterday's (2008) DP technology.

DrPopper, thank you for your post - it's always interesting to read your thoughts.



Are you referring to the pictures on this page?

http://www.kawai.co.jp/ep/products/mp10/gallery.html

If so, I agree that the images are a little small. However, I very much doubt that this is because anyone within Kawai Japan's domestic division wishes to hide the interface. More likely the web chap just wanted to show a shot of the whole instrument, rather than a close-up.



I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't quite follow what you mean. Kawai instruments are sold by Kawai dealers - is this an uncommon practise?



Yes, I accept that. As I posted a few days ago, Kawai's approach to marketing is a little old fashioned. However, the exceptional quality of our acoustic and digital instruments cannot be questioned. I expect most individuals would suggest that this is far more important than hires pictures and cutting-edge web marketing.



Thank you. I rest my case.

Cheers,
James
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