I am to the point where I would pay people to go to their local dealers and get me some price references!

Yes, it does seem that most people getting Japanese big uprights and posting here seem to go slightly more for the Yamaha YUS5 as opposed to the K8, for what reason I do not know. Awesome pianos though, both of them. Good choice!

I sent you a PM giving you some significant aspects about the K8.
Regards,

"I sent you a PM giving you some significant aspects about the K8.
Regards,..."

If you have any on the floor, Kurtmen, I'd like to look at then next time I'm over for a visit.

What kind of prep should go into a new Kawai piano by the dealer? I have been to a few dealers and I get the feeling I am going to get a variety of prep levels. I got the feeling a couple of mom and pop type stores would just uncrate it, tune it, and deliver it.

Another mid-level dealer I feel might do a little more inspection,tuning and voicing. Yet a another higher level dealer is basically telling me the their piano prep is basically a $2800 value. Does there come a point where you just get the piano to your house and just get a really good piano tech to do the job for thousands less? I did hear one of the properly prepared pianos and it did feel/sound great. I'm trying to determine the most beneficial and econmic way to do this.

Thank you. We have one.
You are welcomed to come in anytime and try it.

Is the "Muffler" function on the K8 an option or is it standard on every model? Kawai literature is not specific regarding this. Thanks!

The muffler function on the K8-AS seems to be standard, and is controlled by a lever under the keyboard on the bass (left) side of the piano. And you get full sostenuto function with the middle pedal, instead of that pedal being the muffler.

Thanks Rotrom ......I think I had done a search on here and found a Kawai post where the woman had said the dealer installed the practice/muffler function for her. Caused me some confusion at the time but I thought it to be standard as well. Thank God your hours are in snyc with mine because I love the instant gratification answers I get from you!

Hours in sync? I thought right now it is three in the morning in New York, and I have always wondered how you can stay up so late. I just had dinner, and it's a bit past seven PM. It's my pleasure to help. I'm happy you are getting the answers you want, that's all.