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People forget that, with very few exceptions, pianos are not complete products when shipped from factory.

The touch difference is quite noticeable, especially in the smaller grands. The added inch (approx) in the key length has more affect in the smaller pianos.

The keys are the same amount longer than the equivalent RX of the same model. So the GX-6 keys are about an inch longer than the RX-6, etc. The way you can feel the improvement is to play the keys repeatedly (not especially fast, just repeat at a comfortable speed) and move your finger from front to back on the key. There is always a difference in touch resistance in piano keys from front to back, but with longer key lengths the difference becomes smaller. This is one reason pianists prefer to have a 7-foot sized grand for practice if possible. So in the smaller grands (GX-1, GX-2, GX-3) you get the most benefit of the longer keys. If you do this test on an RX, then move to the equivalent GX you can feel the difference.

Just to elaborate my last post. I felt the change from my 2005 RX-2 to the current RX-2 Blak was an incremental change- so I was not interested in upgrading to the blak series.

But as Don describes the changes to the GX line IMO appear substantial- which is why I asked if anyone who has owned the RX-2 got to compare the GX and RX so I can make a better informed decision whether or not to consider upgrading. From Don's post above they are not going to be available in showrooms until late March.

I'm interested in the longer key lengths in the new GX line. The way I see it Kawai kept the action pretty much the same but by extending the key length an inch they are giving the pianist a substantial mechanical advantage by lengthening the lever arm so the pianist can generate more torque as he strikes the key. In physics class we learned that Torque= Force applied X lever arm. In this case the lever arm is the length of the key. A good analogy is trying to loosen or tighten a nut with a socket wrench that has a 10 inch handle versus the 14 inch handle. The 14 inch handle gives you mechanical advantage of a longer lever arm so the force required is less. As Don also pointed out above, it is also true that most graduate students prefer to play the larger grands during practice- simply because it more closely approximated the feel of the larger grand once in concert. All things being equal the touch should be lighter and more even with the piano with longer keys. (Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this not the basic concept or have I simplified it too much?)

I see the GX line as (possibly) a welcoming addition for the serious pianist who wants or needs the action of a concert grand but doesn't have space (or maybe money) to house a 7 or 9 foot grand. The lengthened keys may IN THEORY make it easier for a pianist to play more physically demanding pieces. They already had a phenomenal action there was no reason to "reinvent the wheel" just to produce a lighter action. Yet at the same time by lengthening the keys it gives the added advantage of replicating the feel and dimensions of the keys a performer might feel while on stage. Pretty forward thinking if you ask me.

And very intriguing, but at the same time kind of risky eh? - for a line of pianos that have been so successful? Seems like its kind of a radical change if anything- thus the new name? Questions remain: will most pianists like the "improved" touch- playing a 5'11 grand with the illusionary feel of a 7 foot grand. I'm sure Kawai did extensive marketing research with professional pianists or at least I hope so. While not necessarily as revolutionary thinking as utilizing carbon fiber in their actions this again represents Kawai's commitment to innovation- hopefully in the right direction. I can't wait to try one of these babies out!

As a very happy pre-Millenium III RX-2 owner, I really don't see any reason to upgrade to another RX. My piano holds its tune extremely well, has a wonderful tone with an amazing bass for such a short piano, has a firm and wonderfully responsive action that allows you to articulate whatever you want and can, looks great and is paid for. Why would I want to trade and wind up with something that is potentially less satisfying? I find myself more and more attached to my instrument.

Is my RX-2 ownership experience such an exception to the rule?

I would think that the market for these things is more people looking for their first grand rather than obsessive-compulsive gear acquisition and replacement syndrome based on incremental improvements. Maybe I'm wrong.

You mean to tell me it took all these years of piano making to realize that the keys should've been 2 cm longer?

Here is a recording of my RX-2 problem notes:

This sounds like a tuning and voicing problem to me.

A problem unsolved since 2005

So, did anybody already try out a GX? They should be in showrooms in the US too by now, I suppose?