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So now there will be a "GX" series to replace the RX series. They are really nice.

Have you played them? Can you tell us how they sound and what the touch is like?

Thank you for the photos. The Shigeru with the fancy finish looks fabulous.

Kind regards,

Robert.

They debuted the "Harlequin" S.Kawai in 2011. Back then, they used a red veneer on the inner rim that was less of a contrast than the quilted maple. I can't remember, but that may have been quilted maple stained red or perhaps something similar.

I see Kawai's point in calling it harlequin..

I'm going to hold out for Tartan plaid or houndstooth.

Weren't there several signs inside their booth asking people not to take photos?

I didn't see any signs banning photos. If there were signs saying that ......I would probably have pictures of that too. I am a huge Kawai fan. Nobody asked me to stop. I wasn't the only one. Are the Kawai police after me?

From your posts here I figured you were considerably overweight.

Under these circumstances, I think you should stay away from the Harlequin look. Go with vertical candy stripes or a dark solid color, maybe black or brown.

Turnadot you're back! How I have missed you so. When are you going to come to NYC?

You flatter me! So you imagine me as an extremely overweight person running through your dreams? Fat fetish old boy?

Very pretty!

Norbert

"pinblock fitted to plate flange" Is that the same as Bosendorfer and Estonia?
If not, what is it that Bosendorfer and Estonia do that transmits the vibration to the keys?

Just found it. Keyboards built into the rim is what Bosendorfer and Estonia do.

Maybe you were confused or using the wrong term, but neither of those "features" have anytyhing to do with transmitting vibration, Chas.

Vibration begins at the hammer strike of course. The vibration of the string goes through the bridge (which acts as a transducer) and then into the soundboard, which vibrates and moves the vibrations into the air and, eventually, into our ears.

The soundboard is needed because it comes in direct contact with much more air than the string itself, therefore we hear it better.

After writing this, I am thinking that you meant to say something completely different. If so, please repeat it dufferently because I did not understand.

All the best,

ok
What is done differently by Bosendorfer and Estonia that is said to causes the keys to vibrate giving the player a sensation much like playing a cello or other vibrating instrument.

Rich,

I believe that CHAS meant the following.

The vibrating energy of the strings is not just about movement of the soundboard.
Higher quality manufacturers go through lengths to preserve and/or direct the energy stemming from the vibrating strings.

Quality pianos often transmit the vibrations underneath the keys (hence the spruce surface underneath the keys) and feel it provides the player a better connection with the music.

It is a rather pronounced affect in most quality grand pianos although players may take it as 'granted' or may be unable to pinpoint/explain the better connection...but it certainly makes a difference.

I find this affect very pronounced Steingraeber pianos, for example...and at times had seen people refer to playing one as almost 'playing on the strings'.

If you have a piano with the action out simply pluck a string while placing your hand on the spruce surface and you'll feel the same vibration which is transmitted to the fingers.

Depending on when you stroke. No signs the first day but the following days. Only exhibition with No Photo signs as far as I discovered. Great pictures and grands in any case.

I tell you the pianos they had on display were well regulated. The Shigeru SK6 action was just amazing. I look forward to seeing the GX series on the East Coast.

How about a picture of the Artist bench with pneumatic control.

Thank you. That is a very nice complement to David Reed and myself.

The GX pianos will begin arriving in North America towards the end of March, but most dealers will wait until they have reduced their inventories of RX grands before ordering many.

Mr. Mannino,
Your mention earlier of the new Kawai's bright, shiny metal tuning pins has been following me these days. Care to illuminate on their exact composition? Are they Stainless or Titanium alloy?

It makes an amazing difference to a piano when they're well regulated. Pity dealers/distributors don't realise that when pianos are put on display in stores - at least here.

Does anyone know more information about the GX series pianos?

- Has it already been released in Japan?
- Will there be a simultaneous rollout in all parts of the world in March? (USA, Europe, Asia, Oceania?)
- Are the extra length keys all the same no matter the size of the piano (GX-2 to GX-7?)
- Does the extra length really make the difference that is claimed? Does it make the action lighter? Heavier? More responsive for PPP passages? Louder for FFF passages?
- Is the action still considered M-3 Ninja or some new variant?
- Is this a quantum leap forward or should I consider getting an RX on runout sale?

Inquiring minds need to know!