Dear Forum members, have some of you extended (longer term) experience with the carbon-fiber based upright actions by Kawai, such as in the K2 or K3? If yes, would you share your impressions?
Thanks in advance (a friend just got a K3 and I'm particularly interested in how well the action will hold up).

I owned a Kawai K-2 for three years. The action was terrific. My technician did a little lubrication, but that was it.

It was a nice, trouble free piano.

I take lessons on a K-3 that has been in use at a studio for at least 4 years, that I know of. The action is still very nice and even.

The Kawai carbon-fiber actions are a well proven commodity. There would be no reason to be hesitant about purchasing a Kawai because of this feature.

Hey Marty,

Where is the carbon fiber? I may be under a misunderstanding, I thought Kawai was a composite .. yes, carbon fiber .. no

Dear all, thanks for the responses so far. My intention was not to start a discussion about the theoretical merits of Kawai's technology (ABS Carbon is their term for the composite used) but rather to learn about people's actual experiences with this action (thanks Gary!).

Maurus,

Fair enough, the Kawai action has proven reliable.

Do you like the action on your friends piano?

I played a K2 a couple of years ago with the ABS. For such a small upgright, the action was surprisingly responsive. The treble is bright and easy to play dynamically. The tone did nothing for me but I certainly was very impressed with the action.

Yes I do - compared to some other (older) uprights I have played. The action is quite a bit firmer (in the sense of a more precise connection between key and hammer) than the action of my beloved Pfeiffer of the 1920's whose ivory keys and sensitive, if a little sluggish action I love. Difficult to say which of these I'd prefer (i.e., of these actions - as a whole, my old Pfeiffer is clearly a better instrument). Of course there are even more precise actions in uprights as well, of the more expensive kind.

Comparison to my grand is unfair though - they are not in the same class.

@ Jacky: Thanks - of course a 132 Seiler is quite a different instrument than a K2 (played both in shops - by the way a well voiced K3 has a better tone than the K2's I've seen).

Sorry Larry - You are absolutely correct. I was responding to the OP's statement and didn't think.

But, they do seem to hold up well!

Maurus,

I have quite a bit of experience playing Kawais and Shigerus. The best description I would use is that they seem to be very even, very smooth, and very responsive. I enjoy controlling them rather than fighting with them.

Had my k3 about 5 months. Initially i was concerned with the action but now i am happyto admit my shortcommings as a player were more of an issue. Loving it, and i love the practice pedal feature. Use it most of the time due to constant tinnitus but am very much enjoying the tone without it too... :-)