- Rim
- Soundboard
- Action
- Pinblock
- Resale
Or anything that you think makes one or the other stand out. Many thanks!
1. Rim? I don't really care, so long as the piano sounds good.
2. Soundboard? I don't really care, so long as the piano sounds good and has good sustain.
3. Action? The Boston is traditional wood while the Kawai uses more advanced composites. Having said that, I would give the nod to the action that I prefer the feel of. In case of a tie, maybe the Kawai due to less seasonal fluctuations in the composites.
4. Pinblock? Unless the technician who will be tuning the piano regularly has a strong preference, I don't really care. How the block is drilled and fitted is as/more important than the materials used, from what I gather from rebuilders/techs.
5. Resale? The Boston has the 100% trade-up policy if you buy a Steinway, but most buyers don't do that. The Kawai has a transferrable warranty, which most makers don't feature. Having said all that, if you care deeply about resale, you shouldn't be buying a new piano in the first place.
It really comes down to the execution of the individual pianos you are shopping, the dealer's ability to properly prep them to your liking, price, and your personal preferences. I don't think there's a wrong decision…or an obvious one. Coming from the same factory, I would imagine the quality of construction being pretty equal.
