Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Comparison: Kawai UST-9 vs K3 (2009)

I intend to buy a new Kawai upright, and am considering the UST-9 institutional upright vs the K3. I'd welcome forum users' thoughts on which piano sounds "better".

Thanks

Hi, Maynard. Welcome aboard.

I bought a new UST-9 last May. Build quality's about the same. The UST-9 and the K-3 have the same action. The K-3 is 2" taller, hence longer bass strings. I think the bass on my UST-9 is pretty good for a 46" piano, though. I chose the UST-9 mainly because I don't like the hinged music rest on the K-3. The K-3's $700-$1400 more, depending on finish. As to which one sounds better, that's a matter of taste. You're the one who'll be playing/listening to it. You need to make yourself happy. Both are good choices.

There are lots of nice pianos out there in that price range, not just Kawais. Play lots. Listen and confirm what you really want to hear. Talk to the folks here. We all have opinions , but yours is the one that counts. Enjoy the search. And the new piano.

Charles

Thanks, Charles.

It's odd that all of the K-Series (except for the pricey K8) have the hinged music rest. I wonder why Kawai designed their Professional Series pianos that way, and if market research would support that most prospective buyers want this type of music rest.

Do you miss having a practice pedal?

Maynard

Most professional series uprights from most brands have the hinged music desk. Only the top of the line has the more functional style. This design goes back 100 years or more. Personally, I am not crazy about it. I would rather have the UST-9 or P22 style. If you like the K8 style you might check out the Wm. Knabe & Co. WKV131. Great features, style, and performance and closer to your K3 pricing.

Marty's right; Knabes are definitely worth a look. I haven't seen the WKV-131, but the WKV-121 was impressive. It has the folding music rest, though. The WKV-131 doesn't. If there's a Knabe dealer near you, check 'em out.

Charles