Shigeru Kawai SK6 pictures posted

[barganax]

My Shigeru Kawai SK6 arrived earlier this month. I've been so busy enjoying it that I had not gotten around to posting pictures. But tonight I finally did it. The pictures are at
https://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/1/12280.html

[allthumbs]

Nice piano, I'll bet it sounds great. That is one of my choices for a new piano, (the other is a Schimmel CC 213 T)

Enjoy!


Cheers

allthumbs

[iumonito]

gorgeous instrument.  enjoy it for many years and keep it arou 40 to 42 % humidity, regardless of the pianohumidity system (which I notice in the underside picture, I agree it is a good idea, althoguh bear in mind it does little for the action and keybed, and mostly protects only the soundboard).

Would you mind sharing the specs?  how long is it, where does it cross over, how much you paid, did you get it voiced to your taste in advance or are you going to break it in a little first?

[tosca1]

What a fabulous looking piano! Congratulations on acquiring this beautiful instrument. From the photos you can sense the quality of the piano. 
Now your piano is still settling in and it will need years of playing before its sound fully develops. None-the-less, I would be most interested if you could describe the sound or voice of this piano. Did you compare to other pianos in the showroom?  Why did you choose this particular piano? How would you compare its sound and feel to that of a similar sized Steinway or Yamaha?
I have tried to do a little research on the internet about Shigeru Kawai. Its technological innovation combined with  committed craftsmanship in manufacture seem a perfect balance for the creation of a lovely piano.  What do you think?

Kind regards,

Robert

[wzkit]

The Shigeru Kawai series, especially the SK-5 and above are indeed a cut above the other Japanese pianos (except possibly the Yamaha S series). The sound of this piano is best described as extremely resonant and projecting, sort of like a bright bell, yet capable of whispering when required as well. The power of this piano, at least of the KS-5 that I played, comes largely from its incredible resonance, rather than purely the power of the initial attack. This is as compared to say a German instrument like Steingraeber, which has a thinner, but cleaner sound, with the power focused on the fundamental rather than the harmonics. The bass response is impressive, and the strongest part of the tonal range. I would prefer for a stronger treble (say like in a Sauter or Ibach), but that's really my personal taste. The strongest point about this piano however is its wonderfully balanced and responsive touch. In my opinion, the Millenium 3 action is one of the best I have tried, if not THE best.

Hope that helps.

[tosca1]

Thank you wzkit for that most postive comment about Shigeru Kawai. I have been thinking of upgrading to one of the larger models. I have the tried concert grand, but not the domestic models.
Great post! Thank you.
Robert.

[intermezzi]

I heard from someone that if you buy a Shigeru Kawai, the company will send a certified technician from Japan to your home to personally tune and inspect it for you. Is that true?

[wzkit]

I believe the visit by the MPA applies only to the US market, but not in Singapore, where I live. Not sure about the other Asian countries. But then again, prices of Shigerus here are considerably cheaper than in the US.

[barganax]

Hi everyone,
For those who did not see it, I posted some piano impressions here:
https://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/1/11840.html#000000

The one surprise is that it is louder in my home than I expected. So for the moment I am playing mostly with the lid fully closed. Other than that, it is as I had hoped -- great bass, singing treble, excellent sustain, excellent action.

allthumbs -- if you are interested in an SK6, they are very hard to find in the States right now (not sure where you are located). If you are ever near Chicago, the place I got mine, Grand Piano Haus, has another one.

luminoto -- I did not have it voiced, the tone was already close to what I wanted. Now that I realize it is more powerful than I expected, I am hoping that the Master Piano Artisan can quiet it down while still retaining the Shigeru's warmth. I don't know any specs other than the basic ones: 7', 360kg, Ezo spruce soundboard, Millenium III action, cold-pressed hammers...

tosca1 -- as Wzkit said, Shigerus sold in the USA include a visit by a Master Piano Artisan within the first year. The other thing that is different is that the turned legs are standard for those sold in the USA.