Kawai

[pianosrule]

Which would be a better piano and why (tone, volume, dynamics, etc):  Kawai upright K50 or Kawai baby grand model GE-1 ?  Please advise.  Thanks.

[txmuslguy]

  Without a doubt, the grand! Springs return the keys to position in the uprights slowing the ability for repetative key stroke (e.g. fast trilling). It might not be noticeable to an amature or someone not "deep" into learning music, but a professional would notice.  You have  the assist of gravity with a grand to bring the keys back to the resting position. Grands are easier to repair and tune.  And dog-gone-it, they look FINE!
If you have the space for it, go for the grand.  I did and have never regretted the decision to do so.
Tx

[sirpazhan]

Well,, if you're looking for volume, dynamics, projection, things of that nature, the grand is what you're looking for.  Since the baby has a larger soundboard, positioning it correctly will give you a more louder/fuller sound, and a stronger projection.

However, the K-50 is a pretty high-end upright in the kawai line-up.  The feel and response will mimic that of the baby grand.  If you don't have much room, I'd go with the K-50. 

To sum it up,, between the two pianos.  The baby (GE-1) has only 2 main differences from the K-50:

1- look
2- fullness in sound (volume, projection)

everything else, its pretty much the same.


final decision: baby grand

[sirpazhan]

  Springs return the keys to position in the uprights slowing the ability for repetitive key stroke (e.g. fast trilling).

the K-50 upright isn't cheesy, you're making it sound like its a slow piano, the action on the upright is pretty much the same as the baby grands, trust me, I can go just as fast on that piano, as you can on the GE-1 baby. 

[pianistimo]

i've had my kawaii studio upright for about 21 plus years - and it still stays in tune - and i can trill and play repeated notes (such as in scarlatti) fine on it.  but, i'm agreed that if you have the money - just go for what you are inevitably going to want later.  the grand.

also, get it into your house before the entryways are too stuffed full of other stuff.  what i like about the grand is not just the action - but also the 'feel.'  you can 'fly right' on it.

i bought my upright because i liked the stiff feel (and it still stayed that way - believe it or not!)  but, for a grand - i would like a medium-stiff action.  for me, this is a way to control as many possible dynamics out of the piano that i can.  especially pianissimo.