Kawai RX-2 used or new

[rx2]

Hi All, I am in the market for a grand piano and I am fall in love with Kawai RX2. I have tried a new RX2 which has fantastic sound and finish at least for my taste and budget.  The cheapest price i could find of brand new model about AUD24k/USD17k.

Lately there is a used RX2 s/n 2402*** up for sale for about US10k, and according to the ad is in new condition and seldom used. When I checked kawai website, it was made on year 2000

I have not tried the used RX2 and wondering if anybody could give me advise should I consider to buy the used one and saved some money? I have not tried the older kawai yet, so not sure how the sound difference and I doubt this piano will have the latest Millenium 3 action like the new one.

Bit of background of my music experience, I used to play piano till about intermediate level when I was young about 15 years ago. I stop playing due to study, work , family commitment, so lack of time to continue my music hobby.

Now I have my 4yo boy that I send to piano lesson a month ago and now I will have more time to re-sharpen my pianos skills as well as motivate my boy with music.

So if anybody here has experience on both old RX2 and new RX2, could you share it with me? Thank You in advance.

[keys60]

Go for the used one if it plays and sounds up to your standard. It may by now be due for a regualtion. For light fairly frequent playing and lessons for a 4 year old, a piano built in 2000 should be in good shape. Let the other guy eat the initial depreciation. IMHO of course.
I like the RX2 because I play jazz and rock. It has a nice action. The wippens are plastic and don' t fall prey to humidity problems as easily as wood. Just don't rush. Play it for a few hours. Every note. Not necessarily songs, but scales and just run up and down the keyboard. If you like it, buy it. If there are any keys sticking, double striking, buzzes etc. etc., bring it to the attention of the seller. Good luck.

[tosca1]

The Kawai RX2 is a fantastic small grand piano. Sometimes detractors dismiss recent Kawai pianos because of their "plastic" actions. The Millenium III action is mostly made from a sophisticated  carbon compound which Kawai call ABS.
An RX 2 from 2000 will not have the Millenium III action as Kawai started installing them in all grand pianos from 2004. However, that is no reason not to seriously consider the Kawai RX2 which you like.
Best of luck with your choice!

Kind regards,

Robert.

[quantum]

Get the piano you like.  Most importantly audition the one you intend to bring home, not just the same model. 

Nothing wrong with a second hand piano.  My current grand was about 20 years old when I got it.  I'm the second owner. 

[berniano]

Get the piano you like.  Most importantly audition the one you intend to bring home, not just the same model. 

I agree. In my search for a grand piano 1.5 yrs ago, I tried several RX2's. I remember playing one in a practice room four years ago, and loving it, but these others I couldn't stand playing. It just might depend on the individual piano, although I believe that the Chinese piano lines do focus on overall run of the mill pianos.

[keys60]

Millenium III action is good, but not worlds apart from the original. I'd go for the 2000 model. Its a good piano. As stated, it may be due for a regulation. A heavily played piano should be regulated appx. every 3-5 years, especially if its in an unsteady environment. If it is being sold by a dealer, I'm sure they already work with a technician. If it needs regulation, negotiate that into the price. Press the keys slowly and observe the hammers. If you feel a slight bump under your finger (called aftertouch, where the hammer is letting off) and the hammers are evenly and consistently close to the string (1/8 inch), your regulation is at least in that dept., good. Play the hell out of it before deciding.