Yamaha C3 or C5 ( Kawai RX-3 / RX-5)

[frederic.lu]

Hello All:
I have several nice post in this forum about how to choice a grand piano. I also plan to upgrade my piano in the coming months.

As most of the post recommend, Yamaha C and Kawai RX would be a SAFE choice. PErsonally, I also will pick either of them. I can feel the difference of Yamaha and Kawai, tone, touch, characters ....... Honestly, I still didn't make up my mind which one I will take.

At where I live, I can test Yamaha C2/C3 and Kawai RX-2/3. I also can see the difference of them. But unfortunalelt, Yamaha C5 and Kawai RX-5 are not available.

Since the price gap of Yamaha C3/C5 is not significant. I would choice between Yamaha C3 or C5( or Kawai RX-3/5). I just wonder how big difference between C3 and C5 ( or Kawai RX-3 / 5) ? I heard that the key of Kawai RX-5 is much heavier than RX-3, is it true ?

I know, the size difference. I just want to know in terms of touch, sound,.......

Thanks all !!

[Axtremus]

I own a Kawai (RX-A, same size as RX-5) and I like Yamaha and Kawai just fine, I understand that piano choices can be quite limited in certain parts of the world... but ordinarily, I'd say play as many different pianos as you can before you buy.

In terms of sound, the C-5 and RX-5 should give you much stronger bass when compared to C-3/RX-3 (whether you'd like the "stronger" bass better is another matter). The tonal difference in the treble would be more subtle, you'll just have to listen to them for yourself. Personally, if I can afford it and have the space to fit it, I'd much prefer a C-5/RX-5 if only to get a bigger bass. I don't think RX-5's keys would feel that much heavier than RX-3's. (The new carbon composite "Millenium III" action should feel even lighter, but I've only played those carbon actions on Shigerus, not yet on the RX's.) I have also found that C-series' action usually felt lighter than the RX-series' (compared with the old ABS action, not the carbon stuff).

Good luck.

[frederic.lu]

Thanks! Axtremus !!
Your commend is quite helpful. I know, I got to try by myself. I can try RX-3 and C3, but I couldn't try C5 and RX-5. Where I live ,they are anot available for demo. That's why I ask for opinion about C5 and RX-5.
For Yamaha and Kawai, it really dependents on personal taste. Probable, I will go for Yamaha. Because it offer more sensitive touch. Kawai's touch is a little bit stiff.
 

[wynnbear]

Kawai's newest production in the RX series has a new carbon-fiber reinforced ABS action.  Those that have played have made very favorable comments.  It is reportedly lighter than the old action, but very controllable. 

Check and see if the examples you are playing are the new vs. old action before you make a final choice.

[frederic.lu]

Thanks ! WynnBear !!
It's really a valueable commend !! I ahve check Kawai's Web Site, the ABS action seems quite interesting! But I am not sure whether the one I tried is equiped with ABS action or not! I got to check !

Is the new RX series ALL euqipted with ABS action ??

[wynnbear]

Thanks ! WynnBear !!
It's really a valueable commend !! I ahve check Kawai's Web Site, the ABS action seems quite interesting! But I am not sure whether the one I tried is equiped with ABS action or not! I got to check !

Is the new RX series ALL euqipted with ABS action ??

Kawai has had ABS for years.  The newest version just hitting US stores in the last few months is reinforced with carbon fibers.  Folks testing old against new report that the new version has a lighter touch.  And accuracy is the same or better.

[serge1paris]

If you want a significant musical difference with C3 you have to go C6 or C7.

C6 is an excellent piano!!

[zlh]

I tried Yamaha and Kawai extensively while searching for my dream grand piano, and this was what I found, in descending order of preference.

Yamaha S4
Yamaha C6
Shigeru Kawai SKII
Yamaha C3
Kawai RX 7 (5 yr old show room model)
Yamaha C2
Kawai RX 5
Kawai RX 3
Yamaha C1

I was frankly surprised that a SKII sounded and played better than a RX7. Sure the bass is a little weaker, but it was more than made up for by the crystal clean tone (with a "glow" about it that I can't articulate any better), and a very balanced touch. This is, of course, a very personal preference.

Of the models on the top of my list, SKII was the only one that fits my budget. As much as I love the S4 & C6, I couldn't afford them. In fact, SKII is priced at even BELOW Yamaha C2 in Singapore -- I just committed to it at USD16.7K.

Good luck with your search. I had a lot of fun with mine (over >1 yr), hope you do too.

LH