🎹 Kawai Digital Piano Actions | CA99/NV5/NV10/CN | Kawai Hybrid Digital Piano Action Explained 🎹
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- Опубликовано: 15 окт 2022
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#KawaiDigitalPianoActions #KawaiHybridDigital #Pianos
Thanks for joining us on the Merriam Pianos RUclips channel. In this video, we’ve got the second half of our 2-part series on Kawai’s digital piano key actions.
We’ll be looking at Kawai’s various key actions that they currently use in their home digital piano and hybrid instruments. Be sure to check out part 1 for a general overview of all of their actions, and a look at the actions featured in their portable digital pianos.
Home Digital Piano Kawai Actions
Out of Kawai’s deep stable of current key actions sitting at 9 strong, there are a total of 7 that are featured throughout their stationary home-based models, with some overlap occurring with their portable-based digital pianos.
Let’s start with the most basic and work our way up.
Responsive Hammer Compact
The RHC action features a shorter keystick, and was originally built to fit into the compact ES110 digital piano. The one home-based digital piano currently featuring the RHC action is the KDP75.
Overall, this is a great action for beginners and even intermediate players that definitely serves its purpose.
It is important to understand, however that it is less expensive than other Kawai actions for a few reasons, most notable that it uses a dual sensor instead of a triple sensor, doesn’t feature any let off and because it’s a shorter keystick, the weighting is less even from the front to the back of the key.
Responsive Hammer Compact II
The RHCII is a more advanced version of the RHC. The biggest difference is that the dual sensor has been upgraded to a triple sensor.
Why is this important? Simply, a triple sensor provides more accurate MIDI output, which means it's more capable of tackling advanced repertoire.
The RHCII can be found in the Kawai KDP-120.
Responsive Hammer III
The RHIII is felt by many critics of the piano industry to be the best plastic key action currently available.
The RHIII can be found in the CN29 and CN39, along with their upcoming replacements, the CN201 and CN301. It can also be found in the DG30.
The RHIII improves on a number of things from the RHCII. The triple sensor carries over, but the key surface is more tactile, the keystick is longer, escapement is included and the keybed is more reinforced.
Grand Feel Compact Wooden Action
The GFC action is an all-wooden action, and essentially a shorter version of the Grand Feel. The pivot length is similar to a plastic action, but the wood provides a better sense of weighting and superior durability.
The GFC can be found in the CA49 and CA59 Concert Artist digital pianos, and can essentially be thought of as a wooden version of the RHIII.
Grand Feel III Action
The GFIII is the most advanced entry in the Grand Feel action lineup. The keysticks lengths are extended, and all of the engineering has been improved over the previous generation Grand Feel II.
The durability of the GFIII is excellent, and features like a triple sensor, counterweights and let-off make this one of the most advanced digital piano actions in the class.
The GFIII can be found in the Kawai CA79 and CA99.
NV5S Acoustic Hybrid Action
The NV5S’s acoustic upright action is essentially the exact same Millennium III Carbon Fiber action Kawai uses in their acoustic K-200 upright piano. The only difference is that instead of a wooden hammer, there’s carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic at the end of the shank that instead of striking a string crosses an optical sensor.
Everything else about the action is the same as the K-200. If you’re looking for a genuine upright feel in a digital piano, it does not get better than this.
NV10S Acoustic Hybrid Action
The NV10S is like the NV5S but uses the grand piano version of the Millennium III action, with the same keystick length and geometry as a Kawai GX1.
This is arguably the most fanatically reproduced version of a grand piano experience available in a digital piano.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this 2 part series has been helpful to you. We wish you a positive research/shopping experience and hope we’ve been able to play a small part in that.
Thanks for watching!
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It was because of Stu and his great job as an honest, straightforward reviewer that I bought the Kawai CN29...and I couldn't be any happier with it. It's a fantastic instrument that's helping me a whole lot to improve my skills on the piano and to enjoy making music a lot more. Thank you for your great work, and keep it up!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! That is amazing to hear! Thank you so much for the kind words and congrats on your Kawai CN29! They're wonderful pianos with a fantastic piano tone and touch. I know you will be pleased with it for many years to come. :)
Being a former university maths lecturer, I feel like calling Stu Prof Harrison. I was searching for a beginner level digital piano for my 6-year old daughter, and found these review videos by Prof. Harrison. The amount of detailed analysis on the science, evaluation , history, and modern It etc. about pianos from Prof. Harrison is just astonishing. Any of these videos is like a research seminar. I have got not only myself, but also my husband, who is a maths professor, addicted to watching these videos made by Stu. Many thanks and really appreciate.
Thanks so much for tuning in! I definitely agree with the sentiment! Stu is a walking encyclopedia of pianos and I think the title of "professor" is well merited. I will be sure to pass along your compliment to Stu! Thanks again for supporting our channel and all the best to you and your daughter as she embarks on her musical journey! :)
My piano teacher still insists that I should get an acoustic piano. But I think the digital-action offering in the market has reached the level where if you are not going to be a classical concert pianist, top-level action from a digital piano manufacturer like Kawai can fill all your needs.
There are a lot of issues with acoustic pianos. Most are not as good as a good digitals such as the Roland LX-708.
There are many piano teachers thinking digital pianos are still stuck in the 90s
I do not agree. An accustic action is so much more sensitive. Just the volume of an accustic is so much more louder. And thus control requires more sensitivity.
I have an RH3 and struggle with the accustic that my teacher has.
Price has to be considered. Typically, you have to spend at least twice as much on a secondhand acoustic piano to get results which are better than on a new digital piano, or at least three times the digital price on a new acoustic piano to get a better result. The Yamaha CLP-785 Clavinova outplays the Yamaha U1 upright in sound and action, IMO. Maybe there are some complexities present on the U1 which are missing on the 785, but I found the 785 an altogether more pleasing home piano.
I have been trying different acoustic pianos in the last month and playing on them open my eyes. As a result, I returned Roland FP-90X for credit.
I am all Yamaha now.
This has been absolutely fantastic. I hope I speak for a lot of others that are not speaking: I (so much) appreciate the time and effort behind these videos. I am a Kawai VPC1 owner. A very dear friend of mine is a kawai rep in the southeast, and I’ve learned so much from just this video, I almost rival him in action knowledge. Haha.
Again, I appreciate the business and you personally for doing these videos.
Thanks a million Josh! We sincerely appreciate the kind words and support of our channel! Congrats on your Kawai VPC1! They're hands down one of the best MIDI controllers ever built in my opinion and that claim does not seem likely to be rivalled anytime soon. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Stu; What a treasure and gift you are.... I am nutz about digital pianos, and have owned 24 of them...Have also participated in over 20,000 gigs down here in the Dallas/Ft.Worth area since 1983. "AND" the digital piano has been instrumental in many of the the BEST of those gigs.... & IRONICALLY I am waiting for the next shipment of KAWAI C99 and NV5 to hit the DFW docks. Along with my new LAPTOP w/ 2 SSD drives and BABYFACE PRO and copy of PianoTeq 7.5.....Exciting times we live in, and I can tell which way the digital winds are blowing... Thanks for cutting thru the to the essential nature of the KAWAI actions!!! You saved me a year ! All the Best ! KB
Hi Ken! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and supporting the channel! I will be sure to pass along your kind words to Stu. That is awesome! It sounds like you are a true piano enthusiast that appreciates everything these instruments have to offer. The CA99 and NV5S are both amazing digital pianos, so, whichever direction you go, I think you will be thrilled with what they offer! Thanks again and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos Brent great to hear from you, thank-you for writing back.
I think the following "SUBJECT" for Stu might be a great topic for conversation, debate, & clear distinctions… And could be a TEST-CASE “final-culmination ”, of everything Stu has presented and talked about so far.
HERE’S the BIG PICTURE: in Europe especially, many piano artists are using YAMAHA’s Avant Grand (N1,N2,N3) ROLAND HP 605, VPC1 & some KAWAI more expensive DP’s (such as CA99 and NV5S) as primary controllers for Piano-Teq. They are recording classical concert material and are creating stunning recordings and compelling results.
STU; since you seem to have a CA99 in your home studio, and or have access to KAWAI CA99 and NV5S (at the store), could please “consider” doing a presentation of what happens when you combine these incredible digital piano instruments “AS” primary controllers with the plug-in Piano-Teq.
I am currently considering purchasing a KAWAI CA99 and NV5S here in Dallas Texas, for the sole purpose of using it with PianoTeq. I find it a stunning statement that the STEINWAY Corporation after well over 100 years of making pianos is embracing and endorsing PianoTeq. I mean the plug-in is obviously that good, that they cannot be in denial about it. Also the old adage, “lead-follow-or get out of the way”, comes to mind here. It’s almost like they have no choice to not embrace it, because it has been designed so meticulously. (Are we going to see a Steinway slab piano w/pianoteq in the future?)
And Stu, what’s going to happen when controllers start being able to handle the MIDI 2.0 spec, and PianoTeq becomes 2.0 compatible? WOW! , right?, talk about detail, right?. Even my ROLAND A88 MK2 has MIDI 2.0…..
Onward--KB
The video we've all been waiting for
Thank you for your patience! :)
I tried the NV5 and CA99 fully expecting to prefer the NV5 given the raving reviews, and ended up liking the CA99 more. It felt to me that the NV5 action had a threshold where you needed to apply a lot of force and then it would give in, but because of this, it felt like it was difficult to me to play pianissimo. Maybe it smooths out after a bit of wear, but anyways, I preferred the CA99. Didn’t try the NV10, I didn’t want to torture myself with something I can’t afford!
I am happy to hear that you had a chance to get into a showroom to do some direct comparisons. Every player is different and will connect with a different feel and sound. Price tags will never reflect the personal connection you feel to an instrument. :)
Excellent review! Finally found the answer to the question about touch and feel. I’m still wondering if the action in a higher end Yamaha hybrid is the same type of action as in the Kawai ?
Thanks so much! Yamaha and Kawai have different actions in their hybrids. Both companies are using their own proprietary actions, which differ in design, materials, and, of course, feel. :)
if the degree of how it plays like an acoustic, if it is in this order: ES120, ES520, ES920, CA59, CA99, then would you say Roland FP-90X's PHA-50 is in between ES920 and CA59?
In terms of the Kawai actions, I would definitely agree with that assessment. With that said, it is a bit more of a subjective thing when it comes to the PHA50 versus the GFC. Some players prefer the PHA50 over the GFC of the CA49 and CA59 and vice versa.
Please, make a video about Yamaha's digital piano actions. Especially for mid/top pianos
We try to tackle as many lines and topics as possible and will certainly add Yamaha actions to our ever-growing list of potential video topics for the future. Thank you kindly for the suggestion! :)
I wish you guys would have linked part 1 in the description. Would like to have seen it.
Here you go: ruclips.net/video/8oRWQ6OVqq0/видео.html
Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)
The slip tape issue you describe on the grand feel action: Is that an issue with the grand feel compact action on the CA49 also? Or does the compact CA 49 action have the solution applied to the grand feel III? Thank you.
Hi Richard! It has not seemed to have been an issue with the Grand Feel Compact. Also, it seems that the new models (CA701 and CA901) that use the Grand Feel III action have had this issue corrected, which is fantastic to see. :)
I think the ES120 has the RHC action not RHCII as to my knowledge. Only the keybed cushioning is upgraded.
You are correct! :)
Thanks for yet another informative video. Stu or Brent, can you comment on maintenance for the Kawai hybrid actions? I mean the frequency of regulating, and whether all local tuners (who are also technicians) should be able to service them.
Hi Mike! Brent here! In our experiences, the Kawai hybrid actions are incredibly stable and require very little regulation, much like the GX acoustic pianos that the Millennium III Hybrid Grand action is based on. With that said, when it comes to mechanical issues, an acoustic piano technician should be able to service them. However, if it comes to anything electronic (sensors, etc.), a specialized digital technician will be required. Hope this helps and, as always, thanks for tuning in! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the thorough answer.
@@MerriamPianoswhat are the GX Acoustic pianos?
Hi Stu!
Which is, in your opinion, better action in terms of hands health for long playing - Kawai's Grand Feel III or Roland's Hybrid Grand?
I can't practice more than a couple of hours per day because of hands fatigue and want to upgrade my keyboard to something which will allow long practice sessions.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the kind words! We sincerely appreciate it. :)
We do not currently have an LX708 versus CA99/CA901 comparison yet. We are not receiving our first shipment of the CA901 model from Kawai until sometime in January. With that said, you can definitely expect review and comparison videos to follow shortly after we do.
In terms of the Hybrid Grand versus GFIII action and hand fatigue, I would say they're both incredible actions that provide all of the benefits that come along with extended pivot lengths. Personally, I find the Roland actions marginally heavier to the fingers than their comparable Kawai counterparts. Of course, some of this comes down to touch preferences and the subjectivity of the player, but that is my personal take. From that perspective, you may find the GFIII action to be less fatiguing on the hands. However, some players feel a greater degree of control and connectivity with the Hybrid Grand action. My recommendation would be to test both actions out yourself at a showroom if possible. Thanks again and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos , well, unfortunately, I can test only Kawai. However, people say it has very soft bottom and you also say it's lighter than Rolland's. I think, I'll not regret talking it without comparison if I test it and it fatigues my hands less than my current budget keyboard.
Thanks for the detailed answer!
Thx Stu! You said in the video that the NV10S is the action out of the GX1. Is it true that this is the same action (key stick length, other dimensions etc.) that's supplied with Kawai grands from GL30/GX1 all the way up to (and including) the GX5, whereas the GL10 and GL20 get shorter key sticks (possibly other differences)?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! As one of our amazing community members has already cited, the NV10S' action is in fact based on the GX series' Millennium III action in terms of its overall specifications. The primary difference is the use of ABS hammers.
@@MerriamPianos So all the GX series have the same key length?
I have never seen Kawai say they have "linear graded hammers". They say they have "grade-weighted hammers". So, the question is: do they have "linear" graded hammers, or is it graded by zones? For example, in one forum somebody said the MP11 had a 15-key zone at the bottom, then a 17-key zone, 31-key zone, and a 25-key zone at the top. I know Kawai is usually very specific when it comes to specs, but they have never made this detail explicit enough in their website. Yamaha says that their top-of-the-range Clavinova has "linear" graded hammers to differentiate it from a few zones of equal grading across the keyboard. I wonder if this is something already implemented in Kawai keyboards or not. Kawai explicitly mentions 3 types of counterweights, namely: "counterweights" (entry level action), "bass region counterweights" (CA49), and "88-Key Graded Counterweights" (CA79/99). So, the type of counterweight information is very explicit, but the type of hammer grading is not.
That is a good question and, as you have pointed out, it has not specifically been addressed by the company. Perhaps, that is a mystery that can be tackled in a future video.
I headed to the music store today to test how loud the Roland FP90X gets at full volume. I brought a dedicated decibel meter this time. In my previous experience, the FP90X did not sound louder than the Yamaha DGX-670 at full volume in a test by ear. So, I wanted to get an objective answer this time. I placed the meter in the middle of the music rack on both instruments and played octaves with both hands, hitting as hard as I could. The FP90X indicated a maximum around 106 decibels and the DGX-670 showed a maximum around 105 decibels. For people focusing on amplifier power ratings, I have the following calculation: the DGX-670 has 12 cm ROUND speakers and the FP90X has 12 x 8 OVAL speakers. The area of a circle with radius r= 12 cm is 113 cm², whereas the area of an ellipse with semi-major axis a= 6 cm and semi-minor axis b=4 cm is 75 cm². This means the DGX-670 has roughly 50% more speaker cone area than the FP90X, so it can move more air and produce a fuller sound. This could explain the reason why both instruments achieve a similar volume in real life. The fact that the FP90X has more amplifier does not translate into a louder sound because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
When it comes to how the ear will listen to and interpret the volume of sound, there is also the dimension of perceived loudness to consider. The frequency response and voicing of the speaker as well as the frequency/harmonic makeup of the action samples themselves will all factor in. In this case, even something that is measurably "louder" or, rather, of a higher quantification on a decibel meter, may not be perceived that way by human listeners. LUFS metering helps bridge this gap as it takes into account the range of human hearing more closely.
@@MerriamPianos I agree. The decibel meter measures sound pressure level whereas loudness is the subjective perception of sound pressure. In the case of the FP90X vs DGX-670, in my last test with both instruments side by side a few weeks ago, I perceived the DGX-670 to be a bit fuller sounding, maybe due to having larger speakers. The LUFS meter that you mention is used mainly to set targets for audio normalization in broadcast systems for cinema, TV, radio and music streaming. They are typically plug-ins in DAW's.
Most people seem to believe that more power = more volume. That is only if the speakers are identical. Since digital pianos have different speakers, amplifiers alone do not tell the whole story. In fact, they can become misleading in this sense.
For someone who never expects to play an acoustic piano are there benefits from choosing an action that mimics an acoustic piano?
I would say that there is a greater sense of connectivity to the instrument with acoustic piano actions versus digital piano actions (excluding perhaps some of the highest end hybrid actions that come very close). With that said, it is difficult to comment as any statement I make will be based on the fact that I have experience playing on an acoustic piano.
Got a used L5
Function hold has 4 settings touch is choose but if off its saved? Or has 2
Be on to work?
Congrats on your L5! While I believe the settings are stored when the unit is powered off and on, it has been quite some time since i have had any experience with the L5. Perhaps, one of our helpful community members that uses the L5 can chime in and verify. :)
hello, you are very good 🙂, I'm looking for a very hard, heavy keyboard, to get close to the weight of the piano.. the Yamaha clavinova mechanics are too light for me, instead the Roland pa50 is my favorite but many people say that the Roland sensors they give problems.. I've never tried Kawai and I don't know if they are more reliable but I would like to know if the GFC, GF2 or GF3 is heavier.. thanks
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The PHA50 is an excellent action. In our experiences, we have not had any issues with sensors or the actions in general. They have been very reliable and stable. With that said, while I have not done any quantifiable weight testing, I find the GFIII action a touch heavier and as well as providing a greater sense of control and connectivity. But, it is really splitting hairs as I am a huge fan of both these actions. The pivot length of the GFIII action is also a little longer, which will provide a closer sensation to a grand piano. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos I am honored by your answer! thank you and I'd like to understand if when you try the pianos the beautiful songs you play exist or are improvisations.. you're a really good pianist (I'm a classical pianist) 🙂
@@MerriamPianos This was my question too, thank you, and what about GFC found in CA49 compare to PHA50? I really have a hard time deciding between Roland HP704 and KAwai CA49, thank you.
I want to buy a new kawai digital and I notice the key action on the ca79 and ca99 are the same gf3. But why Kawai called their ca99 is a hybrid piano? Because of the soundboard???? In my country, yamaha nu1x and ca79/ca99 have the same price range, which one I should choose? Im afraid of the sound loud problem on the nu1/nu1x, seem like the problem from the mainboard but nu1/nu1x sample and key action are quite amazing
The CA99 is referred to as a "hybrid" digital because it includes an element from an acoustic piano: a wooden soundboard. With that said, the action is still a "digital" piano action opposed to an acoustic piano action. In either case, the combination of touch and tone of the CA99 is incredible and impressive. It ultimately comes down to a matter of preference between the models you have listed. Personally, I would opt for the CA99 because the soundboard system adds a tremendous amount of warmth, depth, and nuance to the sonic experience. :)
I went to a shop to buy a Kawai CA59 but I fell in love with the CA99... Only to be told they're out of stock. Everywhere. Internationally.
I'm also a little bit concerned that it's a two year old model and if I do buy it for Christmas, it will be superseded within a year 12 months of ownership if Kawai release a updated model next year...
*Update* : I bought the CA99, and the CA901 was announced within a month. 🙃 🤷♂️
We have not received any notice from Kawai yet in regard to a successor to the CA99. Furthermore, while the demand is quite high for the CA models in general, the supply chain from Kawai has steadily been improving and we have been receiving some CA99s here in Canada.
@@MerriamPianos Just to update, I did manage to buy the CA99, and the CA901 was announced within a month. 🙃
I'm really curious why they didn't put a Grand Feel action in the DG30. Was it just a matter of trying to keep it at a certain price point, or was there more to the decision?
That is a very good question! I imagine it has to do with trying to keep the instrument within a specific price point. Perhaps, the next generation digital grand from Kawai will feature one of the GF wood actions. :)
I willing to play the oldschool piano with non-classical music (Blues, Rock n Roll, Boogie Woogie and Ragtime) as though I find my own designated customs with hammer-weighted keys is they any available herein the Kawai from my designated Customs?
I found whose catered their Electric Piano having the Interantional Standard Weighted Keys but me I am still underinformed from that offers in the future if I am well informed I willing to buy that
Hi! Brent here! Kawai certainly makes some excellent digital pianos. They have excellent weighted key touches and a great variety of classical and electric piano sounds available on most of their models. :)
Wonderful review - thank you. I’d be really grateful if anyone could clarify a query for me. Does the key-stick length also relate to the length of the playing surface of the key? I.e. I know the longer key-stick length is important for where it puts the pivot point but I’m still unclear as to whether a shorter key-stick (in particular the Grand Feel compact or the RHC III) also means a shorter playing surface. I’m asking as my current (very old) Yamaha digital piano has a noticeably shorter playing surface than our acoustic and I’m finding it a bit of a pain. Consequently, I’m on the hunt for a good digital piano for quiet practice. Unfortunately I don’t have any stores nearby where I can explore this point ‘live’ so I’m reduced to internet searching! M
Thank you kindly! We appreciate it. :)
To answer your question, there is no correlation between the key stick length and exposed playing surface of the key. If you look at Kawai's digital pianos for instance, the KDP120 (RHC II) and CA701 (GFIII) pianos both have the same amount of exposed key surface, but significantly different pivot lengths. Thanks again and hope this helps!
@@MerriamPianos very helpful- thank you.
Looking at Kawai again. I notice the VPC-1 controller has the RM3 action as apposed to the GF1 action of the mp11se.
They look very similer, but is there any difference in feel and playability between the two keywise? Besides the fact of one being just a midi keyboard.
Yes! While these actions look quite similar in terms of overall design, they do have a different feel. I find the VPC1's action to be a more rigid feeling touch, where as the MP11SE's GFI has a bit more bounce to it. They are both amazing playing instruments, so the decision comes down to the touch preferences of the player ultimately.
@@MerriamPianos So, which would you say is nearer to an accoustic piano? The more rigid feel of the vpc1 or the bounce of the mp11se?
Love all you do stu!! I have played on the mp7se then went to using a futar keybed on the nord stage 3, then played on a acoustic yahama c7, and the rh3 action felt more like the real thing then even futar did, i believe strongly rh3 is the winner in all aspects.
Not sure why there is such a hype on futar when there is better out there.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! I will be sure to pass on your kind words to Stu. :)
I am a huge fan of the RHIII action as well! With that said, touch and tone preferences are very subjective and personal things. The most important thing is that you find an action and piano sound that you connect with, which it sounds like you have!
@@MerriamPianos my only problem i have with kawai are their old school pads, that are unusable for worship.I have omnisphere on my laptop which i might try with midi
Maybe I'm wrong but at minute 9:43 the piano action looks like to be the Grand Feel Action II with slip tape, instead the "knuckle" adopted by the Grand Feel III.
hi, i think the pic shows even its predecessor, the grand feel (I) action which comes with the mp11se. in fact, i'll be waiting for some mp12 of sorts feat. the grand feel III. best, andy
this vid shows the actual grand feel III vs II. best, andy
ruclips.net/video/rJEAKI2jBLU/видео.html
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! There is a disclaimer at the bottom of the slide that states that the action pictures is the GFII. Unfortunately, Kawai has not released a cross-section diagram of the latest GFIII action at this time.
Merriam Music, there have been quite a few GFIII official pictures on the Internet for a long time. I could link in this comment to a picture in super-high quality and super-high resolution. But then, I'm afraid, my comment wouldn't show up. All of these pictures were available literally in the early days when this action was introduced in the new models.
Merriam Music, I left a link for you in the "ABOUT" section of my account.
Small comment: The RUclips algorithms now favor watching something to the end/past 10 minutes and the thumbs up button more than comments, views, or subs.
But great video on the actions. These are basically black magic and smoke and mirrors to most buyers since it's all hidden and out of sight.
To me, the RHIII is basically the same as the PHA-4 action from Roland. Both are solid mid-range choices and you shouldn't really settle for less. I got through a degree in music's piano classes (4 semesters) on an action like this, though, yes, at the end, it was definitely hitting a wall in terms of what I needed it to do, especially in terms of dynamics and nuance.
My personal keyboard is a Yamaha with an action that's similar to the GFC but a little longer - similar to the GFC II but older tech? and probably will serve me until the electronics die. Going from home (longer length wood) to the school (plastic compact) was always an adjustment that was noticeable. But a non-plastic action is almost a must if you want an actual "piano" that serves as an acoustic replacement in your home/church/etc that you intend to keep for a decade or two.
Thank you kindly for tuning in! We're glad you enjoyed the video! I know what you mean. Some manufacturers do not provide too much detail about their actions. With that said, Kawai has always been very good about that. They put a lot of R&D into their actions, so they usually present a lot of detailed information and specs about them. :)
thanks Stu. Has the NV5 better action than VPC1?
Hi Cristian! Brent from Merriam Music here! While it will ultimately come down to preference and subjectivity, I personally find the NV5 to have a superior action that is a much more authentic simulation of playing an acoustic piano.
And What about the RM3ii action system for VPC1? Where was it??? Please!
This particular video series focused on the digital piano models and did not include the VPC1, which is a MIDI controller of course. With that said, I think it would be an excellent idea to tackle a review of the VPC1 and the RM3ii action. :)
Which is more durable and Authentic touch to an acoustic? The GF Compact or the PHA-50 ?
I would say that they are both incredible durable and reliable actions. In terms of which is more authentic, that would ultimately come down to a matter of personal preference. Personally, I would give a slight edge to the PHA50 as it tends to play a bit heavier with a more pronounced escapement simulation. This feels quite authentic to the touch of an acoustic grand piano. :)
What’s the deal then, do the actions on the NV5/10 need regulating every so often? Can you change the weight/feel etc??
The NV5S and NV10S actions can still be regulated and adjusted. However, with that said, not all technicians will feel comfortable to do so as some are hesitant to involve themselves with digital hybrids and the additional sensors and electronic technology that they possess.
É uma pena que o Kawai MP11SE use o "Grand Feel action II", que é um mecanismo que estraga facilmente. Seria ótimo ver uma nova versão que incorporasse o "Grand Feel Action III" em um piano de palco.
There have been some calls by Kawai players for a portable digital model that utilizes the GFIII action. Perhaps, we will see that notion become realized in the near future. :)
Can you make a video grand feel III vs millenium III PLEASE?❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hi Ryan! This video actually explores the differences between these two actions. The CA99 features the GFIII action and the NV5S / NV10S feature the Millennium III Hybrid Upright / Grand actions respectively. :)
2:50
ES100 uses AHA key action.
You are correct! It was the AHAIV-F. I believe Stu was just suggesting that the previous actions were the building blocks for some of the more recent actions that Kawai is now offering.
The big issue I've encountered with students is VOLUME.
They come to my piano and try to play super softly because they're used to Dad wandering across to the Digital at home, and turning the master volume DOWN.
So they then "bang" harder to get enough to be able to express themselves at least a bit. Come to my piano & are so used to "banging" but quickly react the opposite way because my large grand is super loud in comparison.
I've heard of a parent insisting on the poor child practise with headphones, which I generally don't encourage.
If a Digital piano is played at a representative volume, I don't have a problem - at least for most, non diploma level students.
That is an excellent insight and not one that many teachers/players consider. If using a digital, playing it at an appropriate volume that is comparable to that of an acoustic instrument is certainly ideal.
I am first hee hee 🤗
:)
Congrats then🥇🏆🎹🎶
9:21 - Was it necessary to disfigure the surface of the black keys in such a way. Look at Novus, look at acoustic pianos - nowhere is this marketing nonsense in the form of these excessive textures.
I don't think it is a matter of disfiguring the surface as much as it is a decision to retain the feel of the wood's natural grain for the black keys in order to achieve a certain desired texture. While many manufacturers will opt for a high-gloss finish and smoother texture, there are a number of extremely high-end, master-level piano manufacturers that opt for this type of matte black key finish, including Bechstein pianos, which are considered to be some of the finest pianos made in the world. At the end of the day, every manufacturer will have their own philosophy as to what makes the "perfect" piano and will design their instruments accordingly. It will come down to the player to determine the option that best suits their preferences and playing style. :)
Click the Link Below? There is no "Link Below" to get to the First part of this 2 Part series.
Same with the First Video (Part 1) there was no Link to Part 2. very frustrating.
We apologize for the inconvenience. I will be sure to pass along the feedback to our production team that handles these matters.
Do they Really NEED 7 Different Actions on the Home Piano Line? Terribly Confusing. Thanks for helping clear it up. Kawai could do so much better in Marketing.
They are a company that is very much driven by innovation. I do agree that the Roland and Casio lines are far easier to follow when it comes to which actions are being used in which pianos. Kawai and Yamaha are a bit more complicated in this sense. But, at the end of the day, the Kawai actions are quite impressive and yield very rewarding musical experiences.
we all are waiting for a comparison from the nv5 and the yamaha nu1x… but still nobody on youtube will do this… nobody will understand why
Merriam Music carries only Kawai, as they are not a Yamaha dealer. Unless they get an NU1X in a trade-in, that would be an expensive purchase for just a RUclips video comparison.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! We have received a number of requests for this comparison. It is on our list of potential candidates for future videos. We will certainly do our best to make it happen. :)
@@MerriamPianos and thats why we love you at merriam music
@@Instrumental-Covers read the comment below you from merriam music… but thanks for explaining
@@kingbob2825 IC does have a point though. I seen requests for a DGX670 review and a Clavinova review in the comments for about a year now🎹🎶
I went to a local piano store to try out an NV 10S which, according to many, is the last word in digital piano sound and keyboard technology. It felt a little loose and noisy to me and a bit disappointing. I came ready to buy it on the spot. I also tried the CA 901. It was not appreciably better than the Kawai ES 920 which I own. Both models have about 15 different grand pianos loaded unto the chip. I do not understand why anyone would need 15 different pianos :)
I doubt very much that the pianist or the audience would be disappointed to hear a jazz concert using a 7 ft. Steinway or Yamaha or Kawai or Fazioli or etc. etc. ... instead of a "jazz" piano. Sometimes people get so hung up on the cosmetics of sound rather than listening to the music :)
Love your reviews ... as always. You have some serious chops. Is there a RUclips channel that shows you playing a live gig with a small ensemble? Would love to hear it !!!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your experiences! At the end of the day, tone and touch is a matter of preference. That is why it is always best to test out a piano yourself in person at a showroom whenever possible. If you do some searching, I'm sure you will be able to come across some of Stu's performances and recordings. Thanks again and happy playing! :)