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Hi,

I finally restricted my choice between a new Kawai GL-30 at around 13.500 euros already available at the shop and a used Kawai RX-1 not yet available (I should eventually search for it). They have comparable sizes. I do know that the Kawai RX-1 produced after 2005 has the Millennium III action and that the RX series is superior to the previous GL series (the GE series). Of course, I would have a technician to check the conditions of the Kawai RX-1. My questions are:

1) It is worthed to spend time to find a good Kawai RX-1 instead of going directly for the new GL-30? Are there still relevant differences between them? The action should be the same and the soundboards are both tapered.

2) Which range of price would be reasonable for the RX-1?

Guido - I've sent you a long private message.

Thank you Carey for your long and very useful private message.

To summarize for the other readers, the Kawai RX series was much better than the GE and GM series; now the GX series is of course better than the GL series, HOWEVER, the GL series is better than the GE and GM series BECAUSE it incorporates SOME of the specifications that come from the RX series. Conclusion?

Would you buy an RX1 used piano in good condition (post-2005) or a GL-30 new piano?

Just curious -

How important would a new piano warranty be to you?

How heavily is the piano you purchase going to be used?

While a used RX1 might have an edge in terms of initial build quality and specs, its current condition is what counts. When you have the opportunity to play a GL30 and RX1 side by side, I think you'll have an easier time deciding which one is right for you.

I would look for a used RX-2, and if I don't have luck with that, go with the GL-30.

And, have a qualified piano technician inspect your candidate for condition before you buy.

As the previous poster said (in different words), when it comes to used pianos, condition is king. Your tech (paid for by you alone, and working solely in your interest) will read its history, tell you about its condition in the present, and forecast its future. This person can tell you what kind of work the piano will require to put it in good playable condition, and estimate what it will cost, in the short term and the long. He or she can also give you an estimate of its fair value in your market.

None of these are things a person without the training and experience can know, off the top, and it is very unlikely that the present owner will be able to give you the full and true story. The modest fee a tuner will charge for this can save you from an ocean of tears, and an agony of buyer's remorse.

And, BTW, Kawai Don is right about the RX-2, especially if you can find a late model that incorporates the gradual improvements that accrued from the maker's long experience with its best-selling model.

Best of luck, Guido.

I've played a GL-30, and it sounded and played ok, but the lower bass and tenor section was really thin. I think I'd be inclined to follow Kawai Don's advice regarding the RX. I've only heard good things about the Kawai RX models.

Good luck!

Rick

The warranty is not that important for new pianos, I guess. I do not plan to resell the piano in the near future. Unfortunately, where I live there are not many alternatives in the used pianos market. Besides I realized I would like to have a new piano anyway.

I played the GL-30 in a showroom and I liked its keyboard and its sound was better than that of GL-10. So finally I went for the GL-30, even though I know that there are better used piano for rhe same price.

As soon as I get the piano at home I will post a new comment on how it sounds in a small room compared to a very large showroom (my room is 3 meters x 5 meters, and the ceiling is 3 meters high). I guess the sound will change. I hope for the better.

Congratulations!!! 🍾🎊🎉🎈

What I hear that's good, is that you are coming to know your own mind about this expensive and important purchase. It's true that the room is not over-large, and that means that you may have to do some acoustic treatment to tame the big voice that such a piano has. I did; it took some doing, but I have not been displeased with the result. In fact, I love my piano's voice more and more every day. And, I save my ears by wearing everyday foam earplugs from Walgreens while I am playing scales and technical exercises. For the art music, the earplugs are laid aside. And every day, I feel a sense of astonishment and wonder at the beauty and presence of the living voice of the grand piano.

The manufacturer's warranty protects you from disastrous failures during the period of the warranty. These failures are rare, but they do sometimes happen. Kawai is famous for their warranty service. If it helps your nerves relax, it is worth the money; anyway, it is part of the purchase price and does not cost extra.

Congratulations on your new piano!

Thank you for your explanation Guido !
From you PM today ,I understand far better. Yes I think you are making the correct choice. Choosing a piano is really quite
emotionally exhausting and one can often doubt one's decisions,.especially while waiting for the piano to arrive.
You love the piano so it will all work out fine ! You enjoy the bass on the GL30 which is important. The upper notes can be voiced , and besides the piano is very new , so will settle down.
By the way the Kawai GL series is highly regarded here and quite a few members own grand pianos of this series. The action is very similar to the GX.
So congratulations you have an excellent piano by a a well known brand .Please send us some pictures when your piano arrives.

Congratulation on your brand new piano! I had a GE 30 in a room a bit larger than yours, 4 x 6.5 meters approx, and it filled the room nicely. I think yours will too.