Since its introduction with the new Kawai K series range in 2013, the Kawai K300 piano has become the best seller in the K series range. Looking at its features, it’s not hard to see why and our experience of the K300 has been immensely positive. The Kawai K300 introduces some key improvements going beyond its highly acclaimed and regarded predecessor, the Kawai K3 which itself won the ‘Acoustic Piano of the Year’ award for four consecutive years.
One of the features inherited from the Kawai K3 is the Millienium III Upright Action, which stands out due its use of ABS-Carbon composite parts. What this means is that certain parts on the piano action near the hammers are constructed out of ABS-Carbon rather than the traditional wood. This is intelligent technology for the piano for a number of reasons. ABS-Carbon is 90% stronger than wood, and yet also lighter in weight. This means the overall action is 16% faster than a conventional wooden action. With more rigidity and strength, there is greater energy being sent with each keystroke. For really delicate playing, having an action which is very fast and responsive can really make a difference to your playing. Forgetting the maths, as pianists we’re greatly impressed.
All the hammers on the Kawai K300 are double felted Mahogany core hammers. Mahogany has long been prized by piano manufacturers for its strength and lightweight values. Stapled around the Mahogany core moulding are double felt hammers, which will hold their shape over many years of heavy playing.
The soundboard of a piano is probably one of the most important parts, amplifying the vibrating strings, which alone would not project the sound and give the piano its distinctive tone. On the Kawai K300 piano the soundboard is constructed from solid Spruce, which has been used for centuries because of its excellent tonal qualities. Spruce is used on many fine string instruments such as violins, for exactly the same reason. Again, the fact for us beyond the engineering is that the tone of Kawai K300 is really good. You can really feel the power of the piano, but the tone remains restrained and delicate when you wish it to be.
The 48 inch height cabinet is a favourite height for the home or studio, being not too small and not too imposing for the living space. This height also benefits the string length in the bass section. The longest string in the bass measures at 1,200 mm, and when playing you can hear the rich resonance and growl it gives for those heavier moments.
