Tuesday, 8 November 2022
Kawai GX2 vs Boston GP178 | Grand Piano Review & Comparison
Monday, 31 October 2022
Essex EUP-123 vs Kawai ND21 | Upright Piano Comparison & Review
There’s no question that the new, 48”, ebony polish upright piano market is dominated by the Yamaha U1 and Kawai K-300 due to the combination of price, quality and musical potential these two pianos offer.
Of course, there are a variety of more expensive, high-end options available in this classic studio size, particularly from Europe, but there hasn’t always been a less expensive, new piano alternative. That’s where the Essex UP-123 and Kawai ND-21 come in.
Both of these are 48”, polished black upright pianos that be purchased new in 2022 for quite a bit less than a new U1 or K-300. In fact, both can be had for about the same price as a fine digital piano.
In this article and accompanying video, we’re going to compare a couple of 3-year-old examples of these two instruments and see how they stack up to one another.
Essex EUP-123 vs Kawai ND21 - Background Information
Why is this an Important Comparison?
When our video team was deciding what type of video to shoot one particular week, it occurred to us that we had a unique opportunity in front of us as we had a pair of 48” upright acoustic pianos - an Essex EUP-123e and a Kawai ND21 on the floor of one of our showrooms, both quite new having only been built in 2017.
Both pianos were in exceptional condition and had recently been tuned, regulated and voiced. They both happen to cost almost exactly the same new and are targeted at folks looking for a new 48”, institutional studio upright piano in polished ebony that doesn’t completely break the bank.
Country of Origin
The ND21 is not available in the United States, unfortunately, but it is available in Canada, Europe and Australia. What it is essentially is an Indonesian assembled reproduction of a Kawai K-25, which was an earlier precursor of the current Kawai K-300.
The EUP-123 while boasting a Steinway design is made by Pearl River in China for distribution through the Steinway & Sons dealer network as a way for Steinway to offer a much more affordable product.
Interestingly, right away it was obvious that despite the similar price points, these are actually very different instruments with divergent playing experiences. Let’s start by comparing the tone of each piano.
Comparing Upright Piano Sound
A Perfect Example of a Kawai Upright Piano
Characteristically, the ND21 has a fairly round tone across the entire sound spectrum, which is pretty much in line with the vast majority of Kawai acoustic pianos. Yamaha pianos are generally considered ‘bright’, while Kawai’s tend to be thought of as ’warm’, and while Yamaha has done a lot of work in recent years to darken their sound, these general tonal guidelines still tend to be the case.
The differences between the Essex EUP-123 vs Kawai ND-21 aren’t completely dissimilar to another comparison we recently did where we tested the Boston 178 against the Kawai GX-2. This could be because they’re using similar hammers on the Boston’s as they are on the Essex pianos.
Snapshot of the Essex EUP-123
The EUP-123 has a nice, loud and open tone with lots of resonance, especially in the mid-range and when the top lid is open. At the same time, it also happens to have much less variety of tone, meaning there’s always a punch regardless of dynamic level.
The ND21 on the other hand is capable of a more intimate sound when you want to go there, but when you push it, you can still draw out the same level of brightness as the EUP-123. Typically, when you have differences like this, a large contributing factor is the hammers - both regarding the material selection, geometry and design.
So, that’s a major difference we’re perceiving here - the ND21 has a wider tonal palette available to the player, whereas the EUP123 is providing full-spectrum tone no matter what.
Stylistic Considerations, Design Differences & Bass Register
For players that don’t have or aren’t working towards advanced technique, this aspect of the Essex EUP-123 could be a good thing as the player does not have to work as hard to get a clear treble tone, which can be helpful for jazz or pop playing.
Another difference is the fact that the EUP-123 is designed to have a more reverberant cabinet than the ND21, as evidenced by the huge spruce back posts. The ND21 has back posts too, but they’re entirely structural and don’t really contribute to the tone.
They’ve also gone with a shorter, tubbier bass string on the EUP-123 than on the ND21 meaning the EUP-123 is going to have a ‘woofier’ and more colorful bass tone, while the ND21 produces a more clear bass tone.
There’s no right or wrong here as it really comes down to personal preference.
Soundboard Materials
In terms of the soundboards, both of these instruments have solid spruce soundboards, and neither one uses a laminated soundboard, so that’s a big positive.
Laminated soundboards will be less resonant and thus provide less musical potential. Virtually any acoustic piano with outstanding sound will almost certainly have a solid spruce soundboard.
What Makes the Essex EUP-123 a Steinway Product?
Now, before we move on to action, let’s cover a question many of you might be asking. What is Pearl River getting from Steinway that allows them to market the Essex line as a Steinway product?
Unlike the Boston line of pianos which does feature some genuine Steinway components, there are no Steinway parts making their way into the Essex line. It's a Pearl River product through and through based on designs from Steinway, though it’s definitely one of the nicer lineups Pearl River produces.
Examining Piano Action - Construction and Feel
All Wood Essex Action with Steinway Designed Geometry
The first thing that this Essex piano is reminiscent of in terms of the action is the old Baldwin 247s. These were instruments that had somewhat short actions, but their blow distance was larger, so the strike speed was higher and the result was a very specific sense of motion on the key. This type of action is great for medium and higher volume playing but can be quite challenging when you’re trying to coax a mellow, more gentle tone out of the instrument at lower volumes.
Essex uses an all-wood action with solid spruce keys with Steinway specified geometry and hammer materials. The keytops are acrylic which feels nice on the fingers.
Kawai’s Ultra-Responsive Action
The Kawai action on the ND21 is not the Millennium III action that’s featured in the K series uprights, but rather an older ABS version referred to as the Kawai Ultra-Responsive Action. Kawai always talks about prioritizing control in the lower dynamic ranges, and while this isn’t the case with their newest action design, this sometimes comes with a sacrifice in power.
In this case, the ND21’s max volume is about 5% softer than the Essex upright. Depending on your style of playing, you’ll either appreciate this or not care for it. Unfortunately, at this price point, there’s some compromise that needs to happen between extra volume on the EUP123 versus greater control on the ND21.
The key surfaces are acrylic and phenol, which like the Essex, feels very nice. The composite nature of the action means excellent durability over the long term which is why the industry is seeing more and more companies shift away from wood-based actions and move to composites as has happened with other musical instruments and in other manufacturing industries entirely.
Hammer Materials
Both pianos use hardwood hammer shanks with maple hammerheads - in fact, the Yamaha U1 also uses Maple hammerheads. This is a big plus for both pianos.
What’s Better for Piano Students?
Younger students could definitely have trouble preparing for any kind of recital on a grand piano with a lighter action because it’s going to require a lot more force to get the type of volume you need versus the low effort required on the Essex upright piano for max volume.
This is typically why piano teachers will recommend an upright piano with a medium to heavier action.
Cabinet & Aesthetic Considerations
Finish Options
The ND21 is only available in a black high polish monochrome design with nickel hardware, while the EUP123 is available in a variety of veneers such as Polished Sapele Mahogany and Satin Sapele Mahogany, ensuring there’s a finish to meet even the most eclectic of homes.
Essex pianos are also available with some special furniture designs courtesy of William Faber for a premium.
Hardware Comparison
The ND21 features silver-colored pedals and accents, while the EUP123 features brass pedals and accents. Both pianos feature rugged double rubber casters making them easy to move, and both include adjustable benches with purchase.
Final Thoughts
Summary of the Kawai ND21 and Warranty Information
With the Kawai ND21, we have an instrument that is capable of a tremendous amount of control and finesse for the price. It boasts a dark and rich tonal profile that really, it has no business possessing considering what else is available in this price range.
It's slightly quieter than the EUP123, which for some people will be a positive thing, whereas others will prefer a more powerful sound. It also offers more control from an action standpoint, which is probably also going to be a positive thing long term, especially for a younger beginner.
The Kawai 10-year warranty also happens to be one of the few that is fully transferable within the warranty period, so this can be quite appealing from a resale perspective. Really, there’s not much to quarrel with about this piano.
Summary of the Essex EUP123 and Warranty Information
Over on the Essex EUP123, we've got an instrument with a really nicely resonant cabinet, due to its robust wood back construction and a large, open sound, especially for the price.
The action is reminiscent of an '80s, '90s American-style action which means you’re getting a very strong attack. The trade-off is that it’s more difficult to control in the bottom half of the dynamic range.
Steinway also makes a big deal about the 100% trade-up guarantee to a new Steinway to original purchasers of Essex pianos, but keep in mind that the 100% trade-in value is against full MSRP, which pianos don’t actually sell for. The warranty is also 10 years parts and labour, but this is applicable to the original purchaser only.
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, as we typically say, it’s ideal if you can get out and try both instruments to see which one you really connect with since they really are offering widely divergent musical experiences.
In that sense, it’s a good time to be buying a brand new piano - never before have there been multiple new options with virtually incomparable value overall.
Wednesday, 26 October 2022
Kawai GX-2 vs GX-3 Grand Piano Comparison, Including Features, Benefits, Price & More
The 5’11” Kawai GX-2 grand piano is among our top-selling instruments here at Merriam Music, but for some folks, the 6’2” GX-3 is worth the extra spend all day.
In this article and companion video, we’ll be comparing the Kawai GX-2 vs GX-3 side by side. This should be helpful as these two instruments often wind up on the finals list for families looking for mid-range, professional-level grand pianos.
Let's start with some background information and context.
Background
There’s a list of commonly asked questions that piano dealers get asked every single day. The most frequent are things like digital or acoustic? Upright or grand? Kawai or Yamaha?
Beyond these staple questions, there are some model match-up questions that we often get as well, questions pertaining to the differences between the Kawai GX-2 vs GX-3 are quite common as well.
For a good number of people, their piano buying journey comes down to these two instruments. The GX line is very popular in the modern marketplace and is often compared to say, the Boston GP series (designed by Steinway but built by Kawai in Japan) and Yamaha’s CX series.
The GX line also sometimes gets positioned against the Yamaha S Series in markets where the Yamaha dealers have been forced to more heavily discount, and sometimes people will consider the GX line against Eastern European options.
Why is the GX Line so Popular?
The GX line is so well regarded among industry critics, musicians and institutions because it’s unanimously considered a very high-performing, high-value series of instruments.
When you look at the spec sheet for the Kawai GX-2 vs GX-3, they both read as though you’re looking at a European concert grand piano. In fact, the GX-2 and GX-3 are essentially factory reproductions of the handmade Shigeru Kawai SK-2 and SK-3 respectively.
Front and rear duplex scaling, vertically laminated bridges, special Konsei Katagi outer and inner rims with blended hard rock maple mahogany hardwoods, tapered solid spruce soundboards, V-Pro plates, steel-reinforced keyslips and keybed, extra wide stretcher bars and the list goes on.
Differences from the RX Line
The GX series came out close to 10 years ago now and were released as slightly larger updates to the hugely successful RX-2 and RX-3. The reason for the additional size was due to a slight thickening in the rims and lengthening of the keysticks as the newest version of Kawai’s Millennium III Carbon Fiber action features extended-length keysticks for better control.
For example, at 5’11” the GX-2 is classic salon grand size-wise, but the action will feel more like a 6’6” piano while the 6’2” GX-3 will feel closer to a 7-footer.
The other main upgrade over the RX series and an overall improved cabinet design and new hard finish that is both better looking and more durable.
Key Differences Between the Kawai GX-2 vs GX-3
Despite very similar-looking specs sheets aside from the 3-inch size difference, the GX-3 lists for a substantial $12,000 USD higher than the GX-2. This is due to the fact that Kawai manufactures many more GX2’s as compared to the GX-3, and as such, the GX-3 simply doesn’t have the economy of scale.
Now, if you actually have a GX-2 and GX-3 side by side and take a close look at them, you’ll notice some beam support differences when you look underneath both pianos. The GX-3 has a slightly more intricate cabinet which delivers a greater degree of cabinet resonance.
Otherwise, the differences between these two pianos are purely musical and result from the size differences since components such as the hammers, pinblock and agraffes are all the same, whereas the larger soundboard, strings, rim etc. result in different musical experiences.
We’ll dive more specifically into the sound now, but be sure to check out the video to hear these differences for yourself.
Sonic Differences
Musically speaking, there are a few things widely observed about the GX series as a whole that definitely apply here.
For example, the sustain on both of these instruments is exceptionally good for factory-produced instruments. The treble on both of these instruments is strong and thick with a very well-defined fundamental and yet lots of color too.
The biggest tonal differences start to emerge as soon as you get below concert A down around middle C. The “break” is a little bit smoother on the GX-3, and there’s greater warmth in the bass register. It’s also fair to say that the sound is slightly more open overall on the GX-3 as well.
Let’s expand on these observations and go register by register.
Bass Register
Interestingly, the GX-2 actually offers slightly better rim activation in that lower octave and while the mics we used for the video probably won’t pick this up, you can definitely hear this in person.
Both bass registers offer a similar level of projection, but we’re hearing more of the fundamental on the GX-3 due to the longer strings.
“Break” Area
One of the most significant differences as we move up through the range is the “break” area as we mentioned above. The “break” on the GX-3 is more controlled than the GX-2, and largely, this is a function of the extra string length.
The longer you can make a string, the cleaner you can make that transition.
Moving to the second octave up from the bottom, and there's a lot more of the third and fourth partial coming from strings on the GX-2 than the GX-3. If you play a good amount of repertoire within that particular range of the piano this could be a significant consideration.
Mid & Treble Ranges
Once we move up into the mid and treble ranges, the GX-3 is a little bit more colourful, although the GX-2 still sounds really great with lots of warmth.
GX-2 through this range offers more of a direct sound with less of a cabinet resonance but a more direct soundboard tone.
At the very top of both pianos, differences are almost indistinguishable from one another, which makes sense as the string length up here is basically the same.
Feel and Response
Millennium III Carbon Fiber Action
Both pianos are receiving the same ABS-Carbon composite action - the Millennium III Carbon Fiber action. Both pianos come very well regulated from the factory, and the voicing is generally very good out of the box as well.
The Millennium III action is without question one of the key selling features for the GX series musical instruments, especially for institutions where whose pianos will be receiving intensive use. Carbon Fiber reinforced plastic is more durable than the wood used in other actions at this price point and less temperamental.
Extended Length Key Sticks
At the same time, the repetition speed is extremely good, as is the responsiveness. The extended-length key sticks we mentioned earlier come into effect by providing the player with a greater level of control than they could normally reasonably expect out of a similarly sized piano.
Both pianos feature Neotex Key Surfaces on both the white and black keys, and this is another composite material that mimics the moisture-absorbing qualities of genuine ivory.
Final Thoughts
Summarizing the Musical Differences
The key musical differences between these the Kawai GX-2 vs GX-3 can be summed up as follows; The GX-3 offers more fundamental tone in the lower registers than the GX-2 and a little bit more power, but the overall character is actually quite similar.
As we move into the second octave, the GX-3 has a smoother “break” area, meaning there are fewer of those metallic harmonics coming through that often appear in this part of a grand piano.
In the third octave, the Kawai GX-2 is actually producing more cabinet resonance, and the treble areas are quite similar. This means that if you happen to play a lot of music that’s confined to the mid and upper registers, you’re not going to be sacrificing anything if you opt for a GX-2 as opposed to a GX-3.
On the other hand, if the extra bass presence, power and projection of the GX-3 are important to you, it’s well worth the premium.
Finishes & Aesthetic Features
Both pianos are most commonly sold in a polished ebony finish, but both are also available in satin ebony. That’s it for the GX-3, but as the bigger seller, the GX-2 is available in a variety of additional finishes including Walnut, Cherry and Oak Satin, as well as Snow White Polish, and Walnut and Sapeli Mahogany.
In terms of other aesthetic considerations, both pianos feature soft fall fallboards, as well as brass pedals and lid props.
Wrap Up
We hope this article has been helpful, whether you’re looking for a new piano and these were on the final list, or if you simply like learning about pianos.
For people who maybe only had a chance to check one model out in a showroom, we hope that this has helped shed some light on whether or not it’s worth exploring the other model.
Thanks for reading!