Hi, I would like to purchase a used grand piano. I have watched your video on choosing used pianos by Piano Expert over and over again, and it was a real eye-opener. In the shop, I found some 80s Yamaha C3s with a metallic sound and a Kawai from the same era with ABS and carbon action, but with a richer sound. I wanted to know your opinion on these ABS and carbon actions.
I understand that a German action is better, but the cost is very high!
Unfortunately, I don't have a trusted technician who can help me make the choice in the shop in question, so I have to trust the dealer.
The sound depends on the state of the hammer and/or how it has been voiced. Carbon fiber action is light; however, the cashmere/wood combination of the felts remains irreplaceable.
There isn't much difference between a Yamaha action and a German one (Renner); in fact, the former is similar to Steinway's in certain aspects.
Hi francescochopin90, basically you are advising me against "the cashmere/wood combination of the felts remains irreplaceable" of the Kawai with ABS and carbon, if I understood correctly? Thanks
I would, but I would wait for an opinion more authoritative than mine. Then you have to evaluate from instrument to instrument, try it out, etc. As far as timbre is concerned, it can be adjusted.
Carbon is lighter and therefore makes the actions more dynamic....but it is difficult to manage for the reasons that Francesco has well summarized. The piano was born with wood, and plastic and carbon materials distort the nature of the instrument (and are difficult to manage!). So if we have to go for instruments that are artificially and "frighteningly" dynamic...let's choose digitals.
I would look for a Yamaha C3 in good condition. The condition of the piano matters a lot. If I were you, I would have an expert Master accompany me, who can evaluate the performance of the instrument, even if not technically to the fullest extent.
P.S. It is not certain that German actions are always reliable...there it also depends on the state of efficiency. If Renner wippens or checkers have pins with a high coefficient of friction...they are no good...even if they "speak German"
Carbon is lighter and therefore makes the actions more dynamic..
I happened to get my hands on a Kawai with a Millennium III carbon action. Extremely difficult to play, especially in the pp. Spring tension aside, I went to "analyze" the situation. Very heavy hammers! Keys full of lead!!! So what is the point of such a light action?
NB The piano was recently purchased new by the conservatory.
