Boston and Yamaha opinions wanted

[Farrell]

Hi Don. Isn't use of the word "exactly" kinda like "always" - kinda dangerous? I am by no means any level of expert on differenctiating between the two pianos, but one thing I have noticed (I think I am recalling correctly - maybe not?) is the bridges. Is the Kawai RX a vertically laminated root? I know the Boston is, but my recollection is that the RX may be solid hard maple. Also, the hard maple cap on my Boston is well quartered, as opposed to a number of RXs I have seen that have had nearly flat sawn maple caps. I have read of other observations about the flat sawn caps.

Am I way off base here, or is this a difference in materials?

Also, where do I go to order a part for the sostenuto lever under the keybed for a newer BIG RX? Thanks.

BTW, I often recommend Kawai RX series to folks inquiring about pianos. I feel they are a very good value for many buyers.

Terry Farrell
  
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Donald Mannino" <donmannino@attbi.com>
To: "Pianotech" <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Thursday, February 20, 2003 1:41 AM
Subject: Re: Boston and Yamaha opinions wanted


> Rob,
> 
> Although I would agree that they should buy the Kawai instead of the Boston, it is not correct to say that they are the same piano.  The designs are completely different between Kawai and Boston pianos, and playing them side by side reveals a lot about which is better designed ;-)
> 
> The material qualities are exactly the same except that there are no ABS parts in the Boston - a real negative for the longevity and stability of the action.
> 
> Don Mannino RPT
> (Kawai America employee)
> 
> At 07:48 PM 2/19/2003 -0800, you wrote:
> 
>   Why not buy a Kawai RX-2?  It's the same piano made in the same factory as the Boston and costs less because it doesn't say "who cares and sons" on it.  (How's that for sarcasm?)
>    
>   Rob Goodale, RPT
>   Las Vegas, NV
> 
>     A local school is buying a new grand piano.  The music department chair
>     is weighing the choice of either a Boston GP-193 or a Yamaha C3 or C5.
>     For any of you who know these pianos and can give an unbiased opinion,
>     which would you recommend?  Are there any strong or weak points of
>     either model that we should consider?
> 
>     You may want to respond privately.  I have never tuned or worked on a
>     Boston, so I'm not very well equipped to help her make the choice on
>     this without some input.
> 
>     Regards,
>     Clyde