After servicing literally thousands of concert grade pianos some of which are used by many of the worlds' foremost musicians,
I have come to the steadfast conclusion that the way of the future in piano actions is without question the use of appropriate composite materials in all non-speaking parts (everything but the hammers and shanks). Although there are many wood actions of very high quality and should not be avoided, there is in my opinion absolutely
no advantage or rational justification that can be credibly argued any longer to imply that wood actions provide any real advantages. The jury is out and they agree that it has been proven in the field for over 30 years, and by credible detailed scientific studies that
certain composites in non-speaking parts of the action are far superior in terms of enhancing responsiveness (musicality) and longevity (durability). Wood actions have been chosen by most manufacturers for years and I am at the stage where I can see no other reason for this other than simply cutting costs.
That wood is an inferior material to high grade composites was never a question.
...
Kawai like
steinway obviously realized that the principle was logical and was in fact the only way to improve an action's durability and responsiveness;
what was lacking was sufficient research and development to ensure a successful outcome.
Kommentar w1seman: Mit dem letzten Satz ist Steinway gemeint...
...Although I still come across 40 year
old Kawai's with ABS actions that are outperforming wood actions, I have had a very hard time accepting them as a real alternative to wood
simply because of my inherent bias.
Kommentar w1seman: Besonders über den letzten Satz, sollten einige - teils selbsternannte - Experten einmal drüber nachdenken...
... that manufacturers have watched Kawai over the years as I have with a
"let's wait and see" attitude, criticizing them along the way and
capitalizing on technicians, musicians and consumers fear.
Kommentar w1seman: Kommt mir irgendwie bekannt vor...
...if using
composites in most action parts
has been proven superior by
credible scientific studies and
practical experience, which it has, one would expect every manufacturer that professes dedication to high standards would relentlessly pursue the technology to improve rather than
continually perpetuate the myth that wood is superior.
In my opinion cost cutting is the only plausible explanation why others haven't followed Kawai's lead.
...I think another
reason some technicians perpetuate the wood myth is simply because of
sheer ignorance of the significant advantages that appropriate
composites provide over wood.
Kommentar w1seman: Das nenne ich Entertainment...
...and since
wood action parts require significantly
more service,
more regulation, and
more attention, it is in many ways in all our best interests to
keep the status quo and stay silent.
Kommentar w1seman: Auch das habe ich bereits behauptet...
...
carbon fiber actions are here to stay. I also now believe without question, that
one day, probably
not too far in the distant future,
manufacturers will be forced to produce this standard of quality to stay competitive and viable.
Kommentar w1seman: Da hat er recht, der Tag ist bereits gekommen...
..some of the
worlds' finest pianists have become converts to the enhanced responsiveness and longevity of carbon fiber actions
When technicians like myself can no longer, in good conscience, criticize those who have stuck their neck out and have made a real difference in piano design and technology, is time for us to finally accept it as the new standard; at the very least acknowledge the significant benefits.
oder ist das der Chat?
Genau Fabian.....nachdem ich mir den Thread durchgelesen habe, hab ich mein 99 Jahre altes deutsche Klavier richtig lieb ;)
