I've been tuning about 20 of them annually for the last 4 years. They are solidly built pianos. I think some of the observations above relate to the specific regional conditions they are in, so view it through the lens of what is typical for where you are. I've seen no problems with the pin blocks but we rarely do in the tropics. I have had rendering problems with most of them that are greatly improved by lubricating the strings on the brown understring felt and bearing points, particularly in the agraffe area. I'd spend a good 15 minutes checking the pins in the different sections. Sometimes the strings will make that ticking sound coming through the agraffes that is problematic. That said, they've all been very well behaved in terms of tuning stability.
The pianos I'm tuning are in churches and literally only played on Sundays so light use. Regulation is still quite good for their age. This will be a big step up from a console but if the hammers haven't been addressed the dynamic range will be limited for a grand. I've had zero problems with the hammers, shanks, flanges or whippens.
I think it would be good rebuilding stock if the new owners might want to invest down the line, if they just want to get their kid through the next few years, there probably won't be any surprises. One criticism I have is that they really don't have a lot of character musically, but that's relative, no character is better than bad character I guess and that could be addressed with new hammers etc.
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Steven Rosenthal RPT
Honolulu HI
(808) 521-7129
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2025 14:26
From: Peter Grey
Subject: Kawai KG-2E impressions
Also, the wire used was "harder" (I think) than wire on this side of the Pacific and it gets very "set in its ways". I find these older Kawais to be typically difficult to tune. I'm talking about all of them from this this time period (once they've passed about 30 years old). Lubrication is less effective. Friction is only part of the problem...the wire bends are sharper and DO NOT WANT to move, but go back where they were.
These are prime examples of why a piano should get restrung after 30-40 years. Put one new wire on there and see how easy it is to tune it. Humongous difference.
I would take my chances on the çother person interested" line. 50/50. Hammers will be worn, action will need reconditioning, strings will be tough, dampers will be slightly zingy...this has been my experience. Gonna need some work to be truly satisfying.
Peter Grey Piano Doctor
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Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
Original Message:
Sent: 03-28-2025 09:11
From: Tremaine Parsons
Subject: Kawai KG-2E impressions
Tim, I tune several of these and they are nice pianos. The only heads up I have on older Kawais is that some of them have what I call "mushy pinblocks" That is: You can't really feel the pin turning in the pinblock. So turn some pins if you can.
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Tremaine Parsons RPT
Georgetown CA
(530) 333-9299
Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2025 18:46
From: Tim Foster
Subject: Kawai KG-2E impressions
Wim, thanks for the info. I only heard about the other interested party through my student's mom, so I don't know. I'm hoping to see it tomorrow evening to check it out and get a feel for the situation. The student is 16 and is seriously considering music in college. Her little old console piano just can't keep up to the music she's playing.
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Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
Original Message:
Sent: 03-27-2025 18:29
From: Wim Blees
Subject: Kawai KG-2E impressions
They are nice instruments, but at that age, what has happened to it? What condition are the hammers, strings, cabinet, etc.? Inspect the piano first and make sure it's in good shape. The asking price sounds good, but a lot depends on all the factors listed. sellers say that to keep the price high.
Wim
PS Are you sure there is a second person interested? Sometimes sellers say that to keep the price high.
Original Message:
Sent: 3/27/2025 6:07:00 PM
From: Tim Foster
Subject: Kawai KG-2E impressions
One of my students is looking into getting a 1988 Kawai KG-2E. I will be checking it out as well, but I don't have a lot of experience with these and I was interested in your impressions. Is there anything in particular I should watch out for?
Asking price is $4,500, the seller said she'd go as low as $3,000, but I just found out there is somebody else interested in it as well, best offer takes it type of deal. If my student's parents offer the full price, I want to make sure I have been thorough.
Thank you!
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Tim Foster RPT
New Oxford PA
(470) 231-6074
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