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| MILLENNIUM III – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
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Q: Were these the only changes Kawai made to the action to improve repetition?
A: Actually, we did several other things to improve speed. One example can be seen in the component called the "backcheck" (click here) on which the hammer rests between repetitive keystrokes. For the Millennium III Action, our engineers made a subtle change to the shape of the backcheck to keep the hammer higher between repetitions. Because the hammers now remain closer to the strings between keystrokes, repetition is faster. |
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But in analyzing ways to improve control, our engineers discovered that adding a microscopic "grainy" texture (click here) to the contact surface of the jack could dramatically improve control for slow, pianissimo playing without affecting the jack's normal movement. This special texture, along with the reduced weight of the action, gives the pianist unparalleled control for pianissimo playing, especially when caressing an expressive melodic line. |
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Q: With less weight in the action assembly, have professional pianists complained that the touch is too light?
A: Not at all. Because the keys are evenly balanced, the static weight (a common measurement of the weight required to slowly depress a key) is in line with the conventional touch weight for most top-quality grand pianos
(54-56 grams) and nearly identical to our previous action. The difference is felt in the dynamic weight, which measures the effort required to accelerate a key to normal playing speeds. Dynamic weight determines "ease of playing" and is felt most during fast passages. In this important aspect of touch, the Millennium III really excels. Pianists everywhere have described the overall movement as "swift, effortless and wonderfully responsive." |
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Q: How were you able to satisfy the need for "maximum power" that the pianists requested?
A: We achieved this quite effortlessly. Additional power was a natural byproduct of adding carbon to ABS. Carbon makes ABS not only stronger, but also more rigid. Because rigid parts tend to transfer energy more efficiently than parts that "flex," ABS-Carbon sends more energy to the string with every keystroke. In short, the player is able to produce more power with less effort. And there's one further benefit – because ABS-Carbon is so consistent in strength and rigidity, there is virtually no variation in power from note to note. Older generation wooden parts tend to be highly inconsistent with respect to rigidity: so the degree of power they produce from note to note can vary widely. ABS-Carbon assures consistent power, which means greater control. |
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Q: How did Kawai address the need for more control during pianissimo playing?
A: Kawai has long used the exclusive "Carbon Jack" in our actions to propel the hammer upward toward the string. The Carbon Jack is known not only for its incredible strength, but also for its smooth surface and "self-lubricating" quality. The point of contact between the jack and the hammer must always be somewhat "slippery" to allow for a smooth release of the hammer. |
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Q: So, it appears that Kawai was able to meet all three needs expressed by the competition pianists?
A: Absolutely. In the Millennium III, we've created an action that is a joy to play. Pianists around the world have responded with enormous enthusiasm. And that, of course, is music to our ears. |
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