Introducing ABS-Carbon (with Carbon Fiber)



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AIRCRAFT
The Boeing 777 uses carbon fiber in its construction to fly faster than the competition with lower fuel costs. Similarly, carbon fiber makes up over half the material used for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 XWB (both in development) to provide increased strength and speed.

SPORTS EQUIPMENT
The strength, weight and lower density of carbon fiber allows golf club designers to create lighter clubs that result in a faster swing and longer shots. Makers of boats, kayaks and canoes have also moved beyond wood and fiberglass in favor of carbon fiber’s superior strength and stability.

FORMULA ONE CARS
Formula One and other leading racing cars are made faster and safer thanks to the strength and lightweight character of carbon fiber composite parts.

BRIDGES
The 1.6 mile-long West Gate Bridge of Melbourne, Australia and its supports are reinforced by carbon fiber because of the material’s stiffness and ability to endure stress.

WORLD-CLASS RACING BICYCLES
More top riders are competing in the Tour de France with carbon fiber bikes than ever before. With more strength and durability, carbon fiber has even found its way into the soles of some high-end cycling shoes.

OTHER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Many manufacturers of string bows for violins and cellos are using carbon fiber due to its lightweight speed and resistance to breakage. Carbon fiber technology is now used in the crafting of violins, guitars and mandolins.

Advancement through innovation is the hallmark of Kawai. It is this commitment to advancement that creates pianos with superior tone, responsiveness and lasting durability. With this in mind, Kawai pianos now utilize one of the strongest, lightest materials on the planet

The revolutionary Mllennium III Action features a new composite material combining the long-term stability of ABS Styran (used in Kawai actions for over 35 years) with the extraordinary strength of carbon fiber. This proprietary new material, called ABS-Carbon, gives the Millennium III Action more dynamic power, greater durability, improved control and unparalleled speed to enhance the playing experience.

Kawai Millennium III Action with ABS-Carbon

THE POWER OF CARBON FIBER TECHNOLOGY

WHY ABS-CARBON?
Carbon fiber has been referred to as the lightest and strongest material on the face of the Earth. In other words, for its weight, carbon fiber is the strongest material you can find. Leading products all around us incorporate carbon fiber-based materials with far-reaching benefits. In Kawai pianos, the lighter design (made possible by carbon fiber) makes the Millennium III Action tremendously fast and effortless to play without affecting tone. In addition, ABS-Carbon is incredibly sturdy and rigid, offering pianists more power with less effort. The exceptional consistency of ABS-Carbon provides these benefits over many years, something conventional wood components are unable to deliver.

Millennium III Upright Action with ABS-Carbon

WHAT'S WRONG WITH WOOD?
While certainly ideal for the important sound-producing elements of a piano, wood is less than ideal for many of the critical components found in a piano's action. Wood is susceptible to breakage from continual stress and can shrink and swell dramatically with changes in climate. This results in inconsistency over time, often requiring costly maintenance to keep a piano working properly. For years, the only alternative was to “treat the symptoms” by replacing failing wood parts and making continual adjustments.

Kawai knew that the inherent problems of using wood posed a serious threat to the quality and character of a piano’s touch and tone. And so, in pursuit of perfection, every exacting detail of the action was exhaustively analyzed. Since the 1970s, the answer has been ABS Styran, a lighter, stronger, more consistent material that is resistant to breakage, shrinking and swelling. But now, with the infusion of carbon fiber to create ABS-Carbon, the Millennium III Action offers even greater benefits over conventional wooden actions.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY MEANS A BETTER PLAYING EXPERIENCE

Carbon fiber is enabling advancement in aeronautics, athletic performance, automobiles, building structures – and, of course, musical instruments. At Kawai, we are proud to be the leader in advancing the piano art form. Consider how carbon fiber enhances the playing experience:

DURABILITY—ABS-Carbon parts are more durable than traditional wood-based action parts and 90% stronger, meaning less maintenance and parts replacement.		SPEED—Because ABS-Carbon is lighter, the action is approximately 25% faster. Keys depress and return more swiftly, providing increased repetition and playing speed.

POWER—The added rigidity of ABS-Carbon provides more power with less effort; so the piano responds to a lighter touch, making it easier to play.		CONTROL—The meticulous redesign of the Millennium III Action offers superb control for the player. It is now easier than ever to maintain control for pianissimo playing.

CARBON FIBER IS THE FUTURE

Carbon fiber technology is new to the piano, but is already being used by leading product developers in several industries as a replacement for wood and other weaker, heavier materials. Here are just a few of the current and future uses of carbon fiber:

TRY KAWAI FOR YOURSELF

Kawai pianos provide improved touch, tone and long-lasting quality in a durable instrument that will require less maintenance. The future of the piano is here now – experience it for yourself. Try the Millennium III Action today.