GL series are designed to be simpler to build to give a lower purchase price. The GL-40 and GX-2 share the same basic internal design (referred to as the 'Scale Design') so the soundboard layouts are the same, the string sizes are the same, and the overall dimensions of the piano match. But there are differences between the pianos that make a difference musically as well as cosmetically. Let's see if I can remember the pertinent ones:
- GL has a simpler cabinet than the GX - square lid edges, simpler music rack and lid prop, different leg design, different pedal lyre design. These are mainly cosmetic, and will make no difference between the pianos musically.
- The GL has a simpler paint coating on the gold colored iron frame inside, and simple screws holding the frame in place. The GX has nice looking brass 'finials' and clear coated paint, which just looks nicer and is fancier.
- GL has lower cost hammers with heavier wood moldings and less expensive felt. This affects the tone and the touch of the piano some, and for very picky musicians this means that the GX pianos can be 'voiced' to their tastes more effectively.
- The GL keys are weighted in a different procedure. The keys are made with the balancing weights set in place according to a standard pattern, which gives a generally correct touch weight at the key, but does not as perfectly balance the weight of each hammer individually. The GX keys have their weights adjusted after the action has been assembled and adjusted and played-in. This is more costly because you have to take the action apart once again to install these final weights. Also, since the GL hammers are a little heavier than the GX hammers, the touch resistance is a little heavier over all (increased inertia).
- The amount of time spent finishing the regulation, voicing and tuning of the GX pianos is much greater than the GL, which means the sound of the piano and the feeling of the action should be better in the GX. It also means that a good technician can go through the GL pianos and really improve the tone and touch after you buy it, which would cost you a fair amount.
Regarding the GX-2 vs GX-3 price difference, this is because, traditionally, when pianos become larger than 6 feet in length it has often been considered correct to be more selective in the soundboard wood material, and to put extra time into the production process. Serious musicians tend to buy over 6 foot pianos, and you will see a big price increase at this point in many model lines - especially Yamaha and Kawai.
What I have told people buying Kawai grands is to play them and listen to them! If you play or hear the GL and the tone sounds good to you and you like the piano, buy it! They are workhorse pianos that will last just as well as the more expensive models. Music schools often buy the GL pianos now because they don't need to pay for the cosmetic upgrades in the GL, and they have piano technicians available who can work with the action and the tone of the piano to suit the location, so don't need to pay for added time that goes into the GX pianos.
If, however, you (or a pianist if you don't play) need to listen to the pianos and decide if you hear the difference in tone! Play low bass tones and compare them side by side. Play the notes firmly stepping up from the middle of the piano to the top and listen to the quality of the tone and the sustain of the tone. Then, if you can play the piano, play some quiet music and see how the action feels to you, see if you feel a difference between the piano models, and if that helps you decide if the cost difference is worth it in the higher end models.
Another way that people can understand this is to compare it to car lines. A small Lexus and a small Toyota will be the same basic chassis underneath, but the Lexus gives more refinement and performance for more money! If the simpler, less expensive car suits you, there isn't much reason to buy the high priced one!
I hope this helps. Good luck, and enjoy the process!
Don Mannino RPT, MPA (Retired Kawai Technician)
- GL has a simpler cabinet than the GX - square lid edges, simpler music rack and lid prop, different leg design, different pedal lyre design. These are mainly cosmetic, and will make no difference between the pianos musically.
- The GL has a simpler paint coating on the gold colored iron frame inside, and simple screws holding the frame in place. The GX has nice looking brass 'finials' and clear coated paint, which just looks nicer and is fancier.
- GL has lower cost hammers with heavier wood moldings and less expensive felt. This affects the tone and the touch of the piano some, and for very picky musicians this means that the GX pianos can be 'voiced' to their tastes more effectively.
- The GL keys are weighted in a different procedure. The keys are made with the balancing weights set in place according to a standard pattern, which gives a generally correct touch weight at the key, but does not as perfectly balance the weight of each hammer individually. The GX keys have their weights adjusted after the action has been assembled and adjusted and played-in. This is more costly because you have to take the action apart once again to install these final weights. Also, since the GL hammers are a little heavier than the GX hammers, the touch resistance is a little heavier over all (increased inertia).
- The amount of time spent finishing the regulation, voicing and tuning of the GX pianos is much greater than the GL, which means the sound of the piano and the feeling of the action should be better in the GX. It also means that a good technician can go through the GL pianos and really improve the tone and touch after you buy it, which would cost you a fair amount.
Regarding the GX-2 vs GX-3 price difference, this is because, traditionally, when pianos become larger than 6 feet in length it has often been considered correct to be more selective in the soundboard wood material, and to put extra time into the production process. Serious musicians tend to buy over 6 foot pianos, and you will see a big price increase at this point in many model lines - especially Yamaha and Kawai.
What I have told people buying Kawai grands is to play them and listen to them! If you play or hear the GL and the tone sounds good to you and you like the piano, buy it! They are workhorse pianos that will last just as well as the more expensive models. Music schools often buy the GL pianos now because they don't need to pay for the cosmetic upgrades in the GL, and they have piano technicians available who can work with the action and the tone of the piano to suit the location, so don't need to pay for added time that goes into the GX pianos.
If, however, you (or a pianist if you don't play) need to listen to the pianos and decide if you hear the difference in tone! Play low bass tones and compare them side by side. Play the notes firmly stepping up from the middle of the piano to the top and listen to the quality of the tone and the sustain of the tone. Then, if you can play the piano, play some quiet music and see how the action feels to you, see if you feel a difference between the piano models, and if that helps you decide if the cost difference is worth it in the higher end models.
Another way that people can understand this is to compare it to car lines. A small Lexus and a small Toyota will be the same basic chassis underneath, but the Lexus gives more refinement and performance for more money! If the simpler, less expensive car suits you, there isn't much reason to buy the high priced one!
I hope this helps. Good luck, and enjoy the process!
Don Mannino RPT, MPA (Retired Kawai Technician)
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