Kawai GL30 ATX 4 Grand Piano Polished Ebony

The new GL grand piano of Kawai. The GL Series Grand Pianos possess all the essential qualities that have made Kawai pianos a preferred choice of pianists and educators for generations. They were conceived with one goal in mind-to provide exceptional touch and tone that endures.

For over 85 years, Kawai has been the architect of the modern piano, boldly pioneering the use of state-of-the art materials and ideas to advance the piano art form. Building upon nine decades of experience and tradition, our celebrated technology delivers extraordinary touch and tone that is respected worldwide for its remarkable stability. That is the Kawai difference that you will hear and feel for years to come.

The Millennium III action. The Millennium III Action features components made of ABS-Carbon, a composite material created by the infusion of carbon fiber into our renowned ABS Styran. ABS-Carbon is incredibly sturdy and rigid, which allows the creation of action parts that are lighter without sacrificing strength. The result is a stronger, faster action that offers more power, better control and greater stability than conventional all-wood actions.

Longer keys. Longer keys make playing easier and provide a more even response from the front to the back of the playing surface. A taller profile and concert-length key buttons make them more rigid to provide exceptional energy transfer and optimum power.

Rigid foundation of key stroke. The hammer rail is the "spine" of the piano's action. GL series hammer rails are made of durable extruded aluminium with our exclusive Dual-Beam design for strength and stability. Both the hammer rail and the wippen rail are permanently locked in place to preserve the exacting tolerances of the action design and ensure consistent touch over the life of the piano. The entire surface of the hammer rail is finely serrated to hold each hammer flange securely in place for optimum hammer alignment, while the hammer flanges secured to the surface are made by ABS-Carbon that enables the action screws to remain tight without shrinking and swelling. All these meticulous design features comprise the GL Series' rigid foundation, ensuring a precise key stroke over time.

The use of ABS-Carbon makes the action parts tremendously strong and consistent. ABS-Carbon is many times stronger than wood and is virtually impervious to shrinking and swelling due to humidity. This extraordinary combination of strength and stability allows ABS-Carbon action parts to transfer energy to the hammers with unparalleled efficiency, power, precision and nuance for a superb playing experience.

Tone. Kawai grand pianos are renowned for their expressive tone and expansive dynamic range that allow pianists to communicate with ease and passion.

Agraffes. Agraffes insure accuracy in string alignment, spacing and angles to produce greater uniformity of tone and consistent "speaking length" for each note.

The power of pianissimo. One of the most coveted attributes of a fine piano is dynamic range- the ability to play not only thundering fortissimos, but also the most delicate and sensitive pianissimos. The technological superiority of the Millennium III Action is most evident in its extraordinary ability to produce the perfect pianissimo. It is ironic that GL series technology speaks loudest when it whispers.

Tapered soundboard made of solid spruce. The soundboard is the heart of a piano. Its purpose is to transform the vibrations of the piano's strings into a rich, resounding tone. Kawai uses only straightgrained, quarter-sawn solid spruce for GL series soundboards. Each one is strategically tapered to provide the proper degree of resonant movement in each region. Only soundboards that meet or exceed our demanding resonance standards are selected for use in the GL series grand pianos.

Hardwood bridge. Bridges transfer the vibrations of the strings to the soundboard. GL Series bridges are made of solid maple or beech and are carefully set and matched to the iron plate for correct string pressure and optimal tonal transfer.

Strength. Strength allows a piano to perform with integrity and authority over time. GL Series pianos are built with remarkable strength to thrive amid the rigors of long-term use.

SOLID (Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design). SOLID construction creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support string tension. First, the pinblock is fitted to the plate. Then, the pinblock and over-lapping stretcher bar are integrated into a single structure and solidly anchored to the rim. The extraordinary thickness of the stretcher bar exemplifies the structural integrity of this sturdy framework designed to ensure stable tuning and powerful tone.

V-pro plate. The plate is the acoustically-neutral iron superstructure of the piano over which the strings are tensioned. All GL Series plates are molded using the Vacuum Mold Process (V-Pro) with "Crossbone Design." The result is a plate that is strong, stable and beautiful.

Pinblocks and Tuning pins. The Multi-Grip pinblock on all GL series grand pianos is fully laminated with a minimum of eleven cross-banded layers of North American hard maple for maximum strength and balanced torque. Tuning pins are made from the finest carbon steel, machinethreaded for maximum continuous torque and nickel plated to enhance beauty and provide long-term protection.

Steel-reinforced, anti-warp keyslip. A piano's keyslip is the long, horizontal piece of wood that covers the front faces of the keys. Because it is made of wood, a keyslip can warp or bend with changes in humidity, causing keys to stick. To avoid this problem, the GL series keyslip is reinforced with a heavy-gauge steel liner that prevents warping or bending in any direction. Keys move freely with virtually no possibility of rubbing or sticking against the inside of the keyslip.

Steel-reinforced keybed. The piano's keybed must be strong and stable to support the weight of the entire action assembly over time. The GL series keybed is made of extremely sturdy, laminated hardwoods and is reinforced with a steel support beam that add strength and increase rigidity in the keybed to prevent energy loss.

"Soft Fall" Fallboard. Our ultra-slow, "Soft Fall" fallboard closing system with dual-damping mechanism protects hands and the piano's finish from the harm that a jarring close might cause.

Acoustic Tranquillity. The sound of hammers striking strings, resonating through solid spruce. Warm vibrations that illuminate a room, leaving its audience enchanted. The natural voice of an acoustic piano is truly unmistakable.

A fine piano entices musicians to perform with spontaneity and passion, yet such unbridled expressiveness may not always be appropriate. Indeed, in certain environments, an acoustic piano can prove disruptive; the diligent tones of children practicing scales are unlikely to be welcomed by other family members wishing to watch television, while even the most gentle, soothing Chopin preludes have the potential to irritate neighbours if performed after an acceptable time.

Fortunately, AnyTimeX4 instruments incorporate an acoustic muting feature with powerful digital audio components, allowing pianists to continue enjoying the distinctive feeling of a traditional piano, while listening discreetly using private headphones. Exceptional touch, optimum responsiveness, digital flexibility: The new range of AnyTimeX4 hybrid pianos from KAWAI.

Action. In 1971 KAWAI revolutionised piano technology by introducing ABS action parts within the fine workings of the piano action. This rigid, atmospherically stable compound material, addressed many of the problems associated with wooden components, such as breakages under continual high stress, and shrinking and swelling due to changes in climate. The introduction of ABS action parts proved a significant development in modern piano design, and rapidly earned high praise from pianists and technicians worldwide. The Millennium III Upright Action, unveiled in 2006, has been developed to enhance the three performance elements that professional pianists most desire - speed, control and power. The introduction of stronger ABS Carbon materials has allowed KAWAI scientists to develop lighter action parts without sacrificing durability, further optimising key repetition and response speed for a truly unparalleled playing experience.

Tone. With the acoustic components muted, KAWAI AnyTimeX4 pianos employ a unique digital technology, developed and refined at the Shigeru Kawai Research & Development Laboratory in Ryuyo, Japan, calling upon the finest hand-crafted KAWAI EX Concert Grand piano to deliver an unmistakably warm, authentic tone. Placed inside a purpose-built anechoic chamber, free of audio reflections, the rich sound of this world class instrument is meticulously analysed and recorded by our Master Piano Artisan pioneers. The acoustic portrait of each note is later transformed into a highly precise three dimensional digital representation, employing KAWAI's proprietary Harmonic Imaging™ technology. This unique process faithfully reproduces the broad dynamic range of the original grand piano, while also providing the source for a rich selection of additional high-quality instrument sounds.

IHSS Sensor System. A fine acoustic piano entices musicians to perform with enthusiasm, spontaneity and passion. Yet, the satisfaction that one enjoys when hammers strike the strings is often diluted by traditional piano silencing techniques. Sensors located below the keyboard struggle to accurately interpret the subtleties of musical expression, which is why AnyTimeX4 pianos integrate sensors within the fine workings of the piano action, reading the precise movements of each hammer. Whether performing rapid passages that demand the same key be played repeatedly before returning to its natural starting position, or pianissimo pieces desiring the very softest of key strokes, the Integrated Hammer Sensing System (IHSS) represents the elaborate nuances of every note. Pianists can finally enjoy the convenience of absolute privacy, without sacrificing the responsive touch and authentic expression of a traditional acoustic piano.

New to ATX4 models - MPA Supervision. All new ATX4 and Aures2 models have a sound and touch developed under the supervision of Master Piano Artisans. This collaboration has helped to achieve performance closest to that of an Acoustic Piano.

Digital Convenience. Digital operation greatly extends the capabilities of the AnyTimeX4 piano beyond that of a traditional acoustic instrument, with convenient transpose and tuning facilities, a metronome and song recorder, and a selection of high fidelity sounds suitable for various musical occasions. Dual headphone sockets provide greater flexibility for academic institutions, while other connectors allow a range of creative music-making opportunities.

PianoRemote app. This control app for iOS/Android has a modern user interface that performs all operations from a smart device. This removes the need for a built-in touch panel display. The new recording function for ATX4 and Aures2 models can easily record performances as either MIDI or audio. Recorded Performances can be immediately shared to people using chat or mail apps. Performance data can also be saved to the cloud, and opened or edited in other music apps.

Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL). With expanded piano sound memory, the new AnytimeX4 models boast the largest sample size of any Kawai digital piano. This ‘eXtra Long’ standard of Harmonic Imaging technology extends the important attack portion of the piano sound by up to 120%, articulating the natural detail and resonance characteristics of each note more clearly, and improving the instrument’s organic tonal quality overall. When playing a fine piano, the amount of pressure applied to the keyboard affects not only the volume of the sound produced, but also the unique tonal character of each note. Therefore, in order to construct a realistic acoustic portrait of the EX concert grand piano, not only is each key recorded individually, but also at various different volume levels, ranging from gentle pianissimo to thunderous fortissimo.

AnytimeX4 models offer a highly detailed acoustic portrait, with Harmonic Imaging XL technology ensuring smooth tonal transitions across the keyboard and throughout the entire dynamic range.

88-key Piano Sampling. The beautiful sound of the Kawai EX concert grand piano is at the heart of the new AnytimeX4 series, with all eighty-eight keys of this world-class instrument painstakingly recorded, meticulously analysed, and accurately reproduced as high-fidelity digital waveforms.

Recording each key individually in this way – as opposed to stretching the same tone over several different notes – preserves the rich harmonic character of the EX concert grand piano, and guarantees that the sound heard when playing any key is a faithful representation of the original acoustic source.

Akustik Piano variety. The AnytimeX4 models showcase a variety of grand piano sounds that are suitable for a wide range of musical periods and styles. In addition, a traditional Kawai upright piano sound is also included for pieces that suggest a feeling of nostalgia, or call for a slightly more intimate tonal character.

An experienced piano technician is essential to fully realise the potential of an acoustic piano. As well as meticulously tuning each note, the technician performs regulation and voicing adjustments that allow a fine instrument to truly sing. The Virtual Technician function in the new AnytimeX4 models simulates such refinements digitally. Players can perform touch and voicing adjustments, regulate hammer and key release noises, and fine-tune string, lid, and damper resonances. It is even possible to adjust the precise tuning and volume of individual notes – all in real-time.

The new ATX4 models have new Virtual Technician parameters. The Hammer Noise now simulates the sounds of hammers striking strings, and the keys hitting the keybed. The prominence of the sound's attack can now be adjusted. The Release Time can be adjusted to simulate the sound of different piano sizes, and likewise with the Decay Speed once the keys have been released.

The Variety of a Digital Piano. Supplementing the beautiful acoustic piano voices, the AnytimeX4 models also feature an excellent selection of additional sounds, ranging from electric piano and drawbar or church organ, to strings, and other instruments, inviting musicians to add variety to their performances.

The AnytimeX4 models feature several keyboard modes. The Dual playing mode allows two different sounds, such as grand piano and strings, to be layered together, while the Split and Four Hands modes divide the keyboard into two independent sections. The volume balances and can be adjusted quickly and easily.

Redeveloped Effects & Reverb. The AnytimeX4 models powerful new digital effects engine further enhances the instrument’s superior core sounds, applying additional layers of detail and realism that bring performances to life.

Studio quality chorus, tremolo, delay, and auto-pan effects can be used to tailor a sound’s character and feeling, with modelled amplifier/speaker simulations applying vintage warmth to electric pianos and trademark growl to drawbar organs.

The depth of a performance can then be transformed using the updated reverb features, allowing pianists to position themselves within one of six acoustic environments, ranging from a small practise room to an inspirational grand cathedral.

Flexible USB/MIDI Connectivity/Bluetooth. The AnytimeX4 models are equipped with MIDI connectors that allow the instrument to be connected to a computer or MIDI-instruments for MIDI use. The USB to Device functionality allows favourite instrument settings, and memorable recorder songs stored in internal memory to be safely preserved on USB, or standard MIDI files (SMF) downloaded from the internet to be listened to using the instrument’s exquisite Harmonic Imaging XL sounds without additional hardware.

Bluetooth can be used to Send & Receive MIDI data wirelessly, and also to play Audio directly from any Bluetooth device. All new aptX support improves audio quality while also reducing latency.

MP3 Audio Playback & Record. USB memory devices can also be used to play back MP3 or WAV audio files, allowing musicians to learn the chords or melody for a new piece, or to simply play along with their favourite songs. It is even possible to record entire performances (including external line-in audio*) directly as MP3 or WAV audio files for emailing to family and friends, or casual listening away from the piano.

Useful Connectivity Options. In addition to the USB to Device connector, the AnytimeX4 models also feature standard LINE-level audio and MIDI jacks. These useful connectivity options allow the instrument to be enjoyed in larger settings such as churches or school halls, and provide greater flexibility when using computers and other audio devices.

Integrated Lesson Function. The convenient lesson function allows aspiring pianists to learn piano with classical Czerny, Burgmüller, Beyer and Bach etudes. With a strong emphasis on acoustic piano realism, both models also feature traditional finger exercises, scales, and warm-up drills, and include a companion book of printed scores to further aid one’s practise.

Energy Conservation. The AnytimeX4 models are equipped with a power saving feature which turns off the piano automatically after a specified period of inactivity.

Grand Piano Touch Muting System. This new feature for ATX4 and Aures2 models significantly improves the hammer stop rail system (making the hammer stop just before hitting the strings). This amazing new system allows for normal Grand Piano touch, even when the muting mode is active.

Allegro Music have branches across Essex, in Chelmsford, Great Baddow, Southend on Sea and Colchester. We have been established for over 45 years and are one of the biggest Digital Piano, Acoustic Piano, Keyboard and Organ stores in the UK, offering a massive range of instruments. To make your purchase hassle free, we offer Free UK delivery on most models, an attractive Part Exchange scheme and 0% Finance on many instruments.

We have a team of Piano, Keyboard and Organ product specialists on hand to offer help and advice with any aspect of your purchase. Allegro Music is a Premium main dealer offering almost every model of Digital Piano and Keyboard Yamaha produce, alongside a range of quality fully guaranteed used instruments.

Once you have your new instrument we can also teach you how to play it, with lessons taking place in our “Allegro Music Academy'' 7 days a week from early 'til late, with CRB checked teachers offering individual and class lessons on Piano & Keyboard, plus a wide range of other instruments. If you have any questions, please email us here, or call us on 01702 334488.