Kawai Rx2 Vs Gx2 Online

Kawai RX2 vs GX2 — Comprehensive Comparison Report

Executive summary

6. Known Issues / Criticisms

RX-2:

The GX-2 Tone: With the GX series, Kawai aimed for a "singing" quality. The GX-2 typically has a richer, deeper bass and a more rounded, mellow treble compared to the RX-2. The scaling was slightly tweaked to improve the transition from the tenor to the bass bridge. kawai rx2 vs gx2

Bottom line:
The Kawai GX-2 is a meaningful upgrade over the RX-2 in every performance metric. However, the RX-2 remains a superb instrument and one of the best buys on the used market. If budget allows, get the GX-2. If you find a well-maintained RX-2 for under $15k, don’t hesitate—it will serve an advanced pianist beautifully. Kawai RX2 vs GX2 — Comprehensive Comparison Report

3. Sound & Tone

| Aspect | RX-2 | GX-2 | |--------|------|------| | Bass | Good for size, but can be thin near break | Fuller, clearer due to longer scale & duplex scaling changes | | Midrange | Warm, singing | More focused, less “muddy” | | Treble | Bright but sweet | Cleaner, more sustain | | Duplex scaling | Front duplex only | Front and rear duplex (adds harmonics) | | Soundboard | Solid spruce (tapered) | Solid spruce, improved crowning process | | Ribs | Spruce | Spruce, repositioned for better resonance | Hammer wear: Many RX-2s from 1996–2005 have deeply

3. The Touch Weight (The "Heavy" Myth)

For years, pianists complained the RX-2 had a "heavy" touch. It wasn't actually heavy; it was the repetition spring resistance.

• Hammer wear: Many RX-2s from 1996–2005 have deeply grooved hammers. Factor in $300–$600 for filing/voicing.
• Rim separation: Rare, but inspect the inner rim near the tail for cracks (humidity damage).
• Sluggish action: Old lubricants can gum up the repetition lever pivots. A regulation solves this.

The Rim (The "Power" Difference)

• RX-2: Uses a standard rim construction. While the tone is pleasant, the structural integrity sometimes limited the volume and projection.
• GX-2: Kawai introduced the "Tapered Solid Spruce Soundboard" combined with a thicker, heavier rim. The rim is tapered to be thinner at the top and thicker at the bottom.

  Buy the RX-2 if you find a well-maintained example for under $12,000. At that price, it is one of the best values in the used grand piano market. You will get 90% of the performance for 40% of the price of a new GX-2.