Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

A

The simple answer to this question is that all new pianos, acoustic and digital, have a keyboard action mechanism. This action, to some extent, will have a natural percussive sound that may differ sometimes across the keyboard dependent on the cabinet construction and acoustics within and out of the piano. This natural percussive action sound can be controlled to some extent by the technique of the player. For example, acoustic pianos, when the key is played loudly (forte) the natural percussive sound of the action is somewhat covered by the sound of the piano, dependant upon whether you play legato or staccato. When played legato, the natural resonance of the piano will cover the action sound more than when played staccato. When played softly (pianissimo), the natural percussive sound of the action is greatly reduced as the key has been played gently.

The difference between an acoustic piano and a digital piano, with regard to natural percussive action sound, is that the acoustic piano has a natural balance when and how the key is played, between action noise and the piano notes resonating.

With a digital piano you are able to turn the volume of the piano down using the master volume control, however, if you turn the volume down too far, this will produce an imbalance between the volume of your piano and the natural percussive action sound and the action sound will be more prominent.

For the best result when playing your digital piano though the internal speakers, find the natural balance point with your volume control, this will also improve the control of your technique and musicality as you would have to do when playing an acoustic piano. When playing on headphones, the experience of the keyboard action sound has been captured within the piano sample and you will have total control of this, dependent on your settings within the Virtual Technician (VT) function. For more information on the Virtual Technician's various parameters, please refer to your owner’s manual for a full explanation.