I'm following this thread with interest. I know a friend who just returned their NV5 (not the updated NV5S model) due to ongoing problems with the damper pedal. They had an engineer come to fix it a number of times. I had high hopes for this piano, and eventually looking to get one myself. - However it's difficult to determine whether this is just an isolated incident with a minority of these pianos, or something underlying that is likely to happen with time. Were Kawai able to resolve the problem to your satisfaction?
Hi Ben, if it's any help - I posted an update yesterday. The problem is resolved, at least for the time being. We also intend to review the instrument in a few weeks, as I think a lot of these RU-vid reviews are from affiliates who write nothing but gushing praise.
Thanks, I was in 2 minds on whether to make it a public video or not. Initially we were visited by a local piano technician, but on Monday we have someone at Kawai UK coming to try to resolve it. We also haven't been happy with the piano action, but are hoping that can be resolved with it being re-regulated. Kawai are trying hard to help us. They have also taken feedback on the pedals to pass back to the factory/R&D. What we have isn't necessarily representative of the piano in general - we could just be unlucky. However I can see that there are posts on Pianoworld of things that are not right, and my opinion is that perhaps Kawai's QC is not always what it should be. I'd say that if space is a problem and the best you can do is a hybrid, the NV5S is worth considering. It isn't however without flaws. If you are studying high grades and have the space, get an acoustic and preferably a grand.
