Specifications of the AURES models
■ Based on professional Kawai upright/grand acoustic pianos
■ Advanced acoustic muting systems for silent play
■ Unique speaker system on the soundboard developed with MPA amplifiers
■ High-level multi-channel digital piano sound with SK-EX Rendering
■ Flexible Virtual Technician function with 21 adjustable parameters
■ Premium audio processing and headphone amplification technology
■ Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio wireless connectivity
■ Dedicated PianoRemote app for control on iOS and Android platforms.
Touch
The GP Touch muting system (exclusively available for the GP type of piano)
The latest AURES AR2 grand pianos feature Kawai's brand-new GP Touch muting system. This technology includes a significantly improved hammer stop rail system, capable of precisely halting the hammer's movement in the action immediately before it strikes the strings, without the need for special adjustments to the escapement position or timing.
This unique design allows pianists to play on the AURES AR2 grand pianos with the same level of effortless fluidity as their standard acoustic counterparts, whether in normal play mode or mute mode, all while enjoying a wide range of practical and inspiring digital features.
Unlike conventional muting systems that stop the hammer shank at a single position, the GP Touch muting system of the AURES AR2 places the stop rail at various points along the keyboard, as close to the hammers as possible, ensuring a firm and precise stop just before the hammers strike the strings. Due to the GP Touch muting system's ability to provide a firm and precise stop, there is no longer a need to regulate a shallow escapement point for the action. As a result, pianists can enjoy exactly the same touch on the grand piano in both normal play mode and mute mode.
Integrated hammer detection system
The precise movements of the hammers on the AURES AR2 pianos are measured using Kawai's Integrated Hammer Sensing System (IHSS), which utilizes high-resolution non-contact optical sensors to provide superior accuracy compared to traditional key-based sensor systems. This technology ensures precise and reliable hammer detection for a more authentic playing experience.
This more advanced approach faithfully reproduces the mechanical movement of upright and grand piano actions, allowing the full range of dynamics to be expressed by the instrument's powerful digital piano sound engine with natural fluidity.
The sound
Grand concert piano Shigeru Kawai SK-EX
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano has been designed as the next step in the evolution of piano artistry. Earning a reputation as the "foremost piano of Japan," it graces the stages of concert halls and musical institutions worldwide, receiving universal acclaim for its exceptional clarity and dynamic range. The SK-EX is frequently chosen by professional pianists for prestigious events such as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rubinstein international piano competitions. With its magnificent tone and incredibly responsive touch, the SK-EX can be best described in one word – unparalleled.
The flagship digital piano sound engine
The AURES AR2 instruments incorporate the latest digital piano sound technologies from Kawai's highly esteemed Concert Artist and Novus product ranges. When playing with headphones or when the AURES mode is active, pianists can enjoy the magnificent sound of the flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano, beautifully reproduced through the advanced SK-EX Rendering sound engine.
Multi-channel sampling
The SK-EX Rendering engine uses multi-channel sampling to capture the sound from various points of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano. This sophisticated sampling technique helps recreate the full and nuanced acoustic characteristics of the instrument, providing a highly realistic and expressive piano playing experience.
This modern technique not only allows for the recording and reproduction of a wider range of tonal characteristics but also enhances the perceived connection between the keyboard and the piano's sound, resulting in a more vibrant and authentic response to dynamic changes.
Complete resonance modeling
This naturally expressive Shigeru Kawai sound is further enriched by resonance algorithms that model the complex tonal interactions produced by the strings and various other components of an acoustic piano.
The SK-EX Rendering produces resonances for the sustain pedal and all 88 keys progressively, allowing the sound of the AURES AR2 digital piano to behave exactly like an acoustic piano. This progressive resonance modeling adds to the realism and authenticity of the playing experience, making it feel as if you are playing a traditional acoustic piano.
Speaker system on the soundboard
In addition to acoustic muting and digital sound features, the AURES AR2 instruments are also equipped with the latest version of Kawai's advanced soundboard speaker system. This innovative technology utilizes four high-performance transducers strategically placed on the solid spruce soundboard of the upright or grand piano. These transducers channel the digitally generated sound from the AURES AR2 instrument through the large wooden soundboard, resulting in a more expansive, natural acoustic tone than that produced by traditional cone speakers.
Pianists can thus enjoy the flexibility and convenience offered by a digital piano, such as the ability to select from a wide range of different instrument sounds, record and replay their performance, or freely adjust the volume level to avoid disturbing their loved ones—all while continuing to play with the exceptional Millennium III upright or grand piano keyboard actions of the AURES AR2.
Duplex scale
DUPLEX SCALE SCALE
The duplex scaling system of the instrument provides harmonics in the mid and high range, thereby adding depth and breadth to the overall tonality.
AGRAFFES
The staples ensure precision in string alignment, spacing and angles to produce a more uniform tone and consistent vibratory length of each note.
HARDWOOD BRIDGES
The bridges transfer the vibration of the strings to the soundboard. The bridges in the GL series are made of solid maple or beech and are carefully adjusted and fitted to the frame for perfect string pressure and optimal sound transfer.
SOLID' (Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design)
The "SOLID" construction creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support the string tension. Firstly, the soundboard is mounted onto the frame. Then, the soundboard and the belly rail are integrated into a unique structure firmly anchored to the rim. The extraordinary thickness of the belly rail showcases the structural integrity of this sturdy frame, designed to ensure stable tuning and powerful sound.
THE C.O.R.E. SYSTEM
"CORE" is an acronym that stands for "Convergence for Optimum Reflected Energy." Convergence refers to how the points of strength, including the rim, frame, and soundboard, all come together towards a central point at the core of the instrument. This convergence creates the foundation for an extremely powerful "CORE" central core that maximizes the sound reflection capabilities of the inner rim, resulting in exceptional sound quality.
SOLID (STRETCHER OVER-LAP INTEGRATED DESIGN)
The "SOLID" construction creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support the string tension. Firstly, the soundboard is mounted onto the frame. Then, the soundboard and the belly rail are integrated into a unique structure firmly anchored to the rim. The extraordinary thickness of the belly rail showcases the structural integrity of this sturdy frame, designed to ensure stable tuning and powerful sound.
EXTENDED FINGERBOARD LENGTH
Longer keys make playing easier and provide more even response from the front to the back of the playing surface. The benefits to the player are greater control and more power with less effort.
SLOW-CLOSE LID MECHANISM
Our slow-close lid mechanism incorporates a dual-damping system that protects fingers and the keyboard from potential damage caused by a sudden closure.
THE KEYBOARD TRAY WITH STEEL REINFORCEMENT.
The keyboard tray must be strong and stable to support the weight of the entire action over time. The keyboard trays in the GL series are made of extremely durable hardwoods, laminated and reinforced with a steel support beam that enhances the strength and rigidity of the keyboard tray to prevent energy loss.
V-pro frame
V-PRO FRAME
The frame is the acoustically neutral metal superstructure on which the strings are tensioned. All frames in the GL series are cast using the V-Pro process. The additional strength comes from the new frame design. The result is a highly robust, stable, and elegant frame.
SMALL DOOR WITH STEEL REINFORCEMENT
The "small door" of a piano is the long horizontal piece of wood that borders the front of the keys. Because it is made of wood, this piece can warp or bend with changes in humidity, causing the keys to become stuck. The small doors of the GL series are reinforced with a steel rod that prevents these deformations. The keys move freely, while the small door remains straight and at a consistent distance from the keys throughout the life of the piano.
WINDCHEST AND TUNING PEGS
The pinblock on all GL series grand pianos is fully laminated with a minimum of eleven cross-banded layers of North American hard rock maple for maximum strength and balanced torque. The tuning pins are made from the finest carbon steel, threaded for maximum continuous rotation, and nickel-plated for enhanced appearance and long-term protection.
RESISTANCE
Durability enables a piano to maintain its integrity over time. The GL series pianos feature remarkable durability to thrive under the rigors of long-term use.
Dimensions & Weight
