Technology

ABS-Carbon Technology

The revolutionary composite material powering Kawai's Millennium III Action — combining long-term stability with the extraordinary strength of carbon fiber.

Introducing ABS-Carbon

ABS-Carbon, the new composite material in our revolutionary Millennium III Action, combines the long-term stability of ABS Styran — a composite used in Kawai actions for over 40 years — with the extraordinary strength of carbon fiber. ABS-Carbon produces more dynamic power, greater durability, improved control and unparalleled speed to enhance the playing experience.

Why Carbon Fiber?

Carbon fiber has been called the lightest, strongest material on earth. In Kawai pianos, it allows a lighter design that helps to make our Millennium III Action tremendously fast and effortless to play while sustaining exceptional tone. The rigid character of ABS-Carbon also offers pianists more power with less effort. Its resistance to shrinking and swelling helps to provide these benefits consistently over many years — something conventional wood components are unable to deliver.

What's Wrong with Wood?

While certainly ideal for the sound-producing elements of a piano, wood is less suitable for the many mechanical components in a piano action. Wood is susceptible to breakage from continual stress and can shrink and swell dramatically with changes in climate. This inherent inconsistency of wood parts can impair a piano's tone and touch — and lead to costly repairs and maintenance.

The Benefits of ABS-Carbon

Durability

ABS-Carbon parts are more durable than conventional wooden parts and over 50% stronger, which means less maintenance and parts replacement.

Speed

ABS-Carbon makes the Millennium III Grand Action 25% faster. Keys depress and return more swiftly, providing increased repetition and playing speed.

Power

The added rigidity of ABS-Carbon provides more power with less effort. The piano responds to a lighter touch, making it easier to play.

Control

The meticulous redesign of the Millennium III Action offers superb control for the player. It is now easier than ever to maintain control for pianissimo playing.

Carbon Fiber Is The Future

Carbon fiber is already trusted in some of the world's most demanding applications — from aerospace engineering to elite athletics. Its adoption in piano design follows a long tradition of materials science improving performance where precision matters most.

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Aircraft: The Boeing 777 uses carbon fiber in its construction to fly faster than the competition with lower fuel costs. Similarly, carbon fiber makes up over half the material used for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus 380.
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Sports Equipment: The strength, weight and lower density of carbon fiber allows golf club designers to create lighter clubs that result in a faster swing and longer shots.
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Formula One Cars: Formula One and other leading racing cars are made faster and safer thanks to the strength and lightweight character of carbon fiber composite parts.
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Bridges: The 1.6 mile-long West Gate Bridge of Melbourne, Australia and its supports are reinforced by carbon fiber.
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World-Class Racing Bicycles: More top riders are competing in the Tour de France with carbon fiber bikes than ever before.
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Other Musical Instruments: Many manufacturers of string bows for violins and cellos are using carbon fiber due to its lightweight speed and resistance to breakage.

Experience the Millennium III Action

Visit an authorized Kawai dealer to feel the speed, power, and control of ABS-Carbon technology for yourself.

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