Synths ⇝ Kawai ⇝ Kawai K3

The Kawai K3 is a hybrid synthesizer with two digital oscillators and analog filters. Its architecture and sound is similar to other hybrid synthesizers that it competed with, the Ensoniq ESQ-1 and the Korg DW-8000.

The K3 has a selection of 31 waveforms available plus one user-defined waveform that is built using additive synthesis with 32 harmonics that can be set at a level from 0 to 31. A second user-defined waveform can be stored on a memory cartridge. Kawai later created the K5, a synthesizer based entirely on additive synthesis.

It uses SSM2044 chips for its filters.

The K3 is available in rackmount form as the Kawai K3m.

Specifications

Year Released: 1986

MSRP: 1095.00 USD

Keyboard: 61 keys with velocity and aftertouch

Polyphony: 6 notes

User Patches: 50

ROM: 32 KB (31 8-bit waveforms)

Effects: chorus

Screen: 6-digit LED display

Power Consumption: 38 watts

Dimensions: 964 mm x 373 mm x 118 mm

Weight: 15 kg

Oscillator Waveforms: 32 plus one user-defined additive waveform.

User Demo Videos

Rating

Sound Samples

WAV samples are available on freewavesamples.com.

File Downloads

Kawai K3 Manual

Kawai K3 Service Manual

Items for Sale on Reverb

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Slide potentiometer (Slider) - Oberheim Matrix-6 / 6R - Kawai K3 / B50KX2 / VOLUME ($15.76)

Kawai K3m Classic Hybrid Synthesizer Analog Filters and Envelopes - 1986 ($599)

Kawai K3m transformer TSE-246U ($42.44)

KAWAI K3M Firmware OS 6P-16 Upgrade ROM Latest version EPROM Rom Firmware K3-M ($21.77)

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Kawai K3_FULL replacement membrane_PPG Style inspired 2022 Blue ($68.82)

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Kawai K3m - Power Switch ($10.85)

Kawai K3m 1986 ($933.69)

Kawai - K3m - New Power switch ($9.90)

1980s Kawai K-3M Rackmount Synthesizer Module ($695)

10 x Front panel pushbutton tact switch for AKAI AX-80 - S-612 - CASIO CZ-1000 - KAWAI K-3 OMRON ($11.94)

Akai and Kawai AKAI AX-80 - S-612 - CASIO CZ-1000 - KAWAI K-3 Set Of 10 switches ($9.58)

Kawai K300 Upright Piano White Polish ($8,368.43)

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SynthArk MSP-K3y (programmer for Kawai K3) ($448)