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

KAWAI K3 replacement keys 3D printed - Sequential Circuit Prophet VS / 2000 Replacement Weighted Keys ($24.34)

Kawai -K1 , K1 ii , K1R , K3 , K3m - New battery ($5.90)

Kawai K3 Digital Wave Memory Synthesizer ($649.95)

Kawai K3 Professional Upright Piano 2011 - Black ($4,995)

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Slide potentiometer (Slider) - Oberheim Matrix-6 / 6R - Kawai K3 / B50KX2 / VOLUME ($15.82)

Kawai K3 Professional Upright Piano ($1,702.59)

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Kawai K3m transformer TSE-246U ($54.75)

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Kawai RC-2 Memory Cartridge for For Kawai K3 synthesizer ($121.68)

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Kawai - K3m - New Power switch ($9.90)

Kawai K3_FULL replacement membrane_PPG Style inspired 2022 Blue ($68.71)

KAWAI K3m ($1,338.43)

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Stereoping CE-1 Knob Box Controller and Manual for KAWAI K3 Synthesizer ($400)

SynthArk MSP-K3x (programmer for Kawai K3) ($384)

K. Kawai PIANFORTE A MEZZA CODA KG3C NERO ($9,113.51)