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

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 RC-2 memory cartridge for kawai K3 ($71.76)

Pushbuttons Tact Switches Full Set Of 58 for Kawai K3 K-3 Omron ($30.44)

Kawai -K1 , K1 ii , K1R , K3 , K3m - New battery ($4.90)

Kawai K3 latest version E upgrade ROM EPROM 5p36 for firmware OS update ($42.99)

AKAI AX-80 - S-612 - CASIO CZ-1000 - KAWAI K-3 Set Of 10 switches OMRON ($11.90)

Used Kawai K-3ATX Upright Piano Black F039830 - Sherwood Phoenix Pianos ($8,580.37)

Kawai K3m W/ Custom K3m Midi CONTROLLER + RC2 MEMORY CARD ($899)

Kawai - K3m - New Power switch ($9.90)

Voice Crystal 64 Voice Ram Card for Kawai K1/K1M/K1R #3 [Three Wave Music] ($79.95)