Features of Kawai Pianos
Kawai pianos are known for their high sound quality, and their responsiveness, giving them high playability that makes them a highly sought after and reliable option for pianists of all skill levels, including beginners just starting out in the world of music.
Kawai is dedicated to innovation and modernisation to continue improving their pianos. One such development is Millenium III action which boosts responsiveness and enhances the smoothness of the instrument’s performance.
Kawai Piano Models
Whether you’re looking for an upright or grand piano, we have a good collection of Kawai pianos in our auction catalogue. With many different models and series on offer, you’re sure to find the best piano for your needs.
Kawai Grand Piano Models:
Shigeru Kawai
GX series
GL series
AURES Hybrid Grand
ANYTIME Hybrid Grands
Kawai Upright Piano Models:
AURES series
K series
Any Time series
Kawai Acoustic Piano Models
Kawai pianos are celebrated for their meticulous craftsmanship, rich tonal quality, and innovative design features. Each piano is crafted with precision and care, ensuring a superior playing experience that meets the demands of both professional musicians and discerning enthusiasts. With their exceptional sound, responsive touch, and elegant aesthetics, Kawai pianos are a prestigious choice for concert halls, studios, and homes.
Shigeru Kawai Series
SK-EX
Length: 276 cm (9′ 1″)
Description: The flagship concert grand piano, offering a rich, powerful sound and exceptional tonal clarity, ideal for concert halls and professional performances.
SK-7
Length: 229 cm (7′ 6″)
Description: A semi-concert grand piano known for its brilliant and nuanced sound, suitable for medium-sized venues and professional studios.
SK-6
Length: 214 cm (7′ 0″)
Description: Offers a warm, rich tone and responsive touch, perfect for both professional use and private homes.
SK-5
Length: 200 cm (6′ 7″)
Description: Combines excellent tonal quality with a more accessible size, making it ideal for smaller performance spaces and home use.
SK-3
Length: 188 cm (6′ 2″)
Description: A versatile grand piano that provides a rich, expressive sound in a compact form, suitable for homes and studios.
SK-2
Length: 180 cm (5′ 11″)
Description: The most compact grand piano in the Shigeru Kawai range, delivering superb sound quality and playability for smaller spaces.
GX Series
GX-7
Length: 229 cm (7′ 6″)
Description: The flagship model of the GX series, offering a powerful and rich tone, perfect for concert halls and professional performances.
GX-6
Length: 214 cm (7′ 0″)
Description: Known for its brilliant and nuanced sound, suitable for medium-sized venues and advanced pianists.
GX-5
Length: 200 cm (6′ 7″)
Description: A versatile grand piano offering a balanced, resonant tone and responsive touch, ideal for both professional use and private homes.
GX-3
Length: 188 cm (6′ 2″)
Description: Combines excellent tonal quality with a more accessible size, perfect for smaller performance spaces and home use.
GX-2
Length: 180 cm (5′ 11″)
Description: A salon grand piano with a clear, expressive sound, ideal for intimate settings and home use.
GX-1
Length: 166 cm (5′ 5″)
Description: The most compact grand piano in the GX series, providing rich sound and great playability in smaller spaces.
GL Series
GL-50
Length: 188 cm (6′ 2″)
Description: Offers a warm, rich sound and responsive touch, suitable for both professional use and private homes.
GL-40
Length: 180 cm (5′ 11″)
Description: Known for its balanced and resonant tone, ideal for smaller venues and advanced pianists.
GL-30
Length: 166 cm (5′ 5″)
Description: A versatile grand piano offering a rich, expressive sound, perfect for intimate settings and home use.
GL-20
Length: 157 cm (5′ 2″)
Description: Combines excellent sound quality with a compact size, making it ideal for smaller spaces and home use.
GL-10
Length: 153 cm (5′ 0″)
Description: The smallest grand piano in the GL series, providing rich sound and great playability in limited spaces.
K Series
K-800
Height: 134 cm (53″)
Description: The flagship upright model, known for its powerful sound and exceptional build quality, suitable for professional use and institutions.
K-600
Height: 134 cm (53″)
Description: Offers a rich, resonant tone and responsive touch, ideal for serious musicians and home use.
K-500
Height: 130 cm (51″)
Description: A popular upright piano known for its clear, bright tone and excellent craftsmanship, perfect for homes, studios, and educational settings.
K-300
Height: 122 cm (48″)
Description: Combines traditional aesthetics with modern performance, providing a clear and balanced sound suitable for various musical environments.
K-200
Height: 114 cm (45″)
Description: A stylish and compact upright piano with a warm, full tone, perfect for smaller rooms and home use.
ND Series
ND-21
Height: 121 cm (48″)
Description: A high-quality upright piano offering great playability and sound quality, ideal for homes, studios, and educational settings.
History of Kawai Pianos
The Kawai manufacturing company was first established by Koichi Kawai back in 1927 when it was known as the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory. Their first grand piano was made in 1928 before expanding into the manufacturing of reed organs and harmonicas.
Production was paused during World War 2 when the company switched to making military aircraft parts and gliders before resuming the manufacture of pianos in 1948.
Where it all began
The story of Kawai pianos begins in 1927 when a young entrepreneur named Koichi Kawai founded the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory in Hamamatsu, Japan. Initially, the company focused on producing harmonicas and reed organs. However, Koichi Kawai’s vision and passion for excellence soon led the company to venture into piano manufacturing.
Exceptional Quality
In the early years, Kawai faced challenges as it sought to establish itself as a reputable piano brand. However, the company’s dedication to innovation and craftsmanship quickly gained recognition. In 1955, Kawai introduced the Model 500 grand piano, which became a breakthrough success for the company. This piano incorporated new design elements and features, showcasing Kawai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of piano technology.
Throughout the following decades, Kawai continued to make significant advancements in piano manufacturing. In 1963, the company introduced the first-ever aluminium action rail in a piano, reducing friction and improving the instrument’s touch and responsiveness. This innovation set a new standard for piano actions and further enhanced Kawai’s reputation as a pioneer in the industry.
Innovative Methods
Kawai’s commitment to innovation was further exemplified in the 1970s when the company introduced its ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) carbon composite action parts. This groundbreaking material offered improved stability, precision, and durability, making Kawai pianos renowned for their consistency and reliability. The introduction of ABS carbon composite parts revolutionised the piano industry and solidified Kawai’s position as an industry leader.
Embracing Technology
In the 1980s, Kawai once again made waves in the piano world with the development of the Millennium III action. This action incorporated carbon fibre, a lightweight and robust material, resulting in even greater stability and responsiveness. The Millennium III action became a hallmark of Kawai pianos, prized by pianists for its superior touch and control.
Kawai’s commitment to excellence extended beyond acoustic pianos. In the late 20th century, the company embraced digital technology and introduced a range of digital pianos and hybrid instruments. These instruments combined the touch and feel of an acoustic piano with the versatility and convenience of digital technology, appealing to a new generation of musicians and music enthusiasts.
Expert Craftsmanship
In recent years, Kawai has continued to innovate and refine its piano manufacturing techniques. The company introduced the Shigeru Kawai series, a line of premium grand pianos handcrafted by a team of master craftsmen known as the “Master Piano Artisans.” These instruments are meticulously built using the finest materials and techniques, showcasing Kawai’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and producing instruments of exceptional quality.
Today, Kawai pianos are widely regarded for their rich and expressive tonal qualities, innovative design features, and superb playability. The company’s dedication to craftsmanship, coupled with its commitment to incorporating technological advancements, has made Kawai a trusted and respected name among pianists, educators, and music enthusiasts worldwide.
highly skilled artisans
In conclusion, Kawai’s history is a testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation in piano manufacturing. From its humble beginnings to becoming a global leader, Kawai has left an indelible mark on the industry. With its unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, relentless pursuit of innovation, and passion for musical expression, Kawai continues to shape the future of piano making and inspire musicians around the world.
