If you are in the market for an acoustic piano, a Kawai upright piano is an excellent choice. Kawai makes a wide range of acoustic pianos to suit every skill level and preference.
Image: Wiki Commons – David Adam Kess
Today we review the full range of Kawai upright pianos to help you choose the right model for your home.
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The Best Kawai Upright Piano: Full Reviews
Contents
K Series
Image: Bonners Music
The Kawai K series is designed for beginners who are just starting on their musical journey. These pianos are affordable, yet still offer the quality and craftsmanship that Kawai is known for. The K series includes the K-15, K-200, K-300, and K-500 models.
Larger and fuller-sounding acoustic upright pianos are also available in Kawai’s K series range, such as the K-600, K-700, and K-800 AS.
You can find a Kawai K-15E acoustic upright piano on Bonners Music for £3335 ($4227) at the time of writing.
Aures Series
The Kawai K-300 AURES 2 is a hybrid piano that combines traditional acoustic craftsmanship with advanced digital technologies. The Kawai Aures K-300 and K-500 offer impressive specifications and value for money.
It features the Millennium III action, renowned for its excellence. The AURES 2 series incorporates acoustic muting systems, preventing hammers from striking strings for silent play.
Utilizing the Integrated Hammer Sensing System, the piano ensures precise hammer movements with high-resolution optical sensors, closely replicating the mechanical flow of upright piano actions.
The flagship digital piano sound engine includes the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand, utilizing multi-channel sampling for a broad tonal range and full resonance modeling for expressive sound.
The AURES 2 offers a variety of instruments, from electric pianos to strings, with dual playing modes for layered tones. It features Bluetooth connectivity, USB, MIDI, and integrated Bluetooth MIDI and Audio for wireless communication with smart devices.
Controlled by the PianoRemote app, available on iOS and Android, users can customize sounds, record performances, and access a built-in piano music library. You can also use headphones with this instrument.
You can find several Aures Kawai pianos for sale online, such as this listing for the K-300 on Bonners Music.
Kawai Grand Pianos
For those who prefer the grandeur and elegance of a grand piano, Kawai offers a wide range of models, including the Shigeru range with 6 different sizes of grand pianos available, and the GX range with a further 6 models.
These grand pianos offer a powerful sound and exceptional touch, making them ideal for concert halls and recording studios.
No matter which Kawai piano model you choose, you can be assured of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Each piano is designed and crafted with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Other popular grand piano brands include Steinway and Yamaha, and you should consider these other brands when choosing which grand piano to purchase.
Kawai Digital Pianos
Kawai CA49
The Kawai CA49 features a grand-feel compact wooden-key keyboard action, beautiful SK-EX and EX concert grand piano sounds, and premium ONKYO audio technology.
The CA49 delivers many of the strengths of the premium Concert Artist models but in a more compact and affordable package.
The CA49 is available in three attractive cabinet finishes: Premium Rosewood, Premium Satin Black, and Premium Satin White, allowing musicians to coordinate their piano with a range of modern interiors.
Kawai KDP120 / KDP75
The keyboard action of the Kawai KDP 120 has the Responsive Hammer Compact II action, featuring triple sensor hammer detection for improved responsiveness. This ensures a more authentic playing experience.
The piano incorporates the renowned Shigeru Kawai SK-EX grand piano sounds, sampled from all 88 keys, providing an authentic and rich sound experience. The inclusion of Bluetooth® MIDI and USB-MIDI enhances connectivity.
The piano comes pre-loaded with Burgmüller, Czerny, Beyer etudes, and Alfred lesson songs, offering a comprehensive range of practice material for players of different skill levels.
In terms of audio it boasts a powerful 40W stereo amplifier and speaker system. The Low Volume Balance feature ensures a consistent and clear sound even at lower volume levels, catering to different playing environments.
Additionally, the Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) technology has been enhanced, providing an immersive sound experience when using headphones. Users can customize settings based on their headphone type. The
Kawai CA401 / CA501 / CA901
The Kawai CA901 combines Kawai’s leading Grand Feel III wooden-key keyboard action, and SK-EX Competition Grand sounds with multi-channel sampling and resonance modeling.
It also boasts premium audio processing technologies and an authentic wooden soundboard. The CA901 delivers one of the finest grand piano experiences available in a digital instrument at its price point.
Kawai CN201 / CN301
At the core of the CN301 is the captivating and expressive tones of Kawai’s renowned concert grand pianos. The flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and the acclaimed Kawai EX instruments serve are meticulously recorded and faithfully reproduced.
The CN301 offers a versatile selection of sounds, featuring two distinct Kawai concert grand pianos, a traditional upright, and the readily available Shigeru Kawai SK-5 mid-sized grand.
The CN301 employs Kawai’s sophisticated Progressive Harmonic Imaging technology, incorporating algorithms that replicate the evolving tonal character of an acoustic piano as dynamics shift.
With four speakers and new diffuser panels, this class-leading instrument enhances tonal projection in all directions. Complementing this technology is a newly engineered power adapter, contributing to a smoother, clearer sound.
Kawai Piano Features and Technology
Kawai Pianos are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and innovative features that contribute to their exceptional performance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the exceptional features that set Kawai Pianos apart.
Advanced Sound Systems
One of the things that make Kawai Pianos a top choice for musicians is the advanced sound systems incorporated into every model.
Kawai uses a unique method for producing sound that involves the use of a soundboard that is tapered towards the edges. This produces a fuller, more resonant sound that is unmatched by any other piano brand.
Keyboard Action and Mechanisms
Image: Wiki Commons – Soundscapemusic88
Kawai pianos are also known for their highly responsive action mechanisms. Their Millennium III Action mechanism, for example, is made of a composite material that is incredibly strong and durable, while also providing an incredibly sensitive touch.
Virtual Technician Technology
Another exceptional feature of Kawai Pianos is the innovative Virtual Technician technology.
This technology allows pianists to customize various aspects of their piano’s sound and touch, ranging from the type of piano being played to the key response and overall volume.
If you’re just starting, Kawai’s entry-level pianos are perfect for you. They are designed to cater to the learning needs of beginners.
These pianos come with basic features, but they are high-quality and affordable. They are ideal for those who are still discovering their musical preferences. Examples of Kawai’s entry-level pianos include the Kawai K-15E and Kawai K-200.
FAQ
1. How Much are Kawai Upright Pianos?
The prices of Kawai upright pianos vary massively depending on whether you want a used or new model, a digital or acoustic model, and where you buy the piano from. You can expect to part with $1000-$3000 or more for most beginner/intermediate models.
2. Where Can I Buy a Kawai Upright Piano Used?
It is always good to look for the best deals available in your local area and online at the time of purchase!
There are many online marketplaces to buy a piano, including well-known online music stores such as Sweetwater and Thomann, but you should also look at what is available on Reverb, eBay, Rimmers, and Coach House Pianos.
Conclusion
From enthusiastic beginners to professional pianists, Kawai has a piano that suits your needs and budget. Hopefully, this article has helped you to narrow down your search and find the upright acoustic piano to suit your needs.
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