Kawai is a renowned piano company that makes some of the best quality pianos. Kawai grand pianos are no exception, and today we break down some of the best pianos in their grand piano lineup.

Learn more about Kawai Grand pianos on the Kawai website.

NEW Korg Grandstage X Review: The Best Stage Piano (2024)

The Best K. Kawai Grand Pianos: Expert Reviews

Kawai Grand Pianos: Sizes and Models

Kawai offers a wide range of piano models to suit every skill level and musical preference. From the beginner to the professional, Kawai has a piano that suits your needs and budget.

GL and GX Series

A wide range of models is available in the GL series (GL-10, GL-20, GL-30, GL-40, and GL-50) and the GX series (GX-1, GX-2, GX-3, GX-5, and GX-6).

The GL-50 Conservatory Grand (pictured above) is especially popular among music institutions and professional studios. Experienced teachers are continually impressed by its stable touch and attractive tone that remains consistent over many years.

Its 6’2″ frame is larger than most comparable conservatory grands, allowing the GL-50 to provide a tone that evokes the qualities of a much larger grand. In a versatile size that is ideal for studios and smaller recital spaces, the GL-50 is a favorite among pianists.

These grand pianos offer a powerful sound and exceptional touch, making them ideal for concert halls and recording studios.

KAWAI CR-40

The Kawai CR-40 Crystal Grand is a truly stunning work of art. With an outer cabinet made almost entirely of clear acrylic material, the Crystal Grand gives you the unusual opportunity to “see right through” the grand piano and view its inner workings.

Acoustically similar to a standard grand, the CR-40 will surely set apart any space it inhabits. Production is limited to 3 instruments per year. It retails at $211,895 at the time of writing.

KAWAI EX

In the Shigeru Kawai Research and Development Laboratory in Japan, the renowned Master Piano Artisans patiently craft one of the world’s finest musical instruments, the EX Concert Grand Piano.

Combining Kawai’s time-tested methods of origin with today’s most sophisticated piano design tools, each EX Concert Piano is conceived as a “next step” in the evolving art of the piano. It retails at $221,095 at the time of writing.

Kawai Grand Pianos: Features and Technology

Kawai Pianos are renowned for their cutting-edge technology and innovative features contributing to their exceptional performance. Let’s take a closer look at some of the exceptional features that set Kawai Pianos apart.

Advanced Sound Systems & Action Mechanisms

One thing that makes 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.

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.

Kawai Grand Pianos: Beginner Models

If you’re starting as a pianist, 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.

Examples of Kawai’s entry-level pianos include the Kawai K-15E and Kawai K-200. Kawai also makes an excellent digital piano range and hybrid pianos acoustic-digital pianos, many of which are suitable for beginners, such as the ES-120.

Kawai Grand Pianos: Intermediate Models

If you’re an intermediate pianist, Kawai’s intermediate pianos offer excellent features that cater to your advanced learning needs. These pianos are built with high-quality materials, offer exceptional sound, and have nuanced action mechanisms.

Examples of Kawai’s intermediate pianos include the Kawai K-300 and Kawai K-500.

The Best Kawai Digital Pianos: Expert Piano Reviews

Shigeru Kawai Grand Pianos

SK-2

The SK-2 offers the elegant profile of a classic grand with a richness of tone unmatched by other pianos in its class. It also comes in larger models, the SK-2, SK-3, SK-5, and SK-7.

SK-EX

The SK-EX concert grand piano embodies the pursuit of Kawai’s ‘gold standard’ of piano creation: a peerless instrument, fashioned from the very finest materials and crafted by passionate artisans drawing upon generations of knowledge and experience.

Kawai Grand Pianos: Price

You can find new Kawai grand pianos and also Kawai grand pianos used on sites such as Reverb, Hendersons Music, and Piano Price Point.

Kawai Grand Pianos: FAQ

Q1. Are Kawai Grand Pianos Any Good?

Kawai was created in 1927 by Koichi Kawai and has survived 90 years to be one of the best piano manufacturers worldwide. They have maintained a reputation for producing some of the highest quality pianos that compete with other piano giants like Yamaha.

Q2. Which Is the Best Grand Piano in the World?

The Steinway Model B is one of the most popular grand pianos by far as it is well-suited to intimate settings such as homes, studios, and mid-sized venues, and is therefore found in many professional spaces and highly sought after.

Q3. Is Kawai Better Than Yamaha?

As far as quality is concerned most would agree that while there are some technical differences and some tonal differences. However, overall the two brands are both regarded as extremely high quality by professionals all around the world.

Q4. What Is the Best Brand for Baby Grand Piano?

Some of the best baby grand pianos include:

Fazioli Model F156.
Blüthner Model 11.
Steingraeber & Söhne Model A-170.
Sauter Model 160.
Steinway Model S.
C. Bechstein Model L167.
Yamaha Model C1X.
Bosendorfer Model 155.

Q5. Do Kawai Grand Pianos Hold Their Value?

Kawai pianos are not as common as Yamahas and Steinways which makes them slightly rare. Kawai pianos hold their value well, provided they are well cared for and maintained. With the right care, a Kawai piano can last a lifetime.

Q6. Is Boston Piano Better Than Kawai?

Although voiced by the same factory technicians, Boston pianos are tone-regulated differently from Kawai Pianos. Some pianists prefer the Boston pianos, due to the Steinway connection, Steinway designs, and unique sound.

Q7. What Piano Does Elton John Use?

Sir Elton John is known to use Yamaha Disklavier grand pianos.

Q8. What Is the Most Expensive Brand of Grand Piano?

Some of the most expensive pianos ever sold include:

Casablanca “As Time Goes By” Piano: $3.4 Million. …
The Heintzman Crystal Piano: 3.22 Million. …
Steinway & Sons “Pictures at an Exhibition”: $2.5 million. …
Steinway & Sons Fibonacci: $2.4 million. …
John Lennon’s Steinway & Sons Model Z: $2.37 million.

Q9. Is Kawai Made in China?

The majority of Kawai digital pianos are manufactured in Kawai’s digital piano factory, which is in the Karawan region of Indonesia. Some Kawai digital pianos are also manufactured in a separate production facility located in Shanghai, China.

Q10. Is Kawai Owned by Yamaha?

They are separate companies. The Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory was officially founded in 1927 after I Koichi Kawai had helped make what would become the Yamaha Corporation a major name in the construction of musical instruments

The Roland E-A7: Expert Review

Conclusion

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.

No matter your skill level, Kawai has a piano that will meet and exceed your expectations. Choose your preferred model and experience the quality and craftsmanship that Kawai is renowned for.

Learn more about Kawai Grand pianos on the Kawai website.

The Best Kawai Grand Pianos: Full Expert Reviews

The Best Kawai Upright Piano: Full Reviews

NEW Korg Grandstage X Review: The Best Stage Piano (2024)

The Best K. Kawai Grand Pianos: Expert Reviews