Kawai Pianos: Model Overview, Quality and Buying Guide

Kawai is the second-largest Japanese piano manufacturer after Yamaha – and for many pianists the more interesting choice, particularly thanks to its ABS Carbon action and characteristically warm, full tone. If you've been told "just get a Yamaha" without trying a Kawai, this guide is worth reading before you decide.

Kawai – Background and Philosophy

Kawai was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai, a former Yamaha employee. The company is headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan – the home of Japan's piano industry.

Kawai invests heavily in materials research: ABS Carbon action components (since the 1980s) are a unique selling point, offering advantages over traditional wooden actions in terms of stability during temperature fluctuations and long-term durability.

Kawai Upright Pianos: K Series and Model Overview

The K series is Kawai's main line of upright pianos, covering the full spectrum from entry level to professional:

  • K-200 (114 cm): Entry Level: Kawai's most affordable studio piano, manufactured in Japan and Indonesia. Solid build, good ABS action. New: approx. €2,500 – 3,200. Used: approx. €900 – 1,800.
  • K-300 (122 cm): Mid Range: Improved soundboard, longer bass strings, more precise action. New: approx. €3,500 – 4,500. Used commonly €1,500 – 2,800.
  • K-500 / K-800 (130 – 132 cm): Professional: The K-500 and K-800 offer full string length for rich bass and expressive dynamics. Recommended for ambitious players. New: approx. €5,500 – 9,000. Used: €2,500 – 5,500.
  • SK Series: Shigeru Kawai: The Shigeru Kawai line is Kawai's premium series, handcrafted in Ryuyo, Japan. Prices start at approx. €12,000 new – placing it on par with European premium brands.

Kawai Grand Pianos: GX and EX Series

Kawai's grand piano range extends from compact baby grands to concert grands:

  • GX-1 (166 cm): Entry Level: Kawai's smallest concert grand. New: approx. €14,000 – 18,000. Used: approx. €5,000 – 9,000. A good entry point into the Kawai grand piano world.
  • GX-2 / GX-3 (180 – 188 cm): Mid Range: The most popular Kawai grand models for music schools and upscale living spaces. GX-2 new approx. €22,000 – 28,000. Used from approx. €7,000.
  • GX-6 / GX-7 (212 – 227 cm): Concert Grands: For professional stages and concert halls. GX-7 new approx. €70,000 – 90,000. Rarely available used.
  • EX: Concert Grand (272 cm): Kawai's flagship instrument. Used at international competitions and on concert stages worldwide, comparable in stature to the Yamaha CFX. Price on request; typically €120,000 – 150,000 new.

ABS Carbon Action: Kawai's Technical Difference

Kawai has been using synthetic materials in piano actions longer than any other major manufacturer – a research path that began in the 1960s. Today's Millennium III Action uses ABS Carbon fiber-reinforced components for the key action parts. The practical advantages: no swelling or shrinkage with humidity changes, consistent playing feel across years, and no susceptibility to moth damage (a real issue with wool hammer cloth in wooden actions).

Some pianists perceive a slight difference in feel compared to traditional wooden actions. In practice this rarely matters for more than a few weeks of playing. The long-term stability benefits – particularly in homes without climate control – are concrete and measurable.

Used Price Guide: What Does a Kawai Cost?

Kawai instruments hold their value similarly well to Yamaha. The K series is particularly well represented on the used market:

  • K-200 / older models: approx. €700 – 1,800
  • K-300 (used): approx. €1,400 – 2,800
  • K-500 / K-800 (used): approx. €2,500 – 5,500
  • GX-1 / GX-2 (used): approx. €5,000 – 12,000

Older Kawai models from the 1980s and 90s often offer excellent value – especially the KU and US series of that era. Have the condition assessed before buying.

Questions and Answers

Kawai or Yamaha – which brand should I buy?

There's no universal answer, but there are real differences: Yamaha tends to sound brighter and more direct – ideal if you like clarity and articulation. Kawai sounds warmer and fuller – often preferred by players who value tonal depth over brilliance. The ABS Carbon action gives Kawai a concrete practical edge in humidity-variable rooms. The best advice: play both before deciding. On the used market, both are widely available and comparably priced.

What is the Shigeru Kawai series?

Shigeru Kawai is Kawai's handcrafted premium line, named after the founder's son. Built entirely in Ryuyo, Japan, using carefully selected top-grade materials, the SK series plays and sounds at the level of Bösendorfer and Steinway – and is priced accordingly. For players who want the Kawai tonal character at concert level, this is the range.

Are older Kawai pianos from the 1980s worth buying?

Yes – particularly models from the KU and US series of the 1980s and 90s. These were built in Japan and are known for exceptional durability. The ABS action components from that era age extremely well, often better than wooden counterparts. As always: have a piano technician assess condition before purchase, particularly the pinblock and soundboard.

Kawai is a genuine alternative to Yamaha – not a compromise. The ABS Carbon action, warm tonal character, and strong used market availability make it the right choice for many serious players.

Browse all Kawai listings on PianoHub – directly comparable with Yamaha and other brands.