History Of Kawai Piano
Key Takeaways:
- Kawai is a leading global manufacturer of pianos with headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan.
- The company was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai and has built pianos of outstanding character and performance ever since.
- Kawai’s commitment to quality and innovation has seen the company lead the way in piano design and technology on numerous occasions.
- Today, Kawai continues to lead the way in digital piano development, offering a wide range of models that are perfect for any player.
Kawai has been building pianos for over 90 years, and their experience and craftsmanship are evident in every instrument they produce. Kawai’s commitment to quality and innovation ensures that its pianos are some of the most highly regarded in the world.
In this blog post, we’ll look at the history of Kawai pianos, from their early days as small family businesses to their current position as one of the leading piano manufacturers in the world.
We’ll also explore some of Kawai’s unique features and technologies that make their instruments so popular with musicians and music lovers. So, if you’re interested in learning more about Kawai pianos, read on!
Kawaii Pianos – A Brief History
Kawai is a leading global manufacturer of pianos with headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan. The company sells acoustic and digital pianos through distribution channels spanning more than 80 countries worldwide. Kawai employs approximately 2,800 people globally and generates annual sales revenue in billions.
The Founder
Kawai was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai, a talented young engineer trained by the great British piano maker Samuel Gibbs Cameron. After several years of research and development, Kawai released its first grand piano in 1935.
This instrument quickly gained a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, tonal quality, and value for money, and Kawai has been building pianos of outstanding character and performance ever since.
Concert Halls and Music Institutions
Kawai is also proud to be the exclusive piano supplier to some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and music institutions, including:
- Carnegie Hall in New York
- The Royal Albert Hall in London
- The Sydney Opera House in Australia
- The Suntory Hall in Tokyo
First Player Piano & Silicon-Graphite Piano
Kawai’s commitment to innovation has seen the company lead the way in piano design and technology on numerous occasions. In 1966, Kawai released the world’s first Player Piano – an instrument that used recorded music to play itself.
The world’s first Silicon-Graphite Pianos followed this in 1983, which utilized cutting-edge materials to produce a more responsive touch.
What Makes Kawaii Pianos Different?
Exceptional Craftsmanship
Kawai pianos are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Every Kawai piano is handcrafted by skilled artisans using only the finest materials. This dedication to quality ensures that each Kawai piano sounds and plays better than any other piano in its price range.
Advanced Manufacturing Techniques
Kawai also uses some of the most advanced manufacturing techniques in the piano industry. For example, Kawai’s exclusive Superstructure method ensures that each piano’s soundboard is perfectly straight for superior sound quality.
Ongoing Innovation
Kawai is committed to ongoing innovation, regularly introducing new technologies and ideas that set the benchmark for piano manufacture across the globe.
Recent examples include:
- The revolutionary 2015 K Series grand pianos – the first production instruments in the world to feature Carbon Fiber Soundboards.
- The innovative NV Series Hybrid Pianos offer the best of both acoustic and digital worlds.
Choice of Musicians
Kawai pianos are the first choice of many of the world’s leading concert artists and teachers.
High-profile performers who have chosen to play Kawai include:
- Lang Lang
- Seong-Jin Cho
- Rafał Blechacz
- Yundi Li
- Yuja Wang
- Igor Levit
Kawai also has a strong history of working with educational institutions and is the chosen piano of leading music conservatories and schools across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Related: Selecting A Performance Piano For Concert Hall
Choice Kawai Pianos
Kawai Grands
You have several options if you’re looking for a Kawai grand piano. The GX Series features two middle-of-the-road models (the GX-2 and GX-3) and a flagship model (the GX-5).
If you’re looking for something extraordinary, look at the Shigeru Kawai SK Series, which includes handcrafted grand pianos that are regarded as some of the finest instruments in the world.
Kawai Uprights
Kawai upright pianos are available in both traditional and digital designs. Standard options include the popular SU Series (offered in both 48″ and 50″ sizes) and the K Series (available in 46″ and 50″ sizes).
For those interested in digital upright pianos, Kawai offers several options, including the ES110 (their most affordable model), the ES8 (a favorite among intermediate players), and the MP11SE (a professional-grade piano).
Kawai Hybrids & Digital
If you’re looking for an instrument that combines the best features of acoustic and digital pianos, then a Kawai hybrid piano is ideal for you. The company offers two main hybrid lines: the NV Series and CA Series.
The NV Series is designed to give you the feel of playing an acoustic grand piano while providing convenient features like USB connectivity and built-in speakers.
The CA Series is inspired by Kawai’s popular Concert Artist line of digital pianos; these instruments offer state-of-the-art sound quality and advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity and hammer action keys.
If you’re starting, take a look at entry-level models like the Kawai ES110 or ES120; if you’re a more advanced player, consider upgrading to a mid-range model like the MP11SE or MP7SE; and if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line digital piano, be sure to check out our selection of Concert Artist CA98 and CA78 models.
No matter your budget or playing level, a Kawai digital piano will be perfect!
Conclusion
Kawai has a long and storied history, dating back to its founding in 1886. Since then, the company has been at the forefront of piano manufacturing, innovating new technologies and crafting some of the finest instruments in the world. Today, Kawai continues to lead the way in digital piano development, offering a wide range of models that are perfect for any player.
So, if you’re in the market for a new digital piano, check out our selection of pianos!
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