Why Kawai pianos are better than Yamaha

When comparing Kawai and Yamaha pianos, the most fundamental difference lies in the philosophy and priorities of each manufacturer.

Yamaha has placed a strong emphasis on brand recognition and market presence.

 Kawai has distinguished itself through continuous product development and technological innovation.

Yamaha has maintained many of its established models for extended periods with minimum developments. Kawai has continuously expanded and evolved its acoustic, digital, and hybrid piano offerings. This commitment to research and development has allowed Kawai to introduce some of the most sophisticated acoustic, digital, and hybrid piano technologies available today.

Kawai Acoustic Piano Highlights:

Advanced Composite Action Technology

Kawai pioneered the use of advanced composite materials in critical components of the piano action—the mechanism responsible for translating the pianist's touch into the movement of the hammers.

Today, Kawai is unique in offering a complete line of acoustic upright and grand pianos featuring carbon composite action components. These materials provide excellent strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to changes caused by humidity, while maintaining the precision and responsiveness expected from a high-quality piano action.

Kawai carbon composite piano mechanism (piano action)

Extensive, Continuous Research to Expand Tonal Expression

Kawai’s Research & Development department in Hamamatsu, Japan, has conducted extensive and ongoing research into the selection, preparation, and application of various woods and hammer felts. This research is focused on refining the piano’s ability to produce a broader, more nuanced spectrum of tonal colors, allowing for smooth and gradual changes in tone throughout the dynamic range 

Acoustic Soundboard Technology

Kawai's digital-hybrid instruments also incorporate an innovative approach to sound reproduction by using acoustic soundboard materials and transducer technology.

Instead of relying on conventional speakers, transducers vibrate the soundboard, allowing the instrument itself to contribute to the character and resonance of the reproduced piano sound.

The result is a more natural and immersive experience that bridges the gap between traditional acoustic piano performance and modern digital technology.

The Kawai NV12 is the first digital hybrid piano with a speakerless soundboard system

The Continuous Evolution of Shigeru Kawai

Perhaps the clearest example of Kawai's commitment to continuous product development is the Shigeru Kawai line.

Over nearly three decades, Kawai has introduced successive generations and refinements to the Shigeru Kawai series, with each generation incorporating improvements in materials, construction, voicing, action design, and overall performance.

This relentless pursuit of improvement has positioned Shigeru Kawai among the world's leading high-performance concert and professional pianos.

2021 Chopin International Piano Competition prize winner Alexander Gadjiev