'Evolving Piano'
Has the piano reached perfection?
'The piano is a perfected instrument,
its core structure passed down from generation to generation."
This is why changes in piano models are rare. In contrast, digital pianos are updated nearly every three years, with new models introduced to the market.
These models integrate the latest technology for improved performance.
But, has the piano truly reached perfection?
Kawai Pianos Evolves with 'Shigeru Kawai.'
Pianos Continue to Evolve.
Kawai Pianos continuously develop the full concert grand piano 'SK-EX,' which is widely used in international competitions. The expertise gained through this process is also applied to pianos for general households.
The Shigeru Kawai Grand Piano, infused with the design philosophy of full concert grands, is a testament to this commitment. More than 20 years since its launch, 'Shigeru Kawai' has gained strong recognition in the market. The lineup includes five models, ranging from the SK-2 (180 cm depth) to the SK-7 (229 cm depth).
One of the hallmarks of all models is the half-pedal mechanism, inherited from full concert grands. While half-pedaling is an advanced performance technique, Shigeru Kawai pianos incorporate a mechanism that allows for precise control, beyond just relying on the pianist’s skill.
Additionally, these pianos feature soundboards that have undergone long-term natural drying, individually hand-wound bass strings, extended key lengths for enhanced playability, and more.
Maintenance is entrusted to highly specialized technicians. The in-house certification 'MPA,' a testament to advanced technical expertise, represents the pinnacle of tuning proficiency for Shigeru Kawai pianos. Often referred to as 'Concert Tuners,' these experts ensure that Shigeru Kawai pianos are maintained at the highest level of quality at all times.
Kawai Pianos Take the World Stage.
This year, the Chopin International Piano Competition, postponed from last year, will finally take place in October. The Kawai full concert grand piano, the 'SK-EX,' equipped with the latest technology, will take the stage as an official competition piano.
It is truly exciting to see how it will perform on this prestigious platform, where the futures of young pianists are shaped.
We invite you to experience the evolution of the piano by playing a Shigeru Kawai yourself.
In the next edition, we will trace the journey of Shigeru Kawai’s creation.
※フルコンとは？ フルコンサートグランドピアノの略称
※ What is the half-pedal function? It is a feature that allows the sustain (damper) pedal (the rightmost pedal) to control the degree of sustain by adjusting how much the pedal is pressed.
※ MPA stands for Master Piano Artisan, a title that signifies a craftsman with an in-depth mastery of pianos.
