Kawai

Kawai is a Japanese piano brand that was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai. The company has been producing high-quality pianos for over 100 years and is now one of the most well-respected piano brands in the world. Kawai’s pianos are known for their superior craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional sound quality.

Early History of Kawai Pianos

Koichi Kawai was a skilled piano craftsman who worked for Yamaha before starting his own piano company. Kawai was determined to create pianos that were of exceptional quality and that could compete with the best pianos in the world. In 1927, Kawai founded the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory in Hamamatsu, Japan, and began producing pianos.

In the early days, Kawai pianos were mostly used in Japanese schools and by music teachers. However, as Kawai’s reputation grew, the company began exporting its pianos to other countries, including the United States.

Kawai’s Expansion

In the 1950s, Kawai began to expand its product line and started producing grand pianos. These pianos were an instant success and helped establish Kawai as a top piano brand. By the 1960s, Kawai was producing over 10,000 pianos a year and was exporting them to over 50 countries around the world.

Kawai’s Innovation

Kawai has always been at the forefront of piano innovation. In the 1970s, Kawai developed the revolutionary ABS Styran action, which replaced the traditional wooden action with a more durable plastic material. This innovation made Kawai pianos more affordable and accessible to musicians around the world.

Kawai has also developed the Millennium III Action, which is made of carbon fiber and is more durable and responsive than traditional wooden actions. This innovation has helped Kawai pianos maintain their status as some of the best pianos in the world.

Kawai’s Collaboration with Steinway

In 2002, Kawai entered into a collaboration with the legendary piano brand, Steinway & Sons. The collaboration allowed Kawai to use Steinway’s piano design and technology to produce pianos that combined the best of both brands. The result was the Shigeru Kawai piano, which is considered one of the finest pianos in the world.

Kawai’s Modern Pianos

Kawai continues to innovate and produce high-quality pianos to this day. The company’s current product line includes grand pianos, upright pianos, digital pianos, and hybrid pianos. Kawai’s digital pianos are particularly popular, as they combine the traditional look and feel of an acoustic piano with modern technology.

Kawai’s Unique Features

Kawai pianos are known for their unique features that set them apart from other piano brands. One of these features is Kawai’s use of premium materials. Kawai uses only the finest materials, including spruce soundboards, premium hammers, and high-quality strings, to ensure that every piano they produce has the best possible sound.

Another unique feature of Kawai pianos is the company’s use of advanced technology. Kawai’s Millennium III Action and ABS Styran action are examples of this. Additionally, Kawai’s digital pianos use advanced technology to produce an authentic acoustic piano sound.

Kawai pianos are also known for their exceptional touch and responsiveness. The company’s pianos are designed to be sensitive to the player’s touch, allowing for greater control and expression.

Kawai’s Sustainability Efforts

Kawai is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The company uses sustainable materials in its pianos, such as FSC-certified wood, and has implemented energy-efficient practices in its manufacturing facilities.

Kawai also partners with organizations that promote sustainability, such as the Rainforest Alliance, and has received numerous awards for its sustainability efforts.

Kawai’s Recognition and Awards

Kawai has received numerous awards and recognition for its high-quality pianos. In 2019, Kawai’s GX-7 Grand Piano was named “Acoustic Piano of the Year” by the Music Industries Association in the UK. Additionally, Kawai has received numerous awards for its digital pianos, including the prestigious Music & Sound Award for “Best Digital Piano” in 2020.

Kawai’s Future

Kawai’s commitment to innovation and quality ensures that the company will continue to be a leading piano brand for years to come. The company’s focus on sustainability and its use of advanced technology will also play a key role in its future success.

Conclusion

Kawai is a world-renowned piano brand that has been producing high-quality pianos for over 100 years. The company’s commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability has made it a leader in the piano industry. Kawai’s use of advanced technology and premium materials, as well as its exceptional touch and responsiveness, make its pianos a top choice for musicians around the world.