SHIGERU KAWAI PIANOS | The Premier Piano of Japan | AZ Piano
Shigeru Kawai grand pianos in Phoenix, Arizona
Shigeru Kawai is the handcrafted, premium grand piano line of Kawai Musical Instruments of Hamamatsu, Japan. Every instrument is built by a small team of Master Piano Artisans, and the six models range from the 5'11" SK-2 Classic Salon Grand to the 9'1" SK-EX Concert Grand.
AZ Piano shows new Shigeru Kawai grands in its Phoenix showroom and lists current inventory, with pricing, online.
Shigeru Kawai at a glance
- Maker
- Kawai Musical Instruments, founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai in Hamamatsu, Japan
- Where it's built
- Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory, Japan, by Master Piano Artisans
- Line introduced
- 2000, by Shigeru Kawai, who led the company from 1955
- Models
- Six grands: SK-2, SK-3, SK-5, SK-6, SK-7 and SK-EX
- Action and keys
- Millennium III action with ABS-Carbon parts, NEOTEX key surfaces
- Ownership
- 10-year warranty and an in-home Master Piano Artisan visit in the first two years
- Flagship production
- Fewer than 20 SK-EX concert grands made each year
- Where to play one in Arizona
- AZ Piano showroom, Phoenix (602-437-8445)
A piano that carries its builder's full name
In 1927, Koichi Kawai opened a small piano workshop in Hamamatsu, Japan with a single ambition: to build a piano worthy of being called the finest. His son, Shigeru Kawai, took over the company in 1955 and spent the next half-century pursuing that goal.
In 2000, Shigeru introduced a line of grand pianos bearing both his first and last name. In Japan that is a rare gesture, because it places a personal promise of quality on every instrument. The promise is kept by the Master Piano Artisans (MPAs), senior craftsmen who select the materials and assemble, regulate and voice each Shigeru Kawai grand piano by hand, working without production-line time pressure.
The result is a piano admired for a clear, singing tone, a wide dynamic range and a touch that responds to the smallest change in weight, the qualities that make it a favorite of professional pianists, conservatories and serious home players.
The six Shigeru Kawai grand piano models
Every model shares the same handcrafted build. What changes is length, which shapes bass depth, projection and tonal color. The bars below are drawn to scale against the 9'1" SK-EX.
-
SK-2Classic Salon Grand5' 11"180 cm
The entry point to the line, with a rich tone well beyond its size. A natural fit for living rooms and private studios.
-
SK-3Conservatory Grand6' 2"188 cm
A balance of full tone and responsive touch that suits advanced players, teaching studios and larger homes.
-
SK-5Chamber Grand6' 7"200 cm
Robust tone, power and presence for spacious rooms, recital spaces and demanding classical and jazz repertoire.
-
SK-6Orchestra Grand7' 0"214 cm
Known for stability, consistent touch and a well-rounded tone, suited to churches, schools and small halls.
-
SK-7Semi-Concert Grand7' 6"229 cm
Second only to the SK-EX in full-bodied tone and dynamic range, with a brilliant treble and resonant bass.
-
SK-EXConcert Grand9' 1"278 cm
The flagship concert grand. Fewer than 20 are handcrafted each year, and it is one of the most frequent choices of pianists at international competitions.
Choosing a size usually comes down to the room. As a general guide, the SK-2 and SK-3 suit most homes, the SK-5 and SK-6 reward larger rooms and serious study, and the SK-7 and SK-EX are built for stages and halls. Our staff can help you match a model to your space and playing goals.
What makes a Shigeru Kawai different
Built by Master Piano Artisans
Shigeru Kawai pianos are made by a small group of senior craftsmen at Kawai's Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory. Each step is done by hand and without urgency, from fitting the soundboard to the final regulation and voicing.
Materials chosen for tone
A tapered solid spruce soundboard, a rim of rock maple and mahogany, hand-notched bridges and Shiko Seion hammers of New Zealand and Australian wool. Bass strings are wound by hand in a process Kawai calls Temaki.
An action made for control
The Millennium III action uses ABS-Carbon components, which are less affected by humidity swings than wood, a practical advantage in Arizona's dry climate. NEOTEX key surfaces absorb moisture and resist slipping.
Proven on the concert stage
The SK-EX is a regular choice at international piano competitions. At the 8th Sendai International Piano Competition, all six finalists chose it.
Buying a Shigeru Kawai at AZ Piano
Browse new Shigeru Kawai grand pianos with current pricing online, or play them side by side in our Phoenix showroom. Every new Shigeru Kawai includes an in-home visit from a Master Piano Artisan within the first two years for concert-level regulation, voicing and tuning, and is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Whether you're a professional pianist or a dedicated amateur, schedule a private appointment and hear the difference for yourself.
Shigeru Kawai piano questions
What is a Shigeru Kawai piano?
A Shigeru Kawai is a handcrafted premium grand piano made by Kawai Musical Instruments in Japan. The line was introduced in 2000 and is named for Shigeru Kawai, who led the company from 1955. Each piano is built by Master Piano Artisans.
Is Shigeru Kawai the same as a Kawai piano?
Both come from the same company, but Shigeru Kawai is a separate, premium line. Its pianos are built in far smaller numbers by Master Piano Artisans, with hand-selected materials and hand voicing, while standard Kawai grands are produced in higher volume.
Where are Shigeru Kawai pianos made?
In Japan, at Kawai's Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory, near the company's headquarters in Hamamatsu.
How many Shigeru Kawai models are there?
Six grand pianos: the SK-2 (5'11"), SK-3 (6'2"), SK-5 (6'7"), SK-6 (7'0"), SK-7 (7'6") and the SK-EX concert grand (9'1").
How many SK-EX concert grands are made each year?
Fewer than 20 SK-EX concert grands are handcrafted each year.
What is the Master Piano Artisan visit?
Every new Shigeru Kawai owner receives an in-home visit from a Master Piano Artisan within the first two years of ownership. The MPA performs concert-level regulation, voicing and tuning so the piano plays at its best in your home.
Where can I try a Shigeru Kawai piano in Arizona?
At AZ Piano in Phoenix. Call 602-437-8445 to schedule a private appointment, or browse current Shigeru Kawai inventory online.
Can I buy a Shigeru Kawai online from AZ Piano?
Yes. New Shigeru Kawai grands are listed with pricing on azpiano.com. Because every handcrafted piano has its own voice, we also welcome you to play it in our showroom or call us with questions before you buy.