Everything you need to know about KAWAI pianos, purchasing, financing, and more.
ROM update versions and reset procedures for Kawai legacy keyboards from M8000 through Z1000, including MK10, MR series, MS, P260/P360, PH, PV, Q series, R50e, R100, WK, X, XD5, XS1, and Z1000.
Read full answerROM update versions and reset procedures for Kawai legacy keyboards from ACR-20 through KSP30. Includes GB4, K1, K3, K4, K5, K5000, K11, and others.
Read full answerKawai bass guitars were sold in the US from 1985–2000. Models included the FIIB Series, RB865A, RB65A, and KRB Series. Contact Kawai America for additional information.
Read full answerYes, Kawai GB Song Cards are still available. Compatible cards include GB201, GB203, GB204, GB205, GB211, GB213, GB216, and GB226 for GB2, GB4, and A15 Band Amp.
Read full answerUse the STYLE page to select a rhythm and the CHORD INPUT page to enter chord progressions, then save to one of 50 user locations.
Read full answerConfigure system MIDI settings, create a Multi patch with each section on a unique MIDI channel, then connect to your sequencer. Step-by-step instructions are provided.
Read full answerConfigure system MIDI settings, set each section to a unique MIDI channel in a Multi patch, then connect to your sequencer. Step-by-step instructions are provided.
Read full answerFactory reset SYSEX files, sound banks, style libraries, OS updates, and help materials are available for XD-5, Z1000, GB series, DRP-10, ACR-20, R50, and R50E.
Read full answerKawai offers USB-MIDI drivers for Windows Vista and XP, and serial port MIDI drivers for Windows 95, 98, and NT.
Read full answerK5000 resources include arpeggio patterns, sound bank collections, demos, system enhancements, OS updates for K5000W/S/R, and supplement materials.
Read full answerSYSEX sound banks, SMF versions, multi patch guides, and SYSEX utilities are available for K-3, K-4, and K-5 series synthesizers.
Read full answerK-1 resources include a sound library PDF, SYSEX sound banks, SMF versions of all factory banks, and a SYSEX utility for PC.
Read full answerUpdates are available for MP4 through MP11, plus MP9500 and MP9000. The MP9500/MP9000 updates carry risk of Flash-ROM damage if transmission fails.
Read full answerES7 v1.17 and ES8 v1.05 updates are available from the Kawai Digital Piano Software Update page.
Read full answerUpdates are available for CP1–CP3, CP209/CP179, CP139, CP119, CP200/CP170/CP150, CP110, and CPXX5/CPXX7 series. Help disks and style libraries are also available.
Read full answerUpdates are available for CN33, CN34, CN35, and CN43. Download the appropriate zip file from the Kawai Digital Piano Software Update page.
Read full answerFirmware updates are available for CS6–CS11, CA63–CA97, and CA95 models. Download the appropriate zip file from the Kawai Digital Piano Software Update page and follow the instructions PDF.
Read full answerSave all user settings before updating. An OS update may reset your custom configurations to factory defaults.
Read full answerKawai offers six downloadable service documents for piano technicians, including parts manuals, regulation guides (English and Spanish), a voicing manual, and a care guide.
Read full answerUsed Kawai pianos from Japan are typically 20–30 years old, may have wood seasoning issues in drier North American climates, and do not carry Kawai's transferable warranty.
Read full answerSerial number location varies by instrument type. Grand: under the music desk on the iron plate. Upright: top of the iron plate. Digital: under the keybed on the right side.
Read full answerContact TSD by email at [email protected], by phone at (310) 631-1771 ext. 6867, or visit at 2055 E. University Drive, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90220.
Read full answerReport operational failures to [email protected] or call (310) 631-1771 ext. 6868. A product support specialist will contact you to assess the issue.
Read full answerReport shipping damage within 5 days of receipt by emailing [email protected] or calling TSD at (310) 631-1771 ext. 6867. Attach photos if possible.
Read full answerThe instrument must be returned in its original packaging and received in new condition. Shipping charges are not refundable. Repair and restocking fees may apply if improperly packed.
Read full answerKawai's online store has a No-Questions-Asked return policy for instruments within 15 days of receipt. Accessories are not returnable. Email [email protected] to start the process.
Read full answerProduct brought to Kawai's Rancho Dominguez facility must have an RA number. Call TSD before arriving and notify Kawai of the delivery time.
Read full answerWarranty repairs are returned pre-paid via Federal Express Ground. Expedited shipping is available by request at the owner's expense.
Read full answerCompleted non-warranty repairs are returned by Federal Express Ground unless special handling is requested. Shipping charges will be added to the invoice.
Read full answerAll non-warranty repair charges must be charged to a valid credit card prior to shipment back to the customer. Do not include credit card info in documentation with the returned unit.
Read full answerUnits returned without a Return Authorization number will be refused and returned to the sender.
Read full answerAccept the shipment and contact TSD to arrange return of the incorrect unit and shipment of the correct product. An RA number will be issued.
Read full answerContact TSD for approval. Since shipping damage is not Kawai's direct responsibility, options include filing a claim with the shipper or parts replacement and labor reimbursement.
Read full answerKawai will repair or replace defective units at its option. Units may not be returned for credit. Include a description of the issue and the RA number must be on the carton.
Read full answerNo — acoustic pianos cannot be returned directly to Kawai by piano owners. The return process must go through an Authorized Kawai Dealer.
Read full answerNon-serialized items do not require an RA number but still require pre-authorization from TSD before return.
Read full answerYes — all authorized Kawai dealers must obtain an RA number from TSD before returning any serialized merchandise or electronic sub-assemblies.
Read full answerKawai digital piano warranties vary by series: CN/CA/DG/NV Series — 5 years parts and labor; KDP/ES/CX Series — 3 years parts and labor; MP/VPC Series — 3 years parts, 1 year labor.
Read full answerRetain your original sales receipt as proof of purchase date and fill out and return your warranty card to Kawai.
Read full answerThe warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear and external forces beyond the manufacturer's control are not covered.
Read full answerYes — Kawai's 10-Year Full Warranty is fully transferable, enhancing the resale value of the instrument for the full warranty period.
Read full answerA full warranty guarantees repair or replacement and is transferable to new owners. A limited warranty places restrictions on the manufacturer's liability and is generally not transferable.
Read full answerKawai acoustic pianos are covered by a 10-Year Full Warranty — one of the strongest in the piano industry, including full replacement if a problem cannot be corrected.
Read full answerUse a soft duster for cleaning, avoid furniture polishes, tune 2–4 times per year, and have a Registered Piano Technician (RPT) perform regulation and voicing.
Read full answerDiscontinued Kawai acoustic and hybrid models include the RX grand series, K-2/K-3/K-5/K-6/K-8 uprights, UST-9, K300-ATX2, and K200-ATX2.
Read full answerKawai Legacy Products are discontinued models reclassified for their historical significance. They include CS, CN, CA, ES, CP, KDP, and MP series models from 1990 to the present.
Read full answerKawai grand pianos range from 4'9" to 9'1". Here is a complete chart of current and legacy Kawai grand piano models organized by size.
Read full answerAcoustic pianos need tuning 2–4 times per year and periodic regulation and voicing. Digital pianos require minimal maintenance and no tuning.
Read full answerUse the Dealer Locator at kawaius.com to search by location and find authorized Kawai dealers with contact info, hours, and promotions.
Read full answerYes, but have it inspected by a qualified piano technician before purchase. Used pianos do not carry the Kawai 10-year warranty, which only covers new pianos from authorized dealers.
Read full answerA high-quality acoustic piano, with proper care, can last 50–100 years or more. Kawai's 10-year warranty reflects confidence in the durability of their instruments.
Read full answerYes — Kawai makes excellent beginner pianos at various price points. Look for 88 weighted keys, responsive action, and a tone you enjoy.
Read full answerConsider your available space, budget, playing level, and how often the piano will be used. Visiting a Kawai dealer and playing several models is the best way to decide.
Read full answerShigeru Kawai represents the pinnacle of Kawai's piano artistry — handcrafted instruments of the highest quality, named after the son of Kawai's founder.
Read full answerKawai was founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai in Japan and has grown into one of the world's leading piano manufacturers, known for innovation in both acoustic and digital instruments.
Read full answerIt depends on the model and dealer promotions. Some models include a matching bench. Metronomes and lamps are typically optional accessories.
Read full answerA hybrid piano combines a real acoustic piano action with digital electronics — giving you authentic touch and the flexibility of a digital instrument.
Read full answerKawai upright pianos range from 440 lbs for the GL-1 to 683 lbs for the K-500. Weight varies by model height and construction.
Read full answerKawai grand pianos range from 617 lbs for the GL-10 baby grand to 1,280 lbs for the SK-EX concert grand. Weight increases with piano size.
Read full answerMost modern pianos have 88 keys — seven full octaves plus three additional notes. This has been the standard since the late 1800s.
Read full answerThe best piano is the one that matches your space, budget, playing level, and musical goals. Visiting a Kawai dealer to play multiple models is the best way to decide.
Read full answerKawai grand pianos range from the GL-10 baby grand starting at $6,990 to the SK-EX concert grand at $120,000+. Prices vary by series, size, and dealer.
Read full answerGrand pianos are horizontal with a repetition lever action. Uprights are vertical and more compact. Grands produce richer tone and allow faster repeated notes.
Read full answerSheet music for included demo songs may be available through Kawai or your local dealer. Contact them with your piano model for details.
Read full answerTry different USB ports, restart both devices, update drivers, and use a different cable. USB 2.0 ports work most reliably.
Read full answerThe soundboard speaker is fully functional — it resonates acoustically like a real piano soundboard and is central to the hybrid piano experience.
Read full answerPlace at least 6–12 inches from the wall to allow proper air circulation and prevent sound reflections that muddy the tone.
Read full answerConcert Magic lets you perform pre-arranged piano pieces by pressing any key rhythmically — useful for beginners or entertainment.
Read full answerRight: sustain (damper). Left: soft pedal. Middle: sostenuto (grand) or various functions on digital. Kawai digitals replicate these acoustically.
Read full answerYes — in Split mode, the damper pedal is configured by default to affect only the upper (right-hand) section.
Read full answerYes — some Kawai pianos disable the damper pedal during demo playback to prevent accidental interruption.
Read full answerThis is normal — it reflects advanced sound modelling including sympathetic resonance, hammer noise, and soundboard resonance.
Read full answerHearing the action is normal on models with wooden keys and escapement mechanisms — it accurately simulates acoustic piano feel.
Read full answerThis is normal — it accurately simulates acoustic pianos, where the upper strings are undamped and naturally sustain longer.
Read full answerConsult the GFP-3 documentation or contact Kawai for the specific MIDI CC numbers and value ranges for each pedal.
Read full answerReplacement thumbscrews are available through authorised Kawai dealers. Contact your dealer with your model number.
Read full answerCompatibility varies. Consult your ES120 manual or contact Kawai before purchasing to confirm compatibility.
Read full answerHigh-impedance headphones (250Ω+) will work but may produce lower volume. For best results, use headphones with 16–100Ω impedance.
Read full answerUse Kawai's official pedal for your model. Some generic MIDI-compatible pedals may work. Contact your dealer with your model number to confirm.
Read full answerSpecifications vary by model. Check the label on your existing adapter or your owner's manual. Contact Kawai for replacement adapters.
Read full answerChoose a reputable brand, 32GB or under, USB 2.0, formatted as FAT32. Avoid high-capacity, encrypted, or wireless-capable drives.
Read full answerThe AURES soundboard creates unique acoustic resonance that headphones and external speakers cannot fully replicate.
Read full answerConnect via USB MIDI to route your playing to the VST, then route the VST's audio output back to the piano's audio inputs via an interface.
Read full answerIncrease the piano's master volume, raise the input gain in your recording software, and ensure no limiting is applied.
Read full answerUse high-quality shielded cables, keep runs short, avoid nearby power sources, and set the output level to avoid clipping.
Read full answerConnect via Line Out to an audio interface, or via USB audio if supported. Use a DAW such as GarageBand, Audacity, or Reaper.
Read full answerVerify the firmware filename is correct, that it's in the root directory (not a subfolder), and that you've downloaded the right file for your model.
Read full answerEnsure a FAT32-formatted USB drive is properly inserted, with the firmware file in the root directory, and retry.
Read full answerKawai apps are designed for iOS and Android. They may work on Chromebooks that support Android apps via Google Play, depending on your model.
Read full answerDemo Mode lets you explore app features and sounds without needing a connected piano — useful for evaluation and familiarisation.
Read full answerForce stop the app, clear its cache, restart your device, update the app, and reinstall if the issue continues.
Read full answerPianoRemote works with most Kawai digital and hybrid pianos launched since 2020. Check the Kawai website for a full compatibility list.
Read full answerDownload the app, connect via Bluetooth MIDI or USB, and follow the app's connection guide to link it to your piano.
Read full answerThe page turning feature requires sostenuto pedal functionality. On AR/ATX pianos, the soft pedal can be temporarily reconfigured as a sostenuto pedal.
Read full answerTap the menu icon, navigate to System > Information > CHECK to view the current firmware version.
Read full answerManually close the PianoRemote app when not in use. It continues running in background mode to support its Metronome and Music Playback features.
Read full answerThis usually indicates a connection issue, not a genuine firmware requirement. Restart both devices first. Check the Kawai website if the issue persists.
Read full answerCheck Bluetooth is enabled, restart both devices, unpair and re-pair, and ensure both the app and firmware are up to date.
Read full answerPianoRemote supports SMF (MIDI) recording via Bluetooth MIDI, and WAV/FLAC/AAC recording using the device's built-in microphone.
Read full answerYes, if your piano supports Bluetooth Audio output. Put your wireless device in pairing mode, then select it in the piano's Bluetooth settings.
Read full answerUse a USB-C to USB-A adapter to connect your device to the piano's standard USB port.
Read full answerUse a USB cable for MIDI and optionally audio. For audio recording, Line Out cables or USB audio offer the best quality.
Read full answerIn most cases, no. Modern Mac and Windows systems include built-in USB-MIDI drivers that automatically recognise Kawai pianos.
Read full answerMost Kawai pianos support only one Bluetooth MIDI connection at a time. Check your model's documentation for multi-device support.
Read full answerYes — connect via USB cable instead. You may need a USB adapter depending on your device type.
Read full answerBluetooth MIDI transfers musical performance data wirelessly. Bluetooth Audio streams audio wirelessly to or from your piano.
Read full answerBluetooth availability varies by model and region. Most current digital piano models include Bluetooth MIDI and/or Bluetooth Audio.
Read full answerKawai recommends cables no longer than 3 metres for USB, MIDI, and Line connections to ensure connection quality.
Read full answerUse a third-party recording app like 'USB Audio Recorder Pro' to bypass the Android audio system and eliminate the noise.
Read full answerAndroid 13 requires explicit Bluetooth permissions. Grant them in Settings > Apps > [App name] > Permissions.
Read full answerMost Kawai pianos only support one MIDI connection method at a time. Check your specific model's documentation.
Read full answerPair the piano in Windows Bluetooth settings, then select it as the default playback device.
Read full answerAdd the piano as a Bluetooth device in Windows Settings, then select it as the MIDI input in your MIDI application.
Read full answerPair the piano as a Bluetooth device, then select it as the audio output in macOS Sound settings.
Read full answerPair the piano in macOS Bluetooth settings, then configure your MIDI app to use the piano as its input device.
Read full answerPair your iOS device to the piano via Bluetooth, then select the piano as your audio output in Control Centre.
Read full answerEnable Bluetooth on both devices, pair in iOS Bluetooth settings, then open the PianoRemote app to confirm the connection.
Read full answerPair your Android device to the piano via Bluetooth, then select the piano as your audio output device.
Read full answerEnable Bluetooth on both devices, put the piano in pairing mode, then select it in your app's connection settings.
Read full answerGenerally yes, but check your power adapter's voltage specifications and be aware that warranty coverage may vary by region.
Read full answerConfigure your preferred settings, then access the Memory or Initialization menu and select Save as Startup.
Read full answerUse the PianoRemote app (v1.1.4 or later) to save your preferred settings to the instrument's memory via the User Data menu.
Read full answerPress and hold the METRONOME and SOUND SELECT buttons simultaneously for five seconds to enable Bluetooth.
Read full answerThe KDP75/KDP120 don't support saving settings to the instrument's memory directly. Use the PianoRemote app to save User Sound presets instead.
Read full answerYour piano's internal clock may need to be set. Access the System or Setup menu to adjust the date and time.
Read full answerAccess the System or Setup menu and look for Initialize, Reset, or Factory Reset. Note: this erases all saved settings and recordings.
Read full answerAccess the System or Setup menu and look for the Language option. Consult your manual for the exact button combination.
Read full answerThis is the Auto Power Off feature. You can adjust or disable it in the settings menu. Check your manual for the exact steps.
Read full answerUse a protective case or cover, avoid extreme temperatures and humidity, and disconnect all cables before moving.
Read full answerNot essential, but highly recommended to protect the keyboard and internal components from dust when not in use.
Read full answerVoicing is the manipulation of hammer felts to produce an even, balanced tone — softer for a darker sound, firmer for a brighter sound.
Read full answerIf a piano hasn't been tuned for a long time, the pitch may drop below A440. A pitch raise corrects this before standard tuning can hold.
Read full answerTuning adjusts the pitch of the strings. Regulation adjusts the mechanical action — how the keys feel and respond.
Read full answerKawai recommends tuning at least twice per year. More frequent use requires more frequent tuning.
Read full answerChoose a location with stable temperature and humidity, away from direct sunlight, exterior walls, and open windows.
Read full answerUse a soft, slightly damp cloth. Never use alcohol or harsh chemicals. Dry the keys immediately after cleaning.
Read full answerDo not apply alcohol directly to the piano. Instead, wash and disinfect your hands before playing and ensure fingers are fully dry.
Read full answerKeep it in a climate-controlled space, dust regularly, clean keys gently with a damp cloth, and update firmware when available.
Read full answerDust gently with a soft cloth, avoid alcohol and harsh chemicals, tune 2–4 times per year, and have a technician service the action periodically.
Read full answerWooden keys provide an authentic piano feel, proper weight distribution, and allow advanced escapement features found in Kawai's premium models.
Read full answerPolyphony is the maximum number of notes a piano can play simultaneously. Higher polyphony allows for richer, more sustained performances.
Read full answerA piano action using ABS carbon composite components — lighter, stronger, and approximately 16–25% faster than traditional timber actions.
Read full answerKawai cannot provide information about unannounced products. Watch the News section of the Kawai website for official announcements.
Read full answerAcoustic pianos: stamped on the frame. Digital pianos: printed on the name plate under the keybed.
Read full answerYes — all Kawai pianos have a serial number that corresponds to the approximate production year.
Read full answerKawai digital pianos are manufactured in Japan and other countries. Visit the Kawai website or check with your dealer for your specific model.
Read full answerProfessional K Series uprights (K-300–K-800) are built in Japan. The K-200 and other models are built in Indonesia.
Read full answerMost Kawai grand pianos are made at the Ryuyo Piano Factory in Japan. The GL-10 and GL-20 (US) are built in Indonesia.
Read full answerCheck volume and mute settings first. If no output through any connection, contact a Kawai service centre.
Read full answerCheck for protective film first. If the scratches are on the actual display, document them and contact your dealer.
Read full answerNo — the Kawai manufacturer's warranty is available to the original retail purchaser only.
Read full answerATX retrofit for upright pianos is available in Japan only. AURES and grand piano systems must be factory-installed.
Read full answerAccessories are available from authorised dealers. Spare parts require a qualified technician.
Read full answerStart with the Kawai FAQ, then contact your authorized dealer, then your local Kawai subsidiary if needed.
Read full answerOur piano specialists are happy to help you find the perfect instrument.
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