Kawai baby grand pianos represent a compelling blend of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern engineering innovation. These instruments, ranging from 5 feet to 5 feet 6 inches in length, offer serious musicians the rich tone and responsive touch of a grand piano while fitting comfortably in most home spaces.
The GL Series models, particularly the GL-10 and GL-20, feature advanced technologies like the Millennium III Grand Action with ABS-Carbon composites and longer keys than comparable pianos in their size category. These design elements provide pianists with greater control and more powerful sound projection. The GL-10 measures exactly 5 feet, while the GL-20 extends to 5 feet 2 inches for enhanced bass resonance.
Kawai has earned recognition in the piano industry through decades of refinement and innovation. The company’s commitment to quality construction shows in features like underfelted hammers for superior tone production and reinforced rim construction for long-term stability. Musicians choose these instruments for their consistent performance characteristics and durability across various playing styles and skill levels.
Key Takeaways
- Kawai baby grand pianos combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology in compact sizes suitable for most homes
- The GL Series features advanced action systems and longer keys that provide superior control and touch response compared to similar-sized pianos
- These instruments offer professional-level performance characteristics including rich bass resonance and consistent tone quality across the keyboard
Kawai Baby Grand Pianos
Kawai baby grand pianos represent decades of Japanese craftsmanship and engineering excellence. The company combines traditional piano-making techniques with modern materials and technology to create instruments that deliver professional performance in compact formats.
The GL Series stands as Kawai’s flagship baby grand line. These instruments feature the revolutionary Millennium III Grand Action with ABS-Carbon composites for enhanced durability and consistent touch response.
Key GL Series Models:
| Model | Size | Notable Features |
| GL-10 | 5’0″ | Longest keys in class, underfelted hammers |
| GL-20 | 5’3″ | Thickened rim, duplex scaling |
| GL-30 | 5’5″ | Extended bass string length, concert features |
The GL-10 incorporates longer keys than comparable pianos, providing greater control and expression. Its widest-ever stretcher bar design in this size category ensures structural stability and tonal consistency.
Modern Kawai baby grands include advanced features like concert-length key buttons that require less effort while delivering more power. The underfelted hammer system produces cleaner, more refined tonal qualities across the entire keyboard range.
These instruments adapt well to various room sizes while maintaining the classic baby grand profile that enhances any space’s aesthetic appeal.
Current Models
The Kawai GL Series consists of three baby grand piano models ranging from 5’0″ to 5’5″ in length. These models share core construction elements but differ in size, tonal capabilities, and manufacturing origin, with prices spanning from under $19,000 to nearly $35,000.
Kawai GL10
The GL-10 measures 5’0″ (153cm) in length and weighs 622 pounds. This compact baby grand fits well in smaller spaces while maintaining the essential characteristics of a grand piano.
Key Specifications:
- Width: 59″ (150cm)
- Height: 40″ (102cm)
- Manufacturing: Indonesia
- MSRP: $18,995
The GL-10 features Kawai’s Millennium III Action with ABS-Carbon components. This action system provides responsive touch and long-term stability for decades of use.
The piano includes a solid spruce soundboard with tapered construction. However, it lacks duplex scaling, which limits the complexity of overtones compared to its larger counterparts.
Standard features include three pedals (damper, sostenuto, soft), agraffes on keys 1-46, and two back posts. The piano comes with two lid props and single brass casters.
Available finishes:
- Polished Ebony
- Satin Ebony
- Polished Snow White
- Polished Mahogany
Kawai GL20
The GL-20 extends to 5’2″ (157cm) in length and weighs 661 pounds. This two-inch increase provides enhanced bass response and improved tonal depth over the GL-10.
Key Specifications:
- Width: 59″ (150cm)
- Height: 40″ (102cm)
- Manufacturing: Indonesia
- MSRP: $18,895-$21,295
The GL-20 incorporates dual duplex scaling, which adds tonal richness and overtone complexity absent in the GL-10. This feature enhances the overall harmonic content of the instrument.
Construction mirrors the GL-10 with identical action, soundboard materials, and pedal configuration. The piano includes three back posts instead of two, providing additional structural support.
Agraffes extend through keys 1-46, matching the GL-10’s specification. The piano maintains the same finish options and caster design as its smaller sibling.
The GL-20 offers improved bass resonance without significant size or price increases. This makes it suitable for players seeking enhanced tonal depth in a compact format.
Kawai GL30
The GL-30 spans 5’5″ (166cm) in length and weighs 688 pounds. This model represents the premium offering in the GL Series with Japanese manufacturing and enhanced features.
Key Specifications:
- Width: 59″ (150cm)
- Height: 40″ (102cm)
- Manufacturing: Japan
- MSRP: $29,895-$34,895
The GL-30 features full duplex scaling throughout, delivering maximum tonal complexity and enhanced treble harmonics. This creates richer resonance and more dynamic range than the smaller models.
Japanese craftsmanship distinguishes this model from its Indonesian-manufactured counterparts. The manufacturing location reflects differences in quality control standards and attention to detail.
Enhanced Features:
- Agraffes on keys 1-54 (extended range)
- Three lid props for greater positioning flexibility
- Fallboard lock for security
- Three back posts for structural integrity
The larger soundboard and longer strings produce superior bass resonance and overall dynamic range. This makes the GL-30 ideal for serious pianists and educational institutions.
The piano maintains the same finish options as other GL Series models. The additional features and Japanese manufacturing justify the higher price point for discerning buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kawai baby grand pianos range from approximately $18,895 to $34,895 depending on the model and features. The GL Series offers three distinct models with varying sizes, manufacturing origins, and tonal capabilities.
What is the price range for Kawai baby grand pianos?
The GL-10 model has an MSRP of $18,995. This 5’0″ piano represents the entry point into Kawai’s baby grand lineup.
The GL-20 ranges from $18,895 to $21,295. Despite being larger at 5’2″, it maintains a similar price point to the GL-10.
The GL-30 commands the highest price at $29,895 to $34,895. This premium reflects its Japanese manufacturing and enhanced features.
How does a Kawai baby grand piano compare to other brands in terms of quality and sound?
Kawai baby grand pianos feature the Millennium III action with ABS-Carbon components. This technology provides consistent touch and durability compared to traditional wood actions.
The GL Series incorporates solid spruce soundboards with tapered construction. This design enhances resonance and tonal projection across all models.
Japanese-manufactured models like the GL-30 offer superior craftsmanship standards. Indonesian-built models (GL-10 and GL-20) maintain quality while providing more accessible pricing.
What are the distinguishing features of Kawai baby grand pianos?
All GL Series models include three pedals: damper, sostenuto, and soft. They feature single brass casters and identical width and height dimensions.
The duplex scaling system varies across models. The GL-10 lacks duplex scaling, while the GL-20 features dual duplex scaling and the GL-30 includes full duplex scaling.
Structural differences include varying numbers of back posts and agraffes. The GL-30 uniquely offers a fallboard lock and additional lid prop for enhanced functionality.
Can you provide information on the different models of Kawai baby grand pianos available?
The GL-10 measures 5’0″ in length and weighs 622 pounds. It serves smaller spaces while maintaining essential grand piano characteristics.
The GL-20 extends to 5’2″ and weighs 661 pounds. It provides enhanced bass response through dual duplex scaling and three back posts.
The GL-30 spans 5’5″ and weighs 688 pounds. This Japanese-manufactured model delivers superior tonal complexity with full duplex scaling and extended agraffeς coverage.
All models offer multiple finish options including polished ebony, satin ebony, polished snow white, and polished mahogany.
Where can I find authorized dealers for Kawai baby grand pianos?
Kawai maintains a network of authorized dealers throughout North America. These dealers provide sales, service, and technical support for all piano models.
Piano specialty stores often carry multiple GL Series models for comparison. These locations allow customers to experience the tonal differences between models.
Kawai’s official website provides a dealer locator tool. This resource helps customers find nearby authorized retailers and service centers.
What should I consider before purchasing a Kawai baby grand piano?
Room size determines which model fits appropriately. The GL-10 works in smaller spaces, while the GL-30 requires more room for optimal sound projection.
Tonal preferences influence model selection. The GL-30 offers the richest bass resonance and harmonic complexity due to its size and full duplex scaling.
Budget considerations span a significant range across models. The price difference between entry and premium models reflects manufacturing origin and feature sets.
Installation requirements include professional moving and potential floor reinforcement. Baby grand pianos require specific placement for optimal acoustics and room integration.