KAWAI GX-1
The GX-1 Series Classic Grand offers the professional pianist a superb range of tonal expressiveness and a level of elegance and craftsmanship that is unsurpassed for a piano of its size. Slightly smaller than than the traditional "classic" grand, but larger than a baby grand, it adapts well to any smaller home or studio space without sacrificing performance.
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Neil Brandon –
This is a fantastic little piano. The touch and tone are exceptional, equal to far more expensive pianos. I previously owned a 7-foot Steinway (no longer have the space for it) and I actually prefer this piano in most ways! With the top open, it produces plenty of beautiful and well balanced sound. The action is incredibly responsive. Also holds its tune quite well, even when new! Overall it is fun and deeply satisfying to play and to own.
Drew Schlegel –
The GX-1 punches so far above its weight (so to speak), it’s almost absurd. This is a world-class instrument with a complete and innovative feature set. It produces incredible, singing sustain (mine well exceeds 30 seconds on middle C), an expressive voice ranging from warm to consonant that doesn’t top out in volume, and a signature tone I appreciate every time I play. The action is superb. It’s well-balanced and powerful in the bass for its small size of 166cm (though of course not perfectly equivalent to a longer instrument). A great design from Kawai in a realm of inevitable compromises that does not leave me wanting. At the bottom end of the keyboard, I can feel the entire instrument resonating with low-frequency energy. It’s also very attractive, visually. If you’re working with a small space, go play one; you just might love it.
Drew –
I love this small but mighty instrument. It’s so well designed and made that it draws me in, inspiring the work of practice. Its sound is clear and direct across the entire range—but warmly rounded in Kawai’s intentional way—producing bell-like tones that are coupled to a surprisingly long sustain. Melodies can really sing. The soundboard’s contribution reminds me of the best sitka-spruce-topped guitars I’ve heard, delicious with a hint of cinnamon spice. The action is notable, providing a leverage that really does feel more like concert-sized instruments. The extended key length is not a gimmick. Dynamic range is enormous and the piano doesn’t distort or top out. This can be a very loud instrument, if played as such. There is of course a very small compromise in the bass, which I notice most in the lowest two notes, but it’s surprisingly slight, and the bass overall is clear and supportive with well-managed inharmonicity that activates the entire cabinet of the instrument in an intimate and pleasurable way. I never feel artistically limited by the piano’s size. Some may want to pay more for a GX-2 due to concerns about string length, but I think that variation in the sound of individual instruments even of the same model comes into play here (don’t buy a piano you haven’t played), and I’m really pleased with my GX-1. It’s an incredible value and the perfect size for my space.