Question 1

What is a Shigeru Kawai piano?

Accepted Answer

Shigeru Kawai pianos are a premium line of handcrafted grand pianos made by Kawai Musical Instruments, introduced in 1999 and named after company president Shigeru Kawai. They are built at the Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory in Hamamatsu, Japan — the world's first ISO14001-certified piano factory. The line includes six models from the SK-2 salon grand to the SK-EX concert grand.

Question 2

How much does a Shigeru Kawai piano cost?

Accepted Answer

Shigeru Kawai pianos range from approximately $18,900 for the SK-2 salon grand to over $200,000 for the SK-EX concert grand. Each piano is handcrafted and limited in production. Contact an authorized dealer for current pricing.

Question 3

Where are Shigeru Kawai pianos made?

Accepted Answer

Shigeru Kawai pianos are handcrafted exclusively at the Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory in Hamamatsu, Japan. The factory was completed by Shigeru Kawai in 1980 and received ISO14001 environmental certification in 1997 — the first piano factory in the world to do so.

Question 4

What is the difference between Shigeru Kawai and regular Kawai pianos?

Accepted Answer

Shigeru Kawai pianos are the ultra-premium handcrafted line from Kawai, built to concert-grade standards with hand-selected materials including Kigarashi naturally aged soundboards, Shiko Seion hammers made without artificial hardeners, and Temaki hand-wound bass strings. Each piano is voiced by a Master Piano Artisan and takes 3–5 times longer to build than a standard piano.

Question 5

How many SK-EX concert grands are made each year?

Accepted Answer

Fewer than 20 Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand pianos are handcrafted each year, making each one a rare and highly sought-after instrument. The SK-EX has been chosen by all finalists at the Sendai International Piano Competition.

SK-5

SK-5 at a Glance

What Sets It Apart