Yamaha vs.Kawai Pianos: Which Brand Is Best for Used Grand and Vertical Pianos?

When shopping for a certified preowned or used piano, Yamaha and Kawai are two of the most respected and widely recognized brands on the market. Both manufacturers produce exceptional instruments that appeal to a variety of pianists, from beginners to professionals. However, when it comes to choosing between Yamaha and Kawai for a used grand or vertical piano, there are some key differences worth exploring. This detailed comparison will help you determine which brand best suits your needs and preferences.

1. Brand Overview: Yamaha vs. Kawai

Yamaha Pianos

Yamaha, established in 1887, has built a reputation for reliability, consistency, and precision. Yamaha pianos are known for their bright, clear tone and are often found in performance settings, such as concert halls, recording studios, and educational institutions. Their durability and brand recognition make Yamaha a popular choice for those purchasing used pianos.

Key Characteristics of Used Yamaha Pianos:

• Bright, crisp tone suitable for multiple genres.
• Consistent quality across various product lines.
• Strong resale value and widespread availability in the used market.

Kawai Pianos

Founded in 1927, Kawai has earned acclaim for its innovative designs, artisan craftsmanship, manufacturing advancements and quality control. Kawai produces fewer pianos than Yamaha. Their “smaller batch” approach to the manufacturing process is thought by some to offer greater attention to artisan techniques and build processes that are second to none. Kawai pianos are often associated with a warm, mellow tone, which appeals to classical musicians and those seeking a highly refined sound.

Key Characteristics of Used Kawai Pianos:

• Warm, rich tone that suits classical and solo performances.
• Outstanding touch response with smooth, consistent piano actions.
• Often priced slightly lower than comparable Yamaha models in the used market.

2. Grand Pianos: Yamaha vs. Kawai

When comparing used grand pianos, Yamaha and Kawai each bring unique strengths to the table.

Yamaha Grand Pianos

Yamaha’s grand pianos, particularly those in the G-Series (G1, G2, G3, GH1) and the C-Series (C2, C3, C5, and C7), are highly sought after in the preowned market. These pianos deliver a bright, articulate sound with a powerful projection that works well for performances and recording sessions.

Pros of Used Yamaha Grand Pianos:

• Bright, dynamic sound with excellent sustain.
• Reliable build quality and consistent performance.
• Popular models like the Yamaha G series, C series grands and U series uprights retain strong resale value.

Cons of Used Yamaha Grand Pianos:

• The bright tone may not appeal to all pianists, particularly those preferring a warmer sound.
• High demand for used Yamaha grands can drive up prices.

Kawai Grand Pianos

Kawai grands, including models like the KG, GS, RX and GX series, are known for their responsive action and warm, lyrical tone. Used Kawai pianos can often come at a slightly lower price point compared to similar Yamaha models, making them a great option for budget-conscious buyers.

Pros of Used Kawai Grand Pianos:

• Warm, expressive tone that suits classical and solo repertoire.
• Outstanding piano actions, soundboard construction and premium components provides stability and durability.
• Competitive pricing in the used market.

Cons of Used Kawai Grand Pianos:

• Slightly less bright and powerful compared to Yamaha, which may be a drawback in ensemble settings.
• Resale value may not be as high as Yamaha.

3. Vertical (Upright) Pianos: Yamaha vs. Kawai

Used vertical pianos are a popular choice for homes, schools, and small spaces. Both Yamaha and Kawai offer excellent options in this category.

Yamaha Vertical Pianos

Yamaha’s upright pianos, particularly the U-Series (U1, U3), are renowned for their consistent performance, durability, and clear tone. The Yamaha U1 (48”) and U3 (52”) are staples in the preowned market, often found in schools and practice rooms.

Pros of Used Yamaha Upright Pianos:

• Bright, clear sound with excellent projection.
• Highly durable, making them ideal for heavy use.
• Strong resale value due to brand reputation.

Cons of Used Yamaha Upright Pianos:

• Bright tone may lack the warmth some pianists prefer.
• Premium pricing for popular models like the U1 and U3.

Kawai Vertical Pianos

Kawai’s vertical pianos, such as the K-Series professional uprights are celebrated for their powerful, warm tone and responsive action. Their designer console and studio piano series are highly sought after for their beautiful sustain and linear response. Used Kawai uprights are an excellent choice for those seeking a highly nuanced, expressive sound.

Pros of Used Kawai Upright Pianos:

• Warm, mellow tone that enhances expressive playing.
• Outstanding piano actions, soundboard construction and premium components provides stability and durability.
• Often priced more affordably compared to Yamaha.

Cons of Used Kawai Upright Pianos:

• May lack the bright projection required for certain genres.
• Slightly lower resale value compared to Yamaha uprights.

4. Durability and Longevity

Both Yamaha and Kawai pianos are built to last, but there are some differences to consider when purchasing a used instrument.

• Yamaha Pianos: Known for their robust construction, Yamaha pianos can withstand decades of use with proper care and maintenance. Their soundboards, hammers, and action parts are highly durable.
• Kawai Pianos: Kawai pianos are known for their premium materials, components and artisan manufacturing. Their pianos have proven to be highly musical and extremely durable, making them an excellent choice.

5. Resale Value

Yamaha pianos generally retain slightly higher resale value due to their brand recognition and popularity. Kawai pianos, while respected, may not command the same prices in the preowned market. However, a well-maintained Kawai can still offer exceptional value for its quality.

Conclusion: Which Brand Should You Choose?

When deciding between a used Yamaha or Kawai piano, consider your personal preferences and needs.  Remember, each piano is an individual with its own voice….and each piano can be voiced and adjusted to customize the tone and touch responsiveness. Having said that, here’s an oversimplified way you might compare these two award-winning brands:

• Choose Yamaha if you prefer a bright, clear tone, strong projection, and higher resale value.
• Choose Kawai if you value a warm, expressive tone, innovative action design, and competitive pricing.

Both Yamaha and Kawai produce outstanding pianos that offer excellent quality and performance, even in the preowned market. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your playing style, budget, and the sound you enjoy most. Whether you opt for a Yamaha or Kawai, investing in a certified preowned grand or vertical piano from either brand will provide you with years of musical satisfaction.