Business hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5pm | Saturday 9am – 1pm

Welcome to Kawai Pianos

Kawai is a Japanese piano manufacturer, ranked in the top three piano brands, along with Steinway and Yamaha. They build acoustic pianos ranging from entry level home uprights to world renowned concert grand pianos. Kawai are also leaders in the production of digital pianos and keyboards, for home and professional use.

Kawai represents design excellence, craftsmanship and innovation while offering outstanding value.

Ian Burgess-Simpson Pianos is the distributor for Kawai in the Cape and agent in Natal. As South Africa’s largest piano specialist and with four Steinway trained technicians, we offer the highest standards of technical support and advice. So when you purchase a Kawai through us you not only get an exceptional piano but the service to match.

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Grand Pianos

Kawai produce one of the best ranges of grand pianos available anywhere in the world, from entry level baby grands to their renowned concert instruments.

They are frequently chosen by schools, universities, performance institutions and professional pianists, as well as in major Piano Competitions around the world.

The touch and tone of Kawai grand pianos is distinctive and highly regarded, with a mechanism design which gives the pianist a solid and responsive feel under their fingers, as well as an extremely fast and controllable action.

Click here to download the Grand Piano brochure.

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GM & GE range

These pianos are designed with slightly simpler cabinet features, such as a plain tapered leg and simple music desk. They offer outstanding value for money, whether for private owners, teaching institutions or small performance venues.

Available in Ebony gloss and various other special finishes (model dependent).

GM-10

Length: 150cm

Description:
The GM-10 is Kawai's baby baby grand! At 150 cm this is a piano suitable for any space. It offers the elegance of a grand piano and a compact size for a smaller room or display area.

GM-12

Length: 150cm

Description:
Keeping the size and cabinet style of the GM-10, the GM-12 uses the Millennium III action and has the 'Soft Fall' fallboard. Retaining all the benefits of the compact size this model is even more responsive and expressive.

GE-30

Length: 164cm

Description:
The same size as the RX-1H, but with simpler cabinet features, this piano is an excellent and cost effective alternative. Like the RX-H series it has the Millennium III action and the 'Soft Fall' fallboard.

RX – H range

The Kawai RX-H Series is a unified line of six instruments offering one consistent level of exceptional grand piano performance. Each RX-H grand piano is the result of uncompromising craftsmanship, honed by generations of experience and refinement.

The patented Millennium III action, with ABS carbon fibre parts, provides increased power and resilience to climatic fluctuations. The RX-H range has a beautifully elegant cabinet with facetted legs, a shaped music desk and ‘Soft Fall’ fallboard.

RX-1H

Length: 164cm

Description:
This instrument has a surprising power and fullness of sound for a baby grand. The low register of the RX-1H is unusually good when compared to other instruments of similar sizes.

RX-2H

Length: 178cm

Description:
A medium size "boudoir" grand with excellent sonority and dynamic range. Its size makes it suitable for use in a relatively small space and is therefore ideal as a family piano, for a professional pianist or as a teaching piano.

RX-3H

Length: 186cm

Description:
The RX-3H has a wonderful, strong bass tonality with clarity and colour throughout the registers. Its size and qualities make it appropriate to most home or studio situations and as a small recital piano. This model of Kawai has won numerous international awards.

RX-5H

Length: 197cm

Description:
This model is an exceptional piano. It has a very versatile range of sonority and an exciting bass register. With particularly elegant proportions it would grace any home or smaller performance space. The RX-5H is also an outstanding teaching piano, and measures up to the requirements of serious amateur or professional pianists.

RX-6H

Length: 212cm

Description:
The South African College of Music at UCT uses the Kawai RX-6 for their senior teaching studios. As with all the Kawai recital instruments, this piano will meet the most rigorous demands both mechanically and in its tone and dynamic range.

RX-7H

Length: 227cm

Description:
With the RX-7H, Kawai have arguably produced the most successful recital instrument available, short of the full concert grand. Although it is suitable for most recital venues, it is not too large to be accommodated in a home environment. With a powerful, sonorous tone and great clarity this model rates with the best in the world.

EX Concert Grand

Length: 276cm

Description:
Kawai's concert pianos are acclaimed by international pianists and selected for major Piano Competitions around the world. The EX Shigeru is built by Master Piano Artisans in the Shigeru facility. There are fewer than 20 of these outstanding instruments manufactured each year for the entire international market.

Upright Pianos

The design of upright piano mechanisms plays a crucial role in the quality of their performance. Kawai have created a range of mechanisms, utilising composite parts including carbon fibre, which give their pianos a superior touch. Combined with high quality materials and manufacturing standards, Kawai upright pianos reproduce the standards of tone and touch established by their renowned grand pianos.

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KX range

The KX range of pianos are designed to meet the needs of schools, universities, professionals and parents who need an excellent, cost effective piano. These pianos are extremely good value for money but still have the characteristic tone and touch that differentiates Kawai as a top international brand.

Available in either the standard ebony gloss finish or in mahogany gloss.

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KX-10

Height: 110cm

Description:
An entry-level smaller piano suitable for a beginner pianist or in a school teaching studio. With plain straight sides it is conveniently compact.

KX-15

Height: 115cm

Description:
The next size in the entry level range, with a fuller tone and dynamic range. The cabinet is a classic style with tapered legs. This is a very appropriate size and level for a school or as a home family piano.

KX-21

Height: 121cm

Description:
At the top of the range of the KX series, the KX-21 is suitable for more advanced use as a professional teaching piano, a home piano, or in a performance space. At 121 cm in height this is a piano with excellent projection, a full tone, and a generous bass register.

K range

The K range of upright pianos incorporates elegance and superior manufacture, providing the highest quality and performance. With the advanced Millennium III action and Soft Fall Fallboard, these pianos are in a class of their own.

Available in Ebony Gloss and a variety of special cabinet finishes (model dependant).

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K-2

Height: 114cm

Description:
Although a relatively small piano, the superb design of the K-2 gives it a very complex and expressive tone, with an excellent base register.

K-3

Height: 122cm

Description:
The K-3 is arguably the best piano in its class. It has won the Acoustic Piano of the Year Award in 2008, 2009 and 2010. It has a precise and very controllable touch with a clear and powerful tone. This piano is extremely versatile and will meet the highest expectations of home or professional pianists.

K-6

Height: 132cm

Description:
At 132cm the K-6 is rated as a professional level upright. It includes features from grand piano design, for example, aggraffes and a treble duplex scaling. Given the size of the piano it is a viable alternative to a baby grand.

Digital Pianos & Keyboards

KAWAI use their patented Harmonic Imaging and 88-key sampling to produce an exceptional and authentic piano sound. Their leading designs in digital mechanism development provide a superior graded hammer action – highly controllable and expressive. KAWAI digital pianos meet the requirements of all levels of use from learning the piano to teaching and performing.

KAWAI’s unique Concert Magic feature allows beginners to produce music from the very start, while learning to control tone and rhythm.

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CL Series

The Compact Line range of digital pianos offers affordability and excellent quality with a modern, slimline appearance. Ideal for beginners and pianists that have limited space. Available in Rosewood, Black Satin and Snow White.

CL26

Description:

88 weighted keys with Advanced Hammer Action
Harmonic Imaging^TM, 88-key piano sampling
8 voices
96 note polyphony
MIDI
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CL36

Description:

Progressive Harmonic Imaging^TM, 88-key piano sampling
15 voices
96 note polyphony
Recording function
Lesson function
MIDI
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CN Series

The CN series also features an 88-key graded hammer action with Ivory Touch key surfaces. All three console digital pianos have a pull down keyboard cover, built in lesson functions and recording facilities, offering great value for money. Available in Rosewood, Black Satin and Premium Mahogany.

CN23

Description:

Responsive Hammer Action
15 voices
96 note polyphony
Recording function
MIDI
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CN33

Description:

Responsive Hammer Action with Let-off
36 voices
96 note polyphony
LED display
USB to host & device / MIDI
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CN43

Description:

Responsive Hammer Action with Let-off
323 voices + 12 drum kits
192 note polyphony
LCD display
USB to host & device / MIDI
MP3/WAV
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CA Series

The Concert Artist range of digital pianos utilise the RM3 Grand keyboard action which recreates the exceptional touch of the finest concert grand pianos, with weighted wooden keys, and Ivory Touch key surfaces. With many added functions these are of the finest digital pianos available. Available in Rosewood and Satin Black. The CA63 is also available in Premium Mahogany.

CA63

Description:

60 sounds
192 note polyphony
LCD display
USB to host & device / MIDI
MP3/WAV
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CA93

Description:

80 sounds
192 note polyphony
LCD display
USB to host & device / MIDI
MP3/WAV
Wooden soundboard speaker system
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CS Series

The Classic Series combine premium digital technology with beautifully crafted polished ebony cabinets, giving a more acoustic piano look.

CS3

Description:

Responsive Hammer action with Let-off
15 voices
96 note polyphony
Recording function
MIDI
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CS6

Description:

RM3 Grand keyboard with Let-off
60 voices
192 note polyphony
USB to host & device / MIDI
MP3/WAV
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CS9

Description:

105cm upright piano cabinet style
RM3 Grand keyboard with Let-off
80 voices
192 note polyphony
LCD display
USB to host & device / MIDI
MP3/WAV
Wooden soundboard speaker system
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ES Series

The ES6 portable digital piano has built in speakers and an excellent selection of sounds. Suitable for the student or professional artist, the ES6 performs in any venue, on any occasion. Available with a scissor stand but designer rigid stand available as an added extra.

ES6

Description:

Advanced Hammer Action IV-F, 88 weighted keys
32 voices
192 note polyphony
LED display
Recording function
USB to host / MIDI
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MP Series

The MP series of digital stage pianos offer unrivalled touch, sound and excellent live performance control. Ideal for professional musicians, whether in studio or on tour, but is also suited to school venues and churches.

MP6

Description:

Responsive Hammer action with Let-off, with Ivory touch keys
256 voices + Tonewheel Simulator
192 note polyphony
LCD display
USB to host & device / MIDI
MP3/WAV/MID
Various controls including Pitch Bend, Modulation, Master Volume, Zone Volume (x4) Assignable Knobs (x4)
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MP10

Description:

RM3 Grand action with Let-off, with Ivory touch keys
27 voices
192 note polyphony
LCD display
USB to host & device / MIDI
MP3/WAV/MID
Various controls including Line in Volume, Section Volume (x4), 3-band EQ, Amp Drive, Assignable Knobs (x4)
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Shigeru Kawai

The prestigious Shigeru Kawai range is hand crafted by a select team of Master Piano Artisans, in a separate factory facility. Shigeru represents the highest level of manufacturing in the piano industry. Materials are specially selected for this range and each piano is a unique instrument. They are made using the best of traditional handmade methodology as well as advanced design techniques. The waiting period for a Shigeru piano can be as long as 2 years. They are available from 178 cm in length right through to concert grand size.

In order to handle Shigeru Kawai, dealerships internationally have to meet stringent technical requirements. They need to prove that their technical skill and experience will be able to properly support these exceptional instruments. Ian Burgess-Simpson Pianos is privileged to have been acknowledged as having standards that meet these criteria. We are therefore in the small number of dealers around the world who can offer Shigeru Kawai pianos.

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Why Kawai

Family owned company
With the current President, Hirotaka Kawai, being the grandson of the founder, they remain a truly family run company.
ABS Carbon and Styran
Leaders in the use of composite materials, such as carbon fibre and Styran, the Kawai mechanisms are extremely hard wearing, resistant to climatic fluctuations and are more efficient than traditional ‘all wooden’ mechanisms. They are also most cost effective in maintenance. Internationally other major brands, such as Baldwin and Mason & Hamlin, are starting to utilise composite parts and Steingreuber are developing carbon fibre soundboards. This is the new direction of 21^st Century piano technology.
Tone
The tone design of KAWAI is distinctive in its warmth and sonority. This distinguishes their pianos from other brands and gives them a unique tonal character.
Touch weight
In their mechanical design KAWAI have chosen a firm touch with a slightly heavier downward resistance and very fast key return speed. This makes their mechanisms highly controllable and extremely fast.

Competitions
International piano competitions are like the Formula 1 of the piano industry. KAWAI are frequently selected by the winners of such major competitions as their instrument of choice. These include:
- The 14^th Iturbi International Piano Competition (Spain) First Prize Winner selected Kawai
- The 42^nd ARD International Piano Competition (Germany) First Prize Winner selected Kawai
- The 23^rd William Kapell International Piano Competition (USA) First, Second and Third Prize Winners selected Kawai
- The 45^th Ferrucio Busoni International Piano Competition (Italy) First Prize Winner selected Kawai
- The 2^nd Rachmaninov International Piano Competitions (Russia) First and Third Prize Winners selected Kawai
- The 8^th Sydney International Piano Competition (Australia) First Prize Winner selected Kawai
- The 10^th Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition (Russia) Top Two Prize Winners selected Kawai
- The 9^th van Cliburn International Piano Competition (USA) First Prize Winner selected Kawai
- The 27^th Casagrande International Piano Competition (Italy) First and Third Prize Winners selected Kawai

International owners
KAWAI pianos have been selected by many institutions around the world including:
- Oxford and Cambridge Universities
- The Barbican Centre
- Trinity College of Music
- Los Angeles Opera House
- Harvard, Stanford and Yale Universities
- The Paris Opera
SA owners
In South Africa KAWAI have also been chosen by numerous institutions, schools, hotels and performance venues, including:
- The South African College of Music at UCT
- Rhodes University
- The Mount Nelson Hotel
- Bishops, Herschel, Westerford and SACS.
They have also been chosen by many leading pianists and teachers in South Africa.

Value retention
Being a top rate international brand gives KAWAI excellent value retention, and should you wish to upgrade at any stage we offer very attractive buy back prices.
Manufacturer support
As the distributors for Kawai in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape, we import directly from Japan, which allows us to provide extremely competitive pricing as well as the best level of support from the manufacturer.
Green & toys
KAWAI has also received awards for excellence in environmental management and conservation. While other piano manufacturers destroy the wood remnants from their production, KAWAI use this variety of hardwoods to produce a beautifully crafted range of children’s toys, including a range of toy pianos that actually play!

Climate Protection

STOP DAMAGE TO YOUR PIANO

The Piano Life Saver System protects your piano against the many adverse effects of fluctuations in climate by creating a stable environment for the soundboard. The whole system is attached to the beams under a grand piano or in the space under the keyboard on an upright.

SAVE MONEY, SAVE YOUR PIANO

Apart from the benefits relating to tonal and tuning stability the Piano Life Saver reduces the medium and long term costs of maintenance, reliably paying for itself.

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Click here to download brochure

On grand pianos the Piano Life Saver should ideally be used in conjunction with an internal string cover. This is cut to pattern from special acoustic felt. It simply rests over the cast iron frame which holds it up above the strings, so you can also leave it in place while playing.

Available from Ian Burgess-Simpson Pianos.