Why Preowned Kawai Pianos Are a Smart Investment
- pianosnowportland
- Jul 5
- 4 min read

Buying a piano is more than just purchasing an instrument, it’s an investment in your musical future, your home, and your family’s creative life. If you’re just beginning your piano search, you may not yet know the name Kawai, but among technicians, performers, and teachers, Kawai is one of the most respected acoustic piano brands in the world.
At Pianos Now, we specialize in restoring and offering the finest pre-owned Kawai pianos. Each one is hand-selected and brought to its full musical potential by our in-house team of master-level technicians. If you’re looking for a piano that combines warmth, precision, and long-term value, a Kawai may be your perfect match.
Click here to explore our curated collection of expertly restored Kawai pianos.
The Kawai Legacy: Innovation Meets Artistry
Kawai pianos are renowned for their rich tone, innovative design, and exceptional build quality. Founded in Japan in 1927, Kawai has built a reputation for engineering-driven innovation without compromising musicality. Many professional pianists and educators prefer Kawai instruments for their consistent touch, expressive voice, and long-term reliability.
What sets Kawai apart?
Warm, lyrical tone: Compared to some of their brighter competitors, Kawai pianos are known for their mellow, expressive sound. They are especially appealing for classical and romantic repertoire.
Smooth, responsive action: Kawai’s Millennium III action, found in many of their grand pianos, uses advanced composite materials that provide durability and exceptional feel.
Quiet confidence: While brands like Yamaha tend to dominate the spotlight, Kawai quietly earns the loyalty of serious musicians year after year.
Built to last: Kawai pianos age gracefully. A well-maintained Kawai can offer decades of reliable play, making them ideal candidates for careful restoration.
Kawai vs. Other Piano Brands: A Fair Comparison
When buyers begin comparing piano brands, Yamaha often comes up first, and for good reason. Yamaha and Kawai are both industry leaders, but they each have a distinct character.
While Yamaha pianos are known for their bright, crisp sound and slightly firmer action, Kawai offers a more rounded tone and slightly softer, more forgiving touch. Many classical players find Kawai pianos easier to “sink into,” especially for lyrical playing.
Steinway is a storied name, and deservedly so. But Kawai pianos offer extraordinary consistency, excellent performance, and less price variability. For many buyers, a high-quality restored Kawai grand delivers comparable musical satisfaction without the premium price tag.
Brands like Schimmel or Steingraeber are gorgeous but often cost double or triple the price of a comparable Kawai. For families, schools, and advancing students, Kawai provides world-class musicality at a far more accessible price.
Why a Pre-Owned Kawai Might Be the Best Piano You’ll Ever Own
Here’s something the big box stores won’t tell you: new pianos depreciate quickly. Meanwhile, a well-made pre-owned Kawai can offer better sound and touch than a brand-new entry-level model of a more expensive brand.
At Pianos Now, we specialize in carefully restoring Kawai acoustic pianos to like-new condition. Our in-house workshop is staffed by master technicians who understand not just how a piano works, but how it feels and sounds when it’s truly dialed in. Every Kawai we sell has been fully serviced, regulated, voiced, and tuned to exacting standards.
You don’t have to guess if a used piano is “good.” We do the hard work, and you get to enjoy the music.
Why Buy Your Kawai from Pianos Now?
When you shop at Pianos Now, you're not just getting a piano, you're getting the benefit of decades of technical knowledge, honest guidance, and personalized care. Here's what sets us apart:
Technician-curated inventory: We restore and resell pianos. Every Kawai piano we offer has been hand-selected for its long-term quality and musical potential.
In-house restoration by master craftsmen: Our team doesn’t outsource repairs or cut corners. Every instrument is treated with the skill and respect it deserves.
Free nationwide delivery: No matter where you are in the U.S., we’ll deliver your piano safely, professionally, and at no extra charge.
Personal delivery experience: In many cases, our owner personally oversees or handles the delivery. That’s how much we care about your experience.
Friendly, honest support: We’re not pushy. We’re piano people. Our goal is to match you with the piano that truly fits your needs, whether that’s a 48" upright or a 6’ grand.
Pianist-owned, pianist-run: Everyone here plays piano. That’s how we know what makes a piano great.
Popular Kawai Models to Know
Not all Kawai pianos are created equal. Here are a few models you might find in our collection:
Kawai K Series Uprights (K-300, K-500, etc.) – These upright pianos offer excellent tone and action, perfect for home or studio use. Some models feature upgraded action materials for better performance.
Kawai UST and CX Uprights – Built tough for institutional use, these models often make great family pianos due to their durability and value.
Kawai RX and GX Series Grands – Known for their refined tone, smooth action, and elegance. These are high-performance instruments that compete with top-tier European and American grands.
Kawai KG and GE Series – Earlier generation grands that can deliver incredible value when restored. Full, warm tone and classic craftsmanship.
Not sure which one suits you? That’s where we come in.
Let’s Find Your Piano
Buying a piano doesn’t have to be overwhelming and you don’t need to be an expert. That’s what we’re here for. At Pianos Now, we help everyday people find extraordinary instruments. A beautifully restored Kawai piano can bring music into your life for decades and we’d be honored to help you find yours.
Click here to explore our current selection of hand-restored Kawai pianos.
From our workshop to your home, we make every step simple, thoughtful, and focused on what matters: the music.
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