Kawai SK-EX Acoustic grand piano

Kawai SK-EX — Shigeru Kawai Concert Grand Piano

Kawai SK-EX is a full concert grand piano with a length of 278 cm and the flagship of the Shigeru Kawai series. Designed for large concert stages, the instrument combines a vast dynamic reserve, powerful and controlled bass, long sustain, transparent treble, and high sensitivity to the pianist's touch.

The “gold standard” of Kawai piano craftsmanship

The SK-EX concentrates Kawai's expertise in selected materials, craftsmanship formed over generations, and precision engineering into a single instrument. Each specimen is shaped through an experimental creation process, distinct from standard mass-production approaches. The goal is not just a big sound, but to create an individual musical instrument that seamlessly conveys the touch, phrasing, and color decisions of a concert pianist.

Millennium III Concert Action

The Millennium III action uses ABS-Carbon parts reinforced with carbon fibers. The lightweight and rigid structure creates rapid repetition, a wide dynamic range, and long-term stability. The white keys feature NEOTEX, while the black keys are finished with ebony surfaces. Extended key geometry maintains even control from the front to the back of the surface.

Concert sound and individual voicing

A tapered solid spruce soundboard, five back posts, hand-wound bass strings, and Shigeru Kawai Concert Agraffes for keys 1–53 convert string energy into a precise and balanced tone. “Shiko Seion” hammers are hand-formed without the application of heat and voiced without artificial hardeners. Final voicing is completed exclusively by Master Piano Artisan (MPA) level technicians.

Resonance, structure, and pedal control

The Konsei Katagi hybrid inner rim combines hardwoods with different acoustic properties to balance brightness, warmth, and tonal fullness. Solid spruce beams, SOLID construction, V-Pro iron frame, and the CORE system maintain stability under high string tension while enhancing the transmission of energy to the soundboard. The Dual-Pivot damper system smooths half-pedal transitions and allows for subtle resonance control in concert repertoire.

Main features

• 88-key full concert grand piano
• Millennium III action and ABS-Carbon components
• NEOTEX white and ebony black key surfaces
• “Shiko Seion” premium felt hammers
• Tapered solid spruce soundboard
• Shigeru Kawai Concert Agraffes for keys 1–53
• Front and rear duplex scaling
• Five back posts
• Hand-wound bass strings
• Konsei Katagi rim and Dual-Pivot dampers
• Individual final voicing by an MPA
• Seven-position music rest
• Damper, sostenuto, and soft pedals

Dimensions and weight

Who is the Kawai SK-EX intended for?

The SK-EX is intended for large concert halls, international stages, professional recording spaces, conservatories, and pianists who demand the maximum tonal and mechanical capabilities of a full concert grand piano.

Technical specifications are subject to change by the manufacturer.