DreamOVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, IN A HUMBLE WORKSHOPIN JAPAN, KOICHI KAWAI EMBARKED UPON A JOURNEY –A SPIRITUAL QUEST TO DESIGN AND BUILD A PIANO THATWOULD ONE DAY BE CALLED “THE FINEST”. A GENERATIONLATER, THIS DREAM BURNED INTENSELY IN THE HEART OF
SHIGERU KAWAI.
To Shigeru, the dream represented not just his origins, but his destiny– an unrelenting force that would launch a lifetime of devotion in the
pursuit of perfection. In the Shigeru Kawai piano, you will see not justhis labour and his love – but his life.

Shigeru Kawai
Shigeru Kawai was born on July 28, 1922. He joined Kawai
Musical Instruments in 1946. In 1955, he succeeded Koichi
Kawai as the company's president. As the descendant
responsible for revitalizing the company, Shigeru dedicatedhimself to efforts such as expanding the company andcompleting the Ryuyo Factory. After serving as thecompany's president for 35 years, he became chairman in
1989. He passed away on August 20, 2006.

Honour
HONOUR IS SACRED TO EVERY CULTURE, AND CERTAINLYTO THE JAPANESE. IT IS A NOBLE COVENANT THAT BINDS
AN INDIVIDUAL’S “WORDS AND DEEDS” INEXTRICABLY
WITH THE VALUE AND SUBSTANCE OF HIS NAME. THERE IS
NO GREATER DEMONSTRATION OF HONOUR, NO GREATERCOMMITMENT, THAN TO PLACE ONE’S NAME UPON THE
WORK OF ONE’S HANDS.

From initial design, to the selection of the finest materials, to thehandcrafted assembly by Master Piano Artisans, each Shigeru piano
is a work of uncompromising craftsmanship, a symbol of unending
devotion – a profound expression of pride and honour.
For Shigeru Kawai, there could be no other way.

Passion
THE PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE DWELLS DEEPLY WITHIN
THE HEART OF EVERY SHIGERU CRAFTSMAN.
Like members of a great orchestra, each craftsman brings fortha seasoned wealth of skill and artistry that compels the wholeto surpass the sum of its parts. Day by day, the craftsman strives
to leave an indelible mark upon each creation – an inexpressible
emblem of intense desire and duty.
It is this symphony of passionate energies that has elevated the
Shigeru piano to the lofty strata shared by few and respected by all.

Inspiration
THE LOVE OF MUSIC-MAKING RUNS DEEP IN THOSE WHO
PURSUE THE ESTEEMED RANK OF MASTER PIANO ARTISAN.
For many, it is a visceral sense of calling, born from their own passionate
journey in the art form, that inspires this unique quest for mastery.
The road is long and arduous. One must prove himself worthy inthe world’s most prestigious concert halls and international pianocompetitions – and few are chosen.
But, for those who attain it, the role of Master Piano Artisan provides
the rare privilege of crafting the tools of endless possibility. Imbued
with the artisan’s own musical sensibilities, each Shigeru piano is adistinctive work of unbounded potential – ready to discover its trueand lasting voice at the touch of the artist’s hands.

Voices of Master Piano Artisans (MPA)
My love of pianos lifts my spirits when I create them.
To me, creating sounds is an expression of myself.
This has led to my love of pianos, and to my heartfelt desire thatthe pianos I work on will perform successfully.
- Tatsuya Murakami

There is no defined "goal" when creating Shigeru Kawai.
We don't think "if we reach this point, it's good", or "if we getthere, that's the goal".
Instead, we must aspire to continue to seek good sound forever.
- Hidemi Okubo

I cherish inspiration.
I place the most importance on things that
support this inspiration.
- Yutaka NakaoSerenity
TIME HAS LITTLE RELEVANCE IN THE CREATION OF A SHIGERUPIANO. THERE IS NO RUSH TO COMPLETION. NO PRESSURE TOPERFORM, NO DEMANDING DEADLINES.
Each artisan understands that the ultimate priority is perfection.
This explains why every element of the crafting process is three
to five times longer, and why the Shigeru workshop is a place of
unruffled focus and serenity. If there is an underlying secret behind
the resonant song of the Shigeru grand piano, it is this tranquil place oforigin where heart, mind and spirit are given the time to breathe andthe freedom to soar.

Intuition
THE ABILITY TO SELECT THE RIGHT WOOD, THE KIND THATCAN SPEAK FLUENTLY IN EVERY DIALECT OF EMOTIONFROM FIERY FERVOUR TO GENTLE WHISPERS OF TONE, IS
AN ART IN ITSELF.
Whether it is select spruce for the soundboard, premium mahogany
for the hammers, or choice maple for the bridge, the material chosen
for every distinct part of a world-class piano must be perfect for thetask. Shigeru craftsmen have spent decades refining this uncommon
ability to discern between the satisfactory and the sublime. It is thisvenerable wisdom, this intuition, that one can hear and feel in every
note of a Shigeru piano.

KIGARASHI SOUNDBOARDSAdvancement
TRUE ARTISTRY CAN NEVER STOP STRIVING. BY ITS OWNNATURE, IT MUST CONTINUALLY ADVANCE AND EVOLVE.
THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN ITS PATH TO GREATNESS.
While our time-honoured methods of origin are diligently and reverently
applied, Shigeru artisans embrace every modern method for perfecting
the art of the piano. Our anechoic chamber enables the comprehensive
analysis of pure tone. Advanced materials enhance stability andconsistency of touch. Digital design tools optimise the construction
and performance of every component part.
In the world of pianos, it is not enough to revel in the past. True to its
own nature, the Shigeru piano is the epitome of progress and a visionof the future.

Attributes
KIGARASHI PREMIUM AGED SOUNDBOARDS(ke-gah-rah’-she)
The custom-tapered soundboard in a Shigeru piano is made exclusively
from the finest spruce, aged by the traditional kigarashi process thatuses only the forces of time and nature to allow the wood to attaina state of natural balance. It is this lengthy and painstaking processthat gives Shigeru pianos their uniquely rich tonal quality.

SHIKO SEION HAMMERS(shko say-own')
Shiko Seion hammers, which take their name from the Japanesewords for “ultimate voicing”, are the exclusive province of ourMaster Piano Artisans who oversee their formation from beginningto end. Every hammer is meticulously hand-pressed without theapplication of heat and carefully voiced without artificial hardeners
to ensure outstanding dynamic response and expression.

KONSEI KATAGI RIM(kon'-say kah-tah'-ge)
The exclusive Konsei Katagi rim uses a blend of distinctive hardwoodsto achieve an ideal balance of tone. For the inner rim, small-poredhardwoods that provide superior brightness and projection areinterlaminated with dense, large-pored hardwoods offering warmthand fullness. This synergy of structurally divergent hardwoods produces
a powerful, well-rounded richness of tone that is the hallmark of the
Shigeru piano.

STRETCHER OVER-LAP INTEGRATED DESIGN(SOLID Construction)

Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design (SOLID) creates an exceptionallyrigid foundation to support string tension. With SOLID construction,
the pinblock is hand-fitted to the plate. The pinblock and over-lapping
stretcher bar are then integrated into a single structure and solidly
anchored to the rim. The resulting framework possesses outstanding
strength and rigidity to ensure stable tuning and powerful tone.

MILLENNIUM III ACTION
Our acclaimed Millennium III Action uses state-of-the-art ABS Carbon
components that are exceptionally light and rigid to provide faster
repetition and more power with less effort. Microscopic surface textures
on selected action parts provide superb response and control.

EXTENDED KEYSTICKS

CONCERT-LENGTH KEY BUTTONSThe overall length of each keystick is extended to makeThe use of hardwood maple key buttons adds stiffness toplaying easier and provide more even touch and response

the keysticks for improved energy transfer. The redesigned

from the front to the back of the playing surface. Keysticks

key buttons on the Shigeru Concert Series instruments

are also designed with a slightly taller profile for maximum

have been doubled in length to provide exceptional energy

rigidity to deliver greater power.

transfer and optimum power.

CONCERT AGRAFFES
Identical to those used on our renowned EX Concert Grand Piano,
Shigeru Kawai Concert Agraffes are individually machined frombillet brass rods to assure maximum precision and strength. The
result is clear, powerful and impressive tone.

TEMAKI BASS STRINGSIn the Japanese language, the word temaki literally means “handwound”. In the unhurried temaki process, the artisan patiently directs
the winding of each individual bass string by hand for absolute
precision and tension to ensure rich character and superb depth of tone.

BOXWOOD BRIDGE CAPS
Boxwoodisanextremely

hard wood that is particularly
effective in transferring higher
tonal frequencies through thebridge to the soundboard.
Boxwood bridge caps help
to ensure treble projectionthat complements the more
powerful bass sound of larger
pianos.
Available on SK-5, SK-6 and SK-7 only.

DUAL-PIVOT DAMPERS
Meticulous

attentiontothe needs of professional
performers is evident inevery feature of the Shigeru
piano.
originallyOne

example,developed

for

our Shigeru Kawai SK-EX
Concert
ALL-SPRUCE BEAMS

Piano,

istheunique dual-pivot damper
design that allows smoother

Spruce is known for its outstanding ability to conduct andhalf-pedalconserve sound energy. However, it is generally considered

delicate tonal expression.

too precious for use as a structural material. For the Shigeru
pianos, all of the underside beams are made entirely of thehighest quality spruce.

controlforA Unique Visit
IT WAS SHIGERU KAWAI’S WISH THAT HIS HONOUR WOULD
BE UPHELD AMONG ALL WHO ENTER INTO HIS LEGACY.
For this reason, those who possess a Shigeru Kawai piano will receive
a unique visit from a Kawai-approved piano technician*. It will be ourprivilege to provide a professional-level regulation, voicing and tuning
as our gift to those who have selected the Premier Piano of Japan.
*Depending on market location.

Selection
SK-EX Concert Grand
Each SK-EX Concert Piano is conceived as a next step in the evolving
art of the piano. Fewer than twenty are crafted each year for all theworld. With its magnificent tone and wonderfully responsive touch,the SK-EX is a rare treasure that can best be described with one word
– incomparable.
Length: 9’ 1” (278 cm)
Width: 5’ 3” (158 cm)
Weight: 1111 lbs. (504 kg)
Finish: Ebony PolishSK-7 Semi-Concert GrandThe SK-7 is a transcendent work of art that will communicate
with remarkable passion, precision and poetry at the handsof the artist.
Length: 7’ 6” (229 cm)
Width: 5’ 2” (157 cm)
Weight: 882 lbs. (400 kg)
Finish: Ebony PolishSK-6 Orchestra GrandThe SK-6 is an instrument of profound beauty and character that will
captivate both the eyes and ears in any performance setting.
Length: 7’ 0” (214 cm)
Width: 5’ 1” (154 cm)
Weight: 842 lbs. (382 kg)
Finish: Ebony PolishSK-5 Chamber GrandThe SK-5 offers a gratifying mélange of power and presence thatwill grace a range of professional venues from studios to intimate
recital spaces.
Length: 6’ 7” (200 cm)
Width: 5’ 1” (153 cm)
Weight: 774 lbs. (351 kg)
Finish: Ebony PolishSK-3 Conservatory GrandThe SK-3 excels with an extraordinary blend of superb tone andtouch that has been admired by professional pianists acrossthe globe.
Length: 6’ 2” (188 cm)
Width: 5’ 1” (152 cm)
Weight: 736 lbs. (334 kg)
Finish: Ebony PolishSK-2 Classic Salon GrandThe SK-2 offers the elegant profile of a classic grand with arichness of tone unmatched by other pianos in its class.
Length: 5’ 11” (180 cm)
Width: 5’ 1” (152 cm)
Weight: 714 lbs. (324 kg)
Finish: Ebony PolishSpecifications

SK-EX

SK-7

SK-6

SK-5

SK-3

SK-2

Length278 cm229 cm214 cm200 cm188 cm180 cmWidth

158 cm157 cm154 cm153 cm152 cm152 cmHeight103 cm102 cm102 cm102 cm102 cm102 cmWeight504 kg

400 kg382 kg351 kg

334 kg

324 kgSoundboard area

2.10 m2

1.70 m2

1.60 m2

1.41 m2

1.33 m2

1.23 m2

No. of beams

5

4

4

4

4

3

Millennium III action













Neotex key surfaces













Wood

Brass

Brass

Wood

Wood

Wood

Large, Brass

Double, Brass

Double, Brass

Double, Brass

Double, Brass

Double, Brass

Centre lid prop
Caster configuration

Responsibility
CARING FOR THE PLANET COMES NATURALLY TO THOSE WHO
CREATE THE SHIGERU KAWAI PIANOS. AFTER ALL, NATURE ITSELFPROVIDES THE MATERIALS FROM WHICH THESE MAGNIFICENTINSTRUMENTS ARE CRAFTED.
In 1997, our Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory became the first in the piano
industry to receive ISO14001, the world’s most prestigious certificationfor excellence in environmental management. Work groups continuously
monitor and improve emissions and waste control, green procurement,
and a host of other energy conservation and environmental protection
measures. The Kawai Forest Project has already planted over 700,000
seedlings.
These vital efforts will continue to be a part of every piano we build.
That is our promise to you – and to our world.

Soul
A SHIGERU PIANO IS MUCH MORE THAN THE INTELLIGENTAPPLICATION OF MATERIAL, LABOUR AND DESIGN. IT IS AN ART
FORM BORN NOT FROM THE HEAD, BUT FROM THE HEART.
Thus, the craftsman does far more than simply “build” it – he brings it tolife. The sensitive nurturing of every part, every joint, every subtle nuancevests each piano with an intangible quality – a soul – that lives on fromgeneration to generation.
And those who own a Shigeru piano know that they possess not merely an
instrument, but a partner in the musical pursuit of dreams.

Acclaim
MANY OF THE WORLD’S MOST TALENTED ARTISTS, EDUCATORSAND TECHNICAL EXPERTS HAVE APPLAUDED THE SHIGERU
KAWAI PIANO FOR ITS OUTSTANDING TOUCH, TONE AND
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE.

“The Shigeru Kawai Concert Grand at Chapman
Conservatory is a beautifully-crafted, elite piano.
Many artists have been awed by its design innovationand superb power and projection.”
Dr. Grace Fong
Director of Keyboard Studies
Chapman University Conservatory“The Shigeru piano features superior tonal response
across all registers, and a superbly engineered actionthat allows me to do anything I could imagine on the
instrument. In recordings, recitals, and in the teachingstudio, the Shigeru piano offers all that a pianist could
ask for.”Dr. David Korevaar
Weil Professor of Piano
University of Colorado, Boulder“It truly fires the creative imagination of the performer– a miracle of an instrument!”
Mark Nixon
Concert Pianist,
Head of Keyboard at King’s College School, London“The Shigeru Kawai
piano is unsurpassed
in its craftsmanshipand beauty of tone.”
Earl Wild
Legendary Pianist

“It has the broadest dynamic“It is a real pleasure to play on

spectrum of any piano I know.

a Shigeru. The instrument's

I wish there was a Shigeru

dynamics and expression are

Kawai piano everywhere I play.”

truly unparalleled. Whenever I
come to a concert hall and findJohn Chen
Winner 2004 Sydney International
Piano Competitiona Shigeru grand on stage, I’m
simply happy.”
Dieter Falk
Pianist, Composer and Producer“The Shigeru piano always gives“I want to congratulate you all:me inspiration to create music

in my opinion Kawai makes

at a very high level. I love its

today the best piano in thehonest and transparent sound.”world!”

Junko Ueno Garrett
Concert Pianist

Mikhail Pletnev
Pianist, Composer and Conductor“Superlative touch,
power and extremesof colour anddynamic expression.”
Michael Kieran Harvey
Concert Pianist“When I first played a Shigeru“The best companion a pianist

Kawai EX, I felt that it was likecan ask for in the adventure to

my old friend – this was the

explore and share the world’s

instrument I was looking for.”greatest music. This is the“I selected a Shigeru Kawai piano because of its soundShigeru Kawai EX piano for me.”qualities and flexible action. It is always a pleasure to playon a piano of such excellent quality.”

Moye Chen
Concert Pianist

Florian Mitrea
Concert Pianist

Stanislav Bunin
Concert Pianist“Some of the best-sounding pianos yet to come from Japan.”
Larry Fine
The Piano Book

“If you are looking for a truly elite, innovative and without
question world-class concert quality instrument, the Shigeru
Kawai is a piano that should be seriously considered.”“The Shigeru Kawai Series
are unquestionably beautiful
instruments and belong to
the elite class of piano.”
Warren Mailley-Smith
Concert Pianist

George Kolasis
Renowned Canadian Piano Technician“The soul of the Shigeru Kawai lies in its brilliance, endlesscolours and the technical perfection. I am enchanted byhis unsurpassed sound.”Laetitia Hahn
Concert Pianist

Artistry
AT INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITIONS AROUND THE
GLOBE, THE WORLD’S FINEST PIANISTS HAVE MADE THE
KAWAI CONCERT PIANO THEIR INSTRUMENT OF CHOICE.

Alexander Gadjiev
Chopin Competition© D. Golik / The Fryderyk Chopin Institute© Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition

Can Cakmur
Hamamatsu Competition© Hamamatsu International Piano Competition

International Piano Competitions

Irina Zahharenkova
Casagrande Competition

John Chen
Sydney Competition

Alexey Sychev
Jose Iturbi Competition

Simone Pedroni
Van Cliburn Competition

Alexei Nabiulin
Dublin Competition

The 9th Van Cliburn International Competition (USA)The 45th Ferrucio Busoni International Competition (Italy)

The 8th Premio Dino Ciani International Competition (Italy)First prize winner selected Kawai.

First prize winner selected Kawai.

Top three prize winners selected Kawai.

The 10th Tchaikovsky International Competition (Russia)

The 23rd William Kapell International Competition (USA)The 9th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition (Japan)

Top two prize winners selected Kawai.

Top three prize winners selected Kawai.

First prize winner selected Kawai.

The 8th Sydney International Competition (Australia)

The 42nd ARD International Competition (Germany)

The 10th Hamamatsu International Piano Competition (Japan)

First prize winner selected Kawai.

First prize winner selected Kawai.

First prize winner selected Kawai.

The 2nd Dublin International Competition (Ireland)

The 14th Iturbi International Competition (Spain)

The 27th Casagrande International Piano Competition (Italy)

Top six prize winners selected Kawai.

First prize winner selected Kawai.

First prize winner selected Kawai.

The 5th Dublin International Competition (Ireland)

The 20th Iturbi International Competition (Spain)

The 30th Casagrande International Piano Competition (Italy)First prize winner selected Kawai.

First prize winner selected Kawai.

First and second prize winners selected Kawai.

The 2nd Rachmaninoff International Competition (Russia)

The 21st Iturbi International Competition (Spain)

The 18th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition (Poland)First prize winner selected Kawai.

Second and three prize winners selected Kawai.

Second and sixth prize winners selected Kawai.

The 11th Santander International Competition (Spain)

The 12th Vianna da Motta International Competition (Macao)

The 8th Sendai International Music Competition (Japan)

First prize winner selected Kawai.

First prize winner selected Kawai.

Top six prize winners selected Kawai.

Rarity
THE RIGOROUS DEGREE OF HANDWORK AND USE OF SPECIALLY
CHOSEN MATERIALS KEEPS THESE INSTRUMENTS RARE IN BOTH
CHARACTER AND QUANTITY.
Each Shigeru piano is a Limited Edition treasure, born to fulfil the
lifelong dreams of the artist.

Acquisitions
HAVING ACHIEVED PROMINENCE AMONG EDUCATORS AND PRESTIGIOUS VENUES AROUND THE GLOBE, SHIGERU PIANOS HAVE BEEN
SELECTED BY MANY OF THE WORLD'S FOREMOST INSTITUTIONS.
Academy of Arts (Serbia)

Conservatori Superior de Música de les Illes Balears (Spain)

Pu ko otvoreno u ilište Pore (Croatia)

American Academy of Dramatic Arts (USA)

Ecole de Musique du Bocage Bressuirais (France)

Queensland Conservatorium of Music (Australia)

Anglo-Chinese Junior College (Singapore)Egå Gymnasium (Denmark)Raffles Institution (Singapore)

Anton Bruckner Konservatorium (Austria)

Etta and Joseph Miller Performing Arts Center (USA)

Reinhardt University (USA)Australian Music Examination Board (QLD, NSW & WA, Australia)

Glazbeno u ilište Elly Baši (Croatia)

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (UK)

Bielsko-Biala Music School (Poland)

Heisei College of Music (Japan)

Royal College of Music, London (UK)

Brigham Young University (USA)

Istituto Superiore Rinaldo Franci (Italy)

School of the Arts (Singapore)

Carrollwood Cultural Center (USA)Interlochen Center for the Arts (USA)

Scotch College, Melbourne (Australia)

Central Conservatory of Music (China)

Jacksonville University (USA)

Scotch College, Perth (Australia)

Chapman University (USA)

Jazz & Rock Schulen, Freiburg (Germany)

Seitoku University (Japan)

China Conservatory of Music (China)

Kyoto City University of Arts (Japan)

Shanghai Conservatory of Music (China)

Clayton State University (USA)

LaGrange College (USA)Shorter University (USA)Colburn Conservatory of Music (USA)

Laugalækjarskóli (Iceland)

Showa Academia Musicae (Japan)

Columbia College, Chicago (USA)

Leopold-Mozart-Zentrum (Germany)

Sichuan Conservatory of Music (China)

Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal (Canada)

Mississippi University for Women (USA)

Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra (Poland)Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Gatineau (Canada)

Mogilev State Art College (Belarus)

Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Freiburg (Germany)

Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Rimouski (Canada)

Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory (Russia)

Tallinna Muusikakeskkool (Estonia)

Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Saguenay (Canada)Music Academy Mlinaric Vladimir (Slovenia)

The Purcell School for Young Musicians (UK)Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Val-d'Or (Canada)Music School Nova Gorica (Slovenia)

The Savoy Hotel (UK)Conservatoire de Guyancourt (France)

Music School Slovenske Konjice (Slovenia)

The Yehudi Menuhin School (UK)Conservatoire de Limoges (France)

Music School Trebnje (Slovenia)

Tokyo College of Music (Japan)

Conservatoire de Poitiers (France)

Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences (Japan)

Tokyo Gakugei University (Japan)

Conservatoire de Thouars (France)

National Center for the Performing Arts (China)

Tougaloo College (USA)Conservatoire de St. Brieuc (France)

National Taichung University of Education (Taiwan)

University of Houston (USA)Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Lyon (France)

National Taipei University of Education (Taiwan)

University of Nevada, Las Vegas (USA)Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris (France)

National University of Ireland, Maynooth (Ireland)

University of Western Australia (Australia)

Conservatorio Arrigo Pedrollo (Italy)

New England Regional Conservatorium (Australia)

University of West Georgia (USA)Conservatorio Jacopo Tomadini (Italy)

Newington College (Australia)

Waseda University (Japan)

Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Cullera (Spain)

Nordiska Musikgymnasiet (Sweden)

Wheaton College (USA)Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Lliria (Spain)

Norges Musikkhøgskole (Norway)

Wuhan Conservatory of Music (China)

Conservatorio Profesional de Música de Valencia (Spain)

Osaka College of Music (Japan)

Xi’an Conservatory of Music (China)

Conservatorio Superior de Música de Alicante (Spain)

Pacific Union College (USA)

Xinghai Conservatory of Music (China)

Conservatorio Superior de Música de Castellón (Spain)

Popakemie Baden-Württemberg (Germany)

Zamosc Music School (Poland)© 2012-2022 Kawai Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved
CA151E-S2209 Version 5 Printed in Japanwww.shigerukawai.jp/en/