Article by OzPianoman A question of concern to many piano buyers, when comparingKawai K18 Kawai K25 Kawai K50 Kawai GM10 grand piano with Yamaha models, often similar in size : - Yamaha M112 Yamaha T116 Yamaha U1 Yamaha GH1 grand piano |
Let's see if we can minimise the misgivings and roll out some reasons why one would be better off
owning a Kawai than a Yamaha piano.
Better ? Did I say that?
No No . . . I meant Yamaha, not Kawai. Yes... um ... er ... NO ! Wait a bit . . .
Now I'm getting confused!
Look, your guess is about as good as mine - I mean, Who CAN you trust ???
"The man in the Yamaha store says Kawai uses plastic bits."
'So what'd they say at the Kawai shop?'
"They said to watch out for those Yamahas made in Indonesia - they're full of PLASTIC"!!!
What a circus...
And why do I get so many calls from bewildered music store patrons?
It's because for more than twenty years, buyers have had to contend with sales people desperate to clinch the deal, before this cashed up customer leaves the showroom.
Sellers know full well, that there's no way they can actually convince a piano buyer that either product is better, or worse, than the other. But they sure do try!
And tell you something - anything, to undermine Your opinion of the other brand.
So choosing one gets complicated by the unnecessary sales pitch nonsense regarding "Quality", when in fact they're fully Japanese made, authentic Yamahas and Kawais - from the two great names;
Dedicated piano corporations delivering highly respected instruments - and both competing for top billing.
Of course you will find those same names on cheapies too; Pianos made "Offshore"... production supervised by the Japanese technicians or designers, but where the labour is cheaper, so you can obtain "entry level" pianos at more affordable prices.
And then, as you'll have no doubt discovered, there are similar looking Korean pianos whose makers might lay claim to having the world's largest piano production.
Hmmm ? Wouldn't be surprised.
Good looking pianos too. Half a dozen different models.
Well, hardly "different" really; Same piano... different name tags ?
And with more than one Korean maker producing near identical pianos, the battle rages on.
Give it an authentic sounding German name.
Supply a brochure with plenty of hype about the superior quality of the components, the design awards.
Make it a bit cheaper to buy than a Yamaha or a Kawai and BINGO -
Instant seller!
Look out now... Next question...
"What about Chinese ... They any good" ?
Of course they're - any good.
Cheaper again and all...
AND your new piano probably comes with a big, long warranty too. Makes you feel all warm and fuzzy; Yes?
Until perhaps, you call for service and you're directed to read-the-fine-print by a dealer who says it wasn't His fault. You didn't look after it properly! But send it back - for your free $20 repair and - oh yes, you'll be paying for the cartage there 'n back (just as it says on the warranty form!!!)
Moral of story? NOT ALL PIANOS ARE CREATED EQUAL. So Read the service details carefully before you buy!
OK ... so what was I recommending here?
Ah yes -
Which brand to buy ... Yamaha or Kawai?
Well, doesn't much matter really.
But for Pete's sake buy ONE or the OTHER . . . or I've simply been wasting your precious time here!
With Yamaha or Kawai you'll get what you pay for - and maybe more!
We teach piano. I own a couple of Yamahas.
And a couple of Kawais too.
Can't fault any of them as a matter of fact.
They've all been in use for 15 years and more in our teaching studios and nothing ever goes wrong.
Occasional tuning required.
Keep 'em warm and dry and they're pretty much unaffected by weather changes. No breakdowns to report either.
All hold their tuning OK.
The 1907 German hand made beauty stands there proudly, with its stately look and glorious tone and invites comparison. Scintillating. Big, dramatic tone. Such power. So loud. A bass that absolutely growls... Starting to look a little shabby of course. Well after all, it is nearly 100 years old and just about everything is original.
And I don't know that you'd find many like that one at anything like the price of a Kawai or a Yamaha.
But really, for most piano buyers the Japanese products' built in reliability is pretty much a foregone conclusion.
So there you have it.
Ol' Pianoman says - to Messrs YAMAHA and KAWAI ...
"Having played for more than half a century I would like to sincerely compliment you both for the fine products you have given the world."
Yes folks, OzPianoman supports them both
Kawai and Yamaha equally !
In Used Pianos the same brands - good, USED, recent models have long had my vote as being perhaps the most sensible way to go... But things do change!
For example:- A New Piano? Not many which are affordable that measure up, but Talk to me about Kawai's K25 model and I'll give you some good reasons to consider it seriously - as an acceptable alternative to buying a 20 yo used piano.
SAVE !
We don't buy and sell Pianos -
but if you want to save serious money then you'd be crazy not to talk to me first.
Cost of a phone call ? No matter where you live...If you're ready to buy ANY piano
make sure you don't put a deposit on it until you've heard my recommendations
Anything you'd like to know about pianos... Antiques, Old pianos, Digital models ?
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UPDATE for 2010
Australian Piano Buyers please note: Also Selling privately...
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AUSTRALIAN BARGAIN HUNTERS . . .
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