Kawai Musical Instruments

2025-10-31T00:58:27Z

2403:5803:9512:0:641:50A:24F8:DABE: /* Hybrid pianos */Added the two latest Novus piano models.

{{Short description|Musical instrument company}}
{{Redirect|Kawai|the Japanese word|Kawaii|other uses|Kawai (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
| native_name = 株式会社河合楽器製作所
| native_name_lang = ja
| romanized_name = Kabushiki-gaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho
| logo = Kawai logo.svg
| type = [[Public company|Public]] ([[Kabushiki kaisha|K.K.]])
| traded_as = {{TYO|7952}}
| genre =
| foundation = {{start date and age|1927|08}}
| founder = Koichi Kawai
| location_city = [[Hamamatsu]], Shizuoka
| location_country = Japan
| locations =
| area_served = Worldwide
| key_people = {{ill|Hirotaka Kawai|jp|河合弘隆}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kawai-global.com/company/message/ |title=Company President Greetings |accessdate=2024-01-07}}<br /></ref> ([[Chairman|chmn.]], [[President (corporate title)|pres.]] and [[CEO]])
| industry = [[Musical instrument]]s
| products = [[Piano#Grand|Grand piano]]s and [[Piano#Upright|upright piano]]s
| production =
| services =
| market cap =
| revenue =
| operating_income =
| net_income =
| assets =
| equity =
| owner =
| num_employees = 2,813 (2020)
| parent =
| divisions =
| subsid =
| homepage = {{URL|https://kawai-global.com}}
| footnotes =
| intl =
}}
{{nihongo|'''Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.'''|株式会社河合楽器製作所|Kabushiki-gaisha Kawai Gakki Seisakusho|TYO: 7952}} is a [[musical instrument]] manufacturing company headquartered in [[Hamamatsu, Shizuoka]], Japan. It is best known for its [[grand piano]]s, [[upright piano]]s, [[digital piano]]s, [[electronic keyboards]] and [[Synthesizer|electronic synthesizers]]. The company was founded in August 1927.

==History==
[[File:Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing (headquarters 1).jpg|thumb|HQ of Kawai Musical Instruments in Hamamatsu]]
[[File:S. Kawai Grand Piano by Shigeru Kawai - Beautiful figure piano (photo by Hirotomo.SABETTO).jpg|thumb|upright|Shigeru Kawai Grand Piano]]

Koichi Kawai, the company founder, was born in Hamamatsu, Japan in 1886. His neighbor, [[Torakusu Yamaha]], a watchmaker and [[Reed Organ|reed organ]] builder, took him in as an apprentice. Kawai became a member of the research and development team that introduced pianos to Japan.<ref name="kawaius.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.kawaius.com/company/koichi_kawai.html|title=Koichi Kawai Founder: Inventive Genius|website=www.kawaius.com|date=4 October 2017 }}</ref> Yamaha died in 1916, and in the 1920s the piano industry faltered in Japan. New management took over control of Yamaha's company, Nippon Gakki Co. (later renamed the [[Yamaha Corporation]]), and began to diversify its production line. This led Kawai to leave Nippon Gakki in 1927 and found the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory.<ref name="kawaius.com"/>

After Koichi Kawai's death in 1955, his son, Shigeru Kawai became company president at 33 and expanded production facilities. In 1980, he opened the Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory. Shigeru Kawai was president of the Kawai company from 1955 to 1989, chairman from 1990 until 2002, and a company consultant until his death in 2006 at 84.

Shigeru Kawai's son, Hirotaka Kawai, was appointed president in 1989. He integrated advanced robotics into the manufacturing process, established Kawai manufacturing facilities around the globe, and oversaw the introduction of several new series of grand, upright and digital pianos.

The Kawai Musical Instrument Manufacturing Company distributes acoustic and digital pianos to over 80 countries.<ref>[[Yomiuri Television Broadcasting|Yomiuri TV]] "[[secret Kenmin SHOW]]" 2011-02-03</ref>

==Products==

===Pianos===
Since the 1970s, Kawai has pioneered the use of alternative materials to improve the consistency and stability of piano performance. In 1971, the company began to use [[Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene|acrylonitrile butadiene styrene]] (ABS), a composite material, for parts of its [[Action (piano)|piano actions]] to overcome the problems associated with the use of wood. Kawai design engineers reasoned that the tendency of wood to shrink and swell significantly with changes in humidity made it less than ideal for use in a piano action, where exacting tolerances must be maintained to ensure stable piano touch. So they gradually replaced selected wooden action parts with ABS parts that they believed would remain more stable, particularly over time as their pianos age.

According to Kawai,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kawaius.com/technology/abs/the_evidence_3.html|title=The Truth About ABS - The Evidence Part III|website=www.kawaius.com|date=22 March 2018 }}</ref> scientific tests{{Which|date=August 2013}} conducted by Professor Abdul Sadat at [[California State Polytechnic University, Pomona|California Polytechnic University]] in 1998 found Kawai's ABS action parts to be stronger than comparable wooden parts and far less susceptible to shrinking and swelling due to humidity. Kawai advertises<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kawaius.com/PDF/ABS_Superior.pdf|title = Kawai Pianos - Kawai America Corporation • Kawai Canada Music| date=11 October 2017 }}</ref> that its use of composite parts makes its piano actions more stable and consistent than those made by other manufacturers.

In 2002, Kawai introduced its Millennium III grand piano action with ABS-Carbon,<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://kawaius.com/technology/abs-c_action.html|title=Kawai America Corporation: Kawai Canada Music|website=kawaius.com|date=21 March 2018 }}</ref> a new composite material that combined ABS with [[carbon fiber]]. The new material (dubbed ABS-Carbon) increased the strength of Kawai action parts, reducing their weight, which made the overall action operate faster (very important for control when playing repeated notes or trills). The addition of carbon fiber also increased the stiffness of ABS-Carbon action parts, allowing the action to produce more power for the player with less effort. Kawai contends that these advances in materials and design help its Millennium III action respond more accurately to the player's intentions with greater consistency over time.

===Grand pianos===
[[File:Kawai custom made piano (Yoshiki).jpg|thumb|upright|Kawai custom made concert grand piano for [[Yoshiki (musician)|Yoshiki]] (1993)]]

Kawai grand pianos have evolved steadily over the decades from the Model 500/600 built in the 1960s and 1970s, to the KG Series in the 1980s and early 1990s that became popular among teachers and institutions. During these years, Kawai grand pianos earned a reputation for long-term, stable performance even in heavy use. In 1996, Kawai introduced the RX Series grand pianos featuring the Ultra-Responsive ABS Action. The RX Series continued to evolve with the introduction of the Millennium III Action with ABS-Carbon in 2004. In 2009, the RX BLAK Series debuted with a new Acoustic Resonant Solid Spruce soundboard and the addition of Phenolic Stabilizers on the hammers that further enhanced the precision of the hammer strike for improved tone and consistency. The RX BLAK Series pianos also incorporated many cosmetic changes.

In 1999, Kawai introduced the Shigeru Kawai grand piano series.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Company History {{!}} Company {{!}} Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.|url=https://www.kawai-global.com/company/history/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=www.kawai-global.com}}</ref> These pianos are handmade by highly skilled technicians in a separate facility of Ryuyo Grand Piano Factory in [[Hamamatsu]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=KAWAI|url=https://www.pianobuyer.com/brand/kawai/|access-date=2020-12-06|website=PianoBuyer|archive-date=2021-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124013915/https://www.pianobuyer.com/brand/kawai/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Shigeru Kawai pianos are recognized as one of the best pianos in the world<ref>{{Cite web|title=Shigeru Kawai EX, one of the top 5 pianos in the world! - MERRIAM pianos|url=https://www.merriammusic.com/product/shigeru-kawai-ex/|access-date=2020-12-06|website=Merriam Music - Toronto's Top Piano Store & Music School }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Inc|first=Luxury Pianos|title=Best Piano Brands in the World – Luxury Pianos Inc.|date=17 July 2020 |url=https://luxury-pianos.com/best-piano-brands-in-the-world/|access-date=2020-12-06 }}</ref> and are used in concerts and piano competitions all over the world alongside pianos manufactured by companies like Bösendorfer, Steinway, Yamaha and Fazioli.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fryderyk Chopin - News - The 17th Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition is beginning|url=https://en.chopin.nifc.pl/institute/events/news/id/3928|access-date=2020-12-06|website=en.chopin.nifc.pl|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Winner's Choice|url=https://kawaius.com/the-winners-choice/|access-date=2020-12-06|website=Kawai Pianos - Kawai America Corporation • Kawai Canada Music |date=19 March 2018 }}</ref> The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano was introduced in 2001, and chosen as the official piano of the 2002 [[International Tchaikovsky Competition]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Shigeru Kawai International Piano Competition Established {{!}} News {{!}} Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.|url=https://www.kawai-global.com/news/shigeru-kawai-international-piano-competition-established/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=www.kawai-global.com}}</ref>

In 2013, Kawai introduced the GX BLAK Performance Series line of grand pianos.<ref name=":1" /> In Japanese, the word ''kuro'' (black) suggests wisdom, experience and nobility.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baker|first=Dianne|title=Kawai Professional GX BLAK Series Grand Pianos|url=https://allaboutpianos.com/pianos/kawai-gxblak-series/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=ALL ABOUT PIANOS - Belgrade, MT }}</ref> Improvements include a stretcher-overlap integrated design (SOLID) and Konsei Katagi blended rim design for improved tone projection.<ref name=":0" />

In 2015, Kawai introduced the GL Series line of grand pianos.<ref>{{Cite web|title=GL series the new line of grand pianos announced by Kawai Japan. {{!}} News {{!}} Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.|url=https://www.kawai-global.com/news/gl-series-the-new-line-of-grand-pianos-announced-by-kawai-japan/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=www.kawai-global.com}}</ref>

The current Kawai Grand Piano product line consists of the following models:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grand Pianos｜Products｜Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.|url=https://www.kawai-global.com/product/c/grandpianos/|access-date=2020-12-08|website=www.kawai-global.com}}</ref>

* Shigeru Kawai
** SK-EX: {{convert|278|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** SK-7: {{convert|229|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** SK-6: {{convert|214|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** SK-5: {{convert|200|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** SK-3: {{convert|188|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** SK-2: {{convert|180|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
* GX BLAK Performance Series
** GX-7 Semi Concert Grand Piano: {{convert|229|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** GX-6 Orchestra Grand Piano: {{convert|214|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** GX-5 Chamber Grand Piano: {{convert|200|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** GX-3 Conservatory Grand Piano: {{convert|188|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** GX-2 Classic Salon Grand Piano: {{convert|180|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** GX-1 Classic Grand Piano: {{convert|166|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
* GL Series
** GL-50 Conservatory Grand Piano: {{convert|188|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** GL-40 Classic Salon Grand Piano: {{convert|180|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** GL-30 Classic Grand Piano: {{convert|166|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** GL-20 Classic Baby Grand Piano: {{convert|157|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
** GL-10 Classic Baby Grand Piano: {{convert|153|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
*EX Concert Grand Piano: {{convert|276|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
* CR-40A Crystal Grand Piano: {{convert|185|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}

[[File:Kawaii continental upright inside.jpg|thumb|upright|Inside of the Kawai Continental Upright]]

===Upright pianos===
Kawai upright pianos are divided into four classes - K Series Professional, Designer Series, Institutional Series and Continental Series.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kawai Upright Pianos|url=https://kawaius.com/pianos/upright-pianos/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=Kawai Pianos - Kawai America Corporation • Kawai Canada Music |date=26 September 2017 }}</ref> Kawai K Series Professional Uprights range in height from {{convert|114|to|134|cm|abbr=on}}. All have Kawai's Millennium III Upright Action with ABS-Carbon.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kawai K Series Professional Upright Pianos|url=https://kawaius.com/pianos/upright-pianos/k-series/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=Kawai Pianos - Kawai America Corporation • Kawai Canada Music |date=23 January 2018 }}</ref>

The current Kawai Upright Piano product line consists of the following models:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Upright Pianos｜Products｜Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.|url=https://www.kawai-global.com/product/c/uprightpianos/|access-date=2020-12-12|website=www.kawai-global.com}}</ref>

* K Series Professional
** K-800: {{convert|134|cm|abbr=on}}
** K-700: {{convert|130|cm|abbr=on}}
** K-600: {{convert|134|cm|abbr=on}}
** K-500: {{convert|130|cm|abbr=on}}
** K-400: {{convert|122|cm|abbr=on}}
** K-300: {{convert|122|cm|abbr=on}}
** K-200: {{convert|114|cm|abbr=on}}
* Designer Series
** 907 Designer Studio: {{convert|117|cm|abbr=on|frac=2}}
** 607 Designer Console: {{convert|113|cm|abbr=on|frac=2}}
** 508 Decorator Console: {{convert|113|cm|abbr=on|frac=2}}
* Institutional Series
** ST1: {{convert|117.5|cm|abbr=on|0}}
** 506N: {{convert|113|cm|abbr=on|frac=2}}
* Continental Series
** K-15: {{convert|110|cm|abbr=on|1}}
**ND-21: {{convert|121|cm|abbr=on|frac=2}}

=== Digital pianos ===
Kawai digital pianos are divided into 7 classes - CA series, CN series, KDP series, ES series, MP series, VPC series, and DG series.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kawai Digital Pianos|url=https://kawaius.com/pianos/digital-pianos/|access-date=2020-12-12|website=Kawai Pianos - Kawai America Corporation • Kawai Canada Music |date=26 September 2017 }}</ref>

The current Kawai Digital Piano product line consists of the following models (as of April 2025):<ref>{{Cite web |title=Digital Pianos｜Products｜Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd. |url=https://www.kawai-global.com/product/c/digitalpianos/ |access-date=2023-04-28 |website=www.kawai-global.com}}</ref>

* CA (Concert Artist) series
** CA901 (successor of CA99)
** CA701 (successor of CA79)
** CA501 (successor of CA59)
** CA401 (successor of CA49)
* CN series
** CN301 (successor of CN39)
** CN201 (successor of CN29)
* KDP (Kawai Digital Piano) Series
** KDP120 (successor of KDP110)
** KDP75 (successor of KDP70)
* ES (portable) series
** ES920 (successor of ES8)
** ES520
** ES120 (successor of ES110)
** ES60
* MP (stage piano) series
** MP11SE
** MP7SE
* VPC (virtual piano controller) series
** VPC1
* DG (Digital Grand) Series
** DG30

====Keyboard actions and features====
{{sticky table start}}
{{sort under}}
{{mw-datatable}}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-datatable sticky-table-row1 sticky-table-col1 sort-under" style="font-size: 84%; text-align: center;"
|-
! Model !! Grand Feel III !! Grand Feel Compact !! Responsive Hammer III (RH3) !! Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHC2) !! Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) !! Responsive Hammer Lite (RHL) !! Ivory Touch surface !! Let-off simulation / escapement !! Counterweights !! Sensor !! Velocity curves !! Amplifier !! Sound source !! Sounds !! Polyphony
|-
| ES60 || || || || || || yes || || || || || Light, Normal, Heavy, Off || 2 x 10W || Harmonic Imaging || 17, SK-EX || 192
|-
| ES120 || || || || || yes || || || || || || Light, Normal, Heavy, Off || 2 x 10W || Harmonic Imaging || 25, SK-EX || 192
|-
| ES520 || || || || yes || || || || || || 3 || Light, Normal, Heavy, Off (Constant) || 2 x 20W || Progressive Harmonic Imaging || 34, Grand Pianos: Shigeru Kawai EX, Kawai EX || 192
|-
| ES920 || || || yes || || || || yes || yes || yes || 3 || Light 1-4, Normal, Heavy 1-4, Off (Constant), User || 2 x 20W || Harmonic Imaging XL || 38, Grand Pianos: Shigeru Kawai EX, Kawai EX, SK-5 || 256
|-
| KDP75 || || || || || yes || || || || || 2 || Adjustable Touch || 2 x 9W || Harmonic Imaging || 15, SK-EX || 192
|-
| KDP120 || || || || yes || || || || || || 3 || Light, Normal, Heavy, Off || 2 x 20W || Harmonic Imaging || 15, SK-EX || 192
|-
| MP7SE || || || yes || || || || yes || yes || yes || 3 || Light+, Light, Normal, Heavy, Heavy+, Off (Constant), User || - || Harmonic Imaging XL || SK-EX, SK-5, EX || 256
|-
| MP11SE || yes || || || || || || yes || yes || || 3 || Light+, Light, Normal, Heavy, Heavy+, Off (Constant), User || - || Harmonic Imaging XL || Shigeru Kawai EX, Kawai EX, Shigeru Kawai SK-5 || 256
|-
| CN201 || || || yes || || || || yes || yes || yes || 3 || Light, Normal, Heavy, Off || 2 x 20W || Progressive Harmonic Imaging || 19, SK-EX, EX || 192
|-
| CN301 || || || yes || || || || yes || yes || yes || 3 || Light 1-4, Normal, Heavy 1-4, Off (Constant), User || 2 x 20W || Progressive Harmonic Imaging || SK-EX, SK-5, EX || 256
|-
| CA401 || || yes || || || || || yes || yes || Bass Region || 3 || Light, Normal, Heavy, Off || 2 x 20W || Progressive Harmonic Imaging || SK-EX,EX || 192
|-
| CA501 || || yes || || || || || yes || yes || Bass Region || 3 || Light 1-4, Normal, Heavy 1-4, Off (Constant), User || 2 x 50W || Harmonic Imaging XL || SK-EX, SK-5, EX || 256
|-
| CA701 || yes || || || || || || yes || yes || || 3 || Light 1-4, Normal, Heavy 1-4, Off (Constant) || 2 x 50W || SK-EX Multi Channel, Harmonic Imaging XL || SK-EX, SK-5, EX || 256
|-
| CA901 || yes || || || || || || yes || yes || || 3 || Light 1-4, Normal, Heavy 1-4, Off (Constant) || 3 x 45W || SK-EX Multi Channel, Harmonic Imaging XL || SK-EX, SK-5, EX || 256
|-
| DG30 || || || yes || || || || yes || yes || || 3 || Light 1-4, Normal, Heavy 1-4, Off (Constant), User || 2 x 20W || Progressive Harmonic Imaging || SK-EX, SK5, EX || 256
|-
| VPC1 || || || || || || || yes || yes || || 3 || || || || 5 Presets for virtual Software Pianos (Normal, Ivory II, PianoTeq, Galaxy Vintage D, NI Alicia's Keys), Editor for Mac and Windows ||
|}
{{sticky table end}}

=== Hybrid pianos ===
The current Kawai Hybrid Piano product line consists of the following models:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hybrid Pianos｜Products｜Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.|url=https://www.kawai-global.com/product/c/hybridpianos/|access-date=2023-04-29|website=www.kawai-global.com}}</ref>

* Novus series
** NV12
** NV6
** NV10S
** NV5S
* AnyTime series
** AnyTime ATX4
** AnyTime ATX3L
* Aures series
** Aures AR2

===Synthesizers===
[[File:Teisco S60F.jpg|thumb|Teisco 60F ({{circa|1980}})]]

Kawai started manufacturing synthesizers at the start of the 1980s under the brand name [[Teisco]]. These instruments were all [[analog synthesizer|analog]] and included the models: [[Teisco 60P|60P]], [[Teisco 60F|60F]], [[Teisco 110F|110F]], [[Teisco 100F|100F]], [[Teisco 100P|100P]], [[Teisco SX-210|SX-210]], [[Teisco SX-240|SX-240]], and [[Teisco SX-400|SX-400]]. At some point, Kawai stopped using the "Teisco" brand, so some of these products can be found labelled either Teisco or Kawai.

During the second half of the 1980s, Kawai developed and released a number of digital synthesizers. The most known of these are the K series: [[Kawai K1]], K1m,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/kawai-k1-synthesizer/3541|title=Kawai K1 Synthesizer|magazine=Sound On Sound|date=June 1988|pages=49–51|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> [[Kawai K1|K1mkII]], [[Kawai K3|K3]]<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/kawai-k3/1452|title=Kawai K3|magazine=Sound On Sound|date=December 1986|pages=74–6|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> (SSM2044-based filters), [[Kawai K4|K4]] and [[Kawai K5|K5]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/kawai-k5/2552|title=Kawai K5|magazine=Sound On Sound|date=December 1987|pages=36–41|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> These machines follow different synthesis approaches. The K4 use [[subtractive synthesis]] based on sampled waveforms, the K1 and K5 are [[additive synthesis|additive]] synthesizers. The K1 is one of the first popular synthesizers that has no filter whatsoever; all sounds are made by stacking wave samples and applying [[frequency modulation]]. The K3 is hybrid in the sense that it does employ additive synthesis for waveform generation, but these waveforms are static and cannot be modulated as in a true additive synthesizer; instead, waveshaping is done using a low-pass filter, therefore characterizing this machine as a subtractive synthesizer. Uniquely for their price range, all instruments feature [[aftertouch]]. Kawai also manufactured [[19-inch rack|rack]] versions of most of these instruments, [[Kawai Q-80]] [[MIDI sequencer]] (1988),<ref name=playerAug1988>{{cite journal
|title = KAWAI Q-80 [Digital MIDI Sequencer]
|url = http://playerco.sakura.ne.jp/archive_images/KAQ-88808.jpg
|journal = [[:ja:Player (雑誌)|Y.M.M. Player]]
|language = Japanese
|issue = August 1988
|archive-date = 2016-02-01
|access-date = 2015-08-20
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160201175416/http://playerco.sakura.ne.jp/archive_images/KAQ-88808.jpg
|url-status = dead
}} archived on:
{{cite web
|ref = {{sfnref|New Product archives - KAWAI}}
|url = http://www.player.jp/oyakudachi/archive/detail.php?ch=K&na=KAWAI
|title = New Product archives - KAWAI
|work = Player ON-LINE
|publisher = Player Corporation
|location = [[Tokyo]]
}}{{Dead link|date=April 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/fighting-hard/4495|title=Fighting Hard!|magazine=Sound On Sound|date=February 1989|pages=68–70|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> and an external MIDI programming device, [[Kawai MM-16|MM-16]] MIDI Mixer (MIDI processor with slider controllers).<ref name=mm-16>
{{cite book
| title = KAWAI 16ch MIDI Mixer MM-16 Owner's Manual
| url = http://www.kawaius-tsd.com/OM/MODULE~1/MM16.pdf
| publisher = Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd | location = [[Hamamatsu]]
}}
</ref>

Later developments resulted in [[Kawai KC10|Kawai Spectra KC10]] (1990)<ref name=playerDec1990>{{cite journal
|title = KAWAI Spectra KC10
|url = http://playerco.sakura.ne.jp/archive_images/KASpe9001.jpg
|journal = [[:ja:Player (雑誌)|Y.M.M. Player]]
|language = Japanese
|issue = December 1990
|archive-date = 2016-02-01
|access-date = 2015-08-20
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160201203810/http://playerco.sakura.ne.jp/archive_images/KASpe9001.jpg
|url-status = dead
}} archived on: {{harvnb|New Product archives - KAWAI}}</ref> based on the K4 engine, along with a group of original [[multitimbral]] instruments, including [[Kawai PH-50]] Pop Keyboard and its half-rack version [[Kawai PHm|PHm]], and [[Kawai XS-1|XS-1]] sound module (1989),<ref name=XS-1>
{{cite book
| title = KAWAI XS-1 16bit Synthesizer Module Owner's Manual
| url = http://www.kawaius-tsd.com/OM/MODULE~1/XS-1.PDF
| publisher = Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd | location = [[Hamamatsu]]
}}
</ref> and a group of [[General MIDI]] (GM) compatible instruments including [[Kawai KC20]] GM Sound Keyboard (early 1990s), [[Kawai GMega|GMega]] sound module (early 1990s)<ref name=GMega>
{{cite book
| title = KAWAI GMega Synthesizer Module Owner's Manual
| url = http://www.kawaius-tsd.com/OM/MODULE~1/GMEGA.PDF
| publisher = Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd | location = [[Hamamatsu]]
}}
</ref> as an update of previous XS-1, and [[Kawai K11|K11]] (1993)<ref name=playerMay1993>{{cite journal
|title = KAWAI K11
|url = http://playerco.sakura.ne.jp/archive_images/KAK119305.jpg
|journal = [[:ja:Player (雑誌)|Y.M.M. Player]]
|language = Japanese
|issue = May 1993
|archive-date = 2016-02-01
|access-date = 2015-08-20
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160201193703/http://playerco.sakura.ne.jp/archive_images/KAK119305.jpg
|url-status = dead
}} archived on: {{harvnb|New Product archives - KAWAI}}</ref> based on GMega and K1, etc.

[[File:Kawai K5000S.jpg|thumb|Kawai K5000S ({{circa|1996}})]]

In 1996 Kawai released the [[Kawai K5000|K5000]], an advanced additive synthesizer that greatly improved on the K5 and is now regarded as one of Kawai's very best instruments.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vintagesynth.com/kawai/k5000.php|title=K5000 at Vintage Synth Explorer}}</ref> It was manufactured in three versions: K5000S, which had 16 knobs for real-time control and an [[arpeggiator]], K5000W which added a [[Music sequencer|sequencer]] but lacked both the knobs and the arpeggiator, and the K5000R, a rack version with an arpeggiator, but no sequencer and no knobs. A Knobs Macro Box was sold separately for use with the W and R models. Kawai originally planned to release K5000X, which would combine the features of the S and W models with a 76-key keyboard and enhanced memory, but this was cancelled in the late '90s due to bad sales. Shortly thereafter the company stopped producing synthesizers.

===Drum machines===
[[File:Kawai XD-5 front.png|thumb|Kawai XD-5 (1989)]]

The [[Kawai R-100]] and R50 [[drum machine]]s were both manufactured from around 1987.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/kawai-r100-drum-machine/1982|title=Kawai R100 Drum Machine|magazine=Sound On Sound|date=June 1987|pages=74–6|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/kawai-r50-drum-machine/2508|title=Kawai R50 Drum Machine|magazine=Sound On Sound|date=September 1987|issn=0951-6816|oclc=925234032}}</ref> The [[Kawai XD-5]], a [[drum]] synthesizer based on the K4 engine,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.muzines.co.uk/articles/kawai-xd5/2168|title=Kawai XD5|magazine=Music Technology|date=May 1991|pages=66–8|issn=0957-6606|oclc=24835173}}</ref> was produced in 1989-1990.

===Organs===
[[File:Kawai MORE series M-650 (1978, unified to Dreamatone in fall 1979) (2014-04-28 18.38.17 by tales of a wandering youkai).jpg|thumb|Kawai MORE series M-650 (1978)]]
{{further interlanguage link|Dreamatone|ja|ドリマトーン}}
Kawai produces a line of [[electronic organ]]s under the name "Dreamatone".<ref>{{cite web
|title = Kawai Dreamatone
|url = http://www.kawai.jp/product/c/electricorgan/
|language = ja
|publisher = Kawai Musical Instruments
|quote = 
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150505060212/http://www.kawai.jp/product/c/electricorgan/
|archive-date = 2015-05-05
}} [In English: "''[http://www.kawai.jp/product/c/electricorgan/dtseries/ DT Series] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703093226/http://www.kawai.jp/product/c/electricorgan/dtseries/ |date=2017-07-03 }} - Kawai Dreamatone is an electronic organ to realize your ideal music''"]</ref> Kawai also owns [[Lowrey organ]]s. Kawai previously offered the ''MORE'' series, a home organ product line applying the high-end technology of their theater models, ''T-50'' and ''T-30''. The ''MORE'' series was merged into "Dreamatone" family in fall 1979.

===Other products===
The company also manufactures MIDI controllers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kawai VPC1 Virtual Piano Controller {{!}} Kawai Digital Pianos|url=https://kawaius.com/product/vpc1/|access-date=2020-12-08|website=Kawai Pianos - Kawai America Corporation • Kawai Canada Music |date=29 September 2019 }}</ref>

The company has built guitars and basses in the past. The F-series from approximately late 1970 to 1990 have a neck thru guitar design.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kawai 80's Catalogue – Vintage Japan Guitars|url=https://www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br/en/kawai-80s-catalogue/|access-date=2021-03-14|website=www.vintagejapanguitars.com.br |date=3 July 2019 }}</ref>

{{multiple image |direction=vertical |align=right |width=120
|image1=Kawai K1rII.jpg |caption1=Kawai K1rII (1989)
|image2=Kawai K4r.jpg |caption2=Kawai K4r (1989)
}}

==See also==
* [[Kent guitars]]
* [[Piano]]
* [[Synthesizer]]
* [[Teisco]]

{{Clear}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing}}
* {{Official website}}
* [http://www.shigerukawai.com/ Shigeru Kawai Piano Company]
* [https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/hirotaka-kawai NAMM Oral History Interview with Hirotaks Kawai] November 14, 2011.

{{Electronics industry in Japan}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Japanese companies established in 1927]]
[[Category:Companies based in Shizuoka Prefecture]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange]]
[[Category:Hamamatsu]]
[[Category:Japanese brands]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies established in 1927]]
[[Category:Piano manufacturing companies of Japan]]
[[Category:Synthesizer manufacturing companies of Japan]]

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Kawai Musical Instruments