Review: Kawai K15E Upright

Kawai at the Piano Shop Bath

The Piano Shop Bath are a proud specialist centre for Kawai pianos, both acoustic and digital. Kawai have garnered a reputation for affordability and high quality, and we have supplied many schools and colleges with Kawai pianos, such is their reputation for build quality. In buying new a new piano you can benefit from the most up to date construction techniques, coupled with a 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Here we look at the smallest Kawai in the upright piano range, the Kawai K15E upright piano. It has a compact modern case that will really appeal with those short on space in their homes. Even with its small cabinet it produces some serious volume and tone.

Touch and Tone

The Kawai K15E features Kawai’s ‘Ultra Responsive’ action, which is responsive to the lightest of touches. It performs well on fast scale runs and soft passages in the upper register. It is a lighter touch than some of the bigger pianos in the upright range, but the responsiveness of the action ensures that no detail is left wanting in your playing.

The tone is warm and very lyrical in the middle, with a surprising amount of growl in the bass. The trebles can be slightly brittle when played loudly, but on the other hand it capable of some lovely soft tones when played at softer dynamics.

Construction

The soundboards is constructed using straight-grained spruce, which for many centuries has been acknowledged as the best wood for amplifying string resonance.  This soundboard is supported by four fully laminated back posts, providing rigidity and enhanced tuning stability.  Inside the action, the hammer heads are made of 100% pressed ‘Premium’ wool. Certain components are constructed of friction-reducing, high-impact ABS Styran. This use of modern technology to improve performance and longevity, is a good example of the benefits in buying a new piano.

To Sum Up

The Kawai K15E is an ideal piano for beginners, music lovers and those who need a piano with a small space footprint. It is also available in three stylish finishes: black polished, Mahogany polished and white polished. Take your pick and give us a call!

The Piano Shop Bath: 01225 427961