The Benefits of Buying a Pre-Owned Kawai Piano -Unlocking Premium Tone for Less
- Naperville Music Staff
- Mar 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 14
(We moved our blog to this platform- dates may not reflect original posting dates)
Buying a pre-owned Kawai upright piano is a strategic way to acquire a professional-grade instrument with a warmer, more lyrical tone while avoiding the steep initial cost of a new model. Because Kawai uses innovative ABS-Carbon composite technology in its actions, even older used models often maintain a level of mechanical stability and precision that traditional all-wood pianos may lose over time.
Big Savings Up Front With a Used Kawai
The most immediate advantage is the price; used Kawai uprights often sell for 40% to 70% less than new versions of the same quality. This price gap allows buyers to afford a higher-tier instrument, such as a professional K-Series upright (like the popular Kawai K-300 ), for the same price as a brand-new entry-level model.
Because Kawai is sometimes less recognized than other major brands, you can frequently find used models at a lower price point than comparable Japanese competitors.
Built for Longevity and Environmental Stability
Kawai pianos are engineered to last, with many models easily exceeding a 100-year lifespan with proper care. A key factor in their durability is the use of ABS-Carbon in the Millennium III Action, which is over 50% stronger than wood. Unlike wood, these composite parts do not shrink or swell with humidity, meaning a used Kawai is less likely to suffer from "sticky keys" or sluggishness in varying climates.
Greater Quality for Your Budget
Buying used opens up premium features that might otherwise be out of reach:
Professional Series: You can afford the K-series (like the Kawai K-300
or K-500 ), which features longer keysticks for better leverage and a more grand-like touch.
Solid Spruce Soundboards: Used models often feature tapered solid spruce soundboards for superior resonance, rather than the laminated materials sometimes found in newer budget models.
Institutional Durability: Models like the Kawai UST are built specifically for heavy use in schools, offering incredible value and durability for a busy household.
Warm, Mellow Tone from Day One
Many pianists prefer the "broken-in" sound of an older Kawai. As the wood and felt hammers age, the piano often develops a warmer, richer tone that is particularly well-suited for classical music. A pre-owned Kawai has already completed its initial break-in period, meaning it is ready to perform at its peak musical character from the moment it arrives in your home.
Explore our new and pre-owned pianos at:
About Naperville Music
Naperville Music has been a trusted piano dealer in the Chicago area for over 50 years. Naperville Music offers new acoustic pianos from Pearl River, and Ritmuller, Digital Pianos from Yamaha and Pearl River, as well as pre-owned instruments from most major manufacturers including Yamaha, Kawai, Baldwin, Roland, Casio and others. If you are in Chicago or the Chicago suburbs, be sure to check our our modern piano showroom before you make your piano purchase.
For more piano information, including helpful videos and detailed product descriptions, visit https://www.napervillemusic.com/pianos-and-keyboards
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The information and views expressed in our blog posts are gathered from various sources, and are consistent with the views of Naperville Music. Pianos, whether new, used, or digital are a very personal purchase and you should experience any piano to be sure it meets your specific needs before you purchase one.
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