Kawai K300 vs K500
I'm contemplating getting an acoustic. I'm a beginner. Currently I have a roland E50.
Am I going to get limited if I get the K300? Can it be my forever piano?
I haven't tried either of the models yet but there is a dealer nearby with K300 that I can try but have to drive more than an hour to try K500. I like romantic era music the most, so far I'm loving listening to Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Schumann, and Bethoven. I would also love to learn Jazz. So wanted opinion if getting K300 would be sufficient or not? Does K500 gives noticeably better dynamics and sensitivity?
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Definitely try both, at least a couple times at the Kawai store. I liked the K500 relative to K300. Just a shameless plug, I have a kawai novus nv 10s which is near price range especially during a sale. It is a remarkable practice instrument (particularly given silent headphone ability) that has exact same action as their grand piano models, and acoustic pedal mechanism. For a practice instrument it is pretty much ideal and translatable to acoustic grand pianos. The only downside to me is when you get to sophisticated pedaling techniques (advanced repertoire) it doesn't quite get the same effect. Cheers
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Ryan D thank you ryan, appreciate your recommendation!
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A smaller piano with a smaller soundboard will have a narrower range of dynamics and colors. If you want to enjoy the piano longer and develop more advanced techniques, go with a bigger piano. I have a Boston UP132 Performance Edition. It is the best upright piano I've ever played. I think Kawai K500 is similar but may be a little bit smaller than Boston UP132.
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first of all, you cannot go wrong with a Kawai! They are such a fine instrument! I have a Kawai console I bought back in 1978 & it is still a wonderful piano, which holds it tune well. I also have a Kawai R-X 1. I am a very serious Kawai fan. From what I have checked into, if you choose the K500, it would have a long life & you would enjoy it so much.
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I think you should try it and take the chance to fall in love with it. Than it can be your forever piano. For me, this is the essential.
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thank you Dianna L Lemaire Ji An Stefano Montani for giving me your insight!
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There are many Kawai K300 and K500 reviews and comparisons on YouTube. Search for Reviews Kawai K300 & K500. Such as this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZw2Sx3b2P8&t=15s
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Hi Ambs, just wanted to add a thought! The size of your practice room is also a factor. A piano that is too big (sound wise) for your room might not sound as nice as a smaller piano in the same room. Not sure how this would relate to the K300 vs K500, but might be worth considering?
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Thanks Jenny and Elizabeth Alexander . I'm planning to try out some pianos next week.
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I checked out Kawai models today. I didn't like K300 and K500 was out of tune but still I liked it. K800 sounded great but it's much more expensive than K500, about 6K. It does have a Sostenuto pedal, would it be a deal breaker if I want to learn Chopin later i.e. if I get K500 which doesn't have a Sostenuto pedal? Googling a bit on that topic gives me the impression that it is not that often used and one should know how to play alternatively when the need do arise. What's your thoughts on that?
K500 in Mahogany is almost 2K more than ebony version but I really like Mahogany. Would you pay that much more if it were you to get the colour you want?
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It is up to you. But also check out Boston upright pianos, too. They are designed by Stienway and assembled at the Kawai factory. The last time I checked, Boston upright pianos were cheaper than Kawai upright pianos. Compared to other brands, it (the one I got) had the cleanest sound and sensitive.
