Kawai K-500 AURES 2

Discover the next revolution in acoustic piano resonance. AURES AR2 upright and grand piano instruments combine specially developed acoustic mute features with leading digital technologies and an advanced soundboard speaker system. Pianists can enjoy the pleasure of playing a traditional acoustic piano, while taking advantage of selectable instrument sounds, Bluetooth connectivity and adjustable sound level control.

Specifications of the AURES models

■ Based on professional Kawai upright/grand acoustic pianos
■ Advanced acoustic muting systems for silent play
■ Unique soundboard loudspeaker system developed with MPAs amplifiers
■ High-level multi-channel digital piano sound with SK-EX Rendering
■ Flexible Virtual Technician function with 21 adjustable parameters
■ High-end audio processing and amplification technology for headphones
■ Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio wireless connectivity
■ Dedicated PianoRemote app for control on iOS and Android platforms.

Touch

The GP Touch muting system (exclusively available for the GP type of piano)

The latest AURES AR2 grand pianos feature Kawai's all-new GP Touch mute system. This technology features a vastly improved hammer stop rail system, capable of precisely stopping the action's hammer motion immediately before it strikes the strings, without the need for special adjustments to escapement position or timing.

This unique design allows pianists to play AURES AR2 grand pianos with the same level of effortless fluidity as their standard acoustic counterparts, whether in normal or muted playing mode, while enjoying a wide range of practical and inspiring digital features.

Unlike conventional mute systems that stop the hammer rod at a single position, the AURES AR2's GP Touch mute system places the stop rail at various points along the keyboard, as close as possible to the hammers, guaranteeing a firm, precise stop just before the hammers strike the strings. Due to the GP Touch mute system's firm, precise stopping capabilities, it is no longer necessary to regulate a shallow escape point for the action. As a result, pianists can enjoy exactly the same grand piano touch in both normal and muted playing modes.

Integrated hammer detection system

The precise movements of the hammers on the AURES AR2 pianos are measured using Kawai's Integrated Hammer Sensing System (IHSS), which utilizes high-resolution non-contact optical sensors to provide superior accuracy compared to traditional key-based sensor systems. This technology ensures precise and reliable hammer detection for a more authentic playing experience.

This more advanced approach more faithfully reproduces the mechanical movement of upright and grand piano actions, allowing the full range of dynamics to be expressed by the instrument's powerful digital piano sound engine with natural fluidity.

The sound

Grand concert piano Shigeru Kawai SK-EX

The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert piano was conceived as the next step in the evolution of the art of piano playing. Earning a reputation as "Japan's premier piano", it graces the stages of concert halls and musical institutions around the world, receiving universal acclaim for its exceptional clarity and dynamic range. The SK-EX has been a frequent choice of professional pianists at prestigious events such as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rubinstein International Piano Competitions. With its magnificent tone and incredibly responsive touch, the SK-EX can best be described in one word - unsurpassed.

The flagship digital piano sound engine

AURES AR2 instruments feature Kawai's latest digital piano sound technologies from the highly regarded Concert Artist and Novus product lines. When playing with headphones or with the AURES mode active, pianists can enjoy the magnificent sound of the flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full grand concert piano, beautifully reproduced thanks to the advanced SK-EX Rendering sound engine.

Multi-channel sampling

The SK-EX Rendering engine uses multi-channel sampling to capture the sound from various points of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano. This sophisticated sampling technique helps recreate the full and nuanced acoustic characteristics of the instrument, providing a highly realistic and expressive piano playing experience.

This modern technique not only makes it possible to record and reproduce a wider range of tonal characteristics, but also enhances the connection felt between the keyboard and the piano sound, resulting in a more lively and authentic response to changes in dynamics.

Complete resonance modeling

This naturally expressive Shigeru Kawai sound is further enhanced by resonance algorithms that model the complex tonal interactions produced by the strings and various other parts of an acoustic piano.

The SK-EX Rendering produces resonances for the sustain pedal and all 88 keys progressively, allowing the sound of the AURES AR2 digital piano to behave exactly like an acoustic piano. This progressive resonance modeling adds to the realism and authenticity of the playing experience, making it feel as if you are playing a traditional acoustic piano.

Speaker system on the soundboard

In addition to soundproofing and digital sound features, AURES AR2 instruments are also equipped with the latest version of Kawai's advanced soundboard speaker system. This innovative technology uses four high-performance transducers strategically placed on the solid spruce soundboard of the upright or grand piano. These transducers route the sound generated digitally by the AURES AR2 instrument through the large wooden soundboard, resulting in a natural acoustic tone that is more extended than that produced by traditional cone speakers.

Pianists can take advantage of the flexibility and convenience offered by a digital piano, such as the ability to select a wide range of different instrument sounds, record and replay their performance, or freely adjust the volume level to avoid disturbing their loved ones - all while continuing to play with the exceptional Millennium III upright or grand piano keyboard actions of the AURES AR2.

The hammers

Mahogany wood core and double felt hammers secured with T-shaped staples.

Mahogany hammerblocks are lightweight and extremely responsive. Found only on the finest pianos, mahogany is used for the hammer moldings on the entire range of K-Series professional upright pianos. All K-Series hammers are stapled in a T-shape to preserve their shape, and feature an additional inner layer of felt to support the creation of exceptional sound.

Partial (Upper) Duplex Scale

Partial (Upper) Duplex Scale

Partial (Upper) Duplex Scale" is a sophisticated feature built into the piano's design to enhance harmonics in the treble range, infusing the tone with brilliance and richness. By allowing specific harmonics to resonate freely and interact with the vibrating main part of the strings, this technology optimizes the harmonic series, delivering a more vibrant, resonant sound. High notes retain their clarity and purity while being enriched with a luxurious warmth, offering pianists a wider palette of tonal colors to explore and express their artistry. This extraordinary addition elevates the piano musical experience, captivating listeners with its expressive and spellbinding qualities.

Weight & dimensions

Touch

Millennium III Upright Action

The Millennium III Upright's action features components made from ABS-Carbon, a composite material created by infusing carbon fiber into our famous ABS Styran. ABS-Carbon is incredibly strong and rigid, enabling the creation of lighter action parts without compromising strength. The result is a more powerful, faster action offering greater control and stability than conventional all-wood actions. 

Elongated fingerboards made of fir

Fir is the ideal key material - light, yet extremely strong for its weight. It responds with minimal bending and exceptional consistency, conveying every subtle nuance of the pianist's interpretation while remaining stable through years of intensive use. The length of each key has been extended to facilitate playing and offer a more uniform response from the front to the back of the playing surface. The key shanks are also designed with a slightly higher profile for maximum rigidity and increased power.

Tone

NEOTEX key surfaces

Our exclusive NEOTEX key surface, made from cellulose fibers, offers a smooth, unobtrusive texture similar to natural ivory and ebony, as well as a semi-porous silica-filled surface to absorb natural oils and hand perspiration. Because NEOTEX is used for both black and white keys, key feel is consistent across the entire keyboard. NEOTEX resists cracking and fading over years of use, and is also resistant to static electricity, helping to prevent the build-up of unwanted dust. The result is a beautiful, durable key surface offering exceptional playability.

Rigid foundation for key travel

The hammer rail is the "backbone" of the piano's action. GX Series hammer rails are made of durable extruded aluminum with our exclusive double-beam design for added strength and stability. Both the hammer rail and wippens rail are permanently locked in place to preserve the careful tolerances of the action design and ensure consistent touch response throughout the life of the piano.

The entire surface of the hammer rail is finely notched to hold each hammer flange securely in place, ensuring optimum hammer alignment. The surface-mounted hammer flanges are made of PBT resin, allowing the action screws to remain tight without shrinking or swelling. All these meticulous design features form the rigid foundation of the GX series, guaranteeing precise key travel over time.

Solid spruce conical soundboard

The soundboard is the heart of a piano. Its role is to transform the vibrations of the piano strings into a rich, resonant sound. Kawai uses only solid quarter-grain spruce for the K series soundboards. Each soundboard is strategically tapered to maximize its tonal capacity. Only those that meet or exceed our strict quality standards are selected for use in our professional upright pianos.

Hybrid inner border (Rim Konsei Katagi)

The exclusive Konsei Katagi rim leverages different hardwoods to achieve the ideal sonic balance. For the inner rim, finely porous hardwoods are used to provide superior brilliance and projection of the high-frequency range of the sound spectrum. These are layered with wider-pore hardwoods that offer warmth and fullness to the sound. The synergy of structurally divergent hardwoods produces a powerful and pleasingly rounded sound, which is the hallmark of Shigeru Kawai grand pianos.

Vertically laminated bridge

The bridge performs the essential task of transferring the vibrations from the strings to the soundboard. GX series bass bridges are made from the highest quality hard maple or beech. Treble bridges are vertically laminated with 13 layers of maple and mogno for maximum strength and optimal sound energy transfer.

Specifications

Weight & dimensions

The GX-2 is a classic-sized instrument with exquisite tonal quality.

The new standard in grand piano design is beyond imagination. It combines the latest technology with traditional craftsmanship. It is the application of knowledge and experience handed down from generation to generation. It is the very definition of Japanese piano design philosophy. A lightness of touch usually reserved for the largest pianos. Its rich, lively and expressive sound inspires creative passions. A new era of grand piano performance has begun.

Touch

Millennium III Upright Action

The Millennium III Upright's action features components made from ABS-Carbon, a composite material created by infusing carbon fiber into our famous ABS Styran. ABS-Carbon is incredibly strong and rigid, enabling the creation of lighter action parts without compromising strength. The result is a more powerful, faster action offering greater control and stability than conventional all-wood actions. 

Elongated fingerboards made of fir

Fir is the ideal key material - light, yet extremely strong for its weight. It responds with minimal bending and exceptional consistency, conveying every subtle nuance of the pianist's interpretation while remaining stable through years of intensive use. The length of each key has been extended to facilitate playing and offer a more uniform response from the front to the back of the playing surface. The key shanks are also designed with a slightly higher profile for maximum rigidity and increased power.

Tone

NEOTEX key surfaces

Our exclusive NEOTEX key surface, made from cellulose fibers, offers a smooth, unobtrusive texture similar to natural ivory and ebony, as well as a semi-porous silica-filled surface to absorb natural oils and hand perspiration. Because NEOTEX is used for both black and white keys, key feel is consistent across the entire keyboard. NEOTEX resists cracking and fading over years of use, and is also resistant to static electricity, helping to prevent the build-up of unwanted dust. The result is a beautiful, durable key surface offering exceptional playability.

Rigid foundation for key travel

The hammer rail is the "backbone" of the piano's action. GX Series hammer rails are made of durable extruded aluminum with our exclusive double-beam design for added strength and stability. Both the hammer rail and wippens rail are permanently locked in place to preserve the careful tolerances of the action design and ensure consistent touch response throughout the life of the piano.

The entire surface of the hammer rail is finely notched to hold each hammer flange securely in place, ensuring optimum hammer alignment. The surface-mounted hammer flanges are made of PBT resin, allowing the action screws to remain tight without shrinking or swelling. All these meticulous design features form the rigid foundation of the GX series, guaranteeing precise key travel over time.

Solid spruce conical soundboard

The soundboard is the heart of a piano. Its role is to transform the vibrations of the piano strings into a rich, resonant sound. Kawai uses only solid quarter-grain spruce for the K series soundboards. Each soundboard is strategically tapered to maximize its tonal capacity. Only those that meet or exceed our strict quality standards are selected for use in our professional upright pianos.

Hybrid inner border (Rim Konsei Katagi)

The exclusive Konsei Katagi rim leverages different hardwoods to achieve the ideal sonic balance. For the inner rim, finely porous hardwoods are used to provide superior brilliance and projection of the high-frequency range of the sound spectrum. These are layered with wider-pore hardwoods that offer warmth and fullness to the sound. The synergy of structurally divergent hardwoods produces a powerful and pleasingly rounded sound, which is the hallmark of Shigeru Kawai grand pianos.

Vertically laminated bridge

The bridge performs the essential task of transferring the vibrations from the strings to the soundboard. GX series bass bridges are made from the highest quality hard maple or beech. Treble bridges are vertically laminated with 13 layers of maple and mogno for maximum strength and optimal sound energy transfer.

Specifications

Weight & dimensions

Sometimes the best role for an instrument is obvious from the start. The GL-50 Conservatory Grand Piano has found its highest calling within musical institutions, where its versatile size is ideally suited to teaching studios and smaller recital spaces. At 6'2", it offers abundant tone quality and perfect bass resonance for professional teaching applications. The GL-50 has all the features that earned the GL Series MMR magazine's Global Music Industry "Product of the Year" award in 2016, including the revolutionary Action Millennium III with ABS-Carbon parts that promises unparalleled consistency of feel and control over time. And, like the GL-40, the GL-50 features the CORE system, which maximizes the reflective capabilities of the inner frame to deliver greater tonal resonance and power. Play the GL-50 and discover the flagship of the award-winning GL Series line.

Touch

Millennium III Upright Action

The Millennium III Upright's action features components made from ABS-Carbon, a composite material created by infusing carbon fiber into our famous ABS Styran. ABS-Carbon is incredibly strong and rigid, enabling the creation of lighter action parts without compromising strength. The result is a more powerful, faster action offering greater control and stability than conventional all-wood actions. 

THE POWER OF THE PIANISSIMO

One of the most coveted attributes of a quality piano is a wide dynamic range: the ability to play not only thunderous fortissimos but also the most delicate and sensitive pianissimos. The technological superiority of the Millennium III action becomes most evident in its extraordinary ability to produce the perfect pianissimo. It may seem paradoxical, but the GL series technology shines brightest when it whispers.

RIGID FOUNDATIONS FOR THE TOUCH MOVEMENT

The keyframe rail is the central hub of a piano's operation. The keyframe rails in the GL series are made of durable extruded aluminum and combined with our advanced dual-beam technique, providing strength and stability. The hammer and jack rails are securely held in place to maintain the precise tolerances of the action design and ensure consistent touch throughout the piano's lifespan. The entire surface of the hammer rail is finely serrated to securely hold each hammer shank in place for optimal alignment. The hammer shanks are made of PBT resin, allowing the action screws to remain tightly secured without contraction or expansion. These meticulously designed features form the rigid foundations of the GL series, ensuring the precise motion of the keys over time.Carbon ABS is much stronger and more durable than wood, virtually impervious to the effects of humidity-related contraction and expansion. This unique combination of strength and stability allows the action components to transfer energy to the hammers with unmatched efficiency, power, precision, and nuance, delivering an exceptional playing experience. 

Tone

TAPERED SOUNDBOARD IN SOLID SPRUCE

The soundboard is the heart of a piano, responsible for transforming the vibrations of the piano strings into a rich and vibrant tone. Kawai uses only straight-grained solid spruce, quarter-sawn, for the soundboards of the GL series. Each soundboard is carefully tapered to optimize its sound-producing capabilities. Only soundboards that meet or exceed our strict quality requirements are selected to be installed in our GL series grand pianos.

TONALITY

Kawai grand pianos are renowned for their expressive tonality and expansive dynamic range, enabling pianists to effortlessly share and communicate their passion.

Duplex scale

DUPLEX SCALE SCALE

The instrument's duplex scale system provides harmonics in the midrange and treble, adding depth and breadth to the overall sound.

AGRAFFES

The staples ensure precision in string alignment, spacing and angles to produce a more uniform tone and consistent vibratory length of each note.

HARDWOOD BRIDGES

The bridges transfer the vibration of the strings to the soundboard. The bridges in the GL series are made of solid maple or beech and are carefully adjusted and fitted to the frame for perfect string pressure and optimal sound transfer.

SOLID' (Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design)

The "SOLID" construction creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support the tension of the strings. First, the windchest is mounted on the frame. Then, the windchest and yoke bar are integrated into a single structure, firmly anchored to the waistband. The extraordinary thickness of the yoke bar illustrates the structural integrity of this sturdy frame, designed to ensure stable tuning and powerful sound.

THE C.O.R.E. SYSTEM

"CORE" is an acronym that stands for "Convergence for Optimum Reflected Energy." Convergence refers to how the points of strength, including the rim, frame, and soundboard, all come together towards a central point at the core of the instrument. This convergence creates the foundation for an extremely powerful "CORE" central core that maximizes the sound reflection capabilities of the inner rim, resulting in exceptional sound quality.

SOLID (STRETCHER OVER-LAP INTEGRATED DESIGN)

The "SOLID" construction creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support the tension of the strings. First, the windchest is mounted on the frame. Then, the windchest and yoke bar are integrated into a single structure, firmly anchored to the waistband. The extraordinary thickness of the yoke bar illustrates the structural integrity of this sturdy frame, designed to ensure stable tuning and powerful sound.

EXTENDED FINGERBOARD LENGTH

Longer keys make the game easier to play and offer a more uniform response from the front to the back of the playing surface. The benefits for the player are better control and more power with less effort.

SLOW-CLOSE LID MECHANISM

Our slow-close lid mechanism incorporates a dual-damping system that protects fingers and the keyboard from potential damage caused by a sudden closure.

THE KEYBOARD TRAY WITH STEEL REINFORCEMENT.

The keyboard tray must be strong and stable in order to support the weight of the entire mechanics over time. GL Series keyboard trays are made from extremely robust hardwoods, laminated and reinforced with a steel support spar that increases the strength and rigidity of the keyboard tray to prevent any loss of energy.

V-pro frame

V-PRO FRAME

The frame is the acoustically neutral metal superstructure on which the strings are tensioned. All frames in the GL series are cast using the V-Pro process. The additional strength comes from the new frame design. The result is a highly robust, stable, and elegant frame.

SMALL DOOR WITH STEEL REINFORCEMENT

The 'little door' of a piano is that long horizontal piece of wood bordering the front of the notes. Because it's made of wood, this part can twist or bend with changes in humidity, causing the keys to jam. The 'small doors' of the GL series are reinforced by a steel rod that prevents these deformations. The keys move freely, with the 'small door' remaining straight and at a regular distance from the keys throughout the piano's life.

WINDCHEST AND TUNING PEGS

The pinblock on all GL series grand pianos is fully laminated with a minimum of eleven cross-banded layers of North American hard rock maple for maximum strength and balanced torque. The tuning pins are made from the finest carbon steel, threaded for maximum continuous rotation, and nickel-plated for enhanced appearance and long-term protection.

RESISTANCE

Strength enables a piano to maintain its integrity over time. GL Series pianos have the remarkable strength to thrive under the rigors of long-term use.

Specifications

Weight & dimensions

ES920 characteristics

• Highly authentic Responsive Hammer III keyboard action

• Ivory Touch key surfaces, triple sensor, let-off, counterweights

• Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine with 88-key sampling

• Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, SK-5, and Kawai EX grand piano sounds

• Top-of-the-range amplification equipment, powerful 40 W loudspeaker system

• Built-in Bluetooth® technology for wireless MIDI and audio connectivity

• MP3/WAV file playback, recording, and duplication on USB memory

• 4-band EQ faders, rhythm section accompaniment with 100 styles

• Spatial Headphone Sound for increased depth and realism

• Modern and lightweight housing with matching stand and triple pedal unit

The touch of a grand piano: Responsive Hammer Compact III keyboard mechanism.

The ES920's Responsive Hammer III keyboard action recreates the supreme touch of a quality acoustic grand piano, with its realistic motion and rigid, springless design, for a smooth, natural playing experience. The instrument's three-sensor hammer sensing system enhances responsiveness and precision, while structural reinforcements throughout the action help minimize noise and key oscillation during staccato and fortissimo passages.
The keyboard's weight is adapted to reflect the heavier bass hammers and lighter treble hammers of an acoustic piano, while the release simulation recreates the subtle notching sensation felt when playing softly on the keys of a grand piano. These important features enable demanding pianists to practice expanding their repertoire with confidence, and ensure there are no unpleasant surprises when it comes to playing the very best acoustic grand pianos.

The sound of three world-class instruments

Renowned as "Japan's first pianos", Shigeru Kawai instruments grace the stages of concert halls and musical institutions around the world, and are appreciated for their exceptional tonal clarity and dynamic range.
The ES920 captures the magnificent sound of two Shigeru Kawai instruments, the flagship SK-EX Concert and the medium-sized SK-5 Studio grand piano, allowing musicians to appreciate the contrasting properties of each.
What's more, the ES920 also offers the distinctive sound of Kawai's EX concert grand piano, which has been frequently selected by professional pianists at such prestigious events as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rubinstein International Piano Competitions, among others.
All three instruments are faithfully reproduced with full 88-key sampling using exclusive Harmonic Imaging™ sound technology, to set a new standard in digital piano tonal quality.

Technical specifications

Resonance and sonic clarity that fill the room
The ES920's impressive 40 W output system uses speaker cabinets that produce a rich, extended sound capable of rivaling much larger digital console pianos. This design results in a compact, portable instrument capable of wowing medium-sized audiences without the need for additional amplification.

Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio wireless connectivity
In addition to standard USB and MIDI sockets for connection to computers or other instruments, the ES920 also features integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and audio technologies, enabling the instrument to communicate wirelessly with supported smart devices.
Once the instrument is paired with a phone, tablet or laptop, ES920 owners can enjoy a wide variety of exciting music applications that enhance their learning and playing experience, or stream the sound of songs and videos directly through the instrument's powerful speaker system, without the need for additional cables.

Weight & dimensions

Touch

Millennium III Upright Action

The Millennium III Upright's action features components made from ABS-Carbon, a composite material created by infusing carbon fiber into our famous ABS Styran. ABS-Carbon is incredibly strong and rigid, enabling the creation of lighter action parts without compromising strength. The result is a more powerful, faster action offering greater control and stability than conventional all-wood actions. 

Tone

Solid spruce conical soundboard

The soundboard is the heart of a piano. Its role is to transform the vibrations of the piano strings into a rich, resonant sound. Kawai uses only solid quarter-grain spruce for the K series soundboards. Each soundboard is strategically tapered to maximize its tonal capacity. Only those that meet or exceed our strict quality standards are selected for use in our professional upright pianos.

The hammers

Mahogany wood core and double felt hammers secured with T-shaped staples.

Mahogany hammerblocks are lightweight and extremely responsive. Found only on the finest pianos, mahogany is used for the hammer moldings on the entire range of K-Series professional upright pianos. All K-Series hammers are stapled in a T-shape to preserve their shape, and feature an additional inner layer of felt to support the creation of exceptional sound.

Specifications

Weight & dimensions