Baby grands (about five feet) bring grand-piano tone to homes and small venues. Kawai produces several baby grand lines that use traditional woods plus engineered composites in the action to improve stability. Confirm model availability and exact materials with an authorized dealer before purchase.

Why consider a baby grand?

A baby grand is a compact grand piano, typically close to five feet in length, that delivers much of the tonal character and dynamic range of a full-size grand while fitting into a home, studio, or small venue. Kawai has a long history building baby grands that target home players and institutions.

Key features to look for

Size and placement

Baby grands usually range from about 4'6" to 5'6". The shorter strings and smaller soundboard make them more space-friendly than larger grands, but they still project better than most uprights.

Tone and action

Look for evenness of tone across registers and a responsive action. Kawai designs several action types and uses composite materials in many contemporary actions to improve stability and consistency compared with older all-wood actions. These composites can resist humidity changes and reduce maintenance needs relative to some traditional materials .

Pedals and expressive control

A sustain (damper) pedal is standard on grand pianos and lets notes ring after keys are released, enabling legato and sustained textures. Many Kawai grands offer a full complement of pedals and adjustable touch settings on certain models.

Materials and construction

Modern Kawai pianos commonly combine traditional hardwoods for the rim and soundboard with engineered materials in the action. Kawai has used ABS-based composite elements in their actions; the company has also marketed various branded composites over the years (for example, ABS-Carbon in some lines) 1. These materials aim to balance touch, durability, and resistance to climate. References to "polyacetal" or specific composite names should be verified against the exact model specifications before purchase 2.

Model names and what they mean

Kawai's model designations have evolved. If you're researching a specific model such as the GM-10, confirm current availability and specifications with an authorized dealer - model names and production status change over time 3.

Where a baby grand fits best

Baby grands suit private homes, teaching studios, small recital spaces, and some churches. They offer a visual and acoustic presence that often becomes the focal point of a room without requiring the space of a full concert grand.

Buying tips

  • Play multiple instruments to compare touch and tone.
  • Ask for the exact action type and materials for the model you consider.
  • Check whether the model is a current production instrument or a used/discontinued model.
  • Inspect or ask about climate-related care and any reinforced or composite components used to improve stability.
If you value the combination of grand-piano touch and a smaller footprint, a Kawai baby grand is worth considering. Verify the specific model details and try instruments in person before deciding.
  1. Verify whether Kawai produced or currently produces a model named GM-10 and confirm its specifications and production status.
  2. Confirm the exact branded composite names Kawai has used (ABS Styran, ABS-Carbon, or other) and the model lines that include them.
  3. Check if Kawai specifically uses polyacetal or carbon elements in the key/hammer linkage for current or historical models.

FAQs about Kawai Baby Grand Piano

What is a baby grand piano?
A baby grand is a smaller grand piano - typically about 4'6" to 5'6" - that offers much of the tonal character of larger grands while fitting into smaller rooms.
Do Kawai baby grands use composite materials in their action?
Yes. Kawai has used ABS-based composites in many contemporary actions to improve stability and consistency, but the exact composite and construction vary by model and year .
Is the Kawai GM-10 still produced?
Model names and production status change over time. Confirm the GM-10's current availability and specifications with an authorized Kawai dealer or the manufacturer's website .
How does a sustain pedal work on a grand piano?
The sustain (damper) pedal lifts the dampers off the strings so notes continue to sound after keys are released, allowing sustained and blended tones.
Where are baby grands most appropriate?
They work well in private homes, teaching studios, small recital spaces, and some churches - anywhere you want grand-piano touch and tone but lack space for a larger grand.

News about Kawai Baby Grand Piano

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