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🎹 Shigeru Kawai SK2: The World's Most Dynamic Sub 6 Foot Grand Piano 🎹
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- čas přidán 2. 02. 2024
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#ShigeruKawai #SK2 #grandpiano
Hi everyone thanks for joining us, and welcome back to the channel. Be sure to subscribe and hit that notification bell so you don’t miss out on any of our piano related content.
Today we are taking a look at the gorgeous Shigeru Kawai SK2 baby grand piano.
The Shigeru Kawai SK2 is an industry favorite grand piano that skillfully balances top-notch performance and a unique tonal character, at a price point that's far more accessible than the typical top-tier European equivalent. Stu takes us through 4 reasons why the piano punches way above its weight, and why, fundamentally, it really needs to be considered alongside 6 foot instruments despite its slightly shorter length.
Firstly, its dynamic range is measurably wider. Secondly, its keystick length gives the control and consistency of a much larger instrument. Third, the bass is clear and powerful, and forth, the resonance and colour is outstanding, particularly in the upper-mid and top ranges.
So for anyone considering a performance-grade instrument and feeling unsure about whether the long-standing "nothing below 6'" rule still applies, the SK2 is a strong and convincing argument that it doesn't. Consider alongside Bechstein's A175, Schimmel's K175, or Steinway's M or O models.
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Stu proved once more that he is the best piano salesman in Canada.
I am sure he appreciates the incredibly kind words! I will be happy to pass them along to him on your behalf. :)
Correction: The best piano salesman in North America. Once I'm in the market for a grand piano, I'll be willing to make the trip to Toronto. He's that good.
This guy always creates new musical masterpiece every time he lays hands on a piano
Stu is quite the talent to say the least! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Does anyone just come here to listen to Stu talk about Pianos and listen to his playing?
I like that the content is technical and creative. It’s a great combination. I have learned so much about pianos watching this content.
Keep it up! Possibly you’ve considered it already - doing content like factory visits, interviews with musicians and the engineers who make these instruments.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for the kind words and support! We appreciate it. Also, I love the suggestions. We have tackled a video about the Bechstein factory, but it would be exciting to expand that initiative to other manufacturer's facilities. With that said, some manufacturers do not allow factory visits or, if they do, filming is prohibited. As always though, we will do our best to delivery! :)
Yes, me! 😀
The 20 seconds demo literally changed my life.. That's the most beautiful piano sound I've ever heard ❤
We're so happy to hear that! The SK2 is a stunning piano in every regard! :)
I often dream of one day owning a grand piano, and then I come here to indulge myself :)
My fingers are crossed for you that you will be able to realize that dream soon! Grand pianos are extremely rewarding to play and own of course. :)
Thanks, I'm working towards that :) Best regards@@MerriamPianos
Thank you for the video we love you brother 🙏
Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)
My local Kawai dealer had an SK-2 on the floor when I stopped in recently. I was very impressed by it!
That is great to hear! They're phenomenal instruments with tons of colour, power, and musicality. :)
I played a new SK (7’) for the first time a few months ago. The word “velvet” came to mind. The action was beautifully sensitive. I didn’t have time to explore the tone fully but the little I heard was warm and musical.
I have never liked Japanese pianos, although preferring Kawai to Yamaha (brilliance without substance). But Shigeru Kawai is another league S from the rest.
The Shigeru Kawai pianos are truly incredible instruments. In my opinion, they are the finest instruments coming out of Japan right now. Their beautiful, colour voices are paired with one of the most responsive actions on the market. I am so happy to hear that you've had a chance to experience the beauty of the Shigeru Kawai pianos in person. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you. I confess to not having played Yamaha's high-end S series or their CFX. I have been spoilt by owning high-end German pianos (a 6' Ibach and now a 7' Ibach which has a wonderfully rich tone) and having had access to other great pianos like a music teacher's Schiedmayer (what a wonderful piano) and concert hall instruments like Boesendorfers and Steinways. I must say I have encountered some pretty rubbishy Steinways, probably poor maintenance rather than innate quality .
Been watching Merriam videos for a while, but this one made me finally hit Subscribe. Awesome playing Stu 🔥
Thanks so much for the sub! We really appreciate that. We're glad you've been enjoying Stu's reviews and comparisons. :)
@@MerriamPianos indeed! I'm off to get a Kawai ES120 soon over the P125 and the older ES110, thanks to the comparison videos that he did
I just wish Stu could play more classical music on these fine instruments so we can really here what these instruments can do🎹🎶
Stu is a very versatile player and an incredibly accomplished classical pianist as well. At the end of the day, every player will play the music that inspires them the most. I don't think one genre is superior to another. I think having that kind of mindset can be stifling to opening oneself up to the musical value that can be extracted from each different style or genre.
@@MerriamPianosclassical music is better.
@@gustavogo2915 I agree that the quality of the grand piano like this is best demonstrated by playing demanding classical pieces of music.
Perhaps in a live setting, but tbh, even with great headphones here, simpler music allows for more of the breadth and depth of each note to be appreciated.. pieces such as from Einaudi are excellent to appreciate the subtleties of sound from a piano.
@@mysticsailor9 I would have to agree with the other replies. It would be interesting to hear Stu's opinion on how these high end instruments respond to some serten pieces of classical music🎹🎶
Beautiful playing, thank you for sharing your talents with the world.
Thank you so much for tuning in! We appreciate it very much. :)
Dear Sir, I would like to express my gratitude to you. You are an extraordinary, pianist as well as an extraordinary Piano professional. The quality and quantity of your advice, as well as your didactic quality are incredible. During my research, your advice allowed me to look further and more finely for the instrument that would suit me, for the rest of my life. I finally opted for the Shigeru Kawai SK II. this instrument is a marvel, and every note, every chord delights me.
One of my childhood dreams has just come true!
Thank you for your valuable advice and piano demonstrations
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for tuning in and sharing your kind words! I will be happy to pass them along to Stu for you. Also, congratulations on your SK2! It is a marvellous instrument with incredible musicality and expressivity. I know that it will serve you well as a lifelong musical companion. :)
Stu, I love that concept of a larger action in a smaller frame. Do you know of any other models or manufacturers that offer that concept at a substantially lower price point than the Shigeru?🤔
Hi! Brent here! Kawai actually offers extended key sticks compared to competitor's models in the same size category throughout all of their upright and grand lines virtually. :)
This is a masterful presentation of a high quality instrument. I wonder what the competition is (which models) or is this just a unique product in its own niche?
My only consolation for not being able to afford a high quality piano is that my music sounds good on cheap pianos too.
Thank you so much! We're glad you enjoyed Stu's presentation on this fantastic instrument. There are many competitors/models that sit in this size and price category of course, but the SK2 certainly has a very unique, colour voice. The touch is also exceptionally responsive thanks to the Millennium III action. :)
I would definitely love to record an album on that piano.
Absolutely! The Shigeru Kawai SK-2 pianos sound gorgeous under microphones in a nice room! Lots of tonal colour, power, and expressivity throughout its entire range. :)
thanks for the video, I'm always excited to both hear about the design of the piano and hear what Stu plays for us!
I'd love to know the titles of the pieces he plays for the demonstrations, either mentioned briefly in the video or added in post production, if at all possible. Often Stu plays something that blows me away and I have no idea what it is!
Thanks so much for tuning in! Often times, Stu is actually improvising! With that said, I can certainly pass the feedback along to our production team to either include the piece title or clarify when the music being played is an improvisation. Thanks for the suggestion!
Very impressive, with a mid-high treble that is far from being thin and weak, but rather still very colourful (just as you said yourself). For its price compared to the top names, it seems excellent value. Thanks again for a very informative video. Just one request, it would be great to hear a bit more classical music in some of your reviews.
Thank you so much for tuning in and sharing your insights! I'll be happy to pass along the feedback to our production team. :)
I just love kawai , thank you regards.
The SK-2 is a phenomenal instrument with immense musicality! Thanks so much for tuning in. :)
Stu exposes just how rich the choices are from piano manufacturers.
I couldn't agree more! Thanks for tuning in! I know Stu appreciates your kind words and support as well. :)
very sublime
Thank you! :)
Great vid! Love your reviews! Please review the Nord Stage 4. 😊
Thank you so much! We are not Nord dealers at this time, but we will do our best to tackle a review of the Stage 4. Periodically, we get digital pianos come in on trade. :)
I'm going to buy one in 10 years.
I wish you all the best with your quest for an SK-2. It is a lovely instrument that is certainly worthy of being a lifelong musical companion, so it will be well worth the wait! :)
Hi, Your review is excellent! btw. Can you review Kawai gx7?, I think i would have it on future, Thank you! :D
Thank you so much! We're glad you enjoyed it! We don't regularly stock GX7 pianos (they are usually special ordered items), so it may be tough to tackle a review on one. But, as always, we will do our best to do so! :)
Love your videos and playing, Stu. I feel we have similar influences. Am I right to say that Keith Jarrett, Evans, maybe Herbie, and some really fine pop musicians are part of your sonic fabric/soul?
BTW, yes, the SK2 is right up there with a special Steinway M.
Gustavo
Hi Gustavo! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! We actually put together a Q&A video with Stu that digs into some of these topics, which you can check out here:
czcams.com/video/FcmcpGKyU8M/video.html
I think it is fair to say that all of those players have definitely resonated with and left a mark on Stu. :)
Do the Kawai hybrid models feel and sound similar to the actual acoustic model?
They are quite impressive and convincing! The NV10S has the same core Millennium III action that is even deployed in the Shigeru Kawai SK line. However, there are a few differences, such as the use of carbon fibre hammers for better tracking via the optical sensor system. In terms of the tone, nothing will quite compare to the real thing, but the tonal profile is a very faithful reproduction of the Shigeru Kawai voice and character. :)
Stu, would love to get your take/reviews on the quality of some of the used Steinways and other high end pianos offered by companies that specialize in refurbishing them to like-new condition at prices more affordable than the new factory pianos.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestion! While we periodically get these pianos come through our showrooms on trade-ins, they are not necessarily something we have regular access to. We will do our best to tackle a review of one next time we have one come across our inventory. :)
Ok Thanks for the reply! @@MerriamPianos
Hey guys I'm in love with Shigeru ... bought an SK6 with a mortgage 13 months ago. Pleeeease, how can I find out if my SK6 is a 2nd generation ? And what things would you say are different in the 2nd generation now? Hmm, actually, when did you start calling certain Shigeru's a second generation? I noticed when Shigeru's were first made, the inner rim was fronted with a long horizontal grain whereas they now have bird eye Faziolli style inner rim frontage. It has been like this for years though.
Thank you :)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Congrats on your SK6! I certainly agree with your sentiment that Shigeru Kawai pianos are extraordinary instruments with nearly unparalleled colour and musicality. The most notable change was the "L" models (current generation), which included longer key sticks. This occurred in 2011/2012 if I recall correctly. With that said, there have been a number of smaller tweaks and adjustments made to the overall design of the SK models through the years. For instance, experimentation with the hammer felts, hardness of the hammers, and heaviness of the action all occurred at various points. In any case, all of the pianos that have donned the name "Shigeru Kawai" are exceptionally well-built pianos that offer one of the most rewarding musical experiences you will find. :)
Ah ok thanks Brent, so much of the improvements Stu mentions occurred several years ago, I keep meaning to contact Kawai UK with my serial number & find out when my SK6 was made, honestly, just such a beautiful & fluid piano to partner with for life! At the time I auditioned mine, a pianist of a famous 80's soul band was deciding between my SK6 & an SK3 ... in the end he went for an SK2 ... have to say; all of them have that beautiful Shigeru colour particularly in the mid-range & treble. Oh when you say L model are you meaning the GL range? I've never heard a Shigeru referred to as an L model is all.
Still looking forward to your SK6 review :) :) :) when one comes in xx but as always loving Stu's output.
Thanks for your great response as always.
Ricky@@MerriamPianos
It's only me or this is one of those that on years is gonna retain is value if not increase, instead of depreciate?
It is possible, but it ultimately depends on the economy and market. If we see massive amounts of inflation in the coming years, that will inevitably increase the price of news pianos, which, in turn, will drive the used market up along with it. I suppose only time will tell!
Does the Kawai RX3 piano have the same Millenium III action as the SK-2?
The RX series grands did use the Millennium III action as well, but, to my understanding (and based on the info gathered from techs), there are some additional refinements with the Millennium III actions deployed in the SK line.
@@MerriamPianos I have the Kawai RX3 and it plays and sounds similar to the SK2. Thanks
Thanks Stu. What year did the second generation come out?
Hi! Brent here! While there have been a number of tweaks and updates to the Shigeru Kawai line over the years, the major update, which marks the start of the second generation for some, was in 2012 where Kawai's recent technological advancements were incorporated into the design as this article mentions:
www.shigerukawai.jp/en/about/
I was cross shopping Kawai vs Yamaha. Unfortunately, our local Kawai dealer had most of their pianos out of tune. The GX2 and SK2 I played were both pretty badly out of tune. The GL50 they had sounded much better by comparison. It was unfortunate. The SK2 was beautiful, though. I did play a wonderful S3X Yamaha though. 😀Not that you guys want to hear that.
It is unfortunate to hear that you didn't get a chance to experience a properly tuned GX2 or SK2. They are both spectacular pianos of course. Even the finest $200K+ concert grand will not be particularly impressive if not properly tuned. Hopefully, you have a chance to experience these instruments as they're meant to be intended soon.
I did the same cross shopping two years ago. The SK2 I tried at Pianohaus Atzert in Frankfurt was really fantastic and also at a nice price point. But, I really really needed silent+MIDI and apparently it is very difficult or impossible to get one of these with ATX4 installed, at least two years ago. So at the end I went with the Yamaha S3X+SH3 which I enjoy very much and I possibly like its action more. But in terms of sound and expressivity I think I found the SK2 slightly superior, it is an incredible instrument which really sings.
Shigeru Kawai piano are incredible. But, by curiosity, the C.Bechstein A175 isn't in the same price range has the SK2?
These two pianos are very close in terms of their MSRP. The CA175 is about $78,900.00 USD and the SK2 is about $81,395.00 USD. With that said, retail prices may range from market to market based on a number of factors.
I am a big fan of Shigeru Kawai pianos however; I thought the Mason & Hamlin A is one of the most powerful sub-6' pianos on the market. How do you think it compares to this Shigeru SK-2?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! It all comes down to subjectivity of course. They are both incredible pianos that are extremely well built. Personally, I lean in favour of the SK2 because the Millennium III action is one of my favourite actions/touches. I also love the colourful tone and texture it offers. :)
I was hoping to find a direct comparision between an SK2 and a GX3 but have not found one. Do you have an opinion on which would be a better choice if the price were close to each other?
Hi! Brent here! The SK2 and GX3 are different scale designs of course. A GX2 and SK2 comparison would be a bit more appropriate to properly showcase the sonic differences that the material and manufacturing quality yields. We will do our best to tackle that type of review for you in the future! With that said, I would personally gravitate towards the SK2. The GX3 is an amazing piano, but the Shigeru Kawai grands are at the apex of piano manufacturing in my opinion. :)
Hello, i am a beginner and i am trying to decide which would be my first digital piano between this three: Yamaha P225, Roland FP30x and Kawai ES120. Any suggestions please ?
Hi! Brent here! It really is a personal decision that every player has to make for themselves. For what it's worth, I personally favour the ES120 for its authentic tone and the FP30X for its authentic-feeling action. If piano sound was the bigger priority, I would go with the ES120. If action was the bigger priority, I would go with the FP30X. But, that is just my opinion and take! :)
More dynamic and powerful than the A170 Steingraeber? I think the SK2 comes close, but doesnt have the range and tonal control I felt with the A170
A lot of these types of discussions come down to subjectivity of course. While it would be possible to measure things like decibel output and the thresholds for string distortion, that is only a part of the equation of course. Every player will feel a different level of connection to a particular instrument, which will dictate the level of tone/dynamic control they have over an instrument. :)
whats the difference between SK2 and SK3?
The difference is the size/scale length. The SK2 is 5'10" versus the SK3, which is 6'2".
Wonderful instrument,no doubt,but If I coud, I would buy a Steinway & Sons or a CFX or a Bosendorfer. Only a dream (laughs)... Thanks a lot!All the best!!!
There are certainly a lot of amazing instruments out there in this price category. Each has something unique to offer musically! :)
Always thought Kawai had a sound on a par with Steinway.
It is a bit of a dark horse in the industry, but the reputation of the Shigeru Kawai's immense musicality has steadily been growing. Personally, I completely agree with the sentiment. I find the SK2 to have a more responsive action and far more colour/musicality than New York Steinways. With that said, this is a deeply personal topic of course, so every player will have their own personal preferences. :)
That sounds by far prettier than the yahama CFX. Kawai puts by far more effort into sampling their digitals than any manufacture. No matter which yahama ive played, never was a fan of their flawed action. Kawai makes it right. You wonder why yahama has not yet made a keyboard with a gorgous keybed and sound like that and why theyre nowhere near what kawai can push out, kawais build quality is always going to be better, its sad that over the years that most manufacturers just make their boards out of plastic, while kawais are built like tanks and will last for years to come im never going to get why keyboard manufactures can’t learn from Kawai and why they continue to be flawed
I don't know. I really like my Yamaha DGX670. What I've noticed between the digital piano I used before Kawai ES110 and the digital piano I use now Yamaha DGX670 is the sound on the Kawai is a lot more resonate. As for build quality that ES110 compared to the P125 has a much weaker case than the P125. Sound, and action feal is subjective🎹🎶
The Shigeru Kawai pianos are exceptionally colourful and musical! They are extremely rewarding to play and hear. And I certainly agree with your sentiments about Kawai's digital pianos. When it comes to authenticity of touch and tone, it is very difficult to compete with their offerings. :)
What is the ~ price point ?
Yes the cab res is apparent, sounds great ;-)
The SK2's MSRP is $81,395.00 USD. It is an exceptional, top-tier instrument. :)
Surprisingly Shigeru is not popular among pianist participating in Chopin Int. Piano Competion. And the pianists playing it have not never won there. Maybe the model used in Warsaw Philharmonic has some flaw?
The Shigeru Kawai pianos are truly incredible instruments with immense power and expressivity. At the end of the day, tonal preference is highly subjective and personal.
@@MerriamPianos If everything had been subjective there would have not been any competitions.
In the last Chopin competition Alexander Gadjiev tied for second place, and he played the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX. Not first place, of course, but an impressive finish in a competition with an incredibly deep pool of talented competitors. The piano, under Gadjiev’s hands, sounded magnificent.
@@499735 Almost every competitor was completely superb in the most recent competition. They need to add an improvisational component, and a compositional component to be more representative of Chopin himself. I agree with you that Alexander Gadjiev is a wonderful pianist.
It hurts watching this farce.
Anyway, there should be another way.
Stu, pivot into gossip and rumors, tabloid stuff.
I know that Adrean Farrugia has SK-2, did he record some pieces with it? If so, give us a title, and what album. Does he play it publicly? Where and when?
Talk to the Japanese, they should have an intricate collection of data, and if they share it may be useful.
Who is using SK-3 on what recordings, what albums, where can I listen to it, and who's gonna play it?
Collect the data about every instrument, who, where, what recording, is someone using it in the studio (some Rolands), who has it in his collection (for instance Junkie XL has sold his collection of synths, now he is completing a new one in his new studio czcams.com/video/LvW8LL4Omhk/video.html )
Give us some stories about the instruments and their uses by established artists, call them, and do some journalist work 😃
---
I can't tell much from this non-presentation, but maybe a little workout on the left hand to surprise and amaze your audience could keep you busy for a while? 😉
It is quite misguided and unfair to call the commentary in this video a "farce." Stu is a personal friend and colleague of Adrean Farrugia, so, to that point, these anecdotes Stu is sharing are not gossip or rumours. Keep in mind that Stu is a very established musician within the jazz community and has personal and professional relationships with many top-level players. So, once again, these are often not here-say stories, but firsthand accounts. There is a difference of course.
@@MerriamPianos Werbal commentary is on point, but musical commentary is lacking.
Whatever the story is, anecdotal, firsthand (some proper interview), notarized, whatever the case may be, I would like to hear much more about and of a given instrument. If for whatever reason Stu doesn't play enough to satisfy my unquenchable hunger, pointing at some existing records wouldn't harm anyone I suspect. Pointing at incoming events that could give a chance to hear them live could be pretty nice too.
@@EdPin_You're full of yourself aren't you?
@@fakkan6516 What I see is a Star in a cage. You have no idea how much I want to be wrong. I would love to be just a schizophrenic troll, but old stuff is different, poorly recorded, but full of energy and passion.
This crap is well-recorded and edited but somehow feels hollow.
O Stu,Where Art Thou?
czcams.com/video/Mf1416jiOds/video.html
czcams.com/video/6-VaxbnLlSg/video.html
czcams.com/video/M_aXvV0MgvI/video.html
Is it true that GX2 and SK2 have identical design and if true, is GX2 also the most or second most dynamic sub 6 foot grand piano in the world?
While they both utilize the same scale design and many of the same design features, there are a few key differences between the two. You can check out a direct comparison between the SK2 and GX2 here:
www.kawai-global.com/product_comparison/detail.php?n=sk-2,gx-2&ct=34
While the GX2 is extremely expressive with incredible dynamic range, it is a matter of subjectivity to some extent when it comes to declaring which piano is the most dynamic instrument in the world.