Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Buying Advice: Kawai K15 vs. Hardman R110

Hi I am looking to purchase an upright piano for my small apartment. I've looked in Manhattan and recently went to Frank and Camille's out in Long Island. Frank and Camille's seems to have the better prices, and all things considered, I've narrowed it down to two choices:

1- Kawaii K15 for 4000
2- Hardman & Peck R110 for 3000 (discount for floor model)

I have played the piano my whole life and really just want to have a piano to play in the apt., nothing too loud - I prefer if others cannot hear. I grew up with a Yamaha and know the Kawai well, but really have never come across a Hardman (nor can I find many reviews on the internet!) I like the action on both and everything seems comparable. The action on the Hardman is slightly uneven, but we were told the technicians would inspect and calibrate before delivery. Both brand new, come with free delivery and tuning, lifetime trade in and 10-yr warranty. This is our first piano, please help.



Thanks !

I live in the UK, however I'm a proud owner of a K-15 E (supposedly the same model as the K-15). I would highly recommend the K-15.

Obviously, Kawai are a reputable dealer that have been in this business for many decades now. One of the great things about the K-15 is the solid spruce soundboard that not all pianos of similar spec seem to have. Due to the soundboard, the tonal character of the piano is great, I think. Especially for a small piano.

In my honest opinion, it'd be the Kawai any day. I do not regret one minute buying mine. Great bass too for a small piano!

Happy choosing, and if you have any more queries, I'll be glad to help.

Personally, I would take the Kawai.

Thanks for the advice. We are likely going to go with the Kawaii. Are any of you familiar with Hardman & Peck at all? Just out of curiosity since there isn't a lot of information or reviews on the internet...

If possible, you should bump the budget a bit and go for a K-2. It's a definite improvement in touch and tone over a K-15.

The K2 is a great instrument. For the not too large price difference, it's definitely worth it. There's a noticeable difference in the touch and tone compared to the K-15.

It generally feels just a bit better built too. That's not to say the K-15 isn't well built - it's extremely well built for what it is!

However, if you can stretch your budget, the K2 would be an excellent choice.

My first piano was a Hardman, Peck, & Co., which I bought brand new. It would not hold a tune or regulation, nor would the hammers stay voiced. I ended up trading it back in for a grey market Yamaha which was light years better. Lost a LOT of money on that deal. It ended up being returned to the distributer because nobody could get it straightened out. Right or wrong, because of that I will never own another Chinese piano. Bought it in 2006.

I tried several Hardman when shopping around and none of them felt even remotely good to me so yeah that wouldnt be my choice.

Then again, to be fair, the place I tested them at..well...it leaves a lot to be desired.

Happy with my kawai... :-)