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Hey guys, pardon my ignorance but what is the Kawai equivalent to the Yamaha U3 upright?

I'm considering a piano upgrade and Yamaha's are great but tend to be a little bright for my tonal preference. Kawai's seem to have that darker, warmer feel that I love.

So I'm wondering what model Kawai is the closest match to the U3?

Thanks!

The Yamaha U3 is 52"tall. By comparison the Kawai k-500 is 51" and the Kawai K-800 is 53". The height of a vertical piano, gives some indication of tonal quality. Usually the taller pianos have a richer tone.

Kind regards,
Robert.

Thank you Robert!

With that said, are the U3 and the k-500 similarly priced (given a similar age comparison for each)?

Also what is your personal opinion of the k-500 vs the u3?

You need to sit down at both pianos and play them. See what you like best.

I seem to recall your budget is more along the lines of a used piano. The 52" Kawai models of current vintage are the K800, then previously the K8, K6, before that the K80 and K60. The K500, K5, K50 are slightly smaller at 50-51", but still quite a nice model. I don't know what they were called prior to the early 2000s with certainty, so I'll stop there.

Price wise, K500.
Sound wise I prefer the K500 to the U3 (slightly) but then I grew up on a Kawai. I agree the tone was less bright, but that's Kawai vs Yamaha in general. Touch wise the K500 had a slightly nicer touch but I think that really comes down to dealer prep. The U3 I tried was part of a music school's display but the K500 was in a dedicated piano shop (no attached school for profits) so I'm sure the Kawai had more attention (and less student degradation)
The K700/800 are the "upgrade" instruments but strangely I preferred the K500's sound. Again that's probably a combination of various factors and room acoustics. Was actually deciding between the K500 and a used Yamaha UX30 (30 years old and much mellower than the modern pianos) but with the blessing managed to get a used Steingraeber 52" for the same price as the K500.
At the end of the day though, these are both fine instruments and certainly at the higher end of the spectrum of production pianos. Given decent dealer's prep I'm sure neither will let you down!
Just curious though: what piano are you playing now and will the upgrade be worth the cost?

TwoThumbs thanks for the info!

Right now I just have a starter piano, a Baldwin Hamilton 1961 in satin black. I paid $1400 for it. It's been great for what it is, but I crave a bit taller piano with more low end and darker tone overall. Something of higher quality in general.

Did you buy your k500 new or used? What was the price range you paid?

Terminal Degree thank you as well. Yes you're right I'd be looking for used. I will look into the previous models you suggest.

I would suggest looking for a used K5 which was already pretty pricey when new (nevermind the K6 and the super cool K8). The K5 and above have the neo-tex keytops.

I have a neighbor who bought a new Boston 52"... I didn't ask how much but Piano Buyer says $15k!

Gnuboi thanks, good idea. What would be some reasonable prices for a used K5? In good condition?

It was a new K500 in the piano store but I didn't buy it in the end as I managed to get another piano which I felt was nicer all round, at the same price. I don't live in the USA so the price I was offered it won't be comparable to yours, I'm afraid!
For what its worth though, it was in the range of about USD 7500.
In general buying a used piano will stretch your dollar, definitely, or get you an "upgraded model" (inasmuch as such a term can be rightly used) but you have the perils of condition, prior use and possible repairs. As they say, Caveat Emptor!

I've mentioned this on Pw before, and don't want to sound like a broken record (repeating one's self... sign of old age ) but I have an older Kawai K48A. I assume it was the next size smaller than the K50 Owen mentioned. I've measured it with a tape measure and it actually measures about 50 or 51 inches from the floor. But I guess the cabinet is just a bit taller than the main frame of the piano.

Anyway, I really like that piano. The tone is excellent, all the way up to C8 and the action, though not as good as my grands, feels nice. It holds a tuning like a rock.

If you could find an older 52" Kawai, or a 52" Baldwin (model 6000?) it would be a good step up from your Baldwin 243 studio upright.

Good luck!

Rick

Thank you Rick, I'll keep my eye out for these! All signs seem to be pointing for me to save up for any one of these Kawai K series uprights. I'll do my best to shoot for the taller height model if financially possible.