The Shigeru Kawai Series: SK-6 vs SK-EX | Ft. Daniel Voeller

In today's video, we welcome back special guest Daniel Voeller as he and Ted compare two exceptional Shigeru Kawai pianos available at Alamo Piano Galleries. Renowned for their meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional tonal qualities, these instruments represent the pinnacle of piano design. Daniel provides demonstrations and Ted the insights into the distinct feel of each model, exploring construction similarities and how size differences impact their overall sound. We encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

Shigeru Kawai 9'1" SK-EX Concert Grand Piano: The pinnacle of the Shigeru Kawai lineup, with extremely limited production, it's a favorite in elite performance settings. Most recently, it became the University of Texas in San Antonio's School of Music's newest recital hall addition. Any pianist can feel and hear the exceptional response and action of the Shigeru Kawai series.

Shigeru Kawai SK-6 Concert Grand Piano: A 7-foot orchestra grand piano celebrated for its refined tone and exceptional control. Crafted with premium materials and the care of well-experienced technicians, like the SK-EX, it delivers the exceptional qualities of a concert grand piano.

Both pianos feature:

Millennium III ABS Carbon Action: A leader in the field, Kawai integrates the sturdy, lightweight, rigid, and controlled attributes of carbon fiber within the piano action to complement the live wood.

Shiko Seion Hammers: Handmade without heat or artificial hardeners, yielding expressive tonal clarity

Kigarashi-Aged Spruce Soundboards: Natural aging that infuses the piano with rich tonal depth and balance

Konsei Katagi Rim: A fusion of hardwoods that balances projection, warmth, and richness

Temaki (Hand-Wound) Bass Strings: Hand-wound for precise tension and tonal fidelity

Concert Agraffes & Solid Beams: Brass-crafted agraffes ensure tonal accuracy; spruce beams bolster structural and acoustic integrity

SOLID Construction (Stretcher Over‑Lap Integrated Design): Enhances tuning stability and structural strength

The main difference between the two models is their size. The 9-foot SK-EX, being the largest in the line, offers powerful sound with a wide dynamic range, making it ideal for concert halls, competitions, and recording studios. With only about 20 produced annually, it's the most exclusive model. Of course, recording limitations mean we can only capture a portion of its grand sound. Watch the video for a side-by-side comparison with guest pianist Daniel Voeller.

To learn more about either pianos fill out the form below or contact us at 210-224-1010.