🎹 Shigeru Kawai SK-3 Grand Piano: 6’ 2” (188 cm) Japanese Synergy of Elegance & Excellence 🎹

[@jsbeck1685]

Three weeks ago, I bought an SK-3 in the UK, and I would like to thank Stu for his excellent reviews, which played a big part in my decision. The piano arrived 3 days before Christmas, and everything Stu says about the instrument is pitch-perfect. It is pure velvet, and the control is magnificent. You feel like you have been promoted to the big league. I can play in a way I never believed possible. I would have happily bought mine from Mirriams, but sadly, the Atlantic got in the way.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for sharing your experiences with your SK3! Congrats on a truly marvelous piano. I definitely agree with the sentiments you've expressed. It is an incredible piano in all regards. Happy playing and all the best! :)

[@g.970]

I bought an SK6 about 13 months ago and I agree with everything you say. I’ve owned a Yamaha in the past but much prefer the SK. My husband claims my piano progress has grown by leaps and bounds since getting the SK

[@jeremiahreilly9739]

I love the advice that Stu and the team at Merriam Music give. I also live across the pond in Switzerland. So I can't bring them my business either. If you can, trust these guys. They want you to be satisfied within your budget and given your goals.

[@g.970]

Because of your reviews and those at Alamo Music in Texas I became the proud owner of an SK6 13 months ago. I’m in the PNW so bought mine at Portland Piano Company. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this piano and every day I feel blessed to own it. When people get turned off because of the price of premium pianos just go outside and look at all the big SUV’s being driven down the road.___and how expensive they are in comparison and you ditch them every 5-10 years. My SK6 will last me a lifetime and I will never have to replace it. Money well spent. Thank you. Love the piano reviews

[@ricnet9717]

Same feeling :) xx

[@MerriamPianos]

Congrats on your beautiful SK6! They are stunning pianos. :) We're glad that our reviews were helpful through your decision making process. I wholeheartedly agree with your comments about the longevity of pianos versus cars. They are completely different propositions when it comes into the longevity they are able to provide. Thanks so much and happy playing!

[@guyjordan8201]

Stu’s love affair with the piano truly comes out when he plays the SK3 and others in its class. Stay always in the joy and wonder. Thank you for this presentation.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thank you for tuning in! I definitely agree. A powerful connection between a player and an instrument becomes quite apparent in the expressivity and joy that comes through their performance. That is certainly the case here. :)

[@loveisall5520]

I agree! I don't play the piano--I play piano accordion--but I enjoy watching Stu play. I love the fact that he doesn't get into all the histrionics and theatrics like others.

[@MrTedflick]

I travel a bit and test out a lot of pianos for fun in different stores. I have a Steinway D and the SK7. The new Steinways on display often seem to need a lot of work, whereas the Shigerus seem very well sorted on arrival. The Shigeru reminds me of a Lexus. Does everything very well, very predictable to play, and very reliable.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in! I tend to agree with that synopsis. The Shigeru Kawai factory prep is incredibly consistent and precise. Right out of the crates, they are exceptional.

[@drewschlegel738]

Stu's reviews and musicianship are so captivating! What a joy, and also a contributing factor in the purchase of GX-1 just this month. It's no Shigeru-perhaps!-but the familial relationship is quite evident: the piano is wonderfully colorful, resonant, and widely expressive. And to boot, I could afford it! Its a shock to be able to interact with such a luxurious object in my home (at the conservatory where I work, I'm lucky to practice on Steinway Bs and Ds-a tidbit I'm including for other viewers of the channel who, like myself, have a hobby of scanning the comments for validation or inspiration in regard to their dream instruments). Thanks for the fun and inspiration this channel provides to the aspiring amateur player!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for your kind words and congratulations on your GX1! The GX1 is a fantastic model that greatly outperforms its size and price point. I know you will be thrilled with it for many years to come! We're happy to hear that you have been enjoying Stu's reviews and that you found them helpful through your piano research process. All the best and happy playing! :)

[@ricnet9717]

I've spent 4 intensive months hunting the best grand pianos around London. In the end I found nothing sang so vocally across all ranges like a Shigeru, with such timbral variety across dynamic levels; in particular the 7 foot SK6. Rarely a Steinway model B would match this quality & then had a beautiful quality of its own. However a number of piano techs told me if you find a Steinway with this quality particularly magically vocal enigmatic beauty, it tends to lose it after 10 or even 5 years despite voicing combatting its developing brightness. Hence concert halls changing their Steinways every 10 years at least. Whereas my piano engineer told me all the Shigeru's (SK3) on his rounds have held their tone for years / decades!! Pleeease Stu would you review the SK6? It's the classic 7 foot piano & draws obvious comparisons as in Steinway Model B, Bechstein B & SK3 of course. I've been aching for your diving into an SK6 for literally 12 months aha! I always find Stu's selection of points, descriptive words & opinions presented, matches my experiences of all the pianos I've spent hours auditioning in London. I find Stu to be an eminently reliable source of insight & perception around pianos. So so valuable when you've taken a mortgage out to spend £60,000 on a piano to partner with for life!! Thank you all so much xx. SK6 please please please :) aha x

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for your incredibly kind words and support of our channel. We sincerely appreciate it. We're glad you have found Stu's videos helpful and insightful. He certainly does an excellent job at describing the musical experience these various instruments offer. The Shigeru Kawai pianos are stunning instruments in all regards. We do not currently have an SK6 at any of our showrooms, but we will certainly do our best to tackle that review for you when another one arrives. Thanks so much for the suggestion and all the best!

[@g.970]

I’ve owned the SK6 for the past 13 months and I’m in love. I live in Oregon in the US, but this past June I was in London and I was looking for a piano store that carried the Shigeru. Didn’t find one. Could you share where the dealer is in London? I’ll check it out on my next visit

[@ricnet9717]

Hi there aww that's so lovely to hear, yes that's a feeling many of us have spending time on Shigeru's. Personally I sense the SK6 may be a sort of sweet spot in the range but the SK3/2 hold many of the qualities & I know of one famous pro who had a deposit down on my SK6 but then chose an SK2! I know of two stores; CoachHouse Pianos had a few Shigeru's and were lovely & Richard Lawson Pianos which is just outside of London but has a massive fleet of Shigeru's. Both were appreciative that for many of us this is a once in a lifetime decision & needs to be a piano we seriously love for the long haul. I need to sort some acoustic treatments for my 14x22 foot room to get the best of my SK6's tone & be kinder to my ears :). Enjoy your piano :)@@g.970

[@ricnet9717]

Hiya Brent. Well I'm sure when you get down to it I'll end up watching it enough to commit it to memory aha. I'm sure anyone into pianos anywhere near your stores must be flocking in, I certainly hope your business is doing well as you seem to have such relaxed integrity, sensitivity & insight. We are so vulnerable during piano buying; massive investment with even more impact on our creative life trajectory. So thank you for transparent & insightfully communicative, careful reviews! @@MerriamPianos

[@Classical416]

I purchased a brand new SK3 from Merriam in 2023. It's a fantastic instrument.

[@MerriamPianos]

Congratulations on your SK3 and thank you so much for your business! We appreciate it. :) The SK3 is a stunning instrument! I am happy to hear that you are thrilled with it.

[@bradgriffith8297]

Inspirational Stu! Your demonstration of the SK3 has the clarity of a C. Bechstein with the color of a Steinway. Beautiful!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! I will be happy to pass along the kind words to Stu. The SK3 is certainly a stunning piano. :)

[@jpdj2715]

Beautiful tone (and playing). It sings and was really very well voiced. The bass is really good with little overtones in the higher octaves that contribute to the illusion of bass in other pianos. Stu demonstrates how well the piano suits jazz, but I would also want to hear it in smaller concert halls or e.g. as an option in the annual Chopin competition, rather than big bad-ass 9' ones.

[@MerriamPianos]

The SK3 is a remarkable instrument with a gorgeous voice and touch. Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! We appreciate it. It is always interesting to hear different sizes of grands in different spaces. That sounds like a compelling video topic to tackle in fact! ;)

[@avzalismail2075]

Shigeru Kawai...the finest piano that I have played on. Warm, deep, responsive..

[@MerriamPianos]

It is very difficult to argue that statement! The Shigeru Kawai pianos are magical instruments through and through. :)

[@elysiaestee3123]

I am just an intermediate player. My piano tuner told me to buy the best you can afford. I upgraded to an Sk3 3 years ago (from Merriam in Oakville). I am so happy I did!! With an instrument of this quality, simple pieces sound beautiful! The notes are so pure. This piano makes you want to play ALL the time!! You do not have to be an advanced player to enjoy and appreciate this beautiful instrument!!

[@MerriamPianos]

We're so happy to hear that! The SK3 is a gorgeous instrument with immense expressivity and colour! I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of it and the fact that it is the type of piano that makes you want to play all the time. Thanks for writing in and happy playing! :)

[@andrewwright6893]

Wow what a beautiful piano. Lovely playing too. Superb

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for taking the time to tune in! The SK3 is a marvelous instrument to say the least! :)

[@geoff7517]

Beautiful piano! The size is ideal, and what a tone! I know that it also has that fabulous Millennium III action on board. I look forward to Saturday mornings to see what Stu has for us.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for tuning in! The Shigeru Kawai SK3 is certainly a stunning instrument in all regards. :)

[@wolfunplugged]

an excellent presentation! seldom saw Stu so excited about an instrument. and these sustains really sound very nice, the tone evolves. I agree about the "sound chameleon". also I meant to hear that the instrument has an excellent sounding start of the tone, the hammer how it activates the string. must be a very good synergy of materials and mechanics.

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! It is a magnificent piano. The care and attention to detail is apparent in every element of the SK3. That also translates to a fantastic musical experience. Thanks so much and happy playing! :)

[@499735]

One of many things I love about this piano is the combination of clarity and yet roundness or fullness in the tone of the mid treble. I have a 1986 NY Steinway B that I bought new in 1987. My piano had a beautiful round tone in the treble but lacked projection. My tech recommending adding some lacquer to the shoulders of the hammers to get more projection and power to that treble section of the piano where so much of the melody is played. I agreed, but was utterly appalled by the sound when he did it; and had him come back immediately and pick the lacquer out. Of course the projection did improve as the hammers got played in, but on my B, and on others I have encountered, you can have power or you can have beauty of tone, but not both. (For example, the Steinway B you played in the comparison with the Bechstein B212 sounds quite different from mine, and I didn’t much care for it.) Evidently, with the Sk-3 you do get both. A superb instrument. Thanks for the video, and please keep them coming.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thank you kindly for tuning in and sharing your experiences! I hope you were able to find some type of resolution for your Steinway B to get it to a point that you're happy with and inspired by the musical experience it offers. While it is difficult to get both power and beauty, I definitely agree with your sentiment in regard to the magnificent SK3. The Shigeru Kawai pianos find a wonderful blend between these two qualities. They are truly wonderful pianos. :)

[@WavPlayCreativ]

Just one year in my piano journey and when I played the shigeru in Kawai showroom, my hands just know where to go next naturally!

[@MerriamPianos]

I know exactly what you mean! There is something so intuitive and engaging about the Shigeru Kawai grands. It is very easy to feel connected to these amazing pianos! :)

[@rexy7399]

Warm and bright tone. Different from Yamaha's sharp and cystal tone.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is a very excellent way to describe it. :)

[@McZeppoLoligo]

My sk2 arrives in a few days! I couldn't be happier! 🥰😍

[@YotamPiano]

Woah, congratz mate !

[@MerriamPianos]

That's amazing! Congrats on your beautiful new Shigeru Kawai! They are wonderful pianos, so I know you will be beyond thrilled. :)

[@McZeppoLoligo]

It arrived and it exceeds my expectations. The control is magnificent and what a tone. I am indeed blown away ❤ Thank you Stu for showing us these pianos, since presentation here was a big part for me to start looking for a shigeru piano.

[@JasonWelchMusic]

Absolutely beautiful playing Stu! I would love to see how you mic them and what mics you prefer. I think it would make an amazing video.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the suggestion! I will pass along the suggestion to our production team. We usually use a stereo pair of Rode NT5 microphones. :)

[@ricnet9717]

I'm very into piano recording now ...partly your fault ;) ... I'm using a pair of Austrian Audio OC818's & also would love good views of mic placements; partly as it helps me sense what aspects of what I'm hearing is mic placement much anything else :) - just an aside though@@MerriamPianos

[@javiervargas1428]

Simply amazing thank you !

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Thank you so much! :)

[@geoff7517]

As an additional note, a co-worker recently bought a FP-30x to introduce her kids to the piano. I encouraged her to check out Stu's review. Her husband was totally won over after that. The joy of music is live and well in their home now.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for endorsing our channel! We really appreciate that. We're happy to hear that Stu's video reviews/comparisons have been helpful in bringing music and piano playing to more homes. :)

[@maurogalch2098]

Greetings from Brazil! Beautiful sound!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hello, from Canada! Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)

[@mickandrews9458]

Having listened to a lot of your acoustic reviews, which I have to say I have very much appreciated, one thing that has surprised me is how notes sound more bell like (a fast initial decay on playing the note, before you hear it sustaining and slowly dying away) on your videos than when actually playing and listening to pianos in person. However, you are not alone in this. Other well recorded demos have had the same character. It made me wonder whether there was something untoward with the recordings. Anyway, I recently acquired a Rode NT4 (which is a quality stereo microphone and sort of equivalent to two NT5s) and recorded my piano (a Kayserburg KAM5) and guess what, the notes sound more bell like on the recording than in real life. I wondered whether you had noticed this and if so, whether you had any ideas as to why? Thanks again for the informative and enjoyable videos.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and insights! We appreciate it. As you've pointed out, it is very difficult to capture every detail of these stunning pianos without a large arsenal of microphones, including room microphones to help capture some details of the piano's tone. However, the only issue with including room/distance microphones is that every room has its own character. So, at the end of the day, you would be capturing a combination of the piano and the room. From this perspective, close microphones are a safer way to capture the piano solely. Ideally, hearing these beautiful instruments in person with your own ears is the best way to experience their full musical potential.

[@martoneill]

Just beautiful

[@MerriamPianos]

It really is a spectacular and gorgeous instrument. :)

[@MarianoPerez]

I loved the shigeru kawai, but it was a tad too bright for me. I know they said they could voice it warmer, but I didn't want to risk it. The GL40, while it did not have a lot of the details in the upper register as the shogeru, it has fundamentals that are just as good, but warm and bold like a bold red wine.

[@MerriamPianos]

The Shigeru Kawai pianos are sometimes priced a little brighter than other Kawai grand lines due to the fact that they're frequently used in institutional and performance settings. However, they can be voiced to be warmer. With that said, the GL40 is an incredible instrument with a beautiful warm voice and exceptional musical nuance as well. Congrats on your piano and happy playing! :)

[@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12]

Definitely worth it if one can afford, and have the space for it🎹🎶

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! It is a truly magnificent instrument. :)

[@ricnet9717]

Oh Stu mentions Shiergu are now putting more hard rock maple into Shigeru rims than previous iterations of Shigeru ... do you have any idea when this started happening? I finally gasped & took the plunge on an SK6 mortgage last year ... I may use its serial number to find out when it was made: if new versions are coming out I'd like to hear the difference as I do have the option to swap in the next 2 months if there is any nuanced change I experience as a significant benefit. ... Not sure if I'm hoping not or excited that there may be! aha

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! Thanks for the question! I am not entire sure when these changes were made exactly. I don't believe Kawai has formally published literature that documented when these design/material changes were made. With that said, I can attest to the fact that, regardless of the particular generation of SK piano you play, you are going to experience a top-level instrument with one of the best musical outputs you will find. :)

[@Pissarrio]

what is the name of the tune you are playing at time 4:58?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi Brent here! I am not sure what tune is, but it is quite beautiful. I'd have to check with Stu. But, perhaps, one of our community members here will know the answer!

[@mayumi8653]

Hello from Japan. Thanks for sharing this video. Wonderful performance! I have a question for you. Which do you recommend SK2 or SK3 if I am looking for the piano that can sustain soprano and mezzo soprano notes? Do you think a bigger sound board can make a difference to that?I’d appreciate your opinion.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hello from Canada! Thanks so much for the kind words and for supporting our channel! The Shigeru Kawai SK2 and SK3 models are both incredible pianos with unparalleled performance and expressivity. With that said, the SK3 will have a wider tonal/dynamic range due to its larger soundboard and longer bass strings. If budget and space permits, it is a superior option. But, in either case, these are both exceptional instruments! :)

[@Beyondabsence]

Would be THE dream piano choice to my ears (played a few), if not for the fact that a GREAT OLD Steinway exists

[@MerriamPianos]

The SK3 is one heckuva piano to say the least! It is definitely the piano of many player's dreams. :)

[@Beyondabsence]

@@MerriamPianos Agree Sir! I got conditioned to the sound of the Steinway through my heroes recordings from young age, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans and Horowitz. I have an old Steinway M that is out of this world. The Shigeru is the only one that can come close (to my ears) IMHO!

[@amirmotahari6186]

hi stu, could you please tell us the differance between the old kawai grand GS serries and the limited edition of kawai CA serries? I have a kawai CA-40N and would love to. know how it compares to the GS!

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for your question. I believe you reached out directly through our online chat. I just responded not too long ago with some insights related to the GS versus CA series question. :)

[@straizys]

Stu, this is a bit out of topic... but I didn't comment on previous videos, due to chance you would check for comments. I'm choosing between Kawai Novus nv10s and Roland GP9, I'm a professional jazz pianist as you are and a classical pianist as well. I teach and I do need good looking nice sounding and great action solution for my apartment which is also a concert venue. It must be electric. I know you said Novus nv10s stands for you as the best. But how it compares to GP9 to you? I'm waiting for the local store to deliver one for me to test before purchase. I'm going to use such piano in combination with best VST instruments like VSL Synchron or Garritan as I don't think the sound and dynamic range of any digital piano can beat those VST's. What could be your thought on this? I highly appreciate you channel and your mastery it's gust of a fresh wind to see you as a single only one professional pianist reviewing those pianos on youtube. Thank you for your incredibly valuable work.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for supporting our channel and writing in with your question. While I cannot speak on behalf of Stu, I am happy to chime in with my thoughts, which do happen to be quite aligned with Stu's based on our conversations. The Roland GP9 is an incredible instrument and a meaningful step up from the predecessor, GP609. The speaker system in particular is quite impressive. However, with that said, the Kawai NV10S still provides a more authentic action in my opinion. Naturally, this should not come as a surprise given that the Millennium III grand action is the same core action used throughout Kawai's grand lines. There are a few differences of course, such as the use of carbon fiber hammers, which track better via the NV10S' optical sensor system. However, it all comes down to a matter of personal preference, so, whenever possible, it is best to audition the pianos in person to determine for yourself which one you resonate with more. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@straizys]

Thank you so much!!! Appreciate this a lot! @@MerriamPianos

[@justinl7401]

Buying new grand piano for a room that is 4M x4M , Compare the Sk2 and sk3 , does the sk3 worth the extra money? Thank you

[@MerriamPianos]

It really comes down to a matter of subjectivity and personal preference. If budget is not a restriction, it usually comes down to the question: "can you hear the difference?" If it is noticeable, it may very well be worth the extra spend. However, it should be said that size is not everything. Sometimes, people's musical preference is for a smaller scale design for a variety of reasons.

[@c3piano]

How does it compare to Kawai hybrid pianos?

[@MerriamPianos]

They are very different propositions of course, but the NV10S is quite the impressive instrument. It uses the same Millennium III carbon-fibre grand action that is used in the SK line. With that said, there are some differences. For instance, the NV10S version of the action uses carbon fibre actions, which are more durable and track better via the piano's optical sensor system. So, you will find that there are some consistencies in the touch and tone, but the Shigeru Kawai acoustic grand is very difficult to compete with (even when it comes to other top-end acoustic grands).

[@YotamPiano]

Hey, please send my best regards to Stu. I wonder whether he's a Yamaha or Kawai guy when it comes to acoustic pianos ?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for tuning in! I will be happy to pass on the kind regards to Stu. While I won't speak on behalf of Stu, sometimes it comes down to the musical context. Different pianos can serve as the perfect musical tool for certain musical jobs in my experiences. :)

[@YotamPiano]

Thanks Brent, take care. Maybe you could say hello for us in the next video :)@@MerriamPianos

[@vicmartinez4532]

My dream is to own a piano like this if not here in heaven. But Steinway is defenetedky Paradaise

[@MerriamPianos]

The Shigeru Kawai SK3 is a phenomenal instrument in every respect. I have my fingers crossed for you that you are able to realize your dreams and piano aspirations! :)

[@vicmartinez4532]

@@MerriamPianos muchas gracias 🫂

[@dkinney1000]

Is it okay to be critical of pianos generally here on your channel?

[@MerriamPianos]

Yes - of course! Piano preference is a highly subjective matter, so every player will have their own unique opinion or perspective on the matter.

[@FingersKungfu]

How much does it cost in North America?

[@michaelsteele8515]

In the USA the MSRP for Sk3 is $95,000. But Kawai dealers usually discount. So probably actually selling price would be less. I’d assume Canadian prices are higher.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! The price in Canada is $84,895.00 CAD. :)

[@ambiva]

You can try look for a used SK3 :) although it might be much rarer to find in North America, don't miss one if you find

[@illusionyx907]

In spite of an excellent Japanese grand pianos we can see only Steinway in all world's concert halls and stages. Why...?

[@MerriamPianos]

Some companies are more aggressive with supplying concert halls, studios, and artists with free pianos through endorsement arrangements, etc. Kawai is more modest in their marketing approach. With that said, there are many concert halls and recording studios using pianos like the stunning SK-EX concert grand. In fact, we are starting to see this model being used in more and more piano competitions.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

You see mostly, not only, Steinways. Fazioli, Bechstein, Bosendorfer, Yamaha CF, are also in the concert halls and stages as well as the SX-EX, Shigeru's concert grand. Steinway has become the standard for concert halls in the way Microsoft's Office has become a standard in business.

[@vacation_generation]

Absolutely stu-pendous review😂 what a beautiful instrument.

[@MerriamPianos]

Haha very well done! ;) Thank you so much! We appreciate that.

[@zaheedhasib]

Amazing piano but I just don’t like the tone of it; too much color, too rich for me.

[@MerriamPianos]

That is totally fair. Everyone's ears and musical tastes are different. :)