Yamaha vs. Kawai Piano: Which is Better in 2025? Singapore Buyer’s Guide
- Apr 21, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 20
When it comes to buying a piano in Singapore, two names dominate the conversation: Yamaha and Kawai. Both brands are known for their precision Japanese craftsmanship, wide range of models, and long-lasting quality. But which one is right for you?
At Melodious Piano Boutique, we help hundreds of students, parents, and piano enthusiasts choose the best piano for their needs. In this guide, we’ll give you an expert breakdown of Yamaha vs. Kawai — including tone, touch, pricing, second-hand tips, and which models are best suited for beginners, serious learners, and adults.
Why Yamaha and Kawai Dominate the Singapore Piano Market
Singapore’s piano market is unique. Space constraints, humidity, resale value, and long-term reliability all play a major role in buying decisions. This is why Japanese piano brands, especially Yamaha and Kawai, consistently dominate homes, studios, and schools across Singapore.
Both brands are:
Designed to handle humid climates
Known for stable tuning
Easy to service with widely available parts
Highly accepted by music schools and exam boards
For parents, teachers, and adult learners in Singapore, choosing between Yamaha vs Kawai is less about quality—and more about tone preference, key feel, and learning goals.
Brand Overview: Yamaha and Kawai
Feature | Yamaha | Kawai |
Founded | 1887 | 1927 |
Reputation | Versatile, consistent, widely available | Rich tone, innovative action mechanisms |
Target Market | All levels – from beginner to concert level | Students, professionals, classical players |
Known For | Bright, clear tone; solid resale value | Warm tone, premium key action |
Tone Quality: Bright vs. Warm
One of the most noticeable differences is in tone character.
Yamaha pianos are known for their brighter, clearer tone, popular among pop, contemporary, and modern classical players.
Kawai offers a warmer, mellower sound, preferred by classical musicians and those who like a deeper, fuller tone.
Which is better?
Neither – it’s personal. If possible, try both to find what resonates with your ear. You can also book a free mini session with us at our Boutique to test tone side by side.
Popular Yamaha vs Kawai Upright Models in Singapore (Real Buyer Comparison)
Learning Level | Yamaha Model | Kawai Model | Key Difference |
Beginner to Intermediate | Yamaha U1/ Yamaha U3 | Kawai KU10 | U1 brighter & clearer, KU10 even tone |
Intermediate to Advanced | Yamaha YUS/ Yamaha YUX | Kawai US63H | U3 projection & resale, Kawai US63H premium action |
Teacher insight:
In Singapore, Yamaha U1 and Yamaha U3 remain the most requested models due to resale value and exam familiarity and always perfect for entry level, while Kawai US series are often chosen by students who prefer a heavier, more classical touch.
If you are living in an HDB or condominium, tone control and volume projection matter just as much as sound quality. Many Singapore families choose silent piano systems to allow late-night practice without disturbing neighbours.
Yamaha or Kawai: Which Is Better for Children?
This is one of the most asked questions by parents in Singapore.
Choose Yamaha if:
Child is young (4–7 years old)
Needs lighter keys to avoid tension
Learning pop, exam pieces, or modern repertoire
Choose Kawai if:
Child who wanted the finger strength
Learning classical repertoire
Teacher prefers heavier action for technique building
👉 Important note: A heavier key does NOT mean better for beginners. The best piano is the one that encourages consistent practice.
Touch & Key Action: Different Feel for Different Fingers
Key Action | Yamaha | Kawai |
Upright | Standard action, responsive, light-medium feel | Ultra-Responsive Action (e.g., Millennium III) – more weighted, premium feel |
Digital | Graded Hammer Standard (GHS), GH3 | Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHC II) |
Grand | Quick return, stable mechanics | Carbon composite actions – long lifespan, smooth |
Teacher Tip:
Kawai’s keys tend to feel heavier, which can help build finger strength in young learners.
Yamaha’s lighter keys may suit adult beginners or students working on speed and agility.
Price Comparison: New & Second Hand
Category | Yamaha Price Range (SGD) | Kawai Price Range (SGD) |
Digital Pianos | $1,000 – $6,000 | $1,200 – $6,800 |
Upright Pianos | $3,500 – $13,000 | $3,800 – $14,000 |
Grand Pianos | $18,000 – $70,000+ | $19,000 – $80,000+ |
2nd-Hand (U1/U3 etc) | $2,800 – $6,500 | $3,200 – $7,000 |
Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a simple decision guide:
Need/Preference | Best Brand |
Brighter tone, pop/contemporary | Yamaha |
Warm tone, classical, romantic | Kawai |
Lighter key action (easier for kids) | Yamaha |
Premium feel, stronger fingers | Kawai |
Better resale value in Singapore | Yamaha (U1/U3) |
🎁 Bonus: We currently have a all certified Yamaha U1 and Yamaha U3 and Kawai upright grand in stock at special rates. Enquire here.
Second-Hand Buying Tips
Always check serial number and model origin (e.g., Japan-made U1 vs. Indonesia-made)
Country of reconditioned (e.g., Japan, Vietnam, China etc)
Avoid pianos with signs of water damage, sticky keys, or noisy action
Buy from a reputable studio with proper after-sales service
🧽 Every piano at Melodious Piano Boutique includes:
Free professional tuning
Cleaning & polishing
Delivery + bench
Final Thoughts: Yamaha or Kawai?
Both Yamaha piano models and Kawai piano models are world-class brands. The right piano depends on your goals, taste, and touch. Whether you’re buying for your child’s lessons, your own adult learning journey, or an upgrade from digital to acoustic, we can help you make the right choice.
Silent Piano Feature
If you’re specifically interested in silent pianos, check out our Kawai HAT 20s Silent Piano — a slim, elegant model with the silent system, perfect for home practice anytime without disturbing others.
FAQ SECTION
Frequently Asked Questions: Yamaha vs Kawai
Q: Is Yamaha or Kawai better for beginners in Singapore?
A: Yamaha is often preferred for beginners due to its lighter key action, while Kawai suits students who prefer a heavier, classical feel.
Q: Which piano has better resale value in Singapore?
A: Yamaha upright pianos, especially U1 and U3, generally retain stronger resale value.
Q: Is a second-hand Yamaha or Kawai piano safe to buy?
A: Yes, if it is properly reconditioned, verified by serial number, and sold by a reputable piano boutique.
Q: Which silent piano system is better—Yamaha or Kawai?
A: Both are excellent. Kawai’s ATX system often feels closer to acoustic touch, while Yamaha’s silent system is widely used and familiar.