Kawai
Piano’s Maene and Kawai have shared the same passion for pianos for over half a century. As one of the first Kawai dealers in Europe, we helped pioneer the brand’s growth across the continent. From refined acoustic and grand pianos to cutting-edge digital models, you’ll find the complete Kawai line-up with the assurance of outstanding expertise and premium service. Thanks to our unique experience and close collaboration with Kawai, we are the specialist of choice to guide you to an instrument that perfectly matches your musical ambitions. Discover for yourself why Kawai is cherished worldwide by both beginners and professional pianists.
Kawai in Europe – Synonymous with quality and craftsmanship
Kawai was founded in 1927 in Hamamatsu, Japan by Koichi Kawai, a visionary engineer who was the first in Japan to design and build a complete piano. His driving force has always been the same: combining traditional craftsmanship with technological progress. From the very beginning, Kawai built a reputation for precision and innovation, with instruments praised for their stability, tonal quality and reliability.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Kawai began exporting its upright and grand pianos internationally, first to the United States and later to Europe. The brand quickly distinguished itself with forward-thinking ideas: Kawai pioneered the use of ABS components in piano actions, resulting in greater durability and reduced sensitivity to climate fluctuations compared to traditional wooden actions.
From the 1970s onwards, Kawai established a strong foothold in Europe. Concert halls, conservatories and music schools discovered the reliability of Kawai instruments, and the brand also became popular in private homes. When the digital piano market emerged in the 1980s, Kawai was among the first to introduce high-quality digital models. The CN and CA series soon became synonymous with realistic touch and innovative features, paving the way for later hybrid models.
In the 21st century, Kawai reaffirmed its position as a global leader with the introduction of the Shigeru Kawai grand pianos, handcrafted and admired by concert pianists for their warm, expressive sound. The brand also launched revolutionary hybrid instruments, such as the Novus series, bridging the gap between acoustic tradition and digital innovation.
Today, Kawai is recognized in Europe as a renowned premium brand, cherished by both beginners and professional musicians. Thanks to close partnerships with specialized dealers — including Piano’s Maene, a pioneer and distributor of Kawai for over 50 years — the brand has secured a strong place in European piano culture.
Kawai remains true to its founder’s vision: continuously reinventing the art of piano making, with respect for tradition and an eye toward the future.
