The Kawai GL-10 baby grand piano is our best-selling acoustic piano model and for good reason. It measures just 5’1” in length, so is slightly larger than the equivalent Yamaha model GB1K, and benefits from several refined features which make it a truly class-leading instrument. A grand piano that you can feasibly fit into a classroom or wheel around a department so often proves to be a real boon, and there are a whole suite of other reasons to love the GL-10, along with a few small caveats.
Key Features:
- Length: 153cm (5’1”)
- Width: 150cm (5’0”)
- Height: 102cm (3’4 5/32”)
- Weight: 282kg (622lbs)
- Number of keys: 88
- Number of pedals: 3 – sustain, una-corda, sostenuto
- Millennium III action with Carbon Fibre infused ABS Styran components
- Tapered, solid spruce soundboard
- Adjustable music rack
- Soft-close fallboard
- Finishes available: Polished ebony, Polished white, Polished mahogany
- Made in Indonesia
Millennium III action with ABS-carbon fibre infused components
Much like the larger models in the range, the GL-10 baby grand piano utilises Kawai’s proprietary Millennium III action for supreme levels of control and response. While many other manufacturers encourage piano buyers to spend more by increasing the quality of components as you move up the range, these are the very same action components as used in the larger GL and GX series models. This means that if you can’t accommodate or afford a larger instrument you aren’t at such a disadvantage when it comes to the quality of touch.
Millennium III by its very nature is remarkably responsive, with super-lightweight components enabling fast and accurate repetition. Additionally, since this man-made material cannot warp or change over time, the action retains its accuracy and precision for longer and is less susceptible to problems caused by climatic change. The keys of the GL-10 are also somewhat longer than they are in similarly sized grands, which affords the pianist a greater level of control, much like sitting at the end of a seesaw rather than in the middle, or using a screwdriver with a thicker handle. This is excellent for students preparing for an exam or recital; if the main event is taking place on a larger grand piano, the feel of a GL-10 will prepare them well for that.
Wide-tail frame design & solid spruce soundboard
A wide-tail frame is exactly what it says; at the tail end of the instrument the frame is much wider than one usually finds on a grand piano. This enables Kawai to equip the GL-10 with longer bass strings and a more expansive soundboard area than its size would suggest, allowing the instrument to produce a more powerful and resonant tone than similarly sized models by other manufacturers.
The soundboard of the piano amplifies the vibrations of the strings to produce the unmistakable sound of the acoustic grand piano. Kawai’s soundboards are exclusively produced from straight grained quarter-sawn sitka spruce which is tapered to ensure optimum vibration and resonance in each area of the board. The bridges, carved from solid maple and beech, transfer the vibrations from the strings into the soundboard and are strategically positioned for optimum string tension and tonal transfer. The bigger the soundboard the better, as there is a greater surface area for the sound to resonate across, thereby producing a more powerful tone. That means that even though a larger model is usually a more advisable choice for a recital hall, the GL-10 will do just fine in many cases.
Elegant cabinetry with lid support beam & adjustable music desk
Available in a choice three high gloss polyester lacquered finishes including polished ebony (piano black), mahogany and white, the GL-10 is an elegant furniture piece as well as a quality musical instrument. Unlike the entry level Yamaha model, the lid of the GL-10 is equipped with a support bar which is typically used on many more expensive instruments to house the locking mechanism. Kawai has elected to dispense with the lock as this would push the price point up, but retained the support bar to help keep the lid flat and prevent warping over time.
A soft-closing fallboard (lid) completes a handsome and elegant package, and is also an important safety consideration, particularly for schools and churches. The music rack on the GL-10 can also be moved forwards and backwards to suit the player, with a greater range of angle adjustment than on the GB1K. It also includes an almost flat setting which is great for annotating scores or playing while standing to conduct an orchestra or choir.
Ten-year warranty
All Kawai pianos are supplied with a ten-year manufacturer backed warranty with no need for additional product registration. While incredibly well engineered and a fault is extremely unlikely, it is great to know there is a safety net there in case you need it.
Unbeatable value for money
When comparing its specification against other pianos, it is clear that the GL-10 is extremely good value for money. It is manufactured in Indonesia at Kawai’s Karawan factory which enables Kawai to keep tight control over their manufacturing costs, ensuring that it retails comfortably below £10k.
What are the cons of the GL-10?
The GL-10 unquestionably delivers incredibly good performance considering its size and price point, however it is a baby grand piano - a larger instrument will always produce a richer and more resonant tone. This is precisely why concert pianists perform on full size concert grands! Moreover, the instrument is built to a price with its specification carefully considered to ensure that the piano delivers the performance one would expect from a grand piano while remaining good value for money.
While it has a lid support bar to prevent warping, the GL-10 doesn’t have a lock which might be an issue for a school or church. However, aftermarket locking mechanisms are available, such as the Piano Workshop CP812 locking arm, which discreetly screws onto the underside of the piano to prevent the fallboard from opening. Supplied with two keys, the arm easily slides out of its locked position to allow the piano to be opened.
What's the next model up?
If one were to go up one model to the Japanese-built GL-30, they would obtain an instrument which is somewhat more refined in its appointments. For instance, the GL-30 benefits from duplex scaling, a system developed by Steinway & Sons way back in 1872 which enables the typically non-speaking parts of the string to resonate, thereby adding more depth and character to the tone. Additionally, the GL-10 has only two posts in its wooden back frame, while the larger GL-30 has three. The addition of a third back post adds strength and rigidity to the instrument and thus enhanced power and projection, by ensuring that as much energy created by the vibrations of the strings is transformed into sound as possible.
However, the main factors for considering the GL-10 are its compact size and competitive price point, and the GL-30 is not only larger but several thousand pounds more expensive. Locking mechanism aside, the GL-10 makes grand piano ownership possible for those families or musicians who might otherwise be restricted to purchasing a good upright, which can only be a good thing!
If you need further convincing, here is what Pianist Magazine has to say about the Kawai GL-10:
‘(The GL-10) …offers pianists a range of expressive control that makes it an option for a wider range of players, including more advanced players who, for technical work, need the level of responsiveness the extended key length brings. The laws of physics dictate that baby grands have their limitations, but you’ll find the GL10 can produce a fuller, stronger sound than you would expect from a grand piano of this size, making it a real pleasure for situations where you need a grand but have only limited space.’
In conclusion...
In summary, the Kawai GL-10 is virtually unbeatable in the sub-£10,000 price bracket and is highly recommended for anyone looking to purchase a quality new baby grand piano at this price point. We keep the GL-10 on display in our showroom, alongside other new and second hand Kawai and Yamaha models, so why not book an appointment to try one out for yourself?
Don’t want to buy a piano which has been on display in a showroom? No problem! In addition to our showroom model, which we keep regularly tuned and ready for selection and fast delivery, we also keep plenty of factory fresh stock in our Haslemere warehouse, with each piano meticulously prepared to order.