The Gold Standard of Japanese Piano Engineering
We are delighted to present this exceptional Kawai BS40, a piano that stands as a testament to the "Golden Era" of Japanese manufacturing. While many modern entry-level and mid-range pianos are now produced in Indonesia, the BS40 was crafted entirely in the world-famous Ryuyo facility in Japan.
Ryuyo is widely considered one of the most advanced piano-building facilities in the world, where Kawai’s most prestigious instruments—including the Shigeru Kawai grand pianos—are born. This pedigree ensures a level of structural integrity, precision, and tonal depth that is increasingly rare in today’s market.
A Precursor to the Premium K-Series
The Kawai BS40 was a high-specification precursor to the modern K-series. However, with its impressive height of 132cm (52in), it is not an equivalent to the standard K300 or K500. Instead, its scale and power align it more closely with the current Premium K700 and K800 models.
- Exceptional Dynamic Range: The tall cabinet allows for a massive soundboard area and extra-long bass strings (comparable to many baby grand pianos), providing a thunderous, rich low end and a clear, bell-like treble.
- Extended Key Length: The BS40 features a significantly longer key stick than standard uprights. This provides the pianist with much greater leverage and a more consistent touch weight, especially when playing deep into the keys. For the advancing player, this translates into superior control over pianissimo passages and complex technical repertoire.
Innovation for Longevity: The Composite Action
Kawai has long been a pioneer in the use of advanced materials, and the BS40 features their renowned composite action.
- Stability & Precision: By using high-quality ABS-Styran for critical action parts, Kawai solved the age-old problem of wooden components shrinking or swelling with changes in humidity.
- Built to Last: This composite construction ensures that the action remains remarkably stable and "tight" over decades of use, requiring less frequent regulation than traditional all-wood actions. It is a workhorse designed to survive the rigors of heavy practice while maintaining a professional feel.
Design & Aesthetic: The Statement Piece
Finished in a mirror-like Polished Black, the Kawai BS40 is a commanding presence. Its taller silhouette gives it a stately, "Concert Upright" appearance that acts as a sophisticated centerpiece in any home or studio. The traditional design is complemented by high-quality hardware and fittings, ensuring it looks as professional as it sounds.
Why Secondhand Kawai?
One of the most compelling reasons to consider a secondhand Kawai BS40 is the incredible value for money it offers compared to its Yamaha contemporaries. Because Yamaha’s U-series (the U1 and U3) became the dominant "household name" in the West during the 1980s and 90s, their prices in the secondhand market remain high due to name recognition alone. Kawai, despite being of equal, and in some technicians' eyes, superior, build quality during this era, is often less known to the general public.
Savvy buyer can often secure a professional-grade, Ryuyo-built Kawai like the BS40 for considerably less than a Yamaha U3 of the same age, despite the Kawai offering a taller cabinet, more advanced composite materials, and a richer, more "European" tonal profile. It is the industry's best-kept secret for those looking for a world-class Japanese upright.
Provenance: The Millers Assurance
This particular Kawai BS40 came to us as a high-quality part-exchange. Before arriving in our showroom, it has undergone a thorough inspection and preparation process by our senior technicians. Because it was built in the Ryuyo factory during a period of uncompromising quality, it represents incredible value for money, offering a "Big Brand" professional experience at a fraction of the cost of a new Japanese-built equivalent.
We have presented this piano with a number of Hidrau Madrid customisable stool options. These are available separately.
