Hoffmann 177 vs Kawai GX-2

Which Piano is Better? 

The Hoffmann 177 and Kawai GX-2 are both high-quality grand pianos, but they appeal to different kinds of pianists depending on what you're looking for in terms of tone, touch, and versatility.

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you decide:

Quality & Heritage

• Hoffmann:

  • Made in Europe (Czech Republic), under the Bechstein umbrella.

  • German scaling and quality control.

  • More artisanal, with European wood and craftsmanship. (Could require more tuning and regulation. Wider variation from one to another- less consistent.)

• Kawai GX-2:

  • Built in Japan with ultra-modern manufacturing precision, trusted by Steinway.

  • Incredible reliability, especially for high-use environments.

  • Resists climate change better than most, thanks to ABS-carbon parts.

Size

• Hoffmann 177: 5'10"

• Kawai GX-2: 5'11"

Essentially the same size.

Sound

• Hoffmann 177 (by C. Bechstein, Europe):

  • Warm and full-bodied tone with lots of character.

  • More "European" voice—great for classical repertoire.

  • Closer in sound aesthetic to a German Steinway or Bösendorfer.

  • Often praised for its sustain and harmonic complexity.

• Kawai GX-2 (Japan):

  • Clear, rich and balanced tone with lots of color.

  • Closer in sound aesthetic to American Steinways.

  • Very consistent voicing—ideal for teachers and classical or modern repertoire.

  • Less character than the Hoffmann, but more reliable and easier to maintain.

  • Often praised for its versatility, lending itself well to all styles of music.

    
    

Sensation

While these pianos differ slightly in size and sound, sensation is where they become the most different. 

Hoffman Action Details- The W. Hoffmann 177 (from the Professional P series) uses a Bechstein-designed action, but not the top-tier Renner or C. Bechstein Concert action used in the flagship C. Bechstein line.

• Type: Bechstein-designed action (manufactured by partnered factories)

• Material: Traditional wood components

• Design: German design, responsive and expressive, though not as lightning-fast as carbon-fiber actions like Kawai’s Millennium III

  
  

This action is designed for European-style expressiveness, with a slightly weightier touch than most Japanese actions, allowing for nuanced control and dynamic shading—perfect for romantic and impressionistic repertoire.

It’s worth noting that even though the Hoffmann P177 is made in the Czech Republic, it’s under the oversight of C. Bechstein’s German engineering team, and the actions are regulated and voiced to simulate the Renner action sound and feel before being shipped out. So while it’s not quite at the level of a Renner or Bechstein, it’s still in the likeness of legit European actions.

Kawai Action Details: The Kawai GX-2’s Millennium III action is the same action used in Kawai’s Flagship Concert Artist pianos the Shigeru Kawai. Kawai is the only manufacturer to feature its concert artist action in this category making it one of the best values in its league.  

Millennium III Action

• Material: ABS-Carbon Composite (instead of traditional wood)

• Brand: Kawai's proprietary design

• Used in: All Shigeru Kawai grands and high-end GX series, but further refined in the Shigeru line.

  
  

In Shigeru pianos, the action is meticulously hand-regulated by Master Piano Artisans (MPAs)—Kawai's elite technicians trained in Japan. It’s part of what gives the Shigeru its buttery touch and controlled depth, even compared to other Kawai grands.

Why it's special:

• Carbon fiber composite parts = lighter, faster, more stable

• Doesn’t warp or shrink like wood in humidity changes

• Delivers consistent touch over years with minimal maintenance

• Stronger repetition speed, excellent for virtuosity and advanced technique

• Enhanced key stroke accuracy (more precise feel, especially in soft passages)

  
  

Compared to traditional wood actions:

• The Millennium III has faster return time than wood actions

• Some pianists say it feels a little too light or smooth compared to European actions (like Bechstein / Renner), but that's subjective. Those who prefer a lighter touch will tend to lean towards Kawai while those preferring a heavier key feel may lean towards the Renner.

• Kawai did a great job of making it feel organic, despite being high-tech

  
  

Sensation Summary

• Hoffmann 177:

  • Responsive, refined touch thanks to European action design.

  • Slightly heavier than some Asian pianos, which may be preferred by some. (Subjective.)

  • Some say it requires a bit more nuance.

    
    

• Kawai GX-2:

  • Millennium III action (carbon composite) is extremely fast and stable.

  • Lighter touch, durable, and perfect for technical agility.

  • Ideal for fast passages and both classical and modern playing styles.

    
    

*Within the musical community teachers typically prefer a slightly heavier touch for their students musical development however, many experienced pianists and concert artists are known to choose lighter feeling actions especially as they age. Asian pianos tend to be lighter while European pianos tend to be heavier. Of the touted asian brands, kawai has the most resistant action.

Price & Value

• Hoffmann 177:

  • Generally a bit more expensive (depends on region).

  • Higher-end "boutique" appeal for those looking for the European aesthetic.

    
    

• Kawai GX-2:

  • More competitively priced in most markets.

  • Holds resale value better. 

  • Is a favorite for teachers, conservatories and institutions.

    
    

Best for...

• Hoffmann 177: You want a more romantic European sound, play primarily classical solo repertoire and prefer a heavier action.

  
  

• Kawai GX-2: You want a low maintenance, great all-around piano with a tone versatile enough for both classical and modern music and prefer a lighter, faster action.

Conclusion

If you're a classical pianist, playing primarily Chopin, Debussy, and other romantic music, the Hoffmann might pull at your heartstrings more- it is a niche classical piano. If you need a more versatile instrument and expect long term durability with low-maintenance the GX-2 is hard to beat. Ultimately, every piano is different, even among themselves. You should choose the piano that inspires you, challenges you and makes you come back for more.