Kawai GL-30 vs. GL-40: A Grand Comparison

When it comes to selecting the right grand piano, size matters. From the resonance of the bass to the responsiveness of the action, every additional inch of a grand piano can bring substantial musical benefits. In this article, we’ll compare two highly respected models- the GL-30 and GL-40, and explore why crossing the 5'10" threshold can be a game-changer in tone and performance.

Understanding Piano Sizes: The 5'10" Turning Point 

In the piano world, 5'10" is often considered the cutoff point between a baby grand and a full grand. While there’s no hard rule, pianos below this size are typically referred to as baby grands, prized for their compact footprint and elegance in home settings. Pianos 5’10” and longer start to enter the realm of full-sized performance pianos, offering the touch and tonal balance that professional players expect from a grand.

Why is 5’10” special?

• The "Golden Ratio" of Tone: Around this size, string length, soundboard area, and case acoustics begin to align in a way that produces exceptional tonal balance producing a warm, singing treble and a resonant bass that doesn’t overpower.

• Soundboard Efficiency: The larger soundboard more effectively converts string vibration into sound, offering greater projection and dynamic range- both stronger fortissimos and quieter pianissimos.

• Longer Bass Strings: Bass strings closer in length to those in a concert grand reduce inharmonicity, creating deeper, truer bass tones adding to the richness and complexity of the instruments overall tonal profile.

GL Series Overview 

Kawai’s GL Series is known for combining craftsmanship, value, and advanced technology. The GL10 and 20 are premium pianos made in Indonesia, the GL30 and 40 are high-performance pianos - a category above premium. These high-performance grands feature:

• Japanese Engineering and Oversight: Built to the highest standards. Steinway and Sons selected this factory to build the Boston line of pianos over thousands of other contenders due to its excellence in craftsmanship and attention to detail.

• Millennium III Action with ABS-Carbon: Stronger and more stable than traditional wood actions, improving speed, control, and longevity. (A Kawai patent.)

• Tapered Solid Spruce Soundboards: Premium soundboards for rich tonal projection.

• Dual-Duplex Scaling (GL-30 and up): Creates more overtones which add body, richness and fullness for enhanced tonal complexity by allowing non-speaking string lengths to vibrate sympathetically.

• Soft-Close Fallboard and Quality Cabinetry: Elegant design and durability.

GL-30 (5'5") – High Performance Baby Grand

The GL-30 is a 5’5” baby grand piano ideal for serious musicians in small studios or small performance venues.

Key Features:

• Compact size with rich, resonant tone for its class.

• Dual-duplex scaling (uncommon in many baby grands).

• Balanced tone and responsive action.

• Ideal for advanced students or small teaching studios.

Pros:

• Space-efficient.

• Competitive price point for its performance level.

• Excellent action and tone in a sub-6-foot instrument.

Limitations:

• Slightly more limited dynamic range than larger grands.

• Bass and sustain can’t match the fullness of larger models.

Kawai GL-40 (5'11") A Step Into Full Grand Territory

The GL-40 pushes past the 5'10" mark, entering the full grand category, meeting the tone and touch expectations of serious players but without the massive footprint or price tag of a 7-footer.

Key Features:

• Longer strings and larger soundboard allow for greater tonal richness.

• Enhanced sustain and dynamic control

• Offers greater dynamic range for greater artistic expression. 

• Ideal for serious pianists, teachers, and small performance spaces.

Pros:

• Noticeably fuller tone, especially in the bass.

• Greater control in nuanced dynamics.

• Performance quality edging into institutional or conservatory-level instruments.

Limitations:

• Larger footprint may not suit small spaces.

• Slightly higher price point, though still competitive for its size and features.

Benefits of Choosing a Larger Grand Piano (5'10"+)

1. Greater Dynamic Range: More soundboard area means more capacity to project both soft and loud passages effectively.

2. Richer Bass Response: Longer bass strings reduce inharmonicity, creating a more powerful and clear low register.

3. Improved Tonal Balance: The treble, middle, and bass are more evenly matched across the keyboard.

4. Enhanced Sustain: Larger pianos hold sound longer, giving the player more expressive options.

5. Professional Feel: Larger grands typically offer a closer approximation to the touch, tone, and experience of a full concert grand.

Conclusion: The GL-30 or GL-40?

The GL-30 is a top-tier baby grand with excellent touch and tone for its size. It’s perfect for those limited on space who still want high performance piano quality. However, if you have the room and budget, the GL-40 is a major tonal upgrade- it’s  not just a bigger piano, but a better one, with characteristics that truly set it apart from the smaller grands.

Crossing the 5’10” threshold means stepping into a different class of instrument that offers a golden ratio of resonance, tonal balance, and expressive power. For those who take their playing seriously, the GL-40 is well worth the step up.