Kawai GL Series- The Baby Grand Comparison

The Kawai GL Series offers a range of baby grand pianos, GL-10, GL-20, and GL-30, that share core features but differ in size, tonal richness, and manufacturing origin. Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the model that best suits your needs.

GL Series Comparison Chart: 

Feature	GL-10	GL-20	GL-30
Length	5'0" (153 cm)	5'2" (157 cm)	5'5" (166 cm)
Width	59" (150 cm)	59" (150 cm)	59" (150 cm)
Height	40" (102 cm)	40" (102 cm)	40" (102 cm)
Weight	622 lbs (282 kg)	661 lbs (300 kg)	688 lbs (312 kg)
Manufacturing Origin	Indonesia	Indonesia	Japan
Action	Millennium III with ABS-Carbon	Millennium III with ABS-Carbon	Millennium III with ABS-Carbon
Soundboard	Solid Spruce, Tapered	Solid Spruce, Tapered	Solid Spruce, Tapered
Duplex Scaling	None	Dual	Full Duplex
Agraffes	1st–46th keys	1st–46th keys	1st–54th keys
Back Posts	2	3	3
Lid Props	2	2	3
Fallboard Lock	No	No	Yes
Pedals	Damper, Sostenuto, Soft	Damper, Sostenuto, Soft	Damper, Sostenuto, Soft
Casters	Single, Brass	Single, Brass	Single, Brass
Finish Options	Polished Ebony, Satin Ebony, Polished Snow White, Polished Mahogany	Same as GL-10	Same as GL-10
MSRP	$18,995	$18,895-$21,295	$29,895-$34,895

Key Differences

• Size & Tonal Quality: The GL-10, at 5'0", is ideal for smaller spaces but offers limited bass resonance. The GL-20 (5'2") provides enhanced bass response, while the GL-30 (5'5") delivers a richer, more dynamic tone due to its larger soundboard and longer strings.

• Duplex Scaling: The GL-10 lacks duplex scaling, which affects the complexity of overtones and overall tonal properties. The GL-20 introduces dual duplex scaling for added tonal richness, and the GL-30 features full duplex scaling for a fully realized complexity and richness of tone with enhanced treble harmonics and overall resonance.

• Manufacturing Origin: The GL-10 and GL-20 are manufactured in Indonesia, whereas the GL-30 is built in Japan, which may reflect differences in craftsmanship and quality control.

• Structural Enhancements: The GL-30 includes additional features such as a fallboard lock and an extra lid prop, offering greater versatility which is especially useful in institutional settings.

Summary

• GL-10: Best for those with limited space seeking a high-quality baby grand piano with essential features.

• GL-20: Offers improved tonal depth over the GL-10, suitable for players desiring a more resonant sound and bass, without a significant increase in price or size.

• GL-30: Ideal for serious pianists and educators looking for superior tonal complexity, bass resonance and dynamic range, with the added assurance of Japanese craftsmanship and a fallboard lock.