A rare opportunity to acquire one of Kawai’s finest late-1980s Japanese-market professional uprights. Built in Hamamatsu, Japan during Kawai’s celebrated golden manufacturing era, this US-55 represents the upper echelon of institutional and conservatory upright piano design — often regarded as a direct competitor to the Yamaha U3 and the spiritual predecessor to Kawai’s modern K-series professional uprights.

Finished in a deep polished ebony lacquer with elegant minimalist lines, the piano presents with exceptional visual presence while maintaining the refined restraint characteristic of premium Japanese craftsmanship. The cabinet retains a remarkable gloss and reflection quality, complemented by bright brass pedals and clean architectural proportions that allow the instrument to function equally as a performance piano and statement furnishing.

Standing approximately 52 inches tall, the US-55 belongs to the coveted “upright grand” class. Its expanded soundboard area, longer bass strings, and full professional cabinet depth produce a tonal richness and dynamic range rarely encountered in standard uprights. The piano offers the warm, resonant tonal character for which Kawai is especially respected, paired with a responsive and nuanced action suitable for advanced repertoire, recording environments, studios, and serious private practice.

The interior presents exceptionally well, with a notably clean cast plate, hardware, tuning pins, and action compartment — a strong indicator of careful ownership and preservation. The original Japanese Kawai red key cover cloth is included, an increasingly uncommon detail that reinforces the instrument’s authenticity and provenance.

Serial number 1881266 dates the piano to approximately 1989–1990 production.

Features include:

Made in Hamamatsu, Japan
Kawai US-55 professional upright model
Approx. 52-inch “upright grand” cabinet
Polished ebony finish
Full-length professional music desk
Three-pedal configuration
Brass hardware and pedals
Warm, powerful bass response
Responsive professional action
Original Kawai red key cover cloth included
Matching bench included

This instrument would be exceptionally well suited for:
Conservatory students
Professional musicians
Recording studios
Interior designers seeking a functional statement piece
Collectors of premium Japanese pianos
Luxury residential settings

Unlike many contemporary uprights built for mass export production, the US-series instruments were developed primarily for the demanding Japanese domestic market, where higher institutional standards and long-term performance expectations shaped their construction.

An increasingly difficult model to locate in this level of cosmetic presentation and overall preservation.

Professionally tuned on May 11th, 2026