26 Jan 2014

Kawai Piano Serial Number

posted in: English Articles, 鋼琴購買需知/ Advice on Piano Purchase | 0

Kawai piano serial numbers are unique identifiers stamped on every instrument since 1927. They tell you the year of manufacture and often the factory location. By matching the number to published serial number charts, you can date your piano and confirm its authenticity.
 Where to Find the Serial Number
  • Grand pianos: On the iron plate, under the music desk, usually on the right-hand side near the tuning pins. You may need to slide out the music desk to see it.
  • Upright pianos: Either on the top right of the iron plate (near the tuning pins) or at the top center of the plate between bass and treble sections. Lift the lid to check.
Format of Kawai Serial Numbers
  • Length: 4–8 digits, depending on age.
  • Older pianos: Early instruments may have only four digits.
  • Modern pianos: Typically seven digits.
  • Letters: Sometimes a prefix letter indicates the factory (e.g., Japan, Indonesia, USA, Canada).
Dating a Kawai Piano
  • Kawai has issued sequential serial numbers since 1927.
  • By comparing your number to a reference chart, you can determine the approximate year of manufacture.
  • Example:
    • Serial numbers in the 200,000s → early 1960s.
    • Serial numbers in the 1,000,000s → late 1970s.
    • Serial numbers in the 2,000,000s → late 1980s.
    • Serial numbers in the 6,000,000s → around 2015.
  • Accuracy is usually within ±1 year.
 Why It Matters
  • Authenticity: Confirms the piano’s true age (important in markets like Hong Kong where misrepresentation is common).
  • Value: Age affects resale price and suitability for advanced study.
  • Condition expectations: A 40-year-old piano, even if cosmetically refurbished, will not perform like a 10-year-old one.
  • Warranty/service: Serial number is required for official Kawai support.
 Buyer Tips
  1. Always check the serial number before purchase.
  2. Cross-check with official Kawai or trusted serial number charts.
  3. Be cautious if the number looks altered or doesn’t match the piano’s style.
  4. Combine serial number info with a technician’s inspection—age alone doesn’t guarantee condition.
The Kawai serial number is your piano’s “birth certificate.” It reveals when and where it was made, helps protect you from misleading sales claims, and is essential for valuation and maintenance.
Reference:
Kawai Pianos
Kawai
Kawai piano serial number decoder
Japan Production U.S. Production
 
1927 4200 1988 A6904
1930 6000 1989 A7500
1935 8350 1990 A10200
1940 9600 1991 A21300
1945 12000 1992 A30515
1950 14200 1993 A39267
1952 15000 1994 A49071
1953 16200 1995 A56689
1954 18600 1996 A64000
1955 20590 1997 A74000
1956 21300 1998 A81000
1957 22500 1999 A90000
1958 23200 2000 A96000
1960 26000 2001 A100000
1961 34500 2002 A104000
1962 75760 2003 A111000
1963 85622 2004 A115300
1964 132307
1965 163178 Indonesia Production
1966 203433 2003 F000200
1967 251660 2004 F002200
1968 303686 2005 F004700
1969 369088 2006 F010600
1970 425121 2007 F018700
1971 488834 2008 F030500
1972 558216 2009 F040085
1973 633601 2010 F049000
1974 718768 2011 F057700
1975 785568 2012 F067900
1976 844362
1977 904384
1978 973490
1979 1067130
1980 1126366
1981 1219355
1982 1300000
1983 1380000
1984 1475000
1985 1550000
1986 1630500
1987 1706250
1988 1781250
1989 1856250
1990 1950000
1991 2000000
1992 2050000
1993 2100000
1994 2160743
1995 2197503
1996 2244232
1997 2279943
1998 2314043
1999 2350000
2000 2380000
2001 2410000
2002 2430000
2003 2466000
2004 2495000
2005 2518000
2006 2543000
2007 2566000

 

Information Source: http://www.kawaius-tsd.com/pages/serial_manudate.html

湯 先生/ Mr. Tong
英國註冊鋼琴技師 / Registered Piano Technician (MPTA)
Mobile / Whatsapp: 6304 4081
Website: www.tongtuning.com
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