Kawai K-800AS Review – The Flagship Upright Piano That Feels Like a Grand

When space is limited but your standards are high, the Kawai K-800AS might just be the upright piano you’ve been waiting for. At 134cm tall, it’s the largest upright in Kawai’s premium range – and it plays every bit as big as it looks.

This is no ordinary upright. With its bold tone, refined touch, and grand-style features, the K-800AS delivers a piano experience that genuinely rivals a baby grand – without taking over the room.

Designed for serious pianists, this flagship upright includes high-end elements you’d expect to find in a grand: a true sostenuto pedal, Millennium III carbon fibre action, and a powerful, resonant tone that fills the space with ease.

“One of the best upright pianos I’ve ever played.” — Thomas, Sales Director at Broughton Pianos

With its European-style sound, elegant cabinet, and uncompromising performance, the K-800AS is the go-to choice for musicians who want a compact piano without sacrificing the depth and expression of a larger instrument.

Why Consider the Kawai K-800AS Instead of a Baby Grand?

If you’re dreaming of a baby grand but don’t have the space or setting, the K-800AS is arguably the best alternative on the market.

Unlike most uprights that only imitate grand piano characteristics, the K-800AS is built from the ground up to perform like one. Its longer key-stick length (222mm), responsive action, tapered spruce soundboard, and grand-style cabinet design combine to create a playing experience that feels remarkably close to a grand – all in a vertical format.

For music teachers, advanced learners, and professional players living in flats or older homes, the K-800AS is easier to position and maintain than a grand, but it is still powerful and expressive enough for demanding repertoire.

This isn’t a compromise. It’s a smart, performance-focused solution – a serious piano for serious pianists.

Touch and Feel – Grand Piano Experience in Upright Form

The K-800AS stands out in the upright category by delivering a genuinely grand-like touch – thanks largely to its Millennium III action, made from ABS-carbon components. This advanced material is stronger and lighter than wood, offering faster repetition, better control, and longer lifespan.

With a longer key length for improved leverage, every keystroke feels balanced and articulate – ideal for expressive playing and technical precision. Mahogany hammer mouldings add a natural lightness, making the action feel fluid and immediate.

The keys feature Neotex' (ebony and ivory-like) surfaces, for better grip and moisture absorption, keeping control steady even during longer sessions or performance under pressure.

Tone and Power – The Sound of a Grand in Upright Form

Rich, bold, and resonant, the K-800AS doesn’t sound like a typical upright. Its European-style tone is full of warmth and clarity, from singing mids to a surprisingly powerful bass.

A key contributor is the tapered solid spruce soundboard, which resonates more freely for greater projection. Combined with longer strings (1280mm), it produces a tone that rivals a baby grand – especially in the lower register.

Another standout is the unique tone escapement panel, a subtle gap behind the music rest that directs more sound toward the player – similar to a grand piano with the lid raised. It creates a more immersive and immediate listening experience.

The Royal George felt hammers, paired with mahogany hammer mouldings, ensure fast response and tonal richness. Whether you're playing delicate pianissimo or dramatic fortissimo, the K-800AS delivers.

“The tone has a real warmth and character – you get a proper singing line in the mid-range and great definition in the bass.” - Thomas, Broughton Pianos

Unique Features for the Serious Pianist

What truly sets the Kawai K-800AS apart is its thoughtful, performance-driven design:

• True sostenuto pedal – for advanced repertoire requiring selective sustain
• Discrete celeste lever – for quiet practice without sacrificing sostenuto functionality
• Grand-style music desk – wide, stable, and placed higher for better posture and sightlines
• Soft-close fallboard – gentle and safe for any environment
• Elegant cabinetry and finish – with full grand-style shaping, including identical keyboard height

These features aren’t just cosmetic – they’re there to support real musical expression, whether you’re teaching, practising, or performing.

Why Buy the Kawai K-800AS from Broughton Pianos?

At Broughton Pianos, we know that choosing a piano like the K-800AS is a big decision. That’s why we provide a relaxed, hands-on environment to try it for yourself – at our peaceful West Midlands showroom, surrounded by countryside.

Our team includes concert-trained pianists who understand the needs of advanced players, and we’re always happy to talk you through the details.

We also offer:

• Nationwide ground floor delivery, included with your purchase
• Expert advice
• Ongoing servicing and aftercare from our in-house technicians

Whether you’re searching for the best upright piano in the UK, a professional-grade piano for a smaller space, or an alternative to a baby grand, the Kawai K-800AS deserves a serious look.

10-Year Warranty on All Kawai Acoustic Pianos

Kawai is one of the most renowned manufacturers of grand pianos, upright pianos and digital pianos, and the name has stood for quality since 1927. Kawai stands behind this long history, and the knowledge and expertise that go into every instrument, by offering a manufacturer’s warranty to the original purchaser.

Come and Try the Kawai K-800AS

You can learn more about the Kawai K-800AS here on the Broughton Pianos website, where you’ll find full specifications, photos, and pricing.

We’re confident you’ll feel the difference the moment you sit down at this instrument.

📍 Weybridge Mill, Drayton Road, DY9 0DN
📞 Call 01562 731113 to arrange your visit or ask us anything.