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Model comparisonKawai K-300 and K-500: eight centimetres, and what they change.
The K-300 and K-500 are Kawai K Series upright models. The K-300 is 122 cm tall; the K-500 is 130 cm. This guide covers what the manufacturer references say about each, what the height difference means, and what to check on the individual used instrument.
Published 23 October 2026 · 2 minute read · Written for buyers, not for any one instrument
What Kawai publishes for each model.
The dimensions below are manufacturer reference figures for the K-300 and the K-500. A used instrument from a different year or market must be checked directly.
| K-300 | K-500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 122 cm | 130 cm |
| Width | 149 cm | 150 cm |
| Depth | 61 cm | 62 cm |
| Action | Millennium III | Millennium III |
The maker describes Millennium III Upright Action for these models. The action name does not establish identical touch on two used instruments. Weight and component details can vary by revision or market, so they are not used here to promise a delivery outcome.
Listen beyond the dimensions.
The K-500 has a larger reference cabinet. These dimensions are useful for planning space; compare the actual instruments for the musical differences that matter to you:
- Bass response: compare the clarity and balance of the bass on the actual instruments. Cabinet height alone does not establish either piano’s present tonal quality.
- Sustain: listen to how notes decay at the playing levels you use. Condition, construction, voicing and the room all matter; do not read a guaranteed sustain result from the height.
- Projection: try the instruments at a useful volume for the intended room. A height comparison is not a room-acoustics assessment.
None of these differences can be assessed from the dimensions alone. They can be heard by playing the same music on both instruments in the same room. Whether the difference matters depends on the player, the music, and the room it will stand in.
The same inspection applies to both.
Both the K-300 and K-500 appear as used instruments. The inspection routine is the same for either model:
- Serial number: date the instrument using Kawai's serial number reference. Some Kawai instruments also carry a factory label inside the case with the month, year and country of manufacture.
- Action and hammers: check for even key response, hammer condition and damper operation. Both models use composite action parts, but wear and regulation still need inspection.
- Soundboard and bridge: look for cracks, loose ribs or bridge pin splits with a torch.
- Service history: ask what work has been done and what is outstanding.
The K-300 has a dedicated model page on this site. The K-500 is not a listed stock item. Ask us directly whether a K-500 is available or expected. The viewing checklist covers the full inspection routine for either model.
Check width, depth and the complete route.
The K-500 is eight centimetres taller, one centimetre wider and one centimetre deeper than the K-300. These are small differences in footprint but they can matter for access: a tight lift opening, a narrow corridor turn or a low door lintel may admit one and not the other.
Measure the delivery route, not just the room. Send the floor, lift dimensions, door widths, corridor turns and any stairs with your enquiry. The delivery team can confirm whether a particular instrument will fit before a date is agreed. Do not assume that fitting one model establishes that the other will also fit.
The delivery guide covers the logistics for HDB, condo and landed homes. The room preparation guide covers what to have ready before the instrument arrives.
K-300 vs K-500, answered.
How much taller is the K-500 than the K-300?
Kawai's current product pages list the K-300 at 122 cm and the K-500 at 130 cm. That is eight centimetres of additional case height. Height alone does not establish the sound or condition of a particular used instrument.
Does the K-500 sound better than the K-300?
Kawai describes a larger design for the K-500, but dimensions are not a listening test. Sound depends on the individual piano, its condition, preparation and the room. Compare the same music on both rather than assuming a model wins on every measure.
Do both use the same action?
Both are listed with Kawai's Millennium III Upright Action, which uses ABS carbon composite components. The specific implementation may differ between models and production years. Compare the feel on the actual instruments rather than assuming the action name means identical touch.
Does Music Companion have a K-500?
The K-300 is on the model pages. The K-500 is not listed as a current stock item. Ask us whether one is available or expected, and we will give you a straight answer.
Will a K-500 fit where a K-300 fits?
Not necessarily. The K-500 is taller, slightly wider and slightly deeper. Check the actual dimensions against your room and delivery route. Send the measurements and ask for access confirmation before assuming either model will fit.
Where the rest is set out on this site: Kawai K300 → U1 vs U3 vs K300 → Viewing checklist → What the quotation covers → Kawai K-3 vs K-300 → All guides →
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