Are there any sound differences between these 2 pianos? I live in SE Mass and all the KAWAI dealers in the area carry the K8. It seems everyone skips over the K6 around here.

I can't justify spending the additional money on a K8 if the only thing it buys me is a nicer looking cabinet (I think it is anyway) and a sostenuto pedal unless, it actually sounds better than a K6. The problem is I can't find a K6 to play and so cannot make a final determination about which one I want to buy.

I know this will be subjective but for you guys /gals that have played both, what are your thoughts?

I've been looking for a year for an upright and I want to buy new. I've played Yamaha T118's/U1's and U3's, Schimmels, Mason Hamlins (very nice upright), Prambergers, Kawai K2, K3, K5 and K8's. I've settle on the Kawai's because I love they way they sound and I love the action.

I'm no expert, but have had a chance to try out both pianos. I couldn't tell any difference in the sound. The specs are similar. They seem to have the same soundboard, strings, hammers, etc. The K-8 does have the sostenuto pedal.

Perhaps more effort is taken in building the K-8?

Post this on the piano forum, maybe one of the experts over there will know something.

I got the K5 and haven't regretted it one bit.

I though I had posted this in the Piano Forum but it looks like I posted it in here. Can a mod move this post please?

I was cheaper than you and bought the K3 because I couldn't justify the difference that a K5 (very nice though it is)!

And I haven't regretted that decision either!!

I love my K6. Very nice instrument.

http://kawaius.com/main_links/vertical_09/brochures/K_series.pdf

Right down at the end of this brochure, it has a chart where the features of the K-series are compared. I remember having to fish around quite a bit (another time) when I was trying to find out the same answers you asked.

What I see in K-6 v K-8, is 14 pounds, practice vs sostenuto pedal, different tone port arrangement, more scratch-resistant finish on the music desk. Don't know what the asking price difference runs. What does your favorite dealer say about the difference in these models?

I don't doubt they would order a K-6 for you, probably with a modest down payment. If you liked the K-8 better after all, it could hardly break their heart to sell you one.

Anyone have a recent price quote for a Kawai K5 or K6 by any chance?

I heard that in the K-8 piano, the cabinet part that "sticks out" (above the keyboard) is suppose to give a stronger bass notes. I've not tried the 2 side by side before, so I can't tell. Perhaps give it another go at the shop and see if it does give a stronger bass?

Good luck!