The Kawai CA501 is a premium digital piano, part of Kawai’s celebrated Concert Artist (CA) series, and designed to deliver an authentic acoustic piano experience in a digital format. Kawai, a Japanese manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for crafting both acoustic and digital pianos, has once again pushed the envelope with the CA501, a model that blends cutting-edge digital technology with timeless craftsmanship. With an emphasis on realism, touch, and sound quality, the CA501 is aimed at serious pianists, students, and hobbyists who want an instrument that stands out both in terms of performance and aesthetics.
In this comprehensive review, we will explore every facet of the Kawai CA501, from its design and key action to sound engine, features, connectivity, and overall performance. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this instrument is the right fit for your needs.
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Kawai CA501 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Key Action | Grand Feel Compact (wooden keys with triple-sensor system) |
| Key Surfaces | Ivory and Ebony feel |
| Number of Keys | 88 full-size keys |
| Sound Engine | Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL), 88-key sampling |
| Piano Sounds | Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and EX concert grand piano sounds |
| Total Sounds | 19 voices (including grand pianos, electric pianos, organs, etc.) |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Virtual Technician | Yes (17 adjustable parameters) |
| Speaker System | 4 speakers (2 x 50W amplifiers) |
| Headphone Experience | Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) technology |
| Pedal System | Grand Feel Pedal System (damper, sostenuto, soft) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth Audio and MIDI |
| Recording/Playback | USB audio recording (WAV/MP3), 10 internal song memory |
| Modes | Dual, Split, Four Hands mode |
| Lesson Function | Yes (includes lesson songs from Alfred and Burgmüller) |
| Metronome | Adjustable tempo and time signatures |
| Tuning Options | Yes (transposition, temperament adjustment) |
| Display | OLED display with touch panel controls |
| MIDI Ports | MIDI In/Out |
| USB Connectivity | USB to Host, USB to Device |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 145.5 cm x 45.5 cm x 96.5 cm (with music stand) |
| Weight | 66 kg (145.5 lbs) |
| Finishes Available | Premium Rosewood, Satin Black, Satin White, Classic Ebony |
Design and Build Quality
Cabinet Aesthetics
The Kawai CA501 features a sleek and modern cabinet design that balances elegance with functionality. Available in multiple finishes—ranging from premium rosewood, satin black, satin white, to classic ebony—the piano can complement any home décor, from traditional to contemporary. The build quality is exceptional, with a solid and durable structure that feels premium and robust.
The cabinet’s modest size allows it to fit comfortably in medium to large rooms, though it is notably more compact than a traditional upright acoustic piano. Despite being a digital piano, the CA501’s cabinetry gives it a substantial and presence-driven look, especially with the sliding key cover that protects the keys when not in use. The attention to detail is apparent, with rounded edges, smooth surfaces, and a sturdy pedalboard that gives a sense of professionalism.
Music Stand and User Interface
The piano features a large and adjustable music stand, which is crucial for professional musicians and students who often work with multiple sheets of music. It is easy to adjust and accommodates a range of angles to suit different heights and preferences, a small but significant detail that adds to the usability of the instrument.
The control interface of the CA501 is discreetly integrated into the left-hand side of the keyboard. This touch panel is intuitive and unobtrusive, giving the piano a clean and uncluttered appearance. The OLED display is a welcome touch, providing a clear, vibrant display of settings, sounds, and other functions without overwhelming the player with too much information. It strikes a fine balance between modern technology and the traditional aesthetic of a piano.
Key Action and Feel
Grand Feel Compact Keyboard Action
The Kawai CA501 features the Grand Feel Compact (GFC) wooden-key action, which is the same action found in many of Kawai’s higher-end models. This is arguably one of the standout features of the instrument, as the wooden keys and sophisticated mechanics provide an incredibly realistic playing experience.
Unlike many digital pianos that use plastic keys, the CA501 incorporates real wooden keys with a long pivot point, similar to that of an acoustic grand piano. The keybed is solid, and the response is immediate, giving players a sense of connection to the instrument. The long pivot length, which replicates the physical characteristics of a grand piano, ensures that playing toward the back of the key feels as responsive as playing at the front.
The weighted keys feature an ivory and ebony touch surface, which adds a luxurious feel and helps prevent fingers from slipping during extended practice sessions. The subtle texture of these keys feels premium and helps to replicate the tactile sensation of playing a high-end acoustic grand.
Triple-Sensor System and Let-off Simulation
The CA501’s triple-sensor key detection system allows for high levels of accuracy when it comes to tracking key movements. This means that even the most delicate nuances of your playing are captured, from the softest pianissimo to the most aggressive fortissimo. The triple sensor allows for fast note repetition, which is particularly important for advanced players who need to execute quick trills or other rapid passages with precision.
Additionally, the let-off simulation, which mimics the subtle “notch” feel when playing softly on an acoustic grand piano, adds an extra layer of realism. While many digital pianos struggle to replicate this subtle mechanical sensation, Kawai has done an excellent job of incorporating it into the CA501’s action.
Sound Quality
Harmonic Imaging XL Sound Engine
One of the biggest selling points of the CA501 is its Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL) sound engine, which features full 88-key piano sampling. Kawai has meticulously sampled each note of their world-renowned Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and EX concert grand pianos, ensuring that the CA501 produces an incredibly authentic sound that is rich in depth and character.
The HI-XL engine focuses not just on reproducing the notes themselves, but also on capturing the harmonic interplay between them. The result is a tone that feels vibrant and dynamic. From the deep bass to the crystalline treble, each note is reproduced with stunning clarity. There is a natural decay to the notes, which adds to the realism, and you can hear the subtle resonances and overtones that one would expect from a high-end acoustic piano.
Virtual Technician
Kawai’s Virtual Technician is a standout feature that allows you to customize the piano sound to your liking. With a range of parameters to adjust—such as string resonance, damper resonance, hammer noise, and key-off effects—you can fine-tune the sound to match your personal preferences or the needs of a specific piece of music.
This level of customization is rarely seen in digital pianos in this price range, making the CA501 a strong contender for pianists who demand complete control over their instrument’s tonal palette. The Virtual Technician can be accessed through the piano’s user interface, or through a companion mobile app for even greater ease of use.
Speaker System and Sound Projection
The CA501’s speaker system is nothing short of remarkable for a digital piano in this class. Featuring a multi-speaker setup with dual 50W amplifiers, the piano is capable of delivering a rich, room-filling sound. The speaker system is designed to replicate the natural projection of an acoustic piano, with sound radiating not just from the front but also from above and below, giving the impression that the music is coming from the entire body of the instrument.
The sound projection is designed to enhance the player’s experience by enveloping them in the music, creating an immersive and inspiring environment. Whether you’re performing for an audience or practicing alone, the CA501’s sound system offers both power and clarity, and it’s more than capable of handling everything from delicate classical pieces to powerful jazz or pop performances.
Piano Sound Variations and Presets
Concert Grand Piano Sounds
The Kawai CA501 features an impressive collection of concert grand piano sounds, most notably the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and EX grand pianos. The SK-EX is renowned for its warm, rich tonal character, and the EX is known for its powerful, clear projection. Both sounds have been meticulously sampled for the CA501, ensuring that pianists can enjoy the tonal qualities of two world-class grand pianos at the touch of a button.
These two grand piano sounds are complemented by a number of additional acoustic piano tones, such as upright pianos, electric grands, and modern pianos, each with its own unique character and style. This variety makes the CA501 highly versatile, allowing it to cater to a wide range of musical genres and playing styles.
Other Instrumental Sounds
In addition to its excellent piano tones, the CA501 also includes a wide selection of non-piano instrument sounds, such as electric pianos, strings, harpsichords, organs, and more. While these sounds are generally not the primary reason someone would purchase this piano, they do offer additional creative possibilities for musicians who like to experiment with different textures and soundscapes.
The electric piano sounds, in particular, stand out, as they capture the vintage character of classic models like the Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer. These sounds are a great addition for those who play jazz, blues, or fusion, offering a smooth and buttery texture that feels natural and responsive.
Features and Functionality
Modes: Split, Dual, and Four Hands
The CA501 comes equipped with several modes that enhance its versatility. The Split Mode allows you to divide the keyboard into two distinct sections, each with its own sound. For example, you could play a bass sound with your left hand while playing a piano or strings with your right. This feature is especially useful for performers or educators who want to layer different sounds in a live setting.
Dual Mode (also known as layer mode) allows you to play two sounds simultaneously across the entire keyboard. This is a great way to blend complementary sounds, such as piano and strings, to create a fuller, richer sound.
Four Hands Mode splits the keyboard into two equal sections, each with its own middle C, which is perfect for duets or piano lessons. This mode makes the CA501 an excellent teaching tool, as it allows both the student and teacher to play side by side on the same instrument without needing two separate pianos.
Recording and Playback
The CA501 offers the ability to record and playback performances directly from the piano. The internal memory can store up to 10 songs, which can be easily accessed and played back at any time. Additionally, the piano supports USB audio recording and playback, allowing you to save your performances as WAV or MP3 files for later use.
This feature is ideal for students who want to track their progress or for performers who need a quick and easy way to record ideas or compositions. The playback quality is excellent, capturing all the nuances of your performance, from dynamics to articulation.
Bluetooth Connectivity
One of the most useful modern features of the CA501 is its Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to wirelessly connect the piano to smart devices. With Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio functionality, you can easily use the CA501 with apps, such as Kawai’s Virtual Technician, or play along with your favorite music directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Bluetooth Audio enables you to stream audio through the piano’s powerful speaker system, effectively turning it into a high-quality sound system. This is especially useful for practicing along with backing tracks, online lessons, or simply enjoying music in your home.
Pedals and Sustain Features
Grand Feel Pedal System
The Kawai CA501 comes with a solid, three-pedal system that mimics the pedal configuration of a grand piano: soft (una corda), sostenuto, and damper (with half-pedal functionality). The Grand Feel Pedal System not only looks and feels authentic but also offers a high level of responsiveness.
The half-pedal support allows for greater control over the sustain, which is particularly important when playing advanced repertoire that requires subtle variations in pedal usage. Whether you need a quick damper lift for legato phrasing or full sustain for big chords, the pedal system delivers a realistic and tactile response.
Headphone Experience
One of the key advantages of digital pianos is the ability to practice silently using headphones. The CA501 takes this experience to a new level with its Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) technology. SHS enhances the realism of the sound when listening through headphones, providing a more immersive and natural audio experience.
Unlike many digital pianos, where the headphone sound can feel flat or overly direct, the CA501’s SHS system gives the sense of playing in a room with an acoustic piano. The sound feels spacious, with depth and dimension that is often lost when using headphones.
The headphone experience is further enhanced by the ability to adjust various settings through the Virtual Technician, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preferences even when practicing silently.
Connectivity Options
USB to Host/Device
The CA501 features both USB to Host and USB to Device ports, offering flexible connectivity options. USB to Host allows you to connect the piano to a computer or smart device for use with music production software, notation programs, or educational apps. This makes it easy to integrate the CA501 into a home studio setup or use it for online lessons and practice.
USB to Device allows for easy audio and MIDI file transfer, enabling you to save performances, import songs, or update the piano’s firmware without the need for additional hardware.
MIDI Ports
For those who still rely on traditional MIDI setups, the CA501 includes MIDI In/Out ports. While USB has largely replaced traditional MIDI for most home users, having the option of MIDI ports is essential for those who want to connect the piano to older external devices or expand their studio configuration.
Educational Tools
Kawai has designed the CA501 with education in mind, making it an excellent choice for students and teachers alike. The lesson function includes a wide range of built-in lesson songs from popular method books, such as Alfred’s Basic Piano Library and Burgmüller’s 25 Etudes. This is a great tool for beginners or intermediate players looking to improve their skills while practicing along with familiar tunes.
The metronome and tempo adjustments provide further educational support, allowing students to practice at their own pace while keeping time. The metronome can be customized to suit different time signatures, making it versatile for all kinds of practice scenarios.
Pricing and Value
At its price point, the Kawai CA501 is positioned as a mid-to-high-end digital piano, and it certainly delivers a level of quality that justifies the investment. While there are less expensive options on the market, the CA501 stands out for its attention to detail in terms of sound, touch, and overall experience.
For serious pianists who want a digital instrument that closely replicates the feel and sound of an acoustic grand piano, the CA501 offers outstanding value. It’s also an excellent option for families or institutions that need a reliable, high-quality digital piano for daily use, teaching, or performance.
Pros and Cons of the Kawai CA501 Digital Piano
Pros:
- Authentic Key Action (Grand Feel Compact):
The wooden-key Grand Feel Compact action closely mimics the feel of an acoustic grand piano. The keys are made of real wood, with an extended pivot length and a smooth, weighted action, providing a highly realistic playing experience. - Ivory and Ebony Key Surfaces:
The textured key surfaces offer an exceptional tactile experience, providing excellent grip and comfort for longer practice sessions, similar to high-end acoustic pianos. - Harmonic Imaging XL Sound Engine:
The CA501 uses Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging XL technology, featuring 88-key piano sampling from Kawai’s renowned Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and EX concert grand pianos, delivering rich, nuanced sound with impressive dynamics and tonal detail. - Advanced Virtual Technician:
The Virtual Technician feature allows for deep customization of the piano’s sound. You can adjust parameters like string resonance, damper resonance, and key-off effects to suit your preferences or performance needs. - Powerful Speaker System:
The CA501 is equipped with a robust dual 50W speaker system, providing clear and powerful sound projection. It is designed to simulate the room-filling experience of an acoustic piano, making it ideal for both home practice and small performances. - Bluetooth Audio and MIDI Connectivity:
The Bluetooth functionality allows wireless connection to smart devices, enabling music streaming, interaction with apps, and integration with educational tools. Bluetooth Audio also turns the CA501 into a high-quality sound system for music playback. - High-Quality Headphone Experience (SHS Technology):
Kawai’s Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) technology enhances the sound realism when practicing with headphones, creating a more immersive experience by simulating acoustic sound dispersion. - Multiple Sound Presets and Modes:
In addition to its piano sounds, the CA501 offers a wide variety of additional instrument tones, including electric pianos, strings, and organs. Modes like Split, Dual, and Four Hands add versatility, allowing you to play duets, layer sounds, or split the keyboard for different instrument sounds. - Durable, Elegant Design:
The CA501 is built with high-quality materials and boasts an elegant design that fits well in any home setting. The solid cabinet, adjustable music stand, and sliding key cover add to its overall professional look and durability. - Built-in Lesson Features:
The CA501 is equipped with built-in lesson songs and a metronome, making it an excellent choice for students. The lesson features include popular method book exercises, making it a valuable tool for education and practice.
Cons:
- Price Point:
The Kawai CA501 is positioned in the mid-to-high price range, which may be a barrier for beginners or casual players. While it offers great value for its features, it may not fit the budget of those looking for a more basic digital piano. - Limited Portability:
Due to its substantial size and weight, the CA501 is not easily portable. While the solid construction is a positive for home use, it can be difficult to move, making it less ideal for those who need a portable digital piano for performances or frequent relocations. - Simpler Digital Interface:
While the OLED display and touch panel are easy to use and blend well with the piano’s aesthetics, some users might find the interface to be less advanced than what’s offered by competitors like Roland or Yamaha, which include more visually engaging and feature-rich displays. - Limited Non-Piano Sounds:
Although the CA501 offers a selection of non-piano sounds like electric pianos, strings, and organs, the focus is predominantly on piano sound quality. Some players may find the variety of additional instrumental voices limited compared to other digital pianos in this price range, such as those by Yamaha or Casio, which offer a wider range of tones. - No Bluetooth Audio Recording:
While the CA501 supports USB audio recording and playback, it does not offer Bluetooth audio recording. This means you’ll need to use external hardware or software to record wirelessly, which could be a downside for musicians looking for a completely wireless setup. - Lack of Tactile Transducers:
Unlike Yamaha’s CLP-745 or Roland models with tactile transducers (which allow for vibrations to simulate the feel of sound through the body of the instrument), the CA501 lacks this feature. For those seeking a more immersive, tactile sound experience, this may be a drawback.
Comparison with Alternatives
Kawai CA501 vs. Yamaha CLP-745
The Kawai CA501 and the Yamaha CLP-745 are two digital pianos in a similar price range, both offering excellent features and performance for serious pianists. However, they differ in key aspects, particularly in the feel of the keyboard, sound quality, and additional features.
Key Action:
The CA501 is equipped with Kawai’s Grand Feel Compact wooden-key action, which is known for its authentic feel, largely due to its long pivot points and all-wooden construction. The keys are finished with an ivory and ebony surface, providing a luxurious tactile experience. In contrast, the Yamaha CLP-745 uses GrandTouch-S action, which also features wooden keys but only for the white keys. The GrandTouch-S action is highly regarded for its consistent weight across the keyboard, but some players may find Kawai’s wooden keys more reminiscent of a true acoustic piano.
Sound Engine:
The Kawai CA501 uses the Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine, with meticulously sampled sounds from the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and EX concert grand pianos. The sound is rich and detailed, especially in capturing the nuances of different dynamics. Yamaha’s CLP-745, on the other hand, features Yamaha’s CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand piano samples, which are also highly acclaimed for their tonal clarity and projection. While both models deliver impressive sound, Kawai’s attention to resonance effects, such as damper and string resonance, gives it an edge in terms of overall realism.
Speakers and Sound Projection:
The CA501 comes with a dual 50W speaker system, designed to project sound in a manner similar to a grand piano. Yamaha’s CLP-745 also has a powerful speaker setup with 2 x 50W amplifiers, but it includes tactile transducers, which enhance the lower frequencies by transmitting vibrations through the piano body. This feature may give Yamaha a slight edge in terms of immersive sound, especially for players looking for a visceral experience.
Additional Features:
In terms of connectivity, both pianos are comparable. Both the CA501 and CLP-745 offer Bluetooth audio and MIDI functionality, allowing wireless connectivity with smart devices for streaming music and using apps. Yamaha’s Smart Pianist app is highly intuitive, though Kawai’s Virtual Technician offers greater depth in sound customization for players looking to fine-tune specific acoustic characteristics.
Overall, the Kawai CA501 excels in key action and nuanced sound reproduction, while the Yamaha CLP-745 impresses with its innovative tactile transducers and widely recognized piano sound samples. Both are excellent choices, but the CA501 might appeal more to those who prioritize the feel and authenticity of an acoustic grand piano.
Kawai CA501 vs. Roland HP704
The Roland HP704 and Kawai CA501 are digital pianos that cater to pianists looking for a rich, realistic playing experience, with both models residing in the same premium price category. Each brings something unique to the table, particularly in terms of sound modeling and key action.
Key Action:
Kawai’s CA501 features the Grand Feel Compact wooden-key action, which is praised for its long pivot point and natural wood construction, closely mimicking the feel of an acoustic grand piano. The keys have an ivory and ebony touch, providing excellent grip and comfort during play. In contrast, the Roland HP704 uses PHA-50 action, a hybrid design that combines wood and molded materials for a lighter yet still responsive key feel. Roland’s action is slightly lighter than Kawai’s, making it ideal for players who prefer quicker, more agile key response, though it lacks the deep wooden resonance of Kawai’s action.
Sound Engine:
The Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine in the CA501 offers high-definition sound with full 88-key sampling from Kawai’s Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and EX concert grands. It provides rich harmonic content and detailed dynamic response. Roland, on the other hand, utilizes SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling, which stands out for its ability to generate sound in real-time based on the player’s touch and technique. While Kawai’s sampled approach might offer more accurate replication of the acoustic grand piano sound, Roland’s modeling technology excels in providing seamless tonal variation, with no noticeable sample transitions.
Speaker System:
The Kawai CA501 has a 50W x 2 speaker system, offering robust sound projection and a natural listening experience. Roland’s HP704 comes with a 4-speaker Acoustic Projection System, which is designed to simulate the dispersion of sound from an acoustic piano. The multiple speaker locations in the HP704 give it a more immersive sound stage, particularly for the listener, although Kawai’s powerful sound system remains competitive in terms of volume and richness.
Features and Connectivity:
Both the Kawai CA501 and Roland HP704 offer Bluetooth MIDI and Audio connectivity, allowing you to stream music or interact with piano apps wirelessly. Roland’s Piano Every Day app offers a more interactive learning experience, while Kawai’s Virtual Technician app provides deeper customization of the instrument’s sound parameters.
In conclusion, the Kawai CA501 excels with its high-quality wooden-key action and rich harmonic imaging, while the Roland HP704 shines with its SuperNATURAL modeling and innovative sound projection system. Players who value an acoustic-like key action might lean toward the Kawai, while those who prefer cutting-edge sound modeling and a more tech-integrated experience may favor the Roland.
Kawai CA501 vs. Casio AP-710
When comparing the Kawai CA501 to the Casio AP-710, both pianos offer an advanced digital experience with high-quality sound and key action. However, they diverge in key areas such as sound technology and overall feel.
Key Action:
The Kawai CA501 uses the Grand Feel Compact wooden-key action, designed to replicate the touch of a concert grand piano. Its long pivot length and wooden construction give it a superior tactile experience compared to many digital pianos in this category. The Casio AP-710 features the Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II, a more traditional digital action that uses plastic keys with synthetic ivory and ebony key surfaces. While the Casio key action is solid and responsive, it doesn’t offer the same level of authenticity as Kawai’s all-wood action.
Sound Engine:
Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine is a highlight, featuring samples from the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and EX grand pianos. It offers rich, detailed sound, particularly in the mid to high registers. Casio’s AiR Grand Sound Source in the AP-710, developed in collaboration with C. Bechstein, delivers an impressive piano sound, with samples from three renowned grand pianos, including the Berlin Grand. Casio’s sound engine does an excellent job in reproducing dynamic range and subtle tonal differences, though Kawai’s harmonic imaging is often considered more nuanced, especially in terms of resonance effects and tonal depth.
Speaker System:
The CA501 boasts a powerful 50W x 2 speaker system that provides a full, room-filling sound. The Casio AP-710 also has a robust 2 x 30W speaker system, but it doesn’t quite match the volume or depth of the Kawai model. Kawai’s speaker setup, with its focus on sound projection and dispersion, gives it an edge when it comes to simulating an acoustic piano’s presence in a room.
Additional Features:
Both pianos are equipped with Bluetooth MIDI for wireless connection to apps and other devices. However, Casio lacks the Bluetooth Audio feature that the CA501 offers, meaning the Kawai has an advantage when it comes to streaming music or interacting with external audio sources. Additionally, the Virtual Technician feature on the CA501 allows for more in-depth sound customization than Casio’s adjustment options.
Overall, the Kawai CA501 is superior in terms of key action and sound projection, making it the better choice for pianists who prioritize the feel and acoustic realism. The Casio AP-710 is still a strong contender, particularly for those looking for excellent piano tones in a more budget-friendly package, but it lacks some of the premium features and sound depth that the Kawai offers.
Final Thoughts: Is the Kawai CA501 Worth It?
After spending a significant amount of time with the Kawai CA501, it’s clear that this is an exceptional digital piano that competes at the highest level. Kawai has taken the best elements of their acoustic piano craftsmanship and blended them with modern digital technology to create an instrument that excels in both feel and sound.
From the wooden-key action and sophisticated sound engine to the powerful speaker system and extensive connectivity options, the CA501 ticks nearly every box for discerning pianists. The inclusion of features like Bluetooth, Virtual Technician, and Spatial Headphone Sound further enhance the user experience, making it versatile enough for both professional players and students.
If you’re in the market for a digital piano that delivers on all fronts—realism, sound quality, playability, and versatility—the Kawai CA501 is a top contender that’s well worth the investment. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a passionate learner, the CA501 is a digital piano that can grow with you, providing a playing experience that will inspire for years to come.