What is the primary keyboard action used in the Kawai CA501?

The CA501 utilizes the Grand Feel Compact keyboard action. This features 88 wooden keys and a mechanical design that replicates the feel and response of an acoustic grand piano.

What new piano sound is featured in the CA501?

The instrument introduces the SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound. This is a high-fidelity sample of the Shigeru Kawai flagship concert grand, providing a modern and precise tonal character.

How does the 360-degree sound field work?

The piano is equipped with top-facing speakers that feature integrated diffuser panels. These panels expand the sound projection, allowing the audio to fill the room more evenly like an acoustic instrument.

Is the Kawai CA501 suitable for advanced piano students?

Yes, the CA501 is specifically designed so that intermediate and advanced players do not have to sacrifice technique. The authentic response of the wooden keys allows for complex expressive playing.

What is the typical price for the Kawai CA501 in the UK?

The Kawai CA501 is typically priced at approximately GBP 2219. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific package deals.

How does the CA501 differ from the Kawai CN301?

The CA501 features the Grand Feel Compact wooden-key action and the SK-EX Competition Grand sound, whereas the CN301 is a lower-tier model that typically uses plastic-key actions and different sound processing.

What finish does this specific model come in?

This specific model is finished in Satin Black, providing a professional and understated look that fits most home decors.

Does the CA501 require tuning like an acoustic piano?

No, as a digital piano, the CA501 never requires tuning. It uses digital samples to produce sound, which remain perfectly in pitch regardless of temperature or humidity changes.

How does the CA501 compare to the Kawai CA901?

The CA901 is a higher-end model in the Concert Artist series. While the CA501 offers the Grand Feel Compact action, the CA901 typically features the full Grand Feel III action and a real wooden soundboard speaker.

Can I use headphones with the Kawai CA501?

Yes, the CA501 includes headphone outputs, allowing for silent practice. The high-quality sound engine ensures that the piano character is maintained even when listening through headphones.

What are the main competitors from other brands?

Key competitors include the Roland HP704 and DP603, the Casio AP-300, and the G4M HDP-1. The CA501 is often chosen for its specific wooden-key feel compared to these alternatives.

What are the benefits of the top-facing speaker diffusers?

The diffusers help to project the sound upwards and outwards rather than just in a linear direction. This results in a more immersive listening experience for both the player and the audience.

Gear article

Kawai CA501 Digital Piano

The Kawai CA501 is a premium digital piano featuring the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Competition Grand sound engine and the Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action. Designed as a high-fidelity home instrument, it incorporates top-facing speakers with diffuser panels to create a 360-degree sound field.

See live prices

Overview

The Kawai CA501 (Concert Artist series) is a high-specification digital piano that bridges the gap between mid-range consoles and flagship wooden-key models. Presented in a professional Satin Black finish, the instrument is designed to provide an authentic acoustic piano experience through its combination of mechanical keyboard realism and advanced digital sampling. It succeeds previous models in the CA range, introducing refined sound samples and improved spatial projection.

Keyboard Action and Mechanics

A primary feature of the CA501 is the Grand Feel Compact keyboard action. This system utilises long wooden keys for all 88 notes, mimicking the pivot point and weight distribution of an acoustic grand piano. The 'Compact' design allows for the authentic feel of a long key stick while maintaining a cabinet depth suitable for home environments. This action is specifically engineered to support the technical requirements of intermediate and advanced players, ensuring that nuances in touch and velocity are accurately translated into sound.

Roland DP603 Digital Piano Polished White

Sound Generation and Acoustics

The CA501 introduces the SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound, a new sample set that captures the tonal characteristics of the Shigeru Kawai flagship instrument. This sound engine is designed to offer a clean, precise piano tone without the maintenance requirements of an acoustic instrument.

To project this sound, the CA501 employs a high-fidelity speaker system. A notable innovation is the inclusion of diffuser panels located on the top-facing speakers. These panels disperse sound waves in multiple directions, creating a 360-degree sound field that mimics the natural resonance and air movement of an acoustic piano's soundboard.

Suitability and Performance

The instrument is positioned for serious students and experienced pianists who require a reliable practice tool that does not sacrifice technique. Because the keyboard response is modelled on grand piano mechanics, it is suitable for players who regularly transition between digital and acoustic instruments. The inclusion of a variety of available sounds and an immersive speaker system also makes it a versatile choice for home performance and recording.

Market Comparison

Within the Kawai range, the CA501 sits above the CN301, offering a superior wooden-key action compared to the CN series' plastic keys. It is a more compact and affordable alternative to the flagship CA901, which features a full soundboard speaker system. When compared to competitors, it competes with the Roland HP704 and DP603, as well as the Casio AP-300 and G4M HDP-1. While Roland models often focus on 'SuperNATURAL' modelling, the Kawai CA501 focuses on the mechanical authenticity of wooden keys and the specific character of the Shigeru Kawai samples.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary keyboard action used in the Kawai CA501?: The CA501 utilizes the Grand Feel Compact keyboard action. This features 88 wooden keys and a mechanical design that replicates the feel and response of an acoustic grand piano.
What new piano sound is featured in the CA501?: The instrument introduces the SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound. This is a high-fidelity sample of the Shigeru Kawai flagship concert grand, providing a modern and precise tonal character.
How does the 360-degree sound field work?: The piano is equipped with top-facing speakers that feature integrated diffuser panels. These panels expand the sound projection, allowing the audio to fill the room more evenly like an acoustic instrument.
Is the Kawai CA501 suitable for advanced piano students?: Yes, the CA501 is specifically designed so that intermediate and advanced players do not have to sacrifice technique. The authentic response of the wooden keys allows for complex expressive playing.
What is the typical price for the Kawai CA501 in the UK?: The Kawai CA501 is typically priced at approximately GBP 2219. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific package deals.
How does the CA501 differ from the Kawai CN301?: The CA501 features the Grand Feel Compact wooden-key action and the SK-EX Competition Grand sound, whereas the CN301 is a lower-tier model that typically uses plastic-key actions and different sound processing.
What finish does this specific model come in?: This specific model is finished in Satin Black, providing a professional and understated look that fits most home decors.
Does the CA501 require tuning like an acoustic piano?: No, as a digital piano, the CA501 never requires tuning. It uses digital samples to produce sound, which remain perfectly in pitch regardless of temperature or humidity changes.
How does the CA501 compare to the Kawai CA901?: The CA901 is a higher-end model in the Concert Artist series. While the CA501 offers the Grand Feel Compact action, the CA901 typically features the full Grand Feel III action and a real wooden soundboard speaker.
Can I use headphones with the Kawai CA501?: Yes, the CA501 includes headphone outputs, allowing for silent practice. The high-quality sound engine ensures that the piano character is maintained even when listening through headphones.
What are the main competitors from other brands?: Key competitors include the Roland HP704 and DP603, the Casio AP-300, and the G4M HDP-1. The CA501 is often chosen for its specific wooden-key feel compared to these alternatives.
What are the benefits of the top-facing speaker diffusers?: The diffusers help to project the sound upwards and outwards rather than just in a linear direction. This results in a more immersive listening experience for both the player and the audience.