What keyboard action does the Kawai CA501 use?

The CA501 features the Grand Feel Compact keyboard action. It utilizes real wooden keys to provide a tactile experience that closely mimics an acoustic grand piano's response.

What is the new sound engine featured in this model?

The piano includes the new SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound. This offers a precise digital recreation of Shigeru Kawai instruments without the maintenance of an acoustic piano.

How does the speaker system differ from standard digital pianos?

It features top-facing speakers equipped with diffuser panels. These panels help create a 360-degree sound field for more immersive audio projection throughout the room.

Who is the Kawai CA501 best suited for?

It is designed for intermediate and advanced players. The authentic keyboard response ensures that technical skills developed on this instrument translate well to acoustic pianos.

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

The typical retail price for this model is approximately £2,067. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific package deals.

Does the CA501 come in other colours besides Satin White?

Yes, the CA501 is also available in a Satin Black finish. The Satin White version is often chosen for its bright, modern aesthetic.

How does the CA501 compare to the Kawai CN301?

The CA501 is a higher-tier model than the CN301. It features a superior wooden-key action and the advanced SK-EX Competition Grand sound engine.

What are some comparable models from Roland?

Comparable alternatives include the Roland HP704 and the Roland RP701. The DP603 is another option for those looking for a slimline cabinet in a similar price bracket.

Does the CA501 include a piano bench?

Standard retail units typically do not include a bench, though some retailers may offer bundles like the 'VisionKey-500' pack. Users should check the specific contents of their chosen retailer's package.

Is the CA501 suitable for professional use?

Yes, its realistic action and high-quality sound engine make it suitable for professional practice and home recording. However, it is primarily designed as a home console instrument.

How does the CA501 differ from the flagship CA901?

The CA901 is a more advanced model featuring a real wooden soundboard speaker system. The CA501 provides a more affordable entry point into the Concert Artist series while retaining the wooden keys.

What is the benefit of the top-facing diffuser panels?

The diffusers help to disperse sound waves in multiple directions. This prevents the sound from feeling 'directional' and makes the digital piano sound more like a natural acoustic instrument.

Gear article

Kawai CA501 Digital Piano (Satin White)

The Kawai CA501 is a premium digital piano featuring the Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action and the SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound. It incorporates an integrated speaker system with top-facing diffusers to create a 360-degree sound field, housed in a traditional satin white cabinet.

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Overview

The Kawai CA501 represents the mid-tier of the 'Concert Artist' series, designed to bridge the gap between entry-level digital pianos and high-end hybrid instruments. This specific model is finished in Satin White, offering a contemporary aesthetic that fits modern interior design. It is built to provide the tactile experience of a grand piano while offering the technological conveniences of a digital instrument, such as headphone connectivity and maintenance-free operation.

Keyboard Action and Technology

At the core of the CA501 is the Grand Feel Compact keyboard action. This system utilizes long wooden keys for all 88 notes, mimicking the pivot point and weight distribution of an acoustic grand piano. This design ensures that intermediate and advanced players do not have to sacrifice their technical development or touch sensitivity when transitioning between acoustic and digital environments. The action is designed to provide an impeccable response to subtle nuances in performance.

Sound Engine and Acoustics

The CA501 introduces the new SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound, which is a high-fidelity recreation of the Shigeru Kawai flagship instrument. To project this sound effectively, the piano features a multi-speaker setup. A key design element is the inclusion of diffuser panels on the top-facing speakers. These panels are engineered to expand the audio projection, creating a 360-degree sound field that allows the player and audience to experience the variety of onboard sounds with greater spatial depth.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is primarily aimed at intermediate to advanced students and hobbyists who require a realistic touch for classical or jazz repertoire. While more affordable than the flagship CA901, it offers a significant upgrade over the CN301 series in terms of keyboard construction. In the wider market, the CA501 competes with instruments such as the Roland HP704 and the Roland DP603, though it distinguishes itself through the use of wooden keys and the specific tonal character of the Shigeru Kawai samples.

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Frequently asked questions

What keyboard action does the Kawai CA501 use?: The CA501 features the Grand Feel Compact keyboard action. It utilizes real wooden keys to provide a tactile experience that closely mimics an acoustic grand piano's response.
What is the new sound engine featured in this model?: The piano includes the new SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound. This offers a precise digital recreation of Shigeru Kawai instruments without the maintenance of an acoustic piano.
How does the speaker system differ from standard digital pianos?: It features top-facing speakers equipped with diffuser panels. These panels help create a 360-degree sound field for more immersive audio projection throughout the room.
Who is the Kawai CA501 best suited for?: It is designed for intermediate and advanced players. The authentic keyboard response ensures that technical skills developed on this instrument translate well to acoustic pianos.
What is the typical price for a Kawai CA501 in the UK?: The typical retail price for this model is approximately £2,067. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific package deals.
Does the CA501 come in other colours besides Satin White?: Yes, the CA501 is also available in a Satin Black finish. The Satin White version is often chosen for its bright, modern aesthetic.
How does the CA501 compare to the Kawai CN301?: The CA501 is a higher-tier model than the CN301. It features a superior wooden-key action and the advanced SK-EX Competition Grand sound engine.
What are some comparable models from Roland?: Comparable alternatives include the Roland HP704 and the Roland RP701. The DP603 is another option for those looking for a slimline cabinet in a similar price bracket.
Does the CA501 include a piano bench?: Standard retail units typically do not include a bench, though some retailers may offer bundles like the 'VisionKey-500' pack. Users should check the specific contents of their chosen retailer's package.
Is the CA501 suitable for professional use?: Yes, its realistic action and high-quality sound engine make it suitable for professional practice and home recording. However, it is primarily designed as a home console instrument.
How does the CA501 differ from the flagship CA901?: The CA901 is a more advanced model featuring a real wooden soundboard speaker system. The CA501 provides a more affordable entry point into the Concert Artist series while retaining the wooden keys.
What is the benefit of the top-facing diffuser panels?: The diffusers help to disperse sound waves in multiple directions. This prevents the sound from feeling 'directional' and makes the digital piano sound more like a natural acoustic instrument.