Kawai CN201

Characteristics of the piano

• Improved Responsive Hammer III keyboard action
• Ivory Touch key surfaces, triple sensor, let-off, counterweights
• Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine with 88-key sampling
• Concert grand piano sounds Shigeru Kawai SK-EX & Kawai EX.
• High-quality audio processing and amplification equipment
• Built-in Bluetooth® technology for wireless MIDI and audio connectivity
• Integrated classical studies and Alfred lesson books
• Spatial Headphone Sound for increased depth and realism
• Cheekblock control panel with high-resolution OLED screen
• Modern and attractive cabinet available in three wood finishes

Grand piano touch: Responsive Hammer III keyboard mechanism

The CN201's Responsive Hammer III keyboard action has been developed to recreate the feel of a Kawai grand piano. Each key is authentically weighed using "graduated" metal hammers (i.e. slightly heavier in the bass and lighter in the treble), just like on an acoustic piano. These weights also allow the released keys to return to their original position without the aid of springs, resulting in a smooth, natural playing experience.

The action mechanism's chassis is made from reinforced materials that guarantee the keyboard's rigidity and stability when played with force. In addition, a series of felt-lined rubber cushions absorb the energy of key and hammer movements, helping to reduce unwanted noise and earning the RHIII the reputation of being one of the quietest digital piano keyboards on the market.

The sounds of grand pianos:
Shigeru Kawai & Kawai EX

Renowned as "Japan's first pianos", Shigeru Kawai instruments grace the stages of concert halls and musical institutions around the world, and are appreciated for their exceptional tonal clarity and dynamic range.

The ES120 reproduces the magnificent sound of Shigeru Kawai's SK-EX concert grand piano. This incomparable instrument is handcrafted by the master craftsmen of Shigeru Kawai's piano research laboratory in Ryuyo, Japan, and is widely regarded as one of the finest instruments in its class.

In addition, the ES120 also offers the distinctive sound of Kawai's highly acclaimed EX concert grand piano, which has been selected by professional pianists at such prestigious events as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rubinstein International Piano Competitions, among others.

Both the SK-EX and EX are faithfully reproduced with full 88-key sampling using advanced Harmonic Imaging™ sound technology, to set a new standard in digital piano tonal quality and enable musicians to appreciate the contrasting properties of each.

Technical characteristics of the CN201

The variety of a digital piano: Convenience and flexibility

In addition to the Responsive Hammer III keyboard and Progressive Harmonic Imaging piano sounds, the CN201 also offers a variety of convenient digital functions that further enhance the musical enjoyment.

A selection of different instrument voices, built-in lesson tracks and the ability to record and replay performances are just some of the features accessible from the cheek block control panel, while built-in MIDI and Bluetooth® audio capabilities enable wireless connection to smart devices for running apps or streaming music.

Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio wireless connectivity
In addition to a standard USB-MIDI port for connection to computers, the CN201 also features integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and audio technologies, enabling the instrument to communicate wirelessly with supported smart devices.

Once the instrument is paired with a phone, tablet or laptop, CN201 owners can enjoy a wide variety of exciting music apps that enhance their learning and playing experience, or stream the sound of songs and videos directly through the instrument's impressive speaker system, without the need to connect additional cables.

PianoRemote app
The CN201 is compatible with Kawai's latest PianoRemote control app for iOS and supported Android devices. This app connects to the piano wirelessly via the instrument's built-in Bluetooth function, offering an easy way to change sounds or adjust settings from an attractive user interface.

Comparison between the CN201 and CN301

Weight & dimensions

Characteristics of the DG30

• Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) action with weighted keys and Let-Off mechanism, featuring 88 keys with Ivory Touch surfaces.

• Progressive harmonic imaging sound technology with Shigeru Kawai grand piano sounds and 88-key stereo sampling

• Over 350 authentic sounds, including acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, basses, and more.

• Audio technologies developed in partnership with Onkyo, 40W speaker system

• Bluetooth MIDI and audio functionality with aptX support for wireless communication and audio playback

• Built-in Burgmüller, Czerny, Beyer et Alfred etudes and song lessons.

• Standard MIDI connectivity, USB to host/device, audio input/output.

• Cheekblock control panel with high-quality OLED display.

• Attractive and compact grand piano cabinet design, polished ebony finish, 2-position topboard.

• Supported by Virtual Technician and Sound Museum applications.

Impressive sound, compact size

A modern digital piano that leaves a big impression - that's the bold concept behind the new DG30. This remarkable instrument combines Kawai's authentic digital piano keyboard and sound technologies with a contemporary grand piano-like cabinet, luxuriously finished in ebony. Like a fine piece of furniture, the DG30 will undoubtedly fit inside almost any room, while its compact size and shape allow this impressive instrument to occupy less space than even the smallest grand pianos.

The touch of a grand piano: Responsive Hammer Compact III keyboard mechanism.

The DG30's Responsive Hammer III keyboard action recreates the supreme touch of an acoustic grand piano, with its realistic movements and rigid, springless design, for a smooth, natural playing experience. The instrument's triple-sensor key detection system enhances responsiveness and precision, while structural reinforcements throughout the action help minimize noise and key oscillation during staccato and fortissimo passages.
The keyboard's weight is adapted to reflect the heavier bass hammers and lighter treble hammers of an acoustic piano, while the release simulation recreates the subtle notching sensation felt when playing softly on the keys of a grand piano. These important features enable demanding pianists to practice expanding their repertoire with confidence, and ensure there are no unpleasant surprises when it comes to playing the very best acoustic grand pianos.

Authentic counterweights on all 88 keys.
In addition to weighted hammers, the Responsive Hammer III keyboard action also includes integrated counterweights on each black and white key.
As on an acoustic piano, these finely balanced counterweights lighten the touch of the keyboard during pianissimo passages, while giving an impression of greater substance when played with force.

Triple sensor key detection.

The Responsive Hammer III keyboard action utilizes a precise three-sensor key detection system for enhanced realism in playing.

The addition of a third sensor improves responsiveness when the same key is struck repeatedly and, unlike the conventional two-sensor keyboard action found on many digital pianos, allows the sound of a single note to be progressively superimposed without losing the previous tone.

In addition, Kawai's action technology also monitors the speed at which each key is lifted, influencing the release character of piano sounds and offering a greater range of expression between staccato and legato playing.

Ivory Touch key surfaces
The impressive DG30 comes as standard with Kawai's popular Ivory Touch key surfaces. This finely textured material gently absorbs perspiration and oils from the fingertips for easy playing control, and has a natural, matte finish that's smooth but not slippery.
What's more, moisture is absorbed without impregnating the surface with dirt or grease, making it easy to clean the keys with just a damp cloth.

Simulation of the release
As the most authentic digital piano keyboard action in its class, the Responsive Hammer III even reproduces the characteristic "let-off" of acoustic piano action.
This subtle sensation of "notchiness" can be felt when playing very softly on the keys of a grand piano, and can be used by experienced pianists to facilitate control during pianissimo passages.

High-performance 4-speaker output system

The DG30's 4-speaker output system is designed to reproduce the harmonic spectrum of an acoustic piano. Low frequencies are transmitted from the underside of the instrument, while mid and high frequencies are projected outwards by the soundboard-mounted speakers, then reflected on the polished soundboard. The result is an extended sound that faithfully reflects the sound projection of a grand piano.

Weight & dimensions

The characteristics of the piano

■ Industry-leading Grand Feel III wood-key keyboard
■ Ivory & Ebony Touch key surfaces, 3 sensors, let-off, counterweights
■ Exclusive new SK-EX Competition Grand piano sounds
■ High-end audio processing and amplification technologies
■ High-performance speaker system with TwinDrive soundboard
■ Latest Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio wireless connectivity
■ Modern 5" LCD touchscreen integrated into the cheek block
■ MP3/WAV/SMF playback, recording, and overdubbing via USB
■ Spatial headphone sound for increased depth and realism
■ Contemporary design of vertical speaker with Soft Fall panel

The touch

Grand piano touch: Grand Feel III wooden keyboard mechanism
Incorporating many well-established principles associated with acoustic pianos, the Grand Feel III keyboard action used in the CA901 combines materials, movements, and realistic mechanisms to recreate the exceptional touch of the finest grand concert pianos.

The eighty-eight black and white keys are made entirely from long pieces of wood, with finely textured surfaces similar to ivory and ebony, which absorb moisture and facilitate control. Each wooden key pivots smoothly on a balancing axis - the ends rise and fall to reproduce the familiar "pendulum" motion of acoustic piano action. When the key is pressed, the back of the key rises, triggering a graduated-weight hammer to strike a pressure switch. The force applied to this switch is then measured, and the corresponding note is played with authentic tonal character and volume.

Extra-long key length, extra-long pivot length

In addition to extended, all-wood keys, Grand Feel keyboards also feature one of the longest key swivel lengths, equivalent to that of a Kawai grand piano.
This pivot length balances the weight of touch between the front and back of each key, resulting in greater fluidity and expressive control, while minimizing the need to readjust technique when using an acoustic grand piano.

Speaker system

The flagship model in the Concert Artist series, the CA901 features a powerful hybrid driver configuration that combines premium drivers with Kawai's acclaimed soundboard driver technology for crystal-clear highs and warm, resonant bass.
High-quality speakers
In addition to first-rate audio processing and amplification hardware, the CA901 also features a high-quality speaker system developed by audio specialists. High-quality drivers have been selected for their flat frequency response and ultra-low distortion characteristics, guaranteeing the most accurate reproduction possible of the original Shigeru Kawai SK-EX grand piano, while diffuser panels help to disperse sound more evenly.
The two top-mounted speakers project mid-range frequencies with clarity and expand the perceived depth of sound to recreate the length of a grand piano. In addition, two front speakers and two tweeters positioned behind the top panel give a sense of proximity and presence to the musician, and allow the authentic resonances generated by the SK-EX Rendering sound engine to shimmer and sparkle like an acoustic instrument.

TwinDrive speaker system

Complementing the high-quality drivers, the CA901 also incorporates the latest version of Kawai's highly acclaimed speaker system. This unique audio technology exploits the rich harmonic qualities of wood by using transducers to channel sound energy onto a large soundboard, to produce a more natural, organic sound. Long wooden ribs firmly attached to the soundboard further expand the frequency range and volume of the resonant sound, resulting in a remarkably authentic playing experience that immerses the performer and faithfully reproduces the sound ambience of an acoustic piano.

The TwinDrive system represents the third generation of Kawai's soundboard technology and features an improved primary transducer, redesigned to deliver more power and volume.
In addition, a secondary transducer, mounted towards the treble end of the instrument, extends the tonal range produced by the soundboard beyond the existing low frequencies, allowing the mid-bass and even the mid-high frequencies to benefit from the warm acoustic properties of wood.

Comparison between the CA701 and CA901

Weight & dimensions

The characteristics of the piano

The touch

Grand piano touch: Grand Feel III wooden keyboard mechanism Incorporating many long-established principles for an acoustic piano, the Grand Feel III keyboard action used by the CA701 combines realistic materials, movements and mechanisms to recreate the exceptional touch of the finest concert grand pianos. The eighty-eight black and white keys are made entirely from long pieces of wood, with finely textured ivory and ebony surfaces to absorb moisture and facilitate control. Each wooden key pivots smoothly on a balancing axis - the ends rise and fall to reproduce the familiar pendulum motion of acoustic piano action. When the key is pressed, the back of the key rises, triggering a graduated-weight hammer to strike a pressure switch. The force applied to this switch is then measured, and the corresponding note is played with authentic tonal character and volume.

Extra-long key length, extra-long pivot length

Powerful 6-speaker output system

Comparison between the CA701 and CA901

Weight & dimensions

Touch

Exceptional touch, high reliability

Tone

FIRST-STATE SOLID SOUNDBOARD

A European style and design

MODERNE STYLE, CHEAP PRICE

Weight & dimensions