🎹 Exclusive: Kawai CA401 Digital Piano | First Look at NAMM Show | CA49 Upgrade! 🎹

[@jaws10278]

So glad to see this covered. Im still happy with the savings I got for my CA49.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in! The CA49 is still an excellent option! Happy playing! :)

[@MugurAnghelache]

Beautifully played, good sound. Nice job!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)

[@mchannel100]

Can’t wait for the review!!

[@MerriamPianos]

We're looking forward to receiving our first batch of CA401 and CA501 models shortly! You can expect review/comparison videos to follow! ;)

[@josephoberlander]

IME, the upgraded action is definitely worth it in that it really does almost exactly replicate the action of an upright piano. Which is fine - many decades of professionals and educators used them for their work. The advantage of digital is none of the downsides of an upright piano. So if you look at this as a modern replacement that makes upright pianos kind of a relic, it's fantastic value for money. I am super picky about instruments but I'd have one of these CA series (especially the 500) versus an upright. I think the point where digital can match mechanical is finally here.

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights! The Kawai CA401 and CA501 are certainly exciting and impressive offerings from Kawai. The all-wooden key GFC action is exceptional and bridges the gap to an acoustic upright experience in a meaningful way. Thanks again and happy playing! :)

[@the3buddies502]

which is the colour of the piano in the video???? Is it rosewood or satin black

[@MerriamPianos]

That would be the rosewood finish. :)

[@the3buddies502]

Hi again I am confused which one to buy:- the satin black or the rosewood colour Please suggest one ❤️

[@zeckul]

Can't wait for a review of this, and a comparison with the similarly priced CN301. Based on experience with similar models (CN201, CA49 and CA701) I expect the 301 to be the better value unless the wooden action is the major deciding factor.

[@MerriamPianos]

We will do our best to tackle a comparison video between the CN301 and CA401 models. Thanks for the suggestion! I will certainly pass on the suggestion to our production team. :)

[@Biozene]

Cool!

[@MerriamPianos]

Thanks for tuning in! :)

[@jjchen6360]

Thank you! Just bought the last CA49 proabbly, 2159 AUD is a decent price!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! Congratulations on your CA49! They are amazing pianos and I know you will be thrilled with what it has to offer musically for many years to come. Happy playing! :)

[@RamblingJosh]

Stu in the field!

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely! :)

[@JoeLinux2000]

The CN 29 seemed like a good piano to me. I played one in Denver that was on close out.

[@MerriamPianos]

It is a very solid instrument with excellent cost-to-value! :)

[@rupe82]

These are £500 more expensive than what I bought my CA48 for. It still has the same action (GFC) but with the addition of the new piano sample which definitely sounds better than the ones on the CA48.

[@MerriamPianos]

There have been a few price increases on the new generation release of the model. :)

[@charliewhiskey8440]

Perhaps a bit of an off topic question, but was Stu's playing and improvisation there? If so how did he learn that skill?

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! I am not entirely sure, but it is very likely to be an improvisation knowing Stu. He is a master improviser and well-educated/experienced pianist. :)

[@XChanges2]

what I am wondering is if the step up from the RHIII to the grand feel compact action is a step away from "clickiness" as in from the PHA-4 to the PHA-50 with Roland? Because in Germany the CN201 is about 1250€, the CN301 about 1450€ and the CA401 a big jump to 2100€.... is the "investment" in the CA 401 worth it because there wont be clickiness in the future compared to PHIII?

[@MerriamPianos]

The new CN201 and CN301 has more cushioning in the RHIII action, which has significantly reduced key noise and clicky-ness. With that said, the GFC is definitely a step up in my opinion. Personally, I find it to be fairly quiet in terms of key noise. With that said, I have not personally tried the new CA401 and CA501 models yet as we are still awaiting our first shipment of them here in Canada.

[@notradiant8685]

hey can you please make a video on ca401 vs cn301 i want to hear your opinion btw your videos have helped me a lot thank you

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi! Brent here! Thank you for the suggestion! I will pass it along to our production team for you and, hopefully, they can tackle that for you. :)

[@rcom9880]

I saw Stu walking around NAMM and knew good review videos were in the pipeline--thanks!

[@MerriamPianos]

You're very welcome! That's awesome that you saw Stu at NAMM! :)

[@rcom9880]

@@MerriamPianos Saw him exiting the Lounge 88 and then he was gone. So no chance to say hi but an exciting sighting nonetheless!

[@mchannel100]

Which action is lighter between Responsive hammer 3 and grand Feel compact?? I can’t decide what to buy cn301 or ca401

[@MerriamPianos]

For me, the RHIII action plays a little lighter than the GFC action. But, they are fairly comparable in my experiences. Obviously, the feel of the key is a bit different though given the plastic versus wood key construction.

[@marcperarnau2491]

nice review on the go! now here in Europe you can get a CA49 for 1555€, a CA59 for 2135€, a CA401 for 2290€ and a CA501 for 2899€.. I have to wait for your review on the CA501 to see those substancial changes you talk about, but for now it feels like a price increase for not much value... cheers!

[@marcperarnau2491]

btw i m on the market for one of those, is a no brainer to get the ca59 right?

[@MerriamPianos]

Unfortunately, the price gaps between models do vary from market to market. Here in Canada, the gap between the CA49 and CA401 is not as pronounced. All things considered, the CA59 is a fantastic instrument and would definitely be an excellent value buy. :)

[@milica1005]

Can anyone confirm what kind of surface the Black keys are having here? I was trying to figure out if they're matt or, 'normal' shiny

[@MerriamPianos]

The GF series actions usually have a more matte finish on them. With that said, I have not personally played the CA401 yet. We have yet to receive our first shipment from Kawai for that particular model. This video of Stu demoing the instrument was taken at the NAMM show. :)

[@milica1005]

@@MerriamPianos thank youfor your reply:) could you recommend any Kawai digital piano with 'normal', non matte finish keyboard, and classical piano sound? It would be a huge help

[@oswaldhiren0610]

wooden keys or not? better than ca 49?? or not

[@MerriamPianos]

Yup! The CA401 uses the same all-wooden key Grand Feel Compact action as the CA49. The action and tone engine are the same, but there have been some refinements to the CA401 that gives it an edge in my opinion. The speaker system sounds quite wonderful for instance! :)

[@HuyNguyen-ws4nf]

Can someone confirm if the pedal position is really lowered? I bought a CA49 and had to return it because the pedal position was a bit too high imo and felt really awkward to play.

[@MerriamPianos]

They have redesigned/updated the pedal system and music rack position on these new CA models as there were a few complaints within the community about those details. Personally, neither element bothered me with the previous generation models, but the new placements of them seem quite comfortable on the updated CA models. :)

[@TamirOrkobysPiano]

Ca401 = Cn201 with better action. Just like the Ca501 = Ca301 with better action and better sound engine (XL).

[@MerriamPianos]

That is a pretty accurate assessment in terms of the way the models stack up against each other. :)

[@gurbi]

Kawai CA401 vs Yamaha CLP 735 ?

[@MerriamPianos]

It really comes down to a matter of preference between the two as they offer something slightly different musically. We will do our best to tackle a comparison video outlining the two models. :)

[@gurbi]

@@MerriamPianos thanks you very much

[@notradiant8685]

someone help should i get ca401 or cn301 1

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! It really comes down to what you prioritize. If you prioritize the tone, I would say the CN301 is the superior choice. However, if you prioritize the touch/action, I would suggest the CA401 is the more authentic feeling piano.

[@erlon1506]

In Europe difference in price between CA49 and CA401 is around 500 USD. Its way too much to justify new CA series over old.

[@MerriamPianos]

The price gap is fairly similar here in Canada as well. It is a decision that players will certainly have to make. In either case, the CA49 still holds up as an amazing instrument with a wonderful cost-to-value ratio. :)

[@rexy7399]

Sad. I just bought a CA49 few weeks ago…

[@MerriamPianos]

The CA49 is still a remarkable instrument! You will be very satisfied with its wonderful playing experience. :)

[@charliewhiskey8440]

I bought the CA49 recently too after having had a play on CA401. To most mere mortal players the difference isn't that big, and if only just bought you probably got a decent discount? I'd suggest a pair of very good studio monitors - your piano will sound amazing certainly massively better than the onboard speakers. I got a pair Beyer DT700 Pro X.

[@jaws10278]

The CA49 is amazing. Its still a very capable instrument. Dont be sad with the purchase. You got a $4000 piano for half off. I bought 2. One for church and one for home. Nothing else in the price range comes close to this.

[@rexy7399]

@@charliewhiskey8440 Yeah. Lucky, it seems there aren’t too many differences between two models. The only thing I am unsatisfied is the sound quality and volume control while using a headphone. I am not sure if the problem come from the sound system or my headphone (HD 25).

[@nostgeoffhi-fi]

@@rexy7399the Headphone can make or break your experience. I would recommend the Beyerdynamic DT770 (80ohm) + with Dekoni Choice Hybrid pads. The Dekoni pads improve the stock headphones even more and makes the piano really come alive and sound like you are hearing it around you, in a larger space. I use this same setup with my CA49. Specifically, the dekoni pads tame some of the brightness of the higher notes, while still retaining detail, increases the bass and warmth in the midrange, and also opens up the soundstage so that everything sounds more lifelike and large. The headphones really adds that punch in the low end, and sparkle and color up top. I give these dt770s out to close friends who are just starting piano, or include them to whoever buys a used piano from me (when I upgrade). I myself, have some very nice $1k headphones, like the Meze 109 Primals and the Beyer DT1990s, but even still, for piano playing, the dt770’s with Dekoni pads are amazing to get you started in the high fidelity audio world. Also when you’re not using them for piano they are great for watching movies and listening to music. Very immersive, 3 dimensional sound. Super comfy, durable, and all the parts are replaceable and serviceable. DT770’s are a closed-back set, but with much larger ear cups and drivers than your HD25’s, which mean a more high fidelity, and realistic sound. If you want to try open-backed headphones, start with the Sennheiser HD600 or HD6XX. They are known for their high detail, and neutrality, without any specific emphasis anywhere thoughout its frequency range. The advantage to open backs is more openness and even higher quality of sound than on a closed back. Some budget options for open-backed headphones are the Thioaudio Ghost headphone, and Philips SHP9500 + Dekoni choice velour or Brainwavz velour earcups which although are much cheaper than the Beyers or HD600/6XX, are highly reviewed, and being and open back, has got an even wider soundstage, and openness, but less bass and warmth to the sound. Both can be found on Amazon, and both have lots of good reviews here on yt. So, Treat your ears! If you are practicing multiple days a week, these will only add to your enjoyment. Good sound is just as important to hear and to develop as good playing. And any of these will sound much better than the HD25’s you’ve currently got (unfortunately, these are the on-ear, DJ type, with smaller drivers and earcups. Usually DJ phones are made to prioritize keeping noise out so that the listener can hear in a loud, live environment like a club. They do not focus on highly detailed sound or prioritize audio fidelity, but in making sure the DJ can themselves in a loud working environment. This means some frequencies are raised while others recessed. And usually have very limited dynamic range. This wont represent your piano very accurately. In fact it will alter the sound and not for what is most accurate, or detailed, or natural). Please look into some reviews of these other headphones, I really think you will benefit from any of them compared to what you have..

[@jamesa375]

the price increase in europe for the 401 is ridiculous.Anybody who can get the 49 are much better off.

[@MerriamPianos]

I am sorry to hear that. Prices range from market to market. Here in Canada, the price jump was fairly minimal.

[@reveme]

At this point the only explanation to this increase can be the EUR/USD exchange value…