Kawai CA Series Comparison (CA49, CA59, CA79, & CA99)

[@hansweichselbaum2534]

Excellent overview! Thank you for sharing.

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

Thanks for watching!

[@walterezequiel6394]

Thanks for the video, i'd like to hear the differences of sounds of the pianos. I live in Argentina we got only the CA 49 available, i wanted to know if there's a huge differences between both of them. I study classic music and tango, what do you say about the feel and sound of the CA 49?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

Thanks for your comment! In regards to the differences in sounds, do you mean the sound sampling and rendering or how the pianos sound through their speakers? I have a CA49 at home, and the touch and the sound selection suits my needs. I have a few keyboards and digital pianos at home, and I like having a digital piano with wooden keys because it feels closer to that of an acoustic piano. Out of all the models the CA49 has the fewest sounds and less advanced speakers, but I think the features could work for you. We also have a video only about the CA49, so that may give you some additional info :)

[@walterezequiel6394]

San Mateo Piano Thanks for the reply, with sound i refer to the sampling/simulation of the piano sound, there's so much difference between CA 49 and CA 79? And what do you think about the CN 39, it's a good alternative? Thanks again.

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

@@walterezequiel6394 yes, I see what you're saying. Doing a more in-depth comparison between the different sounds is a good idea! I'm partial to the CA series because I really like the wooden key action, but if a plastic-key action works for you, the CN39 is a good option. The CN39 has more connector jacks & bluetooth connectivity, like the CA59. And it has more sounds to choose from as well.

[@walterezequiel6394]

San Mateo Piano Thanks that was helpful! Regards from Argentina, i'll be waiting a video from you testing the sound of these four pianos!

[@walterezequiel6394]

San Mateo Piano Thanks again for the reply, in terms of sound they have the same piano sounds ( i mean the piano quality sound, I'm More interested on the grand piano sound) the A49 and CN 39? For what i saw on the official page the only thing that changes between them basically Is the wooden keys, the touch and the amount of sounds they have. Sorry for asking again, I'm about to go and try the 39 and the 49 isn't available till next year here. Thank you very much, you are really helpful, i will send you a video of me playing when i get the piano as a gift

[@verymozart]

so the CA 79 , with wooden keys and Grand Feel Action III, can be suitable for classical advanced music to prepare the performance diploma? also: I found out that there is Ca79 non polish black furniture, that is cheaper, is anyway the same piano in terms of technology , right?

[@olakolade6656]

Awesome! I will get the ca 99 soon.

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

Nice! It's a great instrument

[@theblowupdollsmusic]

Great presentation! Thank you.

[@depejuneja]

So I bought the ca99. I decided to learn how to play the piano during the pandemic and I'm happy to say I will receive it around Christmas time. Since I bought it I am torn between two scenarios. Either I have spent too much and the ca49 would have done or I spent too little and the nv10 would have been the perfect piano. How obsolete does a digital become 10 years? I do not have a musical bone in my body and I have never sat in front of a piano. I decided that I wanted to do something artistic since my whole life has been surrounded by math and science. Did I spend too much money on the ca99 for a beginner? Or did I not spend enough for somebody who's going to be playing hopefully for 20 years or so?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

The CA99 is, as you probably know, top of the line for this series. I don't think it's ever too early to start on a good quality instrument. Having a longer keystick with the GF3 is going to help you develop technique and control, and it will be a smooth transition to an acoustic piano if you have access to one now or in the future. I've seen that having a good quality instrument to play on can really motivate individuals to spend more time at their instrument. While the CA49 could still suit your needs, at the end of the day, the action in the CA79 and 99 is more advanced and more similar to that of an acoustic piano. Personally, I think you made a good decision in purchasing the 99. If you decide in the future that you would like to upgrade to an NV10 or an acoustic upright or grand, some stores (including San Mateo Piano) will offer you a trade-in allowance for your upgrade. Hope this helps, and enjoy your new piano!

[@xcomputronx]

If you happy setting up the piano 30cm from the wall and playing at at least 50% volume then you made a very good choice valid for many years to come.

[@ryugar2221]

Is there really a great difference between the GFC and GF3 action? Is it worth spending the extra money?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

The GF3 action is longer than the GFC, and it also has an upgraded coating, so the grip is a little bit nicer. I think the GF3 action is better (if you have the budget for it), but I've been happy with the GFC in the CA49, which worked better for my budget.

[@ryugar2221]

@@BayAreaPianoMasters thank you for your response 🤠! Ig I'll try to stretch my budget a bit and try to get the GF3 if possible 😃!

[@ryugar2221]

@@BayAreaPianoMasters also is there a significant difference between CA701 and CA79? Since the new model is out i believe the price has been lowered for the older ones...

[@nguyenlong8381]

The video sound is pretty good, beyond my imagination

[@sachachanyan]

That was really useful information. Thanks......!

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sachachanyan]

@@BayAreaPianoMasters I bought the CA 49 today. 😅

[@Alex-du5lt]

Great video, many thanks =)

[@zainalu]

Are CA79 keys of similar length to K500 and GL series pianos?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

They are a similar length if you are not accounting for the length for the damper mechanism that an acoustic piano keystick needs. I've thought about doing an acoustic piano action video for the future.

[@zainalu]

@@BayAreaPianoMasters Thanks! Looking forward to that video.

[@gustavopaulette3496]

@@BayAreaPianoMasters I went to buy a K500 and instead I got a brand new Kawai GL10. Now I have a buddy for my ES920

[@velli_vanshika]

This helped a lot . Thanks 🥰

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

So glad that this was helpful to you!

[@benoitribaille2777]

Maybe you should have pointed out the power outputs for each model

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

CA49: 40W CA59: 100W CA79: 110W CA99: 135W

[@MathieuPrevot]

Why the heck did you used some ultra generic electro music as background instead of something played with those pianos ?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

Lol because that "ultra generic" music is royalty-free. We have plenty of piano demo videos on our channel if that's what you're more interested in 🙂

[@namakudamono]

Great job!

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@hansweichselbaum2534]

I have ordered the Kawai CA99 late last year - still hasn't arrived (they blame it on Covid 19, but that shouldn't be a problem here in New Zealand). Now there is so much noise and excitement around the NV5 and NV10. Should I have waited? I thought that the action of the CA99 was pretty good and I don't think that I would miss the 'more authentic' action of the NV series. The speaker system + soundboard of the CA99 and the NV5 are identical. Is there an improvement in the sound samples used in the NV series?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

The CA99 and the NV5 use the same sound sampling and sound rendering. The main differences you'll notice are the action (the CA99 uses the Grand Feel 3; the NV5 uses a complete upright action) and the touchscreen interface (the NV5, NV10, ATX3, and the Aures pianos use a different OS than the CA79 and 99). And we've been experiencing delays too, so I think everyone's in a similar situation in regards to having to wait longer than usual, unfortunately. In any case, hope this info helps!

[@hansweichselbaum2534]

@@BayAreaPianoMasters Thank you so much for your explanation! I was concerned that I would be missing out on a newer/better sound rendering on the NV5 compared to the older CA99. I can happily live with the Kawai Grand Feel 3 action. The actual soundboard makes it for me. Keep up with your videos! They are short, concise and very informative. Still waiting for my CA99, but must be arriving any day now :-)

[@pixelbound8819]

Hi Hans, has it arrived? What are your impressions? I’m also starting my piano journey and I’m considering a ca99

[@hansweichselbaum2534]

@@pixelbound8819 Yes, it has arrived in March already - and I love it! I would have liked to compare action and sound directly with my Bechstein grand piano, but that sold quicker than the CA99 arrived. I am very happy with the action. I modified the sound a bit to adjust to my taste. The sound is great, the bass is stunning. Compared to a grand piano, the sound is different, coming only from a smaller area (that's what I think is the main reason). You can always use the line out and hook it up to an external system. I haven't tried that yet. What stands out for me is (1) There are infinitely many ways of modifying the sound. (2) It is always perfectly in tune. (3) You can play at any volume, including headphones, of course. Merrian Music in Canada has extensive reviews on digital and acoustic pianos.

[@gustavopaulette3496]

@@hansweichselbaum2534 why would you sell a nice grand piano for a cheap CA99? I traded in my hand built Charles R Walter upright for a new Kawai GL10. Now my ES920 has company.

[@verymozart]

I'm reading around that the 79 and 99 have a too light touch. I wonder if this affects the practice and makes you fail a diploma exam

[@alejandroluman911]

Steinway grands have an even lighter touch, I don't think people with Steinways are failing exams lol.

[@verymozart]

@@alejandroluman911 well I don't know, and it seems you don't know either

[@robbiepadilla]

Good pianists get used to playing on all sorts of actions. There isn't a single action that's better for everyone.

[@verymozart]

@@robbiepadilla my goodness, are you talking about digital pianos? Because it's about how a digital piano affects the playing on an acoustic concert piano. Great pianists are such because they study on high quality concert pianos. There are many digital pianos that are like toys. And you neither can prepare an advanced classical music level repertoire diploma or recital on a bad quality acoustic piano. It's the same for other music instruments. Sorry but your comment is a nonsense. You probably aren't a great classical pianist, because you would know this stuff

[@robbiepadilla]

@@verymozart what kind of piano do you practice on?

[@saarnoldbhm]

The faux wood looks cheap... is it the same on all models?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

The CA701 and CA901 come in an ebony polish finish that looks more similar to an acoustic piano if you're not a fan of the satin finishes.

[@saarnoldbhm]

@@BayAreaPianoMasters I'm new to digital pianos, the sound of this one and the reviews are quite good; do most other brands use 1/4 inch pressboard for the stand?

[@rrjjgg101]

Good Explanation..I have humble question for you.. If Kawai CA 78 (discontinued model but New) available for $ 850 Cheaper than New model CA 79 .. Pls What Piano you will select or suggest (For Practicing Classical Music & Film score Pop Music ) between this two and why ? Pls explain!.. Thank you..STAY SAFE.👍

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

It sounds like you found a good deal for the CA78! I think both the CA78 and 79 could suit your needs, so I'll just highlight some of the differences here: The CA78 uses the Grand Feel 2 Action, while the CA79 uses the Grand Feel 3. The GF3 has a longer keystick and a different design than the GF2, which makes it easier to execute faster repetition. Both pianos use sound rendering, but the CA79 has more rendering characters to choose from. Also the touchscreen interface is different between the two models. Hope this helps!

[@rrjjgg101]

@@BayAreaPianoMasters Thank you so much for reply.. Good Video of difference between Grand feel 2 vs 3.. I really apriciate your hard work. ❤️ STAY SAFE..👍

[@pianoenthusiast6649]

@@rrjjgg101 did you get one? I'm from india too, was looking forward to the ca78. Would you recommend it for classical?

[@rrjjgg101]

@@pianoenthusiast6649 Hi Dear Sorry for late Reply.. I Booked CA78 & Rec'd On September 2018 ( Already 3 Years) for My 5 years old Granddaughter..It's Excellent Piano..Great Piano Sounds & Superb GF 2 Action Wooden Keys. Built quality of Hardware & Wooden Cabinet is Primium Class.. It's Expensive...But worth.. I am very happy & Satisfied with my Purchase... Re Your question.. I can't comment on Classical Music need... But I will say that one can easily n Smoothly able to Play Acoustic Grand Piano after Practicing On CA 78 without any Problem.. One can easily Go upto 8 Grade on this Piano..I think It will suit your need.. GoodLuck to you..👍..Hope this will help... STAY SAFE🙏

[@pianoenthusiast6649]

@@rrjjgg101 thanks for the reply!! I just want to ask from where did you buy that? I can't find any dealers.

[@somerandomguyonyoutube8335]

Does Kawaii ship worldwide?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

They ship to many international locations! You can find a full list of distributors here: www.kawai-global.com/distribution/

[@samuelehtoo9594]

What's maing differences between ca series and cn

[@roberthe4355]

CA has wooden keyboard. CN has plastic one

[@samuelehtoo9594]

@@roberthe4355 so same quality in sounds?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

@@samuelehtoo9594 As Robert mentioned, the CN29 uses the Responsive Hammer III action (weighted plastic key) and the CA49 uses the Grand Feel Compact action (longer wooden key action). The sound sampling and selection is the same. The CA49 has a better speaker system than the CN29, though.

[@samuelehtoo9594]

@@BayAreaPianoMasters thanks

[@marlajackson1905]

Why does the piano have a two-tone color on the top behind the music stand?

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

I'm not sure which model you're referring to, but you may be seeing the sound-bar style speaker that is visible on the top of the CA-59, 79, & 99. Hope this helps!

[@marlajackson1905]

Thank you!

[@seunggunchoi1690]

Thank you!!!

[@BayAreaPianoMasters]

Thank you for watching!