April 13, 2023
First Impressions - Kawai CA501
New from Kawai's acclaimed Concert Artist Series is the exciting CA501. This innovative instrume...
Introducing the Kawai CA501 Concert Artist…
This model retains the highly regarded Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action of its predecessor, while incorporating the new SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound, reproduced using Harmonic Imaging XL sound technology. This latest recreation of the flagship Shigeru Kawai piano uses all new sample data, specifically recorded from the player’s perspective, and is characterized by a bright and clear sound with a distinctive attack. Complementing this stunning new piano sound, the CA501 now incorporates diffuser panels mounted to the top facing speakers that help to expand tonal projection in all directions.
The updated CA501 features redesigned control panels with a more intuitive button layout to complement the large OLED display. In addition, wireless connectivity has also been refreshed, with Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio components adopting the latest v5 standard to ensure ultra-low latency, improved reliability, and superior sound quality when paired with the latest mobile devices.
Finally, the CA501’s attractive cabinet has also received design refinements, including a taller body, improved pedal positioning and music rest score support pins, which can be raised to hold the pages of thicker notated scores securely in place.
- SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound, specially recorded from the player’s perspective
- Bluetooth MIDI v5, Bluetooth Audio v5 for reduced latency and enhanced audio quality
- Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action
- Ivory Touch key surfaces, triple sensor, let-off, counterweights
- Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine
- Advanced audio processing and amplification
- Powerful four-speaker, 100 W output system
- Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio
- Cheekblock control panel with OLED display
- Attractive cabinet design with 3-position music rest
CA501 dimensions and weight
Please refer to this diagram to help visualize how this piano might fit in your room of choice. The weight listed is based on the finished, assembled instrument, and is measured in pounds. The height, width and depth dimensions are measured in inches.
Color Swatches - Mocha Walnut
Please note that the color may vary depending upon your screen settings or due to the device that you are viewing. These photos are designed to give you an idea of the rich finish of the piano.
Features Overview
Feel Inspired
The Kawai CA501 is a piano that will encourage enthusiastic players to become accomplished pianists, and transform living rooms into grand concert halls. This is the ambitious philosophy behind Kawai’s latest Concert Artist series – premium instruments that capture the essence of playing a magnificent concert grand piano, and inspire musicians to realize their true artistic potential. To achieve this ambition, these first-class instruments combine Kawai’s industry- leading wooden-key keyboard action, with an array of stunning acoustic piano sounds reproduced using premium audio and speaker technologies, and a variety of convenient, modern features that enhance one’s playing experience. The result is a series of exceptional digital pianos that deliver authenticity, performance, and reliability.
Unbelievable Touch
The keyboard action of an acoustic grand piano is comprised of black and white keys, graded hammers, and numerous other components, all working in harmony when each note is pressed. This beautifully designed mechanism allows gifted pianists to express a wealth of feeling and emotion in their music, as they respond to the tactile nuances transmitted through the keyboard. Translating the piano action’s intricate movements to a digital instrument, while retaining these acoustic-like subtleties is an extremely challenging task. The Concert Artists’ latest Grand Feel wooden-key keyboard actions achieve this goal by drawing upon Kawai’s 95+ years of knowledge and experience in crafting the world’s finest pianos. This ensures an incredibly realistic touch feeling, and is one of the reasons for these instruments’ inspiring playability.
Premium Sound Delivery
The distinctive sound of an acoustic piano is produced by felt hammers striking metal strings. As these strings vibrate, they transfer energy through the bridge onto the instrument’s wooden soundboard, resulting in a rich, powerful sound. In order to reproduce these characteristics, and transform the digitally generated Shigeru Kawai SK-EX sound into an authentic acoustic piano tone, the latest Concert Artist instruments feature premium quality audio processing and amplifier technologies, and multi- speaker delivery systems.
Stunning Sound
Eponymously named after the company’s second president, the Shigeru Kawai range of luxury grand pianos were conceived as the next step in evolving the art of the piano. Each world-class instrument is hand-crafted by Master Piano Artisans (MPAs), using the finest available materials to ensure optimum touch, tone, and artistic expression. Widely regarded as ‘the premier piano of Japan’, the flagship SK-EX concert grand graces the stages of concert halls and musical institutions around the globe, receiving universal acclaim for its magnificent tonal clarity and exceptional dynamic range. In order to recreate the peerless sound of a Shigeru Kawai SK-EX digitally, the latest Concert Artist models incorporate a variety of unique technologies that capture and reproduce characteristics of the original piano with incredible realism and authenticity.
Learn more about Kawai CA501
CA501 dimensions and weight
Color Profile - Mocha Walnut
Features Overview
Feel Inspired
Unbelievable Touch
Premium Sound Delivery
Stunning Sound
Frequently Asked Questions:
What makes the Kawai CA501's piano sound different from other digital pianos?
The CA501 features the SK-EX Competition Grand piano sound, recorded from the player's perspective using Harmonic Imaging XL technology. This captures the tonal clarity and dynamic range of Kawai's flagship Shigeru Kawai concert grand with exceptional realism.
How does the Grand Feel Compact keyboard action compare to a real piano?
It uses wooden keys with let-off, triple sensor detection, and counterweights to replicate the tactile response of an acoustic grand piano action. This design draws on Kawai's decades of piano craftsmanship to deliver a genuinely realistic touch.
Is the Kawai CA501 good for beginners or is it meant for advanced pianists?
The CA501 is designed to support players at any level, from enthusiastic beginners to accomplished pianists. Its authentic Grand Feel Compact keyboard action helps build proper technique while offering the expressive touch experienced players expect.
Can I connect the CA501 to my phone or tablet?
Yes, the CA501 offers Bluetooth MIDI v5 and Bluetooth Audio v5 for wireless connectivity with mobile devices. The updated v5 standard provides ultra-low latency, improved reliability, and better sound quality when paired with an app.
How loud is the sound system on the Kawai CA501?
t features a four-speaker system with 100 watts of total output, including dedicated woofers and top-facing diffuser speakers. This setup projects sound in all directions for a fuller, more immersive listening experience throughout a room.
What connection options does the CA501 have for headphones or external audio gear?
The CA501 includes two headphone jacks (1/4" and 1/8"), 1/4" line in and line out ports, and USB connectivity. This makes it easy to practice privately or connect to external speakers and recording equipment.
Can two people play the CA501 at the same time for lessons?
Yes, the CA501 includes Duet Mode, which splits the keyboard into two equal ranges with matching pitch. This makes it convenient for teacher and student to play side by side during lessons.
What's included when I purchase a Kawai CA501?
The CA501 comes with a power cable, AC adaptor, headphone hook, height-adjustable bench, and owner's manual. Everything needed to set up and start playing is included in the box.
Does the CA501 support half-pedaling like an acoustic piano?
Yes, the CA501's Grand Feel Pedal System includes damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals with half-damper support. This allows for nuanced pedaling techniques similar to those used on an acoustic grand piano.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | KAW-CA501MW |
| Vendor | Kawai |
| Bluetooth | Audio Receiving and App Connectivity |
| Built In Speakers | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB and Bluetooth |
| Included From Manufacturer |
Power cable AC adaptor Headphone hook Height Adjustable Bench Owner's Manual |
| Keys Weighted | Hammer Weighted |
| Key Cover | Yes |
| Number of Keys | 88 |
| MPN | CA501WH |
| Piano Cabinet Style | Upright |
| Duet Mode | Yes |
| Finish | Mocha Walnut |
| Half-Damper Support | Yes |
| Audio Inputs | Line In (1/4" L/MONO, R) |
| Audio Outputs |
Headphones x 2 (1/4", 1/8") Line Out (1/4" L/MONO, R) |
| Key Action | Grand Feel Compact with Let-Off, Triple Sensor, and Counterweights |
| Layer Feature | No |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Pedals | Damper (with half-pedal support), Soft, Sostenuto – Grand Feel Pedal System |
| Song Recorder | MIDI |
| Number of Songs | 10 |
| Number of Sounds | 45 |
| Speaker Power | 50w + 50w |
| Speaker Size | 5.11" x 2 (woofers), 3.14" x 4.72" x 2 (top speaker with diffusers) |
| Split Feature | Yes |
| Storage Type | USB Flash Drive;Internal |
| Number of Tracks | 2 |
| Transpose Feature | Yes |
| Voices of Polyphony | max 256 |
| Weight | 145 lbs 8 oz |
| Width | 56" |
| Depth | 19" |
| Height | 36.66" |
Kawai 5-Year Limited Warranty
Kawai CN, CA, DG and NV models are covered by Kawai’s five (5) year limited warranty. This warranty covers digital piano models CN, CP, DG and NV against defects in materials or workmanship for five (5) years from the date of purchase. Kawai will attempt to perform service at the location of the instrument. However, if this is not reasonably feasible, then you will be responsible for any installation or removal charges and for any initial shipping charges if the instrument(s) must be shipped for warranty service. However, Kawai will pay the return shipping charges to your location within the USA if the repairs are covered by the warranty. For more information please visit kawaius.com
This oversize item ships via our Freight Delivery Service.
-
-
45 Day Return Policy
All Kraft Music orders are protected under our 45-Day Kraft Music Guarantee.
RETURN POLICY -
Price Protection
If you find a better deal than what you see at Kraft Music, let us know! We would love the opportunity to earn your business!
KRAFT GUARANTEE -
Contact Us
Questions? Our expert Sales Advisors are ready to assist you.
800-783-3368
help@kraftmusic.com
YOUR MUSIC TECHNOLOGY STORE SINCE 1984