Kawai America Corporation
2055 East University Drive
Rancho Dominguez, California 90220
310-631-1771
800-421-2177
info@kawaius.com
www.kawaius.com

​

For company background, see the Kawai listing in the Acoustic Brand Profiles.

​

A renowned builder of acoustic pianos for nearly 100 years, Kawai entered the digital piano market in 1985. Today, Kawai’s cabinet-style digital pianos comprise three main model lines: The CA, CN, and KDP series. The portable digital piano series includes the ES120, ES520, and ES920 models. Kawai professional models include the MP Series: MP7SE and MP11SE, as well as the VPC1 virtual piano controller.

 

Kawai’s proprietary Harmonic Imaging technology is the foundation of the tone generation in all Kawai digital and hybrid pianos. Progressive Harmonic Imaging and Harmonic Imaging XL are enhancements to the basic technology and are incorporated in mid- and higher-end models. Kawai has also developed the SK-EX Rendering Sound Engine in the high-end models, which combines 88-key multi-channel sampling with complex modeling technology. 

​

Kawai created the first digital instruments to use a transducer-driven wooden soundboard for a more natural piano sound, a feature now available in a widening range of hybrid models. Many Kawai models offer USB and wireless Bluetooth MIDI and audio capability. Most models feature Kawai’s “Virtual Technician” which allows players to replicate the many changes in tonal characteristics a skilled technician can alter in an acoustic piano. Other notable advancements include the use of Kawai’s Millennium III acoustic grand and upright piano actions in the Novus line of digital hybrid pianos: NV5s and NV10s.  These actions feature modified hammers and optical sensor technology. 

​

Several different types of actions appear in Kawai digital pianos. Kawai pioneered the use of wooden-key actions for digital pianos, the current versions of these being the Grand Feel (GF), GFIII, and Grand Feel Compact (GFC), which are available on higher-end models. Kawai’s wooden keys are on all 88 keys, unlike some other brands that provide wood keys on just the white notes. The Responsive Hammer (RHIII), and RH-Compact (RHC) actions use an industry-standard graded hammer design with plastic keys and are found in the balance of the digital and portable piano models. All CN and CA models have Ivory Feel white key surfaces, while the CA701/901 also boasts ebony-feel black keys. 

​

Kawai’s ES, KDP, CN, CA, MP, and VPC1 lines of digital pianos are sold through a network of authorized local brick-and-mortar dealers,  Kawai’s online store, and authorized online retailers.

​

For more information on Minimum Advertised Price and retail pricing, see How to Buy a Digital Piano.

For an explanation of features and specifications shown, please see the Key to Specifications and Prices.