Keyboard and Touch

The primary feature that sharply distinguishes the CA401 from most other digital pianos is the Grand Feel Compact (GF Compact) wooden-key keyboard action. This action has been specifically developed to reproduce the touch characteristics of Kawai's industry-leading Grand Feel keyboard systems in a more compact form.

Long wooden key sticks are used for all 88 white and black keys, utilizing the same "seesaw" mechanism that acoustic grand pianos have employed for centuries. The extended key pivot point ensures a more consistent touch weight when playing towards the rear of the keyboard. This detail makes the CA401 the most realistic digital piano in its price class.

The Ivory Touch key surface absorbs moisture to prevent finger slippage. Bass region counterweights lighten the balance during pianissimo passages. The triple sensor increases responsiveness for rapid trills and repeated notes. Meanwhile, the let-off simulation perfectly mimics the "notch" sensation felt when playing very softly – a feature found only in high-quality digital pianos.

Sound Quality

The heart of the CA401 is the SK-EX Competition Grand, the sound of Kawai's newest generation SK-EX-L instruments. These instruments have achieved great success in recent years at the Chopin, Hamamatsu, and Sendai international piano competitions. With excellent tonal clarity and a distinct, powerful attack, this piano sound was specifically recorded from the player's position, reproducing the sound as heard by the pianist as accurately as possible.

Kawai's Progressive Harmonic Imaging technology records each of the 88 keys individually across a wide dynamic range. Additionally, the CA401 presents the distinct tonal character of the Kawai EX concert grand. Both instruments have been reproduced with full 88-key stereo sampling.

The CA401's 4-speaker sound system distributes low frequencies from the bottom and mid-to-high frequencies from the front-facing speakers. The 40W output power creates a rich, resonant sound field in medium-sized rooms.

Functions and Connectivity

The CA401 offers wireless smartphone/tablet connectivity with Bluetooth® MIDI (v5.0) and Audio (v5.1) technology. You can change sounds and adjust settings via the PianoRemote app. The Virtual Technician with 18 parameters (via PianoRemote) digitally simulates the voicing, touch, and pedal adjustments typically performed by a piano technician. Smart Mode also provides 10 ready-made presets.

The built-in lesson function covers Burgmüller, Czerny, Beyer, Chopin waltzes, and Alfred Basic Piano courses. It includes right/left-hand individual practice, a metronome, and tempo adjustment. Dual and Four Hands modes allow for teacher-student collaborative playing. Among the 19 sounds are variations such as jazz, pop, organ, strings, and choir.

Design

The CA401's modern cabinet with its rounded top board, tapered legs, and minimalist support blocks gives the instrument an elegant, authoritative look. At 48.5 cm deep, the CA401 is relatively compact for a wooden-key instrument. Under the wide music rest, which adjusts to 3 angles, are score support pins, preventing thick sheet music from closing. The panel with an OLED display provides direct access to all functions. Premium Rosewood, Premium Satin Black, and Premium Satin White color options are available.

Technical Specifications