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October 5, 2017

Kawai announces new Concert Artist CA48 digital piano

Kawai CA48Kawai Japan is proud to announce the CA48 digital piano, the most affordable Concert Artist instrument ever developed, and successor to the popular CA17.  This updated model incorporates the new Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action, stunning Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and Kawai EX concert grand piano sounds, built-in Bluetooth® wireless connectivity, a powerful 4-speaker output system, SHS headphone enhancements, and a modernised cabinet design, to provide an outstanding introduction to Concert Artist quality at an affordable price.

 

Main Features

- Brand new Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action
- Stunning Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and Kawai EX concert grand piano sounds, with full 88-key sampling
- Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI for wireless communication with smart devices
- Powerful, high fidelity 4-speaker output system
- Flexible Virtual Technician function with intuitive Smart Mode feature
- Built-in Burgmüller, Czerny, Beyer etudes and Alfred lesson songs
- Attractive, modern cabinet design available in three different wood finishes

 

Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action with extended pivot length

The CA48 is the first Kawai digital piano to utilise the brand new Grand Feel Compact wooden-key keyboard action.  As its name suggest, the GF Compact action has been designed to reproduce the authentic touch weight characteristics of the industry-leading Grand Feel keyboard actions, within a smaller form factor.

The new action retains the long wooden keysticks used for all 88 black and white keys, and the familiar seesaw mechanism employed by acoustic grand piano actions for centuries.  However, despite its smaller unit size, GF Compact features an extended key pivot length, providing a more consistent touch weight when playing towards the rear of the keyboard.  This crucial detail ensures the new CA48 delivers the most realistic playing experience in its class, surpassing even the venerable RM3 Grand actions utilised by its predecessors.

As with all modern wooden-key Kawai actions, Grand Feel Compact incorporates grade-weighted hammers, bass region counterweights, and let-off simulation for added authenticity, while its accurate triple-sensor key detection system allows rapidly repeated notes such as trills to be performed smoothly, without unnatural breaks in sound.

 

Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and Kawai EX concert grand pianos reproduced with 88-key sampling

The rich, expressive sound of Kawai’s celebrated grand pianos are at the heart of the new CA48 digital piano, with two world-class instruments lovingly recorded and faithfully produced using full 88-key stereo sampling: the flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, and the highly-acclaimed Kawai EX.  With two distinctive Kawai grand pianos and even a traditional upright readily available, CA48 players can explore a variety of different piano sounds, and enjoy the contrasting properties of each.

The new CA48 utilises Kawai’s advanced Progressive Harmonic Imaging technology, with algorithms that reproduce how an acoustic piano’s tonal character changes as dynamics increase.  This ensures seamless expression when playing from gentle pianissimo to thunderous fortissimo, without sudden changes in sound.  And with an impressive 256 note polyphony, professional players need never worry about held notes ‘dropping out’ unexpectedly during more complicated passages.

 

Bluetooth MIDI, Built-in lessons, and enhanced headphone sound

The impressive CA48 offers a variety of useful features to complement its authentic wooden-key touch and stunning grand piano sounds.  Integrated Bluetooth MIDI allows the instruments to communicate with supported smart devices, using Kawai’s Sound Museum and Virtual Technician apps to select and adjust sounds wirelessly, while the built-in lesson function (featuring a variety of classical etudes and Alfred songs), adjustable metronome and song recorder, are invaluable tools for aspiring pianists.

An assortment of additional instrumental voices, combined with the Dual playing mode adds greater variety to players’ performances, while the special Four Hands mode divides the keyboard into two independent sections, allowing teacher and student to practise and play together using a single instrument.  The CA48 also includes Kawai’s advanced SHS technology, enhancing the depth and realism of sounds heard through headphones or earphones, while also helping to reduce auditory fatigue when listening for extended periods of time.

 

Contemporary cabinet design available in three finishes

The CA48 is housed within a premium quality wooden cabinet that incorporate a flat fascia and raised upper board, giving this instrument a classic, upright piano-like character.  Its attractive curved leg and minimalist toe block design contributes to the piano’s slender appearance, with Premium Rosewood, Satin Black, and Satin White finishes that are suitable for a range of traditional and modern interiors.

 

A class-leading wooden-key keyboard action, stunning grand piano sounds, and a variety of modern, convenient features – all housed within an attractive and inspiring cabinet.

Introducing the Kawai CA48: An outstanding introduction to Concert Artist quality at an affordable price.


For more information about the Concert Artist CA48 digital piano, please refer to the product page below:

http://www.kawai-global.com/product/ca48