With an advanced Soundboard Speaker System featuring more powerful transducers, plus new front-facing speakers combined with 360-degree speaker diffuser panels for the top speakers, the CA901 digital piano delivers an amazing concert grand piano experience that can be enjoyed by players and listeners alike.
To provide outstanding performance, the Grand Feel III keyboard action with Ivory & Ebony Touch key surfaces is combined with a brand-new Competition Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Rendering piano sound engine (featuring multi-channel sampling and resonance modelling).
A new contemporary cabinet design, along with an anti-glare LCD touchscreen and dynamic new piano sounds contribute to why the CA901 is in a class by itself among hybrid digital pianos.
HIGHLIGHTS
- NEW: SK-EX Competition Grand rendering piano sound, specially recorded from the player’s perspective
- IMPROVED: Piano optimized sampling filter, premium dual DAC components, and redesigned speaker configuration
- IMPROVED: TwinDrive soundboard speaker system, with upgraded primary and secondary transducers
- IMPROVED: Anti-glare LCD touchscreen with updated UI, enhanced operation, and backlight-off ability
- IMPROVED: Virtual Piano Artisan (formerly Virtual Technician), unified functionality for Rendering sounds
- IMPROVED: Bluetooth MIDI v5, Bluetooth Audio v5 for reduced latency and enhanced audio quality
- IMPROVED: Upright piano cabinet design with refined keyboard, pedal, and music rest position
FEATURES
THE TOUCH OF A GRAND PIANO: GRAND FEEL III WOODEN KEY ACTION
Embracing many of the long-established principles associated with an acoustic piano, the Grand Feel III keyboard action used by the CA901 combines realistic materials, motion, and mechanism to recreate the exceptional touch of the finest concert grand pianos.
The eighty-eight black and white keys are crafted entirely from long pieces of wood, with finely textured ivory and ebony-like surfaces applied to absorb moisture and assist control. Each wooden key pivots smoothly on a balance pin – the ends rising and falling to replicate the familiar ‘seesaw’ motion of an acoustic piano action. When pressed, the back of the key lifts, triggering a grade-weighted hammer to strike a pressure switch. The amount of force applied to this switch is then measured, and the corresponding note is played with authentic tonal character and volume.
THE SOUND OF A GRAND PIANO: SHIGERU KAWAI SK-EX CONCERT GRAND
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano was conceived as the next step in evolving the art of the piano. Earning a reputation as the ‘premier piano of Japan,’ it graces the stages of concert halls and musical institutions around the globe, receiving universal acclaim for its exceptional clarity and dynamic range. The SK-EX has frequently been selected by professional pianists at such prestigious events as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rubinstein international piano competitions. With its magnificent tone and wonderfully responsive touch, the SK-EX can best be described with one word – incomparable.
In order to faithfully reproduce the stunning sound of a Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano digitally, Kawai has developed SK-EX Rendering. This special, piano-only sound engine focuses the Concert Artist’s DSP power, combining multi-channel, 88-key sampling with the latest resonance modelling technology to deliver pure acoustic piano authenticity.
The CA901 introduces a new concept with the exclusive SK-EX Competition Grand piano. This exciting new sample compliments the existing SK-EX grand piano sound, with all new sampling data, recorded from the player’s perspective. The Competition Grand sound is characterized by a bright and clear sound with a more natural bass tone and a stronger duplex scale presence in the upper notes.
VIRTUAL PIANO ARTISAN - PERSONALIZED PIANO ADJUSTMENTS
Kawai’s Master Piano Artisans are among the most knowledgeable and skilled in the world. Their highly honed skill set is essential to bring out the best in a Shigeru Kawai grand piano. These technicians perform numerous regulation and voicing adjustments that allow the instrument to truly sing.
The CA901’s powerful Virtual Piano Artisan function simulates these refinements digitally, allowing discerning musicians to shape various aspects of the selected piano’s tonal character to suit their personal preferences.
Perform touch weight and voicing adjustments, regulate hammer and key release noises, and fine-tune string, damper, and cabinet resonances. It is even possible to adjust the precise tuning, volume, and character of individual notes – all in real-time
PREMIUM AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES
The CA901 utilizes specialized components designed for high-end audio reproduction. With cutting-edge technologies such as a custom designed piano sampling filter and a dual DAC system, the Concert Artist’s optimized power amplifiers reproduce the Shigeru Kawai grand piano sound with stunning clarity, richness, and power. The high-performance discrete headphone amplifier ensures an unparalleled listening experience when playing in privacy.
TWINDRIVE SOUNDBOARD SPEAKER SYSTEM
Complementing the premium quality audio components, the CA901 also incorporates the latest version of Kawai’s highly regarded soundboard speaker system. This unique audio technology embraces the rich, harmonic qualities of wood by using improved transducers to channel sound energy onto a large soundboard, in order to produce a more natural, organic tone. Long wooden ribs securely attached to the soundboard further broaden the frequency range and volume of the resonating sound, resulting in a remarkably authentic playing experience that immerses both the performer and the listener, and faithfully reproduces the tonal ambience of an acoustic piano.
The TwinDrive system incorporates the third generation of Kawai’s soundboard technology and features an upgraded primary transducer to deliver more power and range.
In addition, an upgraded secondary transducer, mounted towards the treble end of the instrument, helps to further expand the tonal range produced by the soundboard beyond the existing low frequencies, allowing mid-low and even mid-high ranges to also benefit from the warming, acoustic properties of wood.
THE ADVANTAGE OF A DIGITAL PIANO: CONVENIENCE & VERSATILITY
Complementing the instrument’s industry-leading Grand Feel III keyboard action and stunning SK-EX Rendering piano sound engine, the CA901 also offers a strong selection of digital features that further enhance one’s musical enjoyment.
Improved Bluetooth® v5 connectivity and USB audio record/playback allows musicians to extend the functionality of their piano, or play-along with their favorite artists. The integrated metronome includes a variety of time signatures as well as 100 rhythm patterns for more enjoyment. Embedded lesson functions, featuring classical etudes and Alfred course books, ensure that regular practice is both productive and engaging for aspiring pianists.
All functions are accessible from the CA901’s improved anti-glare 5″ touchscreen display, which allows sounds and settings to be selected from an attractive user interface simply by tapping or swiping the display with a finger.
The screen can also be set to turn off automatically while playing, thus preserving the instruments’ acoustic piano-like appearance, and minimizing any visual distractions to the performer.
INTEGRATED BLUETOOTH® CONNECTIVITY
In addition to standard USB jacks for connecting to computers or other instruments, the CA901 also features integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Bluetooth Audio technologies that allow the instrument to communicate with supported smart devices wirelessly. Upgraded to the Bluetooth V5 standard ensures ultra-low latency and superior sound quality.
Once paired with a phone, tablet, or laptop, Concert Artist owners can enjoy a wide variety of exciting music-related apps that enhance their learning and playing experience, or stream audio from songs and videos directly through the instruments’ premium amplifier and speaker systems without the need to connect additional cables.
PIANOREMOTE APP
The CA901’s redesigned communication standard allows the user-friendly touchscreen interface to also be accessed via the dedicated PianoRemote app for iOS and supported Android devices. The app connects to the piano wirelessly via the Concert Artists’ integrated Bluetooth, providing an effortless way to change sounds, or enjoy the vast array of built-in music content from the comfort of an armchair.
BUILT-IN LESSON & FINGER EXERCISES
The CA901’s convenient lesson function allows aspiring pianists to learn piano with classical Czerny, Burgmüller, Beyer, Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin etudes, or a collection of songs from the popular Alfred’s Basic, Adult, and Premier course books.
With a strong emphasis on acoustic piano realism, the Concert Artist also features traditional finger exercises, scales, and warm-up drills, and includes companion books for all classical scores to further aid one’s piano development.
GRAND FEEL PEDAL SYSTEM
Reinforcing the Concert Artist’s reputation as the most realistic digital piano is Kawai’s Grand Feel Pedal System. This unique feature accurately replicates the position and individual weighting of the damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano to further enhance the CA901’s acoustic piano-like authenticity.
Moreover, it is also possible to adjust the half-pedal sensitivity of the damper pedal, and effectiveness of the soft pedal using dedicated Virtual Piano Artisan parameters, allowing experienced pianists to personalize the instrument’s response to match their individual pedalling technique.
SUPERIOR HEADPHONE EXPERIENCE
The CA901’s Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) technology enhances the depth and realism of the instrument’s sound when listening through headphones or earphones. The player can select one of three different acoustic presets that adjust the spatial positioning of the sound, while also helping to reduce auditory fatigue when using earphones or headphones for extended periods of time.
In addition, the CA901 also allows players to specify the type of headphones connected (Open, Semi-open, Closed, In-Ear, Canal, etc.) to ensure an optimal listening experience.
SPECIFICATIONS
Keyboard | Grand Feel III (GFIII) action | - 88 wooden keys - Grade-weighted hammers - Ivory Touch white key surfaces - Ebony Touch black key surfaces - Let-off simulation - Triple sensor key detection - 88-key Graded counterweights |
Pedal | Grand Feel Pedal System | - Damper (with half-pedal support) - Soft (with half-pedal support) - Sostenuto |
Piano Sound | SK-EX Rendering | -88-key multi-channel piano sampling --SK-EX Competition Grand Piano recording -SK-EX Concert Grand Piano recording |
Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL) | -88-key piano sampling SK-EX, SK5, EX recording, K60 Upright |
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Polyphony | 256 notes maximum polyphony | |
Piano Resonance | SK-EX Rendering |
88-Key Resonance Modeling - Damper Resonance - String Resonance - Undamped String Resonance - Aliquot Resonance |
Harmonic Imaging XL |
Acoustic Rendering - Damper Resonance - String Resonance - Undamped String Resonance - Cabinet Resonance |
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Piano Adjustment |
Virtual Piano Artisan (depending on sound) |
- Touch Curve (incl. User Touch Curve) - Voicing (incl. 88-key User Voicing) - String Resonance - Damper Noise - Undamped String Resonance - Cabinet Resonance - Key-off Effect - Fall-back Noise - Hammer Noise - Hammer Delay - Topboard Simulation - Decay Time - Release Time - Minimum Touch - Stretch Tuning (incl. 88-key User Tuning) - Temperament (incl. User Temperament) - Temperament Key - Key Volume (incl. 88-key User Key Volume) - Half-Pedal Adjust - Soft Pedal Depth Virtual Piano Artisan Presets - 10 presets |
No. of Sounds | SK-EX Rendering | 5 + 5 rendering characteristics |
Harmonic Imaging XL | 96 voices | |
Reverb | SK-EX Rendering | Ambience (10 types) Sound mode: Reverb (6 types) |
Harmonic Imaging XL | Reverb (6 types) -Room, Lounge, Small Hall, Concert Hall, Live Hall, Cathedral, Off |
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Brilliance | ✔ | |
Other Effects | 24 types | |
Speaker System | Speakers | Soundboard Speaker System 8 x 12 cm x 2 (top speakers with diffuser) 8 cm x 2 (front speakers) 5 cm x 2 (tweeters) |
Output Power | 135 W (50W + 50W + 35W) | |
Enhancements | Low Volume Balance, Tone Control, Speaker Volume, Speaker Character, Wall EQ Premium discrete headphone amplifier |
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Headphone Enhancements | Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) 5 Headphone EQ Types Headphone Hook |
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Display | 5" LCD touchscreen (480 x 800 pixels) Anti-glare treatment |
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Key Cover | Upright piano type (with Soft Fall system) | |
Music Rest | Upright piano type (fixed position) | |
Dimensions | Width | 57 1/3" (145.5 cm) |
Depth | 18 2/3” (47.5 cm) | |
Height | 39 3/4” (101 cm) | |
Weight | Standard Finish: 182 lbs (82.5 kg) Ebony Polish Finish: 201 2/3 lbs (91.5 kg) |
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Basic Functions | Dual Split Four Hands Transpose Tuning Low Volume Balance Favorite |
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Metronome | Time Signatures: 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 3/8, 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, 12/8 | |
Drum Rhythms | 100 patterns | |
Internal Songs | Demo Songs | 39 songs |
Music | 29 or 42 songs (Depending on market) | |
Concert Magic | 176 songs | |
Lesson Songs |
578 Lesson Book Songs |
Burgmüller 25 (25 Etudes Faciles, Opus 100) Czerny 30 (Etudes de Mécanisme, Opus 849) Czerny 100 (Hundert Übungsstücke, Opus 139) Beyer 106 (Vorschule im Klavierspiel, Opus 101) J.S. Bach: Inventionen Sonatinen Album 1 Chopin Walzer (Chopin waltzes series) Chopin Etudes (Opus 10) Alfred’s Premier Piano Course Lesson 1A Alfred’s Premier Piano Course Lesson 1B Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Lesson Book Level 1A Alfred’s Basic Piano Library Lesson Book Level 1B Alfred’s Basic Adult Piano Course Lesson Book Level 1 Lesson Books Sold Separately 140 Finger Exercises |
Internal Recorder | 10 song, 2 track recorder Approximately 90,000 note memory capacity |
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USB Recorder |
Record |
MP3, WAV, Overdub Audio, Line In & Bluetooth audio recording |
Playback | MP3, WAV, SMF, KSO (internal song file) | |
Bluetooth® * | MIDI: Bluetooth (Ver. 5.0 GATT compatible) Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI Specification compliant AUDIO: Bluetooth (Ver. 5.1 A2DP-compatible) |
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App Functions |
Compatible iOS/Android Devices |
-PianoRemote -PiaBookPlayer |
Connector Jacks | Headphone | 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" Stereo jacks |
MIDI | USB-MIDI, Bluetooth MIDI | |
Line In | 1/8" Stereo (volume adjust knob) [unbalanced] | |
Line Out | 1/4" L/MONO, R | |
USB to Host | ✔ | |
USB to Device | ✔ | |
USB for Update | ✔ | |
Power Consumption | 55 W | |
Power | Power cable | |
Bench | Matching Bench | |
Others | Warranty Card Owner's Manual Internal Song Lis |
WARRANTY
5 Years Parts and Labor | Customers should retain their store receipt or purchase statement as proof of the date of purchase. Please contact Kawai’s Technical Services Division if you have any questions or concerns.