1. Introduction

The digital piano has become a popular instrument for musicians of all levels. With the introduction of high-quality technology, digital pianos have become increasingly realistic and lifelike, offering a great way to practice, perform, and compose music. Two of the most popular brands of digital pianos are Kawai and Yamaha. In this article we will compare the two brands, looking at their history, models, key action, sound quality, features and price range.

2. History of Kawai and Yamaha Digital Pianos

Kawai is a Japanese company founded in 1927 by Koichi Kawai. It is known for producing high-quality acoustic and digital pianos as well as other musical instruments. Kawai’s first digital piano was released in 1985 and since then it has been a leader in the industry.

Yamaha is also a Japanese company founded in 1887 by Torakusu Yamaha. It is one of the largest producers of musical instruments in the world and its digital pianos are some of the best on the market. Yamaha’s first digital piano was released in 1976 and since then it has been a leader in the industry.

3. Kawai Digital Piano Models

Kawai offers a variety of digital piano models ranging from entry level to professional level instruments. The entry level models include the ES110, which is an 88 key portable digital piano with weighted keys and built-in speakers; the CN37, which is an 88 key console digital piano with weighted keys; and the CA48, which is an 88 key console digital piano with weighted keys and advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and USB audio recording capabilities.

At the professional level, Kawai offers the MP11SE, which is an 88 key stage piano with weighted keys and advanced features such as MIDI connectivity; the CA98, which is an 88 key console digital piano with weighted keys and advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity; and the CS11, which is an 88 key grand piano with weighted keys and advanced features such as a built-in synthesizer.

4. Yamaha Digital Piano Models

Yamaha also offers a variety of digital piano models ranging from entry level to professional level instruments. The entry level models include the P-125, which is an 88 key portable digital piano with weighted keys; the P-515, which is an 88 key console digital piano with weighted keys; and the YDP-144, which is an 88 key console digital piano with weighted keys and advanced features such as USB audio recording capabilities.

At the professional level, Yamaha offers the CP88 stage piano with weighted keys; the AvantGrand N3X hybrid grand piano with real wooden keys; and the CLP-695GP grand piano with wooden graded hammer action keyboard.

5. Key Action Comparison

Kawai’s entry level models feature their Responsive Hammer Compact action while their higher end models feature their Grand Feel III action or their Grand Feel Compact action depending on model type (console or stage). All of these actions feature graded hammers that simulate an acoustic grand piano’s action for a realistic playing experience.

Yamaha’s entry level models feature their Graded Hammer Standard action while their higher end models feature their Graded Hammer Action (GHA) or their Natural Wood Graded Hammer Action (NW-GHA) depending on model type (console or stage). All of these actions feature graded hammers that simulate an acoustic grand piano’s action for a realistic playing experience.

6. Sound Quality Comparison

Kawai’s entry level models feature their Responsive Hammer Compact sound engine while their higher end models feature their Grand Feel III sound engine or their Grand Feel Compact sound engine depending on model type (console or stage). These engines use samples taken from Kawai’s own concert grand pianos for realistic sound quality that accurately reproduces nuances like string resonance, damper noise, and sympathetic string vibrations when appropriate notes are played together.

Yamaha’s entry level models feature their Pure CF sound engine while their higher end models feature either their CFX or Bösendorfer Imperial sounds depending on model type (console or stage). These engines use samples taken from Yamaha’s own concert grand pianos for realistic sound quality that accurately reproduces nuances like string resonance, damper noise, sympathetic string vibrations when appropriate notes are played together, as well as other sounds like electric pianos, organs etc..

7. Features Comparison

Kawai’s entry level models have basic features such as built-in speakers for headphone listening/recording options while higher end models have more advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming options to compatible devices like smartphones/tablets/etc., USB audio recording capabilities for capturing performances/compositions onto computer/DAW software etc., MIDI connectivity for connecting to external controllers/sequencers etc., onboard effects to enhance sounds etc..

Yamaha’s entry level models have basic features such as built-in speakers for headphone listening/recording options while higher end models have more advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming options to compatible devices like smartphones/tablets/etc., USB audio recording capabilities for capturing performances/compositions onto computer/DAW software etc., MIDI connectivity for connecting to external controllers/sequencers etc., onboard effects to enhance sounds etc..

8. Price Range Comparison

Kawai’s entry level digital pianos range in price from around $500 USD up to around $2000 USD while higher end models can cost upwards of $3000 USD or more depending on model type (console or stage).

Yamaha’s entry level digital pianos range in price from around $600 USD up to around $2500 USD while higher end models can cost upwards of $4000 USD or more depending on model type (console or stage).

9. Who is the Best Choice for You?

Ultimately it comes down to personal preference when deciding between Kawai vs Yamaha Digital Pianos but both brands offer high quality instruments that will provide years of enjoyment so it really depends on what you are looking for in terms of features & budget range that will determine which brand will be best suited for you needs & preferences!

10. Conclusion

In conclusion both Kawai & Yamaha offer excellent choices when it comes to choosing a digital piano! Both brands offer a variety of different instruments ranging from entry level to professional grade so there’s something available no matter what your budget & needs may be! Ultimately it comes down to personal preference & budget when deciding between these two brands but either way you’ll be sure to find something that suits your needs & preferences!

11. References

https://www.kawaiusastore.com/digitalpianos
https://usa.yamaha.com/products/musical_instruments/pianos/?mode=series