The CA401 sets new benchmarks in sound quality, touch, and ease of use within its class.

The CA401 marks the beginning of the Concert Artist series’ wooden-key experience. Equipped with the GrandFeel Compact wooden-key action featuring triple-sensor technology, Ivory Touch surfaces, and let-off simulation, it delivers exceptional control and outstanding repetition. The piano sounds of the Shigeru Kawai EX Competition Grand—reproduced using Progressive Harmonic Imaging™ technology with 88-key sampling—are rendered beautifully through the well-balanced speaker system.

With its modern design and attractive finish options—Premium Rosewood, Premium Satin Black, and Premium Satin White—the CA401 sets a new standard for performance, quality, and value in its class.

Grand Feel Compact Action with Let-Off and Wooden Keys Featuring Ivory Touch Surfaces

The CA401 features KAWAI’s new Grand Feel Compact wooden-key action, which—drawing on over 90 years of piano-building expertise—delivers an exceptionally realistic playing experience. All 88 keys are crafted from long, solid wooden parts, while the white keys are finished with Ivory Touch surfaces to enhance control and playing precision.

Each key pivots smoothly on a central balance pin, just as on an acoustic grand piano. Thanks to the extended key length—particularly the distance from the front of the key to the balance pin—playability toward the rear of the keys is noticeably improved.

The Grand Feel Compact action also incorporates graded hammer weights, bass-side counterweights, and an accurate let-off (escapement) simulation. A triple-sensor detection system ensures excellent repetition and precise control, supporting expressive and confident performance across all dynamic levels.

Impressive Recordings of the Shigeru KAWAI SK-EX Competition Grand and KAWAI EX Concert Grand with Full 88-Key Sampling

The CA401 introduces the remarkable sound of the Shigeru KAWAI SK-EX concert grand in its Competition Grand character. This unique instrument is selected exclusively for international piano competitions and is highly esteemed for its tonal clarity, frequently appearing on the stages of concert halls and leading music institutions.

All 88 keys of this exceptional concert grand were meticulously recorded and analyzed. The distinctive character of each individual note, together with the instrument’s wide dynamic range, enables pianists to express their full musical emotion—from the softest pianissimo to a powerful fortissimo.

In addition to the SK-EX Competition Grand, the renowned KAWAI EX concert grand is also available as part of the CA401’s high-quality sound selection.

OLED Display with Easy, Intuitive Operation

The CA401 features a clear, highly legible OLED display that greatly simplifies operation. All functions can be accessed directly through the redesigned control panel and OLED interface—eliminating the need for keyboard-based navigation.

Additional Features

The CA401’s powerful lesson function supports developing pianists with an integrated library of essential pedagogical pieces, including well-known études by Czerny, Burgmüller, and Beyer, as well as popular titles from the Alfred Piano Course. Each exercise can be played back at a variable tempo, with left- or right-hand parts selectable individually before being recorded together with the student’s own performance for self-evaluation.
A Four-Hands Mode is also included, allowing teacher and student to play together in the same octave range—ideal for lessons and duets.

All models in the Concert Artist series feature an intuitive recording function. The CA401’s recorder offers a capacity of approximately 10,000 notes and allows up to three pieces to be recorded and stored internally.

SHS Headphone System

Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) is a special feature of the new CA401 that adds greater spatial depth to the acoustic piano tone when playing with headphones. It enhances realism and provides a more comfortable, less fatiguing listening experience during extended practice sessions.

Sound System

With newly developed audio components and an upgraded power supply, the CA401’s sound system delivers even greater clarity and power than its predecessor. Distortion-free signal paths with maximum dynamic range ensure high-resolution playback and a pure, detailed sound.

Bluetooth Audio / Bluetooth MIDI

In addition to its USB-to-Host connection, the CA401 is equipped with Bluetooth® MIDI technology, enabling wireless communication with smart devices such as smartphones and tablets. This allows you to easily use a wide range of music-related apps—such as the KAWAI PianoRemote app or the PiaBookPlayer app—in combination with your CA401 digital piano.

You can also take advantage of the Bluetooth® Audio interface. Simply connect your smartphone to the CA401 and enjoy your music played directly through the instrument’s speaker system—perfect for play-along practice.

Adjustable Music Rest

The angle of the music rest can be adjusted—just like on a concert grand piano—to suit the player’s position. When needed, the music rest of the CA Series can also be laid completely flat. The new support pins effectively prevent sheet music from slipping.

Grand Feel Pedal System

The CA401 is equipped with KAWAI’s Grand Feel Pedal System. The resistance and weighting of the three pedals—Sustain, Soft, and Sostenuto—faithfully replicate the pedal feel of the Shigeru KAWAI SK-EX concert grand piano. Care has also been taken to ensure accurate pedal positioning for a natural and comfortable playing experience.