The CA501 offers an authentic grand piano touch, modern technology and impressive tonal versatility.

With the CA501, KAWAI presents another exceptional addition to the Concert Artist series. Equipped with the new GrandFeel Compact wooden-key keyboard action, triple-sensor detection, Ivory Touch surfaces, and let-off simulation, it offers precise control and outstanding repetition. The Harmonic Imaging™ XL sound technology with 88-key sampling delivers beautifully expressive piano tones, faithfully reproduced through a well-balanced speaker system.

The large OLED display provides an intuitive interface, giving easy access to a wide range of features. The CA501 brings the sounds of world-class instruments such as the Shigeru Kawai EX Competition Grand, the legendary Kawai EX, and the Shigeru Kawai SK-5 directly into your home. Experience these remarkable pianos through the powerful 360° speaker system or enjoy them with exceptional clarity using the new SHS headphone technology.

The CA501 can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker to play music from your smart device.

With its modern design and attractive finish options—Premium Rosewood, Premium Satin Black, and Premium Satin White—the CA501 is an outstanding choice for pianists seeking performance, quality, and long-lasting value.

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

The CA501 is equipped with KAWAI’s Grand Feel Compact wooden-key action, which—drawing on over 90 years of acoustic piano-building expertise—provides an exceptionally authentic playing experience. All 88 keys are crafted from long, solid wood pieces, while the white keys are finished with Ivory Touch surfaces to enhance finger control and playing accuracy.

Each key pivots smoothly on a central balance pin, just like the keys of an acoustic grand piano. The extended key length, especially the distance from the front of the key to the balance pin, allows for improved playability toward the rear of the key surface.

The Grand Feel Compact action features graded hammer weights, bass-side counterweights, and a precise Let-Off (escapement) simulation. A triple-sensor detection system ensures outstanding repetition and superior control, supporting expressive, confident performance across all dynamic levels.

Impressive Recordings of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Competition, SK-EX Classic, Kawai EX, and SK-5 Grand Pianos with Harmonic Imaging XL and 88-Key Sampling

The CA501 reproduces the magnificent sounds of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Competition Grand, the classic Kawai EX, and the Shigeru Kawai SK-5 grand piano. The globally esteemed Shigeru Kawai instruments are celebrated for their tonal clarity and are frequently featured on the stages of concert halls and leading music institutions.

All 88 keys of these exceptional grand pianos were meticulously recorded and analyzed. The unique character of each individual note, combined with the wide dynamic range of the sampling, allows pianists to express their full emotional palette — from the softest pianissimo to the most powerful fortissimo.

Wide Selection of Additional Sounds

In addition to its realistic acoustic piano voices, the CA501 offers a broad range of additional sounds—including electric pianos, drawbar and church organs, strings, and choir voices—allowing musicians to perform comfortably across many musical genres.

Dual Mode enables two different sounds (for example, piano and strings) to be layered together on the keyboard, while Split Mode and Four-Hands Mode divide the keyboard into left and right sections, ideal for lessons, ensemble playing, or creative performance. The volume balance between the selected sounds can be adjusted quickly and easily at the touch of a button.

Virtual Technician Settings

The CA501’s integrated Virtual Technician feature allows players to easily adjust and refine the tonal character of their selected acoustic piano, harpsichord, or electric piano sound. Parameters such as string, damper, and cabinet resonances—as well as hammer fall-back noise—can be customized with precision. Users can even modify the pitch, volume, and voicing of individual notes and save their personalized settings for future use.

Speaker System and SHS Headphone Sound

The CA501’s exceptional piano tones are reproduced through a powerful four-speaker amplifier system delivering 2 × 50 watts. Two mid–high frequency drivers project upward through 360° diffusers, while two additional speakers located beneath the keyboard provide the low and mid frequencies. This configuration closely replicates the natural sound projection of an acoustic grand piano.

For headphone practice, the CA501 offers extensive customization options. The new Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) technology creates a more spacious and natural listening experience when using headphones, while the high-quality headphone amplifier ensures optimal audio clarity. Players can also select the type of headphones they are using—open, semi-open, closed, or in-ear—to tailor the sound accordingly.

The result is a more comfortable, less fatiguing listening experience, even during extended practice sessions.

Bluetooth® Audio / Bluetooth® MIDI

In addition to its USB-to-Host connection, the CA501 is equipped with Bluetooth® MIDI technology, enabling wireless communication with smart devices such as smartphones and tablets. This allows you to easily integrate a wide range of music-related apps with your CA501 digital piano.

The CA501 also supports Bluetooth® Audio Version 5, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone directly through the instrument’s speaker system—perfect for play-along practice or simply enjoying your favorite tracks.

USB-to-Device Functionality with MP3/WAV Recording and Playback

The CA501 is equipped with USB ports that allow not only the exchange of MIDI data with a connected computer, but also the ability to save data directly to a USB storage device or load files from it into the instrument. This USB-to-Device functionality makes it easy to back up registrations and internally stored songs, or to play Standard MIDI Files (SMF) directly from a USB drive—without the need for additional hardware.

You can also play back songs by your favourite artists in MP3 or WAV format directly through the instrument. Additionally, you can record your own performances in MP3 or WAV format and share them with friends by email, listen to them on a smartphone or computer, or even burn them to a CD on your PC.

Extensive Connectivity Options

A wide range of connectivity options ensures maximum flexibility. The LINE OUT jacks allow the CA501 to be connected to external amplification—ideal for larger spaces such as churches, schools, or performance halls. The USB-to-Host (MIDI) connection enables easy integration with computers for music production or learning software.

Thanks to the stereo LINE IN jack, you can also connect the audio output of a laptop, tablet, or other external device directly to the CA501 and play the sound through the instrument’s built-in speakers.

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. In addition, the new support pins help prevent sheet music from slipping.

Grand Feel Pedal System

The CA501 is equipped with Kawai’s Grand Feel Pedal System. With this 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.