Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Kawai announces Concert Artist CA99 and CA79 digital pianos

No fans of Wang ‘round here?

Well, I'm literally torn between the two On a more serious note, Yuja is an absolutely top-class pianist, while Lola is rather just decent. But they are apparently targeting different audience and fields of art.

I agree. One can't compare Lola to Yuja or Khatia. But I admire Lola for deciding that she wanted to make a living doing the thing she loved (piano) - something she still practices many hours each day. And to make a living, she decided to do something different - a gimmick. So she is making her living on her own terms. And didn't just become a housewife raising children. I'd say there is something admirable in that too.

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I agree. One can't compare Lola to Yuja or Khatia. But I admire Lola for deciding that she wanted to make a living doing the thing she loved (piano) - something she still practices many hours each day. And to make a living, she decided to do something different - a gimmick. So she is making her living on her own terms. And didn't just become a housewife raising children. I'd say there is something admirable in that too.[/quote]

doesn't khatia do piano for a living also, if not what do yuja and khatia do other than piano?

You missed the point Tyrone was making. They do make a living from playing the piano built on hard work and talent. Tyrone is pointing out that Lola puts in the hard work, obviously has talent but not quite the talent of virtuouso players. So she has found a way for herself to make a living from her hard work and a gimmick. A perfectly valid approach.

Exactly. Lola has put in the work, but didn't get the same results as Yuja and Khatia. Call it a difference in talent if you will. But she's found her own way to make a living even if she isn't invited on the big concert circuit.

I'm glad the hammer actuation was changed, I'm having a lot of problems with the slip pads on my CA95 falling off (the tape adhesive isn't strong enough).

Lola-folks, you are spamming this thread.

To help get the thread back on topic.

Seems pianomanchuck is keen on the new GFIII action. 1:13 into this video.

This was a nice performance.

Let's stay on topic.

Hello mabraman,



Kawai produces tens of thousands of digital pianos every year. Kawai's international network of subsidiaries, distributors, and dealers are in constant communication with customers, be it via email, over the phone, or in person. These customers naturally provide feedback - both good and bad - about their pianos, and this feedback is obviously considered when planning and developing new instruments.

I don't believe it's inconceivable for some of this customer feedback to overlap with some of the opinions expressed by PianoWorld forum members. Indeed, some of the customers who have provided feedback to Kawai may also be PianoWorld forum members.

However, as mentioned previously, customer feedback is not the only motivating force behind new features and improvements. Many developments stem from internal R&D (e.g. engineers wishing to improve on the technologies they have designed in the past), with professional pianists and music teachers regularly called upon to test prototypes and provide feedback - again multiple opinions, and multiple sources.

It wasn't my intention to undervalue the contributions from fellow PianoWorld members - my apologies if I gave anyone that impression.

Kind regards,
James
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Here's PianoManChuck's appraisal of the CA99.

This video features a quick overview from Kawai America's digital piano product manager, Alan Palmer.

I believe some US-based PW forum members may have talked with Alan over the phone, or corresponded by email, so it's nice to see him here, in the flesh.



Cheers,
James
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Kawai James

PianoWorld is a great Forum and wouldn't be the same without your presence. In fact, I believe, were a Poll of Members here who purchase a Kawai Instrument due to your efforts, the Results may be surprising to your Company.

It would be fun to try the new series, but for me, my move out of a metro and to the country would mean at least a 3-4hr drive. And, my CA67 is still a great performer.

Have fun ...

Hi James,

Thanks for posting the video. Yes, I have emailed with Alan before - nice to put face with the name .

CA99/79 seem really amazing. Looking forward to trying it out at our local store in future - just for fun!

Osho

I live in UK, does anyone know what the warranty is like on Kawai pianos here, and if something goes wrong somewhere down the line after a few years can it be repaired in the UK? Do they have support centres in the UK.

I guess my main question is, what is the reliability like of the Kawai CA models and the GF2 action in general, does it get worn over time and have there been many reports of faulty units, and faulty keys etc.. or is the durability good overall for many years?

I am in the market for a new piano, and am considering a few options, the nord grand being one and this new kawai CA99, not sure which one to go with, both have kawai actions I know. I tried the CA98 and was not impressed with the sound/speakers at all, the touch was probably the best action I have tried though on a DP, a bit of a weird feeling when bottoming out the keys though. I like the nord, but the nord piano monitors are pretty average and I found them lacking in some areas, the action was pretty light, but very responsive and fast. I am steering more towards the cabinet CA99, but do not want to buy one and have issues with the keyboard a few years down the road, I am sure I have heard they are not very reliable...but I could be wrong.

Cheers

Mark

mwf: My K300 with ATX3 came with a 10 year warranty on the acoustic side of the piano and a 5 year warranty on the ATX3 electronics side. I'm not sure what the warranty period is like on purely digital pianos, but I would be surprised if it's not within the range of 3 to 5 years.

The kawai ca99 is probably not much less than kawai k200 or even k300.
I don’t believe all people who buy such expensive pianos , do because they need volume control...
So with that said why not just buy k series kawai and have real thing???

Are acoustic that hard to maintain?

My understanding from the NAMM announcement is that the GF3 key action in the CA99 has been modified to resolve the main reliability issue in the GF2, and improve the action bottoming feel. However, dare I suggest that being a new action, albeit based on the GF2, there may be other newly introduced unknown reliability issues down the road; unless the changes from GF2 are minimal so that the the risk of further new issues are minimal too. Whatever, I think you will need to try it in person.

And a more sophisticate physical modelling ...(virtual technician).