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Hi everyone,

I’d like to share my experience and get your input as I’m currently deciding between the Yamaha CLP-845 and the Kawai CA501. I previously owned a Kawai CN301, which unfortunately turned into quite a frustrating journey.

My CN301 experience:
I was initially impressed by the sound and touch. But after a short time, issues began to appear: some keys started to sink slightly, others developed clicking or knocking sounds, and overall the key action felt increasingly uneven. Even after repair attempts, things didn’t improve much. The experience really shook my trust in the build quality.

What I’m looking for now:
A responsive and expressive key action, especially for soft playing. I’d like long, well-weighted wooden keys. I practice a lot of Hanon, play jazz-style Major7 inversions, and do a lot of improvisation. I also record with Logic Pro (via MiniFuse 2), so MIDI and audio integration are important. Ideally, I’d like to be able to tune in cents (e.g. stretch tuning). The instrument should be suitable for both classical and modern styles.

My current dilemma:
The Yamaha CLP-845 has a great, clear tone and a solid action (GrandTouch-S), but I’m concerned the key length might be too short compared to the CA501.
The Kawai CA501 offers longer wooden keys (Grand Feel Compact) and a warmer tone, but after my CN301 issues, I’m hesitant about long-term reliability.

Question for the community:
Has anyone dealt with a similar decision? How do the CLP-845 and CA501 hold up over time? I’d really appreciate hearing from people who’ve spent more time with either (or both) instruments.

Thanks in advance,

The difference might be negligible in practice.

There are some pivot length discussion on this forum and some comparison pictures too. Here's one:



From: https://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthr...compact-vs-grandtouch-s.html#Post3215060

The green line seems to align with the AHA IV-F pivot point. Yamaha seems to be very close as does the GrandFeel Compact. I think both have staggered pivot points as in the black key pivot points are a bit further back. Of course trying to scale match images from various sources has some inaccuracy.

So, I wouldn't worry about pivot length, but just try out both of them and trust your own feelings.

Also pivot length comparison here: https://forum.pianotell.com/d/1602-digital-piano-action-pivot-length

You will easily adapt to the Yamaha. Get the clp-845. Tone and touch are great! Build quality is stellar!

thank you! I did and can't wait

Jake85ams, welcome to the Piano World forum. I would choose the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-845 because of the CFX Grand/Bösendorfer sounds amazing and the improved GrandTouch-S™ keyboard feels amazing. I chose the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-440 11 years ago because of its RGE (Real Grand Expression) Sound Engine and the GH3 (Graded Hammer 3) keyboard with synthetic ivory keytops.

Thank you all for the replies!

I decided now for the Yamaha 845 - even though it hasn’t 4 speakers and no 3D effect. Hope I won’t miss it 😆

At my latest comparison in a shop, I would place GFC over both other actions every time:
GFC > RHIII ~ GrandTouch-S(wood)

But I would rate the reliability of RHIII and GrandTouch-S over the GFC (gut feeling from what I read in forums in term of potential slip tape issues + the construction of GFC seems to be more error prone because of used materials and increased complexity).

Your experience with your CN-301 is maybe an exception. I read very few issues with that action. Mine (CN-29) is flawless, so far.

Hello Wie Waldi, thank you for sharing your thoughts on these different keyboard actions.


Please note that the GFC (and GFIII) keyboard actions do not use slip-tape material.

Kind regards,
James
x

I am celebrating my 11th anniversary with my Yamaha Clavinova CLP-440 and I absolutely love it. You will love your new CLP-845. Edit: When I played the CLP-845 for the first time it felt and sounded a lot different than my older CLP-440.

Was the 845 better or worse to 440?

Jlovespiano, you are right, the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-845 is much better than my 11-year old Yamaha Clavinova CLP-440. Edit: Comparing the Kawai CA501 and the Yamaha Clavinova CLP-845, I prefer the CLP-845 over the CA501 because it is my personal preference.

Do not want to sound mean or offensive, so consider this applicable to me as well:

Key length wouldn't be an issue at skill levels of yours (and mine).

Buy the one you like the most. These brands are both great. The only concern I'd have is the loudness of these instruments as the amps inside these are garbage in general (and rip off).

Thanks so much for all the great answers so far! 🙏
I’ve been playing around with my new CLP-845 and I’m really quite happy with it.

I reached now a higher intermediate leveling playing. Indeed I feel the keys as the action is shorter feel different - guess next years will be m goal to improve to a level where longer keys will be my special treat in the next piano in 6-8 years. Nothing negatively

Still, I have two questions I’d love to hear your thoughts on:

1. Key texture – I noticed that the black keys aren’t smooth but have more of a rough surface. They also don’t shine. The white and black keys feel very different to me, which I’ve never experienced before on a piano. Is there a reason behind this? Why aren’t the plastic black keys like that and not smooth and shiny to fit the overall style?

2. Sound image – As an audiophile, I sometimes get the impression that the sound feels weighted left–right but a bit hollow in the center. My subjective feeling is:
• left third of the keyboard = left speaker
• right third = right speaker
• center = somehow missing volume

It can sometimes feel like there’s a gap in the sound directly in front of me. Does anyone else notice this, or is there something I can adjust?

Does an acoustic feel similar or is there more „space“ - it used to the new sound yet coming from
301 kawai - if I need to describe it I’d say it’s like the ears feel numb (less dynamics) - I ask because I hope it’s a matter of being used to - and not a lack of sound quality?

Just curious - the piano feels so much better then kawai :-)


Thanks again for helping me learn more – I really appreciate it!