Kawai CN Series: CN-201 & CN-301

The Kawai CN series of digital pianos could be considered the Japanese manufacturer’s entry-level line. However, the CN models also meet the needs of advanced players with their high-quality feel and authentic piano sound – the ideal piano for the whole family. The series offers two options that differ in price and features: the Kawai CN-201 and the Kawai CN-301.

Different Kawai CN Series Models

All models of the Kawai CN-series are available in three cabinet finishes: rosewood, black and white satin. The well-crafted cabinets feature front legs that not only add visual appeal but also provide additional stability. This greatly enhances the look and feel usually associated with higher-end entry-level models.

The CN-201 and CN-301 combine the classic features of a digital piano with the design of a traditional home piano. These include a retractable keyboard cover and a music stand that can be adjusted to different angles. Both models feature three pedals for soft, sostenuto, and sustain functions, while the Grand Feel mechanism provides realistic pedal action. As a beginner, you may underestimate their importance, but the pedals – especially the sustain pedal – contribute greatly to the authentic feel of a digital piano.

Kawai CN-201 – Review

The smaller model is tailored for beginners who want to focus on essential piano sounds and keyboard features. It offers 192-voice polyphony, which is more than sufficient for most playing needs. It also reproduces piano sounds with great detail and dynamics.

If you’re looking for more features, the larger CN-301 offers a wider selection of sounds and more detailed piano tones. Advanced players in particular will appreciate the upgrades.

Otherwise, the CN-201 offers all the features you’d expect from a modern home piano, including Bluetooth for MIDI and audio, USB-MIDI connectivity for external devices, 2- and 4-hand functions, a built-in recorder, and compatibility with Kawai’s free piano apps for both Android and iOS.

Kawai CN-301 – Review

Compared to the smaller CN-201, the larger CN-301 offers 256-note polyphony, a wider range of sounds, and more detail in the piano sounds. Advanced players will appreciate these differences as they contribute to a more nuanced playing experience. Despite these improvements, both models share the same keyboard.

Both the CN-201 and CN-301 feature Bluetooth for MIDI and audio, USB-MIDI for connecting to external devices, 2- and 4-hand functions, a recorder, and compatibility with Kawai’s free piano apps for Android and iOS. The CN-301, however, offers additional features, including an audio player/recorder (MP3, WAV) and a 16-track MIDI recorder.

High-Quality Playing Feel

When it comes to playing feel, there should be no compromise, especially for beginners on digital pianos. After all, you want to experience the touch of a piano as authentically as possible. Given Kawai’s decades of experience as a traditional piano manufacturer, you can trust the Responsive Hammer III keyboards in the CN-201 and CN-301 to deliver an authentic piano experience. These keyboards feature a well-balanced, graded hammer action, Ivory Touch, let-off simulation, and a detailed and expressive piano sound that responds to every nuance of your playing.

The CN models’ high-quality playing and sound characteristics justify their slightly higher price compared to similar competitors in the €1,000 to €2,000 range. If you’re looking for an even more refined playing experience, Kawai’s CA series home pianos offer real wooden keyboards. The CA-401, the smallest model in the series, is a great option to consider – especially since its current price is slightly lower than that of the top model in Kawai’s CN series.

New Models, Improved Features

Let’s focus on the playing feel, which has been further improved in the new CN-201 and CN-301 models. The focus here is on key noise, a common issue in digital pianos due to the mechanical sounds produced by the hammer action. Each person perceives these sounds differently. While Kawai digital pianos are generally quiet in this regard, the new version of the “Responsive Hammer III” keyboard in the CN-201 and CN-301 is even quieter. The result is an even more comfortable and enjoyable playing experience.

Excellent Sound Quality

Kawai has also improved the sound quality of the CN series. The 2×20-watt speaker systems deliver powerful and clear sound. In addition, the Tone Control function allows you to fine-tune the sound to suit your playing style and environment. For those who prefer to play at lower volumes, the new Low Volume Balance function is especially valuable. This feature ensures that the sound remains rich and full even at lower volume levels.

The Kawai CN Series includes two special features to ensure optimal sound quality, whether you’re using the built-in speakers or playing through headphones. The “Spatial Headphone Sound” (SHS) function creates a spatial sound experience, while the “Phones Type” function adapts the sound to the specific type of headphones you’re using. You can choose between open, closed, semi-closed, or in-ear systems.

Bluetooth for MIDI & Audio

The CN models can communicate wirelessly with external devices like music computers, smartphones, or tablets. Their Bluetooth interface supports two types of applications:

1. Bluetooth MIDI: Kawai CN models can connect to free piano apps, DAWs, or music notation programs through Bluetooth MIDI.
2. Bluetooth Audio: A new feature in the CN-201 and CN-301 models allows wireless transmission of music from a smartphone directly to the piano’s sound system, which is particularly useful for playalongs or online lessons. The “Bluetooth Audio Volume” function sets Kawai apart from other brands, allowing you to adjust the playback volume directly on the piano.

A key difference between these Bluetooth functions: Bluetooth MIDI is bi-directional, enabling two-way communication, while Bluetooth Audio is one-way. Due to audio transmission latency, it’s not feasible to play through Bluetooth speakers or BT headphones. This applies to all digital pianos.

>>> Learn more about Bluetooth on digital pianos

Kawai CN Series & Piano Apps

Because the CN models are smart digital pianos, you can fully control them using the PianoRemote app. While the built-in display and control panel already provide a user-friendly interface, the app takes convenience to the next level.

PianoRemote is visually appealing and easy to navigate, making it even more intuitive to select sounds through the touchscreen of a smartphone or tablet. The same goes for using more advanced features such as the Virtual Technician.

Learn and Practice Piano with CN Models

The second app, PiaBookPlayer, is dedicated to learning and practicing piano with CN models. It includes a diverse selection of classical piano etudes by Czerny, Burgmüller, Chopin, and Alfred’s Basic Library (Level 1A and 1B) stored directly on the instruments.

You can also select and play these etudes with variable tempos using the PianoRemote app, while PiaBookPlayer additionally allows the display of the sheet music. This does not replace real piano lessons, but simply is a helpful addition to daily practice. And you can even practice the etudes separately for each hand.

Another notable feature is the Concert Magic songs. While these won’t be very useful for true piano beginners, it’s a great feature for anyone who’s never held a musical instrument in their hands: By tapping the keys in time with the rhythm of a song, you can hear the piano play well-known pieces like Beethoven’s Für Elise in a comprehensive arrangement.

Large Concert Grand Pianos

The piano sounds of the CN models are impressive for two main reasons: their large, brilliant sound and their exceptional flexibility in expressiveness. These sounds are based on two prestigious concert grand pianos, the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and the Kawai EX. The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX delivers a rich, open, and transparent sound with nuanced dynamics that range from pianissimo to fortissimo. In contrast, the Kawai EX offers a more powerful bass and a more pronounced tone, making it ideal for jazz, rock, and pop music.

No matter what genre you play, the CN Series pianos offer a sound to suit your needs, with numerous presets already fine-tuned. In addition, the CN-301 includes Kawai’s SK-5 grand piano, giving you even more options.

Voicing with Virtual Technician

Kawai’s sound generators offer exceptional tonal flexibility, with some features truly unmatched in their detail. The interplay of subtle sound elements such as string resonances, damper and pedal noises, and duplex scale results in a remarkably realistic and dynamic audio experience.

Virtual Technician allows you to precisely adjust the piano’s sound to your preferences, whether you desire a more resonant or subdued tone. Notably, the voicing function of the Kawai sound generator stands out by enabling virtual customization of the grand piano’s timbre. Whether you prefer a percussive, direct attack, or a more open and muted sound, Virtual Technician makes these adjustments effortlessly.

Sound Variety in the CN Series

Alongside their acoustic grand piano sounds, both CN models also include an upright piano. This sound is clear and well-defined, avoiding any muddiness or odd tones. It complements classical music beautifully but also excels in pop, singer/songwriter, and neo-classical genres.

The CN series includes a range of electric piano sounds, featuring iconic vintage keyboards such as the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and DX7. The quality of these sounds is once again excellent. Additionally, there are various organ sounds tailored for jazz, gospel, and church music. The Kawai CN-301 takes this a step further with even greater detail, including sacred organ sounds like Diapason and Diapason Octave.

Strings, pads, choir, guitar, and bass guitar complete the range. The selection differs slightly between models: While the CN-201 offers 19 sounds, the CN-301 lets you choose from a total of 45 sounds.

Dual, Split, 4Hands

The smaller CN-201 model offers two useful features. The Dual function allows you to layer two different sounds and play them simultaneously. Meanwhile, the 4Hands feature divides the keyboard into two sections of the same range, which is particularly useful for piano lessons.

In addition to these functions, the CN-301 introduces a Split function that lets you assign different sounds to the left and right hands. The Split menu also provides options for adjusting the volume balance, setting the split point, changing the octave, and turning the sustain pedal on or off.

High-End Entry-Level Piano

Regardless of which CN model you choose, you will immediately notice the high quality of these digital pianos. With a well-matched combination of keyboard and excellent piano sounds, advanced players will quickly appreciate the superior feel. If you are looking for an entry-level digital piano that does not compromise on playability and sound quality, the Kawai CN series models are a great choice.

For those seeking an even more refined keyboard experience, the Kawai CA series offers digital pianos with wooden keyboards.

Kawai CN-Serie – Overview

Availalbe since: Fall 2022
Keyboard: Responsive Hammer III (RH3), let-off simulation, Ivory Touch
Polyphony: 192 voices (CN-201), 256 voices (CN-301)
Sound generation: Progressive Harmonic Imaging, 19 sounds (CN-201) or 45 sounds (CN-301)
Piano apps: PianoRemote (Android & iOS), PiaBookPlayer (Android & iOS)
Manufacturer/Distributor: Kawai