Kawai Cn201 Review

The Kawai CN201 is the kind of digital piano that doesn’t just sound great—it feels alive under your fingers. It’s a successor to the acclaimed CN29, but make no mistake: the CN201 isn’t just a minor upgrade—it’s a reimagined experience. With Kawai’s Responsive Hammer III action, premium grand piano sounds from the SK-EX and EX, a powerful 40W speaker system, and modern connectivity options like Bluetooth MIDI and Audio, this piano brings together the soul of an acoustic grand with the versatility of a digital instrument.

This piano isn’t aimed at just one kind of musician. It’s designed for everyone—from curious beginners and passionate hobbyists to working musicians and even music educators. Whether you want to play Beethoven, practice pop chords, compose for a DAW, or teach lessons in silence with headphones, the CN201 has you covered.

 Design and Build Quality – Solid, Stylish, and Built Like a Tank

One of the first things you’ll notice when unboxing the CN201 is just how solid and well-built it is. At over 109 pounds, it’s not flimsy or plastic-feeling like many budget keyboards. It gives off the reassuring vibe of a serious musical instrument—because it is. The frame is well-reinforced, and nothing feels loose or cheap. The cabinet design is refined, and the physical buttons are tactile and responsive.

Its compact design (about 60″ wide and 20″ deep) means it fits comfortably in small apartments, home studios, classrooms, or living rooms without taking over the space. The Premium Satin Black finish looks gorgeous—it’s sleek, doesn’t show dust easily, and pairs beautifully with any décor. The key cover has a soft-close feature that adds a touch of sophistication and safety, especially around kids.

Materials Used – Touch the Quality

Kawai understands that feel matters just as much as sound. That’s why the CN201 uses synthetic ivory and ebony key textures that offer a comfortable, non-slip grip even during long practice sessions. The material absorbs moisture and mimics the feel of real ivory keys found in grand pianos.

The inner mechanics of the RHIII action also use premium-grade components. The weighted hammer action is precisely engineered with triple sensors and graded weighting—meaning lower keys feel heavier, and higher ones are lighter, just like in a real acoustic piano. The body is made from high-quality MDF composite, designed for both strength and excellent acoustic projection through the built-in speakers.

Aesthetic Appeal – A Centerpiece for Any Space

Digital pianos often look utilitarian, but the CN201 stands out with its traditional yet modern charm. The clean edges, smooth satin finish, and elegant proportions make it look like a classy upright piano rather than an electronic gadget. Whether placed in a music room or a living room, the CN201 doesn’t just blend in—it elevates the ambiance.

Small touches like the folding music rest, the subtle Kawai logo, and the sleek pedal assembly add to the instrument’s visual appeal. It looks professional and polished enough to perform in a recital space yet friendly and approachable enough for beginners at home.

Sound Quality – Powered by the Soul of a Grand Piano

Here’s where the magic really happens. The CN201 uses Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging Sound Technology, which captures the full range of the SK-EX and EX concert grand pianos with all their warmth, clarity, and dynamic nuance. These samples are taken from hand-built 9-foot concert grands—pianos that are often found in prestigious concert halls and recording studios.

Each note is individually sampled, meaning when you play softly, you get the gentle, bell-like tone of a grand; when you dig in, the tone naturally gets brighter and fuller. The 40-watt stereo speaker system, improved over its predecessor, delivers room-filling sound that’s both rich and detailed.

It even includes string resonance, damper resonance, and key-off simulation, which adds subtle mechanical nuances—like how real strings vibrate and how the pedal affects sound. It’s not just about playing notes. It’s about feeling connected to a living, breathing instrument.

Features and Functions – Designed for Real-Life Playing

The CN201 is filled with features that make everyday playing easier and more enjoyable. For starters, it comes loaded with 40 high-quality sounds, including:

• Grand and upright pianos

• Electric pianos (Rhodes, Wurlitzer)

• Pipe and jazz organs

• Strings and choirs

• Harpsichord, vibes, and synth pads

But what’s really useful are the practical functions:

• Lesson Mode with Alfred Piano Courses and Burgmüller/Chopin etudes built-in

• Dual Mode for layering two sounds (e.g., piano + strings)

• Split Mode to play two different instruments across the keyboard

• Four Hands Mode for teacher-student duets with split pedal functionality

• Recorder for recording and playback

• Transposition, tuning adjustment, and brilliance controls

The Virtual Technician menu lets you customize key parameters like hammer noise, damper resonance, and touch curve—so you can shape the sound and response exactly to your liking.

 Connectivity – Bluetooth, USB, and Beyond

This is where the CN201 steps into the future. It supports both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio:

• Bluetooth MIDI lets you connect wirelessly to apps like Flowkey, Simply Piano, Smart Pianist, or GarageBand.

• Bluetooth Audio turns your piano into a premium speaker. Just pair your phone and stream music through its speakers.

It also includes:

• USB to Host for computer and DAW use

• Dual headphone jacks for silent practice with a partner or teacher

• Line Out (L/R) for connecting to mixers or external speakers

• Line In to play backing tracks through the piano

This makes it ideal for practice, recording, and even light gigging.

Performance – Like Playing a Real Piano

This piano is about expression and control. The Responsive Hammer III action includes let-off simulation, mimicking the subtle “click” of an acoustic key as it is depressed slowly. The triple sensor key detection means that even rapid note repetitions (like in trills or fast classical pieces) are captured accurately.

It allows for natural crescendos and decrescendos, supports half-pedaling, and even simulates pedal noise. The entire playing experience—from delicate finger control to full-bodied chords—feels real, which is why many teachers and professionals recommend it.

 Audio I/O – Practice, Record, Perform

You get two headphone jacks, so students and teachers can play together silently. And with Spatial Headphone Sound, it doesn’t feel like sound is coming from inside your head—it simulates the room’s natural resonance, making silent practice more enjoyable.

The stereo line out lets you easily connect to recording gear or sound systems. This is excellent for people who want to perform live or record music directly without needing mic setups.

 MIDI and USB – Seamless Integration

The USB-to-Host port makes it plug-and-play with any PC or Mac—no drivers needed. You can use the CN201 as a MIDI controller, record into your DAW, or control virtual instruments. It’s compatible with all major software like Logic, FL Studio, Sibelius, and Ableton Live.

This makes it a powerful tool not only for playing but also for composing, arranging, and teaching.

Presets and Custom Sounds – Beyond Just Piano

Though the piano sounds are the highlight, the CN201’s 40 onboard voices are no gimmick. The electric pianos are warm and expressive, the organs are punchy, and the string layers can add cinematic drama to any composition. You can also combine voices, adjust their balance, and save your settings.

Value for Money – A Premium Experience at a Midrange Price

At its price point, the CN201 is punching way above its weight. For under $2,000, you get a level of key action, sound quality, and build that typically requires spending much more. It’s not a cheap digital keyboard—it’s a true piano replacement, and in many ways, a better choice for those who need quiet practice, portability, and versatility.

✅ Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• SK-EX/EX grand piano sounds with Harmonic Imaging

• Authentic RHIII graded hammer action with counterweights

• Bluetooth Audio and MIDI built-in

• Dual headphone jacks and powerful speaker system

• Virtual Technician lets you fine-tune the sound

• Excellent for both beginners and pros

❌ Cons:

• Heavy—difficult to move frequently

• No screen navigation dial (buttons only)

• Limited to 40 voices (not a workstation or synth)

 Final Verdict – A Smart Investment for Serious Players

If you’re looking for a digital piano that feels like the real thing, sounds breathtaking, and looks stunning in any room, the Kawai CN201 is one of the best buys on the market. It gives you the tools to grow, express, and enjoy your music, whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for decades. Kawai has truly struck the perfect balance between authentic piano feel and modern digital convenience.

Verdict: Highly recommended for home use, teaching, and professional practice.