Does the Kawai CN32 have more advanced/newer technology than the CE200? Both are consoles and have the look I want. I would prefer to buy newer technology. The price range, I think, is close, with the CN32 a few hundred higher. I will try to find a local dealer to try them out, but it may not be possible. It looks like the only internet source for the CN32 is Shopatron, which I've never heard of. If I can't find a local dealer, would the CN32 be worth a "leap of faith" internet order? Thanks again, everybody, for your helpful remarks.

anna m,

The CN32 was released earlier in the year and therefore features rather more modern sound generating hardware than the CE200.

The main strength of the CE200 is its wooden-key action.


Shopaton provides the ordering/payment system, however the instrument is purchased from KAWAI US.


The CN32 and CE200 are both very good digital piano, however I would never recommend an individual purchase any instrument - regardless of brand - before they have had a chance to play test it thoroughly in a suitable environment. As such, I strongly recommend paying a visit to the closest KAWAI dealer.

Kind regards,
James
x

I see no problem at all buying
sight-unseen online. This
is no different from buying
things sight-unseen from a
mailorder catalog in the pre-internet
days, and people now make all
kinds of big purchases online,
so I don't see why this is
even an issue. I bought my last
three pianos--a Casio AP-24, a Korg
SP-250, and a Williams Overture--
online and there was no problem
at all. But you need to buy
from an established online
dealer. I bought from zzounds.com
and amazon.com, solid online
companies. I've never heard
of Shopatron, but if they check
out as an established dealer,
there's no problem at all.

James (and others), I have been trying to do my homework on buying a DP. I want a mid-range console type and don't need all the bells and whistles. I want a good grand piano sound and touch. The local dealer carries Yamaha and Kawai acoustics and only the Yamaha Clavinova line of DPs. He has an excellent reputation and has treated me well in his store. I want to try a Kawai and compare it to the Clavinova CLP 340 which the dealer has suggested for me. The dealer, being an accommodating person who wants my business, said that he could order a Kawai for me to try. He thinks the only one that would come close to the CLP 340 is the CA61. Do you have any thoughts on what this dealer is suggesting? Thanks.

Hello anna m,

It is encouraging to hear that the dealer is willing to order a KAWAI instrument for you to play test - it demonstrates that he obviously wants your business, but is also keen to allow you to make your own decision.

The CA61 is a good instrument. It was released after the initial launch of the CA51/CA71/CA91 models, and effectively brings the soundboard speaker functionality of the high-end CA91 to a model with CA51 specifications and price. The CA61 utilises the same wooden-key action technology as the CE200, but is undoubtedly superior in terms of features and sound.

Is the CA61 comparable to the CLP-340? This is a difficult question. There are some areas in which the Yamaha is arguably superior (more modern sound engine, stronger brand recognition and therefore resale value, etc.), however there are also a number of excellent points about the KAWAI (wooden key action, soundboard speaker, built-in Alfred lesson functionality, etc.) that would make it a great choice.

Really, both are excellent instruments, thus choosing between the two essentially comes down to personal preference - which piano brings you the most enjoyment when you sit down and play.

Now without wishing to complicate matters further, I should perhaps point out that the CN32 mentioned in your first post is arguably closer to the Clavinova CLP-330 than the CLP-340. If you wish to consider an alternative comparison model with the CLP-340 and CA61, the CN42 would also be a very strong contender.

Ideally, I would like to recommend play testing a CLP-340, CA61, and CN42 all side-by-side. If the dealer is prepared to order both KAWAI instruments, this would be absolutely terrific. However if not, comparing just the CLP-340 and CA61 should still provide plenty for you to think about.

I hope this helps - good luck with your search!

Kind regards,
James
x

Shopatron is a service used by many manufacturers of many different products, they are not a dealer.

The digital instrument will be shipped from the closest participating Kawai Dealer to the client making the purchase. Instruments purchased in this manner are exactly the same as ones in a brick & mortar store, same warranty, etc.

Thanks again, James. Your perspective is helpful. It sounds like I couldn't go wrong with either the CLP 340 or the CA 61. I'm looking forward to a side-by-side comparison at the dealers in a few days.