Hello,

I could finally try RP201 today. The sound is more similar to an acoustic piano when compared to Kawai, but the keys are more weightless than Kawai. (I tried CN 22 and CN32)
I think there is HP307 with better key action, but the price is about X2 of RP201-I can't afford it:((
Also, I am informed that CN23 will be in the shop in 2 weeks. Is there any improvement about the keys and the sound in this new model?

I have played a Kawai CN33 with the new RH keyboard in the CN23 too. I quite like the action. It is firm/heavy but responsive. The CN33 has several touch or velocity settings and I preferred the heavy #1. I don't know if the CN23 has the same options you should check the manual available online. I would personally say the keyboard is as good as that on a Roland HP305 or 307, but the action is quieter. I have also played a Roland RP201 but do not remember the feel of the keyboard. Maybe that's comment enough about it.

When it comes to the sound, I dismissed the RP201 at the time I tested it. I think there was a perceived problem with the upper registers - I mean top octave. Maybe this doesn't matter for you. I did not at first like the piano sounds on the CN33 (there are really only IMHO 4 useful matching AP/GP sounds) but after a while in the store and some tweaking with the options they grew on me, and I was able to find a satisfactory sound for the different types of music I tried. I don't know if the CN23 has the same options (effects). I agree though that the piano sounds are not as realistic to an AP as the Roland HP's, don't know about the RP.

I think you need to do a side by side comparison.

I am planning to purchase a Kawai CN33. It's a good DP for the price.

Hello Sheila80,



Yes, the CN23/CN33 utilise the brand new 'RH' action, which offers a significant improvement over the long-standing 'AHA IV' action utilised by the CN22/CN32/CN42.

In addition, the CN23 now features the same Progressive Harmonic Imaging sound technology that was previously only available on the more expensive CN32 and CN42.

For more information about the CN23/CN33 please refer to the brochure available from the following page:

http://www.kawai.co.jp/worldwide/support/catalogue.html

Kind regards,
James
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Dear Kawai James:

I was reading through the pamphlet you linked to on the CN23/CN33 above.

It is a lovely pamphlet overall, but I believe there is a small error which Kawai may want to correct.

On page 4 when describing the CN23 it states:

"Measuring just over 40 cm in depth, the modest functionality of the CN23 is ideally suited to ambitious students wishing to practise in their bedroom,..."

I don't believe "modest functionality" is what they meant to express here. It seems they are referring to the size of the instrument.

Also, I have a question if it pleases you to entertain it. Are the available cabinet finishes the same on the CA-33 and the CA-63?

Thank you in advance.

superwang, thank you for your positive feedback regarding the CN23/CN33 brochure.



In this passage I intended to express that both the compact size and 'modest functionality' (i.e. basic, yet useful features) of the instrument make it an excellent choice when space is at a premium - for example a young student's bedroom or university dormitory etc.

Such entry-level Kawai CN/CL instruments are often found in academic institutions (e.g. music labs) for the reasons stated above.



Yes, the CN23, CN33, and CA63 are all available in the following four cabinet finishes:

- Premium Rosewood
- Premium Cherry*
- Premium Mahogany
- Premium Black Satin

* except US and Australia

I hope this helps.

Kind regards,
James
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Dear Kawai James:

Thank you very much for the rapid response. I am looking forward to taking a road trip to see some of the finishes in person. I am interested I think in the Mahagony, as it will best match my living room area. I have been disappointed in the finishes in both the clavinova and Roland (except for the polished ebony in the roland). I think if the finish is nice on the Kawai I will be going with that. (either cn33 or ca63 depending upon negotiations.) If I can't accept the wood grain look, I may get the special edition celviano AP 620bp which is polished black and a good value.

I apologize for being too critical of the phrasing in the brochure. I misunderstood the intent.

Thanks again for your information and insights. I think you are a valuable asset to this forum.

I believe a polished black finish is the easiest to repair if/when it gets nicked up. Flats and woodgrains are more difficult to fix.

The store I'm testing at, is trying to put me off the satin black on the basis that it shows fingerprints much too readily, and I have to say the rosewood finish looks surprisingly good.

The cabinet design is intended to be viewed from the front only, probably with the DP up against a wall - but then if it's in the middle of a room and the rear is visible it's a bit ugly. This is a pity IMHO but not a deal breaker by any means, especially compared to the inferior Roland cabinets.

I'm going back this week for another sound test of a CN33.

spanishbuddha,

Thank you for the input. Please post your impressions after your next test. Did you happen to see any of the Mahogany models at the store?

Hi superwang

I don't remember seeing a Mahogany finish model, just black and rosewood, but will ask.

Did you see this new thread on the CN33 demo? http://www.pianoworld.com/forum/ubbthrea...tml#Post1457148

I know you asked about the CN23 but I think the sound engine is the same. Not sure though?

superwang,



I too am particularly fond of the Premium Mahogany finish - indeed, this is perhaps one reason why it features quite prominently in the CN23/CN33 brochure.



I agree, the AP620 represents very good value for money. I'm afraid I have yet to see the special edition version in person - do you know if the finish is real polished ebony?



No need to apologise - I appreciate the feedback. If anything, it suggests that my copy-writing lacks clarity and still needs a little work.



You're most welcome - good luck with your future purchase.

Kind regards,
James
x

spanishbuddha:

Actually it is the CN33 I am considering so I am very interested in your keen observations. Thank you for the link to the video thread. To my ears, the piano sounds excellent. I appreciated your audio impressions of the CN33 on that thread as well.

James:

I too have been unable to see the anniversary edition in person. It doesn't ship in this part of the US until mid July. Even then, It is hard to find someone who will have one in stock. Mostly, they would like to special order them. The cost I have been finding is US $1999.00, which is about $600 more than the wood laminate finishes. This may be limiting the retailers from getting them in. Additionally, I don't live in a big city (thus no Kawai dealer) so it may require another trip (or one trip with several stops) to see it in person as well. However, I am a believer in seeing first, because I find it very difficult to judge the finish quality from photos.

My dealer had the CA/CN, as well as the acoustic K3-Upright/RX2-Grand on the floor.
Comparing the CA63/CN42 they are similar, if not identical in finish. Better I think, than the Clavinova CLP340 at the same store.
The lighter Cherry/Mahogany colors definitely appear fake, the Rosewood as the best with the Satin Black the most neutral - in aesthetic terms. Regardless they are still a compromise, far from the K3 Satin/PE and of course no contest to the Mahogany Polish RX2.

GasGuzz:

You should simply have purchased the RX2 for me and had it shipped to my house. Seems the least you could've done.

CN33 would be here at the end of summer-as i talked to the supplier:( It has a "let off" function additionally.
But i don't want to wait for 3 more months.
Wish it could be easy to buy and deliver it from Germany...

Sheila80, may I ask in which are you based?

James
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Hello James,
I am in Istanbul, Turkey.

Mawima graciously provided us with three DPBSD MP3 files of his Kawai CN33 - the three main pianos in there.

They are now posted over in the DPBSD Project Files @ MediaFire if you want to give them a listen (\dpbsd_mp3s\Kawai\). I'll do a full review soon.

Please be aware that there is no sympathetic resonance going on in the MP3 files (played via MIDI), but these effects do seem to work when playing the keyboard directly.