Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Forum Which one is better? Kawai CX-4 V.S. CX5H

Hello,

I recently bought a Kawai CX-4 (around 20~25 years old) for $1100 CAD including tax. My mom really rallied for me to buy this piano, because she thought it was a really good deal.
It hasn't been played much, so the insides are still in very good condition, but I feel the height is a bit low for me, especially since I have my ARCT. However, since I live in a condo, I can't play too loudly.

I saw a Kawai CX-5H selling for $2000 CAD (private seller), and I'm wondering if I should sell the CX-4 and opt for the CX-5H, since it is slightly higher. The CX-5h is very new - it was bought in 2002 and still has 2 years warranty left on it.

A piano dealership told me the CX-5H was built in the US, not Japan, and I read on previous forum posts nthat some people really disliked the CX-5H.

I don't know too much about Kawai pianos...is the CX-5h any better than the CX-4? Please advise - any response is appreciated!


Thanks.

I think you did quite well with the CX-4 in that $1100 CAD is a good price considering your venue.
The CX4 is the predessesor to the regular 41" CX5 that was both manufactured in the Hamamatsu factory in Japan and also the US North Carolina factory. The difference between the US and the Japanese production/assembly was that the domestic mdl. had 3 pedals whereas the Japanese CX4 and 5 had only 2 pedals. Of course the Japanese assembly pianos are a notch better.
The CX5H is actually a 41" CX5 in a 45" studio cabinet which gives you no upgrade as in sound over the CX4 and 5. The CX5H is no great deal for $2000 in that on the west coast they were discounted to around $2500 brand new.

Thank you for such a knowledgeable and helpful answer.
It's too bad mine has the 3 pedals, so it's the US version. Nonetheless, I am quite satisfied with it

It doesn't sound like a Kawai though - it sounds more like a Yamaha.