Was wondering as to how the Kawai CP-209 fits in among the best digital grands that are currently available?

There hasn't been much mention of the CP-209 in this forum, although it is a very expensive piano and not many are probably able to afford one.

Looks like the CP-209 has some impressive specs, and, has anyone had a chance to play one?

http://www.kawaius.com/main_links/digital/CP_2010/cp_209.html

I have played with one of these briefly. I haven't tried the V-Grand or N3 to make any comparison though. It seemed nice enough to play. I think you have to tinker a lot with the EQ to get the sound you want though. I wasn't blown away by it on first impression. It was actually too mellow for me - but that might be correctable. The action felt nice and the sound was big.

pv88, the CP209 is an ensemble digital piano, featuring a vast selection of instrument sounds, hundreds of accompaniment styles, and a broad range of arranger/recorder features. It's an impressive instrument, certainly, however the CP209 is not really comparable to the AvantGrand or V-Piano Grand.

Unlike Yamaha and Roland, Kawai does not currently produce an ebony polish grand piano instrument that features the best keyboard action and sound technology. However, that's not to say that the 'Classic Series' range of piano-oriented ebony polish DPs will not be expanded in the future.

Kind regards,
James
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Hi ando,

Did you experiment any with the escapement feature (called "Let Off" by Kawai), and, how was the decay and overall resonance of the sound?

Hi James,

Looks like your post just preceded my question to "ando" above, although do you have experience with playing the CP-209 (and if so) what do you think of the "Let Off" feature, and the note decay, in particular?

pb88, I haven't had a great deal of experience with the CP209 specifically, however I have played various Kawai DPs that utilise the same 'RM3 Grand' with let-off keyboard action (CA93, MP10, CS6).

The 'let-off' feature is certainly a nice addition, and adds an extra layer of 'icing on top' realism to the playing experience. However, unless I deliberately press individual keys very slowly, I'm afraid my piano playing skill is not sufficient to really appreciate such subtleties.

The note decay is comparable with a CNx3-class instrument, as these models utilise the same 'PHI' sound technology. It's unlikely to compete with the purely modelled tone produced by the V-Piano, however I expect that for the majority of players, the instrument's note decay is perfectly fine.

Kind regards,
James
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James,

Thanks for your input here, as always.

pv88

I just purchased the Kawai CP209 and I adore it! To anyone who wants the versatility of a digital and the charm of an acoustic, I would recommend the CP209.

I've been playing a Clavinova for 7 years it was time for an upgrade. Even though the CP209 isn't the big acoustic that I covet, it is a wonderful instrument. The touch is similar to a big acoustic and is much more responsive and "controllable" than the Clav. When sitting at the CP209, I can almost imagine that I'm playing a big Shigeru. Maybe that will be in the cards in another 7 years!

Congrats Patty!

The CP209 is indeed a very impressive instrument.

Kind regards,
James
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Patty,

Congratulations, on your new digital!

I never thought that anyone was going to add anything to this old thread of mine, however, I am glad to see that you bought the Kawai CP209 and are very happy with it.

I had considered looking at this model as well, although I decided to get the Kawai CA95 instead, and, I also have a Kawai EP3.