Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Kawai CP115 - owner's update

I bought one of these late last year. I'd compared the Kawai's to Yamaha and Rolands and felt that the Kawai was the best of the lot.

Unfortunately, a problem with the keyboard developed where the keys were quite clicky sounding. This was a mechanical thing, not electronic. Kawai replaced the keyboard but the the problem remained. After looking at a couple of other models with their better wood key actions as possible trades, I decided this model (CP115) still offered more bang for the buck so asked Kawai to replace it.

The new unit showed up today and, to my surprise, the action was different as was the software version. I called Kawai and found they had developed a new graded action and updated the software and modeling. The guys in LA were barely aware of the changes as Kawai Japan just seems to do stuff without sending tech and marketing info to the US ahead of the changes.

In any event, an already good digital console is now a better instrument than it was. The action feels much more like my grand and, particularly, Kawai grands. Even the black keys look better (they are now satin)

Kudos to Kawai for handling my warranty issues so well.

Very nice to hear a positive warranty experience.
Good Job Kawai! Enjoy your improved CP115!

After a few months I had the same action problems with the new CP115 so I've now acquired a CP155 in a very attractive manner thanks to Kawai US.

Edited to omit details.

Wow, you've got a CP155 at a steal. That model costs a full $1000 more than the old one. How does the action compare to the old one?

Eliwood, I don't have it yet but I've played one at the local dealer.

I think Kawai's AWA action is very good for a digital but I still prefer Yamaha's top of the line action more. Frankly, the feel of the CP115 is pretty good, a bit light. It's just a poorly executed product in that the keys start clattering in a short time.

i had a chance to try Kawai pianos today, when a dealer showcases some digitals in the mall. i tried a grand version (didn't see the model name though) and then tried CP115. the general feel of the action on any of those pianos is just too light. since i much prefer Yamaha's action feel, Kawai's is just no comparision to Yamaha's. a sales guy also told me that CP115 cost about $4000, which almost could buy me a CLP280.

If you say they're light, I doubt I'd like them then. They aren't Roland light though are they?

it definitely is light, but i don't know how it is comparing with Roland as i have never tried both side by side. you just have to play any of those models to see which type you like. i have Yamaha and like its action so that every time i play on something else, i would tell the difference.

The wooden action is a bit heavier on the Kawais with the AWA vs the plastic action but I also have a Yamaha P120 and the difference between it and the 115 is minimal IMO. My Pramberger's action is a bit firmer but I play a pretty wide range of keyboards and it helps to not have too much preference. You play whatever's at the gig, you know? After a while, you almost tend not to notice after the first tune.

BTW signa, $4k is $1000 MORE than my CP115 cost me. That's a ripoff price.

For $4k, you can nearly get the step up model (CP155) with the wooden key action. Is there any particular reason why you're looking at the CP series (analagous to CVP) instead of the CA (like CLP) series?

I've been told in my research that the CP155 sells for closer to $5000 and, usually, on the high side of that, not $4k.

I've now had the 155 for a few days and I must say, the AWA wood action is very good and firmer than the 115, perhaps a little firmer than the Yamaha GH actions like on my P-120 and up to the CVP-303 Clavinovas. I don't much like the amplified grand piano sound but everything else is fantastic, especially the Vocal voices. However, the grand piano is amazing in headphones (Sony 7506). It's hard to believe it's the same modelling as on the 115. This is an incredible step-up from the 115.

I'd had it in mind though that I might want to trade it for a CVP-307 or even a 309 but now I'm not so sure, I'm liking the CP155 more and more. My local dealer offered to take my new 155 PLUS $3900 for a new CVP-307. He said $3900 was his wholesale and his regular best price was $6800. Pretty dang big profit if you ask me. Needless to say, I ain't gonna do it! Freakin' ripoff artist...