Kawai CA-901 Hybrid Piano: Grand Feel, Digital Power
The Kawai CA-901 has earned its reputation as one of the most sought-after hybrid digital pianos by doing something rare in the digital world: it feels, sounds, and behaves like a serious acoustic instrument while fully embracing modern technology. Designed for pianists who refuse to compromise, the CA-901 represents the top tier of Kawai’s Concert Artist series and stands apart from other hybrid and digital pianos currently on the market.
At the core of the CA-901 experience is Kawai’s Grand Feel III keyboard action, widely regarded as one of the most authentic digital piano actions available today. Built with long wooden keys, graded hammers, and counterweights, the action closely mirrors the mechanics of a concert grand. The addition of Ivory & Ebony Touch key surfaces provides a tactile grip that enhances control, absorbs moisture, and reinforces the feeling of playing a premium acoustic piano. Subtle repetition, key return, and dynamic control are all handled with impressive realism.
Sound is where the CA-901 truly separates itself. It features a brand-new Competition Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Rendering sound engine, developed using multi-channel sampling and advanced resonance modeling. Instead of simply triggering recorded notes, the piano recreates the complex interactions between strings, soundboard, and cabinet. This results in a tone that breathes and evolves, with natural decay, rich overtones, and expressive response across all dynamics. The SK-EX rendering gives pianists access to the character of one of the world’s most respected concert grands, captured with exceptional detail.
To deliver that sound convincingly, Kawai equipped the CA-901 with an advanced Soundboard Speaker System. More powerful transducers, new front-facing speakers, and 360-degree diffuser panels for the top speakers work together to project sound naturally into the room. The inclusion of a physical soundboard allows vibrations to resonate through the cabinet itself, creating a more immersive, acoustic-like listening experience that standard digital speaker systems simply cannot replicate.
The CA-901 also introduces a new contemporary cabinet design, blending modern aesthetics with traditional piano presence. Clean lines, premium finishes, and thoughtful proportions make it feel at home in both classic and modern interiors. A responsive anti-glare LCD touchscreen integrates seamlessly into the design, providing intuitive control without distracting from the playing experience. Enhanced piano voices and dynamic new sounds expand musical possibilities while maintaining a refined, professional focus.
Modern connectivity further elevates the CA-901. Bluetooth MIDI v5 ensures stable, low-latency communication with apps and learning software, while Bluetooth Audio v5 allows wireless audio streaming with reduced latency and improved sound quality. These features make the CA-901 equally suited for traditional practice, recording, teaching, and modern creative workflows.
In a crowded digital piano market, the Kawai CA-901 stands in a class by itself. With its authentic wooden action, cutting-edge SK-EX sound engine, immersive soundboard speaker system, and refined modern design, it offers an experience that feels less like a digital substitute and more like a true evolution of the acoustic piano.
At Kim’s Piano, we’re proud to offer the latest and greatest in piano playing technology. And for pianists seeking realism, expression, and long-term inspiration, the CA-901 remains one of the most compelling hybrid digital pianos available today. Stop by one of our three Southern California locations to see why this hybrid piano is changing the game!
