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expirediconian | Staff posted Jan 14, 2023 12:43 AM
expirediconian | Staff posted Jan 14, 2023 12:43 AM

Kawai CA49 88-Key Compact Digital Piano with Bench

+ Free Shipping

$1,699

$2,899

41% off
Adorama
59 Comments 24,257 Views
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Deal Details
Adorama has Kawai CA49 88-Key Compact Digital Piano with Bench on sale for $1699. Shipping is free.

Thanks Deal Editor iconian for finding this deal

Available:Includes:
  • Stand (with Assembly Hardware)
  • Matching Bench
  • AC Power Adapter
  • Kawai 5 Year Limited Warranty

Editor's Notes

Written by RazorConcepts
  • About this Offer:
    • This is $1200 lower (41% savings) than the next lowest price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $2899.
  • About this Product:
    • This is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars.
  • Refer to the forum thread for additional deal discussion.

Original Post

Written by iconian | Staff
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Deal Details
Product Info
Community Notes
About the Poster
Adorama has Kawai CA49 88-Key Compact Digital Piano with Bench on sale for $1699. Shipping is free.

Thanks Deal Editor iconian for finding this deal

Available:Includes:
  • Stand (with Assembly Hardware)
  • Matching Bench
  • AC Power Adapter
  • Kawai 5 Year Limited Warranty

Editor's Notes

Written by RazorConcepts
  • About this Offer:
    • This is $1200 lower (41% savings) than the next lowest price from a reputable merchant with prices starting from $2899.
  • About this Product:
    • This is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars.
  • Refer to the forum thread for additional deal discussion.

Original Post

Written by iconian | Staff

Community Voting

Deal Score
+26
Good Deal
Visit Adorama

Price Intelligence

Model: Kawai CA49 88-Key Grand Feel Compact Digital Piano with Bench, Premium Rosewood

Deal History 

Sort: Most Recent
Post Date Sold By Sale Price Activity
10/13/23Adorama$1,499 popular
11
09/15/23Adorama$1,499 frontpage
31
09/01/23Adorama$1,499 frontpage
24
08/18/23Adorama$1,549 popular
0
08/04/23Adorama$1,549 frontpage
19
07/21/23Adorama$1,549 frontpage
11
07/07/23Adorama$1,549 frontpage
11
06/16/23Adorama$1,549 frontpage
12
05/19/23Adorama$1,549 frontpage
24
05/05/23Adorama$1,549 frontpage
27
03/31/23Adorama$1,599 frontpage
23
09/02/22Adorama$1,699 popular
34
08/26/22Adorama$1,899 popular
19
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Top Comments

lilnicola
369 Posts
195 Reputation
The Kawai CA49 and Korg LP380U are in different leagues in terms of what they offer and have totally different form factors, so they are kind of hard to compare. I would not make a decision based on features like Bluetooth audio. The most important things are build quality, warranty, and how it sounds and functions as a musical instrument according to how you intend to use it.

One of the major selling points on the Korg is that it is made in Japan. As with all digital pianos there are still some reports of defects. If you like the Korg sound, the deal on this one at $800 and what you get for the price is outstanding. I don't especially like the sound, or the way the stand is built with the lid that flips up, but that's just me.

I personally don't think of Korg or Roland as being the best at offering a "family" piano for young children, or for playing classical piano. I'm not saying they are bad or wrong for these uses, but they are just not the brands I would look at first unless you especially like them for some other reason. The lower price on a great deal is obviously a really compelling reason to consider one of them. But if you are comparing it to a Kawai which is more than double the price, what you get for the price is very different.

If you want something that looks and feels similar to a real upright piano, the Kawai CA49 is spot on, and many people say it feels similar to playing a grand. The longer wooden keys emulate the mechanism of real acoustic piano action. However, I have read some criticisms of it as it sounds like you may have too. Some people say the RHC action in lower models is superior for very technical reasons. For most people it wouldn't matter, and might not even be noticeable, but I guess what I am saying is you don't necessarily lose out on a quality action by buying a lower priced model. But you read stories of people who intended to buy a KDP model, but when they tried them out, instead went for a CA because the overall playing experience is a huge step up. I get the sense that Kawai still has a ways to go in perfecting the nuances of the wooden key action, and I am not sure about the durability of these actions compared to plastic. But overall it's a solid buy and should last many years.

In terms of which is the better deal, as another person said, digital piano prices are inflated in the US. What you are getting here is probably what should be the regular retail price. Some people think this Kawai model is a bit overpriced anyway for what it offers. It's mainly good for playing piano, without a lot of other features that could become distractions. That's what Kawai is best known for with their digitals and what most people buy them for. They might not have the same features you would find in other brands at the same price points, or even at much much lower price points, but people get them because they like the Kawai sound and action, not necessarily for the "extras."
juliaswak
34 Posts
26 Reputation
Either would be great for learning on, but I am partial to the Kawai sound.

One thing to keep in mind is digital piano prices in North America are severely overpriced compared to Europe. If you look at Bonners (UK) the normal price for the CA49 is around $1900, and on Thomann (DE) it's only $1650. These aren't amazing sales that either store is running, this is just what they normally sell them at. The Korg isn't listed on Bonners, but it's listed on Thomann for $800.

58 Comments

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Jan 15, 2023 03:58 PM
9,657 Posts
Joined Aug 2013
xtpJan 15, 2023 03:58 PM
9,657 Posts
Quote from lilnicola :
It probably won't bother most people but subtle problems with a piano action can affect players at any skill level, with or without them being aware of it. All piano actions have their own particular flaws or quirks that we either adjust to or learn to dislike that piano. In this case it's probably not anything really detrimental but more a question of which Kawai action is truly the best. I have no experience with Kawai digital pianos so I don't know. I have seen other criticisms of the Kawai wooden keys along the lines that the closer you get to replicating an acoustic action, it may end up needing more maintenance similar to an acoustic.
Like I said, we have both been exposed to Ultra Piano Action Intensity Guy. Like you I believe him, and his elaborations on all things technical, but I also must admit I do not fully understand the stuff he's saying. It seems lately he's come under attack on the piano forums for rocking the boat hardcore. I'm too shy to speak out in support, as I am not confident in my language skills. laugh out loud
Jan 15, 2023 04:28 PM
369 Posts
Joined Mar 2010
lilnicolaJan 15, 2023 04:28 PM
369 Posts
Quote from xtp :
Like I said, we have both been exposed to Ultra Piano Action Intensity Guy. Like you I believe him, and his elaborations on all things technical, but I also must admit I do not fully understand the stuff he's saying. It seems lately he's come under attack on the piano forums for rocking the boat hardcore. I'm too shy to speak out in support, as I am not confident in my language skills. laugh out loud
Yeah, I'm not sure I fully understand it either, lol. But I do believe it and I guess it explains why the ES110 is so popular and people seem to almost go into a mystical state when they play one. I'm not even a member of any piano forums, I just end up finding these things when I search for reviews on digitals, and it's fascinating.
Jan 15, 2023 05:17 PM
2,008 Posts
Joined Nov 2005
tubsJan 15, 2023 05:17 PM
2,008 Posts
Quote from hiwass :
Dead? Showing $2899 for both colors in the cart.
Yes, looks dead to me. Rosewood OOS, and price for RW/White back to 2899
Jan 15, 2023 10:57 PM
9,657 Posts
Joined Aug 2013
xtpJan 15, 2023 10:57 PM
9,657 Posts
Quote from tubs :
Yes, looks dead to me. Rosewood OOS, and price for RW/White back to 2899
Call them, They might let it slide if it's just a few days.
Jan 16, 2023 01:22 AM
331 Posts
Joined Jun 2009
f2000saJan 16, 2023 01:22 AM
331 Posts
They will phase out CA49 and CA59, and replace it with CA501 and CA401.
Jan 17, 2023 08:40 AM
40 Posts
Joined Jul 2008
lvgddealJan 17, 2023 08:40 AM
40 Posts
Quote from f2000sa :
They will phase out CA49 and CA59, and replace it with CA501 and CA401.
When will the new model release?
Jan 18, 2023 10:16 AM
3,232 Posts
Joined Dec 2015
WB_KJan 18, 2023 10:16 AM
3,232 Posts
Quote from juliaswak :
Either would be great for learning on, but I am partial to the Kawai sound.

One thing to keep in mind is digital piano prices in North America are severely overpriced compared to Europe. If you look at Bonners (UK) the normal price for the CA49 is around $1900, and on Thomann (DE) it's only $1650. These aren't amazing sales that either store is running, this is just what they normally sell them at. The Korg isn't listed on Bonners, but it's listed on Thomann for $800.
I always suspected digital pianos were inflated but what makes me angry is that it's not inflated equally across countries. To hear that our sale price is msrp in another country is just sad. Piano should be made more accessible to everyone. I see it as a strong balance to a persons lifestyle and ppl should not feel price as a barrier.

Unless they make pianos at said place and ship to USA.

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Jan 18, 2023 05:41 PM
369 Posts
Joined Mar 2010
lilnicolaJan 18, 2023 05:41 PM
369 Posts
Quote from WB_K :
I always suspected digital pianos were inflated but what makes me angry is that it's not inflated equally across countries. To hear that our sale price is msrp in another country is just sad. Piano should be made more accessible to everyone. I see it as a strong balance to a persons lifestyle and ppl should not feel price as a barrier.

Unless they make pianos at said place and ship to USA.
I don't know for sure the real reasons behind it (very curious if anyone knows) but I don't think it has to do with where they are made. It's interesting that Adorama comes close to retail prices for the UK. Many of the models they discount this way are clearance or discontinued, but not all. Some of the sales are very short, like this one, but others go on for weeks. I'm very curious what determines why, when and how much of a discount.

I agree pianos should be more accessible - good quality pianos - there are for sure many low quality ones available at low prices that can be fine for certain purposes but are usually not suitable for learning. There's also a major lack of accessibility for people with smaller hands.
Jan 19, 2023 04:11 PM
331 Posts
Joined Jun 2009
f2000saJan 19, 2023 04:11 PM
331 Posts
Quote from lvgddeal :
When will the new model release?
Spring 2023
Jan 21, 2023 03:21 PM
23 Posts
Joined Jan 2017
marcusjustiniusJan 21, 2023 03:21 PM
23 Posts
Order arrived yesterday, box itself looked a little worn. This morning i carefully pulled the parts out of box and with main piano still in box it looks like the keys are "sticking" in downward position when i press them. Anyone else have this issue?
Jan 25, 2023 01:47 AM
12 Posts
Joined Jan 2008
sshock2Jan 25, 2023 01:47 AM
12 Posts
Quote from marcusjustinius :
Order arrived yesterday, box itself looked a little worn. This morning i carefully pulled the parts out of box and with main piano still in box it looks like the keys are "sticking" in downward position when i press them. Anyone else have this issue?
My order was supposed to be delivered Thursday 1/19 but never came. Tracking showed that it arrived at a hub near home, but there's been no updated scans since Wednesday 1/18 night. I opened a claim to locate the missing package yesterday so we'll see what happens. How they can lose a 150lb piano is beyond me. Did you get your key sticking issue resolved with Adorama?
Jan 26, 2023 04:36 PM
147 Posts
Joined Oct 2003
zorinenaJan 26, 2023 04:36 PM
147 Posts
Quote from sshock2 :
My order was supposed to be delivered Thursday 1/19 but never came. Tracking showed that it arrived at a hub near home, but there's been no updated scans since Wednesday 1/18 night. I opened a claim to locate the missing package yesterday so we'll see what happens. How they can lose a 150lb piano is beyond me. Did you get your key sticking issue resolved with Adorama?
you can just go to the tracking page and call the terminal to get the information. Teamww delivered mine today. Very professional and very well delivered. Will unpack later today.
Jan 26, 2023 11:35 PM
23 Posts
Joined Jan 2017
marcusjustiniusJan 26, 2023 11:35 PM
23 Posts
Quote from sshock2 :
My order was supposed to be delivered Thursday 1/19 but never came. Tracking showed that it arrived at a hub near home, but there's been no updated scans since Wednesday 1/18 night. I opened a claim to locate the missing package yesterday so we'll see what happens. How they can lose a 150lb piano is beyond me. Did you get your key sticking issue resolved with Adorama?
I'm having a terrible experience with Adorama on this they are usually very good but this is a real mess. Some back and forth with customer service (they wanted me to chase Kawai for a warranty claim) they finally agreed to pick up and replace the piano. I've been home 3 days now and no sign of UPS and each evening I'm provided a broken promise of resolution. I'm lucky that I can work from home for a bit but this is still starting to impact meetings and other commitments at work. Soon enough I will just have my credit card company reverse the charge.
Jan 27, 2023 05:54 AM
15 Posts
Joined Sep 2019
Narob87Jan 27, 2023 05:54 AM
15 Posts
[QUOTE=f2000sa;161124721][Order arrived yesterday, box itself looked a little worn. This morning i carefully pulled the parts out of box and with main piano still in box it looks like the keys are "sticking" in downward position when i press them. Anyone else have this issue?QUOTE]

Just for everyone else who haven't gotten theirs, my keys were sticking too until we pulled out the foam protection sheet. Item arrived flawlessly from logistic company "team worldwide"

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Original Poster
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Jan 28, 2023 12:23 AM
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iconianJan 28, 2023 12:23 AM
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deal is back!

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