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expired Posted by iconian | Staff • Jan 14, 2023
expired Posted by iconian | Staff • Jan 14, 2023

Kawai CA49 88-Key Compact Digital Piano with Bench

+ Free Shipping

$1,699

$2,899

41% off
Adorama
59 Comments 23,990 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
33 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 28, 2023
9,519 Posts
Joined Aug 2013
Jan 28, 2023
xtp
Jan 28, 2023
9,519 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?
Quote from marcusjustinius :
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.
Oh dang, sorry to hear, yea big items like this are a bit risky. Some one said there might be tape or foam inserts of some sort, did you check that ?
Jan 28, 2023
2,008 Posts
Joined Nov 2005
Jan 28, 2023
tubs
Jan 28, 2023
2,008 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?
Pull all the foam out. We were freaked out too, after assembling and seeing keys stick. All better after taking out that foam. Piano arrived in perfect condition.
Jan 28, 2023
9,519 Posts
Joined Aug 2013
Jan 28, 2023
xtp
Jan 28, 2023
9,519 Posts
Quote from tubs :
Pull all the foam out. We were freaked out too, after assembling and seeing keys stick. All better after taking out that foam. Piano arrived in perfect condition.
Maybe you should explain where the foam is pulled from laugh out loud
Jan 28, 2023
23 Posts
Joined Jan 2017
Jan 28, 2023
marcusjustinius
Jan 28, 2023
23 Posts
[QUOTE=Narob87;161286382]
Quote from f2000sa :
[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"
Glad it worked out for yourself I'm still unresolved with Adorama.. I've subsequently reviewed an unpacking video on youtube and it's quite clear to me that my item was already opened before I received it. For example i don't have any foam to pull out, but I can see that in the video. I'm all but certain that someone sent back this item to Adorama who then received it and reshipped it to me.
Last edited by marcusjustinius January 27, 2023 at 06:20 PM.
Jan 28, 2023
15 Posts
Joined Sep 2019
Jan 28, 2023
Narob87
Jan 28, 2023
15 Posts
[QUOTE=marcusjustinius;161305393]
Quote from Narob87 :

Glad it worked out for yourself I'm still unresolved with Adorama.. I've subsequently reviewed an unpacking video on youtube and it's quite clear to me that my item was already opened before I received it. For example i don't have any foam to pull out, but I can see that in the video. I'm all but certain that someone sent back this defective item to Adorama who then received it and reshipped it to me.
I would check if there may be some lodged underneath. They were sticking for us too. I removed them after I setup the whole piano
Jan 28, 2023
9,519 Posts
Joined Aug 2013
Jan 28, 2023
xtp
Jan 28, 2023
9,519 Posts
Quote from marcusjustinius :
Glad it worked out for yourself I'm still unresolved with Adorama.. I've subsequently reviewed an unpacking video on youtube and it's quite clear to me that my item was already opened before I received it. For example i don't have any foam to pull out, but I can see that in the video. I'm all but certain that someone sent back this item to Adorama who then received it and reshipped it to me.
this is pretty unsettling to hear marcus . we had thought adorama had a good reputation.
Jan 28, 2023
141 Posts
Joined Oct 2017
Jan 28, 2023
niceguycard
Jan 28, 2023
141 Posts
Does this specific piano need maintenance? I heard that the key on these may require annual or maybe biannually maintenance/adjustment? I am looking for something for the kids that doesn't require any maintenance. Also is this that much better than the korg lp-380($800)? I am hoping to get a piano that will last a while before the kids outgrow them. Thanks!

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Jan 28, 2023
40 Posts
Joined Jul 2008
Jan 28, 2023
lvgddeal
Jan 28, 2023
40 Posts
Arrived and assembled. The box came in a little scratches outside but the piano is brand new. This is an upgrade for me from Yamaha P-series with graded hammer action.

Kawai ca49 key action feel much more like acoustic piano than Yamaha graded hammer action. Keys are little too smooth to play. I will need to play it for a while to see if I can feel better grip.

Sound system is good and it can fill the room with quality piano sound. For this price, I think it is a good value. My kids are getting more serious about piano and this is a very nice upgrade for them in terms of how this feel closer to acoustic piano.
Jan 28, 2023
12 Posts
Joined Jun 2021
Jan 28, 2023
Meow_Mein
Jan 28, 2023
12 Posts
It is very cute as the name suggests.
Jan 29, 2023
1,933 Posts
Joined Aug 2010
Jan 29, 2023
BruceInCola
Jan 29, 2023
1,933 Posts
Quote from xtp :
this is pretty unsettling to hear marcus . we had thought adorama had a good reputation.
They still do.
Jan 29, 2023
7,848 Posts
Joined Oct 2004
Jan 29, 2023
VarmintCong
Jan 29, 2023
7,848 Posts
Quote from tubs :
Agree with inflated prices. Local piano shop was selling ca49 at 2700 and laughed when I mentioned it had been 1700 recently on adorama. Despite pressure from family to "buy now", held off to see whether this deal would come back. Glad it did. Just hope the piano arrives undamaged, as I've read getting adorama to resolve shipping issues is painful.
We had to buy a piano here in Taiwan and prices seemed cheaper than the US. We paid $1300 for a Kawai CN29 at our local music school. I tried a bunch and liked the Yamaha Clavinova best but we didn't want to pay $500 more. I'm used to a baby grand and when I played the Yamaha the notes all sounded out correctly while the Kawais (and Rolands) I had to concentrate and adjust to get the keys to play well.

I didn't like any of them nearly as much as a baby grand so we didn't want to spend too much.
Jan 29, 2023
294 Posts
Joined Aug 2011
Jan 29, 2023
NcraYzyC
Jan 29, 2023
294 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
Who? Stu?
Jan 29, 2023
1,165 Posts
Joined Nov 2019
Jan 29, 2023
slickd888
Jan 29, 2023
1,165 Posts
Quote from SPPMRD :
Hi Guys. Need to buy first piano for my kids. We have been playing on a keyboard (weighted but only 66 keys). Would you recommend this or the Korg LP380U? I've read mixed info on these wooden keys and it doesn't have Bluetooth audio (not a deal breaker by any means but we always seem to have music playing so could have been a nice perk).
I started my kids on a Yamaha P-125 and it has served them well. We got the piano with stand and bench for around $600 and it was more than enough to get them going. They recently moved to an acoustic piano at their piano teacher's urging and no issues transitioning.
I am sure this is nice but not sure you need this for a kids' first piano. You have plenty of options for a digital piano in the sub-$1000 range and keep the money you saved for lessons, an acoustic later on, or soccer or whatever it is they end up doing.
Last edited by slickd888 January 29, 2023 at 11:37 AM.
Jan 29, 2023
565 Posts
Joined Nov 2022
Jan 29, 2023
CapitalEffYou
Jan 29, 2023
565 Posts
In for three, thanks OP!
Need something for my cats to sleep on

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Jan 29, 2023
101 Posts
Joined Dec 2009
Jan 29, 2023
nudda
Jan 29, 2023
101 Posts
Bought 2. Thanks OP!

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