Kawai
CN-201
$2,499
Kawai CN-201: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
9.9 Beginner 8.0 Night Practice 1.5 Portability 7.9 Touch Reality 6.4 Value
88 48 kg
Kawai
Kawai CN-29 Review
Kawai CN-29: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison
Discontinued 88 Keys 43 kg responsive hammer iii Beginner
Scores
Where to Buy
MSRP
$1,200
This model is discontinued. New-old-stock or used listings may still appear, so confirm the current listing status at retailers.
This model is discontinued; links may show used listings, remaining stock, or unrelated search results. These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
8.4| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | Yes | +1.5 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 176 | +1.5 |
| Sound Variety | 19 sounds | +0.3 |
Night Practice
8.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 | +2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm | +1.5 |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes | +1.5 |
| Key Action Quietness | responsive hammer iii | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
1.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 43 kg | -3 |
| Width | 1355 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
7.9| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | responsive hammer iii (grade 7) | +4.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 192 notes | +1.2 |
| Sound Modeling | Harmonic Imaging XL | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Kawai CN-29 review verdict
This Kawai CN-29 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.
Kawai CN-29 is best read as a console digital piano for beginners and returning players. This review looks at weighted-key feel, sound, practice features, value, and realistic comparison points instead of treating the spec sheet as advertising copy.
Pros
- • Key count: 88 keys, a clear basis for digital piano comparison.
- • Touch: weighted hammer action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
- • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
- • Connectivity: USB MIDI.
- • Use case: Its best fit is home practice.
Cons
- • Main limit: the need for maximum portability.
- • Furniture footprint should still be checked.
- • Used-market condition and support need careful checking.
Kawai CN-29 is a console digital piano that makes most sense when its strengths are matched to the right practice situation. The useful points are 88 keys, weighted hammer action, 192-note polyphony, 40W speakers, and a weight of 43 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For home practice, this model can be a sensible candidate if the layout and feature set match the way the instrument will actually be used. Because it is discontinued, the condition, accessories, and local support matter more than the original launch position. The fairest comparison is with models in the same price and use class, where touch, speakers, headphone practice, and connectivity can be judged side by side.
Kawai CN-29 evaluation points
Kawai CN-29 key action and touch
Kawai CN-29 uses a weighted hammer action. For a digital piano with weighted keys, the important question is not only whether the keys are heavy, but whether they help steady daily practice. The ivory feel key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 192-note polyphony; that is enough for ordinary pieces, while more layered playing or heavy pedal use benefits from a higher number. This makes the key action a practical comparison point rather than a decorative specification.
Who the Kawai CN-29 is for
Kawai CN-29 is most relevant for beginners and returning players. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: a more piano-like touch. Limits: the need for maximum portability. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.
Kawai CN-29 sound and speakers
Kawai CN-29 offers 19 sounds and 40W speakers. That is the sound side of the review: enough variety for practice, but the real experience depends on speaker power, headphone use, and the room where it will be played. The headphone output supports quiet practice. For lessons, apps, or recording workflows, the useful connectivity is USB MIDI.
What to know before buying the Kawai CN-29
Before buying Kawai CN-29, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. The stand is included, which simplifies the purchase. A damper pedal is included, though some players may still want a fuller pedal unit. Because it is discontinued, the condition, accessories, and local support matter more than the original launch position. For searchers looking for a Kawai CN-29 review, the practical conclusion is to treat it as one candidate in a digital piano comparison, not as a universal answer for every player.
Demo Video
Source:
Merriam Music Watch on YouTube ↗
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Responsive Hammer Iii |
| Polyphony | 192 notes |
| Sounds | 19 |
| Weight | 43 kg |
| Speakers | 40W (×2) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | Harmonic Imaging XL |
| Headphone Jacks | 2 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm, 3.5mm |
| Headphone Optimization | Yes |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | No |
| Lesson Function | Yes |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 176 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1355×405×830 mm |
| Stand Included | Yes |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand included
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
Where to Buy
MSRP
$1,200
This model is discontinued. New-old-stock or used listings may still appear, so confirm the current listing status at retailers.
This model is discontinued; links may show used listings, remaining stock, or unrelated search results. These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.
How It Compares
CN-29 vs PX-870
the PX-870 is stronger in portability. Choose the PX-870 if portability matters most.
Casio PX-870 →CN-29 vs Overture III
The CN-29 scores higher in quiet practice and piano-like touch. The Overture III costs $101 less. Choose the CN-29 if quiet practice matters most.
Williams Overture III →CN-29 vs HP-701
the HP-701 is stronger in beginner support and quiet practice. The CN-29 costs $300 less. Choose the HP-701 if beginner-friendly features matters most.
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Read more →Sources & transparency
- Last verified
- Data referenced from
- Published spec sheet
How the 5-axis scores are calculated
We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).
Spot a mistake or have a question about what's on this page? Let us know and we'll review it.
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Kawai CN-29