Kawai
CN-201
$2,499
Kawai's furniture-style digital piano with premium sound
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
The original affordable CN — Responsive Hammer III at entry-level pricing
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 focuses on published specifications, practice use, and comparison context rather than sponsored rankings.
The CN-29 was Kawai's entry point to the CN series, offering the same Responsive Hammer III action found in models costing significantly more. Discontinued and replaced by the CN-201, it's a bargain if you find leftover stock.
Pros
- • Responsive Hammer III action with ivory-feel keys — the same triple-sensor mechanism used in the CN-301, giving accurate fast repetition and natural grading
- • 40W speaker system — more than adequate for home practice, with clear and balanced tone at all volumes
- • Dual headphone jacks (6.3mm + 3.5mm) with spatial headphone optimization — silent practice that still feels immersive
- • 176 built-in songs with lesson function — split hands, adjust tempo, and practice systematically
- • Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine — warm, detailed piano tones that respond naturally to dynamics
- • Compact console design with integrated stand and 3-pedal unit — complete package out of the box
Cons
- • No Bluetooth — neither audio nor MIDI, so no wireless app or streaming functionality
- • Only 19 sounds — limited variety beyond piano and electric piano voices
- • No app connectivity — you can't use Kawai's PianoRemote for Virtual Technician adjustments
The CN-29 is one of the best bargains in digital pianos — if you can find one. The Responsive Hammer III action alone justifies the price, and it's the same action Kawai still uses in their current CN lineup. You sacrifice Bluetooth and app connectivity, and you only get 19 sounds, but the core piano experience is remarkably similar to models costing $600-800 more. The 40W speakers are solid, the lesson function is practical, and the build quality is typical Kawai — which means reliable. If wireless features matter to you, the CN-201 is the current equivalent. If they don't, hunt for a CN-29.
Kawai CN-29 review details
Kawai CN-29 key action and touch
The Responsive Hammer III is exactly the same mechanism as in the current CN-201 and CN-301 — three sensors per key, graded weighting, and ivory-feel surfaces. Getting this action at the CN-29's price (especially at clearance) is exceptional value. It handles Czerny exercises and Bach inventions with precision, and the triple-sensor system means you can play repeated notes quickly without the keys feeling sluggish. The ivory-feel texture prevents slipping during long practice sessions.
Who the Kawai CN-29 is for
You want a proper console piano with a serious key action at a budget price. Maybe you've found a CN-29 on clearance for well under $1,000 and you're wondering if it's still worth buying. The answer is yes — the Responsive Hammer III action is genuinely excellent for beginners and intermediate players alike. You don't get Bluetooth or app features, but if you just want to sit down and practice, this piano punches well above its original price. Ideal as a first console for a child who's getting serious about lessons, or an adult beginner who wants to start with quality.
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 edges ahead in Portability. Choose the PX-870 if you prioritize portability.
Casio PX-870 →CN-29 vs Overture III
The CN-29 scores higher in Night Practice and Touch Reality. The Overture III costs $101 less. Choose the CN-29 if you prioritize quiet practice.
Williams Overture III →CN-29 vs HP-701
The HP-701 edges ahead in Beginner and Night Practice. The CN-29 costs $300 less. Choose the HP-701 if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
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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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8.4 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 6.8 Touch Reality 6.6 Value
88 40 kg
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Kawai CN-29