This guide compares three of the best mid-range digital pianos to each other. Starting with a budget of around 1700-1900 euros. In our guide we will look at various aspects such as the sound, the keyboard, and the functionality of the instrument to help you make the best decision according to your needs. In this guide we will be looking at the CA-49 from Kawai, Yamaha’s CLP-735 and the HP-702 from Roland.
We at Digitalpiano.com, have been selling pianos for more than a century, and our team of professionals is ready to help you choose the piano that best matches your needs as a musician.
CA-49
CA-49 |
| Speakers: 20W x 2 |
| Sound: Progressive Harmonic Imaging |
| Number of keys: 88 |
| Touch Sensitivity: Grand Feel Compact Action |
| Weight: 55 kg |
| Poliphony: 192 |
| Bluetooth: Yes |
The Kawai CA-49 is a great model with many unique features and amazing sounds. It is from Kawai’s famous Concert Artist (CA) series and costs around 1990 Euros.
Class leading Grand Feel Compact wooden-key board action
Kawai’s supreme keyboard touch is one of the best in its class. The superb Grand Feel Compact wooden-key action recreates the touch of an acoustic grand piano. It provides a natural and responsive feel when playing. Ivory touch key surfaces give the player a great control as the matte finish of the keys makes them not slippery. The keys do not only have grade-weighted hammers, but also counterweights attached to the front of the bass keys. This way the keyboard has a lightened touch when playing pianissimo and adds a feeling of substance when playing fortissimo.
Progressive Harmonic Imaging sound source
The CA-49 has an innovative sound system. It comes with the sound of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and the Kawai EX. The grand piano is known for its clear sound and has received several awards. Kawai has used 88-key sampling by using the harmonic imaging sound technology. This allows a high level of expressiveness for the player.
In addition, offers the piano a total of 355 voices. The CA-49 has a power output of 40 W in total (20Wx2).
Bluetooth connectivity
The CA-49 does not only have standard MIDI jacks for connecting to other instruments but also integrated Bluetooth MIDI connectivity. This enables the players to connect their instrument wirelessly with their smart devices. That way, one can also access a variety of apps like for example Kawai’s Piano Remote app which allows the player to adjust voicing, regulate hammer and key release noises and much more.
A nice additional feature is the built-in lesson function which includes for example finger exercises, warm-up drills and scales.
Special features
The spatial headphone sound technology of the CA49 creates a deep a real sound when using headphones. This way you always feel like you are sitting in a concert hall.
Find our best headphones here:
Furthermore, one should mention the triple-sensor key detection that is highly responsive and allows a very nuanced play. This enhances playing realism. Kawai’s triple sensor key detection allows the layering of notes without the previous tone being lost. This enables a greater response.
If you would like to have a closer look at the CA-49 you can find our unboxing video of it here:
The instrument comes in the colors: satin black, satin white and rosewood.
Click on the button to check the product page and current prices:
Yamaha CLP-735
Yamaha CLP-735 |
| Speakers: 30 W x 2 |
| Sound: Yamaha CFX, Börsendorfer Imperial |
| Number of Keys: 88 |
| Touch Sensitivity: GrandTouch-S Keyboard Action |
| Weight: 57 kg |
| Poliphony: 256 |
| Bluetooth: Yes |
Yamaha’s goal of the CLP series was it to combine the best acoustic and digital features which give you the best touch and tone in one. The CLP-735 has a price of around 1990 euros.
Grand touch-S keyboard
The CLP-735 features the amazing grand touch S keyboard with escapement. The 88 linear graded hammers replicate hammers striking strings. This way the player has a high control of each tone.
Newly sampled Yamaha CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial voices (sound)
The CLP-735 captures the sound of the wonderful CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand pianos. These incredible samples that get played through 3-way speakers allow you to listen to classical music in a new light no matter if with or without headphones.
Wireless connection
The Bluetooth MIDI function of the Yamaha CLP-725 allows a wireless connection. This way, you can pair it up with Yamahas Smart Pianist App.
Multi track song recorder
The CLP-735 lets you record your performances, which is especially useful when practicing a new song. You can also overdub parts with different voices or record different hands separately
Check out our unboxing video of the CLP-735:
The instrument is available in black, rosewood, white and white ash.
Click on the button to check the product page and current prices:
Roland HP-702
Roland HP-702 |
| Speakers: 14W x 2 |
| Sound: SuperNATURAL Piano Modeling |
| Number of Keys: 88 |
| Touch Sensitivity: PHA-4 Standard Keyboard Action |
| Weight: 55 kg |
| Poliphony: Limitless |
| Bluetooth: Yes |
Roland’s HP 700 series combines high quality sound with an elegant and timeless design. The HP-702 costs around 1690 Euros which makes it the cheapest one out of the three.
The PHA-4 Standard keyboard allows an expressive performance
The HP-702 features the PHA-4 Standard keyboard which allows and expressive performance. High resolution sensing allows this keyboard to replicate every nuance like the ones of an acoustic piano. The feel and look of ebony and ivory helps you so your fingers won’t slide off.
Sound
The piano has a powerful sound engine which delivers an authentic piano performance. The rated power output of the HP-702 is 14W x 2. The volume controllable speakers fill the room with music and allow you to hear the sound detailed and rich like never before.
If you would like to hear the HP-702 in comparison to the CLP-735, check out our YouTube video:
Speed up your learning process with the piano everyday app
It has a Bluetooth MIDI connection, which allows a wireless connection to smart devices, just like the other two instruments as well. With Rolands piano every day app can you practice as much as you would like. It allows you to play along to your favorite tunes or record yourself, which helps you to learn quicker.
Stylish cabinet design in different colors
Roland’s HP-702 has managed to combine an outstanding sound with a sophisticated design which looks good in any room and brings style and music to your home.
The instrument comes in the colors: white, black, rosewood or light oak.
Click on the button to check the product page and current prices:
Conclusion:
All the above-mentioned instruments are ideal for advanced or intermediate players, so you won’t go wrong if you choose one of them as your preferred instrument. Each one of them has their own advantages. So, it is important to know what features you personally value most.
We also invite you to visit our Showrooms in Aarhus, Copenhagen, Helsinki or Stockholm so you can play any of our piano models and choose the one that fits your needs the most.
You could find the locations here:
If you would like to browse even more models and types of pianos, please visit our website DigitalPiano.com
