I just tried them both at my local store, and to my surprise, I found that the pha50 action of lx705 feels a lot better and amusing to play on. Of course, the sound of kawai was better, but since i was going to buy a piano for practice rather than performance, i decided to go with roland. Just a small tip for people like me who are trying to decide.
I am really divided. I like the lower end HP704 better than anything below the CA79 from Kawai, but in this class, I'm not sure, maybe the CA79. Probably either one over the Yamaha CLP745 and for less money, than the CLP785. So I would probably have to choose between the HP704, CA79, or CLP785. The Yamaha may be out of my price range leaving Kawai and Roland. I'm reading what everyone else is saying with interest.
Recent LX705 owner checking in! To be honest, would have been happy with either a Kawai or a Roland but I could only get a Roland and was lucky to do that given all the supply chain problems. Great video Stu, as per usual. To mention just a few things: Roland has a 10 year warranty. Kawai is, I think, 2 years, but maybe 3. The Roland has all the General Midi 2 sounds: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_MIDI_Level_2. On a minor note, the Roland control panel can be concealed by the keyboard cover while playing. Finally, as others have mentioned, in Europe at least the Kawai CA-79 is a price bracket more expensive than the Roland LX705.
Brian, your comment about the price of the CA79 being at a higher level in Europe confirms my feeling that the CA79 is better matched against the LX706, rather than the LX705. This is especially true because the CA79's GFIII action should be compared to the LX706's Hybrid Grand action, rather than the PHA50 that is found in the LX705.
I respect Roland actions very much, so I can imagine the LX705's appeal to many viewers, if they've been able to try one. What comes home to me increasingly is the horses-for-courses aspect. The beautiful romantic piece (Chopin?) was exquisite on the Kawai. I notice that classically-minded piano students, who (knowingly or unknowingly) want a soft boudoir grand piano sound in their home, frequently opt for Kawai pianos. Much as I love listening to this type of music, I have no ambition to play it. Does the CA79 switch well to stormy/exhiliarating performances? I'm not too sure. I know that anything sporting Yamaha's CFX sound can do that very well, and adapts well to jazz and pop music too. Do Roland's main piano sounds sit in the middle ground, or do they have another speciality? Certainly, the LX705 sounded great when Stu started playing it more rapidly. This is no small thing. The true sound of many notes interracting (and with assorted velocities) is one of the trickiest things to get right on a DP IMO. Any DP costing over US $1400 (or home piano over $1800) will seem to perform most music very handsomely (when it stands alone) but when you put different models/brands side by side, the respective advantages become surprisingly apparent.
Good review! And another note, it probably isn't said very often but out of every piano store owner I've seen or reviewer (that isn't a concert pianist) you're the best player I've seen! Good job.
I have to go with the 705, due to the better action and the 10 year warranty (in home) is hard to pass up. I just bought it and still learning how use all the settings and various apps. We enjoy you videos, keep up he good work
These are both excellent digital piano options, so you really can't go wrong in either case. Thank you so much for watching our channel! We sincerely appreciate the support. :)
I own a LX705 and I can confirm the distance of the sound for the European Model which he plays in all the LX videos. But the American Model sound is direct and perfectly for Jazz. I always play a slightly modified version of American Model v2 and really love it.
Hi Stu, great video as always! As many are saying here, I'd love to see your comparison of the CA79 vs the LX706 which are closer in price and also they are both the 2nd ranking model in their respective companies' lineup. How does the GFIII compares to Roland's Hybrid grand? (noise, weight, "fluidity", "sponginess" at the bottom, response, quick repetition, joy to play) and also durability (does the wooden sticks in the Kawai start warping/twisting after some years?) In your review of the LX708 you mention the big difference in dynamic range between the European and American piano sounds, and in this video you mention the CA79 having a noticeable wider dynamic range specially on the pianissimo side. I'm wondering if you were using the American or the European in the LX05 in this video and if the European is roughly equivalent to the CA79 dynamic range.
Much bigger fan of the Kawai, the more you played the Roland the more I liked it... But then you'd swivel back to the Kawai and it just sounded more realistic... And bigger!
Stu your chops always knock me out. Controlled "ppp" is the true test of digitals. The Kawaii sounds absolutely lovely. I've always been a fan of a more mellow piano tone. I don't like a mushy sound, but a singing lyrical piano sound is where it is at. I hate the hard brittle sound that so many Asian uprights develop after a few years of use. The Roland would be better for a big room, but I would take the Kawai for sure in most homes. Do you think Pianoteq is supplying the modeling engines to both companies?
Awesome reviews. Please do not forget to say one sentence about the keys and how heavy the feel. It is very helpful for beginners who might be after light or heavy action.
Fantastic video as always. I still don’t get get why this channel doesn’t have tens of thousands more subscribers - all in good time I guess. As the lucky owner of a CA99 (absolutely terrific but not without its own niggly problems) I still find these videos really interesting. However, I’d agree with a previous comment that a CA79/LX706 comparison feels more appropriate given that the LX705, with its PHA50 action, is something of a ‘slab in a cab’ whereas the LX706 has Roland’s top of the range Grand Hybrid action, their equivalent to Kawai’s Grand Feel 3. Pricing in the UK is broadly the same for the two models although I appreciate that may not be the case elsewhere. If not, how about CA99 vs LX708 next? That would be very interesting - I’d back the CA99 although ask me in 5 years when my Kawai might be falling to pieces while the Roland would likely still be going strong...
@@jwmusic2807 Nothing major - but some keys that intermittently rub or make a scratching sound (only noticeable with very soft playing) , luckily I haven’t had any of the hissing/buzzing speaker issues that others seem to have. The previous GF2 action also had some problems around longevity - hopefully all resolved with GF3 but it’s early days 🤞
Man, that SK-EX Rendering is the only built-in piano sound that gives the good sampled VSTs a run for their money IMO. Just bought an MP11Se to use mostly as a controller but makes me wonder if I should've waited for a slab with the SK-EX rendering...
The ca-79 also records audio, to an attached USB stick. That's missing from your chart. I understand this comparison because the prices are so close, but as far as I know you have not reviewed Roland's Hybrid Grand action that is in the LX 706 and 708. We chose the CA79 Grand Feel 3 over the LX 705 PHA-50. But still, I'd love to hear your review of Roland's Grand Hybrid action. In Calgary, the LX706 was $2000 more!
The prices in The States are (apparently) very different from Canada. In the US, the CA79 and the LX706 are about the same; the LX705 is significantly less expensive than the CA79. IMHO, feature-wise, the CA79 should be compared to the LX706, not the LX705.
I played a Roland LX708 at a store the other day as Im looking at a LX705 (they're essentially identically internally), It was utterly phenomenal. The sound, the clarity and the bass on the modelled pianos was undefinably stunning. They are worth every penny, I cant wait to get my hands on one. Also, the Roland is great on speakers, but unbeatable on headphones. I played the Yamaha equivalents and they're really nice, It's just not nearly as nice as the Roland Overall.
The Roland LX series instruments are fantastic on all fronts! I certainly agree with your assessment on their clarity and sonic performance. Thanks for tuning in! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you for the response! I Appreciate it. I also appreciate all of the reviews on the current line up of Roland Pianos. It has been "Instrumental" in my choice. The playing of the instruments and covering all the information is exceptional.
⚠️ Yes, but on Kawai, when you play a pianissimo pp or ppp it only lower the volume, it doesn't change the tonal spectrum, as an acoustic piano really does. It needs more decay too. Both still sounds electronic, but the Roland sounds less electronic. ❤
These are both wonderful instruments, but they offer a slightly different tonal profile. It comes down to the preferences of the player in terms of which one is the "better" option.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the reply. When you played on CA79, one of the main things I noticed was on dynamics, it doesn't change much the color tonal spectrum. If you play s good acoustic piano, for example, "clair de lune", pp or PPP, it will sound so soft and warm that you can't hear any treble harmonics, nor the metal ringing. It would be soft. But if you play harder and harder on acoustic piano, it will gradually bring that ringing treble sound and clarity. For example on Liszt's second Hungarian rhapsody, it wouldn't be muffled, but rather bright. But, perhaps there's adjustments for the right curve and transition from soft to bright along the dynamics on the kawai piano. This is also a common problem on some VSTi pianos as well, when the velocity curve is not suitable to the touch of the pianist, they transition too fast from muffled to very bright. But in overall, these are outstanding electronic pianos, and I would be glad to purchase any of them. 🙏👍
@@MelissaGarza Haha, I live like two hours away from their factory in Hamamatsu. I guess I saved on shipping costs! I know they go for a lot more in North America and Europe.
@@Tzadeck In other comment you said it's too heavy. I wanted to buy it but now you made me reconsider. Would you recommend this for classical repertoire?
@@pianoenthusiast6649 Oh I didn’t mean the action was too heavy, I meant that the body itself weighs a lot, haha. I think this is about as good as your going to get if you want to do classical music on an electric piano, since the action is better than anything else on the market.
Thank you so much for making this video. I couldn’t decide between these two and now I know exactly which one I’m getting. Thank you again and I’d appreciate if you could make more videos on KAWAI CA79 because that’s the one I decided to get:)
Hi Stu! Thanks a lot for astonishing reviews and comparisons! What action, in your opinion, is more suitable for long practicing in terms of hands health - Roland's Hybrid Grand or Kawai's Grand Feel III? I have to practice hours per each day and want my hands to get tired as less as possible.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the kind words! We sincerely appreciate it. :) We do not currently have an LX708 versus CA99/CA901 comparison yet. We are not receiving our first shipment of the CA901 model from Kawai until sometime in January. With that said, you can definitely expect review and comparison videos to follow shortly after we do. In terms of the Hybrid Grand versus GFIII action and hand fatigue, I would say they're both incredible actions that provide all of the benefits that come along with extended pivot lengths. Personally, I find the Roland actions marginally heavier to the fingers than their comparable Kawai counterparts. Of course, some of this comes down to touch preferences and the subjectivity of the player, but that is my personal take. From that perspective, you may find the GFIII action to be less fatiguing on the hands. However, some players feel a greater degree of control and connectivity with the Hybrid Grand action. My recommendation would be to test both actions out yourself at a showroom if possible. Thanks again and hope this helps! :)
Would you address the ability to add an expression (volume) pedal to the digital pianos you demonstrate? I know this sounds strange but I enjoy playing an organ clone along with a digital piano. One pedal to manage the volume of both instruments keeps their volume in balance. I really derive a lot of enjoyment from listening to you play. You truly have a mastery of the keyboard and are extremely gifted. In this particular head to head I very much agree with your assessment of the Kawaii having the better tone and expressiveness. Thank you!
my wife has a budget Casio digital piano from maybe 15 years ago. She really wants an acoustic but can’t always play without headphones. I need to get her sat in front of modern higher end digitals to see how they feel and sound
Been banging around on my lx705 for a few years and really enjoy it, and get so much joy out of playing it, I play more. The feel and expressiveness is so satisfying, the design really fits the room. As usual the GM sounds are pretty garbage, electronic keys are alright, organs, mehh, upright piano sounds LOVE. Have a RD700GX and this one has better action. Would loved to have compared to others in this price range, but my past experience with the Roland piano modeling side of things has been good so just stuck with it.
I agree that the GM2 sounds are pretty bad in comparison to the modeled ones. So much so, that I would not use the GM2 sounds for anything other than joking around, so in my opinion it doesn't count as an advantage.
Great review ! You don’t mention the sustain quality of these instruments. In other words the decay time of the notes. Most digital sounds die away far too quick. What is this like on these pianos? For example, play a single note like middle C at mf dynamic and count how long it sounds. Then do the Same on the Roland. Try this with a few notes. This is a good test of digital pianos.
I own the kawai 79 and there is a setting to change decay time. If you max out the decay time, the notes hold for pretty long (longer than an acoustics)
I'd choose Kawai I think it sounds more natural also the cabinet is more classical. Roland was great too but one thing I hate is the blinking light on it quite disturbing.
Very difficult decision for me to make! So Stu is you were on a tight budget and wanted the best which one would you choose? I like the CA79 but also like the LX 705.
Hi Ann - sorry just getting to this now, but great question. Of course, play both (side by side if you can), and which ever one causes you to stop thinking about the analysis and just 'play' is your piano (probably)! The tone of the two instruments is quite different, so you may have an inherent preference with that, and the two actions also feel quite differently as well. The most glaring difference between the two (to me) is the speaker config and overall 'gutsiness' - the CA79 is a substantially louder instrument, and as I found, can deliver a huge warmth and power, but with a bit of EQ tweaking depending on your placement/room. The LX705 is extremely well balanced with lots of nuance, but can in certain situations feel a touch underpowered in the low end (I've played it in situations where it was perfect, and others where it felt a little lacking). Good luck with the decision, let us know which way you wind (wound?) up going! Stu
While I like the CA79 very much, I absolutely believe the Roland would be a better choice for churches, schools, and hotel conference rooms. Really any place where you need more sound. Both these pianos blow the socks off of any similar sized and priced acoustics. For my tastes and use, I would buy the CA79. I actual have an order in for the Kawai es920 which I don't think sounds as nice as either one of these. I'm looking for a portable instrument.
@@mutaranebula7037 Until CA99 with total 135 watts speakers from Onkyo audiophile speakers system comes along Roland have no chance. Edited. CA79 have total 100 watts audiophile system while Roland fp90x have only total 60 watts.
Honestly they both sound good, the difference is small; however the key action is better with Roland and for practicing classical music, Roland is a better option for skill improvement.
@@verymozart Sound and key action are two very different aspects of a digital keyboard. If you think the sound if fake, because it's a modelled sound, not sampled. There are on going debate about this, and I learned to appreciate both. I have an acoustic grand, but I listen to a lot of recordings here which were recorded with digital pianos including Roland's, and they sounded very nice too.
They are both absolutely wonderful digital pianos with fantastic sounds and actions. Ultimately, the decision will come down to the individual player and their preferences. In either case, you really can't go wrong with one of these top-tier digitals! :)
Played a ca78 recently, I just get lost in the feel so the 79 has to be just as good.I would have loved to try the feel out on the Roland but I can't locate on in my area though.
The CA79's Grand Feel III provides an amazing playing experience! A nice long pivot length combined with all wooden keys is quite remarkable. With that said, the LX705 is also worth taking for a spin. While it has quite a different tonal profile than the CA79, it too is an incredible high-end digital piano. :)
In Europe the CA79 is about 3100€ and the LX705 is about 2200€. Online shop prices, but not available anywhere. From Europe prices, the matches would be LX708=CA99, LX706=CA79, LX705 is between CA49 and CA59. And this makes sense as both top-models of each brand feature the companies best action and also pairs up with a similar amplifier and speaker system. Same with LX705 vs CA59/CA49 as these have the companies 2nd best action. Weird pricing in Canada. Excellent shootout video though, thank you! btw: I prefer the sound of the Kawai, the Roland sounds too overprocessed to me. Too much resonance and overtones going on.
@@mlgl9728 More like 3000, at least in spanish online stores. Also in general in EU is around 2999 with the EP version a few hundreds more.Maybe showcased items are a bit cheaper.
Thanks for letting me know that the Kawai is using "Real Time Modeling" on this model. I was not aware of that. From the perspective of a "Piano" alternative, the Kawai would be my choice in this range. Just wondered if you had personalized both pianos or if the tone was Out of the Box presets on both?
@@devidasa9637 Haha I"m not sure it could be under 50lbs. I have a CA79 and it's ungodly heavy--it's just the action itself that's bringing all that weight.
Okey... pro here :) I hear, that Kawai has a unnatural mumble in expressive notes, but in quiet soft playing it's ok. Roland has an ambience effect and too much reverb for compare, but the tone seems bright and natural. But i heard kind a off-tune note in Roland. At least i can hear something :) Maybe the sample, but i remember, that someone's blaming FP-30 back in the days for that micro dissonance. Maybe it's like that. But i like the Roland here pretty much. It's live! Thanks! (i can't even play i'm kiddin about a pro). Yes! And i love Kawai's appearance and that golden logo looks fantastic! UPD God damn! after 7 minute, when i already wrote those comment, you actually say all this things in a last part of a video! So, it's proving the thoughts. No fooling. It is the way it is. Roland is brilliant here, Kawai really soft and academic. Kawai may be good for practicing for pianists, Roland is ready to put in the mix- for studio work is great instrument! Thanks again! Enjoyed the sound and technique
I think they both sound very realistic, but for my purposes I prefer the more intimate sound of the CA 79. I play Pianoteq Pro, and there are 100's of piano voices that all sound slightly different in one way or another. I would not get any Pianoteq lower than the "Pro" as that is the only one that allows for the adjustment of every parameter on every single note, which I have found to be important.
They're both wonderful digital pianos that are fully capable of supplying a suitable playing experience for even advanced classical repertoire. There is no definitive answer as every discerning player will have their preferences both in terms of the heaviness/lightness of touch and tone. The best bet is to spend some time at a piano showroom comparing these models to get a sense of which one you feel most connected to when playing. :)
you've never reviewed any CLP or CSP... are they bad or merriam do not carry them? kawai's in Brazil are ridiculously expensive - over double of US price, which makes Yamaha x Roland the decision to make down here
I have a problem to decide between Roland HP 704 and Roland LX 705. Both have 4 speakers (not sure if same one) and price is very similar. Is it worth to buy LX series? I like the more compact design of HP..
It is definitely a tough call! Both pianos utilize the same PHA-50 action and a similar speaker system. The main difference is that the LX705 uses an updated modelling engine. With that said, they do offer different tones. My recommendation would be to test both out in person to see which one you resonate with more musically. :)
You have to concider what device you are listening this on. For example, playing a master recording on a low end sound system can sound worse than on a high quality sound system. But an mp3 filecan sound better on a lower end sound system than a higher end sound system. Not saying that is what is going on here. Just pointing out one of the many things that makes audio a science and somewhat of an art. Best thing to do is experiance them both in person in a similar enviroment.
@midnight4109 my dilemma exactly..in Ireland 🇮🇪.ROLAND 704.. IS 2grand. The kawai 59.. was my choice.. but . but .. NOW THE kawai 79.. has blown me...( played yamaha 745& casio ... , kawai 79.. ( miss the roland fun...but hey a € 300 keyboard will do all that.. ) THATS IT THE KAWAI 79... ( though the 59..is a serious good compact piano... ) I think the I KNOW THE 79.. BEATS THE YAMAHA & ALL OTHERS , HANDS DOWN.
In my country, the Roland LX705 is just similar price with the Kawai CA49 （actually almost the same price), so does anyone can advise me which one I should pick? I prefer CA59 actually but it sold out :(
What about a good silent system on an acoustic piano? I mean something like Vario on Bechstein as well as some budget option instead of the aurus on Kawai
@@JoeLinux2000 Oh, for sure it is. Regardless, the oak finish looks much better... or at least, it's a refreshing departure from the white, black or rosewood.
@Konstantin Ridaya I love my Roland LX7 but to be objective the sound isn't nearly as good as the Kawai. Only reason why I bought my current piano a couple years ago is because Kawai's Grand Feel II was just awful to me (ie. squishy bottom and bouncy). If I was in the market to purchase a digital now I would definitely go for the CA99 (with GFIII + wooden soundboard).
I just came back from the store where I was flip flopping between these two. For some reason I was leaning towards the Roland, it felt like a cleaner sound, and the speakers on the Kawai... I could hear this high frequency buzzing sound that really bothered me. Which was disappointing because I really liked the mellow Kawai sound and the "growling" bass. I really found the same things that you did!
I found the sound on the Kawai to be very mellow. Also very nice indeed. However, the Roland was more brilliant and realistic I thought. I have a Kawai 7 foot grand which is great. It’s a good brand. I love the design and light wood colour of the LX. Also a realistic concert grand bass sound is very important.
The GFIII action is quite rewarding to play on. With that said, for players that prefer a heavier touch, the PHA50 and Hybrid Grand actions from Roland may be the preference.
@@MerriamPianosplease what is the difference between kawai CA 79 and CA 701 ? Is it the same model from different year ? Overal what are the difference between CA 70× and CA ×× ? It still kinda hard to find CA ×× (in my area) are they even comparable in price ?... I don't understand these... compar Thanks
i tried both in store. theres NO QUESTION c79 is better than lx705: 1) keyboard feel on kawai is superior to roland if you want a real piano feel -- there is NO DOUBT here. . . . . if youre a stage keyboard player that wants lighter key action then you would prefer the more keyboard-ish feel of a roland. 2) sound. . . ROLAND totally sounds fake .. acoustically and headphones. KAWAI absolutely destroys roland here in sample and model. theres only so much u can get from a youtube review. Go in person and try it yourself.
I have an FP90X. I haven’t used the internal sounds for months since I got Pianoteq 8. It’s night and day. As far as feel goes, the PHA-50 kinda irritates me. The feel is certainly better than the plasticky keys on some of its competitors, but it’s got a sluggish feel that I can’t stand tbh. The Kawai VPC1 with the Grand Feel action is more like what I’d like to be playing.
Hi everyone , I really like Kawai CA 79 but I have a hard time to find one in Edmonton-Alberta Canada . Does anyone know how I can buy this Kawai in Edmonton ? Please help me out . Thank you very much
Hey ! I'm in the same boat; I'm trying to find a Kawai to compare to Roland's digital pianos. Did you find one ? I'm looking around Lethbridge/Calgary/Edmonton.
We just got the news today that the CA79 and CA99 are being replaced with the CA701 and CA901. We're very excited to see how these pianos sound and feel in person! :)
I tried Kawai ca59, 79, & 99 and Roland hp702, 704 & LX708 and Yamaha CLP 745 & nu1x. My 1st purchase was Yamaha nu1x and returned in 2 days; key response was awful and uneven sounds throughout; maybe mine was a defected one. Anyway didn’t work for me. I’d go to HP 704 over LX 708; only difference I felt was the speakers better on LX708 and key action was better on HP704. HP 702 was just ok just like Kawai ca59. If my budget was affordable I’d have bought ca99. It was wow factor to me: sound, key action and feel and the vibration through the soundboard was amazing. Eventually I bought Kawai ca79 for my budget and also for the natural feel key action and even sounds. Happy playing 🎹! P.S my personal evaluation is Kawai ca series > Roland HP 704 > Yamaha CLP 745
@@HKLee-dn1fh Good to hear. I agree for the most part. I don't like any digital Kawai below the CA79, and no Roland below the HP704. You would have to go the CLP785 to find a great Yamaha and that is pricey.
Stu is a wonderful player and teacher! We have received quite a few requests for more tutorial/lesson style videos from Stu, so, hopefully, those will be coming your way in the future. ;)
I want to replace my Charles Walter studio with a digital... Kawai is unimpressive... Roland makes better statement in the living room, same in height 47 inch 👍👍👍..less in depth 👍👍👍
the kawai has the outdated design. every digitalpiano on the market looks like this. the rolands is new. and the roland has a piano designer app which can change alot.
@@alpay389 It has a boxy look that tries to imitate a upright piano. Too many straight lines and too tall for my taste, also that button UI is.. But the two main reasons for not choosing the Roland would be that others do the sound and action part much better.
As is the case with acoustic pianos, everyone will have their preference as to which digital pianos offer the best and most authentic sound and playing experience. :)
I just tried them both at my local store, and to my surprise, I found that the pha50 action of lx705 feels a lot better and amusing to play on. Of course, the sound of kawai was better, but since i was going to buy a piano for practice rather than performance, i decided to go with roland. Just a small tip for people like me who are trying to decide.
Do you play acoustics?
@@maulcs yes, I have the chance to play some uprights at school and maybe some grands as well in the future
u play classic?
@@bubba5273 yah
I am really divided. I like the lower end HP704 better than anything below the CA79 from Kawai, but in this class, I'm not sure, maybe the CA79. Probably either one over the Yamaha CLP745 and for less money, than the CLP785. So I would probably have to choose between the HP704, CA79, or CLP785. The Yamaha may be out of my price range leaving Kawai and Roland. I'm reading what everyone else is saying with interest.
I like the Kawai CA79 it sounds more like a grand piano🎹🎶
I could listen to Stu playing all day. The intelligent assessment of the features is a great bonus.
Recent LX705 owner checking in! To be honest, would have been happy with either a Kawai or a Roland but I could only get a Roland and was lucky to do that given all the supply chain problems. Great video Stu, as per usual. To mention just a few things: Roland has a 10 year warranty. Kawai is, I think, 2 years, but maybe 3. The Roland has all the General Midi 2 sounds: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_MIDI_Level_2. On a minor note, the Roland control panel can be concealed by the keyboard cover while playing. Finally, as others have mentioned, in Europe at least the Kawai CA-79 is a price bracket more expensive than the Roland LX705.
Brian, your comment about the price of the CA79 being at a higher level in Europe confirms my feeling that the CA79 is better matched against the LX706, rather than the LX705. This is especially true because the CA79's GFIII action should be compared to the LX706's Hybrid Grand action, rather than the PHA50 that is found in the LX705.
I prefer the warmer tones of kawai but Roland has infinite polyphony? Plus an action that will last longer?
I respect Roland actions very much, so I can imagine the LX705's appeal to many viewers, if they've been able to try one. What comes home to me increasingly is the horses-for-courses aspect. The beautiful romantic piece (Chopin?) was exquisite on the Kawai. I notice that classically-minded piano students, who (knowingly or unknowingly) want a soft boudoir grand piano sound in their home, frequently opt for Kawai pianos. Much as I love listening to this type of music, I have no ambition to play it.
Does the CA79 switch well to stormy/exhiliarating performances? I'm not too sure. I know that anything sporting Yamaha's CFX sound can do that very well, and adapts well to jazz and pop music too. Do Roland's main piano sounds sit in the middle ground, or do they have another speciality? Certainly, the LX705 sounded great when Stu started playing it more rapidly. This is no small thing. The true sound of many notes interracting (and with assorted velocities) is one of the trickiest things to get right on a DP IMO.
Any DP costing over US $1400 (or home piano over $1800) will seem to perform most music very handsomely (when it stands alone) but when you put different models/brands side by side, the respective advantages become surprisingly apparent.
The sound of the Kawai had me from the start
Good review! And another note, it probably isn't said very often but out of every piano store owner I've seen or reviewer (that isn't a concert pianist) you're the best player I've seen! Good job.
I have to go with the 705, due to the better action and the 10 year warranty (in home) is hard to pass up. I just bought it and still learning how use all the settings and various apps. We enjoy you videos, keep up he good work
These are both excellent digital piano options, so you really can't go wrong in either case. Thank you so much for watching our channel! We sincerely appreciate the support. :)
I bought Kawai ca79 today with an amazing deal. I was pleasantly surprised by its quality.
how much did you pay for it ?
In my country CA 79 cost only 3200 USD.
US prices are crazy high.
Thank you for your review - I loved that you jump between playing both instruments rather than just talking without playing anything!
I own a LX705 and I can confirm the distance of the sound for the European Model which he plays in all the LX videos. But the American Model sound is direct and perfectly for Jazz. I always play a slightly modified version of American Model v2 and really love it.
Funny, I can't stand the sound of the American, it feels fake. The German grand is the only one that sounds real to me... especially on headphones!
Hi Stu, great video as always!
As many are saying here, I'd love to see your comparison of the CA79 vs the LX706 which are closer in price and also they are both the 2nd ranking model in their respective companies' lineup.
How does the GFIII compares to Roland's Hybrid grand? (noise, weight, "fluidity", "sponginess" at the bottom, response, quick repetition, joy to play) and also durability (does the wooden sticks in the Kawai start warping/twisting after some years?)
In your review of the LX708 you mention the big difference in dynamic range between the European and American piano sounds, and in this video you mention the CA79 having a noticeable wider dynamic range specially on the pianissimo side. I'm wondering if you were using the American or the European in the LX05 in this video and if the European is roughly equivalent to the CA79 dynamic range.
Best piano comparisons on RUclips! All the info, and a very inspiring and down to earth pianist
Much bigger fan of the Kawai, the more you played the Roland the more I liked it... But then you'd swivel back to the Kawai and it just sounded more realistic... And bigger!
Stu your chops always knock me out. Controlled "ppp" is the true test of digitals. The Kawaii sounds absolutely lovely. I've always been a fan of a more mellow piano tone. I don't like a mushy sound, but a singing lyrical piano sound is where it is at. I hate the hard brittle sound that so many Asian uprights develop after a few years of use. The Roland would be better for a big room, but I would take the Kawai for sure in most homes. Do you think Pianoteq is supplying the modeling engines to both companies?
No, PianoTeq does not supply the modeling engine to either one.
Thank you for your review. I think any pianist who purchases either is a winner.
Awesome reviews. Please do not forget to say one sentence about the keys and how heavy the feel. It is very helpful for beginners who might be after light or heavy action.
Fantastic video as always. I still don’t get get why this channel doesn’t have tens of thousands more subscribers - all in good time I guess. As the lucky owner of a CA99 (absolutely terrific but not without its own niggly problems) I still find these videos really interesting. However, I’d agree with a previous comment that a CA79/LX706 comparison feels more appropriate given that the LX705, with its PHA50 action, is something of a ‘slab in a cab’ whereas the LX706 has Roland’s top of the range Grand Hybrid action, their equivalent to Kawai’s Grand Feel 3. Pricing in the UK is broadly the same for the two models although I appreciate that may not be the case elsewhere. If not, how about CA99 vs LX708 next? That would be very interesting - I’d back the CA99 although ask me in 5 years when my Kawai might be falling to pieces while the Roland would likely still be going strong...
May I ask what is/are the problem(s) of your CA99?
Where I live the LX706 is CAD$2000/USD$1500 more than the CA79!
@@jwmusic2807 Nothing major - but some keys that intermittently rub or make a scratching sound (only noticeable with very soft playing) , luckily I haven’t had any of the hissing/buzzing speaker issues that others seem to have. The previous GF2 action also had some problems around longevity - hopefully all resolved with GF3 but it’s early days 🤞
Man, that SK-EX Rendering is the only built-in piano sound that gives the good sampled VSTs a run for their money IMO. Just bought an MP11Se to use mostly as a controller but makes me wonder if I should've waited for a slab with the SK-EX rendering...
The ca-79 also records audio, to an attached USB stick. That's missing from your chart.
I understand this comparison because the prices are so close, but as far as I know you have not reviewed Roland's Hybrid Grand action that is in the LX 706 and 708. We chose the CA79 Grand Feel 3 over the LX 705 PHA-50. But still, I'd love to hear your review of Roland's Grand Hybrid action. In Calgary, the LX706 was $2000 more!
The prices in The States are (apparently) very different from Canada. In the US, the CA79 and the LX706 are about the same; the LX705 is significantly less expensive than the CA79. IMHO, feature-wise, the CA79 should be compared to the LX706, not the LX705.
I played a Roland LX708 at a store the other day as Im looking at a LX705 (they're essentially identically internally), It was utterly phenomenal. The sound, the clarity and the bass on the modelled pianos was undefinably stunning. They are worth every penny, I cant wait to get my hands on one. Also, the Roland is great on speakers, but unbeatable on headphones. I played the Yamaha equivalents and they're really nice, It's just not nearly as nice as the Roland Overall.
The Roland LX series instruments are fantastic on all fronts! I certainly agree with your assessment on their clarity and sonic performance. Thanks for tuning in! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you for the response! I Appreciate it. I also appreciate all of the reviews on the current line up of Roland Pianos. It has been "Instrumental" in my choice. The playing of the instruments and covering all the information is exceptional.
Still waiting for kawai es920 review!! And comparison between other brands, and as always what a superb review stu!
⚠️ Yes, but on Kawai, when you play a pianissimo pp or ppp it only lower the volume, it doesn't change the tonal spectrum, as an acoustic piano really does. It needs more decay too. Both still sounds electronic, but the Roland sounds less electronic. ❤
These are both wonderful instruments, but they offer a slightly different tonal profile. It comes down to the preferences of the player in terms of which one is the "better" option.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the reply. When you played on CA79, one of the main things I noticed was on dynamics, it doesn't change much the color tonal spectrum. If you play s good acoustic piano, for example, "clair de lune", pp or PPP, it will sound so soft and warm that you can't hear any treble harmonics, nor the metal ringing. It would be soft. But if you play harder and harder on acoustic piano, it will gradually bring that ringing treble sound and clarity. For example on Liszt's second Hungarian rhapsody, it wouldn't be muffled, but rather bright. But, perhaps there's adjustments for the right curve and transition from soft to bright along the dynamics on the kawai piano. This is also a common problem on some VSTi pianos as well, when the velocity curve is not suitable to the touch of the pianist, they transition too fast from muffled to very bright. But in overall, these are outstanding electronic pianos, and I would be glad to purchase any of them. 🙏👍
I went to the store to spend $1000 or so on a digital piano, and ended up buying a CA79 for $2600, haha. Liked it that much.
Damn where did you find one for that much?
@@MelissaGarza Haha, I live like two hours away from their factory in Hamamatsu. I guess I saved on shipping costs!
I know they go for a lot more in North America and Europe.
@@Tzadeck lucky!!
@@Tzadeck In other comment you said it's too heavy. I wanted to buy it but now you made me reconsider. Would you recommend this for classical repertoire?
@@pianoenthusiast6649 Oh I didn’t mean the action was too heavy, I meant that the body itself weighs a lot, haha.
I think this is about as good as your going to get if you want to do classical music on an electric piano, since the action is better than anything else on the market.
Thank you so much for making this video. I couldn’t decide between these two and now I know exactly which one I’m getting. Thank you again and I’d appreciate if you could make more videos on KAWAI CA79 because that’s the one I decided to get:)
Thanks for another great review, Stu. Such great playing.
Hi Stu!
Thanks a lot for astonishing reviews and comparisons!
What action, in your opinion, is more suitable for long practicing in terms of hands health - Roland's Hybrid Grand or Kawai's Grand Feel III?
I have to practice hours per each day and want my hands to get tired as less as possible.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the kind words! We sincerely appreciate it. :)
We do not currently have an LX708 versus CA99/CA901 comparison yet. We are not receiving our first shipment of the CA901 model from Kawai until sometime in January. With that said, you can definitely expect review and comparison videos to follow shortly after we do.
In terms of the Hybrid Grand versus GFIII action and hand fatigue, I would say they're both incredible actions that provide all of the benefits that come along with extended pivot lengths. Personally, I find the Roland actions marginally heavier to the fingers than their comparable Kawai counterparts. Of course, some of this comes down to touch preferences and the subjectivity of the player, but that is my personal take. From that perspective, you may find the GFIII action to be less fatiguing on the hands. However, some players feel a greater degree of control and connectivity with the Hybrid Grand action. My recommendation would be to test both actions out yourself at a showroom if possible. Thanks again and hope this helps! :)
Would you address the ability to add an expression (volume) pedal to the digital pianos you demonstrate? I know this sounds strange but I enjoy playing an organ clone along with a digital piano. One pedal to manage the volume of both instruments keeps their volume in balance. I really derive a lot of enjoyment from listening to you play. You truly have a mastery of the keyboard and are extremely gifted. In this particular head to head I very much agree with your assessment of the Kawaii having the better tone and expressiveness. Thank you!
my wife has a budget Casio digital piano from maybe 15 years ago. She really wants an acoustic but can’t always play without headphones. I need to get her sat in front of modern higher end digitals to see how they feel and sound
Been banging around on my lx705 for a few years and really enjoy it, and get so much joy out of playing it, I play more. The feel and expressiveness is so satisfying, the design really fits the room. As usual the GM sounds are pretty garbage, electronic keys are alright, organs, mehh, upright piano sounds LOVE. Have a RD700GX and this one has better action. Would loved to have compared to others in this price range, but my past experience with the Roland piano modeling side of things has been good so just stuck with it.
I agree that the GM2 sounds are pretty bad in comparison to the modeled ones. So much so, that I would not use the GM2 sounds for anything other than joking around, so in my opinion it doesn't count as an advantage.
Great review ! You don’t mention the sustain quality of these instruments. In other words the decay time of the notes. Most digital sounds die away far too quick. What is this like on these pianos?
For example, play a single note like middle C at mf dynamic and count how long it sounds. Then do the Same on the Roland. Try this with a few notes. This is a good test of digital pianos.
I own the kawai 79 and there is a setting to change decay time. If you max out the decay time, the notes hold for pretty long (longer than an acoustics)
This is only a concern in the cheapest digital pianos, I think.
Thank you, these side by side comparisons are great.
I'd choose Kawai I think it sounds more natural also the cabinet is more classical. Roland was great too but one thing I hate is the blinking light on it quite disturbing.
They are both amazing instruments! They simply offer something a bit different in terms of musical experience and feature offering. :)
In actual, the LED does not blink. Due to camera shot it looks like that.
I was wondering if it's flickering ( in camera mode )
Yes it is :) Otherwise I'd brake the piano or deactivate that LED...@@heribantomas
Kawai sounds good 👍🏼
Very difficult decision for me to make! So Stu is you were on a tight budget and wanted the best which one would you choose?
I like the CA79 but also like the LX 705.
Hi Ann - sorry just getting to this now, but great question. Of course, play both (side by side if you can), and which ever one causes you to stop thinking about the analysis and just 'play' is your piano (probably)! The tone of the two instruments is quite different, so you may have an inherent preference with that, and the two actions also feel quite differently as well. The most glaring difference between the two (to me) is the speaker config and overall 'gutsiness' - the CA79 is a substantially louder instrument, and as I found, can deliver a huge warmth and power, but with a bit of EQ tweaking depending on your placement/room. The LX705 is extremely well balanced with lots of nuance, but can in certain situations feel a touch underpowered in the low end (I've played it in situations where it was perfect, and others where it felt a little lacking). Good luck with the decision, let us know which way you wind (wound?) up going! Stu
The Rolland wasn't well recorded was it?
Easy choice ...the CA79 is stunning
While I like the CA79 very much, I absolutely believe the Roland would be a better choice for churches, schools, and hotel conference rooms. Really any place where you need more sound. Both these pianos blow the socks off of any similar sized and priced acoustics. For my tastes and use, I would buy the CA79. I actual have an order in for the Kawai es920 which I don't think sounds as nice as either one of these. I'm looking for a portable instrument.
@@JoeLinux2000 if you need more sounds, there are better options ;)
@@JoeLinux2000 Roland FP 90 x
@@JoeLinux2000 good observation!
@@mutaranebula7037 Until CA99 with total 135 watts speakers from Onkyo audiophile speakers system comes along Roland have no chance.
Edited.
CA79 have total 100 watts audiophile system while Roland fp90x have only total 60 watts.
⚠️ Roland RD2000 also has PHA-50 action with tripple sensor and costs half or a third if you want to play with VSTi pianos. ❤❤❤
That is true! It is an excellent portable option with a fantastic action. :)
vpc 1 its cheap vs rd 2000
Honestly they both sound good, the difference is small; however the key action is better with Roland and for practicing classical music, Roland is a better option for skill improvement.
do you really think Roland has a better Key action? when is played Chopin I hear quite a fake digital Sound
@@verymozart Sound and key action are two very different aspects of a digital keyboard. If you think the sound if fake, because it's a modelled sound, not sampled. There are on going debate about this, and I learned to appreciate both. I have an acoustic grand, but I listen to a lot of recordings here which were recorded with digital pianos including Roland's, and they sounded very nice too.
They are both absolutely wonderful digital pianos with fantastic sounds and actions. Ultimately, the decision will come down to the individual player and their preferences. In either case, you really can't go wrong with one of these top-tier digitals! :)
Hi,
What's the action like, which is lighter/heavier ? thx
Played a ca78 recently, I just get lost in the feel so the 79 has to be just as good.I would have loved to try the feel out on the Roland but I can't locate on in my area though.
The CA79's Grand Feel III provides an amazing playing experience! A nice long pivot length combined with all wooden keys is quite remarkable. With that said, the LX705 is also worth taking for a spin. While it has quite a different tonal profile than the CA79, it too is an incredible high-end digital piano. :)
In Europe the CA79 is about 3100€ and the LX705 is about 2200€. Online shop prices, but not available anywhere. From Europe prices, the matches would be LX708=CA99, LX706=CA79, LX705 is between CA49 and CA59. And this makes sense as both top-models of each brand feature the companies best action and also pairs up with a similar amplifier and speaker system. Same with LX705 vs CA59/CA49 as these have the companies 2nd best action.
Weird pricing in Canada.
Excellent shootout video though, thank you!
btw: I prefer the sound of the Kawai, the Roland sounds too overprocessed to me. Too much resonance and overtones going on.
The CA79 can easily be found for 2800/2850e here in Spain and available in plenty of places, particularly in Barcelona.
You are correct. UK prices show Ca79 and Lx706 to be equal.
@@mlgl9728 More like 3000, at least in spanish online stores. Also in general in EU is around 2999 with the EP version a few hundreds more.Maybe showcased items are a bit cheaper.
@@xcomputronx jorquerapianos.com/piano/kawai-ca-79/ Also in Bcn. White or black colour. 2850e. It was on display recently.
Yeah, on Thomann the CA79 is 700 euro pricier than the LX705
Thanks for letting me know that the Kawai is using "Real Time Modeling" on this model. I was not aware of that. From the perspective of a "Piano" alternative, the Kawai would be my choice in this range. Just wondered if you had personalized both pianos or if the tone was Out of the Box presets on both?
How long until the MP11SE's successor comes out with modeling, GFIII action, and an improved user interface?
yes pls
yes... and at under 50lbs. Yeah, I'm dreamin'
@@devidasa9637 Haha I"m not sure it could be under 50lbs. I have a CA79 and it's ungodly heavy--it's just the action itself that's bringing all that weight.
I'd rather have a VPC2, though the original is still superb
Okey... pro here :) I hear, that Kawai has a unnatural mumble in expressive notes, but in quiet soft playing it's ok. Roland has an ambience effect and too much reverb for compare, but the tone seems bright and natural. But i heard kind a off-tune note in Roland. At least i can hear something :) Maybe the sample, but i remember, that someone's blaming FP-30 back in the days for that micro dissonance. Maybe it's like that. But i like the Roland here pretty much. It's live! Thanks! (i can't even play i'm kiddin about a pro). Yes! And i love Kawai's appearance and that golden logo looks fantastic!
UPD God damn! after 7 minute, when i already wrote those comment, you actually say all this things in a last part of a video! So, it's proving the thoughts. No fooling. It is the way it is. Roland is brilliant here, Kawai really soft and academic. Kawai may be good for practicing for pianists, Roland is ready to put in the mix- for studio work is great instrument!
Thanks again! Enjoyed the sound and technique
Kawai crushes Roland in first chord.
Thank for this very informative video and wonderful playing 😁
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to check out the video!
What do you recommend?
the Yamaha CLP 745 or the Kawai CA 59?
May Yahweh bless you brother you are the piano King of RUclips I'm blown away 🙏 🙌 also I love the way you express how you feel and explain pianos.
Thank you for the kind words! We appreciate your support of our channel.
@@MerriamPianos your very very welcome 🙏
Ca79 sounds more natural acoustic piano to me
I think they both sound very realistic, but for my purposes I prefer the more intimate sound of the CA 79. I play Pianoteq Pro, and there are 100's of piano voices that all sound slightly different in one way or another. I would not get any Pianoteq lower than the "Pro" as that is the only one that allows for the adjustment of every parameter on every single note, which I have found to be important.
for advanced classical music player to prepare the diploma which one would you suggest? I think the CA 79 would be more appropriate
They're both wonderful digital pianos that are fully capable of supplying a suitable playing experience for even advanced classical repertoire. There is no definitive answer as every discerning player will have their preferences both in terms of the heaviness/lightness of touch and tone. The best bet is to spend some time at a piano showroom comparing these models to get a sense of which one you feel most connected to when playing. :)
The Roland sounds like a reverb setting is turned on which makes the comparison impossible for me.
I am very impressed by your improvisations ! Any link to listen to them ?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! You can check out and purchase Stu's music at his artist page:
www.stuharrison.com/
you've never reviewed any CLP or CSP... are they bad or merriam do not carry them? kawai's in Brazil are ridiculously expensive - over double of US price, which makes Yamaha x Roland the decision to make down here
I have a problem to decide between Roland HP 704 and Roland LX 705. Both have 4 speakers (not sure if same one) and price is very similar. Is it worth to buy LX series? I like the more compact design of HP..
It is definitely a tough call! Both pianos utilize the same PHA-50 action and a similar speaker system. The main difference is that the LX705 uses an updated modelling engine. With that said, they do offer different tones. My recommendation would be to test both out in person to see which one you resonate with more musically. :)
Could you please do a review on the lx706? I'd like to purchase that and would like to see your view on this... ps, huge fan of your reviews!!
Which would better if I were to run the two line outs to a board?
Which one would you choose for yourself? Which of them do you like more? Which sounds and feels better?
That is the $64,000 question. Most pros would probably go for the CA79 even if is a bit steeper. Hobbyists, maybe the Roland.
so for blaying bach which one would be better. like to excentuate the polyphany n stuff
Going from one to the other like that is a great move for comparisons...
You have to concider what device you are listening this on. For example, playing a master recording on a low end sound system can sound worse than on a high quality sound system. But an mp3 filecan sound better on a lower end sound system than a higher end sound system. Not saying that is what is going on here. Just pointing out one of the many things that makes audio a science and somewhat of an art. Best thing to do is experiance them both in person in a similar enviroment.
Has the new keys of the Kawai a longer lifetime than GF2 types?
Kawai is better 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
@midnight4109 my dilemma exactly..in Ireland 🇮🇪.ROLAND 704.. IS 2grand. The kawai 59.. was my choice.. but
. but .. NOW THE kawai 79.. has blown me...( played yamaha 745& casio ... , kawai 79.. ( miss the roland fun...but hey a € 300 keyboard will do all that.. )
THATS IT THE KAWAI 79... ( though the 59..is a serious good compact piano... ) I think the I KNOW THE 79.. BEATS THE YAMAHA & ALL OTHERS , HANDS DOWN.
Roland sound is digital/electronic.kawai sound natural.
In my country, the Roland LX705 is just similar price with the Kawai CA49 （actually almost the same price), so does anyone can advise me which one I should pick?
I prefer CA59 actually but it sold out :(
What about a good silent system on an acoustic piano? I mean something like Vario on Bechstein as well as some budget option instead of the aurus on Kawai
For myself, I would prefer a good sounding digital with headphones.
I’ll take the Kawai but in the beautiful oak finish from Roland.
Probably a photo laminate over dense particle board on both instruments.
@@JoeLinux2000 Oh, for sure it is. Regardless, the oak finish looks much better... or at least, it's a refreshing departure from the white, black or rosewood.
@Konstantin Ridaya I love my Roland LX7 but to be objective the sound isn't nearly as good as the Kawai. Only reason why I bought my current piano a couple years ago is because Kawai's Grand Feel II was just awful to me (ie. squishy bottom and bouncy). If I was in the market to purchase a digital now I would definitely go for the CA99 (with GFIII + wooden soundboard).
I was in a display hall, the brown roland lid had a different color tone from the body, get a white Kawai
Although they would no longer be the same price, the CA 79 is more equal to the LX706.
In my country CA 79 cost only 3200 USD.
In my country CA 79 cost only 3200 USD.
Why it's so much more expensive in USA?
Hi, may i know your audio recorder? Thanks in advance
I just came back from the store where I was flip flopping between these two. For some reason I was leaning towards the Roland, it felt like a cleaner sound, and the speakers on the Kawai... I could hear this high frequency buzzing sound that really bothered me. Which was disappointing because I really liked the mellow Kawai sound and the "growling" bass. I really found the same things that you did!
I found the sound on the Kawai to be very mellow. Also very nice indeed. However, the Roland was more brilliant and realistic I thought. I have a Kawai 7 foot grand which is great. It’s a good brand. I love the design and light wood colour of the LX. Also a realistic concert grand bass sound is very important.
I choose KAWAI !
Stu, you rule, others drool!
I feel that the Kawai Action is superior overall due to the length of the keys and the material...
The GFIII action is quite rewarding to play on. With that said, for players that prefer a heavier touch, the PHA50 and Hybrid Grand actions from Roland may be the preference.
@@MerriamPianosplease what is the difference between kawai CA 79 and CA 701 ? Is it the same model from different year ?
Overal what are the difference between CA 70× and CA ×× ?
It still kinda hard to find CA ×× (in my area) are they even comparable in price ?... I don't understand these... compar
Thanks
i tried both in store. theres NO QUESTION c79 is better than lx705: 1) keyboard feel on kawai is superior to roland if you want a real piano feel -- there is NO DOUBT here. . . . . if youre a stage keyboard player that wants lighter key action then you would prefer the more keyboard-ish feel of a roland. 2) sound. . . ROLAND totally sounds fake .. acoustically and headphones. KAWAI absolutely destroys roland here in sample and model. theres only so much u can get from a youtube review. Go in person and try it yourself.
Very true 👍🏽 👌 facts
I have an FP90X. I haven’t used the internal sounds for months since I got Pianoteq 8. It’s night and day. As far as feel goes, the PHA-50 kinda irritates me. The feel is certainly better than the plasticky keys on some of its competitors, but it’s got a sluggish feel that I can’t stand tbh. The Kawai VPC1 with the Grand Feel action is more like what I’d like to be playing.
Hi everyone , I really like Kawai CA 79 but I have a hard time to find one in Edmonton-Alberta Canada . Does anyone know how I can buy this Kawai in Edmonton ? Please help me out . Thank you very much
Hey ! I'm in the same boat; I'm trying to find a Kawai to compare to Roland's digital pianos. Did you find one ? I'm looking around Lethbridge/Calgary/Edmonton.
Crushing on that Kawai and Stu! Damn!
Great video. you should do a review of the Yamaha gb1k
Thank you.
You're very welcome! :)
6:40 what is this piece called?
Chopin Ballade no. 1
Note repetition is slower on the Pha50
Hi! Brent here! The CA79's GFIII action does have a slighter faster repetition than the PHA50 in my experiences as well. :)
Kawai
Roland sharper sound.
CA79 appears to have been discontinued.
We just got the news today that the CA79 and CA99 are being replaced with the CA701 and CA901. We're very excited to see how these pianos sound and feel in person! :)
@@MerriamPianossupply chain influenced models?
Hey what’s your ( or anyone’s) thoughts on a ca49 vs a hp702
I tried Kawai ca59, 79, & 99 and Roland hp702, 704 & LX708 and Yamaha CLP 745 & nu1x.
My 1st purchase was Yamaha nu1x and returned in 2 days; key response was awful and uneven sounds throughout; maybe mine was a defected one. Anyway didn’t work for me. I’d go to HP 704 over LX 708; only difference I felt was the speakers better on LX708 and key action was better on HP704. HP 702 was just ok just like Kawai ca59. If my budget was affordable I’d have bought ca99. It was wow factor to me: sound, key action and feel and the vibration through the soundboard was amazing.
Eventually I bought Kawai ca79 for my budget and also for the natural feel key action and even sounds.
Happy playing 🎹!
P.S my personal evaluation is
Kawai ca series > Roland HP 704 > Yamaha CLP 745
@@HKLee-dn1fh thanks heaps
@@HKLee-dn1fh I ended up buying a ca98 on sale
@@HKLee-dn1fh Good to hear. I agree for the most part. I don't like any digital Kawai below the CA79, and no Roland below the HP704. You would have to go the CLP785 to find a great Yamaha and that is pricey.
I wish to be Stu's piano student😅
Stu is a wonderful player and teacher! We have received quite a few requests for more tutorial/lesson style videos from Stu, so, hopefully, those will be coming your way in the future. ;)
@@MerriamPianos that's Great news I'm looking forward to it 🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻🥰
The Kawai all the way. The Roland is so completely inferior
It's a matter of choice but I think that most professional pianists would tend to agree.
2:32 I like that😍💋 💝💖❤️
I want to replace my Charles Walter studio with a digital... Kawai is unimpressive... Roland makes better statement in the living room, same in height 47 inch 👍👍👍..less in depth 👍👍👍
At the same price in my opinion the choice is easy. The Roland appears to be outdated design and sound wise.
the kawai has the outdated design. every digitalpiano on the market looks like this. the rolands is new.
and the roland has a piano designer app which can change alot.
@@alpay389 It has a boxy look that tries to imitate a upright piano. Too many straight lines and too tall for my taste, also that button UI is.. But the two main reasons for not choosing the Roland would be that others do the sound and action part much better.
@@alpay389 Roland looks outdated to me because old digital pianos looks like upright pianos while Kawai looks like the head of real grand piano.
with Chopin played in the Roland I can hear a fake digital sound all that acutes so sharp fake
As is the case with acoustic pianos, everyone will have their preference as to which digital pianos offer the best and most authentic sound and playing experience. :)
@@MerriamPianos non sense. It can't be the case of acoustic. Acoustic can be bad or good. This is about digital sounding too much digital
Roland = garbage. Kawai = Gold.
and this comparison is between gold to garbage.