🎹Kawai CA99 vs Casio GP-510 Digital Piano Review, Comparison, & Demo🎹
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#CA99 #GP510 #DigitalPiano
Hi everybody, and welcome to another piano comparison video here at the Merriam Pianos TH-cam channel. In this video, we’ll be comparing the Casio GP-510 Hybrid Digital Grand with Kawai’s CA99.
Both of these instruments represent their respective manufacturer’s top offerings in the under $10,000 digital piano class, and boast some of the latest cutting edge trends in the industry.
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Casio GP-510
Piano Action:
If there’s a centerpiece to this instrument, it’s definitely the action. The action here (Natural Grand Hammer Action) was designed and built in conjunction with C. Bechstein, the legendary German acoustic piano builder, known for building some of the most precise and highly regulated actions on the market. Unlike the actual acoustic actions featured in digital pianos like Kawai’s Novus series or Yamaha’s N series, the action here is not actually an authentic acoustic piano action, but considering the price point, it’s undoubtedly one of the top piano action’s in its class.
Where Casio has really improved on the previous generation of this action is the regulation - the previous generation action had a great design but left something to be desired with regards to the regulation. That isn’t the case here as this action feels great to play. I like the weighting, repetition speed and how the bottom of the keybed feels.
The one area where the action falls short is the let off, which doesn’t feel particular realistic. This probably won’t matter for most folks, but it’s worth noting nonetheless. The white keys use a polished white polish as opposed to a texture.
How does this piano directly compare to the Kawai CA99? I love the dynamic weight of the Casio action here, and I think the way the piano has been recorded and sampled creates a hyper realistic sense of the subtle details. The GP-510 stands well on its own, and compares very favourably overall.
Kawai CA99
Piano Action:
For certain styles of playing, I’d have to say Natural Grand Hammer Action in the GP510 feels slightly better than the Grand Feel III action in the CA99. That being said, there are those that will prefer this action. Despite the Grand Feel name, the keystick length is actually closer to what you’ll find in an upright piano, and to me, feels very close to what you’re getting in Kawai’s K series upright pianos.
The bottom of the keybed is a little bit softer here than in the GP-510, and I do prefer the escapement here as it feels more realistic.
I would say if action is your main focus, you should absolutely try both of these instruments out before purchasing. The GP-510 does feel closer to a grand piano, so if that’s important to you, that might be the instrument to go with.
Piano Sound:
The main reason to consider a CA99 is due to sound, since the less expensive CA79 features the exact same action. Where the CA99 differs is with the addition of a real Solid Spruce, twindrive soundboard system. This adds a whole new dimension of realism and warmth to the piano tone, especially in the lower register.
In terms of the sound engine, the CA99 features Kawai’s latest SKEX Sound Rendering engine, with limitless polyphony, which is primarily a modeled sound engine. Also on-board is the sample based HIXL sound engine, so you have the option to use either. In my opinion, the Rendering engine has more detail and nuance, as well as more user-editable parameters via the virtual technician function.
Navigating the rest of the on-board sounds is super easy with the new and improved touch screen interface. The pipe organ setting sounds especially excellent here due to the soundboard, and the presence of multiple harpsichord samples is also a nice touch.
Touchscreen Control Interface:
Kawai took a lot of the user feedback to heart with regards to the interface on the CA98/78, and really made serious improvements in terms of responsiveness and ease of use. Watch as Stu takes us through the control interface, showing some of the many possible things you can do with this instrument.
As always, thanks for watching!
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I think the Casio GP-510 Is a better choice compared to the the Kawai CA-99 if you are studying and practicing for a music school.
People attack the Casio saying it is not a true hybrid and they should not make this claim. I have one and feel it is excellent. I love the Bechstein piano sound.
Agreed
If I owned a GP-510 or had access to one, I daresay my only attack on it would be my fz, and played with happy abandon. Casio keeps the other manufacturers on their toes. At certain price points I would choose a Casio piano/keyboard over a Yamaha/Roland/Kawai. So, as Stu himself sometimes reminds us, we should stay open minded and choose the instrument which performs best (for ourselves) within the budget we set ourselves. Sometimes, however, we start by setting the budget too low.
I'm curious about the GP-310 because it fits into that under €3K sweetspot that I often talk about. (€2.5K max, plus cost of cabinet.)
I'm not fully sold on the revolution in soundboards on digital hybrids, particularly since they do not entirely eliminate the need for speakers. It seems to me that this obsessive search for "realism" in piano sound is often self defeating. There are other areas to improve more urgently, such as actions and speakers.
Kawai attended to those on the NV10s, which doesn't even have a soundboard (despite its heavy pricetag) and unsurprisingly, it outplays the NV5s. Arguably, that has more to do with priceband than with speakers vs soundboard, but it is a good example of Kawai getting the priorities right this time IMO. I can't wait for better speakers and better actions on the more affordable digital pianos, though a concert grand action would be impossible to produce cheaply, and would require regulating anyway.
Agreed
It doesn't matter if you feel is great or not to you, the point is they are using sleazy marketing by calling it hybrid when it clearly is not
I stopped playing piano for 20 years and used to have a Grand Piano at home when I was young and I recently bought the Casio gp310. I tried both the Kawaii CA99, Casio gp510, Roland and Yamaha. It’s a hard decision to make! I chose Casio at last as the keys are heavier and sounds more like a acoustic piano. Thank you for the reviews.
Interesting reason to choose a heavier action :) I personally prefer a lighter action for sure (I'm an amateur, who studied as a kid, but came back to piano after a 15 year pause).
I visited the piano store again yesterday, and tried the CA99 and like it. I did not like the cell phone style touch pad on the left hand side. At first I thought it was cool, but it's really a cheap device with a plastic screen, and the touch control is not great. You'd be better off using your own phone. I tried a two Casios too which seem to represent very good value. The problem I have at the piano store is the sales lady keeps fooling with the controls while I'm trying to get a feeling for the response. My advice to anyone is take your time making any decision. There are a lot of choices and it's very hard to determine which is the best instrument for the best value. The one upright that I fully endorse is the Roland 708. It is a very nice sounding expressive instrument. I tried the FP-90x and was a bit disappointed, the action seems sluggish, and it's like you are always trying to find a satisfying piano tone that isn't quite there. It's not a 708 in a portable form factor. The Casio I tried had a shallow key dip that I didn't care for. Also the key tops were slippery.
@@herbertmasingbut that's the problem with most digital pianos , the lightness. They most often are too lighter than acoustic grand pianos. And you might likely have problems playing advanced classical music on acoustic grand pianos after studying it mainly on digital pianos as the Kawai with a too light action. The 510 action is more close to an acoustic
@@verymozartthanks for the reply! my friend bought a Casio GP310 and the action is solid. It's the best value proposition for amateur in my opinion. The sound was not as good as on a Kawai or Yamaha, but the action is unbeatable.
@@herbertmasing I think you have chosen wisely. The 510 is more expensive but has an improved sound, You also can save the settings. Anyway for the sound of the 310 there are tools that you can use with the computer. But if you want to study seriously the key action/touch is the most important thing. So, well done 👍 ( it has even the settings of the sensitivity touch, that as a result makes the feeling of being it lighter or heavier)
Everyone has different tastes and I applaud your amazing reviews of what's available in the marketplace.
I presume what we are hearing on TH-cam is the "Line Out" signals rather than speakers recorded via a microphone. IF that is the case, my personal preference for the SOUND we're hearing is actually the Casio over and above the Kawai. I presume that would also be the case if listening to the instruments via their headphone jacks; something that will likely happen many times if living in an apartment. However, if one were listening to both instruments acoustically through their speakers, and the soundboard on the Kawai, my preference would probably change.
Either way, it is nice to see the progression in Digital Piano technology as the cost of the massive processing power and memory required to attempt authentic replication of an acoustic instrument continues. I see it kind of like comparison of Digital Cameras versus Film Cameras. Ultimately, acoustic piano manufacturers are going to find it harder and harder to stay in business due to the high costs and craftsmanship required to produce an acoustic masterpiece.
This is what I was looking for!
Thanks for the video!
I really enjoy listening to you playing piano.
Can i get your opinion about Kawai RM3 Grand II action? I don't know if you already have a video about it, but i would like to know what you think, because i'm deciding between CA15 or CN29 and i can't try them
Hey thank you so much, a few days ago I discover your channel, I will buy my first piano ( a digital piano ), and you are helping me a lot.
I am so ansious to learn. 😃😃😃
How do you know I need a keyboard comparison between these two models? and the review is so detailed, thanks a lot.
I am really enjoying the sound of the Casio GP510, I’ve been researching different pianos and visiting showrooms on and off for months. When I think I’ve found something that will suit me, I come across something else!!😂 I’m a mid life adult beginner (doing my grade 1 this weekend), and I’m well ready for a nice upgrade. Thanks for the consistent thorough reviews Stu, and beautiful playing. I have one of the lower end Casio’s with textured keys, for me it doesn’t add anything to my playing experience.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I'll be happy to pass along your kind words to Stu! We're glad that the videos have been helpful through your journey. It is a daunting process to find an instrument, but Stu's clear explanations and wonderful insights certainly helps make the process a bit easier. :)
Hi Stu! Have watched almost all your videos, and I'm curious to know what are your thoughts on the Yamaha NU1X in comparison to the Kawai CA99 & Casio GP-510.... Thanks!
O GP510 da Casio tem uma facilidade que encanta: é a possibilidade de tocar com orquestra. São 15 músicas gravadas com orquestra. Você pode ouvir ou tirar o piano e tocar junto. Pode diminuir a velocidade para estudar.
Mas os timbres de pianos são inferiores na minha opinião
this is not kawai vas casio this is just a review about kawai.
The Casio also has a virtual technical style edit page and user registrations to store edits.
Excuse me, what's that? Because I'm intentioned to take the Casio GP510
Nice video! But... you've never made a review of neither one of Casio's GP series...
Hi Are there two? Skillfully played
I tried the NV10, I tried the CA99/79.
100% honest opinion, the Casio grand hybrid had the superior action for my taste. It was firmer, smoother, and the materials of the keys are very pleasant to the touch. Felt VERY much like a grand piano. The CA79/99 shocked me because of how lacking the action was next to the Casio. It felt hollow and light, and dare I say cheap compared to the Casio.
I was also very unimpressed with the NV10. The keys did not feel as pleasant and firm to the touch, they felt like they had less mass and "oomph".
I liked the action of the casio very much - BUT: I was heavily disappointed by the sound. I prefer playing via onboard speakers (dont like headphones) and the Casio sounds "thin". The Kawai sounds much richer, but actually both lacking good sound in direct comparison to a Yamaha U1 (which i played in the same store). Of course, a U1 is far more expensive. Still a very difficult decision for me.
@@rhalleballe It seems odd to compare electronics to acoustics.I shop the surrogate solely because I can't operate acoustic piano in a multi-storey building designed by folks who never heard of construction acoustics (that of flunked the construction physics course in college). If you live in a single family home why would you ever want to consider buying a surrogate piano????
@@user-ds2yw2ct9n Easy to answer: because its never out of tune! Even more, its always super perfectly tuned. I am also a singer for many many years and i am extremely trained to listen to perfect intonation. Its very annoying for me to play "out of tune" piano. This may sound weird for you, but it really bothers me heavily, when playing on out of tune piano. Therefore i always give it a try when there is a new competitor on the market for digital/hybrid pianos. I dont really NEED an acoustic, if the digital sounds really good, i would take it. I will try Kawai NV5s at next.
Actually, i bought a Yamaha Transacoustic U1 five years ago, hoping to get "the best of two worlds". But i have to admit that the digital sound of the Transacoustic is disappointing. Yes, its perfectly in tune, but there is no brilliancy with the digital piano sound. I used to play it analog more or less only.
@@rhalleballe Thank you, Share your opinion on 5S once you will have tried it, please. I have great difficulty justifying poping up 10 grand in this market without a grander cause. My primary usage will be in studio monitors, I assume if you don't use/need onboard speakers on GP-510 Casio is just fine? I'd prefer a 510 level instrument without onboard sound capability but with the same grade of action.
@@user-ds2yw2ct9n Is it 10 grand for you? In Germany i can have it for 5.990,-€. Actually its sold out everywhere in the moment as i just heard, might take another 2-3 months until in store again.
P.S.: Or did you mean the Yamaha Transacoustic for "10 grand"? That actually is not enough, that costs 14.000,-€ in Germany, i could get a special offer for 12.000,-€ (incl. Chair).
Can you review the Casio AP-710? Thank you!
I love your reviews Stu your the best in the business but im interested in the casio GP510 but you don't really give it the time of day! . I've tried one in a shop and thought the action was great and sound not to shabby compared to any other digital ( i own a roland fp90 (pha50) action ) piano in the shop including the Kawai"s . Its got me confused as its a toss up between the casio gp510 or kawai ca79 as im looking to upgrade . I like the casio but you seem to not give it much time ! it would be interesting what others think between the two , any comments by youtubers would be grateful . Thanks
CASIO has a more advanced 6-speaker system than the Kawai, plus the lid gives it that unique realism and its sound source is more realistic along with its keys. CASIO wins all round
The Casio GP510 has a grand hammer action with real hammers, very long keys, it gives the feeling of almost an acoustic half coda grand piano. The touch is nicely heavier and much firmer than the Kawai CA 701/99/901 and Novus10. I mean I played these models, and it's what I felt clearly
Last time I tried one of these high end Kawai actions, I think it was the grand feel 2, I found the key bed to feel really quite spongy when the notes hit the bottom of the travel. And the black keys seemed to travel down too far, so much so that my fingers were pressing on the adjacent white keys when I pressed down the black keys. I found this to feel quite strange and I didn't like it.
I wonder if this grand feel 3 has the same characteristics.
I haven't noticed any of that on my CA99.
I didn't like GF3, the Casio hybrids felt way better to me
@@julianmanjarres1998 same here
Thank you! This is a wonderfully detailed look at the capabilities of these two digital pianos. I'm visually impaired, and before I can consider buying a digital piano to replace my current Yamaha, I would need to know I would have access to all these features without being able to see the display. When I tried their iOS mobile app in a piano showroom in 2020, the Kawai app functionality was unusable because it did not follow Apple's accessibility guidelines to work with the built-in screen reader VoiceOver. It's not difficult to do, but Kawai didn't even take the time to put english translation on image-based buttons, or make all the controls accessible to the screen reader. It made me choose Yamaha over Kawai by necesity. Is there a touch screen reader that can be turned on? Is the app now properly programmed for VoiceOver? Lots of pianists have poor eyesight and need not be totally blind to benefit from this.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)
I am sorry to hear that you experienced issues with Kawai's app functionality and that it did not align with your needs. To be entirely honest, I am not sure as to whether a touch screen reader can be turned on or if it works in conjunction with VoiceOver. After a bit of an investigation and researching online, I was still unable to find any information regarding a touch screen reader or compatibility with VoiceOver. I'm sorry I can't be of more assistance on this front, but I do hope that Kawai resolves these issues to ensure that their apps and control interfaces are as accessible as possible.
@@MerriamPianosت
After watching this very useful comparison I went to a piano store recently to buy one of them. I tried them both and liked them both, but I ended up buying the NU1X which is the same price as the CA99 PE and slightly more expensive than the GP510 (at least where I went), the way the keyboard feels turning out to be the deciding factor for me. Sound-wise I didn't hear much difference while I was there, but I admit I didn't prioritize that aspect, so it might be the Kawai or the Casio has better sound. It should be arriving in June or July so I haven't been able to play it again. Still, based on what I read online, I feel good about my choice. I only think the NV5 might have posed a serious dilemma for me, also based on a lot of positive feedback online, but as it is quite a bit more expensive, I didn't consider it.
So how is the NU1X?
@@qpianist5918 It's a very fine piano in my opinion, I've had it since October and I'm very happy with it. The keyboard feels fantastic and the sound is very good too. It doesn't have all that many features to make adjustments, and it's only got 15 voices of which I only use a handful. So it's a good piano if you just want to sit at it and play, not specifically if you want to fine tune it a lot.
@@maartenzantinge6387 Thanks. I think all these hybrid are good and I have got a GP300 in Dec and I am very Happy with IT as well. So now IT all comes to the budget.
But is the action/ touch too lighter than acoustic Grand Pianos? With the risk that it's more difficult to play advanced classical music on acoustic grand pianos after studying it mainly on this NU1X?
something is off about the Casio's sound. On one level, I really like the tone but something about the mid range and when the piano is played at louder dynamics is off. The Kawai, OTOH, sounds like a mic'd GX if not exactly as sweet and complex as a Shiguru. So, it's my pick. But I do respect what Casio has done and yes, Casio is not just on the lower end and should be taken seriously in the digital piano market.
The grand hybrid feels WAY better and firmer than the Kawai CA79/99
As far as sound is concerned, some parameters may need to be adjusted on the Casio to create a more pleasant tone for the user. But the Casio in terms of action is just superior imo. Tried them side by side at a shop.
Now that I own the casio, I'm actually surprisingly pleased by the sound right out of the box. Casio has done a good job at making sure that the default settings are spot on, which they are. Of course you can tune it to your liking.
Also, I'm unsure which grand piano sound the person in this video was using, he started off with a certain sound them he changed it. Certain pianos sound better for certain types of playing, and luckily you have three great default pianos in the casio to work with. I've found myself enjoying all of them for different styles and pieces.
CASIO has a more advanced 6-speaker system than the Kawai, plus the lid gives it that unique realism and its sound source is more realistic along with its keys. CASIO wins all round
I love the pipe organ sound it’s so powerful .! Can you play the pipe organ samples on CA79 ! I would love to hear that ! 🎹❤️
Would you view the modeling system that Kawaii is using with the CA99/901 as akin to what Pianoteq has done in the VST realm?
Kawai's tone engines use a combination of sampling and modelling, opposed to a purely modelled sound. It all comes down to a matter of preference of course, but, for me, the Kawai SK-EX Rendering engine is quite impressive at capturing authenticity and nuance. :)
Interesting review. Technical question: How do you got information on limitless polyphony in SK EX rendering mode? Due to Kawai technicians it is limted also to 256 and is Sample based. Only the interaction and additional Sounds are rendered. Thx. Galuwen.
As far as I know, the rendering is for resonances only, not for the tone and the 256 note polyphony is accurate. The rendering was first introduced on the CA98, and this quote is from their website blurb:
---
"In order to faithfully reproduce the stunning sound of a Shigeru digitally, Kawai has developed SK-EX Rendering - a brand new piano sound engine that blends multi-channel, 88-key sampling with the latest resonance modeling technology. Multi-channel sampling captures the sound from different points of the Shigeru Kawai concert grand piano, allowing a broader range of tonal characteristics to be reproduced, and providing a more lively, authentic response to changes in dynamics. This naturally expressive sound is further enriched by newly developed resonance algorithms, which physically model the complex tonal interactions produced by the strings, damper, and various other parts of an acoustic piano, giving players the impression that they’re sitting at a living, breathing instrument"
---
So thus, improvements in the sound tone have come from "multi-channel sampling".
Perhaps he has some information from Kawai that isn't published, who knows, but I would take from the Kawai information that this is a standard approach to hybrid sampling/modeling used on previous Kawai models with improved sampling.
It is about time Roland did make a kinda collaboration with a top notch classical piano producer such as Fazioli... :)
E no site da Casio tem mais 35 músicas orquestradas, disponibilizadas para os clientes.
Try in english... Fiiaa....
He said
He doesn't mention that Casio has 35 orchestrated works available for the user
Can you tell us about the Casio GP510 five touch sensitivity settings, heavy 2, h.1, normal, Lght 1, L. 2? And on which one is set in the Video?
The touch sensitivity settings adjust the sonic response to simulate the feeling of a heavier or lighter touch. The default "normal" setting was what was used for the video.
@@MerriamPianos thanks. Did you try the other levels? Do you think is a nice/useful function? And which is among the 5 settings the most nea to the touch of the acoustic grand pianos that there are at the exam of highly advanced classical music diploma?
Great video as usual 👍 Question about the Kawaï CA99. Is it possible to switch off the digital screen while playing ?
The screen will turn off automatically when you are playing.
Can you compare the piano samples of the Kawai CA-99 vs Yamaha CVP-809 vs Roland LX-809 samples. I know that the CVP-809 has more features and is a ensemble vs a straight digital piano but I want you to compare the action and piano voices.
I think CLP785 is a better choice as it is piano centric with other instruments rather than one-man band that the CVP series is.
Roland LX 809? Does that exist? 🤔
@@mauriciolacruz No!
@@benjaminsmith2287 hahahaha NO
@@benjaminsmith2287but not for the action. That it's still lighter than an acoustic action
Which one would you choose between the Casio celviano GP510 and the Roland LX708? I can't make up my mind between the 2.
The Roland 708 is about the best digital on the showroom floor. Much better than Casio except for price point.
@@JoeLinux2000 that's the one I bought, and very happy so far of my choice.
You should have tried the CASIO HYBRID GP 510, its hammer action is superior in sensitivity to any digital piano and even some acoustics.
Если нужен звук Европейских грандов, то 510 без вариантов. Если просто приличный звук возможности с ним поиграть, то 709 )).
I recently tried the 310 and 510... They look really nice aside from the tacky beichstain plaque. The touch is nice but the sound is bad from both the speaker and with headphones. The ES920 I tried next to the 510, blew it away in both departments and the touch was great as well.
Needless to say, I bought the 510
It all comes down to a matter of taste and preference. The GP510 in particular is a very striking and attractive digital piano that provides one of the closest things you will find in the digital piano realm to an acoustic upright piano in the looks department. The all-wooden key action is fantastic as well! When it comes to tone, every player will have their specific preferences. The most important thing is to find a piano that you connect with. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos it just sounds very fake and subpar speakers. That is hard to ignore by anyone comparing with a Kawai for example.
If I just want a simple piano is the 510 better than the 310? Does it sound or feel better or does it just have a load more digital features? Thanks
@@shaolin95but the most important thing of a digital p. Is the key action/touch. You can change the sound of a digital piano, but you can't change the action. And the Kawai CA701/901/99 have a nice sound but an unsubstantial Key action, unrealistically light and the touch is not firm. And you can't change that
I wish they put all that CA99-Innovation into a MP12 soon ❤️. Thank you very much for the in depth presentation.
It is possible that the MP11SE will receive an update in the near future. With that said, even in its current state, it is a fantastic machine!
Thank for review. After playing Roland PH-50 and Casio GP 510, which one is more closer to real grand piano? Thank you
@Working Man thanks
PH-50 is overrated based on playing a brand new one yesterday. Maybe it breaks in after a while, but out of the box it's sluggish.
CASIO hybrid GP 510 is superior in terms of touch (sound is user preference) I have tried both at a local store, but it is normal for people to envy and criticize Casio
@@AS01SDN i've been having that impression also. Casio is the most maligned digital piano brand, undeservingly. It's products are actually excellent musical instruments. Even Martha Argerich expressed satisfaction in practicing on a Casio.
I've been following these upper-range digitals (as well as the Clavinovas) for a while now. I've owned my CA99 for nearly a year which I absolutely love. I'm still impressed with the action though it's not perfect. I'm more impressed with the sound quality, especially with headphones.
I tried a GP310 at a dealer today and was honestly underwhelmed. The action looks impressive, but I think that's about it. I found the sound quality very electronic and also found the action oddly heavy. The Casio just didn't click for me, though it certainly was still a good instrument.
The Casio adjustable bench is definitely better than what the Kawai comes with, but I think the Kawai is a much better instrument.
Thanks for writing in with your insights! The Kawai CA99 is certainly an amazing instrument with a great tone and touch! The GP310 and GP510 models are both top-shelf models too, but they offer a very different feel and sound. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you specifically resonate with. :)
You don't have a review for the Casio by itself?
9 minutes on the Casio and 24 on the Kawai. Better than nothing but not balanced or thorough.
Actually, since you wrote that, they've also done an over 34 minute review about the Casio GP-510. I like both reviews. 🙂
Key length on the CA99 ressembles the one on an upright while key length on the 510GP is more a grand alike? Is this what I'm understanding?
Full research mode David :D
@@keska01 lol wanna make the right investment 💵 😁
@@DavidIzquierdoAzzouz what did you get?
@@gustavogo2915 one year later I'm still debating lol I'm honestly waiting for an MP12 or I'd most probably get the FP90X after lots of research and test play hands on, other appealing contender is the P515. I'm also flirting with the CA99 and the LX706 (I like that the latter separable into various pieces for the ease of move) but I'm actually in love with Kawai's sounds
@@DavidIzquierdoAzzouz I got a brand new Kawai GL10 baby grand a few months ago after getting a Kawai ES920 and loving the Kawai tone so I had to get the baby grand. Got a GREAT deal on the Kawai GL10. Then a few months later I got the Yamaha P515 for fun and it’s pretty decent. My living room is just filled with pianos and guitars now. If I had the money I’d go for the Bechstein tho. I’m planning on going to Merriam Music Store driving from Chicago to keep comparing and possibly buy from them if they deliver to Chicago. Will be a 16 hour drive round trip
which brand's grand is the largest cabinet that would look closer to a standard size grand?
The Roland GP9 is a full 5'0" baby grand piano cabinet. Most other brands and models have smaller more compact cabinets that are notably smaller than acoustic baby grand pianos.
I was hoping to find a 6'0" size @@MerriamPianos
If you remove the fake let-off/escapement (someone wrote a guide showing how to do this) then the CA99 action beats the GP510 action. It's that plastic bump that slows the keys down making the CA99 key action feel more like an upright than a grand piano.
Grand pianos have the escapement while uprights do not. It's the escapement that allows you to play faster repeated notes, but it also allows you to actually create a different tonal quality. It's THAT tonal quality that is a major difference between grand and upright pianos. It takes a special technique called "playing above the escapement." I use this technique to play Ondine by Maurice Ravel. You cannot create that tone on an upright piano. The Kawai has the escapement, but you cannot create the tone quality. It's a major flaw.
@@c3piano the Kawai CA99 does not have escapement - it has an unrealistic fake escapement simulation. I explained this is why you need to remove it.
That's exactly why it's silly for manufacturers to add escapement as a marketing term to attract buyers who think that escapement means more realistic touch. Escapement.on a digital just slows the action down
@@c3piano You have to understand the "escapement" on the Kawai does absolutely nothing. It's just a rubber nub that passes a detente. You can feel it, but it has no effect on tone. Very few pianists can attempt Ondine. The fact that you can play it at all puts you in a very special class.
@@c3piano? You're confused. Acoustic uprights have escapement. The acoustic grand pianos have double escapement
I tried the CA99 action recently, and I was a bit underwhelmed. The sweet spot or best value for money in digital pianos is €1k to €2.5k IMO - maybe a little more on the home pianos because you're paying for the cabinet. After that, every slight enhancement seems to cost another €500.
Can this syndrome be the proverbial case of diminishing returns? It's like trying to cross a river taking ever smaller steps. You never get there (to that ideal place) no matter how many dollars/euros/steps you put in.
Accordingly, the CA79 looks like a good deal. Subtle expression without paying for an unnecessary soundboard. A reasonable but unremarmarkable action. More balanced in features than the CA99 IMO.
Likewise for the car industry. You pay a lot more for the bells and whistles
The problems with the Kawai CA 99/701/901 are that the key action is unsubstantial, too lighter than acoustic grand pianos, the touch is not firm, and the lightness is unrealistic. So you highly likely have problems to play advanced classical music on acoustic grand pianos after studying it mainly of these Kawai models. Even the Novus10, for its much more expensive price, is too light, the sound is nice, but the action and touch are unsubstantial
@@verymozart
Some acoustic pianos have a lighter action, so it depends. Not everyone likes a heavier action either, whether acoustic or digital.
@@Persun_McPersonson no, that's not the point. You don't get the problems of these kawai digital models about the unsubstantiality of the action, they are not just too lighter, but too different than acoustic pianos. You don't exercise, you don't develop or keep the right memory mussels of the hands, if you practice on these pianos only. It means you are not an advanced / professional classical music player trained on acoustic pianos, up to what you comment
Which one would you advice to be suitable for advanced classical music level to pass a diploma exam?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Both of these are excellent top-tier digital pianos with a fantastic touch. Given what both of these fine actions are capable of in terms of responsiveness and dynamic control, either would be suitable for even high-level classical playing. The better option ultimately comes down to the tonal and touch preferences of the specific player. :)
@@MerriamPianos thanks for the reply. I don't know, because if the Kawai has a lighter touch might not be enough firm to study and pass the diploma. In the other hand the GP 310/510 I hear a muffled sound as if they had a cloth on the speakers. I'm very confused what to buy now
@@verymozart what did you buy? I got a brand new Kawai GL10 a few months ago. I live in Chicago but planning to drive out to @Merriam Music in Canada for my birthday to keep comparing sometime this month
@@gustavogo2915 I absolutely can't afford that price range. I wouldn't neither have the space
@@verymozart I also put a deposit on a GP510 today to give company to my Kawai GL10 and Yamaha P515. The CasioGP510 feels so good I couldn’t leave without her. I negotiated a huge amount off the msrp on both the GL10 and CasioGP510. CasioGP510 is being delivered Friday . Very excited
The GP-310 has the same action as the GP-510 and is much cheaper
But the sound is different I checked those two GP310 and GP510 in GP510 the low tones have more bass
@@MrEmilian1 couldn't you just ajust that parameter in the settings menu of the 310?
The sound of the 510 is better. Also you can't save the settings in the 310
Can you please review the GP310?
We will do our best to tackle that for you! With that said, it is quite comparable to the GP510 with the exception of the finish. I believe the only differences are the number of built-in sounds (there are extra non-piano sounds on the GP510) and a few of the resonant functions.
@@MerriamPianos sincerely appreciate the lightning quick response. My 7 year olds piano instructor is insisting on us purchasing an acoustic upright to ensure his fingers develop properly. She says digitals should only be used at a later stage in his development, when he is well trained. Not sure how to proceed. I really like the GP310, but it’s my son who is going to be playing and he is too young to decide
Now I dont see anything better than a German Piano Sounds in any piano.... It seems that the sound of the German piano on the Cassio GP 510 is much more nice, much more refined than the sound of the Japanese piano Kawai ... That's what I'm hearing here... Equivalent prices between $ 4000 and $ 4500 ... Despite that Kawai could have best action...? more volume...? GP 500 doesnt seem shallower keyborad than GP 510...?
I tried yesterday GP 510 and GP 310 in a piano store... They dont have the exatly the same sound as they say.. GP 510 is much more clear sound and brilhant and GP 300 has a muffled sound... although the GP 300's bass seem to resonate more...
I also played a DG 30 Kawai digital piano... of the three seemed to be the best...More powerfull... I am happy with my Korg G1 as a classic german piano sound but I think in the future buy perhaps DG 30... What piano...
Casio gp510 has the scapement!
Is it true the Kawai CA 99/79 has a too light touch?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Assessing whether an action is "too light" or "too heavy" is highly-subjective to the player and their preferences. I personally don't find the CA79 or CA99's GFIII action to be "too light", but I also wouldn't say that it is the heaviest action I have ever played in a digital piano before. I would recommend getting into a showroom to test out the piano to determine whether you connect with it's touch and whether it is too light or too heavy for your preferences. :)
@@MerriamPianos well yes ultimately the most important factor is to try. Just many reviews say that they have a light touch in order to be suitable to study and pass a classical music repertoire diploma
Would you compare the Casio GP 510 with the Yamaha N1X? Or do they belong to two different categories?
I think N1X is on a totally different level. It is a hybrid piano and of course, it is way better (and more expensive) than this too.
@@aaron_xue I am curious to try the Casio though to feel the difference
@@RobertoNapolitano th-cam.com/video/BZDHHIJg0ws/w-d-xo.html
Diego Dourado how do you find playing this piano? I'm considering it
@@RobertoNapolitano I feel like I'm playing a real grand piano. The sound, the keyboard are very reminiscent of a Steinway piano. I've played on all types of pianos, I'm a trained musician and I can guarantee you that this Casio will suit you perfectly. Better than this only if it is a new acoustic grand piano. The Casio price is more rewarding than the Kawai and Yamaha. I know two other advanced pianists who bought this GP 510 and are very satisfied.
I like the sound of casio.
Obviously, and in terms of touch it is superior to Kawai and Yamaha.
@@AS01SDN
Oh, really? Kawai is usually praised as having the most realistic action, so what makes you prefer the Casio?
I was thinking about going for the GP510 due to its availability but if the sound is so incomparable to the CA99 that it isn't even worth talking about, I will wait for the CA99.
Hahahah fool
@@AS01SDN Would you believe a Yamaha?
CA-99 sounds very nice, but i can tell you my Yamaha DGX-670 combined with Pianotea Pro sounds and plays better than just about every digital on the showroom floor. The Roland 708 is about equal. I don't like the control on the cheek block. It's better to have it right up front. the way Roland and Casio do it.
@@JoeLinux2000 Yeah but I think that the sound of the CLP 785 is more acoustic piano like than the LX 708 which is my second choice.
@@midnight4109 звук Ямах сладенький. )) Проблема однако для классики, не считаете?
Welke van de twee heeft het beste orgelgeluid?
The answer to that question comes down to the subjectivity of the player of course, but, with that said, I personally favour the organ sound on the CA99. :)
@@MerriamPianos bedankt voor je eerlijke antwoord.
Groeten Richard
Ik heb toch voor de casio gekozen ik kon een jng gebruikte op de kop tikken.
En het geluid van zowel piano als orgel kun je echt naar je eigen smaak instellen .
Je kunt hem zelfs meer laten voelen als een orgel. En het klavier is echt top
Being a 35+ years acoustic piano player, I find the "escapement" discussion somewhat overrated. There are far more important things about a key action than "escapement/let off". I am a big, big fan of CA99 and the obvious choice for me. In fact I would prefer anything from CN39 (included) and above over the Casio. Thank you, Stu, for this review and it is always great to listen to Rhapsody in Blue from you (even if it is only a few scales). Cheers, Ali.
My thought is people don’t fully understand the purpose of the escapement. It allows players to create a different tone if you are able to play “above” the escapement. The Kawai has the escapement “bump” feeling, but does not allow the change of tone if you play above it. Most players never reach the level of playing above the escapement or even know what the term actually means.
@@c3piano I beg to differ about the purpose of the escapement. It is the mechanism that lets the hammer off the string even if you keep pressing the key, so the damper of that string keeps retracted and that note sustains without the hammer touching the string (otherwise the hammer itself would have damped the string so the note wouldn't sustain). However, on the practical side, this gives the very skilled pianists (just as you have mentioned) to develop this technique to play fast and soft without missing any notes. Kudos to you for mentioning this technique, and kudos to Stu for these videos and giving us the opportunity to have discussions with such a highly knowledgeable community. Cheers!
@AliAr, yes you are correct. I was mainly thinking how I learned to develop the technique of using it. I suppose that's how it had any real affect it has to me as a pianist. I don't see the purpose of creating it for the digital piano.
@@c3piano I think it's meaningless on a digital. On an acoustic grand that is lubricated with Protek CLP, it's very hard to notice anyway. I'm not doubting that a highly skill player can take advantage of the fact that the jack is released partway down the key stroke. It's still very hard to notice when it occurs in the normal course of playing. I would say the technique you are describing is more of a fetish style that probably has little or no meaning to an average player. Stu does say he can make use of the let-off point to play softer
@@c3pianowhat would be the technique to play above the escarpment and change the tone on the acoustic grand pianos? And can you do it without realising that you do when playing advanced classical music?
Casio all the way. It has a superior action. If you do not like the samples sounds merely use the midi out and connect it to a piano engine like pianoteq 7, which imo is better than all of the sound banks these pianos come with.
And you can get access to many new sounds.
I agree the only piano that comes close to Pianoteq is the Roland 708. Most of the digitals on the market sound inferior to Pianoteq.
Its possible to Play pianoteq trough Gp501's internal speakers??
@@hablemosde1950 yeah
Can you connet to a piano engine with a telephone only? I don't have a computer
Kawai Sound is Unbeatable either on the Digitals or Asian Acoustics
Kawai certainly makes beautiful-sounding pianos! :)
It would be good if you review advanced digital pianos with classical pieces rather than pop or jazz ones.
Bingo...there's a lack of diversity in the testing of action and sound of these reviews. As an advanced classical pianist, it makes choosing almost impossible if pianos are all tested with jazzy type stuff.
hello Stu, are you okay? I hope Kawai didn't come and kill you for that particular piece of commentary :D
I have to say that today in two showrooms, I tried the CA 701/901, the old CA99 (the only one left to sell), and the Casio GP510. I'm very very disappointed of the Kawai CA701/901 lightness. Although the sound is nice and nicer than what you hear on TH-cam videos, the action is really, incredibly light. Too much lighter than the average acoustic grand pianos. The 99 is a bit less lighter than the 701/901, and even the sound is much better than the successors, but still light. The Casio GP510; the sound is not bad at all, better and nicer than I thought, less nice than the Kawai, but the action/weight is heavier than the Kawai, and seems more realistic, nearer to an acoustic. The GP510 has a very good responsiveness also. But it's made with the polished one only, so it costs around £500/400 more than the Kawai. You state it's up the preferences, but the light weight, and lighter than the acoustic ones, is a fact. It's hard to believe that the Kawai lightness is not going to affect the performance on the acoustic grand pianos that there are at the exam. I'm so upset and disappointed by the extreme lightness of the Grand Feel 3 of the the Kawai CA 701/901. Really it seems a toy not a piano, and the repetition of the notes I thought was better either. (I also tried the Kawai novus , utterly light too, at that price, I believe it's unacceptable. I'm so upset because I can't afford more expensive than these 😭🥺
(I hope you'll read this and maybe express an expert opinion on my feedback)
Hi Giulia, Brent from Merriam Music here. Thanks for writing in and sharing your insights regarding your experiences with these various models. Just to clarify some of my responses to your earlier questions about the appropriateness of the GFIII action for high-level classical playing, I was not suggesting that the weighting of the touch was a matter of preference. Static touchweight is a quantifiable element that can is objectively factual. What I was referring to by stating that it was a matter of preference was specifically about whether it was an appropriate action or feel for high-level classical playing. That is quite subjective and personal. We have extremely high-level concert players that purchase models like the CA701/CA901 and NV5S/NV10S as a second (or, in some cases, main) practice instrument. That is why we always recommend for players to make their way out to a showroom to play the instruments for themselves in order to make the decision. It is fantastic that you were able to make your way to showrooms that had all of those models on hand to compare and play! That is very helpful. Also, the GP310 has the same action as the GP510 and is more affordable because it is a matte finish. It is virtually the same instrument with a few very minor subtleties (less instrument sounds and a few less tonal/resonance features if I recall correctly). The GP310 might be worth consideration if you liked the action of the GP510, but want to save some money by not purchasing a polished finish. Thanks and hope this helps!
@@MerriamPianosthanks for replying. I understand what you meant about the preferences. But still you believe that the Kawai is suitable to pass highly advanced classical music diploma exams. And I don't get it why. Because they are really too much lighter than the acoustic grand pianos on which you must perform the recital exam. Really I don't get how they can be suitable to pass the exam.
I love it when Stu interrupts himself to play a little bit and then sort of gets lost in playing for a while before he remembers he was talking about something. I've been reading Winnie the Pooh to my kids lately, so it reminds me of when Pooh bear goes to check if he's actually got honey in his honey pot, and he gets carried away and soon enough, eats it all. That's Stu...talking, talking...oh wait let me just try a little...three minutes later...ah - as I was saying...
Because it isn't fully scripted. Stu is great. How he can do so much so effortlessly, on what is obviously the first take in many instances always amazes me.
😂
Wait...the Casio GP510 does NOT have Bluetooth Connectivity and is priced at $6000? Who made that decision at Casio?
Yes, it's a bit odd that the exclusion was made, but on the other hand they have built both their Chordana App around wired-connections, and perhaps their user community may not be calling for it in the same way that Roland has.
Have you ever played an electronic instrument with bluetooth out? its impossible with the amount of lag that inevitably comes with a bluetooth connection. That goes for midi as well; the lag measures smaller but is still there.
Thats what make Casio just Casio, always missing even cheap features. Omg Casio !!!
Less than smart Casio .....
It really annoying that Casio have not built in Bluetooth ....very short sighted .....the action on 510 and 310 is impeccable but Casio need to get their act together on technology..... Yamaha are way ahead of the game ...there is also a difference in sound quality between 510 and 310 .....510 superior but only just ....not a deal breaker....however it's the woeful under use of tech for me
Gosto mais do PIANO ACÚSTICO.
Casio have come a long way, though you don't seem inspired by this digital piano. If the action is comparable, the sound will make the difference, so I ll take the Kawai. The casio would have to be exceptional, like the nv5 which you raved about, to steal customers from Kawai, Yamaha, Roland ...
Also, lack of escapement and bleutooth connectivity make this model too expensive. Casio will have huge marketing campaigns, as I noticed in my local music store. But for this money, it's not good enough for me.
This Casio piano is the best option of the moment. See it on my channel: th-cam.com/video/BZDHHIJg0ws/w-d-xo.html
@@DiegoDourado you do play very well but your statement is broad and I do not see many people agreeing. Obviously you will defend the choice you made. I tried this casio, though a good instrument it did not excite me, felt a bit sterile. I much preferred the Kawai. But, I also tried the Kawai Aures k500, an accoustic piano with ep system and I knew immediately that was what I really wanted. I'm an old school musician, I like strings, so, if one day casio will make accoustic/hybrid piano's I might consider that brand. Happy playing!
@@omedome2787 It is necessary to analyze the cost-benefit ratio. Here in Brazil it doesn't pay to spend more than this Casio on the purchase of a hybrid digital piano. I don't know how it is in your country, but here, if you are going to spend more, it is better to buy a new grand piano. This Casio of mine is a studio and recording instrument. I still have another acoustic upright piano and a portable keyboard. Yes, I would buy Korg or Yamaha as long as the prices were more real. Designer brands aim for high profits, this is something to think about.
Casio is so much better in action. Digital escapement is so fake and cant be the same as the acoustic so its not important really
@@user-yd2ny1mb3m that's your opinion. I do not see many people agree
I play Casio for almost 7 years. The only minus is that escapment isbnot on gp510
Not a minus, it's a plus. It makes the repetition speed faster. Escapement is only required on acoustic piano bc of strings, it's not designed to enhance the playing experience. If anything, escapement is somewhat of an unfortunate side effect of the mechanical realities inside a piano
@@julianmanjarres1998 Exactly. The friction created when the jack is push out from underneath the hammer knuckle. You can lessen that friction with Protek CLP which is one of the most amazing lubricants I have every come across. It like a skate blade in contact with hard ice. It enables friction points to just glide. Can be used on pin felts and leather points. Should definitely not be used on tuning pins and probably not on the back check leathers.
Problem is the name Casio, it just reminds me of their watches and toy keyboards.
Definitely this is not the case.
so do I.
Of which they have sold millions. Casio is actually a computer company.
Yet the GP-510 has no escapement 😢
Casio's actions do not feature escapement, but there are some players that actually prefer that as they do not care for the escapement/let-off simulation that some digital actions have. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference of course.
In conclusion. If you are going for touch Casio go510. Sound quality kawai ca99. I tried both and here is my conclusion.
Exactly
CASIO has a more advanced 6-speaker system than the Kawai, plus the lid gives it that unique realism and its sound source is more realistic along with its keys. CASIO wins all round
Totally cheated the Casio during the sound category. You just focused exclusively on the Kawai with regard to sound. Totally biased.
This guy hates CASIO, in several videos he acts like this, he's like an idiot only limiting himself to preferring brands like Yamaha or Kawai. CASIO has a more advanced 6-speaker system than the Kawai, plus the lid gives it that unique realism and its sound source is more realistic along with its keys. CASIO wins all round
I agree the CA99 gets a lot more in-depth coverage in this video, which is a little odd for a comparison. To be fair though he has since uploaded another 34 minute video dedicated just to the GP-510.
Gotta love Casio butthurt fanboys. Dude accept it, kawai is far superior man. Casio needs to step up their quality
@@shaolin95 you sound like an idiot, actually. I actually have an Rd 2000 and a top-of-the-line Yamaha clp. That being said, I stand by my original comment that he didn't give a comparable amount of time in his demo of the Casio. I didn't say anything disparingly about the Kawaiis sound. Please learn to focus on what's being said and try to refrain from sophomoric insults.
You guys must be watching different videos. I hear a lot of praise for Casio from Stu in many many vids. By the way, I’m at 8:52 and I have /yet/ to hear the CA99 in action…
No escapement on the GP510 seems like a poor choice for a piano with that price tag.
What do you mean by escape?
The CA99 doesn't have escapement either - like many digital pianos it has a fake escapement that actually slows the key down as you reach the plastic bump. A real escapement does not slow the key down.
The escapement is MUCH more than feeling a bump while depressing the key. It’s built into the action of grand pianos to achieve a technique that changes the actual tone of the piano. The technique is called “playing above the escapement.” It is an advanced technique to learn. Most people think the word only apply to the bump feeling while depressing a key lightly. It is a completely phony attempt by digital piano makers to put in the “bump” since the tone remains the same.
Digital escapement is so fake and it even makes the piano worse..
@@user-yd2ny1mb3m true
⚠️ *This guy hates CASIO, in several videos he acts like this, he's like an idiot only limiting himself to preferring brands like Yamaha or Kawai. CASIO has a more advanced 6-speaker system than the Kawai, plus the lid gives it that unique realism and its sound source is more realistic along with its keys. CASIO wins all round*