Kawai CLP139 Reviews

I’m very very happy with my Kawai CLP139. I came close to buying a Yamaha CVP501, but my wife strongly encouraged me to get something that looked more like a real piano.

The feature sets of the two is actually FAR more similar than you would guess by reviewing the websites, but there are a few things about the Kawai (IMHO) that make it worth spending a little more:

-The Yamaha “feel” is fantastic, but the Kawai is even better. This is a personal preference, but I settled on the Kawai as my favorite for feel.

-The Yamaha digital piano division has recently reorganized (according to both the Kawai and Yamaha sales people), and the new crew isn’t investing as much in post-sale service. For example, parts that wear out in the Yamaha keyboard are not stocked here in the US for some of the models that are more than 3 years old, so repairs can take a LONG time. Kawai (according to guys that repair both Kawai and Yamaha) is easier to work with.

-Both pianos sound fantastic, but spending more (with either brand) gives better built-in amp and speakers, and the CP139 was definitely a step up from the CVP501.

-The Kawai CFP139’s touch screen is both a pro and a con… It really makes it easy to get to the sounds you want quickly, but with three 9-year-old boys learning to play the piano in my house (I’m a proud father of triplets), it won’t be long until that screen breaks.  At least the warranty is good and I know that there are spare parts here in town.

Thanks for your help – your book definitely helped me ask smarter questions.

Review by Brad, USA