Meet the Kawai CX102, a digital piano that’s like a warm hug from a grand piano, but without the hefty price tag or the need for a mansion to house it. As the entry-level gem in Kawai’s new CX series, this piano is all about bringing authentic sound and feel to aspiring musicians. Slated for a fall 2025 release, it comes loaded with the rich, soulful tones of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand that fans of the brand know and love. It also features a slew of other very usable sounds to spark some added creativity. At this price point, the Kawai CX102 is a no-brainer for anyone wanting a top-notch instrument with the best piano samples on the market and a ton of other great features.

The Kawai CX102 doesn’t just sound great – it looks the part, too. It features a totally redesigned modern cabinet in Embossed Black or White that fits into any musical space, with a sliding key cover that’s gentle on your fingers and a matching padded bench for comfort during those long practice sessions. The Kawai CX102 comes equipped with a 22-watt stereo speaker system that easily fills your room with an articulate warm sound and also features dual headphone jacks for more focused practice time. Kawai has also included enhanced Bluetooth MIDI functionality and the use of the PianoRemote app make it a breeze to connect to, further expanding the capabilities of the CX102.

Kawai continues to innovate and update their actions with each new line of products they introduce. The Responsive Hammer Lite keyboard action brings 88 fully graded keys that mimic the weight and response of an acoustic piano, helping you build finger strength and nail proper technique. Each key is crafted to feel just right—light in the treble, heavier in the bass—so you get that organic, grand piano vibe. The advanced hammer-sensing and improved key cushioning tech keeps things quiet and smooth, perfect for late-night sessions without waking the house.

The heart of the Kawai CX102 is its well-respected Harmonic Imaging sound technology. This robust sound engine accurately captures the lush and expressive tones of the world-renowned Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand. Kawai has put in meticulous effort to capture every nuance of the SK-EX, and it really shows. This piano sound is a stunner – it’s warm, deep, and full of character, with smooth transitions from whisper-soft pianissimo to thunderous fortissimo. Aside from the expressive grand piano sound, you’ve also got 17 other fantastic sounds to play with, including electric pianos, organs, strings and basses.

With six reverb settings like Room, Concert Hall, or Cathedral, you can almost imagine your piano being played in your dream venue. With 22 watts of power, the Kawai CX102 produces a crisp, vibrant sound that fills your room, while the Spatial Headphone Sound mode offers a totally immersive playing experience.

The Kawai CX102 is built for today’s modern music world, with connectivity that is both simple and effective. Bluetooth MIDI lets you connect to your phone or tablet, opening the door to apps like PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer where you can tweak settings, access scores of pieces you want to learn, or dive into lessons. You can even stream any audio from your device through the piano’s speakers for a seamless play-along experience. USB-MIDI opens the doors for recording or connecting to the DAW of your choice, and dual headphone jacks mean you and a friend or teacher can play together in silence.

• USB to HOST for MIDI and audio
• Bluetooth MIDI and Audio
• Two headphone jacks (1/4” and 1/8”) for shared or solo practice
• DC In jack for power

• Built-in Lesson FunctionThe Kawai CX102 comes with a ton of lesson songs from popular method books like Alfred, Burgmüller, Czerny, and Beyer. Whether you’re just starting out with your first piece of music or tackling something more advanced, these built-in songs are a great resource for learning.
• Internal RecorderIf you’re working on a new composition or just want to listen back to your practice session, the 3-song recorder (with 10,000-note capacity) lets you capture it on the spot. Play it back to track your progress or share it with friends, it’s a great way to stay creative and connect with your instrument.
• MetronomeHaving an onboard metronome is also a very usable feature, offering beats from 1/4 to 6/8 and tempos from 10 to 300 bpm. It’s perfect for tightening up your timing, whether you’re practicing a tricky passage or just jamming out a new composition.

The CX102 is a very impressive new offering from the Kawai. Simple and streamlined with modern refinement, there isn’t really a bad thing that can be said about it! Its Shigeru Kawai SK-EX sound is the best in the biz, the keys are smooth and comfortable for hours of use, and the modern features—like Bluetooth and app support—make it as practical as it is inspiring. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced player looking for something new and encouraging, the Kawai CX102 is the clear winner among its contemporaries in the same price range.