CS11 / CS8

Luxurious appearance
Impecc able touch
Stunning soundThe new range of Classic Series luxury digital pianos– crafted by Japan’s premier acoustic piano company.

Luxurious, elegant, classic – nothing says piano quite like the

However, the Classic Series are far more than just handsome additions

refined beauty of polished ebony. The evocative character of ato one’s living space, for inside their finely crafted, gleaming blacksilky smooth, rich black cabinet elevates the musical instrument

cabinets lies Kawai’s advanced digital piano sound and keyboard

to that of a piece of fine furniture, while simultaneously raisingaction technology, ensuring that these exceptional instruments play

the artistic aspirations of the performer.

as beautifully as they look. Pioneering innovations such as Harmonic
Imaging XL and the Soundboard Speaker System recreate the exquisite

Kawai has been creating world-class musical instruments fortonal character of Kawai’s peerless EX concert grand piano with

90 years – maintaining traditional hand-crafted processes while

breathtaking realism, while the Grand Feel II keyboard action withembracing original ideas, in a passionate quest to perfect the art

Ivory & Ebony Touch key surfaces, triple-sensor key detection, gradedof the piano.

counterweights, and let-off simulation guarantees a remarkably
authentic piano playing experience.

The new range of premium Kawai digital instruments pursue
these very same principles, marrying together stunning polishedComplementing their beautiful appearance, stunning sound, andcabinet parts (meticulously prepared in our own acoustic piano

rewarding keyboard touch, the Classic Series offer a selection offinishing facility) with modern sound and keyboard technologies.

digital piano features that further enhance one’s musical enjoyment.

The result is the Classic Series – a collection of luxurious, elegant

USB audio record/playback, Dual and Split keyboard modes, and a

pianos that deliver a truly exceptional musical experience.

rich assortment of customisable instrument voices add greater variety
to players’ performances. Furthermore, the convenient metronome

Sitting down at a Kawai Classic Series, one quickly begins tofunction and integrated classical etudes or Alfred course books ensure

appreciate the instruments’ acoustic piano design cues: thethat regular practise is productive and engaging for aspiring pianists.

gorgeous rich black polished finish, the warm glimmer from thefamily crest’s brushed metal lettering, and the wide music rest

Luxurious appearance combined with class-leading touch and tone:

complete with simulated leather inlay.

Introducing the Classic Series premium digital pianos from Kawai.

The Touch of a Grand Piano
The keyboard action of an acoustic grand piano is composed of black and white keys,
graded hammers, and numerous other components working in harmony when eachnote is pressed. This beautifully designed mechanism allows gifted pianists to express
a wealth of feeling and emotion in their music, as they appreciate and respond to thetactile nuances transmitted through the keyboard.
Translating the piano action’s intricate movements to a digital instrument, while
retaining these acoustic-like subtleties is a stunning achievement – one which has
drawn upon 90 years of experience in crafting the world’s finest pianos.

Gr and Feel II ke y board a c tion

Iv ory & Ebon y To uch ke y surfa ces

L ongest ke ys, L ongest piv ot length

Embracing many of the long-established principles associated with an

The exceptional Classic Series instruments feature Kawai’s highly regarded

In addition to having the longest keys of any digital piano,

acoustic piano, the new Grand Feel II keyboard action utilised by the

Ivory Touch white key surfaces as standard. This finely textured materialGrand Feel keyboard actions also boast the longest key pivot

latest Classic Series combines realistic materials, motion, and mechanism

gently absorbs fingertip perspiration and oils to assist playing control, andlength – matching that of a Kawai grand piano.

to recreate the exceptional touch of the finest concert grand pianos.

possesses a natural, matte finish that is smooth but not slippery.

All eighty-eight black and white keys are crafted entirely from long pieces

To complement these premium white keys, Kawai has developed Ebony

weight from front to rear, and is particularly beneficial whenof wood, with finely textured ivory and ebony-like surfaces applied toTouch, an all-new black key material that reproduces the finely-textured

playing complicated chords with fingers positioned towards

absorb moisture and assist control. Each wooden key pivots smoothly on

grain and rich lustre of real ebony wood. The result is a keyboard surface

the back of the keyboard.

a balance pin – the ends rising and falling to replicate the familiar ‘seesaw’

that looks and feels as luxurious as some of the finest grand pianos.

Pivot Length

This improvement ensures a more evenly balanced key touch

Grand Piano action

motion of an acoustic piano action. When pressed, the back of the key
lifts, triggering a grade-weighted hammer to strike a pressure switch.
The amount of force applied to this switch is then measured, and thecorresponding note played with authentic tonal character and volume.
In addition, graded counterweights attached towards the front of eachkey help to lighten their touch during pianissimo passages, with letoff simulation also reproducing the delicate ‘notch’ sensation felt whenGrand Feel II action

playing the keys of a grand piano very softly. These subtle characteristics
allow discerning pianists to practise their expanding repertoire withconfidence, and ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises when called
upon to perform using the finest acoustic grand pianos.

Triple -sensor ke y detec tion

The Signific ance of re al w o oden ke ys

The Grand Feel II action features Kawai’s latest triple-sensor detection

Wood has been the preferred material for acoustic

The outstanding resonance properties of wood

piano keys for centuries, and was first introduced

are widely accepted, making it an ideal choice forin Kawai digital pianos over 30 years ago. Yet

stringed instruments such as guitars, violins, and ofdespite the countless improvements to acoustic

course pianos. Wooden piano keys are also known

and digital piano action technologies in recent

to vibrate, subtly channelling the sound energy ofyears, engineers still recognise that wood remains

the instrument back through the fingertips, andthe best material for the keyboard.

enhancing the musician’s playing experience.

Unlike plastics and most other man-madeFinally, wooden keys are inherently special. The

substances, wood possesses unique characteristics

look, feel, and even the smell of wooden keys

that allow it to absorb a degree of movement

furnish the Classic Series with an organic quality

energy and flex slightly when compressed. Thisthat helps the player to feel a closer connectionmeans that when a pressing a wooden key itwith their piano. And it is this important personalreaches the cushioned felt keybed with a natural,connection that ultimately allows pianists to relax,reassuring stop, rather than a jarring, noisy halt.

and lose themselves in the joy of making music.

system for enhanced accuracy and responsiveness when playing the same
key repeatedly. This third sensor allows the sound of a single note to be
gradually ‘layered’ without previous tones being lost, while also supporting

Triple sensor

advanced techniques such as playing notes from the let-off point.
Ebony Touch
key surface

Let-oﬀ mechanism
Weighted hammer

Balance pins

Graded counterweight
Wooden key

Ivory Touch key surface

The Sound of a Grand Piano
Earning a reputation as the ‘premier pianos of Japan’, Shigeru
Kawai instruments grace the stages of concert halls and musicalinstitutions throughout the world, and are prized for theiroutstanding tonal clarity and exceptional dynamic range.
The new Classic Series captures the magnificent tone of two
Shigeru Kawai instruments, the flagship SK-EX Concert andmedium-sized SK-5 Studio grand pianos, allowing musicians toenjoy the contrasting properties of each.

In addition, the CS11 & CS8 also feature the distinctive soundof Kawai’s highly acclaimed EX concert grand piano, which
has frequently been selected by professional pianists in such
prestigious events as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rubinsteininternational piano competitions, among others.
All three instruments are faithfully reproduced with full 88-key
sampling using the latest Harmonic Imaging™ sound technology,
to establish a new standard in digital piano tonal quality.

Harm onic Im a ging technolo g y

Impr o ved Virt ual Technician

When playing a fine piano, the amount of

The Classic Series’ improved Virtualpressure applied to the keyboard aﬀects not

Technician functions invite discerning

only the volume of the sound produced,

musicians to shape aspects of the selected

but also the unique tonal character of eachpiano’s character to suit their preferences.

note. Therefore, in order to construct a
realistic acoustic portrait of each grandpiano, not only is each key recorded
individually, but also at a wide variety ofdiﬀerent volume levels, ranging from gentle
pianissimo to thunderous fortissimo.

Players can perform touch and voicing
adjustments, regulate hammer and key
release noises, and fine-tune string, lid,and damper resonances. It is even possible
to adjust the precise tuning and volume ofindividual notes – all in real-time. Then,

The new Classic Series oﬀers a highlywith the desired refinements complete,detailed acoustic portrait, with Harmonicsave the personally prepared instrument

Imaging XL technology ensuring smoothto internal memory or a connected USB

tonal transitions across the keyboard anddevice, or exchange favourite settings withthroughout the entire dynamic range.

other Classic Series owners online.

E x tr a-L ong Sa mpling (hi-xl)
With expanded piano sound memory, the new Classic Series boasts thelargest sample size of any Kawai digital piano. This ‘eXtra Long’ standardof Harmonic Imaging technology extends the important attack portion

Impressive Effec ts & Re verb
The Classic Series’ powerful digital eﬀects engine further enhances the
instrument’s superior core sounds, applying additional layers of detail andrealism that bring performances to life.

of the piano sound by up to 120%, articulating the natural detail andStudio quality chorus, tremolo, delay, and auto-pan eﬀects can be used

resonance characteristics of each note more clearly, and improving theto tailor a sound’s character and feeling, with modelled amplifier/speaker

instrument’s organic tonal quality overall.

simulations applying vintage warmth to electric pianos and trademark
growl to drawbar organs. The depth of a performance can then betransformed using the Classic Series’ strong reverb features, allowing
pianists to position themselves within one of six acoustic environments,
ranging from a small practise room to an inspirational grand cathedral.

Superior spe aker s ystems
The Classic Series feature high fidelity 3-way speaker systems that havebeen specially designed to deliver deep bass and crisp treble frequencies.

A co ustic Piano variet y

The high-specification CS8 boasts a new 6-speaker configuration thatimmerses the performer, while the flagship CS11 piano also incorporates
the latest version of Kawai’s highly-regarded Soundboard Speaker System.

Alongside the classically voiced SK-EX, SK-5, and EX grand piano sounds,
the Classic Series also showcases a selection of Jazz, Modern, and Pop
variations suitable for a range of musical periods and styles. Traditional
Kawai upright piano sounds are also included, for pieces that suggest a

88 -ke y Piano Sa mpling
The rich, expressive sound of the SK-EX, SK-5, and EX grand pianos isat the heart of the new Classic Series, with all eighty-eight keys of theseworld-class instruments painstakingly recorded, meticulously analysed, andaccurately reproduced as high-fidelity digital waveforms.
Recording each key individually in this way – as opposed to stretching thesame tone over several diﬀerent notes – preserves the grand pianos’ uniqueharmonic character, and guarantees that the sound heard when playing any
one of the Classic Series’ wooden keys is a faithful representation of the1

88

original acoustic source.

feeling of nostalgia, or call for a slightly more intimate tonal character.

This unique audio technology embraces the rich, harmonic qualities ofwood, channelling sound energy onto a traditional soundboard in orderto produce a natural, organic tone. Long wooden ribs securely attachedto the soundboard further broaden the frequency range and volume of theresonating sound, resulting in a remarkably authentic playing experiencethat faithfully reproduces the tonal ambience of an acoustic piano.

The Variet y of a Digital Piano
Complementing the instrument’s class-leading Grand Feel II keyboard action and stunning
Harmonic Imaging XL grand piano sound, the Classic Series also oﬀer a strong selection ofdigital features that further enhance one’s musical enjoyment.
USB audio recording and playback, Dual, Split, and Four Hands keyboard modes, and a richassortment of customisable instrument voices add greater variety to players’ performances,while the convenient metronome function and integrated classical etudes and Alfred course
books ensure that regular practise is both productive and engaging for aspiring pianists.

Rich So und Selec tion

Gr and Feel Pedal S ystem

Fle xible USB Con nec tivit y

MP3 Audio Pl ay b a ck & Record

Supplementing the beautiful acoustic piano voices, the Classic Series also

Reinforcing the Classic Series’ reputation as the most realistic digital

The CS11 and CS8 are equipped with modern USB connectors that not

USB memory devices can also be used to play back MP3 or WAV audio

features an excellent selection of additional sounds, ranging from electric

piano is Kawai’s Grand Feel Pedal System. This unique development

only allow the instrument to be connected to a computer for MIDI use,files, allowing musicians to learn the chords or melody for a new piece,

pianos and drawbar or church organs, to strings, human choirs, and synth

accurately replicates the individual weighting of the damper, soft, andbut also to load and save data to USB memory devices directly.

or to simply play along with their favourite songs. It is even possible topads, inviting musicians to add greater variety to their performances.

sostenuto pedals of the SK-EX and EX concert grand pianos to further

Furthermore, the Dual playing mode also allows two diﬀerent sounds,

enhance the Classic Series’ acoustic piano authenticity.

This latter USB to Device functionality allows favourite instrument
settings, registrations, and memorable recorder songs stored in internalsuch as grand piano and strings, to be layered together, while the Split andMoreover, it is also possible to adjust the half-pedal sensitivity of thememory to be safely preserved on USB, or standard MIDI files (SMF)

Four Hands modes divide the keyboard into two independent sections.

damper pedal, and eﬀectiveness of the soft pedal using specially engineered

downloaded from the internet to be listened to using the instrument’s

The volume balances and other settings for each playing mode can also be

Virtual Technician parameters, allowing musicians to personalise theexquisite Harmonic Imaging XL sounds without additional hardware.

adjusted quickly and easily using the real-time panel controls.

instrument’s response to match their preferred pedalling technique.

record entire performances (including external line-in audio) directly as
MP3 or WAV audio files for emailing to family and friends, or casual
listening away from the piano.

iPad Contr ol A pps
Connecting the Classic Series to an iPad using either a USB cable allows
players to extend the instruments’ functionality with a wide rangeof education, performance, and scoring apps.

Lesson & Finger E xer cises

A dedicated Virtual

Technician app is also freely available, providing an enjoyable way tolearn about and adjust the Classic Series’ various characteristics from an

The Classic Series’ convenient lesson function allows aspiring pianists to

attractive touch interface.

learn piano with classical Czerny, Burgmüller, Beyer, Bach, and Chopin
etudes, or a collection of songs from the popular Alfred Basic, Adult, andPremier course books. With a strong emphasis on acoustic piano realism,
both models also feature traditional finger exercises, scales, and warm-up
drills, and include a companion book of printed scores to further aid
one’s practise.

Impr o ved He adphone E xperience

Usef ul Con nec tivit y Op tions

The Classic Series’ Spatial Headphone

In addition to USB to Host and USB to Device connectors, the Classic

Sound (SHS) technology enhances theSeries also feature standard LINE-level audio and MIDI jacks. These

depth and realism of the instrument’s

useful connectivity options allow the instrument to be enjoyed in larger

piano sounds when using headphones

settings such as churches or school halls, and provide greater flexibility

or earphones, while also helping towhen using computers and other audio devices.

reduce auditory fatigue when listening
for extended periods of time.

Ener g y Conservation

Moreover, the CS11 and CS8 also feature a dedicated, high fidelity
headphone amplifier, utilising the same premium hardware found in

The CS11 and CS8 utilise modern, energy eﬃcient components thataudiophile music devices. This technology significantly improves soundreduce electricity consumption by 50% (compared to previous generation

quality when using headphones, and allows players to select a variety ofmodels), while the instruments’ optional power saving feature can also

diﬀerent headphone types for an optimised listening experience.

turn oﬀ the piano automatically after a specified period of inactivity.

The Design of an Acoustic Piano
Standing proudly amongst other items offine furniture, a piano is often considered thecentrepiece of any room it occupies.
With elegant cabinetry, striking accents,
and a natural wooden finish, the exterior
appearance of a piano contributes more to
the overall aesthetic of playing and listening
to music than arguably any other instrument.
This shared belief inspires Kawai’s digital andacoustic piano designers to work together,developing original ideas that improvefunctionality, without detracting from an
instrument’s traditional character.

CS11
Keyboard

CS8

88 wooden keys with Ivory and Ebony Touch key surfaces / Grand Feel II (GFII) action with Let-Oﬀ, Triple Sensor, and Counterweights

Sound Source

Harmonic Imaging™ XL (HI-XL), 88-key piano sampling

Internal Sounds

80 voices

60 voicesPolyphonymax. 256 notes

Keyboard Modes
Reverb

Dual Mode, Split Mode, Four Hands Mode (Volume/Balance adjustable)
Type:
Parameters:

Effects

Type:

Room, Lounge, Small Hall, Concert Hall, Live Hall, Cathedral
Reverb Depth, Reverb Time
Mono Delay, Ping Delay, Triple Delay, Chorus, Classic Chorus, Ensemble, Tremolo, Classic Tremolo, Vibrato Tremolo, Tremolo+Amp,
Auto Pan, Classic Auto Pan, Auto Pan+Amp, Phaser+Auto Pan, Phaser, Classic Phaser, Phaser+Amp, Phaser+Chorus, Rotary (1~6)

Parameters:

Be yond Ebon y Polish

Cl a ssic Design is Timeless

Rather than simply replicate Kawai’s existing digital pianos in a polishedThe world of interior fashion and furniture design is constantly evolving

ebony finish, the Classic Series design team decided to take a rather– adapting to the diverse, global influences that enrich our lives. And

diﬀerent approach. They began by studying acoustic pianos – evaluating

yet, the characteristic design of an acoustic piano cabinet has remained

the characteristics that define an instrument’s personality, before

largely unchanged for decades: dignified, timeless, classic.

modelling the new Classic Series cabinets around these core qualities.

Virtual Technician

Voicing:

Normal, Mellow 1, Mellow 2, Dynamic, Bright 1, Bright 2, User Voicing& Eﬀects:
Temperament& Tuning:
Others:Internal Recorder

One important design feature of the CS8 is its tall upper board.

enduring design, with its premium

USB Functions

Combined with a broad music rest, this large, polished area elevates

quality cabinet replicating Kawai’s pop-

the piano, and gives the relatively compact instrument a grander, moreular K-2 compact upright. Finisheddistinguished presence. Single-piece side panels further contribute to thefrom top to bottom in a luxurious

Classic Series’ acoustic piano character, with the refined toe block overlap

ebony polish and crowned with one ofensuring a clean, elegant finish.

the most respected names in the piano
industry, the CS11 is undoubtedly theLight+, Light, Normal, Heavy, Heavy+, Oﬀ (Constant), User Touch Curve

Resonance, NoiseThe flagship CS11 plays tribute to thisDry/Wet, Time, Speed, Mono/Stereo, Accel./Rotary Speed – Parameters dependent on eﬀect.

Touch Curve:

Damper Resonance, Damper Noise, String Resonance, Undamped String Resonance, Cabinet Resonance, Key-oﬀ Eﬀect,
Fall-back Noise, Topboard Simulation, Decay Time
Equal, Pure Major, Pure Minor, Pythagorean, Meantone, Werckmeister, Kirnberger
User Temperament, Temperament Key, Stretch Tuning, User Tuning
Hammer Delay, Minimum Touch, User Key Volume, Half-Pedal Adjust, Soft Pedal Depth
10 song, 2 track recorder – approximately 90,000 note memory capacity

Playback & Record:
Others:MP3, WAV, SMF
Load Song, Load Registration All/Single, Load Startup Setting, Save Internal Song, Save SMF Song, Save Registration All/Single,
Save Startup Setting, Rename File, Delete File, Format USB, Convert Song to Audio, Overdub Audio

Metronome

Beat:
Tempo:

Internal Songs

tionalists: musicians who appreciate all
the benefits of a digital piano with the

10 - 400 bpm (20 - 800 bpm for eighth note rhythms)

Demo Songs:
Piano Music:

perfect instrument for modern tradi-

1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 3/8, 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, 12/8 + 100 drum rhythms

39 songs

37 songs

29 or 42 pieces ¹

Lesson Function:

Songs from Alfred, Burgmüller, Czerny, Beyer, Bach, and Chopin lesson books ². Finger Exercises

Concert Magic:

176 songs (88 x 2 banks)

very latest technological advances, yet

Registrations

still admire the understated character

Other Settings

Key/Song Transpose, Tone Control (incl. User EQ), Speaker Volume, Line In Level, Wall EQ*, Tuning, Damper Hold, Split, Four Hands, LCD Contrast,& Functions

Startup Setting, Factory Reset, SHS Mode, Phones Type/Volume, Lower Octave Shift, Lower Pedal On/Oﬀ, Split Balance, Layer Octave Shift, Layer Dynamics,

of a truly classic design.

16 memories (8 x 2), Edit Registration

Dual Balance, MIDI Channel, Send PGM#, Local Control, Transmit PGM#, Multi-timbral Mode, Channel Mute, Auto Power Oﬀ, Audio Recorder Gain

Display

Conce aled Contr ol Panel

128 x 64 pixel LCD with backlight

PedalsDamper (with half-pedal support), Soft, Sostenuto. Grand Feel Pedal System

Jacks

LINE IN (1/8˝ STEREO), LINE IN Level, LINE OUT (1/4˝ L/MONO, R), LINE OUT Level

The control panel for each Classic Series
instrument is discreetly embedded

Headphones x 2 (1/4˝, 1/8˝) MIDI (IN/OUT), USB to Host, USB to Device

Speaker System

Speakers:

7 cm x 4 (top speakers)

13 cm x 2 (woofers)

The impressive CS8 also adopts a number of subtle acoustic piano design

within the piano’s left cheek block, with

1.4 cm x 2 (dome tweeters)(8 x 12) cm x 2 (top speakers)

cues that heighten one’s emotional attachment to the instrument. The

the flagship CS11 model also featuring

Soundboard Speaker System

5 cm x 2 (tweeters)

upper panel details that adorn either side of the keyboard, for example,

a folding cover. This helps to preservesuggest traditionalism, yet also serve to balance the cabinet’s sleek,

the instruments’ acoustic piano-like

45 W x 2 + 45 W transducer

50 W x 2

modern appearance. The gentle curve towards the crown of the legs

appearance, and allows performers tooﬀers a gracious, humanistic touch, while the disciplined combination

enjoy the simple pleasure of playing

of straight and rounded edges charm surrounding light, enhancing themusic – without the distraction of

instrument’s gorgeous polished ebony veneer.

flashing lights and rows of buttons.

Output Power:

Power Consumption

55 W

45 W

Dimensions

1510 (W) x 542 (D) x 1049 (H) mm

1447 (W) x 476 (D) x 956 (H) mm(not including music rest)

60˝ (W) x 21 ⅓˝ (D) x 41 ⅓˝ (H)57˝ (W) x 18 ¾˝ (D) x 37 ¾˝ (H)99.0 Kg / 218 1/2 lbs.

85.0 Kg / 187 1/2 lbs.

Weight* CS11 only / ¹ Depending on market location / ² Lesson books sold separately

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 2017 Kawai Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
www.kawai-global.com

CA1097E-S1701 Version 3
Printed in Japan