Kawai K-5000 Synthesizer

$420.69 Price Tier: Budget

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Page last updated Jun 28, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 28, 2026.

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Price

$420.69 5 available Used

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Average Price: $421

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Kawai K-5000 Synthesizer is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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The Kawai K-5000 Synthesizer is a distinctive keyboard that blends classic and modern synthesis for an expansive sonic palette. A standout in the realm of digital synthesizers, the K-5000 is particularly renowned for its additive synthesis capabilities, allowing musicians to craft sounds with exceptional precision and depth. Ideal for both studio production and live performances, this synthesizer offers a range of versatile features that cater to musicians seeking both familiar tones and innovative soundscapes.

Equipped with a full 61-key keyboard, the K-5000 provides a responsive touch that is perfect for dynamic playing styles. The synthesizer includes a powerful selection of onboard effects, giving artists the tools to customize their sound further. Users can navigate through its intuitive interface, making sound design and parameter adjustment a seamless experience. Whether you're a seasoned synth enthusiast or a newcomer to electronic music, the Kawai K-5000 offers a robust platform for musical exploration.

Key Features:

Additive synthesis capabilities for detailed sound creation
61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard for expressive performance
Extensive onboard effects for sound customization
User-friendly interface for easy navigation and design
Ideal for both live performances and studio settings

Product specs

Brand	Kawai
Model	K5000S 61-Key Digital Synthesizer
Finish	Silver / Black
Year	1996
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Polyphony	32 Voices

FAQs

Is the Kawai K-5000 Synthesizer polyphonic?: Yes, the Kawai K-5000 Synthesizer offers 32-voice polyphony, allowing you to play complex chords and layered sounds without note dropouts.
What type of synthesis does the Kawai K-5000 use?: The Kawai K-5000 uses additive synthesis, which allows for the creation of complex and evolving sounds by combining multiple harmonics.
Does the Kawai K-5000 have built-in effects?: Yes, the Kawai K-5000 features built-in effects, including reverb and chorus, which enhance the sound and provide additional creative options.
How does the Kawai K-5000 integrate with other MIDI devices?: The Kawai K-5000 has MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, making it compatible with a wide range of MIDI devices for seamless integration into your setup.
What is the keyboard action of the Kawai K-5000 Synthesizer?: The Kawai K-5000 features a semi-weighted keyboard action, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience suitable for both synth and piano-style performances.

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kawai K-5000 Synthesizer.

User experience

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Some users view the K-5000 series as a collector's item, with rack versions fetching close to $1,000 in the current market.
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Users find it easier to adjust partials in groups, simplifying the complex programming process typically associated with additive synthesis.
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Some owners note that the keys feel narrower than other synths but still provide an excellent tactile experience.
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Owners appreciate the K5000S for its dedicated knobs, which facilitate spontaneous live tweaking, distinguishing it from other models in the K5000 series.
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Despite editing difficulties, the K-5000 is praised for its robust keybed, often used to control other rack synths.
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Factory patches are widely regarded as subpar, with about 80% considered unusable, pushing users towards custom sound creation.
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Value and pricing

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It's suggested to purchase the K5000S if found at a good price, as it offers unique sounds that are difficult to replicate with other synthesizers.
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It's suggested the K-5000W is better suited as a secondary keyboard in an extensive synth collection due to its cost and specialized sound.
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Features and functionality

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The synth includes a versatile arpeggiator with 40 preset patterns and 8 user patterns, enhancing its utility for creative sequencing.
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The K5000S offers 32 voices of polyphony, a 128-band formant filter, and separate resonant 24dB lowpass and highpass filters, providing unique sound sculpting capabilities.
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The Kawai K-5000's screen makes menu diving cumbersome, with a preference expressed for simpler editing tools like a potential VST or Arturia version.
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The K-5000W can load samples via floppy for wavetable synthesis, a feature considered innovative in its time.
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Use cases and applications

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The K5000S is highlighted for its ability to produce ethereal ambient soundscapes with evolving timbres, making it ideal for atmospheric music genres.
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The K-5000W is highlighted for producing glossy, ambient, new-age sounds, making it suitable for niche sonic landscapes.
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Noted for unique sound usage in electronic genres, though specific mainstream examples are rare.
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Comparisons

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Compared to the Deepmind 12, the K-5000W is seen as less versatile and more dated, with a sound that evokes 90s disco/pop.
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Disco DSP Vertigo is mentioned as an additive synthesizer that surpasses the K-5000 in capability, offering up to 512 editable partials.
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