Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (24)
$2,824.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$2,824.00
Amazon
4.3 (23)
$2,824.00
Reverb
$2,499.00 New
$927.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$2,824.00
B&H
$2,824.00
Thomann
4.8 (120)
$1,269.00 $1,258.00 $11.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£1,160.00

Average Price: $2,351

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Kawai VPC1". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Kawai VPC1, a MIDI keyboard controller that offers a seamless blend of performance, style, and customization. Tailor-made for the discerning virtual piano player, the VPC1 is a striking balance of form and function, designed to deliver an unrivaled playing experience. With no knobs, buttons, or displays, the VPC1 keeps your focus on the 88 real wooden keys that sit atop its wide, elegant surface.

This meticulously crafted keyboard is renowned for its Kawai's celebrated wooden-key keyboard action technology, providing the feel and response of a real piano. The action is further enhanced with features like graded hammer weighting, ivory-like key surfaces, and bass note counterweights. The VPC1 is a testament to Kawai's legacy of premium build-quality and thoughtful design.

Connectivity is simplified with the VPC1. Connect to your PC or Mac using a single USB cable, or pair it with your favorite synthesizer using MIDI connectivity. Packed with Kawai's RM3 Grand II action and equipped with the VPC Editor software, the VPC1 offers unmatched customization options to suit your playing style.

Key Features:

  • Professional MIDI keyboard controller designed for virtual piano players
  • Features Kawai's celebrated wooden-key keyboard action technology
  • 88 real wooden keys with graded hammer weighting, ivory-like key surfaces, and bass note counterweights
  • Connects to PC or Mac using a single USB cable, or pairs with synthesizers using MIDI connectivity
  • Customizable through the included VPC Editor software
  • Equipped with Kawai's latest RM3 Grand II action
  • Ability to control separate sound sources simultaneously
  • Comes with Kawai's F-30 triple pedal controller for added realism
  • Classic, unobtrusive design with a clutter-free top surface
  • Premium build-quality with a chassis engineered from aluminum for extra stability
  • The wide top surface can accommodate a laptop, mouse, or favorite semi-weighted board

Owner's manual

Kawai VPC1 User Manual

Product specs

Number of Keys 88
Type of Keys RM3II Wooden-key, Graded-hammer Action with Counterbalancing
Pedal Inputs 1 x Damper, 1 x Sustain, 1 x Soft (Includes Triple-pedal Unit)
MIDI I/O In/Out
USB 1 x Type B
Power Supply Bus Powered, Power Supply (included)
Height 7.33"
Width 54.33"
Depth 16.75"
Weight 65 lbs.

FAQs

What type of key action does the Kawai VPC1 feature?

The Kawai VPC1 features RM3II wooden-key, graded-hammer action with counterbalancing, offering a highly realistic piano feel ideal for pianists seeking an authentic playing experience.

How many keys does the Kawai VPC1 have?

The Kawai VPC1 is equipped with 88 keys, providing the full range of a standard piano for comprehensive musical expression.

What pedal inputs are available on the Kawai VPC1?

The Kawai VPC1 includes inputs for damper, sustain, and soft pedals, and comes with a triple-pedal unit to enhance performance versatility.

Does the Kawai VPC1 require an external power supply?

The Kawai VPC1 is bus-powered but also includes a power supply, ensuring it can be used in various settings without additional equipment.

What are the connectivity options for the Kawai VPC1?

The Kawai VPC1 offers MIDI In/Out and a USB Type B connection, making it compatible with a wide range of digital audio workstations and MIDI setups.

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Kawai VPC1 88 Key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard - Kawai VPC1

Video thumbnail for Kawai VPC1 88 Key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard - Kawai VPC1 by American Musical Supply

Kawai VPC1 88 Key USB MIDI Controller Keyboard - Kawai VPC1

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Keyboard plays the Kawai VPC1 piano controller at NAMM 2013 by Keyboard Instrument Chops and Gear

Keyboard plays the Kawai VPC1 piano controller at NAMM 2013

Keyboard Instrument Chops and Gear

Keyboard Instrument Chops and Gear

Video thumbnail for Nord Stage 2 (Fatar) vs Kawai VPC1 keybed noise by Piano in a Living Room

Nord Stage 2 (Fatar) vs Kawai VPC1 keybed noise

Piano in a Living Room

Piano in a Living Room

Video thumbnail for Ravenworks Digital's customized Kawai VPC1 piano controller -- Amazing! by PianoManChuck

Ravenworks Digital's customized Kawai VPC1 piano controller -- Amazing!

PianoManChuck

PianoManChuck

Video thumbnail for Kawai VPC1 (Virtual Piano Controller) Review by PianoManChuck

Kawai VPC1 (Virtual Piano Controller) Review

PianoManChuck

PianoManChuck

Video thumbnail for Inside NAMM 2014 | Kawai VPC1 Virtual Piano Controller by Sam Ash Music

Inside NAMM 2014 | Kawai VPC1 Virtual Piano Controller

Sam Ash Music

Sam Ash Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Feels and plays like a real grand piano, enhancing playability

  • Solid construction and high-quality build

  • Simple design with no extraneous buttons, focusing on the playing experience

  • Exceptional touch response with wooden keys for an authentic feel

  • USB power option simplifies setup

  • Durable, maintaining performance quality over years

  • Three sensors allow precise control for complex pieces

  • Compatible with various VSTs, offering flexibility in sound

  • Inspires creativity and improves the playing experience

  • Quiet keys, suitable for composition and practice

CONS

  • Black keys have a coarse feel, which may distract some players

  • Only functions as a controller, lacking internal sounds

  • Setup process can be cumbersome

  • Heavy, making it less portable for gigs or frequent movement

  • Limited MIDI features, with no control buttons for software instruments

  • Curved top surface prevents placing sheet music or laptops on it

  • Keys become heavier higher up, challenging for certain arpeggios

  • Sustain pedal usage does not lighten the action as on an acoustic piano

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kawai VPC1.

Value and pricing

  • A VPC1 in good condition was purchased for $800, suggesting potential value in buying used compared to new keyboard prices.

    Source

User experience

  • The pedal block is mentioned as having shallow travel, with potential for movement during play, indicating a need for secure placement.

    Source
  • Some users report no issues with MIDI irregularities or short keys, suggesting individual experiences may vary.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the VPC1’s notch in keys, which provides a tactile bump two-thirds down, enhancing the playing experience.

    Source
  • Owners often find the VPC1's action superior to cheaper digital pianos, with noticeable improvements in key feel and dynamic response when used with quality piano VSTs.

    Source
  • The VPC1 is relatively heavy at 29.5 kg, making it less ideal for mobility but acceptable for home use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The VPC1's top is curved, making it unsuitable for placing a laptop directly on it, necessitating a separate stand.

    Source
  • The VPC1’s editable velocity curves are praised for delivering a better dynamic range in VSTs compared to the MP11SE.

    Source
  • The RM3 action in the VPC1 is praised for its consistency from front to back, outperforming many plastic key actions.

    Source

Build quality

  • The VPC1's ivory touch white keys and black keys are noted for their excellent feel and medium action, providing a smooth playing experience.

    Source
  • The VPC1 features a sturdy metal casing and an on/off button praised for its quality and durability.

    Source
  • The VPC1 features a wooden action, which provides a heavier feel than plastic actions, particularly noticeable near the fallboard.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The VPC1 excels in home studio setups when paired with high-quality audio interfaces and VSTs like Garritan and Pianoteq, offering an acoustic piano feel.

    Source
  • The VPC1 is often paired with a Nord Electro for an ideal blend of piano and synth/organ capabilities.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The VPC1's wooden action may suffer from inconsistency due to humidity, impacting studio work with unpredictable keybed response compared to digital actions.

    Source
  • The Kawai CA48 is noted as an excellent value, with longer wooden keys than the VPC1’s RM3, comparable in price to the VPC1 in New Zealand.

    Source
  • The Kawai MP7SE and MP11SE offer better quality pedals, mod, and pitch wheels compared to the VPC1, and provide more MIDI control options.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users report the VPC1 pedal unit's pots wear out over time and are difficult to replace; newer triple pedal units use optical technology to avoid this issue.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Joel uses Kawai VPC1

Billy Joel

Singer, Keyboardist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via YouTube

Billy is currently using a Kawai VPC1 controller for his concerts. He has Synthogy Ivory II American Concert D sound program for his keyboard.

See how Said The Sky uses Kawai VPC1

Said The Sky

Drummer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Said The Sky playing the Kawai VPC1 keys live - https://www.instagram.com/p/BfLzSwzhRiL/

See how Nick Wheeler uses Kawai VPC1

Nick Wheeler

Guitarist, Drummer

The All-American Rejects

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Nick Wheeler showcases his Kawai VPC1, captioned with a nod to his favorite childhood t-shirt: "Choose Your Weapon!"

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kawai VPC1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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rflob

rflob

Gear IQ 128

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