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Analog Specs
Kawai199632-voice polyPolyphonic Keyboard$$Mid-Range($250–800)

Kawai K5000

Sound designers wanting genuine additive synthesis, a synthesis method almost no other production-line synth ever offered.

Strengths

  • One of the only mass-produced instruments to ever offer true additive synthesis, individually shaping up to 128 harmonics per voice
  • Capable of tones no subtractive or FM synth of its era could produce, from glassy bells to complex evolving textures
  • A genuine deep-cut for sound designers — additive synthesis this accessible essentially disappeared from the market after this line

Trade-offs

  • Editing individual harmonics via the small onboard display is extremely slow without dedicated editor software
  • Even more niche than Korg's physical-modeling line, making community knowledge and patches quite scarce

Full Specifications

Full technical specifications for the Kawai K5000
SpecificationValue
BrandKawai
ModelK5000
Era1996
Typical Price TierMid-Range ($250–800)
Voice ArchitecturePolyphonic (32-voice)
Polyphony32 voices
Oscillator TypeDigital additive synthesis
FilterDigital resonant low-pass (formant filter)
Keys61
Built-in SequencerNo
MIDI EquippedYes
PatchingMenu-based digital (no patch cables)

A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.

Match Score Explorer

Weight what matters to your workflow. Every deck is re-scored live against your priorities, benchmarked against the Kawai K5000.

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This deckKawai K5000
Match49
Flexibility75
Portability42
Ease of Use22
Tonal Neutrality55

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Maintenance & Supplies

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