Kawai ES120 Review

The digital piano market has seen a proliferation of models designed to cater to various needs, from beginners looking for an affordable entry into the world of piano playing to professionals needing a portable solution for performances and practice. The Kawai ES120, a recent addition to Kawai’s esteemed line of digital pianos, is a mid-range model that has garnered attention for its combination of authentic piano feel, quality sound, and user-friendly features.

In this comprehensive review, we will delve into every aspect of the Kawai ES120, from its design and build quality to its sound and functionality, assessing how it stands up against the competition and whether it truly lives up to its promise.

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Unboxing and First Impressions

Unboxing the Kawai ES120 digital piano is an exciting experience, especially for those eager to explore its blend of quality and portability. The package arrives in a well-protected, compact box, designed to ensure that all components are securely housed during transit.

Inside the Box:

1. The Kawai ES120 Digital Piano: The main component, the ES120, is carefully wrapped in protective foam and plastic to prevent any damage during shipping. The piano itself is surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to lift out of the box. At first glance, the ES120 impresses with its sleek design and minimalist aesthetic. The finish is smooth, available in either black or white, giving it a modern and elegant appearance that would suit a variety of home environments.
2. Music Rest: Also included is a detachable music rest, which is securely packed alongside the piano. The rest is made of a sturdy, transparent plastic material, designed to hold sheet music or a tablet. It slots easily into the back of the piano, offering a stable and supportive surface.
3. F-10H Damper Pedal: The package includes the F-10H damper pedal, which is Kawai’s standard pedal with half-pedal functionality. The pedal is solidly constructed, with a responsive feel that mimics the action of an acoustic piano’s sustain pedal. It’s packaged separately and fits snugly into the piano’s pedal input once unwrapped.
4. Power Adapter: The power adapter comes neatly coiled, with clear labeling to ensure it’s correctly connected. The cord length is generous, providing flexibility in piano placement relative to power outlets.
5. Owner’s Manual and Documentation: The package includes a user manual, warranty card, and some promotional materials. The manual is clear and straightforward, guiding new users through the setup process and basic operations.

First Impressions:

Once unboxed and assembled, the Kawai ES120 stands out for its compact form and user-friendly design. The keyboard’s texture and weighted action immediately suggest quality, with a tactile feel that promises a satisfying playing experience. The control panel is simple and intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons that are easy to navigate.

Overall, the unboxing experience of the Kawai ES120 is smooth and straightforward, reflecting the piano’s focus on convenience and practicality. The components are thoughtfully packaged, ensuring everything is in pristine condition upon arrival. The initial impression is that of a well-crafted, versatile digital piano ready to deliver a premium playing experience right out of the box.

Kawai ES120 Specifications

Specification	Details
Keyboard	88-key Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) action
Sound Source	Harmonic Imaging (HI) technology
Polyphony	192 notes
Voices	25 voices, including grand pianos, electric pianos, organs, and strings
Effects	Reverb (6 types), Chorus (3 types), Delay (2 types)
Speakers	2 x 10W speakers
Headphone Jacks	2 x 1/4″ stereo jacks
Pedals	Includes F-10H damper pedal with half-pedal support
Connectivity	Bluetooth MIDI and Audio, USB to Host, Line Out (L/MONO, R), MIDI In/Out
Dimensions	51.6″ (W) x 11.3″ (D) x 5.8″ (H)
Weight	26.4 lbs (12 kg)
Power Consumption	9W
Finishes	Black, White
Other Features	Dual, Split, and Four Hands modes; Lesson Function; Metronome
Included Accessories	Music Rest, AC Adapter, Damper Pedal (F-10H)

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetic and Portability

The first impression of the Kawai ES120 is its sleek and modern design. It sports a minimalist aesthetic that Kawai has become known for, with clean lines and a compact profile. Available in both black and white finishes, the ES120 is designed to blend seamlessly into a variety of environments, whether it’s a living room, a studio, or a stage.

One of the standout features of the ES120 is its portability. Weighing just around 26 pounds (12 kg), it is incredibly light for a digital piano, making it an ideal choice for musicians who need to transport their instrument frequently. Despite its light weight, the ES120 feels sturdy and well-built. The use of high-quality plastics and a solid chassis gives it a robust feel that assures durability without compromising on portability.

The Kawai ES120 features a full 88-key keyboard with Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) action. This action is designed to emulate the feel of an acoustic piano by providing a graded, weighted response that increases from the high to low notes. While the RHC action is not as sophisticated as Kawai’s higher-end models like the Responsive Hammer III (RHIII), it still offers an impressive playing experience for its price point. The keys have a slightly textured surface, which aids in grip and mimics the feel of ivory, adding to the realism.

The pedal unit that comes with the ES120, the F-10H, is a single pedal unit that supports half-pedaling, which is a nice touch for a piano at this level. However, for those who desire a more traditional setup, Kawai offers an optional triple pedal unit (F-301) that can be purchased separately. The pedal action is smooth and responsive, adding to the overall realism of the playing experience.

Control Interface

The control panel on the ES120 is intuitive and straightforward, with a series of buttons and a small LED display. The buttons are clearly labeled and provide access to the piano’s various sounds, effects, and functions. The LED display, while small, is bright and easy to read, providing basic information about the selected sound, tempo, and other settings.

Navigating the various functions of the ES120 is relatively simple, even for those who are not tech-savvy. The controls are logically laid out, and the inclusion of a function key allows for quick access to secondary functions without cluttering the interface with too many buttons. Overall, the ES120 strikes a good balance between functionality and simplicity, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Keyboard

Responsive Hammer Compact Action (RHC)

At the heart of the Kawai ES120’s keyboard is the Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) action, a key feature that distinguishes this model from many other digital pianos in its class. The RHC action is designed to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, particularly the weight and response of a grand piano’s keys. This is achieved by using a graded hammer system where the lower registers are slightly heavier and the upper registers lighter, just like on a traditional acoustic piano.

The RHC action doesn’t use springs like some other digital pianos, which helps in providing a more authentic and smooth key response. The keys on the ES120 are finely balanced and weighted, offering a realistic feel that is especially beneficial for players looking to transition from an acoustic piano to a digital model without compromising on the tactile experience.

Key Sensitivity and Touch Response

The Kawai ES120’s keyboard is equipped with touch sensitivity, allowing it to respond dynamically to the nuances in your playing. This means that the sound produced varies depending on how hard or soft you press the keys, closely replicating the expressive range of an acoustic piano. The touch sensitivity can also be adjusted to suit different playing styles and preferences, with several preset options ranging from light to heavy touch. This flexibility is particularly useful for beginners who might prefer a lighter touch as they develop finger strength and for advanced players who might prefer a heavier touch to better control the dynamics of their performance.

Key Surface and Material

The key surfaces on the Kawai ES120 are made from a high-quality matte material, which offers a subtle texture that prevents fingers from slipping, even during extended practice sessions. This texture also adds to the overall feel of authenticity, as it closely resembles the ivory and ebony keys found on traditional pianos. The material is durable and resistant to wear, ensuring that the keys maintain their quality and appearance over time.

Keyboard Layout and Size

The Kawai ES120 features an 88-key keyboard, which is standard for both digital and acoustic pianos, ensuring that players have access to the full range of notes needed for most musical pieces. The layout and spacing of the keys are carefully designed to mimic the dimensions of an acoustic piano, making it a suitable instrument for those who are accustomed to traditional pianos.

The keyboard of the Kawai ES120 digital piano is a finely engineered component that plays a pivotal role in the instrument’s overall performance. With its Responsive Hammer Compact action, adjustable touch sensitivity, and high-quality key surfaces, the ES120 provides a playing experience that closely mirrors that of an acoustic piano. Whether you are a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player looking for a portable yet authentic instrument, the keyboard of the Kawai ES120 ensures a satisfying and expressive musical journey.

Sound

Piano Sounds

At the heart of any digital piano is its sound engine, and the Kawai ES120 does not disappoint in this regard. The piano is powered by Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging sound technology, which has been a hallmark of their digital pianos for many years. This technology is based on detailed sampling of Kawai’s concert grand pianos, and it delivers a rich, nuanced sound that captures the complex overtones and dynamics of an acoustic piano.

The ES120 features 19 different sounds, with the primary focus being on the acoustic piano sounds. The grand piano sound is particularly impressive, offering a warm, resonant tone that is both expressive and dynamic. The sound is responsive to touch, with variations in tone depending on how hard or soft the keys are struck. This responsiveness makes it a pleasure to play, whether you’re performing delicate classical pieces or powerful jazz improvisations.

In addition to the main grand piano sound, the ES120 includes a variety of other piano sounds, including upright pianos and electric pianos. Each of these sounds has been carefully crafted to offer a distinct character, allowing for versatility in performance. The electric pianos, in particular, are well-suited for genres like jazz, blues, and pop, providing that classic, nostalgic tone that is often sought after.

Additional Instrument Sounds

Beyond the piano sounds, the ES120 offers a range of other instrument sounds, including organs, strings, choirs, and basses. These sounds, while not as finely detailed as the piano sounds, are still of high quality and can be useful for layering sounds in performance or recording. The organ sounds, for example, are particularly rich and can be used effectively in a variety of musical styles.

One of the highlights of the ES120 is its ability to layer two sounds together. This allows for the creation of more complex and rich textures, such as combining a piano sound with strings or a choir. The layering function is easy to use, and the balance between the two sounds can be adjusted to achieve the desired effect.

Speaker System

The Kawai ES120 is equipped with a stereo speaker system that delivers a surprisingly powerful sound for such a compact instrument. The speakers are rated at 20W, providing enough volume to fill a small to medium-sized room. The sound is clear and detailed, with a good balance between the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies.

For those who need more power or want to use the ES120 in a larger space, the piano also features stereo line outputs, allowing it to be connected to an external amplifier or PA system. Additionally, the headphone output provides high-quality sound for private practice, with a dedicated headphone mode that optimizes the sound for listening through headphones.

Features and Functionality

Recording and Playback

One of the key features of the Kawai ES120 is its recording and playback capabilities. The piano allows users to record their performances directly to the instrument’s internal memory or to a USB drive. This is a valuable tool for practice, as it enables players to listen back to their performances and identify areas for improvement.

The ES120 supports both MIDI and audio recording, with the ability to record up to three songs internally. The MIDI recording function is particularly useful for those who use the piano in conjunction with music production software, as it allows for easy integration with a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). The audio recording, on the other hand, captures the actual sound of the piano, making it ideal for those who want to share their performances with others or simply keep a record of their progress.

Playback is equally straightforward, with the ability to play back both MIDI and audio files from a USB drive. The piano also features a built-in metronome and rhythm section, which can be used in conjunction with the recording function to create more complex arrangements.

Virtual Technician

The Virtual Technician is a sophisticated piano customization tool developed by Kawai, designed to give users an unprecedented level of control over the tonal and expressive qualities of their digital pianos. This feature is available on many of Kawai’s digital pianos and hybrids, allowing players to adjust a wide array of parameters to tailor the instrument’s sound and response to their precise preferences.

Key Features of the Virtual Technician:

1. Voicing and Tone Adjustment: One of the standout features of the Virtual Technician is the ability to adjust the voicing of the piano. Users can modify the brightness or mellowness of the sound, emulating the effect of a professional piano technician altering the hardness of the hammers in an acoustic piano. This allows players to create a sound that matches their personal style or the requirements of a specific piece of music.
2. Touch and Dynamics Control: The tool also enables users to fine-tune the touch response of the keyboard. Adjustments can be made to the key touch weight, allowing the player to choose between a heavier or lighter touch. This is particularly useful for players who prefer a more customized feel under their fingers, or for those who want to replicate the action of different types of acoustic pianos.
3. Resonance and Mechanical Noise: The Virtual Technician offers control over various resonance aspects, such as damper resonance, string resonance, and key-off effect, which adds authenticity to the sound by simulating the complex interactions between strings and the body of an acoustic piano. Additionally, users can adjust the levels of mechanical noises like hammer delay and damper noise, further enhancing the realism of the digital piano experience.
4. User-Friendly Interface: The Virtual Technician tool is accessible through Kawai’s digital piano interface or via the Piano Remote app, offering a user-friendly, graphical interface that simplifies the customization process. This accessibility makes it easier for both beginners and advanced players to experiment with and perfect their sound.

Enhancing the Playing Experience:

The Virtual Technician is particularly valuable for musicians seeking to replicate the nuanced sound and feel of an acoustic piano. By providing a comprehensive suite of customization options, Kawai ensures that each player can enjoy a personalized and deeply immersive playing experience.

Connectivity Options

The Kawai ES120 is equipped with a variety of connectivity options, making it a versatile tool for both practice and performance. It features USB to Host and USB to Device ports, allowing it to be connected to a computer or other MIDI devices. This opens up a wide range of possibilities, from using the piano as a MIDI controller for music production to integrating it into a larger MIDI setup.

In addition to the USB ports, the ES120 also includes Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio connectivity. This allows the piano to connect wirelessly to devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers, enabling features like wireless MIDI control and audio streaming. The Bluetooth Audio function is particularly useful for those who want to play along with backing tracks or listen to music through the piano’s speaker system.

Effects and Customization

The ES120 offers a variety of effects and customization options, allowing players to tailor the sound to their preferences. The piano includes reverb, chorus, and delay effects, which can be applied to the sounds to add depth and ambiance. The reverb, in particular, is quite effective, simulating the acoustics of different environments, from small rooms to large concert halls.

In addition to the built-in effects, the ES120 also allows for detailed customization of the piano sounds. Players can adjust parameters such as touch sensitivity, voicing, and temperament, enabling them to create a playing experience that suits their individual style. This level of customization is rare in digital pianos at this price point and adds significant value to the instrument.

Practice and Learning Features

The Kawai ES120 is well-suited for both beginners and more advanced players, thanks to its array of practice and learning features. In addition to the built-in metronome, the piano includes a variety of rhythm patterns that can be used to practice timing and rhythm. These patterns cover a range of genres, from pop and rock to jazz and Latin, providing a fun and engaging way to practice.

For those who are just starting out, the ES120 offers a lesson function that includes a selection of popular piano method books. This feature allows players to practice along with the piano, with the ability to slow down or speed up the tempo to match their skill level. The lesson function is a great tool for beginners, as it provides structured guidance and helps build confidence.

Another useful feature for practice is the dual headphone outputs, which allow two people to listen to the piano at the same time. This is ideal for teacher-student situations or for practicing with a friend.

Piano Remote App

The Piano Remote app by Kawai is a digital companion designed to enhance the experience of using Kawai’s digital pianos, particularly models like the Kawai ES120. This app, available for both iOS and Android devices, allows users to control various features and settings of their digital piano wirelessly, offering a more convenient and interactive way to manage their instrument.

Key Features of the Piano Remote App:

1. Sound Selection and Customization: The app provides an intuitive interface to browse through different piano tones and sounds available on the ES120. Users can easily select their preferred sound, adjust parameters like reverb and effects, and save their favorite settings directly from their mobile device.
2. Lesson Functionality: For those using the ES120 for practice or learning, the Piano Remote app offers integrated lesson features. This includes access to built-in lesson songs, the ability to adjust tempo, and features like a metronome, all of which can be controlled from the app.
3. Virtual Technician: The app includes a “Virtual Technician” feature, which allows users to fine-tune the piano’s sound by adjusting various characteristics such as touch sensitivity, hammer noise, and damper resonance. This is especially useful for the ES120, as it enables users to customize their playing experience to match their personal preferences.
4. Recording and Playback: Users can record their performances directly through the app and play them back, making it a handy tool for practice and performance review.

Relationship to the Kawai ES120:

The Piano Remote app by Kawai is a digital companion designed to enhance the experience of using Kawai’s digital pianos, particularly models like the Kawai ES120. This app, available for both iOS and Android devices, allows users to control various features and settings of their digital piano wirelessly, offering a more convenient and interactive way to manage their instrument.

Comparisons with Other Models

Kawai ES120 vs. Yamaha P-225

The Kawai ES120 and Yamaha P-225 are both popular digital pianos, catering to musicians seeking portability and quality. The Kawai ES120 stands out with its Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) action, providing a realistic feel and touch. Its Harmonic Imaging (HI) sound engine offers rich, expressive tones, particularly in its piano voices. However, it has a limited selection of 25 voices and a basic speaker system, making it less versatile in sound variety.

The Yamaha P-225, on the other hand, features Yamaha’s Graded Hammer Compact (GHC) action, which also provides a realistic touch, slightly favoring a heavier feel. The P-225 comes with Yamaha’s Pure CF Sound Engine, known for its bright, clear piano tones. It also offers a broader range of voices and superior built-in speakers, delivering more powerful sound output.

Overall, the ES120 excels in key action and warmth of sound, while the P-225 offers greater sound versatility and speaker performance.

Kawai ES120 vs. Roland FP-30X

Another popular competitor in this price range is the Roland FP-30X. The FP-30X is known for its SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, which offers a very realistic and expressive piano sound. However, when compared to the ES120, the Roland’s sound tends to be slightly brighter and more forward, which may or may not appeal to all players.

The keyboard action on the Roland FP-30X, which features Roland’s PHA-4 Standard action, is also highly regarded. It offers a slightly different feel compared to the Kawai ES120, with a more consistent touch across the keys. The choice between the two will largely come down to personal preference, as both actions are excellent.

In terms of features, the Roland FP-30X has a slight advantage with its more powerful speaker system, offering 22W of power compared to the ES120’s 20W. However, the Kawai ES120’s Bluetooth connectivity and greater range of customization options make it a strong contender, especially for those who value flexibility and wireless functionality.

Kawai ES120 vs. Casio PX-S1100

The Casio PX-S1100 is another option in the same price range, known for its ultra-slim design and portability. While the PX-S1100 is the lightest and most compact of the three, it sacrifices some aspects of keyboard action and sound quality to achieve this design.

The PX-S1100 features Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action, which, while responsive, doesn’t quite match the realism of the Kawai ES120’s RHC action. Similarly, while the PX-S1100’s AiR Sound Source offers a good piano sound, it lacks the depth and detail of the ES120’s Harmonic Imaging engine.

The Casio does offer some unique features, such as touch buttons and a sleek, modern design, which may appeal to players looking for a more futuristic aesthetic. However, in terms of pure playing experience and sound quality, the Kawai ES120 is generally the superior choice.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Authentic Piano Feel: The RHC keyboard action provides a realistic and expressive playing experience that is impressive for a digital piano in this price range.
• High-Quality Sound: The Harmonic Imaging sound engine delivers rich, detailed piano sounds that are responsive to touch and dynamics.
• Portability: Weighing just 26 pounds, the ES120 is easy to transport without sacrificing build quality or features.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: The inclusion of Bluetooth MIDI and Audio is a significant advantage, offering greater flexibility in how the piano can be used.
• Customizability: A range of effects and detailed sound customization options allow players to tailor the sound to their preferences.
• Good Value for Money: Given its features, build quality, and sound, the ES120 offers excellent value for money.

Cons

• Limited Built-In Speaker Power: While adequate for home use, the 20W speaker system might be underwhelming for larger spaces or louder performances.
• Basic Control Interface: The control panel is simple and functional but lacks the larger, more detailed displays found on some competitors.
• No Split Keyboard Functionality: The ES120 does not offer a split keyboard function, which might be a drawback for some players who need this feature.
• Pedal Unit Sold Separately: The optional triple pedal unit must be purchased separately, adding to the overall cost.

Weaknesses

While the Kawai ES120 digital piano offers many strengths, there are some areas where it may fall short, particularly when compared to higher-end models or competing brands. Understanding these weaknesses can help potential buyers make a more informed decision.

1. Limited Polyphony:

The ES120 features 192-note polyphony, which is decent for a digital piano in its price range, but it may be limiting for advanced players who use complex pieces involving multiple layers or sustained notes. In such cases, notes can occasionally cut off when the polyphony limit is exceeded, affecting the overall playing experience.

2. Basic Speaker System:

The built-in speaker system, while sufficient for practice in smaller spaces, might not deliver the rich, immersive sound that some players expect. The two 10W speakers are adequate but can lack depth and power, particularly when playing in larger rooms or when trying to replicate the sound of an acoustic piano. External amplification is often necessary for performances or more demanding practice sessions.

3. Limited Sound Variety:

The ES120 offers 25 voices, including several high-quality piano tones. However, the selection is somewhat limited compared to other digital pianos that offer a broader range of sounds and instruments. This might be a drawback for musicians who require a more diverse palette of sounds for different musical genres or creative explorations.

4. Lack of Advanced Features:

The ES120 is designed with simplicity in mind, which is great for beginners or casual players. However, it lacks some advanced features that more experienced musicians might look for, such as customizable sound editing options directly on the piano (without relying on external apps like the Piano Remote). Also, there are no advanced recording or sampling functions, which can be found in higher-end models.

5. Plastic Build Quality:

While the Kawai ES120 is well-built and portable, the use of plastic in its construction might be seen as a downside for those expecting a more premium feel. This can also impact the durability of the piano over time, particularly with heavy use or frequent transport.

6. Pedal Limitations:

The included F-10H damper pedal offers half-pedal support, but the ES120 only comes with one pedal. Players who need a full three-pedal unit (soft, sostenuto, and sustain) will need to purchase an additional pedal unit, which adds to the overall cost.

These weaknesses are important considerations for those looking to understand the trade-offs of this otherwise well-regarded digital piano.

Final Verdict

The Kawai ES120 is a strong contender in the mid-range digital piano market, offering a combination of authentic piano feel, high-quality sound, and modern features that make it an excellent choice for a wide range of players. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an instrument that will grow with you, a seasoned player in need of a portable practice solution, or a professional seeking a reliable gigging piano, the ES120 has a lot to offer.

Its portability and build quality make it a practical choice for those who need a piano they can take on the go, while its rich sound and responsive keyboard action ensure that it doesn’t compromise on the playing experience. The addition of Bluetooth connectivity and extensive customization options further enhances its appeal, offering features that are often only found on higher-end models.

While it has a few limitations, such as the modest built-in speaker power and the lack of split keyboard functionality, these are relatively minor drawbacks in the context of everything the ES120 does well. Overall, the Kawai ES120 represents excellent value for money and is a digital piano that is likely to satisfy a broad spectrum of players.