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If you’re in the market for a sleek, powerful digital piano with a focus on portability and sound quality, the Kawai ES920 might be your perfect match. Whether you’re a gigging musician, a teacher, or a hobbyist looking to elevate your playing, this piano brings a great combination of realistic touch, tone, and convenience.
But does it live up to the expectations? Let’s explore this piano’s features and see how it stacks up in terms of performance, design, and overall value.
Kawai ES920 – At A Glance
The Kawai ES920 is part of the well-regarded ES series, known for offering professional-level sound and action in a compact, portable package. It’s designed with musicians who need high-quality sound and a responsive keyboard, but also want something lightweight for easy transport. But is it the right fit for you? Let’s break it down.
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Kawai ES920 Features
Let’s start by diving into what makes the Kawai ES920 stand out:
Responsive Hammer III Action
The ES920 features Kawai’s acclaimed Responsive Hammer III action, which offers a highly realistic and responsive playing experience. The keybed strikes a great balance between authenticity and comfort, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
I personally liked this feature because the key action feels quite similar to that of an acoustic grand piano, which makes my practice sessions feel more genuine.
Harmonic Imaging XL Sound Engine
At the heart of the ES920 is the Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine. This technology enables a vast range of nuanced and expressive sounds, making the piano feel alive under your fingers. Whether you’re playing a solo piece or accompanying vocals, the engine captures subtle tonal variations that really make your performance shine.
I don’t mind the absence of an overly large sound bank, as the quality of the sounds available is more important to me, and the piano nails it in that regard.
Sound Quality
The ES920 delivers rich, clear sound with impressive depth for its class. The built-in speaker system ensures that even without external amplification, the sound fills the room beautifully. It’s perfect for small gigs, practice sessions, or simply playing for fun at home.
For me, the clarity of the sound is excellent, even at lower volumes, which is great because I tend to practice late at night and don’t want to disturb anyone.
Here’s how the Kawai ES920 compares to other digital pianos in its class:
| Feature | Kawai ES920 | Yamaha P-125 | Roland FP-30X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sound Engine | Harmonic Imaging XL | Pure CF Sound Engine | SuperNATURAL Piano |
| Polyphony | 256 Notes | 192 Notes | 256 Notes |
| Key Action | Responsive Hammer III | Graded Hammer Standard | PHA-4 Standard |
| Speakers | 20W x 2 | 14W x 2 | 22W x 2 |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Audio & MIDI) | Yes (Audio & MIDI) | Yes (Audio & MIDI) |
| Voices/Sounds | 38 total | 24 total | 35 total |
| Weight | 37.5 lbs (17 kg) | 26.4 lbs (12 kg) | 38.4 lbs (17.4 kg) |
| Portability | Highly portable | Highly portable | Less portable |
| Connectivity | USB, MIDI, Bluetooth | USB, MIDI, Bluetooth | USB, MIDI, Bluetooth |
| Price Range | $1,800 – $2,100 | $600 – $700 | $800 – $900 |
| Unique Features | Light weight, long battery life | Portable, affordable | Larger speakers, compact |
| Best For | Gigging musicians, portability lovers | Budget-conscious players | Home users and practice |
- Yamaha P-125: Perfect for budget-conscious players looking for portability and simplicity.
- Kawai ES920: Great for gigging musicians, offering portability without sacrificing quality. Perfect balance of sound, action, and features.
- Roland FP-30X: Ideal for home users and practice, with a compact design and robust speakers.
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Kawai ES920 Built-In Speaker System
The ES920 offers a solid speaker system, with 20W speakers that deliver a surprisingly full sound considering the piano’s portable design. The bass is rich, and the higher frequencies remain clear and sharp, giving you a balanced sound for both practice and performance.
I appreciate that the speakers do an excellent job at reproducing sound even without needing an external speaker system, which is great when I’m rehearsing at home.
Kawai ES920 Bluetooth Connectivity and Recording Features
The Kawai ES920 features Bluetooth audio and MIDI, making it easy to connect to other devices and apps. You can stream music directly to the piano or use MIDI to interact with virtual instruments.
I find Bluetooth connectivity extremely handy when I’m practicing with backing tracks or connecting to my favorite learning apps. It’s seamless and hassle-free.
Kawai ES920 Modes and Customization
The ES920 comes equipped with a variety of playing modes, offering both versatility and personalization options:
Layer Mode
Layer Mode allows you to play two sounds simultaneously, such as piano and strings, creating a richer, fuller sound. It’s perfect for performances or practice when you want a more dynamic experience.
I like layering sounds to create a more immersive environment, especially during practice sessions, as it helps with creativity.
Split Mode
Split Mode divides the keyboard into two sections, allowing you to assign different sounds to each half. For example, you can play bass on the left hand and piano on the right.
While I don’t use Split Mode that often, I can see how it could be useful for certain performances, especially if you’re playing alongside other musicians.
Design: Compact and Sturdy
The Kawai ES920’s design is sleek and modern, yet very sturdy. At only 37.5 lbs, it’s lighter than many of its competitors, making it ideal for musicians who need to transport it frequently. The finish is both classy and durable, so you won’t have to worry about wear and tear.
I personally find the light weight a huge plus because I’m often on the move, and it’s much easier to transport compared to heavier models.
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Pros and Cons of the Kawai ES920
Here’s my take on the strengths and weaknesses of the ES920:
Kawai ES920 Pros
- Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine delivers high-quality, nuanced piano sounds.
- Responsive Hammer III action mimics the feel of an acoustic piano.
- Portable and lightweight, perfect for gigs.
- Bluetooth connectivity for easy use with apps and devices.
Kawai ES920 Cons
- The sound bank could be more expansive, though the quality makes up for it.
- The speaker system, while good, could benefit from a little more power for larger venues.
- Lacks some advanced features like customizable key sensitivity or advanced recording options.
Final Verdict: Is the Kawai ES920 Worth It?
If you’re looking for a high-quality, portable digital piano that doesn’t compromise on sound or feel, the Kawai ES920 is an excellent choice. It’s well-suited for gigging musicians, teachers, and hobbyists who need an instrument that delivers both in terms of performance and convenience. While it may lack some advanced features compared to other higher-end models, it strikes a perfect balance of portability, sound quality, and affordability.
Would I recommend the Kawai ES920? Absolutely. It’s a fantastic digital piano that offers great value for your money, and if you need something that’s easy to move around without sacrificing quality, this one’s for you.