Thanks to this video and your Roland FP30X vs Kawai ES120 review, I tried both in person and ended up purchasing the ES120. I'm a Kawai lover at heart, and in the end the sound quality won me over yet again. I'm an advanced level "hobby" player who wanted something portable that sounded as close to an acoustic as possible. Thank you so much for the detailed reviews!
You're very welcome! Congrats on your Kawai ES120! It has an amazing tone and. touch for the price. We're happy to hear our videos helped you through your process. :)
Just got this last week. Been playing it non stop. I've always been a fan of kawai since I tried their ES110, going to ES120, while it's not the biggest of difference in terms of features, the feeling of playing the two is just night and day to me. Thanks for helping me choose my DP Stu
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in and congrats on your ES120! The extra cushioning they have added to the ES120's RHC action makes it feel a lot more solid. I am a big fan of what it offers musically for the price point! :)
Hi so I just got the Kawai ES120 delivered today and I have been playing on it and having a lot of fun. I took the advice from commenters all over RUclips admonishing other content providers channels who also demoed the ES120 but didn't turn off the internal speaker EQ. Out of the box I was disappointed in the ES120 due to the sound coming from it. I didn't think it sounded as nice as my Roland FP 60X that I had to return, which is weird because when Stu did the comparison video of the ES120 vs the Roland 30X, I actually preferred the ES120. So I looked through the manual and found the setting to turn of the EQ and what a difference. I now love the sound of the ES120 much more as it now has the warm round tones that Stu had demonstrated when he was playing in these videos. I still prefer the key texture and the heavier PHA4 action of the Roland FP60X and it took some getting used to the Kawai as the keys don't feel very weighted to me at all. I think the family piano, a Donner DP-20 has more noticeable weight action than the Kawai. But it has been growing on me very quickly and have been playing on it for a few hours already. The only real downside to me is the cheap, junky sustain pedal Kawai provided. Question to Brent and everyone here, since the Kawai f-10H single sustain pedal is hard to come by, I can only find them on ebay or from some unknown 3rd party seller on Amazon going for $75 US, Which I am assuming is not regular retail price, what other brand options can I go with? I tested the Donner DSP-003 and it works fine on my Kawai, but I am looking for a single sustain pedal of excellent quality and reliability, so will the Roland DP-10 work on the ES120? Is there a better alternative to the Donner DSP-003 or should I just stick with getting that?
Hi! Brent here! Congrats on your new Kawai ES120! I am very happy to hear that you've been enjoying it so far. The ability to turn the internal speaker EQ on and off is quite handy and does make a very meaningful difference in the presentation of the SKEX samples and the overall sonic experience. I'm glad that you were able to find a sound that you resonated with in the end! As for the action, the improved RHC action will have quite a different feel than the PHA4 action in terms of weight, key texture, and the absence/presence of escapement. Like anything, it will take a little bit of time to adjust to a new instrument. As far as the F10H pedal goes, they can be ordered through Kawai dealers. In my experiences, it hasn't taken too long for them to arrive (a few weeks on average). They are very robust and responsive pedals with a great feel. If you can hold off on waiting a bit, I would recommend doing so as I'm yet to find a more solid single pedal out there. The thing you have to watch out for with pedals is the polarity. When there is a polarity mismatch, the pedal will have the opposite effect. That is, the notes will infinitely sustain and the pedal will stop the sound. While I am not at the showroom to test right now, I believe the DP10 is the opposite polarity, which does not make it usable with the ES110 / ES120. Perhaps, one of our helpful community members can confirm them. Thanks again for writing in and supporting the channel! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the reply Brent, much appreciated. If the F10H is really as good as you say, than maybe I will hold out for one as long as they are reasonably priced and not more than $55 US, which is how much the Roland pedal sells for. I think paying anything more than that like the overpriced $75 US the sellers on eBay and Amazon are asking for is outrageous, especially when there are a ton of universal pedals going for under $20 US, like the Donner. I really feel the F10H should have been included with the ES120 as the substantial increased cost of the ES120 from the ES110 should have covered both the upgrades and the pedal.
Good review. 👍 After making comparisons with acoustic pianos and the ES120, FP30X, KPD120, P125, etc at the store regarding sound, when returning to the ES120 it was “wow”. The FP30X was great too. The P125 didn’t feel great and I was surprised by a more muffled sounding KDP120. The ES120 seemed easier to use than the FP30X so the Kawai was chosen. The action is nice too. For the price it’s damn good. The white looks beautiful too. 👍
Thanks so much! Congratulations on your new Kawai ES120! We (along with our community members I'm sure) appreciate you sharing your journey and insights. I must say, I was quite impressed with the updated action of the ES120 in particular. It felt very solid and was incredibly quiet in terms of key noise. That combined with the fantastic SKEX samples makes the piano a real home run for many players! :)
The mid-range does sound really good, it does seem like a direct competitor to Roland Fp-30x. Although each has its strength, but I think some of the default tones do sound better on the ES120. That's the thing with these digital pianos, every new releases will always have something a bit better.
Thanks for watching! It is very true that every new generation of digital piano pushes the boundaries a little bit farther. It is always exciting to see what innovations have been made each time. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Which makes it incredibly difficult when trying to choose between them. I recently upgraded from a Casio CDP-S100 to a PX-S3000... and loved the leap but it had issues and had to be returned without replacement. I am hoping to find a local retailer with Kawai that I can test out. Much thanks to Merriam for the quality reviews and info.
@@omarko555 Sure, It depends what you are looking for and its all subjective but... For me a good piano sound and "Good Feeling" action was priority. I can't attest to the ES120.. but I did end up buying the ES520 after test driving every model the local area had to offer. I recorded some tracks while I had the S3000 and recently compared to the Kawai, the Piano sounds very toy like. That being said, I had a blast with the variety of sounds the S3000 offered. The splitting and layering can keep you greatly entertained. The Kawai has those functions too.. but only 34 sounds or so compared to 300 on the Casio. I also found no way to easily start a metronome on the Casio.. I had to access certain "rhythim" accompaniment tracks labeled as Metronome. That could have just been user error though. Action wise, the Casio is no where near the ballpark of the Kawaii. Of my tests my preferences when gauging sound and Action went Kawai on top, Yamaha 2nd, Roland 3rd. .. Roland was great in everything but actions felt heavy/sluggish on the "up". If you were less interested in Piano tones and response, the Casio might be a good fit for versatile tones. Hope that ramble helps!
Thanks Stu. I watched and rewatched many of your reviews before buying an es120. I was looking for an affordable, key action for classical and pop and jazz. I use pianoteq and have my own studio amp and speakers. Pretty much my choices were es520, es120 fp30x/fp60x and pxs3100/pxs5000. I didn't want to spend more than $1100 or so. I tried the pha4 action in the Roland series, but the keys had too much wobble and vibration for my liking. The es520 was good, but I didn't necessarily need triple sensors or beefy speakers. I was very curious about the pxs5000, but ultimately I held off because of the compact keys. It may be good enough to play a variety of music, but after 50 years of playing, I didn't want to readjust whenever I play on an acoustic piano. The es120 fit all my needs. Key action is very satisfying. Nice feel both down and on the release. Much improved from the es110 and worth the extra $'s, in my opinion. The Kawai samples are just okay, but good enough for scratch work. The keys are more slippery than I expected. The key combinations are very cumbersome, so I either would use the app or stick with the basic sounds. That's it. Thanks for your reviews. Just wanted to give back to the community.
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning into the channel! We appreciate you taking the time to share your piano journey and insights. Congratulations on the ES120! As you have discovered, it is an excellent piano that packs a lot of value into a very attractive price point. Thanks again for writing in and happy playing! :)
I also noticed some of the white keys are not completely flat. I can feel a little waviness from front to back in the middle on several keys. It's a little annoying this was not caught in quality control.
I bought this piano on a local dealer (for local warranty) but the wood desk and a bench from Thomann, since that I'm improving a lot my skills, I like the action of the keyboard, and I ever find a piano tone for any style I need to practice with my beginner pieces! I feel Really happy, probably the best $1000 I spent in 2022. The sound engine is like in other more expensive pianos, very realistic, with string and dumper resonance, and more.
Congrats on your Kawai ES120! They are powerhouse instruments given their attractive price point. I am very happy to hear that you've been enjoying the authentic piano sounds and experience! Happy playing! :)
How are you finding your ES120? I read a comemnt on the official wooden stand that the keys 11-23 will start to hit the case loud when played, is that true for you? (just ordered the piano, will get the stand soon myself) :)
@@lilyana0 for me the action sounds good, the only problem I have is that the separation between G3 and A3 is not the same as the rest of the keyboard because of the way the piano keyboard is constructed, and it happens in every es120.
Stu, we're pretty much here just for you. Forget the pianos. You could do a toast review and I'd be here front row. Joking around but we really do love the reviews and your takes. Keep it up!
Your playing is absolutely beautiful. This is the style that i would love to learn to play in, but i dont know where to start. Who are some composers who play like this? 2 of my favorite pianists are Andy Ezrin and Robert Hayes.
Hi! Brent here! I'll be happy to pass on your compliments to Stu for you. If you'd like to learn more about some of Stu's influences and musical idols, you can check out this Q&A we shot a couple of months ago: ruclips.net/video/FcmcpGKyU8M/видео.html
Thank you. One of the few reviewers who is honest. I have the ES8 and the CN29. The SK-EX sample is by far the best - it's all I use - I don't even bother with any of the others (I don't know why Kawai bother with them either!). I also have a Roland FP10 - but of course the way that sound is modelled is totally different - so all of the four piano sounds are actually fine, some more mellow, some a bit brighter.
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! I agree with your sentiments about the Kawai SKEX samples. They are phenomenal and very authentic sounding in my opinion as well. With that said, it is great to have options. Different tools for different jobs as they say. ;)
Thanks for the thorough review Stu! I think it may have been useful to introduce the PianoRemote app as a more intuitive alternative to the button+key operations required to adjust settings. The app is available for iOS and Android devices, and can connect via the ES120’s Bluetooth feature, so no cables are required.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! That is a very good point. For those that are comfortable to use apps opposed to onboard functions/controls, the PianoRemote app is quite intuitive and easy-to-use. Thanks again and all the best! :)
I put the audio track of this video in an audio analyzer program as well as Kawai Europe's presentation of the SK-EX. I wanted to compare how well the ES120 replicates the sound of a real Shigeru Kawai SK-EX. This is what I found: 1) The ES120 sounds as if you digitally removed the bass frequencies of the real SK-EX and boosted the treble. Imagine you have a home stereo and you turn down the bass knob all the way and turn up the treble know all the way... that's how the ES120 is sounding on my studio headphones compared to the real SK-EX. 2) To understand why, I ran the frequency spectrum plot of both recordings and placed them side by side. I noticed the following: a) The ES120 sharply cuts the frequency band below 70 Hz, whereas the real SK-EX has a gentler roll-off. That nice full bass tone is removed in the ES120. b) The ES120 has a much wider and deeper valley in the 150 Hz - 400 Hz frequency band compared to the real SK-EX. This frequency band includes the low-midrange, and too little content makes the sound thin. c) The ES120 exaggerates the 500 Hz - 750 Hz band, whereas the real SK-EX tends to have a slight valley. Too much on this band can impart a horn-like character to the sound. d) The ES120 exaggerates the frequencies from 3000 Hz to 5000 Hz, where the real SK-EX has a gentle roll-off. This is the high-mid region, and too much content can make sound harsh and brittle. I would say that the EQ curve given to the SK-EX in this lower-end tone generator (the Harmonic Imaging, the lowest of the 4 tone generators) seem to misrepresent the true character of the real SK-EX concert grand. In my opinion, the recording of the SK-EX provided by Kawai Europe is balanced, whereas the ES120 seems to be over-emphasizing the midrange/high midrange portion too much. I have always wondered if digital piano manufacturers deliberately manipulate the EQ settings of the sample to create different tone generators, to force people into buying their more expensive digital pianos. Then, to distract people, they give you all those "tone engine parameters" that in the end are not as useful, mainly because once you distort the EQ response of a sound at the factory and burn it onto a ROM sample chip, further attempts to digitally restore the original sample using the built-in equalizer and other DSP effects results in weird artifacts introduced to the sound that are clearly audible. Digital manufacturers have the control of the sound, and they don't seem to be very willing to give their best sample so easily. That's why Kawai has 4 tone generators. To my ears, the ES120 is like when you take a picture in a photo editor and exaggerate the "contrast", "saturation", "brilliance", etc., parameters... the sound is very clear, but can become fatiguing to hear. It is too bright.
Very interesting analysis of the sample compared to the real thing! Needless to say, there is obviously going to be a stark contrast between a piano that has an MSRP of $899 USD and is emulating the sound compared to the real thing that boasts a $200,995 USD MSRP. With that said, I personally feel that the ES120 offering by Kawai is impressive for the price point. As always, thanks for the interesting analysis and insights! :)
Thank you for this. I’m a new adult piano learner, just under 90 days into this new lifestyle and loving it. I tried the ES120 a few weeks ago, to my beginner ears, it was just way too bright for me. The Roland FP30X sounded much better to me.
Awesome playing as always Stu! I have watched a lot of videos from this channel and i was wondering when we can expect a review on the Kawai ca-901. I haven’t seen any of those yet. It is already available for purchase here in Europe so i was also wondering if it’s available in North-America in general just yet. Interesting for me is also if it’s a better choice then the novus 5s since they are similarly priced and are both wonderful. Thanks for all the reviews!
You're very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to tune in! We have not yet received our first shipment of Kawai CA901 units yet, hence why we have not yet completed a review. With that said, we are anticipating them to arrive in January, so you should see a review video shortly. ;)
You're very welcome! Congrats on your (soon to be) ES120 purchase! It is a wonderful piano. I am confident that you will be very happy with what it has to offer musically. :)
I own the 110 and after 3 years of heavy playing the key contacts are starting to fail. The upgrades on the key bed of the 120 should solve this issue.
The improvements to the ES120's action are quite meaningful! In addition to being much quieter in terms of key noise, it also seems more stable and far more durable. :)
Hi, I played the es120 in store yesterday and noticed when doing some big stretches that there was a rough edge on the corner end of some of the white keys. I felt it could slightly graze the end of my finger. I then examined several of the competitor pianos and none had this. Anyone else noticed this? I have small hands and just have some doubts that this might cause me some issues with this otherwise excellent piano.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights. I have not personally experienced this issue or heard this complaint about the ES120's keys from customers at our showrooms. With that said, touch and feel preferences is a highly personal and subjective thing, so it comes down to the tastes of the player. Different pianos and actions will resonate with different players. :)
This is interesting. Nord Piano 5 keyboard also has this problem. Contrary to @MerriamPianos is saying, it is not subjective - rough edges create issues for people playing chords stretching over one octave
Stu, è un bellissimo pianoforte digitale! Nella gamma media difficile trovare un concorrente se non il Roland FP30x. Anche Yamaha ha aggiornato il p125 con il p125a, aggiungendo il key off e la risonanza delle corde anche senza piu' avere la possibilità dell'audio tramite USB. Il prezzo dell ES120 si avvicina molto al Kawai ES520 che possiede già il pedale F10h. Qui in Italia la differenza di prezzo fra questi due modelli è di soli 150,00 eur. Grazie mille per queste bellissime recensioni sempre al top! Stu, sei bravissimo a suonare il pianoforte!! Auguri di buon Natale dall'Italia.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for tuning in and for your kind words! :) It is interesting that there is a very large disparity in the price gaps between different models in different markets. The Roland FP30X is definitely a tough piano to compete with. The touch in particular is really quite extraordinary in my opinion for the money. Thanks again and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Canada!
@@MerriamPianos I diversi prezzi nei vari stati nel mondo dipendono molto dai livelli d' inflazione. Qui in Italia per esempio i pianoforti digitali delle maggiori marche hanno avuto incrementi anche del 20%. L' es110 costava 550,00 eur mentre ora l' es120 è prezzato a più di 750,00 eur comprensivi di tasse governative (IVA)
Thanks for everything Stu!, you're great!.... but... what about the new Yamaha p225!!!... VS es120... VS fp30x, etc...etc... Thanks for all, best channel for piano lovers ever!!!...
Stu, at 7:24 what is the (brand) name of the e-piano with the fast tremolo (faster than the Wurlitzer sample)? Might it be a Hohner Pianet N, which is in the 920 and I think maybe also in the 520? BTW, am a very satisfied owner/player of an ES110 which I purchased in Oct. 2021 to replace my well played wonderful ES4, that served me very well since 2006. , Love your honest/usefully informative videos.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for the kind words! I will certainly pass them on to Stu on your behalf. :) I would have to ask Stu as to the exact patch that was used at that specific moment. Also, I am very happy to hear that you are enjoying your Kawai ES110! It is an absolute powerhouse, especially given its price point. Thanks again and all the best! :)
That is quite interesting. The gap between those two models here in Canada is quite substantial. There is a lot of disparity with pricing and price gaps in some markets unfortunately.
thanks for great video, this is almost what i've been looking for. I'm expecting to be a starter to the piano so sorry I can't really tell differences now. May I ask if es120 is a right choice to start?
You're very welcome! The ES120 is a fantastic choice for any beginner player to start learning and playing on. The new and improved action provides a wonderful weighted touch and the SKEX concert grand samples are arguably some of the very best at this price point. :)
Hello Stu, I know this is off topic, but, I notice that C Bechstein has been released quite a number of new upright pianos. Are they real new designs or just renames? And if they are new, is there any chance that you may be doing reviews of any of them soon? Thanks!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Yes, C. Bechstein has made several updates to their upright line. For instance, the A124 was recently replaced with the A6. These are not just renames as the piano scale designs and cabinets are different as well. You can certainly bet that some reviews/comparisons with these new models are on the way. ;)
Hi, I contacted Kawai. They confirmed that When using the F-10H damper pedal with the ES120, progressive pedal information (0~127) will be transmitted via MIDI.
I'm exploring options as a Casio player who is concerned I won't like the compact version (S1100 etc) and doesn't likely need all the extra things on the PX360/560 including the additional cost. Thinking about Kawai and appreciate this. Will have to try in person obviously - hoping for gigging options where my Casio PX-150 is serving so well, but I am tired of packing and unpacking my only option.
The ES120 and PXS1100 are both excellent portable options! The PXS1100 is a bit more portable and lightweight, but you may favour the musical experience of the ES120 more if you like a warmer piano sound. :)
I have a K.Kawai Kg-3C Grand Piano - I practice daily. My family needs some quiet, and I need some quality practice. I am hoping this keyboard can provide at the minimum the key action and feel. I will be using a headphone almost exclusively. I only care about the ergonomics and key feel. Thank you for the demo.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! The FP-E50 has a heavier action and a more neutral tonal profile, whereas the Kawai ES120 has a slightly warmer sound. They are both exceptional pianos! I would personally give the edge to the ES120 in terms of tonal authenticity, but the FP-E50 is very feature rich. If you're looking for accompaniment features and a plethora of built-in sounds, the FP-E50 is quite fun. :)
The ES520 action (RHCII) is still superior. It has triple sensor detection versus the ES120's RHC action's dual sensor system. That leads to a more accurate rendering of a player's performance nuances.
It takes a little bit of time to get familiar with the piano's core sound and adjustable settings. With that said, I am confident you will find a piano sound on the ES120 that is quite rewarding and inspiring! :)
I wanted this ES120 but where I live it is 50% more expensive than the PX-S1100. It is even dearer than the PX-S3100. In the end I got a Casio for a good price.
It is interesting that there are large disparities in terms of price gaps between pianos in different markets. With that said, the Casio PXS1100 and PXS3100 are both wonderful instruments, so I think you will be in very good shape. ;)
@@MerriamPianos I am. The Casio's weighted keys are easy on my untrained fingers. It took me no time to get used to them so I think Casio did something right for a novice like me.
How about a comparison between the Kawai ES-120 and the Casio PX-S5000? I'm thinking not so much in terms of internal sounds, but as a MIDI controller, say for Pianoteq.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that for you. With that said, we do have several videos in the queue currently. I think an exploration of which pianos make the best MIDI controllers in this price category would be an exciting topic to cover.
That would be great. There seems to be a growing consensus that modelling software is overtaking sampled instruments (something I would never have believed 10 years ago), so I can understand a certain dread among the big players (Yamaha, Roland etc) whose products are based on samples. I have urged Pianoteq to hook up with a hardware manufacturer (i.e. Casio) and have their software installed right in the keyboard, but they say they cannot discuss it. @@MerriamPianos
Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate it. :) While the ES120 and KDP120 have the same tone engine, the KDP120 has a superior action in the RHCII as well as a more powerful speaker system (40W). The ES520 has an edge over the KDP120 in terms of having a more advanced tone engine, but it is comparable in terms of action and speaker power. With that said, they are also very different offerings in terms of aesthetics and functionality given the portable versus console designs.
@@MerriamPianos I did like the action on my es110 which I just sold. I want to go one level up with usb audio. The 60x a little better on the action front to the 30x? Thank for replying btw most RUclipsrs never bother 😂
The ES120's piano sound is fantastic! Unfortunately, more and more, 5-pin MIDI connections are being phased out and replaced with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
I bought kawai es 120 a week ago. Here is my impression: I like everything except piano remote app and in some extent piano sound. I wouldn't say that I totally disappointed with sound...no, far from it! But as it is my first DP probably I expected something more. In the end I found a combination of piano tone/EQ/reverb/smart mode that sounds fine to me. As for piano remote app...well not all settings present there and UI could be better (many times I accidently changed settings instead of scrolling). Btw EQ settings don't affect headphones at all and I use them most of the time Overall I'm satisfied and can recomend this piano to buy but if you can try it before buy
Hi there! I am happy to hear that you have been satisfied overall with the purchase of your Kawai ES120. Needless to say, not even the most expensive digital pianos are perfect in every regard for every player. However, with that said, I am glad to hear that you found a combination of settings that worked for you. Thanks for tuning in and happy playing! :)
@@namakudamono yes you are correct. Speaker EQ settings do not apply to headphones only to build-in speakers and probably to line out(I haven't been testing line out yet)
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! In Canada, the price gap between the two models is quite significant. With that said, we have received a few requests to do a full assessment and comparison of the ES line (120, 520 and 920 models). We will do our best to tackle that in the near future. :)
Hi how does px 160 casio compare to es 120? We have the cn29 at home but we need another one that will be portable to play at school. Till now the cassio px 160 was ok for playing in the class but since we had the cn29 at home my son don't like to play the cassio at school at all. We wonder if the es120 can be more satisfying to play in school than the old cassio px 160
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The PX160's action is going to be substantially lighter feeling than the CN29. The ES120 is ultimately going to be in the middle of those two actions. It is a bit more solid feeling, but unlike the CN29, it does not have escapement. If you would like to optimize the consistency with the CN29 feel, I would recommend the Kawai ES920 as it uses the same action as the CN29 (RHIII). Alternatively, an FP30X's PHA4 action will be a bit more similar to the CN29 and be at a more comparable price point to the ES120. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Love your demonstration. Which one would you suggest for a beginner among these Yamaha p125 , yamaha dgx 670 , roland fp 30x , kawai es 120 . I want to have a good weighted key action and rich piano sound.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! All of these pianos you've listed are viable options to begin learning on. With that said, it comes down to personal preference and which tone and touch combination you prefer. As someone that personally prioritizes action, I would give a slight edge to the Roland FP30X and its PHA4 action as the closest thing to an acoustic piano experience. However, that is a very subjective opinion of course. ;)
I just watched your review of the Alesis concert pro. I'm new at playing piano and I need something basic that sounds and play like a piano. I don't know between the Alesis and the Kawai 😳 in Australia the price isn't much different. Which would you recommend? Thanks😁 your reviews are primo
Hi! Brent here! I would personally suggest the Kawai ES120. The Alesis is very good for the money, but I feel that the Kawai is a step above in all regards. :)
Hi guys… around 18:22 Stu says that ES120 is able to record audio to USB. I am not sure this is possible: or I misunderstood what Stu said, or there is something I am missing.
Hi there! I believe that was a mistake. The ES120 does not have a USB port for a USB stick to record audio onto. With that said, you can use the 1/4" line outs to record audio. Thanks for catching that! :)
@@MerriamPianosbugger, that's a big reason I bought this piano. Are you able to edit the video or add a notation to that part? I just bought the piano this morning and was looking for the usb record option...
Ho did you connect kawai es120 to external speakers? I tried connecting via l/mono jack to my Mackie srm (active) speakers and the gain/sound is low do I need to connect it first to a mixer before connecting it to the speakers? the volume level of the piano is also low as well?
Hi there! Thanks for the question! For the sake of this video, we used a direct line-out from the piano to capture the audio. With that said, using a mixer or PA as a hub between the piano and speakers will likely optimize the sonic experience and diminish the issues you are currently experiencing.
@@MerriamPianos Thank you for your reply. Can I ask a follow up question? I maybe arrogantly asking this I do apologize for it, you've mentioned that you used direct line out where did you connect it? may I ask what's your set up for these videos? By the way very thankful for your videos very helpful!!! truly helpful and most importantly it's not boring!
I know these aren't necessarily in the same category, but I'm considering the Kawai ES-120 and the Casio Privia PX-870 because they are similarly priced. I primarily will be using the acoustic piano on both, and I really value an expressive, accurate, and mechanically quiet action (last one is big for me). I also value a rich tone, so I'd like to know your opinion on which you prefer? The 40 watt speaker system on the Casio definitely appeals to me, but if the sound of the Kawai and the action is overall better, then I'd rather the Kawai. Also, do you know if you could record directly to a phone from the Casio? Thank you!!
Hi there! Brent here. Thanks for reaching out! It all comes down to musical preferences. The PX870 is a gorgeous sounding instrument. It has a much brighter voice compared to the warmer ES120 voice. In terms of the action, I favour the ES120's RHC action myself. I also find it incredibly quiet. They have reinforced this series of action with additional cushioning to minimize mechanical key noise. You can technically recording directly onto a phone with most digital pianos, but the hardware required would be a bit elaborate in most cases.
I own the ES 110 like the unit but find the action a bit jumpy and the pivot a bit too short for my giant hands / really long fingers. I needed a new piano since my ES110 and MP11 are 3000 miles away. I play-tested the ES120 in a store and prefer it's action to the ES110 regarding the "jumpy," but it's the same pivot. I watched your videos on the ES920 and ES520 (which has the ES120's action but with 3x not 2x sensor) and bought the ES920. It compares very favorably to my MP11 (which I love, but which weighs 85 pounds and is thus stationary). I don't mind the "fake escapement" and the action is much more fluid / tight / smooth than the ES110 and even the cushioned ES120. The 37 pound ES920 is a bit heavy to gig with with public transportation (my van is also 3000 miles away) but I have a Numa Compact 2x for that (15 pounds). I'll buy the ES120 when I'm back on the East coast and I'll sell my ES110 simultaneously. Since my MP11 is unfortunately damaged (idiotic landlord stored it on end for 8 months while I was {"Covid-Stranded" in LA until I could get my vaccine), my new ES920 is my new daily driver for home studio practice / recording. I do not like the ES110's "press a piano key + function" and no screen set-up; the ES120 is better but I appreciate having a screen and more controls. I'll use the ES120 for gigs with my van unless the pay is great, in which case, the ES920. As always, I enjoy your playing; first rate!
Thanks so much for tuning in and for your kind words! We also appreciate you sharing your insights as I'm sure some of our community members really appreciate it. :) Congrats on your ES920! It is a fantastic piano on all fronts and definitely an excellent, lighter alternative to the MP11SE. I also agree with your sentiments about the ES120. The extra cushioning in the action makes the ES120 much quieter in terms of key noise and far more solid feeling. I personally favour it over the ES110's touch as well. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
I had the es8 & es9, sold them both. Right in the middle of the keyboard there were 3 "TINNY" sounding keys. Very annoying to me. I hope the 120 is better.
Hi there, do you mean the ES920? I am sorry to hear you did not fully enjoy the ES8 and ES920 models. They are generally some of the warmest piano sounds on the market, so it is interesting to hear that there were "tinny" notes in the middle register of the instrument. In any case, the new ES120 instrument is a wonderful, lush sounding piano with a wonderful touch as well. :)
Hi Stu & Crew. Great review, well refined recipe has an effortless flow to it, informative and entertaining, everything is just right, but... 13:51 Ugh! When i listen to a classic piano and a classic piece on top of it, fading it out, with no resolve, no proper end, it leavs a hole, it's almost painfull. I know that Stu can go into some unexpected places but than resolves it somehow, and following him is fun. Now i don't know how it ends and it gives me an unease. I suspect that for musically sensitive people it feels similarly. Fading out is expected in pop music, but when someone does this to a classic piano solo, there is a special place in hell for them 😉
Hey Stu! I want a digital piano that has lighter action and responsive enough to play fast passages. I bought FP30x and hated its action. It wasn't responsive at all. As of es120, 1. Is it a responsive action? 2. would it give muscle fatigue as fp30x(awful) was giving me? 3. Is it too stiff and hard? 4. Is it ideal for playing fast passages and repetitive notes?
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! The FP30X's PHA4 action is definitely a heavier and stiffer touch than many other actions at this price point. The ES120's RHC action would probably be an excellent choice for you as it is much lighter and does not have escapement. It is still quite responsive and capable of playing fast repetitions of notes. It is not particularly stiff or hard in my opinion, but, of course, a lot of these descriptions we use to describe touch and tone are subjective to some extend. My recommendation would be to test out the ES120's action in a showroom if possible. You may also prefer its predecessor, the ES110, as it is has a bit of a looser touch. They added more cushioning to the action of the ES120, which made it a bit more solid/rigid. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the reply Brent sir. I've made up my mind to buy kawai es120. Wish me Luck! fp30x had destroyed my interest and enthusiasm in piano but I pulled through. PS: Recently sold my fp30x
Generally, manufacturing and assembly is quite consistent with digital pianos, but there could be slight differences like that from unit to unit. I don't believe it is any cause for concern. :)
Hi! The Kawai ES120 is already available in Canada. :) We received our first shipment of them last month and customers have already been receiving the orders and enjoying this wonderful new model from Kawai. The MSRP is $899 USD, which works out to be approximately $1249 CAD.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While I have plenty of experience with the ES120, I have not tried the LP380U model to be entirely honest. So, unfortunately, I cannot really weigh in on the conversation. With that said, based on my experience with other Korg models and the fact that many companies recycle much of the same technology (e.g. action, tone engines, etc.) between different models, my guess would be that the ES120 would be my preference. It has a wonderfully authentic tone and excellent touch for the money. :)
Thank you so much for the reply! The thing is, I can’t seem to find a stand for the kawai es120, one that is not X shaped or Z shaped but looks like a regular piano stand (i.e, an upside down U shape). Do you know of one? Thanks again
Thank you for the suggestion! While we do carry Schimmel pianos, we only carry a few Fridolin Schimmel upright models currently. With that said, it may be difficult to review the F156 given that it is not a piano we readily have access to.
Good sound! Sir if you can have a subjective preference between the es 120, fp30x and Yamaha 125 for a use with a soul, jazz band on stage which one can you advice me?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! We appreciate it. :) For me, it would be a toss up between the ES120 and FP30X. Given the genre and the fact that you'll be playing with an ensemble, I might lean a little towards the FP30X as it has quite versatile tonally speaking and, consequently, you might have an easier time getting the tone to cut through the rest of the ensemble.
Why most DP makers don't bother with 3 sensors and escapement within this price range? Only Roland offers DPs with these features. In the past, Casio also had the PX-160 which was equipped with 3 sensors, but now they only put 2 sensors in their PXS. Tell you what, in the past, I had a Yamaha DP which was pretty basic, only had 2 sensors, and just after 2 years, the sensors had worn out. Moreover, with only 2 sensors, it was pretty difficult to play trills and repeated notes. From then, I won't buy any DP that only has 2 sensors, however advance their technology really is (unless it is an optical sensor and NOT the common contact sensor which can worn out).
There are some players that actually do not enjoy escapement/let-off simulation in digital piano actions and, therefore, tend to gravitate towards what some people may perceive as simpler dual sensor actions. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the preferences and subjectivity of the player making the final decision. :)
Thanks for the review dear sir! I am an aspiring pianist and I’ve recently came across a digital piano from a brand named NUX NPK 10 which specs are surprisingly good on paper but the price is less than a quarter or half of what ES120 or P-125 has. Could you please do a review or comparison of it? Most videos in youtube are in other languages so it’s hard to determine whether it would be a viable choice.
You're very welcome! We have actually received a few requests to cover this model and have added it to our list of potential models to tackle in the future. We will do our best to cover it in an upcoming review. :)
I found a video comparing the Yamaha P-45 with the NUX-NPK10. Using studio headphones, the P-45 sounds more open in the midrange and the NUX NPK10 more like a conventional home speaker, with a more "V"-shaped equalization. Real pianos are not compressed in the midrange, in fact they are mostly midrange instruments. However, recordings of pianos that are played on typical home speakers sound more like the NUX NPK10. So, if you are familiar with how acoustic pianos sound in person, chances are you might go with the P-45. But if are not very familiar with real pianos and more accustomed to how piano recordings sound in home stereos, then you would choose the NUX NPK10. It takes time to adapt your ears to a real instrument. This is probably why a lot of people dislike Yamaha digital pianos, because it sounds more like the real thing and they are used to listening to recordings of pianos. If you have never owned a pair of studio monitors, the first time you hear them you might dislike them: not enough bass, too cold, too harsh, too much midrange. But this is only because you might be used to listening to badly designed speakers: home stereos typically boost the mid-bass a lot, so they sound "warm". Once you are adapted to the high quality sound of studio monitors, you don't want to go back to speakers with a "V"-shape equalization. Same thing with the Yamaha P-45 vs NUX NPK10. One imitates a real piano, the other imitates the "V" curve found in home stereos. Which one you prefer might be a consequence of what you are used to listen to as a "piano sound".
In my country the es 120 cost 850 euros, as well as the fp30x as well as the p125. Im looking for a piano to play as beginer (dont know piano at all), that a can resell in a few years at a great price, and that is the best for sound and for beginers. Because of problem of space, im forced to put the kaybord on a desk. In these conditions, wich should i choose ? From your reviews i prefered the fp30x, but the speakers at the bottom affraid me.. The es 120 has force me to check the manual all the time and have a little worse key quality than the fp30x The yamaha doesnt have Bluetooth and have keys with a bad plastic texture... So im confused, dont know where to go..
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. These are all very well-built pianos that offer impressive value for the money. However, every one of these options offers a different tone or touch. If you are concerned about resale, I suppose one way to think about it is to go with the most recent model, which would be the ES120. Because it is the most recently released, it is the least likely to be updated or replaced in the near future.
Hi Antonie! Brent from Merriam Music here! The ES120 does have a lighter action in comparison to Roland's PHA4. It also does not have escapement, whereas the PHA4 does.
Hi! Brent here! I don't know offhand and I'm not at a showroom to test at the moment, but it will be a little bit lighter than the PHA4. With that said, we will do our best to feature the weight test in more videos as we have received a few requests to do so. :)
Hi Stu. Could you please make a review of some of Bluethner´s digital pianos? There are almost no channel who do that. And it would be really intresting to know how Bluethner´s piano perform in the digital world :)
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for the suggestion. We do our best to tackle as many reviews/comparisons as possible and will definitely add Bluthner digital pianos to the list of potential candidates for future videos. Thanks again and all the best! :)
I have a question if someone can help me. I bought es120 in December and I have connected 2 studio monitor on line out but the volume is very very quiet.the monitors are working good with all the other sources i have. I wish to know if someone have this problem too or is a problem of mine. For let you understand, with max volume is like to hear the internal speaker at 30% and if you have this piano you know how much is quiet also to max volume.. Thank you
Hi there! It is difficult to properly troubleshoot without being in front of the exact setup and chain of course. But, with that said, the first thing I would try to isolate is the cables. Ensure that there are no issues with the cables that are using. Beyond that, I would also test the line outs through something else such as a PA system, keyboard amp, or alternate set of speakers. You should also test the speakers with another audio source to ensure that there is not an issue with volume levels when being used in conjunction with other sources. That should allow you to isolate the issue to some type of configuration/integration issue between the piano and speakers. Thanks and hope this helps a bit! Perhaps, one of our community members that has experienced this issue personally can shed more light on this. :)
@@MerriamPianos thank you. Unfortunately I have already tried to do all of this. The speakers are working goof with every others sources. The signal is so low than differents cable give very different result, too much difference. I tried also other kind of speakers but is even worst. Is like it missing a preamp, like a phono line. The configuration i think i have set all the possibile combination. I have write also to kawai, I'm waiting the answer. Thank you for your time and your answer.
@@MerriamPianos hi, I have found the problem. I don't know if is an issue of mine keyboard or can be a general bug. If you disable the internal speaker with press function and c#7 and after you press function + play for listen a demo song, the volume of the output go down and there's no way to Rais it anymore till you make a reset of the keyboard or you are turning on and off again the internal speaker. This just happen with playing demo song. It will be good if someone else can try for understand if is a general bug.. I already wrote to kawai. We'll see if they'll give me an answer. Thank you.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Personally, I find the updated action to be a meaningful improvement. In addition to having much less key noise, I find it to have a more solid, secure feel. Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)
The ES120 has a USB-MIDI interface and Bluetooth Audio + MIDI. However, it does not have a USB-audio interface. With that said, you can always take the headphone outputs to capture the audio from the tone engine. :)
The ES520 is a meaningful step up in terms of specs. It has an improved action (RHCII), tone engine (Progressive Harmonic Imaging), and speaker system (40W). While the ES120 is an excellent piano for its price point, most players find the ES520 to offer a superior musical experience, particularly in terms of the piano sounds due to the higher-quality tone engine and speaker system.
@@MerriamPianos thank you very much. Then I see the 920 and maybe cn201 which also seems like good setup from the previous. It's hard to know when to stop. So lets see comparing the es920 vs cn201...is that as big a step up as going from 520 vs 920 or even going from 120 vs 520, for example? Just trying to find the point of diminishing returns for a beginner player. Thanks
People typically cite the 40 watt speaker system in the ES520 as an upgrade over the 20 watt speaker system in the ES120. But the wattage is the least important part of the upgrade, what they should cite instead is the speaker system design, which I will explain to you below. In real life, you will never use 40 watts from your amplifiers: real power consumption from the amplifiers going to the speakers is about 1 watt. As ridiculous as that may sound to you, it is easy to prove using a multimeter, a clamp meter, a power meter. Don't worry about the 40 watts, it is an extremely useless piece of information. By the way, doubling the power (from 20 watts to 40 watts) only increases the volume output by 3 decibels, which is barely noticeable. Let me give you the details of the speaker system itself: 1) The ES120 has two 12 cm circular speakers on the bottom without any box inside. They are mounted directly to the plastic case facing down. A speaker cone produces as much sound forward as backwards, and the back wave leaks through the key assembly and reaches your ears. In addition, there are thin sound ports on top. So, you get sound from 3 sources: speakers firing down, sound ports, sound leaking through the keys. The treble is affected by the lack of direct exposure to your ears. 2) The ES520 features two long black boxes inside, with 8x12 cm oval speakers. While smaller than the 12 cm in the ES120, each speaker is mounted on its own plastic box facing up, firing directly to the player, with bass reflex/ported (it has a hole facing the bottom of the piano, tuned at a specific frequency). This means there is no sound leak through the keys. All the sound goes directly to your ears, nothing escapes below (except the bass frequencies). This means the sound field is closer to regular bookshelf speakers. If you use rhythms (both machines have built-in drums), the ES520 will sound better, clear treble, better bass and more defined. I think both speaker systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The ES120 has a speaker setup that favors a more indirect sound while the ES520 favors a more bookshelf speaker presentation. Actually, more like a Ohm Walsh speaker, with its woofer firing up. Which is better? If well implemented, both can be good choices in principle. Which choice has been better implemented in these models? Maybe the ES520. I hope this speaker system discussion helps to understand a bit that the focus should not be in the amplifiers and their wattage ratings, but the speaker configuration.
Hi! Brent here! I would say that it certainly is. It depends on touch preferences of course. Some intermediate players may prefer a heavier touch, such as the Roland PHA4, which is used on the Roland FP10 and FP30X. The best bet is to test out a few models within your budget to determine, which option you feel most connected to. :)
What do those do who have 110 and then Kawai launches 120, making them regret massively, or in general whenever the company suddenly launches a far better model in a series when we have bought a particular model. The only option is to resell to someone to buy the better model.
The ES110 still holds up as an amazing instrument! And there are some perks to factor in with the ES110. Firstly, the ES110 came stock with the F10H pedal, whereas the ES120 comes with a far more basic plastic sustain pedal. Unfortunately, there are inevitably situations where we purchase products towards the end of their life cycle right before a new model is released. Sometimes, it is hard to avoid as companies don't provide a lot of advanced notice on updates.
Hi there! Unfortunately, wireless Bluetooth headphones are not an option for any digital piano. The issue rests in the fact that there is latency (delay) between pressing the key and hearing the sound. While this latency is not a concern when using wireless headphones to listen to music, immediacy between the touch and sound is critical when playing an instrument.
@@MerriamPianos many thanks for the reply and explanation. I am a beginner looking for my first digital piano so I have a lot to learn.Great Videos, Happy New Year !!
Casio released a new CT-S1 model, called the CT-S1FH, which has some Romero Britto flowers and hearts... and it costs twice as much. They should also add it to the PX-S7000 and sell it for $5,000. 🙂
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Hi! Romero Britto is a Brazilian artist. They sell all kinds of stuff with his paintings: bags, t-shirts, water bottles, etc. The Casio CT-S1FH now has his paintings too. 🎵🎵
I produce music in Ableton, but I can't actually play an instrument... I am looking to learn the piano and I am a bit torn between a Roland FP-10 Stand Bundle, an Andexinger 484 and a Roland DP10 pedal or a Kawai ES120, with the three pedals Kawai F-351 and Kawai HML-2 stand... Those two solutions are around the same price.. If i go for the cheaper piano, I will get a good and sturdy piano bench aswell (which is important as I'm 205cm and weigh 145kg) and if I go for the more expensive piano, I will have a better sounding piano, but no chair. Can anyone help me? :D
Hi there! Thanks for writing in! This is a difficult decision to make, as you are experiencing of course! The benefit of the FP10 is that it has a heavier touch, which most players find to be more authentic. In my experiences, this will help promote better dynamic and articulation control and overall technique development. With that said, the setback with the FP10 is that it only supports a single sustain pedal. The ES120 on the other hand can support a triple pedal system, which will allow you to get more longevity out of it in the sense that you can play more advanced repertoire that requires the use of the other pedals. I would also give an edge to the ES120 in terms of its tonal authenticity. The best bet would be to spend some time on both options in a showroom and to go with your gut in terms of which one feels like a more rewarding musical experience and which one you feel more connected to.
Greetings from germany again :-) Thanks for your videos and comparisons. For my ears and fingers there was no alternative to the ES120 in this price range. I purchased the ES120 piano / HML-2 stand / F-351 pedal unit. It was easy to build up and to connect. But then while playing and testing I experienced that the left (soft) pedal oft the F-331 pedal unit didn't seemed to be functional. The sound didnt get softer or more dampened (quieter). Not the way I experienced while playing in the shop. Do you have any idea or tip what this problem could be? Apart from this it's even better than you described. The action is way better than it's predecessor ES110 which I owned before. The new SK-EX sound is very natural clear and rich. I hope you have an idea or answer to my problem. Thanks for everything
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for writing in and congrats on your amazing Kawai ES120 piano! I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing some issues with your tripe pedal system. I will say that the "soft' pedal can be quite subtle on digital pianos. With that said, I would also double check the connection to make sure that its fully plugged in. Beyond that, you may have to contact your dealer about getting it serviced. We're happy to hear you're enjoying the musical experience of the ES120 though! It is a fantastic piano. :)
The model number is PSR-F51 and it has been discontinued by Yamaha. The new model is the PSR-F52. However, that model is not available in the US/Canada. Apparently, it is a model available in Africa / Asia / CIS / Latin America / Middle East / Oceania. The PSR-F series does not seem to be available for the North American market, and the lowest 61-key arranger keyboard is the PSR-E series.
Great review and superb playing. Got two questions: 1) The sound is rich and lush, but maybe “too full” when played softly. Could be only a wrong impression, but I cannot hear the timbre “opening” - you increase the volume but the timbre stays pretty much the same. 2) Why they do not put an onboard audio interface? It could cost to the producer less than 20 bucks but nowadays it is something you would expect on every digital keyboard…
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and writing in with your questions! In terms of the sound of the ES120 being "too full" at softer dynamics, that may be the case for some players. Tonal preference is a very personal thing and it is true that different pianos react differently at different dynamic levels. The ES120 has a very round and lush tone at the softer end of the dynamic spectrum. As for the inclusion of an audio interface, it is difficult to know the the true intentions of a manufacturer, but, with that said, they do have to built models with a specific price point and customer profile in mind. In trying to be everything to everyone, you usually end up being nothing to no one. Usually, with pianos like the ES120, which is primarily intended to be a home-use instrument for practicing, connectivity features and other bells and whistles are typically removed and the design is streamlined because the assumption is they won't be used by a large enough portion of owners. I could be wrong about that of course, but that would be my best guess. :)
It comes down to a matter of personal preference of course, but the ES120 is remarkably authentic sounding and tough to compete with tonally at this price point. :)
I got my casio 1100 before hearing this review and I must say... im extremely let down by my casio. It sounded good in the store but, sound is slightly laggy and the control system is HORRENDOUS
I'm sorry to hear that you are not fully satisfied with your PXS1100. It is very strange to hear that the sound is slightly lagging. Assuming the piano you tested out in the store was a floor model/display unit and not the piano you took home, it may be worth having your instrument inspected to see if there is something faulty with the piano.
Alas, almost an each portable piano in plastic form sounds in smartphone with the same mess metallic noise, only an expensive e-pianos in wooden cabinets have its own style and soul...
There aren't many electric pianos with real wood cabinets. Furthermore, the enclosure material usually isn't an active component of the sonic production. The quality of the speaker system and the piano samples are where the tone ultimately comes from in most cases.
It isn't really a fair fight given that the P515 is at a higher price point than the ES120. The P515 would compete with Kawai's ES920. The Yamaha competitor to the ES120 would be the P225 model.
Musicians using the piano for recording/production/gigging will definitely miss the 5-pin MIDI connector. With that said, the improvements to the action are meaningful. It is very solid feeling and much quieter in terms of key noise. Also, the F10H pedal that came with the ES110 can be ordered separately, which I certainly recommend as it is an exceptional pedal. :)
Thanks to this video and your Roland FP30X vs Kawai ES120 review, I tried both in person and ended up purchasing the ES120. I'm a Kawai lover at heart, and in the end the sound quality won me over yet again. I'm an advanced level "hobby" player who wanted something portable that sounded as close to an acoustic as possible. Thank you so much for the detailed reviews!
You're very welcome! Congrats on your Kawai ES120! It has an amazing tone and. touch for the price. We're happy to hear our videos helped you through your process. :)
I also tried both in person and the ES120 felt so much nicer to me!
The review is great, but I have to say that you're a fantastic piano player and your skills make this instrument shine.
Thanks for tuning in! I'll be happy to pass along your kind words to Stu on your behalf! :)
What a greaat review. You have a beautiful style. I bought this based on your review. Thanks.
I will be sure to pass on the kind words to Stu! Congrats on your ES120! I am confident you will thoroughly enjoy what it offers. :)
Just got this last week. Been playing it non stop. I've always been a fan of kawai since I tried their ES110, going to ES120, while it's not the biggest of difference in terms of features, the feeling of playing the two is just night and day to me. Thanks for helping me choose my DP Stu
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in and congrats on your ES120! The extra cushioning they have added to the ES120's RHC action makes it feel a lot more solid. I am a big fan of what it offers musically for the price point! :)
Hi so I just got the Kawai ES120 delivered today and I have been playing on it and having a lot of fun. I took the advice from commenters all over RUclips admonishing other content providers channels who also demoed the ES120 but didn't turn off the internal speaker EQ. Out of the box I was disappointed in the ES120 due to the sound coming from it. I didn't think it sounded as nice as my Roland FP 60X that I had to return, which is weird because when Stu did the comparison video of the ES120 vs the Roland 30X, I actually preferred the ES120.
So I looked through the manual and found the setting to turn of the EQ and what a difference. I now love the sound of the ES120 much more as it now has the warm round tones that Stu had demonstrated when he was playing in these videos. I still prefer the key texture and the heavier PHA4 action of the Roland FP60X and it took some getting used to the Kawai as the keys don't feel very weighted to me at all. I think the family piano, a Donner DP-20 has more noticeable weight action than the Kawai. But it has been growing on me very quickly and have been playing on it for a few hours already.
The only real downside to me is the cheap, junky sustain pedal Kawai provided. Question to Brent and everyone here, since the Kawai f-10H single sustain pedal is hard to come by, I can only find them on ebay or from some unknown 3rd party seller on Amazon going for $75 US, Which I am assuming is not regular retail price, what other brand options can I go with? I tested the Donner DSP-003 and it works fine on my Kawai, but I am looking for a single sustain pedal of excellent quality and reliability, so will the Roland DP-10 work on the ES120? Is there a better alternative to the Donner DSP-003 or should I just stick with getting that?
Hi! Brent here! Congrats on your new Kawai ES120! I am very happy to hear that you've been enjoying it so far. The ability to turn the internal speaker EQ on and off is quite handy and does make a very meaningful difference in the presentation of the SKEX samples and the overall sonic experience. I'm glad that you were able to find a sound that you resonated with in the end!
As for the action, the improved RHC action will have quite a different feel than the PHA4 action in terms of weight, key texture, and the absence/presence of escapement. Like anything, it will take a little bit of time to adjust to a new instrument.
As far as the F10H pedal goes, they can be ordered through Kawai dealers. In my experiences, it hasn't taken too long for them to arrive (a few weeks on average). They are very robust and responsive pedals with a great feel. If you can hold off on waiting a bit, I would recommend doing so as I'm yet to find a more solid single pedal out there.
The thing you have to watch out for with pedals is the polarity. When there is a polarity mismatch, the pedal will have the opposite effect. That is, the notes will infinitely sustain and the pedal will stop the sound. While I am not at the showroom to test right now, I believe the DP10 is the opposite polarity, which does not make it usable with the ES110 / ES120. Perhaps, one of our helpful community members can confirm them. Thanks again for writing in and supporting the channel! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the reply Brent, much appreciated. If the F10H is really as good as you say, than maybe I will hold out for one as long as they are reasonably priced and not more than $55 US, which is how much the Roland pedal sells for. I think paying anything more than that like the overpriced $75 US the sellers on eBay and Amazon are asking for is outrageous, especially when there are a ton of universal pedals going for under $20 US, like the Donner. I really feel the F10H should have been included with the ES120 as the substantial increased cost of the ES120 from the ES110 should have covered both the upgrades and the pedal.
Good review. 👍 After making comparisons with acoustic pianos and the ES120, FP30X, KPD120, P125, etc at the store regarding sound, when returning to the ES120 it was “wow”. The FP30X was great too. The P125 didn’t feel great and I was surprised by a more muffled sounding KDP120. The ES120 seemed easier to use than the FP30X so the Kawai was chosen. The action is nice too. For the price it’s damn good. The white looks beautiful too. 👍
Thanks for the info! I was considering the kdp120 as well.
Thanks so much! Congratulations on your new Kawai ES120! We (along with our community members I'm sure) appreciate you sharing your journey and insights. I must say, I was quite impressed with the updated action of the ES120 in particular. It felt very solid and was incredibly quiet in terms of key noise. That combined with the fantastic SKEX samples makes the piano a real home run for many players! :)
@@MerriamPianos We never hear about latency. Can it play in tandem with Pianoteq?
@@MerriamPianos thanks for the kind reply. It’s a fantastic instrument for the money and I can tell the improvement in the keyboard’s action.
Hi thanks much, I have just bought it based on your review
You're very welcome! Congrats on your ES120 purchase! I know you will be thrilled with it. :)
Today I bought this piano. I was choosing between several options, but when I played the low keys, I realised IT was the one. Happy!
That is awesome! Congrats on your ES120! It is a fantastic piano. :)
The mid-range does sound really good, it does seem like a direct competitor to Roland Fp-30x. Although each has its strength, but I think some of the default tones do sound better on the ES120. That's the thing with these digital pianos, every new releases will always have something a bit better.
Thanks for watching! It is very true that every new generation of digital piano pushes the boundaries a little bit farther. It is always exciting to see what innovations have been made each time. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
Which makes it incredibly difficult when trying to choose between them. I recently upgraded from a Casio CDP-S100 to a PX-S3000... and loved the leap but it had issues and had to be returned without replacement. I am hoping to find a local retailer with Kawai that I can test out. Much thanks to Merriam for the quality reviews and info.
@@michaelmeers8333 do you mind to share is the px-s3000 better than es120 in terms of sound and keyboard?
@@omarko555 Sure, It depends what you are looking for and its all subjective but... For me a good piano sound and "Good Feeling" action was priority.
I can't attest to the ES120.. but I did end up buying the ES520 after test driving every model the local area had to offer.
I recorded some tracks while I had the S3000 and recently compared to the Kawai, the Piano sounds very toy like. That being said, I had a blast with the variety of sounds the S3000 offered. The splitting and layering can keep you greatly entertained. The Kawai has those functions too.. but only 34 sounds or so compared to 300 on the Casio. I also found no way to easily start a metronome on the Casio.. I had to access certain "rhythim" accompaniment tracks labeled as Metronome. That could have just been user error though.
Action wise, the Casio is no where near the ballpark of the Kawaii. Of my tests my preferences when gauging sound and Action went Kawai on top, Yamaha 2nd, Roland 3rd. .. Roland was great in everything but actions felt heavy/sluggish on the "up".
If you were less interested in Piano tones and response, the Casio might be a good fit for versatile tones.
Hope that ramble helps!
Thanks Stu. I watched and rewatched many of your reviews before buying an es120.
I was looking for an affordable, key action for classical and pop and jazz. I use pianoteq and have my own studio amp and speakers.
Pretty much my choices were es520, es120 fp30x/fp60x and pxs3100/pxs5000. I didn't want to spend more than $1100 or so.
I tried the pha4 action in the Roland series, but the keys had too much wobble and vibration for my liking.
The es520 was good, but I didn't necessarily need triple sensors or beefy speakers.
I was very curious about the pxs5000, but ultimately I held off because of the compact keys. It may be good enough to play a variety of music, but after 50 years of playing, I didn't want to readjust whenever I play on an acoustic piano.
The es120 fit all my needs. Key action is very satisfying. Nice feel both down and on the release. Much improved from the es110 and worth the extra $'s, in my opinion. The Kawai samples are just okay, but good enough for scratch work. The keys are more slippery than I expected. The key combinations are very cumbersome, so I either would use the app or stick with the basic sounds.
That's it. Thanks for your reviews. Just wanted to give back to the community.
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning into the channel! We appreciate you taking the time to share your piano journey and insights. Congratulations on the ES120! As you have discovered, it is an excellent piano that packs a lot of value into a very attractive price point. Thanks again for writing in and happy playing! :)
I also noticed some of the white keys are not completely flat. I can feel a little waviness from front to back in the middle on several keys. It's a little annoying this was not caught in quality control.
Thank you! Most comprehensive piano reviews on YT ❤
You're very welcome! Thank you for those kind words and for supporting our channel! :)
I bought this piano on a local dealer (for local warranty) but the wood desk and a bench from Thomann, since that I'm improving a lot my skills, I like the action of the keyboard, and I ever find a piano tone for any style I need to practice with my beginner pieces! I feel Really happy, probably the best $1000 I spent in 2022. The sound engine is like in other more expensive pianos, very realistic, with string and dumper resonance, and more.
Congrats on your Kawai ES120! They are powerhouse instruments given their attractive price point. I am very happy to hear that you've been enjoying the authentic piano sounds and experience! Happy playing! :)
How are you finding your ES120? I read a comemnt on the official wooden stand that the keys 11-23 will start to hit the case loud when played, is that true for you? (just ordered the piano, will get the stand soon myself) :)
@@lilyana0 for me the action sounds good, the only problem I have is that the separation between G3 and A3 is not the same as the rest of the keyboard because of the way the piano keyboard is constructed, and it happens in every es120.
Stu, we're pretty much here just for you. Forget the pianos. You could do a toast review and I'd be here front row. Joking around but we really do love the reviews and your takes. Keep it up!
Thanks for tuning in! I will be sure to pass on your incredibly complimentary words to Stu on your behalf! :)
Your playing is absolutely beautiful. This is the style that i would love to learn to play in, but i dont know where to start. Who are some composers who play like this? 2 of my favorite pianists are Andy Ezrin and Robert Hayes.
Hi! Brent here! I'll be happy to pass on your compliments to Stu for you. If you'd like to learn more about some of Stu's influences and musical idols, you can check out this Q&A we shot a couple of months ago:
ruclips.net/video/FcmcpGKyU8M/видео.html
Thank you. One of the few reviewers who is honest. I have the ES8 and the CN29. The SK-EX sample is by far the best - it's all I use - I don't even bother with any of the others (I don't know why Kawai bother with them either!). I also have a Roland FP10 - but of course the way that sound is modelled is totally different - so all of the four piano sounds are actually fine, some more mellow, some a bit brighter.
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! I agree with your sentiments about the Kawai SKEX samples. They are phenomenal and very authentic sounding in my opinion as well. With that said, it is great to have options. Different tools for different jobs as they say. ;)
@@MerriamPianos PS - tuning in from Swakopmund, Namibia - on the Skeleton Coast of Africa.
Thanks for the thorough review Stu!
I think it may have been useful to introduce the PianoRemote app as a more intuitive alternative to the button+key operations required to adjust settings. The app is available for iOS and Android devices, and can connect via the ES120’s Bluetooth feature, so no cables are required.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in! That is a very good point. For those that are comfortable to use apps opposed to onboard functions/controls, the PianoRemote app is quite intuitive and easy-to-use. Thanks again and all the best! :)
This is a balanced and helpful review - many thanks.
You're very welcome! :)
I put the audio track of this video in an audio analyzer program as well as Kawai Europe's presentation of the SK-EX. I wanted to compare how well the ES120 replicates the sound of a real Shigeru Kawai SK-EX. This is what I found:
1) The ES120 sounds as if you digitally removed the bass frequencies of the real SK-EX and boosted the treble. Imagine you have a home stereo and you turn down the bass knob all the way and turn up the treble know all the way... that's how the ES120 is sounding on my studio headphones compared to the real SK-EX.
2) To understand why, I ran the frequency spectrum plot of both recordings and placed them side by side. I noticed the following:
a) The ES120 sharply cuts the frequency band below 70 Hz, whereas the real SK-EX has a gentler roll-off. That nice full bass tone is removed in the ES120.
b) The ES120 has a much wider and deeper valley in the 150 Hz - 400 Hz frequency band compared to the real SK-EX. This frequency band includes the low-midrange, and too little content makes the sound thin.
c) The ES120 exaggerates the 500 Hz - 750 Hz band, whereas the real SK-EX tends to have a slight valley. Too much on this band can impart a horn-like character to the sound.
d) The ES120 exaggerates the frequencies from 3000 Hz to 5000 Hz, where the real SK-EX has a gentle roll-off. This is the high-mid region, and too much content can make sound harsh and brittle.
I would say that the EQ curve given to the SK-EX in this lower-end tone generator (the Harmonic Imaging, the lowest of the 4 tone generators) seem to misrepresent the true character of the real SK-EX concert grand. In my opinion, the recording of the SK-EX provided by Kawai Europe is balanced, whereas the ES120 seems to be over-emphasizing the midrange/high midrange portion too much.
I have always wondered if digital piano manufacturers deliberately manipulate the EQ settings of the sample to create different tone generators, to force people into buying their more expensive digital pianos. Then, to distract people, they give you all those "tone engine parameters" that in the end are not as useful, mainly because once you distort the EQ response of a sound at the factory and burn it onto a ROM sample chip, further attempts to digitally restore the original sample using the built-in equalizer and other DSP effects results in weird artifacts introduced to the sound that are clearly audible.
Digital manufacturers have the control of the sound, and they don't seem to be very willing to give their best sample so easily. That's why Kawai has 4 tone generators.
To my ears, the ES120 is like when you take a picture in a photo editor and exaggerate the "contrast", "saturation", "brilliance", etc., parameters... the sound is very clear, but can become fatiguing to hear. It is too bright.
Very interesting analysis of the sample compared to the real thing! Needless to say, there is obviously going to be a stark contrast between a piano that has an MSRP of $899 USD and is emulating the sound compared to the real thing that boasts a $200,995 USD MSRP. With that said, I personally feel that the ES120 offering by Kawai is impressive for the price point. As always, thanks for the interesting analysis and insights! :)
@@MerriamPianos Hi Brent, thanks for the feedback! :)
Thank you for this. I’m a new adult piano learner, just under 90 days into this new lifestyle and loving it. I tried the ES120 a few weeks ago, to my beginner ears, it was just way too bright for me. The Roland FP30X sounded much better to me.
RUclips compresses audio
@@Genevieve8002 Congratulations on your journey. I am glad it helps.
I am amazed that, playing such a variety of music some of which I assume is improvised,, Stu never seems to make a mistake.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! That is a very good point! :)
Merry Christmas to you, Stu! ❤
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you as well! :)
Awesome playing as always Stu! I have watched a lot of videos from this channel and i was wondering when we can expect a review on the Kawai ca-901. I haven’t seen any of those yet. It is already available for purchase here in Europe so i was also wondering if it’s available in North-America in general just yet. Interesting for me is also if it’s a better choice then the novus 5s since they are similarly priced and are both wonderful. Thanks for all the reviews!
You're very welcome! Thank you for taking the time to tune in! We have not yet received our first shipment of Kawai CA901 units yet, hence why we have not yet completed a review. With that said, we are anticipating them to arrive in January, so you should see a review video shortly. ;)
Thank you sir, I’m ordering one right now, I’m a beginner, sounds really good 🎹
You're very welcome! Congrats on your (soon to be) ES120 purchase! It is a wonderful piano. I am confident that you will be very happy with what it has to offer musically. :)
I own the 110 and after 3 years of heavy playing the key contacts are starting to fail. The upgrades on the key bed of the 120 should solve this issue.
The improvements to the ES120's action are quite meaningful! In addition to being much quieter in terms of key noise, it also seems more stable and far more durable. :)
Hi, I played the es120 in store yesterday and noticed when doing some big stretches that there was a rough edge on the corner end of some of the white keys. I felt it could slightly graze the end of my finger. I then examined several of the competitor pianos and none had this.
Anyone else noticed this? I have small hands and just have some doubts that this might cause me some issues with this otherwise excellent piano.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your insights. I have not personally experienced this issue or heard this complaint about the ES120's keys from customers at our showrooms. With that said, touch and feel preferences is a highly personal and subjective thing, so it comes down to the tastes of the player. Different pianos and actions will resonate with different players. :)
This is interesting. Nord Piano 5 keyboard also has this problem. Contrary to @MerriamPianos is saying, it is not subjective - rough edges create issues for people playing chords stretching over one octave
Stu, è un bellissimo pianoforte digitale! Nella gamma media difficile trovare un concorrente se non il Roland FP30x. Anche Yamaha ha aggiornato il p125 con il p125a, aggiungendo il key off e la risonanza delle corde anche senza piu' avere la possibilità dell'audio tramite USB. Il prezzo dell ES120 si avvicina molto al Kawai ES520 che possiede già il pedale F10h. Qui in Italia la differenza di prezzo fra questi due modelli è di soli 150,00 eur. Grazie mille per queste bellissime recensioni sempre al top! Stu, sei bravissimo a suonare il pianoforte!! Auguri di buon Natale dall'Italia.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for tuning in and for your kind words! :)
It is interesting that there is a very large disparity in the price gaps between different models in different markets. The Roland FP30X is definitely a tough piano to compete with. The touch in particular is really quite extraordinary in my opinion for the money. Thanks again and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Canada!
@@MerriamPianos I diversi prezzi nei vari stati nel mondo dipendono molto dai livelli d' inflazione. Qui in Italia per esempio i pianoforti digitali delle maggiori marche hanno avuto incrementi anche del 20%. L' es110 costava 550,00 eur mentre ora l' es120 è prezzato a più di 750,00 eur comprensivi di tasse governative (IVA)
Thanks for everything Stu!, you're great!.... but... what about the new Yamaha p225!!!... VS es120... VS fp30x, etc...etc...
Thanks for all, best channel for piano lovers ever!!!...
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and for your suggestion! We will do our best to tackle the Yamaha P225 in an upcoming review/comparison video. :)
@@MerriamPianosI am also looking forward to Stu’s opinion about P-225
7:36 my favorite e piano
:)
:) Thanks for the video, very helpful and...balanced.
You're very welcome! Thanks so much for the kind words! We're glad you found the video helpful. :)
Stu, at 7:24 what is the (brand) name of the e-piano with the fast tremolo (faster than the Wurlitzer sample)? Might it be a Hohner Pianet N, which is in the 920 and I think maybe also in the 520? BTW, am a very satisfied owner/player of an ES110 which I purchased in Oct. 2021 to replace my well played wonderful ES4, that served me very well since 2006.
, Love your honest/usefully informative videos.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks so much for the kind words! I will certainly pass them on to Stu on your behalf. :)
I would have to ask Stu as to the exact patch that was used at that specific moment. Also, I am very happy to hear that you are enjoying your Kawai ES110! It is an absolute powerhouse, especially given its price point. Thanks again and all the best! :)
Yes, it's a Pianet N, but a little difficult to tell with the tremolo effect applied.
The es120 intro price here is almost the same as the casio AP470. Outrageous.
That is quite interesting. The gap between those two models here in Canada is quite substantial. There is a lot of disparity with pricing and price gaps in some markets unfortunately.
thanks for great video, this is almost what i've been looking for. I'm expecting to be a starter to the piano so sorry I can't really tell differences now. May I ask if es120 is a right choice to start?
You're very welcome! The ES120 is a fantastic choice for any beginner player to start learning and playing on. The new and improved action provides a wonderful weighted touch and the SKEX concert grand samples are arguably some of the very best at this price point. :)
@@MerriamPianos great thanks!
Please do an ES120 vs ES110 comparison video 🙏
Hi Joel! It is already in the works. Stay tuned! ;)
Hello Stu, I know this is off topic, but, I notice that C Bechstein has been released quite a number of new upright pianos. Are they real new designs or just renames? And if they are new, is there any chance that you may be doing reviews of any of them soon? Thanks!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Yes, C. Bechstein has made several updates to their upright line. For instance, the A124 was recently replaced with the A6. These are not just renames as the piano scale designs and cabinets are different as well. You can certainly bet that some reviews/comparisons with these new models are on the way. ;)
Ok. Thanks Brent! Looking forward to those.
thanks for the great demo video. 1 question: is there any display on the keyboard that indicates which sounds has been selected?
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Unfortunately, the ES120 does not have a display screen that indicates the sound that is selected.
Hi, I contacted Kawai. They confirmed that When using the F-10H damper pedal with the ES120, progressive pedal information (0~127) will be transmitted via MIDI.
Thanks for clarifying! We appreciate it. :)
I'm exploring options as a Casio player who is concerned I won't like the compact version (S1100 etc) and doesn't likely need all the extra things on the PX360/560 including the additional cost. Thinking about Kawai and appreciate this. Will have to try in person obviously - hoping for gigging options where my Casio PX-150 is serving so well, but I am tired of packing and unpacking my only option.
The ES120 and PXS1100 are both excellent portable options! The PXS1100 is a bit more portable and lightweight, but you may favour the musical experience of the ES120 more if you like a warmer piano sound. :)
I have a K.Kawai Kg-3C Grand Piano - I practice daily. My family needs some quiet, and I need some quality practice. I am hoping this keyboard can provide at the minimum the key action and feel. I will be using a headphone almost exclusively. I only care about the ergonomics and key feel. Thank you for the demo.
You're very welcome! The ES120 would certainly provide an excellent practice option for you. :)
Thank you for the video! How is this compared to the Roland FP-E50 in terms of sound quality and how much enjoyment you get out of playing?
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! The FP-E50 has a heavier action and a more neutral tonal profile, whereas the Kawai ES120 has a slightly warmer sound. They are both exceptional pianos! I would personally give the edge to the ES120 in terms of tonal authenticity, but the FP-E50 is very feature rich. If you're looking for accompaniment features and a plethora of built-in sounds, the FP-E50 is quite fun. :)
You mentioned that this action is vastly improved over that of the ES110. Would you still say that the action of the ES520 is superior?
The ES520 action (RHCII) is still superior. It has triple sensor detection versus the ES120's RHC action's dual sensor system. That leads to a more accurate rendering of a player's performance nuances.
I just got one last week and I'm still trying to figure out how to get the best sound out of it especially in the mid range
It takes a little bit of time to get familiar with the piano's core sound and adjustable settings. With that said, I am confident you will find a piano sound on the ES120 that is quite rewarding and inspiring! :)
I wanted this ES120 but where I live it is 50% more expensive than the PX-S1100. It is even dearer than the PX-S3100. In the end I got a Casio for a good price.
It is interesting that there are large disparities in terms of price gaps between pianos in different markets. With that said, the Casio PXS1100 and PXS3100 are both wonderful instruments, so I think you will be in very good shape. ;)
@@MerriamPianos I am. The Casio's weighted keys are easy on my untrained fingers. It took me no time to get used to them so I think Casio did something right for a novice like me.
How about a comparison between the Kawai ES-120 and the Casio PX-S5000? I'm thinking not so much in terms of internal sounds, but as a MIDI controller, say for Pianoteq.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that for you. With that said, we do have several videos in the queue currently. I think an exploration of which pianos make the best MIDI controllers in this price category would be an exciting topic to cover.
That would be great. There seems to be a growing consensus that modelling software is overtaking sampled instruments (something I would never have believed 10 years ago), so I can understand a certain dread among the big players (Yamaha, Roland etc) whose products are based on samples. I have urged Pianoteq to hook up with a hardware manufacturer (i.e. Casio) and have their software installed right in the keyboard, but they say they cannot discuss it. @@MerriamPianos
Thank you for the excellent review! I was wondering how does ES120 compare to KDP120 besides the portability? Also what about ES520 vs KDP120?
Thank you for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)
While the ES120 and KDP120 have the same tone engine, the KDP120 has a superior action in the RHCII as well as a more powerful speaker system (40W). The ES520 has an edge over the KDP120 in terms of having a more advanced tone engine, but it is comparable in terms of action and speaker power. With that said, they are also very different offerings in terms of aesthetics and functionality given the portable versus console designs.
Maybe a stupid question: how do you set the metronome time without any kind of display to check the bpm value?
It is purely by sound in this case. It is not quite as elaborate as higher-priced models of course.
Thank you!!
You're welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Does it have usb audio? Such a good feature having vsts play through the piano speaker from an iPad or mac.
The Kawai ES120 does not have a USB audio interface. With that said, the Roland FP30X, which is in the same price category, does. :)
@@MerriamPianos I did like the action on my es110 which I just sold. I want to go one level up with usb audio. The 60x a little better on the action front to the 30x? Thank for replying btw most RUclipsrs never bother 😂
Very impressive acoustic grand piano sound on this unit. Wish it had the 5 pin midi ports!
The ES120's piano sound is fantastic! Unfortunately, more and more, 5-pin MIDI connections are being phased out and replaced with USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Your mom has a midi port.
I bought kawai es 120 a week ago. Here is my impression: I like everything except piano remote app and in some extent piano sound. I wouldn't say that I totally disappointed with sound...no, far from it! But as it is my first DP probably I expected something more. In the end I found a combination of piano tone/EQ/reverb/smart mode that sounds fine to me. As for piano remote app...well not all settings present there and UI could be better (many times I accidently changed settings instead of scrolling).
Btw EQ settings don't affect headphones at all and I use them most of the time
Overall I'm satisfied and can recomend this piano to buy but if you can try it before buy
Hi there! I am happy to hear that you have been satisfied overall with the purchase of your Kawai ES120. Needless to say, not even the most expensive digital pianos are perfect in every regard for every player. However, with that said, I am glad to hear that you found a combination of settings that worked for you. Thanks for tuning in and happy playing! :)
Do you mean the "Speaker EQ" setting does not affect the headphone sound? If so, I think that is logical.
@@namakudamono yes you are correct. Speaker EQ settings do not apply to headphones only to build-in speakers and probably to line out(I haven't been testing line out yet)
can you compare this to the es520 since the price is similar?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! In Canada, the price gap between the two models is quite significant. With that said, we have received a few requests to do a full assessment and comparison of the ES line (120, 520 and 920 models). We will do our best to tackle that in the near future. :)
Hi how does px 160 casio compare to es 120? We have the cn29 at home but we need another one that will be portable to play at school. Till now the cassio px 160 was ok for playing in the class but since we had the cn29 at home my son don't like to play the cassio at school at all. We wonder if the es120 can be more satisfying to play in school than the old cassio px 160
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The PX160's action is going to be substantially lighter feeling than the CN29. The ES120 is ultimately going to be in the middle of those two actions. It is a bit more solid feeling, but unlike the CN29, it does not have escapement. If you would like to optimize the consistency with the CN29 feel, I would recommend the Kawai ES920 as it uses the same action as the CN29 (RHIII). Alternatively, an FP30X's PHA4 action will be a bit more similar to the CN29 and be at a more comparable price point to the ES120. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
Yes , its is. Thanks
Love your demonstration. Which one would you suggest for a beginner among these Yamaha p125 , yamaha dgx 670 , roland fp 30x , kawai es 120 . I want to have a good weighted key action and rich piano sound.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! All of these pianos you've listed are viable options to begin learning on. With that said, it comes down to personal preference and which tone and touch combination you prefer. As someone that personally prioritizes action, I would give a slight edge to the Roland FP30X and its PHA4 action as the closest thing to an acoustic piano experience. However, that is a very subjective opinion of course. ;)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for your suggestion🙂
What did you end up buying?
I just watched your review of the Alesis concert pro. I'm new at playing piano and I need something basic that sounds and play like a piano. I don't know between the Alesis and the Kawai 😳 in Australia the price isn't much different. Which would you recommend? Thanks😁 your reviews are primo
Hi! Brent here! I would personally suggest the Kawai ES120. The Alesis is very good for the money, but I feel that the Kawai is a step above in all regards. :)
Hi Brent.
Is the ES120 more or less a portable version of KDP120?
Hi there! The ES120 is more comparable to the KDP75 than the KDP120 given that it uses the RHC dual sensor action.
Hi guys… around 18:22 Stu says that ES120 is able to record audio to USB.
I am not sure this is possible: or I misunderstood what Stu said, or there is something I am missing.
Hi there! I believe that was a mistake. The ES120 does not have a USB port for a USB stick to record audio onto. With that said, you can use the 1/4" line outs to record audio. Thanks for catching that! :)
@@MerriamPianosbugger, that's a big reason I bought this piano. Are you able to edit the video or add a notation to that part? I just bought the piano this morning and was looking for the usb record option...
Ho did you connect kawai es120 to external speakers? I tried connecting via l/mono jack to my Mackie srm (active) speakers and the gain/sound is low do I need to connect it first to a mixer before connecting it to the speakers? the volume level of the piano is also low as well?
Hi there! Thanks for the question! For the sake of this video, we used a direct line-out from the piano to capture the audio. With that said, using a mixer or PA as a hub between the piano and speakers will likely optimize the sonic experience and diminish the issues you are currently experiencing.
@@MerriamPianos Thank you for your reply. Can I ask a follow up question? I maybe arrogantly asking this I do apologize for it, you've mentioned that you used direct line out where did you connect it? may I ask what's your set up for these videos? By the way very thankful for your videos very helpful!!! truly helpful and most importantly it's not boring!
I know these aren't necessarily in the same category, but I'm considering the Kawai ES-120 and the Casio Privia PX-870 because they are similarly priced. I primarily will be using the acoustic piano on both, and I really value an expressive, accurate, and mechanically quiet action (last one is big for me). I also value a rich tone, so I'd like to know your opinion on which you prefer?
The 40 watt speaker system on the Casio definitely appeals to me, but if the sound of the Kawai and the action is overall better, then I'd rather the Kawai.
Also, do you know if you could record directly to a phone from the Casio?
Thank you!!
Hi there! Brent here. Thanks for reaching out! It all comes down to musical preferences. The PX870 is a gorgeous sounding instrument. It has a much brighter voice compared to the warmer ES120 voice. In terms of the action, I favour the ES120's RHC action myself. I also find it incredibly quiet. They have reinforced this series of action with additional cushioning to minimize mechanical key noise.
You can technically recording directly onto a phone with most digital pianos, but the hardware required would be a bit elaborate in most cases.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the reply! So you prefer the tone of the Casio to that of the Kawai?
I own the ES 110 like the unit but find the action a bit jumpy and the pivot a bit too short for my giant hands / really long fingers. I needed a new piano since my ES110 and MP11 are 3000 miles away. I play-tested the ES120 in a store and prefer it's action to the ES110 regarding the "jumpy," but it's the same pivot. I watched your videos on the ES920 and ES520 (which has the ES120's action but with 3x not 2x sensor) and bought the ES920. It compares very favorably to my MP11 (which I love, but which weighs 85 pounds and is thus stationary). I don't mind the "fake escapement" and the action is much more fluid / tight / smooth than the ES110 and even the cushioned ES120. The 37 pound ES920 is a bit heavy to gig with with public transportation (my van is also 3000 miles away) but I have a Numa Compact 2x for that (15 pounds). I'll buy the ES120 when I'm back on the East coast and I'll sell my ES110 simultaneously. Since my MP11 is unfortunately damaged (idiotic landlord stored it on end for 8 months while I was {"Covid-Stranded" in LA until I could get my vaccine), my new ES920 is my new daily driver for home studio practice / recording. I do not like the ES110's "press a piano key + function" and no screen set-up; the ES120 is better but I appreciate having a screen and more controls. I'll use the ES120 for gigs with my van unless the pay is great, in which case, the ES920. As always, I enjoy your playing; first rate!
Thanks so much for tuning in and for your kind words! We also appreciate you sharing your insights as I'm sure some of our community members really appreciate it. :)
Congrats on your ES920! It is a fantastic piano on all fronts and definitely an excellent, lighter alternative to the MP11SE. I also agree with your sentiments about the ES120. The extra cushioning in the action makes the ES120 much quieter in terms of key noise and far more solid feeling. I personally favour it over the ES110's touch as well. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you! Since my MP11 is the original and not the current "SE," my new ES-920 has a better sound engine / sample than my MP11.
I had the es8 & es9, sold them both. Right in the middle of the keyboard there were 3 "TINNY" sounding keys. Very
annoying to me. I hope the 120 is better.
Hi there, do you mean the ES920? I am sorry to hear you did not fully enjoy the ES8 and ES920 models. They are generally some of the warmest piano sounds on the market, so it is interesting to hear that there were "tinny" notes in the middle register of the instrument. In any case, the new ES120 instrument is a wonderful, lush sounding piano with a wonderful touch as well. :)
Hi Stu & Crew.
Great review, well refined recipe has an effortless flow to it, informative and entertaining, everything is just right, but...
13:51 Ugh!
When i listen to a classic piano and a classic piece on top of it,
fading it out, with no resolve, no proper end, it leavs a hole, it's almost painfull. I know that Stu can go into some unexpected places but than resolves it somehow, and following him is fun. Now i don't know how it ends and it gives me an unease. I suspect that for musically sensitive people it feels similarly. Fading out is expected in pop music, but when someone does this to a classic piano solo, there is a special place in hell for them 😉
Thanks for taking the time to tune in! We appreciate it.
Hey Stu!
I want a digital piano that has lighter action and responsive enough to play fast passages.
I bought FP30x and hated its action. It wasn't responsive at all.
As of es120,
1. Is it a responsive action?
2. would it give muscle fatigue as fp30x(awful) was giving me?
3. Is it too stiff and hard?
4. Is it ideal for playing fast passages and repetitive notes?
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! The FP30X's PHA4 action is definitely a heavier and stiffer touch than many other actions at this price point. The ES120's RHC action would probably be an excellent choice for you as it is much lighter and does not have escapement. It is still quite responsive and capable of playing fast repetitions of notes. It is not particularly stiff or hard in my opinion, but, of course, a lot of these descriptions we use to describe touch and tone are subjective to some extend. My recommendation would be to test out the ES120's action in a showroom if possible. You may also prefer its predecessor, the ES110, as it is has a bit of a looser touch. They added more cushioning to the action of the ES120, which made it a bit more solid/rigid. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the reply Brent sir. I've made up my mind to buy kawai es120. Wish me Luck!
fp30x had destroyed my interest and enthusiasm in piano but I pulled through.
PS: Recently sold my fp30x
I don't know why but this piano and mine have a different gap between the G3 and A3 keys.
Generally, manufacturing and assembly is quite consistent with digital pianos, but there could be slight differences like that from unit to unit. I don't believe it is any cause for concern. :)
When will they be available and what's the MSRP in Canadian?
Hi! The Kawai ES120 is already available in Canada. :)
We received our first shipment of them last month and customers have already been receiving the orders and enjoying this wonderful new model from Kawai. The MSRP is $899 USD, which works out to be approximately $1249 CAD.
can it use as speaker to play music thru bluetooth
Yup! The ES120 has been expanded with Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio. :)
Hi, how would you compare the kawai es120 with the korg lp380u? I’m debating between the two which to buy. Thank you
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! While I have plenty of experience with the ES120, I have not tried the LP380U model to be entirely honest. So, unfortunately, I cannot really weigh in on the conversation. With that said, based on my experience with other Korg models and the fact that many companies recycle much of the same technology (e.g. action, tone engines, etc.) between different models, my guess would be that the ES120 would be my preference. It has a wonderfully authentic tone and excellent touch for the money. :)
Thank you so much for the reply! The thing is, I can’t seem to find a stand for the kawai es120, one that is not X shaped or Z shaped but looks like a regular piano stand (i.e, an upside down U shape). Do you know of one? Thanks again
Stu - could you do a review of Fridolin’s baby grand? (The F156)?
Thank you for the suggestion! While we do carry Schimmel pianos, we only carry a few Fridolin Schimmel upright models currently. With that said, it may be difficult to review the F156 given that it is not a piano we readily have access to.
Good sound! Sir if you can have a subjective preference between the es 120, fp30x and Yamaha 125 for a use with a soul, jazz band on stage which one can you advice me?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)
For me, it would be a toss up between the ES120 and FP30X. Given the genre and the fact that you'll be playing with an ensemble, I might lean a little towards the FP30X as it has quite versatile tonally speaking and, consequently, you might have an easier time getting the tone to cut through the rest of the ensemble.
Why most DP makers don't bother with 3 sensors and escapement within this price range? Only Roland offers DPs with these features. In the past, Casio also had the PX-160 which was equipped with 3 sensors, but now they only put 2 sensors in their PXS. Tell you what, in the past, I had a Yamaha DP which was pretty basic, only had 2 sensors, and just after 2 years, the sensors had worn out. Moreover, with only 2 sensors, it was pretty difficult to play trills and repeated notes. From then, I won't buy any DP that only has 2 sensors, however advance their technology really is (unless it is an optical sensor and NOT the common contact sensor which can worn out).
There are some players that actually do not enjoy escapement/let-off simulation in digital piano actions and, therefore, tend to gravitate towards what some people may perceive as simpler dual sensor actions. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the preferences and subjectivity of the player making the final decision. :)
Is the 120 loud enough to practice with a drummer and sax?
I think it would struggle to compete with a live drum set. You would likely need a keyboard amp in that situation.
@@MerriamPianosthank you so much valuable information
Thanks for the review dear sir! I am an aspiring pianist and I’ve recently came across a digital piano from a brand named NUX NPK 10 which specs are surprisingly good on paper but the price is less than a quarter or half of what ES120 or P-125 has. Could you please do a review or comparison of it? Most videos in youtube are in other languages so it’s hard to determine whether it would be a viable choice.
You're very welcome! We have actually received a few requests to cover this model and have added it to our list of potential models to tackle in the future. We will do our best to cover it in an upcoming review. :)
@@MerriamPianos I’ll be faithfully waiting for this review. Hoping for the best 😅
I found a video comparing the Yamaha P-45 with the NUX-NPK10. Using studio headphones, the P-45 sounds more open in the midrange and the NUX NPK10 more like a conventional home speaker, with a more "V"-shaped equalization. Real pianos are not compressed in the midrange, in fact they are mostly midrange instruments. However, recordings of pianos that are played on typical home speakers sound more like the NUX NPK10. So, if you are familiar with how acoustic pianos sound in person, chances are you might go with the P-45. But if are not very familiar with real pianos and more accustomed to how piano recordings sound in home stereos, then you would choose the NUX NPK10. It takes time to adapt your ears to a real instrument. This is probably why a lot of people dislike Yamaha digital pianos, because it sounds more like the real thing and they are used to listening to recordings of pianos.
If you have never owned a pair of studio monitors, the first time you hear them you might dislike them: not enough bass, too cold, too harsh, too much midrange. But this is only because you might be used to listening to badly designed speakers: home stereos typically boost the mid-bass a lot, so they sound "warm". Once you are adapted to the high quality sound of studio monitors, you don't want to go back to speakers with a "V"-shape equalization.
Same thing with the Yamaha P-45 vs NUX NPK10. One imitates a real piano, the other imitates the "V" curve found in home stereos. Which one you prefer might be a consequence of what you are used to listen to as a "piano sound".
In my country the es 120 cost 850 euros, as well as the fp30x as well as the p125.
Im looking for a piano to play as beginer (dont know piano at all), that a can resell in a few years at a great price, and that is the best for sound and for beginers. Because of problem of space, im forced to put the kaybord on a desk.
In these conditions, wich should i choose ?
From your reviews i prefered the fp30x, but the speakers at the bottom affraid me..
The es 120 has force me to check the manual all the time and have a little worse key quality than the fp30x
The yamaha doesnt have Bluetooth and have keys with a bad plastic texture...
So im confused, dont know where to go..
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. These are all very well-built pianos that offer impressive value for the money. However, every one of these options offers a different tone or touch. If you are concerned about resale, I suppose one way to think about it is to go with the most recent model, which would be the ES120. Because it is the most recently released, it is the least likely to be updated or replaced in the near future.
@@MerriamPianos thank you for your answer !!
Loving the Canadian accent. I hear what you are talking "a-boot"
Thanks, eh! ;)
Hi, is this action lighter than the roland's PHA 4?
Hi Antonie! Brent from Merriam Music here! The ES120 does have a lighter action in comparison to Roland's PHA4. It also does not have escapement, whereas the PHA4 does.
@@MerriamPianos what action in portable pianos is better than the PHA 4 in term of weight and feel?
Can this go onto a z type stand?
Absolutely! It is lightweight enough to probably suffice on an X-stand, but the Z-style stands are generally far more robust.
I want to know how much weight in grams it has, i hear roland pha4 has 60 grams (like to press) but how much kawai es120 has?
Hi! Brent here! I don't know offhand and I'm not at a showroom to test at the moment, but it will be a little bit lighter than the PHA4. With that said, we will do our best to feature the weight test in more videos as we have received a few requests to do so. :)
That is amazing!
When you do can you please tell me both weights?
I would REALLY appreciate
Hi Stu. Could you please make a review of some of Bluethner´s digital pianos? There are almost no channel who do that. And it would be really intresting to know how Bluethner´s piano perform in the digital world :)
Hi there! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you so much for the suggestion. We do our best to tackle as many reviews/comparisons as possible and will definitely add Bluthner digital pianos to the list of potential candidates for future videos. Thanks again and all the best! :)
I'm sold. I want one.
They're awesome pianos that present a fantastic cost-to-value ratio! :)
I have a question if someone can help me. I bought es120 in December and I have connected 2 studio monitor on line out but the volume is very very quiet.the monitors are working good with all the other sources i have. I wish to know if someone have this problem too or is a problem of mine. For let you understand, with max volume is like to hear the internal speaker at 30% and if you have this piano you know how much is quiet also to max volume.. Thank you
Hi there! It is difficult to properly troubleshoot without being in front of the exact setup and chain of course. But, with that said, the first thing I would try to isolate is the cables. Ensure that there are no issues with the cables that are using. Beyond that, I would also test the line outs through something else such as a PA system, keyboard amp, or alternate set of speakers. You should also test the speakers with another audio source to ensure that there is not an issue with volume levels when being used in conjunction with other sources. That should allow you to isolate the issue to some type of configuration/integration issue between the piano and speakers. Thanks and hope this helps a bit! Perhaps, one of our community members that has experienced this issue personally can shed more light on this. :)
@@MerriamPianos thank you. Unfortunately I have already tried to do all of this. The speakers are working goof with every others sources. The signal is so low than differents cable give very different result, too much difference. I tried also other kind of speakers but is even worst. Is like it missing a preamp, like a phono line. The configuration i think i have set all the possibile combination. I have write also to kawai, I'm waiting the answer. Thank you for your time and your answer.
@@MerriamPianos hi, I have found the problem. I don't know if is an issue of mine keyboard or can be a general bug. If you disable the internal speaker with press function and c#7 and after you press function + play for listen a demo song, the volume of the output go down and there's no way to Rais it anymore till you make a reset of the keyboard or you are turning on and off again the internal speaker. This just happen with playing demo song. It will be good if someone else can try for understand if is a general bug.. I already wrote to kawai. We'll see if they'll give me an answer. Thank you.
Hi, Stu. Here in Australia, there is a $300 difference between the ES110 and ES120. Do you think the ES120 is worth the extra $300? 🙂
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Personally, I find the updated action to be a meaningful improvement. In addition to having much less key noise, I find it to have a more solid, secure feel. Thanks for tuning in and all the best! :)
Does it have built in audio interface?
The ES120 has a USB-MIDI interface and Bluetooth Audio + MIDI. However, it does not have a USB-audio interface. With that said, you can always take the headphone outputs to capture the audio from the tone engine. :)
Is the es520 worth extra over the es120? How do they compare?
The ES520 is a meaningful step up in terms of specs. It has an improved action (RHCII), tone engine (Progressive Harmonic Imaging), and speaker system (40W). While the ES120 is an excellent piano for its price point, most players find the ES520 to offer a superior musical experience, particularly in terms of the piano sounds due to the higher-quality tone engine and speaker system.
@@MerriamPianos thank you very much. Then I see the 920 and maybe cn201 which also seems like good setup from the previous. It's hard to know when to stop.
So lets see comparing the es920 vs cn201...is that as big a step up as going from 520 vs 920 or even going from 120 vs 520, for example? Just trying to find the point of diminishing returns for a beginner player.
Thanks
People typically cite the 40 watt speaker system in the ES520 as an upgrade over the 20 watt speaker system in the ES120. But the wattage is the least important part of the upgrade, what they should cite instead is the speaker system design, which I will explain to you below. In real life, you will never use 40 watts from your amplifiers: real power consumption from the amplifiers going to the speakers is about 1 watt. As ridiculous as that may sound to you, it is easy to prove using a multimeter, a clamp meter, a power meter. Don't worry about the 40 watts, it is an extremely useless piece of information. By the way, doubling the power (from 20 watts to 40 watts) only increases the volume output by 3 decibels, which is barely noticeable. Let me give you the details of the speaker system itself:
1) The ES120 has two 12 cm circular speakers on the bottom without any box inside. They are mounted directly to the plastic case facing down. A speaker cone produces as much sound forward as backwards, and the back wave leaks through the key assembly and reaches your ears. In addition, there are thin sound ports on top. So, you get sound from 3 sources: speakers firing down, sound ports, sound leaking through the keys. The treble is affected by the lack of direct exposure to your ears.
2) The ES520 features two long black boxes inside, with 8x12 cm oval speakers. While smaller than the 12 cm in the ES120, each speaker is mounted on its own plastic box facing up, firing directly to the player, with bass reflex/ported (it has a hole facing the bottom of the piano, tuned at a specific frequency). This means there is no sound leak through the keys. All the sound goes directly to your ears, nothing escapes below (except the bass frequencies). This means the sound field is closer to regular bookshelf speakers. If you use rhythms (both machines have built-in drums), the ES520 will sound better, clear treble, better bass and more defined.
I think both speaker systems have their advantages and disadvantages. The ES120 has a speaker setup that favors a more indirect sound while the ES520 favors a more bookshelf speaker presentation. Actually, more like a Ohm Walsh speaker, with its woofer firing up. Which is better? If well implemented, both can be good choices in principle. Which choice has been better implemented in these models? Maybe the ES520.
I hope this speaker system discussion helps to understand a bit that the focus should not be in the amplifiers and their wattage ratings, but the speaker configuration.
Is it suitable for an intermediate player.
Hi! Brent here! I would say that it certainly is. It depends on touch preferences of course. Some intermediate players may prefer a heavier touch, such as the Roland PHA4, which is used on the Roland FP10 and FP30X. The best bet is to test out a few models within your budget to determine, which option you feel most connected to. :)
What do those do who have 110 and then Kawai launches 120, making them regret massively, or in general whenever the company suddenly launches a far better model in a series when we have bought a particular model. The only option is to resell to someone to buy the better model.
The ES110 still holds up as an amazing instrument! And there are some perks to factor in with the ES110. Firstly, the ES110 came stock with the F10H pedal, whereas the ES120 comes with a far more basic plastic sustain pedal. Unfortunately, there are inevitably situations where we purchase products towards the end of their life cycle right before a new model is released. Sometimes, it is hard to avoid as companies don't provide a lot of advanced notice on updates.
@@MerriamPianos how long do you think the ES920 AND 520 will stay before being updated? Educated guess. 4 years atleast?
wow...such a wonderful sounding piano...and all this for under a thousand..😗
I agree! It is an impressive offering from Kawai! :)
can you use a wireless bluetooth set of headphones please?
Hi there! Unfortunately, wireless Bluetooth headphones are not an option for any digital piano. The issue rests in the fact that there is latency (delay) between pressing the key and hearing the sound. While this latency is not a concern when using wireless headphones to listen to music, immediacy between the touch and sound is critical when playing an instrument.
@@MerriamPianos many thanks for the reply and explanation. I am a beginner looking for my first digital piano so I have a lot to learn.Great Videos, Happy New Year !!
Where is this piano made?
I mean Kawai es120?
The ES120 (along with all of Kawai's digital pianos) are made in Indonesia. :)
So the comparisons came before the actual review?🎹🎶
We try to change things up from time to time to keep our viewers on their toes! ;)
Casio released a new CT-S1 model, called the CT-S1FH, which has some Romero Britto flowers and hearts... and it costs twice as much. They should also add it to the PX-S7000 and sell it for $5,000. 🙂
@@Instrumental-Covers oh sorry I just saw this now! What do you mean by "romero britto flowers and hearts"? Haha🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Hi! Romero Britto is a Brazilian artist. They sell all kinds of stuff with his paintings: bags, t-shirts, water bottles, etc. The Casio CT-S1FH now has his paintings too. 🎵🎵
@@Instrumental-Covers no 88 weighted keys?🎹🎶
I produce music in Ableton, but I can't actually play an instrument... I am looking to learn the piano and I am a bit torn between a Roland FP-10 Stand Bundle, an Andexinger 484 and a Roland DP10 pedal or a Kawai ES120, with the three pedals Kawai F-351 and Kawai HML-2 stand... Those two solutions are around the same price.. If i go for the cheaper piano, I will get a good and sturdy piano bench aswell (which is important as I'm 205cm and weigh 145kg) and if I go for the more expensive piano, I will have a better sounding piano, but no chair. Can anyone help me? :D
Hi there! Thanks for writing in! This is a difficult decision to make, as you are experiencing of course! The benefit of the FP10 is that it has a heavier touch, which most players find to be more authentic. In my experiences, this will help promote better dynamic and articulation control and overall technique development. With that said, the setback with the FP10 is that it only supports a single sustain pedal. The ES120 on the other hand can support a triple pedal system, which will allow you to get more longevity out of it in the sense that you can play more advanced repertoire that requires the use of the other pedals. I would also give an edge to the ES120 in terms of its tonal authenticity. The best bet would be to spend some time on both options in a showroom and to go with your gut in terms of which one feels like a more rewarding musical experience and which one you feel more connected to.
Brilliant answer - you guys are the best!@@MerriamPianos
Greetings from germany again :-) Thanks for your videos and comparisons. For my ears and fingers there was no alternative to the ES120 in this price range. I purchased the ES120 piano / HML-2 stand / F-351 pedal unit. It was easy to build up and to connect. But then while playing and testing I experienced that the left (soft) pedal oft the F-331 pedal unit didn't seemed to be functional. The sound didnt get softer or more dampened (quieter). Not the way I experienced while playing in the shop. Do you have any idea or tip what this problem could be? Apart from this it's even better than you described. The action is way better than it's predecessor ES110 which I owned before. The new SK-EX sound is very natural clear and rich. I hope you have an idea or answer to my problem.
Thanks for everything
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for writing in and congrats on your amazing Kawai ES120 piano! I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing some issues with your tripe pedal system. I will say that the "soft' pedal can be quite subtle on digital pianos. With that said, I would also double check the connection to make sure that its fully plugged in. Beyond that, you may have to contact your dealer about getting it serviced. We're happy to hear you're enjoying the musical experience of the ES120 though! It is a fantastic piano. :)
Yamaha psr 51 please
Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that model in a future review video. :)
The model number is PSR-F51 and it has been discontinued by Yamaha. The new model is the PSR-F52. However, that model is not available in the US/Canada. Apparently, it is a model available in Africa / Asia / CIS / Latin America / Middle East / Oceania. The PSR-F series does not seem to be available for the North American market, and the lowest 61-key arranger keyboard is the PSR-E series.
@@MerriamPianos and yamaha psr f 52 please, i loved his!
Great review and superb playing.
Got two questions:
1) The sound is rich and lush, but maybe “too full” when played softly. Could be only a wrong impression, but I cannot hear the timbre “opening” - you increase the volume but the timbre stays pretty much the same.
2) Why they do not put an onboard audio interface? It could cost to the producer less than 20 bucks but nowadays it is something you would expect on every digital keyboard…
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in and writing in with your questions!
In terms of the sound of the ES120 being "too full" at softer dynamics, that may be the case for some players. Tonal preference is a very personal thing and it is true that different pianos react differently at different dynamic levels. The ES120 has a very round and lush tone at the softer end of the dynamic spectrum.
As for the inclusion of an audio interface, it is difficult to know the the true intentions of a manufacturer, but, with that said, they do have to built models with a specific price point and customer profile in mind. In trying to be everything to everyone, you usually end up being nothing to no one. Usually, with pianos like the ES120, which is primarily intended to be a home-use instrument for practicing, connectivity features and other bells and whistles are typically removed and the design is streamlined because the assumption is they won't be used by a large enough portion of owners. I could be wrong about that of course, but that would be my best guess. :)
seems this piano sound better than roland fp30x
It comes down to a matter of personal preference of course, but the ES120 is remarkably authentic sounding and tough to compete with tonally at this price point. :)
I got my casio 1100 before hearing this review and I must say... im extremely let down by my casio. It sounded good in the store but, sound is slightly laggy and the control system is HORRENDOUS
I'm sorry to hear that you are not fully satisfied with your PXS1100. It is very strange to hear that the sound is slightly lagging. Assuming the piano you tested out in the store was a floor model/display unit and not the piano you took home, it may be worth having your instrument inspected to see if there is something faulty with the piano.
Love that grabbing on the lips of the keys to reach those 10ths! It works! ruclips.net/video/GkmJGFvLDOU/видео.html
Absolutely! Tricks of the trade! ;)
Alas, almost an each portable piano in plastic form sounds in smartphone with the same mess metallic noise, only an expensive e-pianos in wooden cabinets have its own style and soul...
There aren't many electric pianos with real wood cabinets. Furthermore, the enclosure material usually isn't an active component of the sonic production. The quality of the speaker system and the piano samples are where the tone ultimately comes from in most cases.
Nah
Buy a Yamaha P515
It's on another wordly level
It isn't really a fair fight given that the P515 is at a higher price point than the ES120. The P515 would compete with Kawai's ES920. The Yamaha competitor to the ES120 would be the P225 model.
Higher price, no five-pin midi, comes with cheap plastic pedal. Get an ES110 while you still can.
Musicians using the piano for recording/production/gigging will definitely miss the 5-pin MIDI connector. With that said, the improvements to the action are meaningful. It is very solid feeling and much quieter in terms of key noise. Also, the F10H pedal that came with the ES110 can be ordered separately, which I certainly recommend as it is an exceptional pedal. :)
Es110 not usb 👎👎👎👎
The new ES120 model has USB connectivity! :)