ES120: Main Features
Kawai is delighted to announce the ES120, the latest addition to Kawai's ES series of portable digital pianos, and the longawaited successor to the extremely popular ES110. This brand new 2022 model features an improved keyboard action, a selection of new piano sounds, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity with support for the latest Kawai apps, and a sleek, eye-catching visual redesign, delivering Kawai digital piano authenticity within an attractive, compact, and highly-portable instrument.
Kawai's ES series of instruments are high-performance, 88-key portable digital pianos suitable for the home, stage, recital hall, or classroom.
The latest ES120 features the Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) keyboard action, which has been developed to deliver the most realistic grand piano touch possible within a compact, lightweight form factor. The ES120's improved RH Compact action incorporates gradeweighted hammers, and utilises upgraded cushioning material that helps to reduce action noise when keys are released.
This authentic keyboard action is paired with Kawai's Harmonic Imaging piano engine, which reproduces the beautiful sound of the new Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and existing Kawai EX concert grand pianos with full 88-key stereo sampling and authentic string and damper resonances. In addition, the ES120 also features a selection of new electronic piano, strings, and bass sounds from the larger ES520, and even include a real upright sound, providing a strong variety of useful sounds for any musical occasion.
The ES120 offers a variety of useful features to complement its realistic weighted-key touch and authentic grand piano sounds. Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Bluetooth Audio connectivity allows apps such as Kawai's dedicated PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps, or a wide range of third-party learning and recreation apps to be enjoyed wirelessly, and for music streamed from a smartphone or tablet to be played through the piano's audio system without any additional cables. However, wired connectivity remains strongly supported, with standard USB-MIDI and 1/4" stereo Line Out terminals providing useful options for the home, studio, and stage.
The ES120's 20W amplifier and speaker system delivers a rich, well-rounded sound with impressive volume and clarity, while the new Low Volume Balance feature is also able to adjust characteristics of the piano for optimal expression when playing at low volume levels. In addition, the advanced Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) technology, enhances the depth and realism of sounds heard through headphones or earphones, while also helping to reduce auditory fatigue when listening for extended periods of time.
The ES120 features a brand new exterior design, with the instrument's updated control panel incorporated into an attractive polished trim line that runs the length of the keyboard. It's stylish yet strong body weighs just 12.5 kg, making the ES120 an excellent choice for gigging musicians, as well as academic and religious institutions. As with its predecessor and larger models in the ES range, the ES120 can be transformed into an ultra-compact piano replacement using the dedicated stand and triple pedal accessories. This complete package, available in Black and White finish, delivers a superb playing experience for the lounge, office, or bedroom, with an attractive, contemporary design to match the atmosphere and décor of almost any room.
Authentic grand piano touch and tone, excellent additional sounds, an impressive speaker system, and modern, convenient features – all housed within a stylish, lightweight case.
Introducing the new ES120: At home, on stage, your music.
Hear, Try and Compare the Kawai ES120 Digital Piano in our showroom
Located in Leicester in the central Midlands and close to Coventry, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and Warwick we promise you that a visit to our specialist Digital Piano and Keyboard showroom will not disappoint. Try the full Kawai range including the ES120 Digital Piano and compare it with
Yamaha, Roland, Casio and Korg all under one roof. Whatever your playing standard our knowledgeable and friendly experts will help guide you through the Piano buying process and make sure that you are buying the right instrument for your needs. As ex teachers we are ideally placed to advise and answer any questions you may have. Lifetime support and product tuition with ALL digital pianos.
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| Keyboard | |
| Action | RH-Compact |
| Key Material | Plastic |
| Key Surface | matt |
| Letoff Simulation | No |
| Sensors | 2 |
| Velocity Curves | Light, Normal, Heavy, Off |
| Key Lid | No |
| Sound Source | |
| Sound Source | Harmonic Imaging™, 88 Key Sampling |
| Sounds | 25 |
| Polyphony | max. 192 notes |
| Virtual Technician | Damper Resonance, Voicing, Hammer Fallback Noise, Damper Noise |
| Keyboard Modes | Dual, Split |
| Reverb | Room, Small Hall, Concert Hall, Off |
| Effects | Yes, preset |
| Music/Recording | |
| Metronome/Beats | 7 Beats + 100 Rhythms, Tempo and Volume adjustable |
| Recorder | 3 Songs, 1 Track, max. 15.000 Notes |
| Lesson Function | over 500 Lesson songs via PiaBookPlayer App. |
| Piano Music Songs | No |
| Concert Magic Songs | No |
| Demo Songs | 16 songs |
| Features | |
| Display | No, easy operation via PianoRemote app |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth Audio (Ver. 5.1 A2DP compatible); Bluetooth MIDI (Ver. 5.0; GATT compatible), Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI Specification compliant |
| Registrations | Yes, 4 Memories |
| Other Features | Transpose, Tuning, Speaker On/Off, Reset, Auto Power Off, Send PRG change, MIDI Channel, Local Control Mode, Multi Timbral Mode |
| Sound System | |
| Sound System | 12 cm x 2 Full range speaker |
| Amplifier | 2 x 10 W |
| Power Consumption | 9 W with PS-129 AC-adapter |
| Construction | |
| Pedals | F-1SP Damper pedal included; optional: F-10H Single Pedal with half-pedaling, GFP-3 triple pedal unit, F-351 triple pedal board accessory in combination with HML-2 stand |
| Music Rack | Yes |
| Jacks | Line Out (L/Mono, R), MIDI (IN/OUT), Damper (für F-10H Pedal), Headphones x 2 |
| Dimensions | |
| Height in cm | 15 |
| Width in cm | 130.5 |
| Depth in cm | 28 |
| Weight in kg | 12.5 |
| Finishes | |
| Finishes | Black, White |
Q: What is the Kawai ES120?
A: The Kawai ES120 is a portable digital piano designed for home, study, rehearsal, and stage use, combining realistic weighted keyboard action, authentic grand piano sound, useful modern connectivity, and easy portability in one compact instrument.
Q: Who is the Kawai ES120 designed for?
A: The ES120 is designed for beginners, developing pianists, home players, teachers, and gigging musicians who want a portable digital piano with realistic touch and sound.
Q: What makes the Kawai ES120 different from a basic keyboard?
A: Unlike a basic keyboard, the ES120 features weighted hammer action, full 88-key piano sampling, higher polyphony, built-in speakers, Bluetooth Audio and MIDI, line outputs, and a more piano-focused playing experience.
Q: How many keys does the Kawai ES120 have?
A: The Kawai ES120 has 88 keys, giving players the full piano range for lessons, practice, and performance.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 have weighted keys?
A: Yes. The ES120 uses Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard action with grade-weighted keys for a more realistic piano-style touch.
Q: What keyboard action does the Kawai ES120 use?
A: The ES120 uses Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact action, designed to provide authentic weighted response in a compact and portable instrument.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 sound like an acoustic piano?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and Kawai EX concert grand piano sounds with full 88-key stereo sampling and resonance effects for a more expressive piano experience.
Q: What sound engine does the Kawai ES120 use?
A: The ES120 uses Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging sound engine with 88-key sampling to deliver detailed and expressive piano sound.
Q: How many sounds are included on the Kawai ES120?
A: The ES120 includes 25 sounds, covering acoustic pianos, electric pianos, strings, bass sounds, and other useful voices for a variety of musical styles.
Q: What is the polyphony of the Kawai ES120?
A: The Kawai ES120 offers a maximum polyphony of 192 notes, helping it handle sustained passages and layered playing more effectively.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 have built-in speakers?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes a built-in stereo speaker system with 2 x 10W amplification for clear sound in home, teaching, and smaller performance settings.
Q: Is the Kawai ES120 portable?
A: Yes. The ES120 is designed to be portable and lightweight, making it suitable for moving between home, classroom, rehearsal, and stage environments.
Q: How much does the Kawai ES120 weigh?
A: The Kawai ES120 weighs approximately 12 kg, making it easy to transport compared with many full-size digital pianos.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 have Bluetooth?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes both Bluetooth Audio and Bluetooth MIDI, allowing wireless connection to compatible smart devices and wireless audio playback through the piano’s speakers.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 support USB connection?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes a USB-MIDI connection for linking with computers and compatible devices.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 have line outputs?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes dedicated stereo line out connections, making it suitable for external amplification, recording, or stage use.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 have headphone connections?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes two headphone connections for private practice and flexible listening options.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 include recording features?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes a built-in song recorder that can store up to 3 songs with 1 track and up to 15,000 notes.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 include lesson features?
A: Yes. The ES120 supports over 500 lesson songs through Kawai’s PiaBookPlayer app.
Q: What keyboard modes are available on the Kawai ES120?
A: The ES120 supports Dual and Split keyboard modes for layering sounds or dividing the keyboard into different sections.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 include reverb and effects?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes reverb settings and preset effects to help shape and enhance its sounds.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 include a metronome or rhythm features?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes a metronome with multiple beat settings and 100 rhythm patterns for practice and accompaniment.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 work with apps?
A: Yes. The ES120 supports Kawai’s PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps, along with compatible third-party learning and recreation apps.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 include Virtual Technician features?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes Virtual Technician parameters such as damper resonance, voicing, hammer fallback noise, and damper noise adjustment.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 come with a pedal?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes an F-1SP damper pedal and is also compatible with optional pedals including the F-10H and triple pedal accessories.
Q: Does the Kawai ES120 come with a music rest?
A: Yes. The ES120 includes a music rack for holding sheet music during practice and performance.
Q: Can the Kawai ES120 be used with a stand?
A: Yes. The ES120 is compatible with the optional HML-2 designer stand and F-351 triple pedal board for a more furniture-style setup.
Q: Is the Kawai ES120 good for beginners?
A: Yes. The ES120 is a strong choice for beginners because it combines weighted action, realistic piano sound, modern connectivity, and user-friendly features in a compact format.
Q: Is the Kawai ES120 suitable for home practice?
A: Yes. Its built-in speakers, headphone support, realistic action, and compact design make it well suited to regular home practice.
Q: Is the Kawai ES120 suitable for live performance?
A: Yes. Its portability, line outputs, Bluetooth features, and strong core piano performance make it suitable for rehearsals, teaching, and live use.
Q: Is the Kawai ES120 better than the ES60?
A: For many players, yes. The ES120 is a step up from the ES60, offering more sounds, Bluetooth Audio as well as Bluetooth MIDI, built-in recording, more rhythm patterns, more advanced app integration, extra sound editing features, and dedicated stereo line outputs. The ES60 remains a strong option for buyers who want a simpler and more affordable portable digital piano.
Q: Who should buy the Kawai ES120?
A: The Kawai ES120 is ideal for players who want an affordable but more fully featured portable digital piano with realistic weighted action, strong piano sound, Bluetooth connectivity, and better flexibility than entry-level models.
