ES920

At home, on stage, your music.

Featuring the highly-regarded Responsive Hammer III keyboard action, expressive Harmonic Imaging XL sound technology, a powerful 40W speaker system, and full Bluetooth® connectivity, the impressive ES920 delivers concert grand piano touch and tone, and a selection of excellent instrument sounds, within a stylish, portable package for the home, studio, or stage.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Highly-authentic Responsive Hammer III keyboard action
• Ivory Touch key surfaces, triple sensor, let-off, counterweights
• Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine with 88-key sampling
• Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, SK-5, & Kawai EX grand piano sounds
• Hardware developed in partnership w/Onkyo, 40W speaker system
• Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio wireless technology
• MP3/WAV playback, record, and overdub to USB memory
• 4-band EQ faders, Rhythm Section accompaniment with 100 styles
• Spatial Headphone Sound for enhanced depth and realism
• Modern, lightweight case with matching stand and triple pedal unit

At home, on stage, your music

TOUCH

The Touch of a Grand Piano: Responsive Hammer III keyboard action
The ES920's highly-authentic Responsive Hammer III keyboard action recreates the supreme touch of a fine acoustic grand piano, with its realistic movement and rigid, springless design providing a smooth and natural piano playing experience.  The instrument's triple-sensor hammer detection system enhances responsiveness and accuracy, while structural reinforcements throughout the action assembly help to minimise noise and key wobble during staccato and fortissimo passages.

The weight of the keyboard is appropriately graded to mirror the heavier bass hammers and lighter treble hammers of an acoustic piano, while let-off simulation recreates the subtle 'notch' sensation felt when softly playing the keys of a grand piano. These important characteristics allow discerning pianists to practise their expanding repertoire with confidence, and ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises when called upon to perform using the finest acoustic grand pianos.

Superior playing control

In addition to grade-weighted hammers, the Responsive Hammer III keyboard action also features counterweights embedded within each black and white key.
 
As with an acoustic piano, these finely balanced weights help to lighten the touch of the keyboard during pianissimo passages, while adding a feel of greater substance when playing with force.

More realistic & responsive

The Responsive Hammer III keyboard action utilises an accurate triple-sensor key detection system for enhanced playing realism.
 
The added third sensor improves responsiveness when playing the same key repeatedly, and unlike conventional two sensor keyboard actions found in most portable pianos, allows the sound of a single note to be gradually 'layered' without the previous tone being lost.
 
In addition, Kawai's action technology also monitors the speed at which each key is lifted, influencing the release character of piano sounds, and providing a greater range of expression between staccato and legato playing.

Premium key surfaces

The impressive ES920 features Kawai's highly regarded Ivory Touch key surfaces as standard.  This finely textured material gently absorbs fingertip perspiration and oils to assist playing control, and possesses a natural, matte finish that is smooth but not slippery.
 
Furthermore, this moisture is absorbed without dirt or grease permeating the surface, allowing the keytops to be wiped clean easily using just a damp cloth.

Grand piano action authenticity

As one of the most authentic digital piano keyboard actions in its class, Responsive Hammer III even reproduces the 'let-off' characteristic of acoustic piano actions.
 
This subtle 'notch' sensation can be felt when playing the keys of a grand piano very gently, and may be used by experienced pianists to aid control when playing pianissimo passages.

SOUND

The Sound of a Grand Piano: Three world-class instruments

Earning a reputation as the 'premier pianos of Japan', Shigeru Kawai instruments grace the stages of concert halls and musical institutions throughout the world, and are prized for their outstanding tonal clarity and exceptional dynamic range.
 
The ES920 captures the magnificent tone of two Shigeru Kawai instruments, the flagship SK-EX Concert and medium-sized SK-5 Studio grand pianos, allowing musicians to enjoy the contrasting properties of each.
In addition, the ES920 also features the distinctive sound of Kawai's highly acclaimed EX concert grand piano, which has frequently been selected by professional pianists in such prestigious events as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rubinstein international piano competitions, among others.
 
All three instruments are faithfully reproduced with full 88-key sampling using proprietary Harmonic Imaging™ sound technology, to establish a new standard in digital piano tonal quality.

True character in every note

The rich sound of the SK-EX, SK-5, and EX grand pianos is at the heart of the ES920, with all eighty-eight keys of these world- class instruments painstakingly recorded, meticulously analysed, and accurately reproduced as high-fidelity digital waveforms.
 
Recording each key individually in this way – as opposed to stretching the same tone over several different notes – preserves the grand pianos' unique harmonic character, and guarantees that the sound heard when playing any one of the ES920's weighted keys is a faithful representation of the original acoustic source.

Rich, dynamic, expressive

When playing a fine piano, the amount of pressure applied to the keyboard affects not only the volume of the sound produced, but also the unique tonal character of each note.  Therefore, in order to construct a realistic acoustic portrait of each grand piano, not only is each key recorded individually, but also at a wide variety of different volumes, ranging from gentle pianissimo to thunderous fortissimo.
 
The ES920 offers a highly detailed acoustic portrait, with Harmonic Imaging XL technology ensuring smooth tonal transitions across the keyboard and throughout the entire dynamic range.

Extra Long sampling (HI-XL)

Variety beneath your fingertips

Alongside the classically voiced SK-EX, SK-5, and EX grand piano sounds, the ES920 also showcases a selection of Jazz, Pop, and Modern variations suitable for a range of musical genres.  A traditional Kawai upright piano sound is also included, for pieces that suggest a feeling of nostalgia, or call for a slightly more intimate tonal character.

Personalised piano enhancements

The knowledge and skill of an experienced piano technician is essential to bring out the best of a fine acoustic piano. In addition to tuning each note, the technician also performs numerous regulation and voicing adjustments that allow the instrument to truly sing.
 
The ES920's powerful Virtual Technician function simulates these refinements digitally, allowing discerning musicians to shape aspects of the selected piano's character to suit their personal preferences.
Perform touch weight and voicing adjustments, regulate hammer and key release noises, and fine-tune string and damper resonances.  It is even possible to adjust the precise tuning, volume, and character of individual notes – all in real-time.

Studio quality effects & reverb

The ES920's powerful digital effects engine enhances the instrument's superior core sounds, applying additional layers of detail and realism that bring performances to life.
 
Tailor an instrument's character and feeling with a range of studio quality chorus, tremolo, delay, and auto-pan effects.  Add vintage warmth to electric pianos and trademark growl to drawbar organs using the dedicated Amp Sim speaker models.
 
Then adjust the instrument's reverb controls to position yourself within one of six acoustic environments, ranging from a small practise room to an inspirational grand cathedral

DELIVERY

Premium audio technologies, Powered by Onkyo

Developed in collaboration with Onkyo, one of Japan's leading premium audio equipment manufacturers, the ES920 features a redesigned motherboard, amplifier, and audio delivery system.  These premium components combine to deliver best-in-class audio quality, producing an extremely rich, clear sound with minimal distortion.

Onkyo designed sound hardware

The ES920 motherboard and sound hardware is designed for precise signal conversion and optimum sound quality.  Onkyo's unrivalled knowledge and experience in producing premium audio components ensures clear, high-fidelity sound with minimal distortion.

Room-filling resonance & tonal clarity

The ES920's impressive 40W output system utilises speaker box enclosures that deliver a rich, expansive sound to rival much larger console digital pianos.  This design allows for a compact, portable instrument, capable of enthralling medium-sized audiences without the need for additional amplification.

FEATURES

The Variety of a Digital Piano: Convenience & Flexibility

Complementing the instrument's highly-authentic Responsive Hammer III keyboard action and stunning Harmonic Imaging XL grand piano sound, the ES920 also offers a strong selection of digital piano features that further enhance one's musical enjoyment.
 
Wireless Bluetooth® connectivity, USB audio record/playback, Dual, Split, and Four Hands keyboard modes, and a rich assortment of instrumental voices are just some of the features accessible from the piano's intuitive control panel and large OLED display, while the convenient Rhythm Section provides 100 professional backing accompaniments spanning a wide range of musical genres.

Integrated Bluetooth® connectivity

In addition to standard USB and MIDI jacks for connecting to computers or other instruments, the ES920 also features integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio technologies that allow the instrument to communicate with supported smart devices wirelessly.
 
Once paired with a phone, tablet, or laptop, ES920 owners can enjoy a wide variety of exciting music-related apps that enhance their learning and playing experience, or stream audio from songs and videos directly through the instrument's powerful speaker system without the need to connect additional cables.
 
* Availability of Bluetooth® function may vary depending on market area.
* For more information please refer to the Bluetooth MIDI Information support page.

Additional instrument sounds

Supplementing the beautiful acoustic piano voices, the ES920 also features a strong selection of additional sounds.
 
Vintage electric pianos, drawbar organs, and warm synth pads allow this portable piano to serve as a convenient gigging board, while church organs, strings, and graceful choir voices ensure that the versatile ES920 is equally at home in places of worship.
 
Furthermore, the Dual playing mode also allows two different sounds, such as grand piano and strings, to be layered together, while the Split and Four Hands modes divide the keyboard into two independent sections, with volume balances adjustable in real-time from the front panel.

Professional backing styles

In addition to the standard Dual and Split playing modes, the ES920's Rhythm Section feature offers solo performers a selection of professionally arranged backing accompaniments at the touch of a button, complete with musically intelligent full-keyboard chord recognition.
 
Whether you need a practice partner, some quick ideas for a new song, or a backup band at a live performance, you're sure to find the perfect accompaniment among the 100 pop, rock, jazz, funk, and Latin styles.

Real-time 4-band EQ faders

The ES920 provides a variety of sound customisation options, ranging from the authentic Virtual Technician function to the flexible Reverb, Effects, and Amp Simulator controls.
 
For live performers, the addition of 4-band EQ faders to the upper panel are particularly convenient, allowing players to easily tailor the instrument's sound for certain acoustic environments, or quickly boost frequencies in order to cut-through the mix when taking a solo.

Superior headphone experience

The ES920's Spatial Headphone Sound (SHS) technology enhances the depth and realism of the instrument's sound when listening through headphones or earphones. The player can select one of three different acoustic presets that adjust the spatial positioning of the sound, while also helping to reduce auditory fatigue when using earphones or headphones for extended periods of time.
 
In addition, the ES920 also allows players to select a variety of headphone types (Open, Semi-open, Closed, In-Ear, Canal, etc.) for an optimised listening experience.

Flexible USB connectivity

The ES920 is equipped with modern USB connectors that not only allow the instrument to be connected to a computer for MIDI use, but also to load and save data to USB memory devices directly.
 
This latter USB to Device functionality allows favourite instrument settings, registrations, and memorable recorder songs stored within internal memory to be safely preserved on USB flash drives, or for standard MIDI files (SMF) downloaded from the internet to be played back and enjoyed using the instrument's exquisite Harmonic Imaging XL sounds without additional hardware or cables.

Convenient MP3 record & playback

USB memory devices can also be used to play back MP3 or WAV audio files, allowing musicians to learn the chords or melody for a new piece, or to simply play along with their favourite songs.
 
It is even possible to record performances directly as MP3 or WAV audio, which can be used in video projects or shared with friends on social media.

DESIGN

Uncluttered appearance, lightweight body

The ES920 adopts a brand new exterior design, utilising a molded unibody construction.  Its smoothly rounded edges and clean lines complement the flat, uncluttered panel surface, with elegantly recessed buttons that depress with a satisfying click.  Lightweight and portable, the ES920 weighs just 17 kg – almost 6 kilos less than its predecessor, while retaining a stylish, professional quality that players can trust. 

Available in a smooth, matte Black or White finish, the ES920's clean design is appropriate for both traditional and contemporary spaces.  And with matching designer stand and triple pedal options, the instrument can be easily transformed into an ultra-compact piano replacement for the lounge, studio, or bedroom.

OPTIONS

HM-5 designer stand

The HM-5 designer stand transforms the portable ES920 into ultra-compact, stylish piano replacement.
 
Crafted from wood and metal, this sturdy platform is the ideal solution for ES920 owners seeking a modern, attractive alternative to uninviting keyboard stands.  The ES920 secures to the HM-5 stand using four manageable thumb screws, allowing the instrument to be easily decoupled and taken on the road.
* Available in matching Black or White finishes.
 
F-302 Grand Feel pedal bar

The F-302 Grand Feel pedal bar attaches to the HM-5 stand to deliver a fully-fledged grand piano playing experience in an ultra-compact package.
 
As with Kawai's large console instruments, the Grand Feel Pedal System replicates the individual weighting of the damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals of a Kawai SK-EX Concert grand piano, further enhancing the ES920's unrivalled acoustic piano-like authenticity.
* Available in matching Gloss Black or Snow White finishes.
* HM-5 designer stand also required.
 
GFP-3 triple pedal unit

For higher level performers, the GFP-3 triple pedal provides full damper, soft, and sostenuto pedal functionality within a sturdily built portable unit.
 
As with F-302 Grand Feel pedal bar, the GFP-3 triple pedal also replicates the individual weighting of the damper, soft, and sostenuto pedals of a Kawai SK-EX Concert grand piano.
* Availability dependent on market location.

SC-1 padded gigbag

For active musicians that perform regularly, the SC-1 padded gigbag provides a strong yet stylish solution for transporting the ES920 between the home, studio, and stage.
 
Manufactured from rugged, composite materials, with thick internal padding, a large front pocket for cables and pedals, and heavy-duty rollers for smooth transportation, the SC-1 gigbag is an essential accessory for travelling ES920 players of all levels.
* Availability dependent on market location.
* Exact appearance may vary depending on market location.
* Dimensions: 140 (W)  x  18 (D)  x  40 (H) cm

Hear, Try and Compare the Kawai ES920 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 ES920 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.

Do you live with a 40 mile radius of Leicester?

If so then you qualify for Keysounds VIP delivery service. Our own van 2 man delivery goes beyond a standard delivery. With allocated time slots we can delivery at a convenient time for you. All new Pianos are delivered boxed and assembled at your home by our experts. We will also remove all packaging for recycling.

We sell Digital Pianos and Keyboards. That's it. Nothing else. No distractions and nothing to steal our focus.