ES920: Main Features
Kawai Japan is delighted to announce the ES920 and ES520, the latest additions to Kawaiʼs popular ES series of portable digital pianos. The flagship ES920 is the long-awaited successor to the award-winning ES8, while the intermediate ES520 is a new mid- range model that delivers many of the features of the ES920 at a more affordable price.
Kawaiʼs ES series of instruments are high-performance, 88-key portable digital pianos suitable for the home, stage, recital hall, or classroom. The brand new ES920 and ES520 combine Kawaiʼs highly-regarded Responsive Hammer keyboard action and Harmonic Imaging piano sound technologies, to reproduce the touch and tone of a concert grand piano, and provide an authentic, rewarding playing experience for pianists of all abilities. In addition to a strong selection of diverse acoustic piano sounds, the ES920 and ES520 also include a variety of outstanding electric pianos, organs, strings, and other voices, allowing these instruments to support a wide range of musical styles. These sounds are easily selectable from the pianosʼ elegant control panel, which features an intuitive button layout and sharp OLED graphic display, with the ES920ʼs 4-band EQ faders also providing convenient real-time control during live performances.
The latest ES series models boast powerful 40W stereo speaker systems, and incorporate audio processing and amplification technologies developed in collaboration with premium Japanese audio specialists, Onkyo. This unique hardware combination allows these lightweight, portable instrument to deliver well-rounded bass and crisp treble frequencies, reproducing the superb Shigeru Kawai grand piano sounds with exceptional tonal clarity and richness.
The modern ES920 and ES520 also feature built-in Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio connectivity, allowing apps such as Kawaiʼs dedicated PianoRemote control app or a wide range of third-party learning and recreation apps to be enjoyed wirelessly, or for music streamed from a smartphone or tablet to be played through the pianoʼs impressive audio system without any additional cables. However, wired connectivity remains strongly supported, with standard MIDI, USB, Line In and Line Out terminals providing a range of options for the home, studio, and stage.
The latest ES models adopt a brand new exterior design, with the flat panel surface complemented by smooth, rounded edges. The instrumentsʼ sturdy body is surprisingly lightweight, with the ES920 weighing 17 kg (almost 6 kilos lighter than its predecessor), and the ES520 just 14.5 kg. As some of the most portable pianos in their respective classes, the ES920 and ES520 are excellent choices for gigging or studio musicians, yet also ideally suited to academic and religious institutions. Moreover, when attached to the dedicated HM-5 designer stand and F-302 triple pedal bar in matching black or white finishes, these versatile instruments are transformed into stylish, ultra-compact piano replacements, delivering an exceptional playing experience for the lounge, office, or bedroom.
Authentic grand piano touch and tone, superb additional sounds, high-fidelity speaker systems, and modern, convenient features – all housed within a stylish, lightweight case. Introducing the new ES920 and ES520: At home, on stage, your piano.
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.
| Keyboard | ・ Responsive Hammer III action - 88 keys - Grade-weighted hammers - Ivory Touch white key surfaces - Let-off simulation - Triple sensor key detection - Counterweights |
|
|---|---|---|
| Pedal | ・ F-10H pedal unit - Damper (with half-pedal support) |
|
| Sound | ||
| Piano Sound | ・ Harmonic Imaging XL (HI-XL) - 88-key stereo sampling - SK-EX, SK-5, EX recording - 256 note maximum polyphony |
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| Piano Resonance | - Damper Resonance - String Resonance - Undamped String Resonance - Cabinet Resonance |
|
| Piano Adjustment | ・Virtual Technician (21 parameters) - Touch Curve (incl. User Touch Curve) - Voicing (incl. 88-key User Voicing) - Damper Resonance - Damper Noise - String Resonance - Undamped String Resonance - Cabinet Resonance - Key-off Effect - Fall-back Noise - Hammer Noise - Hammer Delay - Topboard Simulation - Decay Time - Release Time - Minimum Touch - Stretch Tuning (incl. 88-key User Tuning) - Temperament (incl. User Temperament) - Temperament Key - Key Volume (incl. 88-key User Key Volume) - Half-Pedal Adjust - Soft Pedal Depth |
|
| No. of Sounds | 38 voices | |
| Reverb | 6 types | |
| Brilliance | ✔ | |
| Other Effects | 16 types + amp simulator (3 types) | |
| Output System | ||
| Speakers | (8 x 12) cm x 2 | |
| Output Power | 40 W (20 W × 2) | |
| Headphone Enhancements | Spatial Headphone Sound Headphone Type |
|
| Design | ||
| Display | 128 x 64 pixel OLED | |
| Key Cover | - | |
| Music Rest | Transparent, detachable type (included) | |
| Dimensions | Width | 134 cm (52 3/4") |
| Depth | 37.5 cm (14 3/4") | |
| Height | 14.5 cm (5 3/4 ") [music rest detached] | |
| Weight | 17.0 kg (37 1/2 lbs.) | |
| Available Finishes | Black (ES920B) White (ES920W) |
|
| Functions | ||
| Basic Functions | Dual Split Four Hands Transpose Tuning Registration Startup Setting |
|
| Internal Songs | Sound Demo | 25 sound demo songs 4 Main demo songs 2 Rhythm Section demo songs |
| Piano Music | - | |
| Concert Magic | - | |
| Lesson Songs | - | |
| Internal Recorder | Total Memory | approximately 90,000 notes |
| No. of Songs | 10 songs | |
| Parts | 2 parts | |
| Metronome | Time Signatures | 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 3/8, 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, 12/8 |
| Drum Rhythms | ・ Rhythm Section - 100 styles (x 2 variations) - 4-part accompaniment select - 100 preset chord sequences - Chord mode: Full Keyboard, 1 Finger, Preset - 'On Bass' chord detection |
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| External Connectivity | ||
| Bluetooth * | Bluetooth (Ver. 4.1; GATT compatible) Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI Specification compliant Bluetooth Audio with aptX support |
|
| USB Audio Recorder | Record/Playback | MP3 WAV SMF |
| Other Functions | 4-band EQ faders Overdubbing Line In recording |
|
| App Functions | TBC | |
| Connector Jacks | Headphone | 2 x 1/4" Stereo jacks |
| MIDI | MIDI IN, MIDI OUT | |
| Line Out | 1/4" L/MONO, R [unbalanced] | |
| Line In | 1/8" Stereo [unbalanced] | |
| USB to Host | ✔ | |
| USB to Device | ✔ | |
| Others | Damper (for F-10H) Damper/Soft/Sostenuto (for GFP-3) Pedal (for F-302) Speakers on/off switch |
|
| Power Supply | ||
| Power Consumption | 18 W | |
| Included Accessories | ||
| Power | Power cable AC adaptor (PS-154) |
|
| Bench | - | |
| Headphones | - | |
| Sheet Music | - | |
| Others | Warranty card * Owner's manual Transparent music rest F-10H damper pedal (with half-pedal support) |
|
Q: What is the Kawai ES920?
A: The Kawai ES920 is a premium portable digital piano designed for home, studio, and stage use, combining advanced weighted keyboard action, detailed grand piano sound, built-in speakers, Bluetooth, and strong performance features in one portable instrument.
Q: Who is the Kawai ES920 designed for?
A: The ES920 is designed for serious students, progressing players, performers, and musicians who want a high-quality portable digital piano with realistic touch, strong sound, and wider connectivity.
Q: What makes the Kawai ES920 different from a basic keyboard?
A: Unlike a basic keyboard, the ES920 offers fully weighted hammer action, detailed 88-key piano sampling, high polyphony, stronger speakers, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, audio recording, and more advanced live performance controls.
Q: How many keys does the Kawai ES920 have?
A: The Kawai ES920 has 88 keys, giving players the full piano range for lessons, practice, recording, and performance.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 have weighted keys?
A: Yes. The ES920 features Kawai’s Responsive Hammer III keyboard action with grade-weighted keys, triple sensors, counterweights, and let-off simulation for a more realistic piano feel.
Q: What keyboard action does the Kawai ES920 use?
A: The ES920 uses Kawai’s Responsive Hammer III action, designed to recreate the touch of an acoustic grand piano with greater realism, control, and responsiveness.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 have Ivory Touch key surfaces?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes Ivory Touch key surfaces to provide a more natural playing feel and better moisture control while performing.
Q: What sound engine does the Kawai ES920 use?
A: The ES920 uses Harmonic Imaging XL sound technology with 88-key stereo sampling to deliver a more detailed and expressive piano sound.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 sound like an acoustic piano?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes detailed sounds based on the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX, SK-5, and Kawai EX grand pianos, giving players a rich and expressive grand piano experience.
Q: How many sounds are included on the Kawai ES920?
A: The ES920 includes 38 sounds, covering acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, choir, mallet sounds, and bass voices.
Q: What is the polyphony of the Kawai ES920?
A: The Kawai ES920 offers a maximum polyphony of 256 notes, helping it manage complex playing, sustain, and layered sounds more effectively.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 have built-in speakers?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes a built-in stereo speaker system with 2 x 20W amplification, giving it a more powerful sound system for home use and small performances.
Q: Is the Kawai ES920 portable?
A: Yes. The ES920 is designed as a portable digital piano and weighs approximately 17 kg, making it suitable for moving between home, rehearsal, teaching, and stage environments.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 have Bluetooth?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio connectivity, allowing wireless communication with supported smart devices and wireless audio playback through the piano’s speakers.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 support USB connection?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes both USB to Host and USB to Device connections for MIDI use, data storage, playback, and recording.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 include standard MIDI connections?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes standard MIDI In and Out ports for connecting to other musical equipment.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 have line inputs and outputs?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes stereo line input and line output connections, making it suitable for larger sound systems, recording, and performance setups.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 support audio recording?
A: Yes. The ES920 can record and play back MP3 and WAV audio files via USB memory, making it easy to capture performances and share recordings.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 include onboard song recording?
A: Yes. In addition to USB audio recording, the ES920 includes an internal MIDI recorder with support for recording songs directly inside the instrument.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 have accompaniment or rhythm features?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes a Rhythm Section with 100 backing accompaniment styles, preset chord progressions, and One Finger Ad-lib features for more engaging solo performance.
Q: What keyboard modes are available on the Kawai ES920?
A: The ES920 supports Dual, Split, and Four Hands modes, allowing players to layer sounds, divide the keyboard, or create a teaching-friendly layout.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 include reverb and effects?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes multiple reverb types and a wide range of effects such as chorus, tremolo, delay, phaser, rotary, and combination effects.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 include a metronome?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes a metronome with adjustable tempo and beat settings for structured practice.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 include real-time controls?
A: Yes. The ES920 features an intuitive control panel with a high-quality OLED display and 4-band EQ faders for direct performance adjustments.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 include Virtual Technician features?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes Virtual Technician settings that allow players to shape piano-related parameters such as resonance, hammer noise, voicing, tuning, and other tonal details.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 come with a pedal?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes an F-10H sustain pedal with half-damper support, and it is also compatible with optional triple pedal units.
Q: Does the Kawai ES920 come with a music rest?
A: Yes. The ES920 includes an acrylic music rack for holding sheet music during practice and performance.
Q: Can the Kawai ES920 be used with a stand?
A: Yes. The ES920 is compatible with the optional HM-5 designer stand and matching F-302 triple pedal bar for a more furniture-style setup.
Q: Is the Kawai ES920 good for home practice?
A: Yes. Its realistic action, strong speaker system, headphone support, and broad sound selection make it an excellent choice for regular home practice.
Q: Is the Kawai ES920 suitable for live performance?
A: Yes. Its portable design, line outputs, Bluetooth audio, strong speaker system, rhythm features, and hands-on controls make it well suited to live use.
Q: Is the Kawai ES920 better than the ES60?
A: For many players, yes. The ES920 is a more advanced model than the ES60, offering a higher-grade keyboard action, more sounds, higher polyphony, stronger speakers, Bluetooth audio and MIDI, richer connectivity, audio recording, and more performance features. The ES60 remains a strong option for beginners or buyers who want a simpler and more affordable portable piano.
Q: Who should buy the Kawai ES920?
A: The Kawai ES920 is ideal for players who want a premium portable digital piano with a more refined key action, detailed piano sound, stronger speaker system, and wider performance and connectivity features than entry-level models.