Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard action
The ES120’s Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) keyboard action has been developed to represent the distinctive touch of an acoustic grand piano. Based on the highly-regarded RH keyboard action design, its spring-less mechanism and sturdy construction delivers consistent upward and downward motion, while improved cushioning material helps to reduce keyboard noise, resulting in a smooth, natural, and highly authentic piano playing experience.
Acoustic piano key weighting
Just as acoustic pianos utilise heavier bass hammers and lighter treble hammers, the RHC keyboard action also employs different hammer weights, appropriately graded for each playing range.
Such details provide greater stability during fortissimo passages, while preserving delicate pianissimo control, to satisfy the demands of even the most discerning pianist.
The Sound of a Grand Piano: Shigeru Kawai
The Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano was conceived as the next step in evolving the art of the piano. Earning a reputation as the ‘premier piano of Japan,’ it graces the stages of concert halls and musical institutions around the globe, receiving universal acclaim for its exceptional clarity and dynamic range.
The SK-EX has frequently been selected by professional pianists at such prestigious events as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rubenstein international piano competitions. With its truly magnificent tone and wonderfully responsive touch, the SK-EX can best be described with one word – incomparable.
True character in every note
The ES120 digital piano captures the beautiful sound of Kawai’s highly acclaimed concert grand piano, with all 88 keys of this exceptional instrument meticulously recorded, analysed and faithfully reproduced using advanced Harmonic Imaging technology.
Recording each key individually in this way, preserves the rich harmonic character of the SK-EX concert grand piano, and guarantees that the sound heard when playing any one of the ES120’s weighted keys is a faithful representation of the original acoustic source.
Harmonic Imaging technology
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 the SK-EX concert grand piano, not only is each key recorded individually, but also at various different volumes, ranging from gentle pianissimo to thunderous fortissimo.
The ES120 offers a highly detailed acoustic portrait, employing Kawai’s proprietary Harmonic Imaging sound technology to ensure smooth tonal transitions across the keyboard and throughout the entire dynamic range.
Realistic reverberation
The ES120’s powerful digital effects engine further enhances the instrument’s core sounds, applying additional reverberation effects that simulate the acoustic environment of a recital room, live stage, or concert hall, bringing performances to life.
The result is a rich, vibrant piano tone that delivers breathtaking realism and authenticity.
Impressive speaker system
The ES120’s stereo speaker system delivers an impressive 20W of output, providing enough power to fill a medium-sized room with it’s beautiful Shigeru Kawai grand piano sounds.
Moreover, when playing through speakers at a reduced volume setting (so as not to disturb family members), the ES120’s Low Volume Balance feature intelligently adjusts keyboard touch and piano tone characteristics, allowing pianissimo passages to be played smoothly and more naturally.
Additional sounds & playing modes
Supplementing its realistic acoustic piano voices, the ES120 also offers a selection of additional instrument sounds, including electric pianos, organs, harpsichord, vibraphone, and strings.
The Dual playing mode also allows two different voices, such as an acoustic piano and a string ensemble, to be played together for a more complex sound that inspires even greater musical creativity.
Convenience & Flexibility
The impressive ES120 offers a variety of features to complement its authentic keyboard touch and rich grand piano sounds. The adjustable metronome and song recorder are invaluable tools for aspiring pianists wishing to improve their technique, while additional instrument voices, Dual and Split playing modes, and 100 drum rhythms allow players of all levels to indulge their creative spirit.
Live players will appreciate Registration memories and dedicated Line Out jacks for sound reinforcement, while integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio, and a standard USB-MIDI port provide flexibility for connecting to smart devices and computers – either with, or without cables.
Integrated Bluetooth® connectivity
In addition to a standard USB-MIDI port for connecting to computers, the ES120 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, ES120 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 impressive speaker system without the need to connect additional cables.
PianoRemote app
The ES120 is compatible with Kawai’s latest PianoRemote control app for iOS and supported Android devices. This app connects to the piano via the instrument’s integrated USB-MIDI feature, providing an effortless way to change sounds, adjust settings, and enjoy the of built-in music content from an attractive user interface.
Great for gigging
Lightweight and compact, the ES120 is ideal for gigging musicians looking for a portable piano with authentic touch and high quality sounds. Registration memories provide a quick and easy way to recall adjusted sounds and settings, while the dedicated stereo Line Out jacks allow direct connection to mixers and PAs, with the ability to also leave the instrument’s built-in speakers enabled for use as local monitors.
Optional Stand and Pedal Kit
Crafted from wood and metal, the HML-2 designer stand is the ideal solution to transform the portable ES120 into an ultra-compact, stylish piano replacement, while the F-351 triple pedal board attaches to the HML-2 stand to deliver a fully-fledged grand piano playing experience in an ultra-compact package.