ES120: Main Features
■ Improved Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard action with grade-weighted keys
■ Authentic Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and Kawai EX grand piano sounds, full 88-key sampling
■ Integrated Bluetooth MIDI and Audio for wireless communication and audio playback
■ Powerful 20W stereo amplifier/speaker system, dedicated stereo Line Out connectors
■ Enhanced SHS headphone sound with HP type settings, 1/4″ and 1/8″ Phone connectors
■ Convenient built-in song recorder and metronome function with 100 rhythm patterns
■ Support for Kawai’s latest PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps for iOS/Android
■ Stylish case design with integrated control panel, portable and strong body weighing 12.5 kg
■ Dedicated HML-2 designer stand and F-351 triple pedal board accessories available
Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano sound
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.
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.
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.
20W speaker system
The ES120’s stereo speaker system delivers an impressive 20W of output, delivering a rich, well-rounded sound with impressive volume and clarity.
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.
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.
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 ES120 also includes a variety of convenient digital functions to complement its authentic keyboard touch and rich grand piano sounds. A selection of different instrument voices, and the ability to record and playback one’s performance are just some of the features accessible from the newly designed control panel, while Bluetooth® Audio and MIDI functionality allow the instrument to be connected to other devices with ease.
In addition to a USB-MIDI port for connecting to computers, the ES120 also boasts integrated Bluetooth Audio and MIDI technology, allowing the digital piano to communicate with supported smart devices wirelessly.
Once paired with a phone or tablet laptop, ES120 owners can easily control the instrument or display notated scores for a wide library of musical pieces using the dedicated PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps. Moreover, the instrument’s functionality can also be expanded using a broad range of 3rd party education, performance, and scoring apps.
The Bluetooth Audio connection allows music to be streamed wirelessly from a smart phone or tablet through the ES120’s audio system – all without the need for additional adapters or cables.
Superior headphone experience
The ES120’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 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 ES120 also allows players to select a variety of headphone types (open, semi-open, closed, in-ear, canal, etc.) for an optimized listening experience.
Weighing just 12kg, the ES120 is an ideal choice for gigging musicians looking for a portable instrument with authentic touch and high quality sounds.
Dedicated stereo Line Out jacks allow direct connection to mixers and PA systems, with the ability to also leave the instrument’s built-in speakers enabled for use as local monitors.
At Home, On Stage
The stylish yet strong body of the ES120 makes it an excellent choice on stage for gigging musicians, while the addition of the dedicated stand and triple pedal accessories transform the ES120 into an ultra-compact piano replacement at home.
The contemporary design available in both black and white finishes will match the atmosphere and décor of almost any room.