Kawai ES920 Piano Buyer's Guide - What You Need To Know

[@ganqqwerty]

I spent multiple hours in the shop jumping between Roland FP90x, ES920 and Yamaha p515 and comparing them to the real pianos. Roland is sure powerful with its infinite library of sounds but it's so easy to get REALLY AWESOME sound in ES920. Plus I liked the ease with which you can play along to the drums in ES920 - no app is needed.

[@dougmarkham]

Hi Iurii, Regarding your comparison testing, what main conclusions did you come to? Was wondering which you went for in the end and why?

[@Adam-rh9my]

and your conclusion?

[@gustavopaulette3496]

@@Adam-rh9my the conclusion is that he is a clown 🤡

[@Hedgehogsinthemist123]

I have a Roland FP60X. It's a great piano, but I'm thinking of upgrading to the ES920. What is the Rhodes Suitcase sound like on the Kawai compared to the Roland, which is pretty good? Also, are the keys slightly heavier? I feel I would like a slightly heavier touch.

[@ganqqwerty]

@@Hedgehogsinthemist123 that's what I feel too. I ended up upgrading from FP60 to ES920 and I'm happy ever since.

[@hamedsanborn150]

Thank you Bonners for shedding light into our uncertainties as buyers. 🖤

[@KlausLaeuferPiano]

I bought the piano 2 years ago. I am very satisfied with it and would buy it again at any time. The low weight makes it very suitable for transport. My favorite sound is "warm grand". On my channel you can listen to this and other sounds from this Kawai. Viele Grüße aus Deutschland ❤🎹❤

[@michellemonet4358]

Do you ever layer your warm grand wih another sound like warm strings?

[@KlausLaeuferPiano]

@@michellemonet4358 Dear Michelle, unfortunately I didn't understand your question. Can you please put it again in different words? Thank you ☺!

[@michellemonet4358]

​@@KlausLaeuferPianoumm. Do you ever use the "layer" feature?

[@KlausLaeuferPiano]

@@michellemonet4358 Yes I used this feature but I love it to play "pure" piano. So I don't have really experiencees with that. Sorry!

[@michellemonet4358]

@@KlausLaeuferPiano ok. Thanks. Which Piano sounds so you like best? I like the EX for the brightness but the warm grand and jqzz grand are lovely too

[@tombic6373]

Great video to watch not only if you are thinking about purchasing a keyboard but it is even more useful if you have already purchased an ES920. The examples shown in the video make the instrument's owner manual more useful. And I learned much more quickly how to use my ES920 by watching this video than by reading through the sometimes confusing pages of the owner's manual. This is a wonderful reference video that I return to again and again as I learn to play my ES920. Great job, Tony!

[@Travelmaster64]

Fantastisches Instrument. Danke für die Vorführung. Liebe Grüße aus Frankfurt / Deutschland.

[@alexmisterpianoman]

As always a great video review from you which I love to follow. I recently upgraded to Kawai 920S with you. I primarily bought it for the warm tone, light weight, wonderful action and USB recording facilities, but there is even more when you add the bluetooth audio. I use that for enjoying KZbin sound and online radio etc from my phone or iPad. It makes a full really nice sound for music listening or easier understanding of speech, particularly if you listen in correct stereo while sat at the piano. But I also find it great for transcribing half forgotten songs by playing along through the same built-ion speakers. You can instantly correct to the right note, foe example. The virtual technician is also great and I found it useful to (surprisingly for me) set it to heavier action, to get access to a wider tonal range, add additional cabinet sound making it feel even more like a very solid acoustic piano, and add extra sympathetic resonance when sustain pedal is used giving a still more sparkling sound in the top register. I think it is possible to swop settings by file from USB. I still love my even lighter but less feature-packed Kawai ES110 - still a very good and highly affordable alternative and have featured both on my channel.

[@JoeLinux2000]

String layer is excellent. This is without a doubt the most important and effective layering.

[@lumpichu]

I think String layer is very useful for gigs, but personally at home I'd probably go for some nic warm pad instead if the instrument had it, no strings patch will probably convince me, they all sound somewhat artificial and unnatural when playing, compared to real strings, it's not the sustain sound, but the static attack envelope, hard to do anything about it from the instrument side.

[@michellemonet4358]

I love the slow string layer at volume 7. Which do you prefer most?

[@Frederer59]

I get a Bonner when I hear the es920. 😂❤🇨🇦 I just bought one in Toronto yesterday.

[@lumpichu]

Excellent demonstration, thank you.

[@rayderrich]

What an extremely well made look at the ES920, very well done, you make me want to buy now ;-)

[@juliekulczak5939]

Great and thorough demonstration

[@amitev]

Hi! I am considering Kawai ES520. Hope you will review it as well.

[@Barrelhousekjell]

Thanks for the great review! I haven't tried the ES920 yet, but I am considering buying one for stage performance after playing a Nord Piano to it's death :-P I have a Kawai CS8 at home which check-mates anything else I have ever tried at any price level. It looks to me Kawai is the only digital piano manufacturer that really takes the quality of the key action seriously enough. But I also find the simplicity of the ES920 much more interesting than higher priced stage piano's. As a piano player, I really don't need all that fancy stuff as you won't find that on a real high quality acoustic piano anyway. To me, the main criterias are almost exactly the same as for an acoustic piano; sound quality and key action. Everything else is only secondary and sometimes even unpleasantly in the way because of all the buttons and knobs needed. I would also applaude the digital piano manufacturer that some day make a stage piano resemble an acoustic piano somehow instead of the synthesizer look. Still, I must say Kawai seem to have done decent job on that criteria on the ES920 as well compared to other pianos even though I would have loved to see more "wood like" finish like for instance the Kawai VPC1 seem to have. Imagine the reactions if Fender or Gibson one day decided to make a new electrical guitar out of plastic. It's just an interesting thought...

[@ganqqwerty]

mine will arrive this Thursday! yuppi!!!

[@namakudamono]

I love seeing Tony getting into at 19:23

[@tsunghsia3537]

Very useful video introduction of Kawai ES920 . Thanks

[@thomasdundon4093]

Thanks for the review, Tony. Unfortunately, the ES920 isn't yet available in North America, but based on your review and many other very positive European reviews, I've preordered one. I also ordered a Kawai GFP-3 triple pedal unit which is supposed to be compatible with the ES920. This unit may be more suitable for performers taking the keyboard out of the home.

[@PianoManChuck]

Another excellent review, Thanks!

[@AirplaiTv]

Looking forward to your review of the Kawai ES920.

[@tenonakin9237]

Could you do a comparison video between ES8 and the ES920? Thanks!

[@soanonso]

Yes, would love to see this.

[@Zoco101]

I think Stu (Merriam Pianos) did that comparative review.

[@herisitraka5959]

Hi. Does the kawai es920 have dual function? If I wanna have strings as a layer for example. Thanks in advance.

[@michellemonet4358]

Yes

[@hacksaw4966]

Great review thanks! Even though it doesn't have a huge number of voices, the combination of voices, effects and amps really provides a lot of varied sounds. As a novice I would be interested in hearing more about learning modes and learning software support for this. Thanks again!

[@vacation_generation]

Great demo of a superb instrument. Looking forward to receiving mine from you soon!

[@jangrill9657]

Great Video, Thank You!

[@islaadele1212]

Gosh, that warm grand sound is beautiful. I can't find the ES920 anywhere at the moment. Would it be fair to say that the CN39 would be on a par, in terms of features, with this model? I would have liked the portability of the ES920, but it's not a deal-breaker. I'm thinking about going for the CN39 instead of waiting for the ES920... hope I'm not making a mistake.

[@FishingtonBurpPuzzle]

17 kilograms and a pretty close grand piano sound. I am still lingering on the Roland supernatural, but this is a very fine piano. You would want nothing more except no mention of music interfacing or recommended gigging stand.

[@lioriism]

For home use, ES920 is better than CN301? It is good in the sound engine but CN301 has 4 speakers. And another question, I have the option of purchasing a used CN29 at half price. Is it even better?

[@reverendsean]

Great presentation as always, Tony! :D

[@geofharris5546]

Best demo I've seen on this piano. Thanks Tony, a great job

[@jazzlegend]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e37aZYCobdOMgbs

[@howardklein2450]

Is this a significant upgrade from the Es8? Are there major differences (speakers, eq I see)

[@thomasdundon4093]

The ES920 now supports Bluetooth audio and MIDI.

[@ff221069]

Speakers slightly better, using more plastic so lighter weight, More minor functions like Bluetooth etc. The keyboard action is the same. If you already have ES8, there's no need to chance to this one. If you need something significantly better, you should go for a higher price range.

[@floridaessene]

Thank you for taking the time to create this fantastic demonstration video.

[@markholloway9638]

Wow! I want one!

[@michellemonet4358]

Does this kawaii have dual or layering capability?

[@KenKennedy5D]

Fantastic keyboard, very versatile, great video presentation !

[@Fsuholley]

Great information. The vox audio gain is much higher than the play demonstration. I have to adjust volume constantly. Anyway, I have to buy this piano.

[@Zoco101]

This looks and sounds like a great instrument. My main concern is with the weight. I would choose this instrument for its superior action & enhanced home studio features. Obviously, it can be gigged too, but for gigging I'd prefer the Roland RD88, which is cheaper, lighter and has more stage functionality.

[@MrTownsend]

I have a Hammond SK1-88 that I use for performances, just ordered this for small gigs but mainly something to have in my room in NYC. That being said, piano is so good on the Kawai, I might use the Hammond strictly for organs now.

[@michellemonet4358]

​@@MrTownsendHow do you like your kawai es390?

[@MrTownsend]

@@michellemonet4358 Action is great on it, Great speakers. I love the Wurlitzer sound on it. Just wish they made some stage pianos/organs similar to the Yamaha YC/Nord Stage.

[@michellemonet4358]

@@MrTownsend which Wurlitzer? I use the piano sounds mainly. Love the Sk layered with slow strings best. Although many others are great too

[@byrelli]

Thanks so much for this! I just got mine and this was very helpful. Very jealous I can't play as well as you though.

[@euphoricbacon]

I'm jealous you've got yours lol I've been waiting since November, and it's still on backorder

[@BM2011ful]

Like always... Really good demonstration... But i have a question... On ES8 was the action good but loud and noisy especially when it pumps up... You can try it with the piano turned off... I hope this fixed on the ES920

[@sarbaazchabahar]

Hi, any news about featuring the new Korg Nautilus on this channel?

[@stargator4945]

Could you explain a bit more about the differences from the ES8 we have at home to this one. Better digital part, better sounds (why, as they name it the same), better keys, or better speakers. You also should tell how it sounds directly and how gathered through good mikes.

[@pedropenduko2714]

That Elton John’s song sound fabulous with es920.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@6zhnvgz7]

Hello dear Tony, thanks for all the great content! Could you please compare the ES920 with the FP90X and speak about what you think speaks for the one or for the other?

[@krzysztofbozalek6914]

Hi. What's the piece you played on warm piano sound?

[@donaldwoo7793]

An excellent review, thank you! Nearly fully convinced that's my next choice, against the Roland DP605 which my partner seems to prefer..I'm making sure he sees this review..!

[@aklankrisz]

5:41 I thought you were going to play Vangelis' 1492 (Conquest of Paradise).

[@BM2011ful]

Another question please... I would buy a digitalpiano for personal use so no stage or performing... But for me the action and sound are important within 2000 euro or pound range... Would you suggest the ES920 or mp11se because of holz action... Both have Harmonic imaging XL which is good... Or do you have something else in mind... Thank you very much in advance

[@BM2011ful]

@mgljimcmgl thank you very much for your reply... But what i really wanna know is if the more 500 pounds price difference justified by mp11se

[@MrAgmoore]

@@Oleg__ How do you know that there will be an MP11SE successor next year?

[@ili626]

Can the input for the damper pedal be used for an effects pedal?

[@Zoco101]

It's good that it has registrations, but does it allow you to layer several user-definable zones and then control their levels on the fly? Without those, it's less suitable for stage work.

[@Wistbacka]

Oh wow, finally! Thanks for this introduction! Please provide a full, in-depth comparison to the Yamaha P515 and also to the old ES8; what are the actual improvements and is it worth the upgrade etc? E.g. did they improve the keyboard noise and bounciness?

[@ff221069]

Basically it's the same keyboard as ES8.

[@coreo72]

they've improved the contacts... made them larger.

[@johnvalk]

Post processing of the tone, speakers much better, so the pianos sound much better

[@southpark5555]

I was in a music shop yesterday, and I saw for myself the oscillating behaviour of the ES920 keys after pushing them and releasing. As the key gets back to the top again ---- it does some noticeable bouncing up and down (around the top) before it subsides. Very noticeable. Needs work.

[@thefalsecritic9520]

@@southpark5555 Was that a dealbreaker for you? Which did you like most out of the pianos in the store of the same price range?

[@annscanlon7511]

Any way you could demo and compare the ES520 and ES920? As an intermediate player jumping back into the saddle after many years off, I am in the market for a digital piano (space constraints and portability), and I can't decide if the ES920 is worth the extra cash or if the ES520 is "good enough"? I've only ever played an acoustic piano and the piano voices and action are the most important aspects of the piano for me. I don't see myself using the midi functions, etc...

[@dgcmusi]

Great demonstration Milton...thank you 👂👍

[@SharonsPureMusic]

Does the action feel exactly the same as nord grand? Nord grand’s keys are very much responsive but too light...

[@giuseppepaparo8977]

Il suono che ascoltiamo è quello degli altoparlanti incorporati?

[@OnlineMD]

Thx, good review of what seems to be an outstanding digital piano! It would be nice if you let us know whether you used an audio out or USB out to record the actual sound of the device! I have an important suggestion. Many people looking at your reviews are likely planning to start out learning to play piano/keyboard. I'm one of those! Well, I took piano for 4 years 30 years ago, gave up frustrated not making progress, but now having retired I'm re-starting! After exploring Flowkey and Skoove, I've settled on Piano Marvel. I don't have an iPad so I use a laptop. Well, the sound of laptops is pitiful. So I use a 1/8" line out to a portable speaker and that works. Oh, I forgot to say, I use just a keyboard controller with no sound, and not a digital piano. Well, what I'm wondering is, can I use the audio out from the laptop or Bluetooth to play the combined sound of the app and what I play, to come through on the speakers of this device. Kawai plans to released a Kawai Connect app. I guess it is to compete with Yamaha's Smart Pianist app. Turns out that app has to be called Dumb Pianist as far as the Android version goes!!! Anyone drive a Tesla? Just about all functions are on ONE 15" screen. In the same way, surely Kawai can stop using those measly little OLED screens and use a 11" to 13" iPad or laptop screen for all the functions. The user can then proceed to use the device for App based piano lessons. Seems to me that paper printed music sheets are a thing of the past; it is so nice to have e-sheets flow from one page to another as you play. So Tony, PLEASE pick your favorite digital piano, put an iPad on the music rest, and show us the state of the art in piano learning using apps! I suspect that Bluetooth may cause a lag problem as compared to USB cable.

[@OnlineMD]

@@stevenwyatt4632 Thx! I tried Skoove, gave up on it. Very responsive German company, however, and always answered questions within 24 hours. My daughter just bought a Kawai CN 37, a closeout model. It comes this Friday. My wife and I plan to go there Christmas weekend, and I'll try the iPad to piano audio and see how it works. Yes, audio lag is a pain while taking piano app lessons!

[@dalent]

Great! Just 5sec. demo of harpsichord playing with one hand. It is really rare in any reviews, that somebody speak about such rare and antique instrument - Harpsichord!

[@paul1963]

Hi All, I'm seriously considering the ES920 but due to covid lockdown here in the UK, I can't go out to the store to try one and so will order on-line. Does anyone have any comments regarding the action. I've heard many comments that the action is very noisy but others never even mention it. After looking at this video, it doesn't seem to affect playing at all but is the action loud enough to be irritating? I'm pretty much a beginner so am not that familiar with pianos. Thanks.

[@MarkJohnson-du2bc]

I wanted to compare this new model against the older Yamaha 515 or the Roland fp90 of similar price, shame the ES920 key action does not have the same action as their MP11SE or at least wooden keys.

[@jamessabini3541]

What is your preference between this and Rolands RD 88 ?

[@jamesnewberry2945]

is it my imagination but the 920 sounds cleaner and more like a piano than the c49 and the 59 or is it the videos some reply please

[@philipdenisevinton3181]

Super review as always from Bonners. I am in the market for a piano in this price range. In your opinion is this a better piano than the Yamaha P515? It looks and sounds like the Bees Knees of pianos in this price range. I had almost decide on the P515, this Kawai has swayed my thinking. I am too far away and with Lock Down unable to visit your store, I would value your personal opinion.

[@LagunaLeonhart]

I need this answer before black Friday. The main points for me are the action on this Vs the es8, and the overall modern day feature list. I noticed the Yamaha uses wooden keys while the Kawai is plastic. I'm leaning more towards the Yamaha for this and also the bosendorfer.

[@philipdenisevinton3181]

@@LagunaLeonhart Have you seen and listened to David Henry's video, if not you should. I changed my mind after his review.

[@LagunaLeonhart]

@@philipdenisevinton3181 do you have a link? I can't see a review on his channel. Only playing on the es920. Nothing about the p515 either.

[@philipdenisevinton3181]

@@LagunaLeonhart David is comparing the Kawai ES920 to the Yamaha C3 acoustic. His comparison between the two is superb. There are no comparisons to the Yamaha P515 on You tube yet.

[@LagunaLeonhart]

@@philipdenisevinton3181 I fail to see what's superb about it. He says nothing and just plays notes from each to compare the sound. The acoustic sounds better by far which is understandable. What are you hearing that I'm not and how is that relevant to the p515?

[@sgbc5863]

Does this Transpose at the push of a button?

[@panosvlahos8597]

What about the mp7se if you don't care about the speakers is it better?

[@jazzvent]

I have the same question. It seems to me that the mp7se would be a much better keyboard, with many more features.

[@michaelfuria4257]

bought one of these a month ago-love everything about it except one minor quirk-on the "SK-5 grand piano" sample, the note G2 has an odd kind of raspy sound that is out of character with the surrounding notes...was wondering if you noticed the same thing??

[@JitinMisra]

How do you like it other wise ? Especially speakers and sound ?

[@michaelfuria4257]

@@JitinMisra Otherwise, I love everything else about it.....including speakers and sound...so, I will just ignore the little quirk....

[@zephelia1299]

This is really nice 💖✨

[@michellemonet4358]

Does this run on batteries also?

[@arekarek4879]

Great sound. Recorded via USB or external audio interface?

[@scottheywood6502]

The keys appear to bounce a couple times upon quick release. Won't that cause noise or eventually cause noise when playing?

[@southpark5555]

This is exactly what I saw yesterday at a music shop. I was checking it out for myself. The key bounces up and down a bit when it springs back up to top position. It's like a 'what were they thinking?' situation when wondering about the team that allowed this mechanism to get into the commercial production phase. It should really be a 'back to drawing board' situation.

[@rickw7523]

Could anybody tell me how this piano compares to the Ca79? I want to play classical music and I'm not sure if the price difference is justified

[@joshuaaaroncalamba]

Im about to buy a portable digital piano. Please tell me what's the best. Kawai Es920 or Roland FP-90? Thank You for the answer :)

[@Jessica-si5wo]

Does the klavier makes a lots of noice (bonks) ? Thx in advance

[@Barrelhousekjell]

I recently bought one. I think the action is more "quiet" compared to many other digital pianos and should not be of any concern. The action is super precise and very well balanced, but quite light compared to a real acoustic piano even though most stage pianos are anyway.

[@Transterra55]

Well done!

[@amandajstar]

Am I wrong, or has Tony been working out more than ever with his heavy weights? : )

[@francocastiglione6261]

Ho da circa un anno l'ottimo Yamaha P515,secondo me questo nuovo Kawai ha una sonorità molto simile,il ES8 era più dolce. Cioè questo nuovo Kawai si è di molto avvicinato al suono Yamaha.Sbaglio?.Ovviamente in entrambi i casi parliamo di strumenti al top Piccolo appunto il P515 ha la tastiera in legno cioe come il piano classico,il Kawai di plastica.

[@mattonthemoon225]

Si ma la pesatura del p515 e’ dura proprio come una tavola di legno, quella del Kawai come un acustico standard....

[@mauriciolacruz]

Which one between this Kawai ES-920 and the Roland's FP-60X, FP-90X and F-701 do you like more and why? Which one does have the heaviest key action? Do the ones without cabinet have any kind of cover for protection against dust and dirt, etc? Do the ones without cabinet & pedals (all others except the Roland F-701) have the feature of modeling the sound with an equivalent damper/sustain button (as they lack the pedal)? Piano + strings together seem to sound better on the Rolands, isn't it? Thank you!

[@colwild]

Too bad you can't adjust the layering volume as you are playing (during a gig for example).

[@michellemonet4358]

Is there a layering feature?

[@ChuckS117]

God damn, what a sound!

[@NTNOrgan]

Very good

[@SrinivasMurty]

Surely that’s not from the speakers. In which case, would you please care to share your setup of amp, speakers, cabling? Would help a lot.

[@danyo0072]

Love the Kawai warm sound. Looking for my first piano for me and my 8,10 years old daughters..Do you think the es920 will be a good option to start with learning or is it overkill? l am looking for a portable one with a stand option. I would rather buy a good piano from the start with a good hammer action..thank you, Daniel

[@michaelloughnane]

hey - not the uploader, but I can probably give my two cents haha. This piano is probably overkill in all honesty (for your daughters, you could probably get away with something a third the price for quite a while! I used an old craigslist upright well into middle school before getting a Kawai K-500). If you have the money for it (and are 100% sure that your kids aren't going to be giving it up any time soon!), you won't go wrong with the es920, however.

[@MrAgmoore]

Kids are very fickle. I would have just gone with an ES110 or Yamaha equivalent.

[@danyo0072]

@@robertmichalscheck3072 thank you, Robert..I am still undecided between ES920 and CA59..today is Cyber Monday and the Kawai CA59 dropped under £2000..first I decided to go portable but not sure anymore..decision decision...

[@coreo72]

@@danyo0072 ca59 for sure if you have the budget. basically the wooden action version with better speakers..

[@michaelfuria4257]

buy the ES920, your daughters will love it, they deserve the best possible digital action and sound-and for all this the price is quite low......

[@hughhawfield19]

I understand this piano is plastic. Do you have any idea as to how durable it may be? Strongly considering purchasing this when it is available in the US. Thanks. By the way, a great review.

[@anthonysimages]

is it possible to use the ES920 through ( Bluetooth wireless headphones?)

[@coreo72]

no.. bluetooth into the speakers only... like a bluetooth speaker

[@alswo_]

8:50

[@andrewcrane2786]

Nice keyboard sound great I rather Yamaha motif keyboard instead that what I have in my church.. thanks for sharing

[@geislera]

Seems like Kawai caught up to the Roland FP90 with with instrument. However, Roland was first, and the Roland has wood at the sides of each key!

[@namakudamono]

Roland was first for what? Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland have been producing portable pianos like this for many years.

[@geislera]

You 're right, I didn't make that clear. I mean features like Bluetooth connectivity and equilizer.

[@leifedmondson2813]

weight: 37 to 38 pounds

[@spongedev]

I heard as biased guide..😂😂😂