🎹Yamaha P515 vs Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Review - Buyers Guide🎹

Sound - 1:42
Action - 21:29
Features - 30:25
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#P515 #ES8 #DigitalPiano
Welcome, and thanks for being here for another comparison video here at Merriam Pianos. In this video, we’re going to be comparing two manufacturer’s flagship all-in-one portable digital pianos, the Yamaha P515 and the Kawai ES8.
This is a pretty exciting review to be able to do, not only because it’s been requested so much, but also because these two pianos match up against one another so well.
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Tone Engine and Sound:
From a tone engine and sound standpoint, the specs on these two pianos match up quite closely. Polyphony is even at 256 notes, the P515 has slightly more tones at 40 voices compared to 34 on the ES8, whereas the Kawai comes out ahead regarding speaker power at 60 watts compared to 40 watts of power on the P515. The ES8 uses their own Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine, which features samples from the Shigeru Kawai EX and SK5, versus the P515’s sound engine which features samples from the Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer Imperial.
As one might expect, the P515 definitely sounds a lot brighter with a strong emphasis on the fundamental pitch, compared to the ES8 which is a mellower, warmer tone richer in overtones. Both of these instruments feature a virtual technician that allows for the editing of a variety of sound related parameters, so there’s a lot of potential for tonal customization. Playing through the various other piano, electric piano, organ and miscellaneous tones on-board in both instruments, it’s clear that while both companies have done a good job in this regard, the ES8’s sounds come across as slightly more authentic.
Piano Action:
Right off the bat, it’s very clear that these two actions feel very different. The P515 uses Yamaha’s NWX piano action, which features a triple sensor, wooden white keys and plastic black keys. The ES8 utilizes Kawai’s Responsive Hammer III key action, which is an all plastic , triple sensor key action. It’s apparent right away the P515’s action is very heavy, seemingly heavier than even an acoustic grand piano. The ES8 is comparatively much lighter.
An interesting thing worth noting is that while the specs for both instruments indicate escapement, and while the escapement is very apparent in the ES8, it’s very difficult to feel in the P515, to the point where we had to double check the specs sheet to confirm that the NWX action features escapement. Another difference has to do with the texture of the keys on both pianos. The ES8 is definitely more textured when it comes to how the action feels to play.
Piano Features:
These pianos are pretty much the same when it comes to their footprint. While both are slab units, they’re both compatible with wooden designer stands and a triple pedal option. Both come standard with high quality sustain pedals so adding the triple pedal is not necessary. Both come equipped with on-board rhythm accompaniment, and the quality of this accompaniment system is good enough that there may be some professional performing situations where this feature could come in handy.
Conclusions:
These pianos are so well matched up that it’s not really possible to crown a clear cut winner. They sound and feel so different from each other however that if you’re comparing these two instruments especially, it’s highly encouraged you get out there and compare them for yourself.
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[@cameronmcclymont9980]

Your improv talent is so impressive. Thanks for that as well as the great review!

[@LEDmatrix]

Thank you for this great, great review! You've been helping me a lot at making my decision which digital piano to buy. Even though the ES-8 is discontinued, I still watched all your comparisons and reviews of this product to get an idea for what to look out on the newly released ES-920. Even though it's 300€ more expensive here in Germany, I've decided to buy this one over the P-515. The action, combined with the beautiful sound just did it for me.

[@genedong]

Gr8 presentations. We have a Steinway B for many years. And I wanted to add a hybrid for my use an adult beginner for the electronic and silent piano features. My adult children were aghast when I suggested looking at a Yamaha because of the “heavy” action. So it will be Kawai when I make a decision. Your reviews are very good and useful.

[@callmecraig3046]

You are seriously on a roll with these videos.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Hopefully I can get a P515 and an ES520 next year. That's the goal. The ES8 has now be updated to the ES920 and it weighs less. There's a lower-priced with somewhat less features ES520 as well, but it still has a lot of the goodness of its bigger brother. Looking forward to Stu reviewing the new ES's.

[@martinfido2161]

Thank you for this, great comparison. No one mentions it but the Kawai also has a very important feature that the Yamaha does not - user temperaments. On the Kawai you can try e.g. Bradley Lehman's Bach temperament or anything else you like, while on the Yamaha you are limited to a few presets.

[@QalinaCom]

there are apps for different temperaments and most people won't be using them. Kawai doesn't even have a basic honky tonk sound and mine's been to repairs three times already.

[@IrminZ]

Good video, I have an ES8, love it. Never played a P515

[@trblcleft]

As a concert pianist the grand piano and and Bosendorfer sounds are wonderful on the yamaha. Also I love "pingy" and bright sound on the yamaha. It is a matter of taste but imo it sounds the treble is great.

[@paxwallacejazz]

I once talked to Mulgrew Miller at a gig with a rented grand at the defunct Rainbow in Seattle. He mentioned that the piano had a really heavy action that made it a bear to play. Hearing such a strong pianist say that was almost a relief. I've had that experience myself. (PS he sounded great.) I worry that my digital piano is setting me up for a struggle/fail when next I encounter a bear of a gig piano. Maybe that heavy action on the 515 is a blessing in disguise.

[@LEOCYTWOMBLY]

Bruh you got to kick it with Grew? What a blessing. Always when my heart's right blessing & thanking him in the heavens for all he gave the world so freely.

[@j.p.retnugh3924]

This review is very informative and well done, thank you!

[@OnlineMD]

Moving forward to January, 2021. I just got from an online store (I'm in the USA, North Carolina) a Kawai ES920; had not even seen or played with it, took a big chance! Great engineering, and wooden frame stand is superb. It is the latest and top of the line in the ES series. The ES8 is gone. Kawai has an app called Piano Remote; I installed and ran it. It said, dude, your piano's software is out of date. What? It is brand new! OK, so I go to the Kawai Global site, download the .SYS file, stick it on a thumb drive, into the USB drive of the piano, and it installed pretty fast. After that, the app connected just fine and the Bluetooth MIDI also worked, which it did not properly before that. The key action is, um, kind of heavy, but then I've not been playing piano for 30 years! So now I'll just play and play till either my fingers fall off or I build the hand and finger muscle tone again! :) The ES920 has software has settings to make the touch sensitivity range from heavy to light. Does not change the resistance per se, but on a light setting, it takes less force down to produce the same sound volume. In just two days, I've noticed that my fingers are not complaining that much; maybe my fingers decided that it is no use complaining, haha! :) I think I should have got an ES520 because the ES920 is meant more for professionals. Both models have the same speakers, but as I read on the website, the 920 has far more rhythm and chord accompaniment choices. I set my Galaxy S10 on three keys, and the keys went down about 20% so likely it is lighter an action than the Yamaha P515 judging by your test! The sounds: the Kawai SK-EX is the one I like the best. All the sounds are excellent, and the drum rhythms and chords are superb. I've not tried auto chords yet. What I really like, is that I can pick out my favorite sounds and also touch sensitivity, and save it as a "registration." There are 28 possible registrations. I've only save two: one for just piano and the second for piano and strings combined. Overall, this is just a superb digital piano. To repeat, I'm sure that in just three months my fingers will handle the keys just fine. Keeping my fingers crossed! On second thought, I'll uncross them and just play! 😂

[@Frederer59]

The note to note comparison was very helpful.

[@nigo1787]

Yes, very. Kawai has a way to make a single note sound very rich

[@nova4101]

I think it's important to note that both of these pianos offer the option to change the touch sensitivity of the keys, so if they're too light or too heavy, that can be changed accordingly. Something I haven't seen mentioned in the many reviews, demos and comparisons I've watched so far. I don't know how much of a difference it makes, I'm just reading up on the specs online. I would love to know if it does make a noticable difference.

[@ganqqwerty]

that doesn't change the physical weight though

[@charliemcleod764]

Thorough and enlightening, fae Scotland, Happy New Year.

[@elizabethvhwong]

Kawai's piano sound is more mellow while Yamaha's sound is more present. These models are also great.

[@jsfbay1]

You talked about individual samples per note, but how many velocity levels does each have? I get that at the end of the day, that doesn't matter if you like how it sounds. But it at least *suggests* which should/could sound better to one's ears if the action/rest of the machine is up to the task. Thanks for the review, and great playing as usual.

[@kbdplr1965]

Sounds great. Lovely sounds and playing. To my ears the Kawai piano sounds are a little richer and deeper sounding. The Kawai in general sounds a little more forward in the mix. Perhaps that's just how the internal speakers sound through my device but I was impressed with Kawai's offerings here.

[@Ives1964]

Great presentation and talented presenter. I hear the Kawai is very hard to find. (Ottawa Canada).

[@credenza1]

I may be mistaken, but I think the Yamaha has a menu option to access GM sounds as well, giving it a far more extensive sound set.

[@rayderrich]

After watching at least 100 review videos I was so sure about the Yamaha P515 and then you came along and kicked its butt with the Kawai ES8. I can never choose! Good to know for others that the Yamaha acts as an audio interface when plugged into an iPad or computer. This is very important to me and is hardly documented. Thank you very much for your incredible videos.

[@westontrimble7882]

What did you end up getting. I am the same way, I saw a bunch of very positive reviews on the P515 until I saw his videos

[@rayderrich]

​@@westontrimble7882 Neither of the two. I ended up buying the Kurzweil PC4. I was already a Kurzweil K2000 user for a very long time and decided to stick to the brand. Not only for its keybed and piano sounds, but for its synth sounds as well. Good luck choosing!

[@westontrimble7882]

@@rayderrich gotcha. Enjoy it!

[@drchrisdavies2941]

I purchased the P515 having tested both, and having long enjoyed Yamaha DPs. The 515 is simply amazing in terms of its abilities and sound quality. You can alter the sound to exactly as you want it, I prefer a slightly darker sound and have set it up that way. I also play it through DX8 powered speaker, which really show off the great quality of the samples.

[@rayderrich]

In the end I went for the Kurzweil PC4 (I already owned the K2000 for decades) but your advise to go for the 515 still stands for others.

[@gauravmathur9323]

I went with the P515, and I'm very happy with it. Great speakers, rich tone. The treble really sings out over the base when I play Hotel California. The action did feel heavy at first, but I don't notice it so much anymore. Definitely a higher quality action compared to the P125. The music stores in Sydney didn't have P515s or ES8s on display so I was comparing the Arius164 to the CA49. Both great pianos, but I found myself gravitating towards the brighter tone of Yamaha. I know everyone says it.. you do have to try it out for yourself in the store. Please note, I've only being playing piano for 3 months and my interest is in playing modern rock and pop songs. A classical pianist may have a different view..

[@hv1946FLUSA]

Professional, informative video. Thanks!

[@r7eagle_]

Thanks for the comparison.. Are there issues with the speakers on the Kawai?

[@instrumentalmusic5744]

On acoustic piano sound: p515 has a clear, compact, crystal-like, clean sound! While es8 has a wide, dark, comprehensive range sound... For my opinion.. :)

[@jundar73]

Nice review. Thank you so much!

[@bhaveshmistry3255]

Hello sir, Your reviews are always useful and simple to understand to the buyers. Both of this piano sounds really fantastic but I have noticed yamaha key pad is making more noise.😢 Sir, I am waiting for your review on Kawai CA79/99 and Roland HP704. Thank you so much !

[@photonspark]

Thanks for your reviews, I enjoy it :) When are the successors to the ES8 and MP11SE likely to come out?

[@michaelkaercher]

Nice comparison. I own the eS8 and like the action. I tested the yamaha as well but i like the sounds better on the ES8. Action - hard to say but I have no issues with the ES8 but would have no issues with the Yaaha as well.

[@instrumentalmusic5744]

A nice review!!!

[@winddealer1]

Now that we have the quality of the tones, action understood; what keyboard would say has the best midi implementation relative to supporting external devices? How many zones splits are supported to trigger external midi channels/devices? Do either of the products support Bank MSB/LSB with channel Program Change? Aftertouch supported? Mod/bend wheel? Midi In/Out/Thru? External Sync? etc, Gratefully.

[@VK-tb5vc]

Great presentation and comparison....Pls advise what speakers you are using....

[@crcc23]

Great video as always. What about Korg rh3 actions. Do you have Korg in the store?

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Great playing as usual! I think I prefer the Kawai.

[@ThePianoMan1953]

Benjamin Kanarek I was thinking the same thing. It seems to have a lot of character!

[@jerryspencer7916]

A nice comparison . . . very well done and also very helpful to me for making a decision. I have a question about a problem which many pianists face, which is about turning the pages in a songbook while playing. Do you know of a page turner which really works for paper pages, not electronic sheet music?

[@jonasliedsva7845]

Hi Thank you very much for the information you give, I tell you that I am about to buy my first piano, I used to play the keyboard before, I would like to know what brand of electronic piano you advise me, I want to learn more about playing the piano but I would also like to use it to play live, what is the best option in price and quality thanks greetings

[@teamchivers]

Thanks for the great comparison. I would have liked a comparison of the built-in speakers also. Did the Kawai have some on-board reverb turned on? The Yamaha definitely didn’t have it turned on, hence the “digital” sound. I believe the Kawai MP7 and Nord Grand share the same action as the ES8. I have owned and played Yamahas for decades but seriously considering selling them off to get an ES8, but I haven’t had quality time with one yet, so this comparison helped.

[@ferdearmas8732]

Hi David, and which key action did you prefer between Roland FP90, Kawai ES8 and Yamaha P515 and why?...

[@quantizedinfinity4441]

Regarding piano sound comparison (tone complexity), it would be more suitable to compare main piano sound of Yamaha P-515, which is CFX Grand - not Bösendorfer, with Kawai EX. I guess Yamaha could have put more effort into making their virtual CFX Grand than Bösendorfer.

[@JitinMisra]

Quantized Infinity the Cfx is better sounding than bosendorfer on p515, I terms of samples

[@brickmissing8295]

24:00 I measured my P515 static weight at the end of the keys as 72g on top C increasing to 100g on bottom A. The weight at the back of the keys near the fall board is 2.2x as much which implies a key length of about 24cm to the pivot point. I’m pretty well adjusted to it and it doesn’t really bother me but I do wonder whether a lighter weight with longer keys would give me more control.

[@brickmissing8295]

Kevin T Yes - but of course that doesn’t change the physical weight/resistance of the keys - it just generates a louder sound from a softer key strike. It doesn’t make it any easier to get the keys moving but makes it easier to obtain a more consistent volume at the price of reducing the dynamic range you can produce. So kinda disguising the underlying problem.

[@gazou1982]

I did the test as well, need something around 105gr. on lower A, and 85gr. and up from C1 to C6, and 64gr. On the very last key. Though once you have engaged the note, if you lift it up after the key hit once (with the weight still on the key), it becomes looser for the next key stroke. So maybe there is a lack in the design🤔? Not sure if this is normal? Do you happen to have an idea?

[@Gilotopia]

@@gazou1982 that's on purpose. It's the escapement feature.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Dr. Harrison, I'm looking forward to a Roland RD88 review from you as it compares to the FP-10 - 30.

[@Cyb3rAssassine]

I think the RD88 is more comparable to a FP-90 or a RD 2000.

[@jnedoma]

Thank you, nice review! I'll put in my 2 cents:) I am a professional pianist and I needed a good 88 key midi controller/stage piano to record my music demos and practice during quarantine (my studio where I practice a six-foot Yamaha Grand is closed). I bought ES8 first, but after a few minutes of playing thru Goldberg Variations I found out the action is too slow - the key would return only half way thru, resulting in a softer sound and an uneven line. I tried to play the line in a different octave, even transposed it to different key and played it with a different fingering to eliminate mechanical problem. Eventually I gave up and ended up with Yamaha. I am in no way affiliated with Yamaha and wanted to try Kawai since my last EP was Yamaha P155. P-515 is not bad, I had to adjust the touch velocity to 62 and Touch to Medium, also had to turn IAC and Binaural effects off to make it feel as real as possible (but that's my preference after 35 years of playing acoustic). The keyboard itself is definitely a step up from P-155 and P-255 that several of my students are using. The texture on the black keys helps the fingers slide more easily (it doesn't feel exactly as a real piano, but its not bad). The only down side compared to the older keyboards is the slight clicking noise from the keys and high notes being a little too bright, I guess I will have to get used to it haha. I wish you all good luck in finding the best keyboard!

[@JitinMisra]

which sound did you like es8 or p515?

[@CC-gt3ro]

Jiri Nedoma i am not a professional pianist but i have no issues with kawai es8. I was able to play on 200k steinway and yamaha piano without any issues. And i found the es8 a very good simulation in a portable piano. The sound of the es8 seems superior to the yamaha to my opinion, and i am an audiophile. I casnot withstand a non audiophile sound,. There sound of kawai is more natural, more complex, with some intricate resonance. The sound does not feel at all digital like the yamaha. And the key texture are better on the kawai. So it is really a question of taste. The let off is better simulated and i feel the sound more dynamic. It is not as a real piano that have an even richest intricate sound coming from the board but to me it is better than any other portable piano.

[@Zoco101]

@@CC-gt3ro You don't state what music you play nor whether you play mainly solo or in enembles. Some digital pianos, like Kawai, are simply fantastic as solo instruments, yet we don't see them supplied much in stage scenarios. Nord & Roland are more popular in this context, and I wonder why. Perhaps it's because they have better organs sounds and electric piano sounds, or perhaps because (even as pianos) they blend better with the final stage mix. The important thing is what works, works. Endless comparisons to acoustic instruments (notice I don't say "real" because all pianos are real unless they are toys) are inappropriate unless you're only buying a digital piano to play classical music. Then it's probably at home, and then it doesn't have to be portable. I think Kawai only makes a half-hearted attempt to supply stage pianos. The home piano market is where it scores. For some people, digital piano manufacture should aspire to recreating the sound of one of 5 or 6 famous acoustic grand pianos. I set the metre higher. Why stop at the sound (and limitations) of an acoustic piano? Nothing is perfect, nor does every good piano have to sound the same.

[@drchrisdavies2941]

@@CC-gt3ro - having played both the ES8 and now owning the P515, I have found the ability to alter so many parameters of the instrument sound and then save these variations, has enabled me to get the sound exactly as I want it. Like yourself having owned a Bechstein Concert Grand for many years, I was keen to try and capture some of the subtleties often missed in some sample engines. In particular, string resonance, key off sampling and variations to dampers. The big difference for me has been adding some external powered DX8 speakers, which I control through a digital mixer. This really allows you to further develop the bass sound, which is lost to a certain degree with the smaller ‘on board’ speakers. It also adds dramatically to the richness of the sound and the variations in touch response for loud or soft passages. The combination of the details outlined has enabled me to get as close as I can to having a Grand Piano once again!

[@CC-gt3ro]

@@drchrisdavies2941 i sold my piano es8 because i have Parkinson, but i was using a Sennheiser hd595 headphone , the sound was beautiful. I compared the 200k original piano with the sound coming from the headphone on a classic chopin song i knew and it was close as it gets. The es8 has an application on ipad that allow to customize the sound precisely.

[@CC-gt3ro]

I have and love my Kawai Es8, the sound and keys are fantastic. I heard the piano on Yamaha, Roland and the Kawai is better. It is just my opinion. The speaker are giving a really good sound and it is nocer especially with the stand and the pedal lyre. I love my Kawai Es8

[@ferdearmas8732]

Hi mate, and what about the key action?...

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

Kawai is impressive - I thought I made it to heaven with the choral voices.

[@patricj951]

I have been using Yamaha keyboard for many years and enjoyed it. Very good piano sound, in my opinion. With the accompaniment function I have enjoyed playing music and it sounds pretty good like an orcestra. I have used the left hand with 3 fingers for the chord and the melody with the right hand. The problem is that every time I try a real piano(or a digital piano with heavy keys) I feel like a beginner in the first stage. Too heavy keys makes the playing very clumsy and I don't know how to use the left hand, pushing 3 keys at the same time is pretty boring... I have not exercised seriously on the scales with the fingers. With other words: while playing long time on a keyboard I still don't know how to play a piano. I want to change that now. Since a while I have exercised with piano technicue on the keys but I need a digital piano with real piano feeling on the keys. No more light-resistance keys. I read some very good opinions about the Yamaha P515, but the majority here seem to have the opinion that Kawai ES8 is better. But ES8 lacks some features that P515 has. Any advices regarding advantages and disadvanges with these two digital pianos?

[@patricj951]

@@keithcitizen4855 Thanks for reply! I searched a bit further and found excellent reviews of Kawai ES 110, which has a very attractive price so I bought it.

[@bobemchugh]

I have the Yamaha and really like it.

[@pastorwaltercross3891]

You are a great sales person🙂

[@powskier]

And an outstanding musician.

[@glennallen4634]

Stu, I really need your expertise to decide what digital piano would be best for me. Here are my choices and priorities: All are 88 key. Kawai ES920 or CA59 Korg Grandstage or Korg svs, sv2sp. Other information that will help: * I am at a beginner level * I am 67 years old * I am limited to 30-40 minutes practice daily * $ is not an issue My priorities: * Ease of learning how to play the instrument * Sounds, Use Piano & Electric Piano 95% of the time * Probably only play in bedroom because I am handicapped * Keyboard action * Flash Drive, Ability to connect IPad to Apps, if possible have Bluetooth midi and audio. PLUS ANY OTHER MODEL THAT WOULD BE YOUR CHOICE FOR ME. I DO NOT WANT TO BE SELFISH WITH YOUR TIME, BUT I AM HANDICAPPED TO THE EXTENTI CANNOT LEAVE MY HOME. I SPEND 90% OF MY TIME IN BED. I DESPERATELY NEED AN ACTIVITY TO KEEP MIND ALERT. Thank you, Glenn Allen PS if any readers have an opinion, please don’t hesitate to send them to: Text to 480-254-6838 Email to [e-mail]

[@brickmissing8295]

8:57 for an accurate comparison you’d need to test with Virtual Resonance Modelling on and off. It could be that Yamaha start with a resonance-free sample then rely on VRM to add the cabinet resonance while Kawai start with more resonance in their sample.... so this may not be an apples with apples comparison.

[@Kill0rbAg]

No. Kawai does calculate the resonance OUT of their samples via elaborate mic setups and reintroduce it digitally. This is what their marketing always tends to call "well it's more of a fingerprint of the piano" instead of answering plain and simple questions about their samples and velocities etc. used. Doesn't matter anyway. Kawai just sounds more realistic and complex, especially with better output options.

[@timoteiirimia571]

Great comparison! Kawai for me

[@Zoco101]

Great video. And beautiful piano playing, as always. Would have liked to hear a bit of jazz on the CFX voice. Reviews on instruments of this quality will attract many experienced jazz pianists, I guess. No fixed output level on the P-515? I think there is a programmable option. Even its predecessor the P-255 has this. These are very exciting all-purpose digital pianos, but I think they'll serve best in home studios and as occasional gigging instruments. NB There are other models more suited to heavy stage use. Sadly, the ES8 and the P-515 are rather heavy. Seems there's a gap in the market for a quality, feature-rich digital piano weighing around 15kg.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Kawai's new E920 and E520 weigh significantly less. Yamaha's CP88 is a decent weight (but more expensive and lacks speakers). The P125 is light but less sophisticated.

[@Zoco101]

@@benjaminsmith2287 I would get the Yamaha CP-73 or the Studiologic... X 73 if I wanted a stage piano that's not too heavy. But the CP-88 is so big and heavy, and expensive! I don't need more than 73 keys for stage work. Solo piano in a restaurant? Yes, then I need 88 keys, but a portable piano with built-in monitor speakers is better for that. My old P-255 shines in that scenario. I guess that the FP or ES pianos are suited to that. Yamaha is now behind the pack in at least one respect. It has no medium weight "portable piano" with a fast plastic action, a screen and speakers.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@Zoco101 Right, Yamaha has to get the weight down to between 27-32 lbs.

[@KitKat-lp8gn]

Which would you suggest for solo gigging(mainly jazz and relaxing tunes)? (don't suggest more expensive pianos pls)

[@drchrisdavies2941]

Nice comparison, the Yamaha does have a lot other features not mentioned, such as 480:XG voices including drum kits and a huge variety of other samples. In addition, the P515 also has a 16 track sequencer, which is an unusual feature on this type of piano. As for sounds and actions, I think this is always a case of trying them and seeing what you like. They both have great samples, well executed with good onboard speakers. They really are a good comparison as demonstrated in the video.

[@southpark4151]

I didn't know about that at all ----- until now that is, after reading your post. Pushing both buttons (at the same time) --- the 'function' and 'others' button (simultaneously) does indeed get us into the XG area. But ---- I think that most of the XG sound actually doesn't work (eg. guitar sounds) when attempting to access them through the P-515's own. Only a few of the sounds work. So it looks like we can't really properly access Yamaha XG sounds directly from the P-515.

[@drchrisdavies2941]

@@southpark4151 - hi if you are able to install the Yamaha Smart Pianist app for the keyboard you will be able to access all the XG voices for each sound group. You can connect this to an IPad or IPhone using a lightening camera cable with a connection to mini USB cable This will give you the 400+ sounds of the instrument. Hope this helps.

[@southpark4151]

@@drchrisdavies2941 Awesome! Thanks Chris. Greatly appreciated! Very nice information. Thanks again.

[@vitalybedros7822]

It would be nice to play something really fast to see triple-sensor response.

[@ChuckS117]

That Kawai sound, unbeatable on that price range.

[@nigo1787]

8:52 the realisation the Kawai sound way better

[@nehanichikahuak]

hi, i watched a lot of videos but still not knowing which one i want, can yo tell me please which is the best under 1500 digital piano and synth with midi BT in your opinion...?

[@JitinMisra]

Thank you for this. I had requested this video! Although I bought the piano p515, I think it’s really tossup on the cfx vs sk concert grand, but the es8 action is lighter but easier to control, though I wish I could trust the rh3 reliability more..on the kawai

[@Dreamdressed]

..exactly. kawai es8 has keybed issues rh3 action. I had two of them in a row... trust me I've discovered it in a "hard" way, it's a common thing with this model atleast.

[@JitinMisra]

@@Dreamdressed yea, i can't deal with all that, even if given warranty.

[@ferdearmas8732]

@@Dreamdressed Hi mate, and what about Roland FP90 key action?.

[@floridaessene]

Fantastic video ... thanks

[@robertstrong8966]

Both these digital pianos have excellent sound. Agreed I hear more hamonics in Kawai treble. Since each individual note has more harmonics, the combined sound of many notes sounding together is fuller. To my ears, this sounds closest to acoustic grand of the two. One thing that would help hearers is for you to play exactly the same (even just the same 8-12 measures from a familiar piano piece). You play differently as you switch between the Yamaha and the Kawai: Different piece, notes, playing speed, octave area and pedaling. For best, clearest comparison the playing must be kept the same.

[@GuyMannDudeTheOnly]

Curious...have you tried both ? Which do you like? Thanks...the heavier action is scarring me a little,,,

[@benjaminsmith2287]

Bonners (UK piano store and site) plays the same pieces on different pianos. He doesn't show any preference to any instrument other than a preference for Kawai's action. Stu has a different style and he obviously connects to certain brands like Kawai and possibly Roland and Casion on the digital end and on the acoustic end, Kawai, Hoffman, Schimmel and Bechstein and I would say over Yamaha and Steinway. I found with acoustic instruments, Alamo music's comparison of Kawais GX2 and GX3 with a Yamaha C3X is excellent as well as a Yamaha U3 with a Kawai K500. They were all played expressively but I didn't get a sense the player connected with either brand any more than the other. I tend to like something that explores the lyrical side contrasted with bold, big passages. I still go with the Yamaha as an articulating brand and the newer ones are only a bit bright and less suited for rock than they used to be. But they have a tinge coloring, some call "perfume" sound to them, especially the SX and CF high-end versions. The Kawais are medium to full-bodied with strong basses and sparkly trebles but don't go as bold as Steinway/Boston or even Schimmel. The SK series features the ultimate in refinement and contrast for Kawai. But even the GL is no slouch and sounds quite good for its segment in the market. Now, some may find Kawais "muddy" and Yamahas "thin" or "too bright." These are personal preferences, doesn't make one piano or brand "better" than the other one. They're both proven and I think go beyond the so-called "reliable workhorse" label some give them, especially Yamaha.

[@robertstrong8966]

@@benjaminsmith2287 Yes. Tony at Bonners, UK is the best demonstrator. Thanks for your input.

[@faautobahna9416]

Excellent comparison.

[@joey8102]

Could you please compare Roland HP704 and Yamaha P515?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I've spent time with these keyboards only at stores. Hours and days, really. So, the actions are the actions. The Yamaha is nothing like a real Yamaha piano. It's much heavier but it's controllable once you get used to it. The Kawai's keyboard is actually quite good if a little bouncy. Not like the acoustic but piano like. The Kawai has considerably more default resonance and such. Yamaha is drier so you have to go into the VRM and turn resonance up. Once you do, it takes on more of a quality of a CX-ish type of Yamaha. Forget about the CF-series, it doesn't have the bloom and string colors that this magnificent series of pianos produce. Garritan comes closer to that. But, it gives a reasonable representation of a nice CX, like C6X or C7X, with the resonances turned up. And use the binaural settings for it. The Shigeru SK-EX is a magnificent piano so again, this is a processed version of the sound. Kawai makes it pretty lush and there's good reverb. But it can get boomy in the bass in a way a real SK-level acoustic Kawai does not. So, you play with the settings to try to calm that quality. I don't know, it doesn't reach Shigeru quality but it has a different character to the lovely GX pianos. Somewhere between it in digital forms. I try to make the Yamaha talk and articulate due to its qualities and go for symphonic types of piano layering in the Kawai. This isn't about what's better at all to me. That's the problem with these comparisons, people are always trying to pick a winner. It's not about that to me. Kawai and Yamaha are both great but have quite different personalities. Get both if you can. If not, get the one you like. But understand that you can make both of these digitals into expressive instruments once you learn their personalities as digital instruments.

[@Gilotopia]

Is there a way to save your customized settings on the yamaha? Every time I turn it on the resonance and touch go back to the factory settings.

[@abz124816]

@@Gilotopia set the left side of the keyboard on fire.

[@jnedoma]

Gilotopia yes there is!

[@ccjh0806]

Get both hahahahahahah nice joke LOL

[@ferdearmas8732]

Hi Ben, nice review, and what about Roland FP90 against them?...

[@thomaswyler2545]

Showing, from 25:00 on, how the weight of your mobile phone fails to depress three keys on the P-515, but manages to do so on the ES8, is interesting. The real validation of this test would be a comparison with a conventional grand piano. What does it do there?

[@areallyboredguy5825]

One important note is that the dynamic weight of the Yamaha is quite a bit lighter

[@jerdure]

The DX Bright preset at 13:34 brings me back instantly to the Japanese metro stations ! Does anyone know on what other Yamaha models this preset can be found ? Superb playing !

[@MerriamPianos]

It is quite a distinct sound - that is for sure! I am not sure which other models this preset voice can be found on, but, perhaps, some of our helpful community members can chime in with answers. Thanks so much for tuning in! :)

[@adamjacksonmedia]

What was the first piece he played on the Yamaha?? That was magnificent.

[@JoeLinux2000]

The problem I have with the Yamaha treble is the accented notes in the first piece you played hurt my ears. With all these instruments, I ask, how easy is it to play any specific instrument musically? It's not good when an individual note sticks out like a sore thumb. Off hand, I think the Kawai is a more listenable instrument. It doesn't grate on your musical sensibilities. When I was doing synthesis 20 years age, I found the DX-7 sounds were not very useful as they didn't blend well with anything else. Another thing about this particular review is the keybed of the Yamaha is very noisy.

[@k0017k]

The organs on the Kawai can have accelerating fast lesley effects, something, you obviously didn't find. Just use the left padal to switch between slow and fast. The lesley effect is really good on the Kawai. The piano sound on the Kawai is richer and the action is much better. Not so much hammer noise on the high keys. The e-pianos sounds on the Yamaha are more and sound closer to the originals

[@ijohnny.]

Great demo, but, meanwhile, great playing too!

[@michaeljordan6008]

Played both extensively, but have been gigging with the P515 for well over a year. It was an easy choice for me. It sounds better and more complex, plus Bosendorfer.

[@user-no6ol4sf5l]

each preference

[@chrisshotwell4442]

1:54 - Fun fact: you can't actually hear anything in a vacuum ;-) otherwise, great video and these both look like great options, but I think I prefer the warmth of the Kawai and it just seems to have a more dynamic sound. When I tried the P515 out in the store, the bosendorfer sound seemed sort of stale and flat, while the CFX had a much more complex tone, but was very bright. I think I read that the CFX sample used more advanced technology than the bosendorfer sound, so that makes sense.

[@brickmissing8295]

Chris Shotwell The mellow Bosendorfer sample is great for Chopin, CFX is great for pop. Vice versa, not so much. But I think Yamaha have got it right by focusing most of their effort on those two main piano samples. I prefer fewer good samples than lots of inferior ones.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@brickmissing8295 CFX is great for pop? I don't agree. It's OK for pop but CFX is a great sound for any type of music. But the Yamaha CFX sound just doesn't have the depth of say Garritan and is really CFX-lite. Still, it's useable. Anyway, I'm not sure if the binaural setting is on in this recording and the CFX sound comes more alive if you fiddle with it in piano room and turn the resonances up in VRM. To expand on that, the CFX is dark and bright at the same time. Where as, Yamaha has dedicated studio piano, that is bright especially in the treble, and good for pop, bright piano, that sounds similar to the studio piano, pop piano, and other pianos. I think overall for pop, those work better. I think CFX is excellent for Chopin if the resonance is turned up all the way. Bosendorfer is good to a point. The dynamics aren't as strong and it sounds a bit "flat" compared to the CFX. Plus the CFX has binaural sound so if you're listening with the headphones, I find CFX to be better for say a ballade, an etude, etc. A Bosendorfer Imperial is a strange instrument because some of them sound different than others. I don't know what type they modeled. Seem they modeled something to make it sound more mellow than most Imperials sound.

[@jsfbay1]

Do either of these keyboards allow you to store user-edited sounds / patches / effects / whatever-else-you-can-adjust? How editable are the organs (change drawbar settings for example?) This is not as important in a home situation, but invaluable for gigging (which I used to do when I was young like Stu :-) )

[@alicaramba7680]

Both of these are home portable pianos, for gigging you should check stage pianos.

[@JoeLinux2000]

Tremendous amount of key click in the Yamaha.

[@ZoeNightshade1231]

Could you please make a review for Artesia PA-88H

[@jsfbay1]

I could search for this info, but I wanted to ask you (or your readership) about it. How do these pianos make the resonance, damper, etc. sounds? Do these sounds use polyphony? The 256-note polyphony, which sounds incredible at first blush, suddenly changes if voices are being used to make these sounds. Even if they use just one voice per note, now they have 128-note polyphony. And of course if you layer sounds, you cut polyphony for each layer. What say you Stu? Thanks. And great playing, I'm envious.

[@agaveboy]

Jeff A on the P515, you can change reverb depth, lows, mids, highs, reverb type, touch sensitivity, piano lid, brightness, damper resonance, body resonance, aliquot resonance, string resonance, key off samples, half pedaling, master tune, VRM, IAC, Binaural Sampling, Chorus, Sound Boost Type, panning, transposition, stereophonic optimizing, rotary speed, harmonic content, soft pedal depth (different than the half pedaling point), pitch bend, pitch bend range, IAC depth, Bluetooth and WiFi.

[@agaveboy]

The p515 uses VRM

[@M0stlyHarmless9]

Hi love the review- I read that the ES8 has a somewhat shorter pivot length: is this true and/or noticeable? I currently have a PSX-3000 and that’s something that bothers me about the action.

[@spada60]

I don't understand why you people who own the PSX3000 complain about the pivot point. I have the PSX3000 and the P515 and I had the Kawai ES7. I found the Kawai had the worst pivot point of the 3. The Casio 3000 action plays great and I don't find any problem with the pivot point. What do you guys have baby fingers?

[@M0stlyHarmless9]

spada60 I haven’t tried many other digital pianos except the Roland I grew up with so I don’t have much of a reference point. On that Roland, there was little to no stiffness when playing up the keys. Maybe if I did comparisons in a piano store I’d change my mind.

[@travisjohnson7065]

Excellent video, thank you so much for the information! I've had my eye on the Yamaha for a while, but now I might be leaning towards the Kawai. I wonder how the speakers compare. I've heard they're really nice on Yamaha, so hopefully they'd be about the same on the Kawai.

[@k0017k]

Travis Johnson the speakers in the kawai have a brilliant and loud sound. Really great

[@travisjohnson7065]

@@k0017k Thanks!

[@stargator4945]

I found the Yamaha to heavy and not exact enough to reproduce some elegant flows. Now use a RD-2000 with a RH-50 keyboard. I also have a ES8 which is lighter than the Yamaha but heavier than the Roland RD-2000. both are fine, Kawai more on a Grand Piano, the Roland seems to be a bit faster but still well controlled.

[@PatrickNielsen-vp7zu]

I spend 9 months of the year living and traveling in my motorhome. Our constant travel means that opportunities to play with others are few and far between. For the past 7 years I've been carrying a little Casia Privia PX560 ... that because of a screwup on my part, has suffered a bit of damage to the actual instrument case. As a result - the onboard speakers (which are an important requirement for my needs) now has a nasty buzz that can't be fixed without replacing the instrument case. So, I've started my search for a replacement. At the moment - the P515 is at the top of the list - not in small part because of the ancillary software and onboard recording capabilities. I spend most of my time entertaining myself ... and I miss not having others to play off of. My constant traveling means that playing with others is going to remain rare. So ... the "help me entertain myself" aspects of multitrack recording, playing to tracks, etc. is something I'm looking at with more than a passing interest.

[@MerriamPianos]

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear that you've ran into some issues with your Casio Privia PX560. With that said, I'm happy to hear that you've found some appealing features and offerings in the P515. I would also suggest looking into the new Casio portable digital pianos such as the PXS5000, PXS6000 and PXS7000. They have an impressive list of onboard features and have a wonderful tone and touch while still being incredibly portable! :)

[@pedramdastyari8391]

Thanx for this useful and informative video regarding these two great instruments. My question is if it worths to wait for an update model of KAWAI e.g. ES 9? I have been absolutely interested in ES8 and I would purchase it this week, however I am not sure, if new one is coming soon. Do you have any idea concerning this?

[@gamalsaleh2361]

I enquired about one here in the UK as they are out of stock everywhere, and the store that I contacted said that they expect a refresh soon.

[@pedramdastyari8391]

Gamal Saleh thanx. I purchased ES 8 two days ago. If the new one come on the market I may change it.

[@anfevepa]

@@pedramdastyari8391 Kawai just released the ES920, which is an upgrade to the ES8

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@anfevepa Well, some people don't like the case as much. There are some technical upgrades. It's lighter weight which is a good thing for gigging musicians. There's also an ES520 that costs less.

[@bryanbarajasBB]

Updated ES8?! OMG and I just got mine😂😭😅👍😉☝️Hope you do a comparison on that one!

[@QalinaCom]

what do you mean updated? I heard ES9 coming up in August, but updated ES8?

[@bryanbarajasBB]

@@QalinaCom I meant ES920.

[@life-is-inspiring3953]

I have es8 for almost 2 years and since I got it l left roland rd 300 Mx and yamaha mx88 aside

[@credenza1]

Any observations about the music stands and speaker quality and volume?

[@MerriamPianos]

Absolutely. The ES8 music stand is steel, doesn't give, and lightweight as well. The P515 is a combo of plastic and steel, but doesn't seem like it's delicate, I'd imagine both will last well and 'do the trick'. The P515 definitely has the stronger amplifiers, but for whatever reason, the ES8's speaker boxes just feel like they deliver a fuller, more natural sound. The P515 has a 'digital-ness' to the tone which I find the speakers accentuate a bit. All highly subjective I know, but there's my two cents! -stu

[@jean-gabrielclermont-tonne2475]

Super player ! ;))

[@Adam-rh9my]

question for you but also for other players: if you can get brand new P515 or used Roland RD-800 which one would you buy?

[@mfurman]

P-515 without any doubt

[@VidarW]

The Yamaha dosent have registration/favorite options unless you use the app. Dealbreaker to me

[@valedurov3913]

It would be great to see your review of Nord Piano 4

[@GautamKumarGoswami]

Good but the price tag is very high - can not be compared with ES8 or P515.

[@andoosh1234]

What was the first song ?

[@ivangiovanno8155]

Thank you for the review... By the way, how can I identify the difference of old ES 8 and the 2nd version ES 8 (newly redesigned sensor board) in the store?

[@NuanDaa]

Ivan Giovanno what’s the difference between them?

[@YoItsM0]

I'm currently emailing stores to try and find out >.

[@ivangiovanno8155]

@@NuanDaa that's what I want to know too

[@ivangiovanno8155]

@@YoItsM0 hope you're willing to share if you've got the answer.. thanks :D

[@YoItsM0]

@@ivangiovanno8155 the old one is prone to wear n tear, something to do with sensors? People having to get theirs repaired multiple times! Eek

[@Scotlanz]

Does anyone know how the older ES7 stacks up? I found a good deal on a used one.

[@nigo1787]

The ES7 is great. It sound great, RH2 keyboard has all the feature of RH3. Does not have the SK samples though, and some feature are missing in the accompaniment department

[@Jacob-ss2sl]

Pretty sure the difference your hearing when comparing the treble is due to reverb. You can enable that on the P515.

[@jortepap]

clearly not. Its resonance.

[@jasoncisney6366]

@@jortepap it also has that setting

[@imvalentin]

Song at 13:33 ?

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

It's clear that, if you're a piano purist, that Kawai always comes out on top, in any of your, but also in other comparisons : ES110,, MP11SE, and now this ES8. Boards from other brands, like this Yamaha P515 are really good, but I feel Kawai always has an edge. I tend to agree : I have played the ES110 and the MP7SE in a store (MP7SE has the same keybed as this ES8) and I have the MP11SE at home. The touch on any of these models really is very, very good, there's no doubt about that. They're not perfect, but as far as touch, feel and sound is concerned, Kawai DP's are the closest you can get to owning a real acoustic. Just my 2 cents, really...

[@ferdearmas8732]

Hi friend, which are your three favorite key actions in order best to worst?...

[@ChristofRoeyaert]

Fer De Armas Hi, sorry for the late reply. I’d say Kawai Grand Feel first (the one in my MP11SE, never played GF2 or 3), then Roland’s PHA50 and third not sure, I kind of like Korg’s RH3, rather different from the other two, but I like it nonetheless...

[@ferdearmas8732]

@@ChristofRoeyaert Thanks mate!, and what about Yamaha NWX (P515) and Kawai RHIII (ES8) against PHA-50?.

[@196clint]

How long have you played piano

[@simbaking6338]

Straight up Kawai ES8 for me!!!!!

[@Maxim.Shiryaev]

Great review. And a question. Does Kawai KDP 110 has the same "volume" in 2-3 higher octaves as the ES8? ES8 definitely simulates an absence of damping of higher octaves in acoustic pianos adding string resonance there. Probably there are two different string resonances - for damped and not damped states (sustain on/off). Is KDP110 the same? Thanks.

[@kumbiaboy2729]

yamaha has a prestigious reputation, but honestly the kawai sounds great, better than the yamaha, i would go for Kawai, this is a great review

[@jsfbay1]

Something else to note: with a Yamaha digital, you're going to get, wait fo it, Yamaha pianos sampled (as well as Bosendorfer); with a Kawai digital, you're going to get Kawai pianos. But with Roland / Korg / Casio, I'm *assuming* (I know what they say about assuming) that they have samples from multiple brands of pianos (I have no idea of the quality of the sample sets, that's a whole different but important question.) That could be important if you don't want to be locked into one (or two for Yamaha) brand piano sound.

[@wesleythompson451]

In this price range or below, the Roland, Casio and Korg all have a much less authentic sounding piano than these do. Yamaha and Kawai in particular have been upping their game with the way they do sound sampling. They are starting to sound so nuanced and realistic. The other three big brands feel much less nuanced. When you hit a note, it still sounds like a real piano, but it will sound the same if you play it quiet vs loud or fast vs slow. The sample will just be louder or softer depending on what you do. But with Kawai and Yamaha, a note played soft is a different sound sample than a loud note, and there are many samples as you would get louder and louder. How quickly you press the note also changes how the sound comes out. It will be sharper if you quickly press it down, and dampened if you press it slowly even if you play it hard. The ability to get the same note to sound different is somewhat unique to Kawai and Yamaha. In this price range. Roland and Korg tend to get really really good as you get the super expensive ones. But under $2,000 these two are absolutely the king and queen of sound sampling for grand pianos.

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@wesleythompson451 Casio digital pianos definitely change tones when you play softer to loud. In fact, it's quite more noticeable on Casios than on Yamahas, especially in the lower-priced models. that's not to say I prefer Casios, however.

[@Javaslinger7730]

I would love to get one of those... but my wife would kill me as I've only been playing on our Casio PX130 for a month... ;)

[@Paul_Han]

@Sheppy Fenny Can't marry again if your wife killed you.

[@cabal4171]

Lol at this comment thread

[@Taichientaoyin]

My husband will kill me too.I want a NV5

[@rumingjiang9645]

1:55 you cant hear anything in a vaccum.

[@jorgmichaelpalm40]

ES8!

[@Revon-Feuer]

How long have you been playing??? 30 years is my guess. I'm practicing Für Elise at the moment.

[@MerriamPianos]

Good guess :). 37 years.

[@Revon-Feuer]

@@MerriamPianos I guess I was close? Lol, cool. I love piano but tuning an upright can be expensive and no one is doing business, also digital pianos can't go out of tune I want one for when my upright is out of tune.

[@JitinMisra]

@@MerriamPianos I would love to see a video of your practice routine?