🎹 Kawai ES60 vs Yamaha P-145 🎹

Рет қаралды 7,520

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 126

@sonic2000gr Ай бұрын

I must admit the Kawai sounds better. Exactly as said in the video, it's a much fuller sound. I am also certain I will like Kawai's action better.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

The sound is really impressive given the price point. Kawai has certainly knocked this one out of the park in my opinion! :)

@Salahdin89 Ай бұрын

8:50 Amazing playing by Mr. Harrison as always. But this part is just "OOF!!" 🔥🔥🔥

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

I will be sure to pass on the very kind words to Stu for you! :)

@JoeLinux2000 Ай бұрын

As a person who is fully into digital pianos, I'm glad to see the improvement in these lower cost instruments. One thing that is always missing in these reviews is how this instruments work if teamed with Pianoteq. Can the two be played in tandem and sound as one? It makes a huge difference.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Hi there! Thanks for the note. It is a bit difficult to fully assess how pianos work in conjunction with VST plugins given that there are so many other factors at play - namely in regard to the performance/capabilities of one's computer. Latency (delays in the signal) and note misfirings can be the result of inadequate performance from the computer/device.

@benjaminsmith2287 Ай бұрын

There's something about the balance of bass and harmonic tones on the Yamaha in a mellowish but still vibrant sound that I think I prefer. The Kawai sounds like everything is amplified but not necessarily in a natural way. Bass seems to boom a little and treble penetrates a bit more. It sounds nice for sure. But I think I like the direct and balanced sound of the Yamaha even if it doesn't do as well on the spec sheet or have as good speakers.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

That is certainly a fair assessment! Every player has different musical preferences of course. So, it all comes down to what you resonate with musically. These are both super solid instruments for the money. :)

@Zoco101 Ай бұрын

Listening again, I agree that there is a clearer definition on the Yamaha. Perhaps it depends on which headphones I use. And Yamaha CF treble notes are very pretty.

@Fabiano.Bittencourt Ай бұрын

Stu playing is so fantastic, he makes any piano sounds awesome. 😅

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Absolutely! I'll be sure to pass on the kind words to Stu on your behalf. :)

@michellemonet4358 Ай бұрын

True. Thats why it might be a hard decision to make about purchasing a keyboard.

@phillipwood4924 28 күн бұрын

Stu has a great touch for sure. I definately like the Kawai deeper fuller tone. I actually prefer semi-weighted keys however my heavy touch tends to wear keybeds out.

@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Ай бұрын

Yeah I agree the Kawai wins this comparison even just by polyphony alone. For the mat vs gloss keys what I can say is this. I have played/owned several digital pianos that are supposed to have a mat texture on the keys both from Kawai, and Yamaha. After several months of use the mat texture on my Kawai ES110's white keys started to fade away until eventually after a year or so of use the texture on the whight keys felt just the same as on my Yamaha DGX670 I have even came across a Kawai ES110 with smuth white, and black keys. The black keys on my Kawai did do a lot beter than on my Yamaha lasting 2 years of use before the texture on most of the black keys faded away there're still some black keys that still have a mat texture on them. On my Yamaha it took at least about 5 month (I think?) of use before the texture on the black keys started to fade away. For higher end models I haven't tried any from Kawai, and Yamaha so no comment on that yet🦊🎹🎶

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and sharing your insights regarding key surfaces! It is true that some key surfaces seem to hold up better than others. A player's technique and level of perspiration can also play a factor in the longevity too.

@jh1618 Ай бұрын

I like that they added some text for the key combos on the ES-60. That's really missing on my ES-120, I always have to grab a reference.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

For sure! It is a super convenient feature. :)

@rexy7399 7 күн бұрын

The real needs of digital piano players are pretty simple. Good piano tones, rich key action and the output jacks for midi and audio. That's the basics. No more fancy tones or the other features you might have with the DAW or VST. Most people on this budget or looking for digital pianos need a keyboard for practicing, not arranging music. I am glad to see that some manufacturers are making things that are purely pianistic. Although Kawai don't give you the line-out jacks on their $2000 model, CA401/CA49, for no reason...

@MerriamPianos 7 күн бұрын

I think the vast majority of digital piano shoppers agree with those sentiments. It is nice to see company's focusing on the core piano experience these days opposed to tons of bells and whistles, which most users won't utilize. The intention of the CA401 model is to offer a piano with a wooden key action at the most affordable price point (hence why the design is very streamlined - which encompasses the absence of features like dedicated line-out jacks).

@mfurman Ай бұрын

I think that Stu forgot that GHC is a new action (introduced with P-225 and P-145). The other (older) action is GHS.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Yes, that is correct. Thanks for writing in!

@Zoco101 Ай бұрын

This is is a good video. Everything Stu says makes sense. The bit about preferring Kawai or Yamaha sounds is spot on too. Normally, I prefer the CFiiis (and CFX sounds) over the assorted Shigeru sounds, but a lot depends on the chip and the processing. Yamaha looks and sounds to be outgunned on several key issues in this review. Here in Europe the ES120 (which has more functionality) is only a bit more expensive than the ES60, so I would pick the ES120, unless the (newer) ES60 outperforms the ES120 in some important respect. Can anyone comment on this?

@clarkharrell2227 Ай бұрын

One interesting thing, depending on your case, is that the ES60 strangely has instruments that the 120 doesn't. As a performer, clavs are really important to me for example, and the 60 has but the higher end 120 doesn't.

@stephenwilson0386 Ай бұрын

@@clarkharrell2227 In the US, the ES120 is almost double the price ($949 vs $499). For someone like me who took lessons as a kid and wants to relearn and isn't concerned with gigging or sounds other than piano, the ES60 more than fits the bill. The only decision for me is whether to spend the money on the ES60, or on tuning and some minor repairs on the 1950s spinet piano that belonged to my grandfather. I'm leaning towards the latter, but I wonder if Stu might read this and have any input? :)

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your feedback. The ES60 is certainly quite impressive - especially in regards to its sound. Both the ES60 and ES120 have a 20W speaker system, so they are fairly comparable in terms of the sonic experience they offer. However, the ES120 does have superior specs in other regards of course, namely the action.

@clarkharrell2227 Ай бұрын

Stu in his original ES60 video said the major difference between RHC and RHL was some "give" in the fff range for the latter, are there other benefits to the RHC as well?@MerriamPianos

@Zoco101 Ай бұрын

@@stephenwilson0386Yes, that makes perfect sense, particularly if there's a big price difference in the US. In the UK/EU I have sourced the ES60 online for £419, and the ES120 for £499.

@m3rc743 Ай бұрын

I can smell the next comparison, "Kawai ES60 vs Casio Px S1100" 😮‍💨

@jgmedium Ай бұрын

Yup. I think the s1100 would beat the ES60 in being more compact and lighter in weight as well as the aesthetics. But the ES60 would probably win in everything else.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

That may in fact be in the works. ;)

@anpcm Ай бұрын

@@jgmedium , ES60: 24.25 lbs - Height: 6" - Width: 51" - Depth: 10.25" PX-S1100: 24.7 lbs. - Height: 4.0" - Width: 52.1" - Depth: 9.1"

@jgmedium Ай бұрын

@@anpcm Interesting. Thank you.

@pinheiroartur3020 Ай бұрын

Stu you play it’s simply what it is….awesome…but its a pity that you had to stop with the vst pianos…it was just GREAT ….but l understand the reasons why you have to make that choice…anyway thank for sharing with us you’re thoughts about those products and you’re just amazing skills as a wonderful piano player….A

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! I know Stu appreciates the kind words and support as well. We will do our best to tackle more VST reviews in the future, but with so many new models coming out in the digital piano world, there is a lot to cover.

@MarcFilmer Ай бұрын

I'd love to hear the es60 up against the fp10, particularly regarding the key action

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion! I am quite confident that Stu and our production team will tackle that video comparison soon. Overall, the ES60's RHL action is quite a bit lighter than the FP10's PHA4 action. The RHL is also a dual sensor action without escapement, whereas the PHA4 is a triple sensor action with escapement.

@hyperseah Ай бұрын

I tried the P-225 and P-525 at the showroom and the difference was distinguishable. It was so easy to play chords near the fallboard on the P-525. The P-225's action was just as bad if not worse than my Casio PX-S1100's. It was stiff and had limited travel near the fallboard. Now that I am a little bit more experienced, I know what to look for in my next DP.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

The P525 is definitely a big step up from the P225 in terms of action. I'm glad you had a chance to audition both pianos side-by-side. It is always helpful to do so! :)

@MattJ-n8n Ай бұрын

Thank you for this comparison! Kawai ES60 got more clear in my head. Im looking forward Roland FP 10 vs Kawai ES 60 battle, on channel. I think it will be interesting, in terms of new Kawais action, vs. PHA 4, and sound engine in both instruments. Both, hitting slightly different piano player expectation (maybe single, even more detailed review of ES60?). Btw. 4:37 - did I just hear post-recorded audio edit? :D

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

You're welcome! I am sure that Stu and our production team will be tackling a comparison between the ES60 and FP10. :)

@bobg4657 2 күн бұрын

@@MerriamPianos WHEN?

@mshhoward Ай бұрын

I don't know if the score card idea is new, but that's cool!

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Thank you so much! We're glad you enjoy it. :)

@vinayak3751 Ай бұрын

does the kawai have a built in audio interface

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

The Kawai ES60 does not have a USB audio interface.

@vinayak3751 Ай бұрын

@@MerriamPianos I saw a local control on off in the manuel so I thought it had it

@clarkharrell2227 Ай бұрын

@vinayak3751 That's for the USB MIDI. If you turn off Local Control, that means pressing the keys won't trigger sounds from the internal sound generator of the keyboard.

@vinayak3751 Ай бұрын

@@clarkharrell2227 Got it thanks

@MarkGroffod Ай бұрын

Nice one, but because of the great keyboard isnt the biggest contender the Roland FP-10?

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

It will be interesting to tackle a direct comparison between the ES60 and FP10! I imagine our production team has that in the works.

@davidleigh3346 Ай бұрын

I agree, the PHA 4 action is very hard to beat. But there are variations of it, for example, the older FP 30 we have in our church - the action is seriously heavy and quite a workout. The FP60X and HP702 which I play regularly are lighter. I actually sent my FP60X back for warranty repair as the keys were making a terrible clatter when the key returns. Roland UK fixed all the keys apart from one. I recently played several Casio's and found that they have a loud clatter when the key returns - when you play short sharp notes. I was considering a Kawai CA series piano but couldn't try one here where I live. I was put off by several reviews saying the actions were lighter. I settled for the new Clavinova CLP 875 which I think is really nice and weighted quite heavy. But it's probably going to be the way forward, in that as these portable pianos get slimmer, the actions will get lighter

@lillspraggen1 Ай бұрын

Is the Roland rd 88 ex worth the extra money?😊

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

It really depends on the context of use. The RD88 EX is a stage piano that is quite feature rich. If you are looking to do performance and production work, the RD88 EX is an excellent option. If you are looking for an at-home piano for piano playing/practice, it may be overkill.

@Marcus12345 28 күн бұрын

if the kawai was a little too expensive for me, would you still go with the Yamaha p-145, or something like the Roland FP-10 that you reviewed in the past?

@MerriamPianos 28 күн бұрын

Hi! Brent here! I would personally recommend the FP10 over the P145 due to its exceptional action. The PHA4 action is quite an impressive offering given the FP10's price point. :)

@SamSam_From Ай бұрын

I really want to know the action diffrence with the Roland Fp-10. The action on the Roland is unmateched at this pricepoint so im curious to see what kawai delivers. Read in the comments a comparison is in the works, thanks! keep up the great videos Also Stu, great presentation and playing in every video! really helped me a lot in choosing

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the question! The FP10 has a much heavier weighting. It also features escapement and triple sensor detection, whereas the ES60's RHL action does not. It is much lighter, does not include escapement, and only has dual sensor detection.

@kiragina.7152 29 күн бұрын

You convinced me, a beginner who was looking at more expensive pianos. Just ordered an ES60. I'm looking forward to more comparison videos. Your channel has been very helpful for me, thanks!

@MerriamPianos 29 күн бұрын

You're welcome! Thank you for the kind words and support! Congrats on your purchase of the Kawai ES60. I know you will be very happy with what it has to offer. :)

@cmfrtblynmb02 Ай бұрын

Kawai just released a winner. I am happy that they brought this product to sub 500 euro segment. Better action, polyphony, sampling, speaker. It is better than Yamaha in every area. Roland may come close in comparisons due to its action but Kawai is still better

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

The Kawai ES60 is a force to be reckoned with in the price category. It is quite impressive! :)

@Ajaykumarr89 25 күн бұрын

Hey Stu, which keys feel heavier between the Kawai ES-160 and the Yamaha P-145?

@MerriamPianos 25 күн бұрын

Hi! Brent here! I haven't played them side-by-side myself, so I am going from sheer memory here. Overall, they felt quite comparable to me in terms of overall weighting. They are both substantially lighter than say the PHA4 action from Roland. To me, the big differentiator between the ES60 and P145 was the tone. In this department, the ES60 had the edge for me due to the excellent piano samples and impressive speaker system combo. :)

@Ajaykumarr89 25 күн бұрын

@ thanks brent.

@clarkharrell2227 Ай бұрын

How would you compare the RHL with the RHC?

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Hi! Brent here! The RHL action is lighter (as its name would suggest), but it is still quite rewarding to play. In addition to being heavier, the RHC in the ES120 action has a bit more rigidity, whereas the RHL has a bit more key bounce. They are both quite impressive for their respective price points. :)

@robintyson591 Ай бұрын

I'm waiting for Roland FP10 vs Kawai ES60.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

I am quite confident that our production team has that comparison in the works. ;)

@absolutebeginner Ай бұрын

Could you expound DEXIBELL VIVO H10 someday? I tried it at a music store nearby and it was super!

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion! We are not Dexibell dealers - nor are there a lot of Dexibell dealers here in Canada to my knowledge. With that said, if the opportunity presents, I'm sure our production team would tackle a review/comparison video on one of their pianos. :)

@mfurman Ай бұрын

I am considering Kawai ES60. Stu did not mention if the action of ES60 is noisy (let’s say comparing with GHC and ES120). I will not be able to return ES60 if I do not like the action (Merriam Music has restocking fee and I will also need to send it back). I need this information (I cannot test the action before purchasing the piano). Thank you, Michael

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Hi Michael, the ES60 has a lighter action, so it is not particularly loud in terms of key noise. With that said, I find that the ES120 is a bit quieter because of the cushioning and overall design of that version of the RHC action. Whenever possible, it is always a good idea to audition a piano in person if there are any doubts about whether it is going to be appropriate for your needs.

@mfurman Ай бұрын

@ Very good point. Thank you. I may just get ES120 because I have tested it. 😊

@andrewmcintosh6246 Ай бұрын

Do each of these pianos support a three-pedal attachment?

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

The ES60 does not offer triple pedal support, but the P145 does. Thanks and hope this helps!

@anpcm Ай бұрын

Is Kawai ES60 action noisy, compared to the ES120 ?

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

I wouldn't say it is particularly noisy at all. I personally find the ES120 to be a bit quieter, but the ES60 is still a very quiet action compared to other pianos in this price category.

@anpcm Ай бұрын

@@MerriamPianos , thank you

@klondt Ай бұрын

Could you compare Yamaha Avantgrand N3x vs Roland GP-9M?

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you if at all possible. :)

@jimciesluk8416 Ай бұрын

Kawai low end bass sounds better but Yamaha sounds better at mid and high end. Stu just never seems to like Yamaha much.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

It is a matter of taste of course. Some players gravitate towards a darker/warmer tonal profile.

@jamesa375 21 күн бұрын

in this class ,everybody i know is buying the Roland FP 10.There is almost no contest.That PHA 4 action is destroying the competition.As good as KAWAI is i dont think they can beat the Roland.

@MerriamPianos 21 күн бұрын

The Roland FP10 is quite the competitor in this category - that is for sure. With that said, there are players that prefer a lighter touch that will gravitate towards the Kawai ES60. Plus, the ES60 sounds quite amazing!

@Bonjour-World Ай бұрын

which Yamaha keyboards keyboards have a recording feature.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

There are a large number of Yamaha digital pianos/keyboards that have onboard recording (too many to list really). You can check the spec sheets for each model on Yamaha's website to verify whether it has onboard recording or not.

@Zoco101 Ай бұрын

I believe that the P-225 has a basic recorder. Also, it features audio over USB, so you can record audio or MIDI files onto the Smart Pianist app, with multiple layers, and play them back.

@j.p.m.3541 Ай бұрын

Yamaha costs €340 - €50 cashback offered by Yamaha until January, leaving the price at €290 for the P145.... Kawai ES60 is sold for +- €500, right now with Yamaha's offer, it has no rival in terms of quality and price, there is nothing that gives more for less, the price difference is significant and not justified, especially considering the Yamaha is a very capable piano for beginners.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

It is important to note that price points and price gaps vary greatly between different markets (there are a variety of reasons for that of course). Here in Canada, the P145 and ES60 both sell for $799.99 CAD.

@j.p.m.3541 Ай бұрын

@@MerriamPianosYes, the price difference between Europe and Japan vs Canada is strange. The P145 is a lower range compared to the Kawai ES60, the natural comparison (in terms of price and features) would be against the Yamaha P225 or Roland FP30X... but if the price of Yamaha is so inflated in their country, the comparison is understandable. In Europe and Japan, it doesn't seem valid. In any case, I appreciate your good work, your channel has quality content. Thank you.

@cmfrtblynmb02 Ай бұрын

where did you find Yamaha for 340? I was able to find 390 most

@19-phamthienphuc44 Ай бұрын

Unbelievable! Kawai really outperformed Yamaha with this piano, the speakers are just a whole level above.

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Kawai has certainly done some impressive work with this latest offering! :)

@vicmartinez4532 Ай бұрын

Please do son videos on hybrid (real piano Action not the pha 50)on small digital pianos I believe manufacturers will come up with hybrid stage pianos (the size of the piano like the ones on this video)somehow in the future .. sorry for being so demanding

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion! We have covered a multitude of hybrid pianos from Kawai and Yamaha in the past. Truthfully, they are the only two that are really tackling this category, which is largely in part to the fact that these companies make acoustic and digital pianos. This allows them to use their own acoustic actions and repurpose them into digital hybrids at a manageable cost.

@vicmartinez4532 Ай бұрын

@MerriamPianos we will be waiting for a Small Hybrid Design Portable

@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Ай бұрын

It is impossible to fit a grand piano action in one of these small portable digital pianos🦊🎹🎶

@vicmartinez4532 Ай бұрын

@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 I totally agree... I was referring to the Action Only ... Hybrid in very small Size .. Not talking about the best Pha 50

@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Ай бұрын

@@vicmartinez4532 the PHA50 is not a hybrid action it is just a digital piano action with thin wood placks at the sides of the white keys🎹🎶

@DRT813 Ай бұрын

1:59 yamaha 2:39 kawai

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

@ayrtoninchejanampa6874 Ай бұрын

P145 Released 2020? Es del 2023

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Thank you for the correction! All the best!

@maximilienb7718 Ай бұрын

Is it just me or the es60 is quite exactly the same form factor as the Roland fp10 ?

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

It is quite similar in a number of ways. But, they are very different instruments at the end of the day.

@Roberto-qb2dj Ай бұрын

Rapporto qualità prezzo dell' ES60 davvero interessante. Penso che Yamaha avrebbe potuto fare di più in termini di prestazioni con il p145. Il suono è quello classico dei pianoforti digitali di Yamaha brillante, ma un po' asciutto. Un confronto con ES 120 e Casio Px s1100 sarebbe interessante. Penso comunque che il suono dell' ES110 sia assolutamente il punto di riferimento anche se purtroppo ormai fuori produzione. Non capisco perchè gli ingegneri di Kawai non abbiano voluto riproporlo in una versione migliorata nella meccanica. Un vero peccato. Ciao.❤

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing your insights! The Kawai ES60 is certainly quite the impressive offering for its price point. While it may not reach the heights of the ES110 and ES120 models, that is reflected in the price to some extent.

@willo7979 Ай бұрын

Was told that Yamaha also released a P-143, that supports only a sustain pedal, where P-145 supports triple pedal unit. Could this make P-145 different from ES60? Should ES60 be compared with P-143?

@MerriamPianos Ай бұрын

I suppose there are some parallels between the P143 and ES60 because of the single pedal limitation. But in terms of tone, touch, and speaker power/fidelity, there is no denying that the ES60 stacks up against the likes of the P145, FP10, and PXS1100 in my opinion.