Exploring Kawai ES920 Sounds (No Talking)

[@kawaiindonesia1927]

Thank you for using Kawai ES920. Nice Playing ^^

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Terima kasih! Have a really great time with the Shigeru Kawai Concert Grand!

[@J4ysun_]

Wow, that piano sounds so clear and playing is amazing.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

The SK Grand Piano sounds good to me

[@grim8391]

These no talking videos will always get a like from me, keep it up

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Appreciate it!

[@sandscribbler]

Such proficient and versatile playing! Thanks for the enjoyable demo!

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Thank you! Glad you like it

[@tombic6373]

Extraordinarily helpful video because this talented musician identifies the Kawai 920 sound categories for each song. This is a great reference video for new purchasers of this keyboard. I will return to this video many times. Thanks.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Thanks! Good luck with the next purchase

[@jeremyallen8669]

No talking, excellent musical selections, great playing = wonderful and helpful video! Thank you!

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Thanks a lot!!

[@zracing8900]

Chopin into Robert glasper? I did not see that coming and it was one of the sweetest surprises of the evening. Yonathan your taste is as good as your playing. Thanks brother!

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Glad you dig it!

[@danielteixeira2838]

Lovely!!!!​@@MrYonathanGodjali

[@antonioperillo1182]

Many compliments, great demo of this interesting piano.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Appreciate it!

[@ryanluchuck8445]

Fantastic player!

[@keithcitizen4855]

I really enjoyed listening , the Swan, everything.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Glad you like it!

[@r7eagle_]

Great Demo....thanks

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Thanks! Hopefully it is useful for you

[@islaadele1212]

Really useful, thank you! You play beautifully. I'm undecided between the ES920 and the CN39, mainly because the ES series seems to be totally sold out with a long waiting list here, so I'm thinking about the CN39, I hope it sounds as good as you make this one sound!

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Great demo,great playing,your talented.

[@kttk7549]

Thanks Yonathan for your advice

[@vito_keys]

Successor to the ES8/MP7. Kawai digital pianos are underrated but sounds really great

[@winterheat]

1:53 did you have a chance to play the Casio PX-S7000 or 6000 or 5000... they only have double sensor but claim to be as good (or better?) than the triple sensor.... so I guess your fast repeated keys can tell if it is as good

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Not sure. I remember practiced on a Casio Privia but not sure about the model. Can't have opinion on this one.

[@kttk7549]

Hi Yonathan, I am so impressed that you play so well and enjoyable. I am a beginner only play by ear can’t read note never have teacher and no proper fingering technique. But I enjoy playing whatever songs pop in my mind or I had heard before. I can’t only play every song in one key which is key of G and match the song melody with few very simple cords. For key C, I do play that too however the cord left hand side doesn’t come naturally, don’t know why. Maybe I get use to G key. I had recently bought the Roland FP10 which come with a bench & headphone for usd $500. I am not sure the action is closed to an acoustic piano enough? I don’t like the piano sound with the speakers built in which face downward. I don’t think the sound is realistic enough or lack of detail or clarity ( wide or spacious like acoustic piano sound) it is not that natural however it is much better when plugged in the headphone. It also missing drum set to play along with. Cannot support 3. Pedal but on 1 pedal. No on board record function. My question to you: should I return or trade in for Kawai ES 920 which I think the shingeru piano sounds very realistic & natural? It would be 3 times the price usd 1,600 of the Roland FP10, is that worth for the long run?Roland also just announced the new model for the FP series, I look at those new model basically improve by more polyphonic. The middle model similar price with Kawai Es920. The upper model even higher price like $2000 usd. Please advise. Thanks for your help.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

I am by no means an expert reviewer but I can tell you several options: 1. If you like the action of FP10 but not the piano sound If you have a decent PC or Laptop, just buy Keyscape($399) and turn the FP10 into a controller. This depends on your computer, if it's decent, then you've got a great setup. 2. If you like the sound of Kawai SK Grand and built in speaker Go for it. The keybed is on the lighter side (I prefer it to be heavier honestly) but I enjoy playing it with the built in speaker. 3. If you prioritize keybed around the same price range (more expensive tho) Maybe try the Yamaha p515(I haven't tried it) or Kawai MP11se if you can find one. 4. You can wait and see for the new Roland FP if you are patient Good luck!

[@andrewb2700]

This new model seems to be somewhat improved in sound quality better dynamics and transparency. Not sure if they improve the springy key action.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

I am happy with the piano sound so far. Action could be more satisfying. Then again, this is a budget option.

[@jiriwiesner]

Finally someone who directly compared the SK-5 with the SK and chose a piece showing the difference clearly. Thank you, sir! I like the SK-5 very much. I might end up buying this instrument just because of it.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

You're welcome. Good luck with the purchase decision!

[@PedroGometz]

Great video! This is really helpful to get a feel for the various sounds. 2 years later, are you still enjoying the ES920? Any negative points?

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Love it so far. I'd guess the action could be a little bit more to my liking, but no big deal.

[@PedroGometz]

Hi Yonathan. Did you work out the Robert Glasper piece by ear, or do you have a transcription? It’s such a cool groove.

[@jtwoolley]

Does the ES8 have a rotary? leslie simultaor

[@TW-qh7dt]

Hi Yonathan, you play wonderfully! I wish I could play like you, but I need notes. I am considering buying the es920

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

In summary, I feel the action could be better. Soundwise (piano) I really enjoy. Other voices are okay-ish in my opinion. Built-in speaker is enough for me to practice on

[@TW-qh7dt]

@@MrYonathanGodjali

[@johnnylong2023]

@@MrYonathanGodjaliwhich action for you are the best from RHIII or pha 50 or fatar 40wood?

[@JoeLinux2000]

I like the sound of "Warm Grand". Or put it this way, it's one of the more convincing sounds. I have an es920 on preorder since Nov. 11, in the USA. Now Kawai has changed the website to say "back order." Modern EP kind of grates on me. It's a very poor DX sound. I think you coming from Roland will find these sounds somewhat Casio and toy like. In fact the new Casios may actually sound better. Vibraphone is very realistic, but who plays that much? Clavinet sounds like the old Casio "Frog." String Ensemble = reasonably good. I would like to hear that layered under the piano. You have done a great job matching your repertoire to the sound voice. SK Grand seems fairly convincing. I hope it's possible to store a tailored customized sound. I've notice that on other videos, EQ adjustments can affect the color of the voice significantly. FWIW I play Pianoteq Pro driven by a Casio PX-150.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

That's unfortunate. I think I am lucky since Kawai has a factory here in Indonesia. Maybe that's one of the reason I can get it here amidst the pandemic. I am currently satisfied with the SK Concert Grand as it is. Might try the EQ later if I need it. Hopefully yours can arrive ASAP!

[@giuseppepaparo8977]

which speakers are you using?

[@dotnet302]

Bro, better kawai ES110 atau roland fp30x ya? Btw, kawai ada style jazzscat gtu gak yaa

[@namakudamono]

Wow, nice playing! The levels seem really loud in my headphones (I had to turn my device down quite a lot on some demos).

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Thanks for the input. I guess I should've balanced it to the piano instead of reading the audiometer.

[@mylandsingers5931]

Brilliant playing !!! I tried the ES920 in a shop. The things that put me off a bit was that when playing very quietly the keys made a really loud thumping noise when you let go. I found out later that this Fallback noise can be lowered via the Virtual Technician. Also the deep Bass notes lacked depth/conviction (and to me sounded out of tune - as admittedly many acoustics do!). Just wondering if you've tried lessening the "Fallback" noise in the Virtual Technician? I live 120 miles away from the shop where I tried the ES920 alongside the Roland 90X, so not easy to get back there and really need to get hold of a portable piano soon! Any help would be appreciated!!!

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Hi! Sorry I can't help you with this one. I am not planning to tinker further.

[@user-hisl]

I'm considering purchasing, did you use a separate audio interface? Did you record it on USB? I wonder if you edited it separately or if it's the same sound Which would be better, Kawai mp7se or es920? Thank you for the good video.😀

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

I used Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 for the audio interface. As far as I know, the MP7 would be the professional choice. ES920 is a budget choice. If you can get for a good price, I would say go with the mp7

[@giuseppepaparo8977]

Il suono è registrato in linea diretta?

[@tombic6373]

Yonathan, I hope will post another video showing additional songs that you play on this Kawai 920 along with the sounds that you prefer to use(as you listed above under Timestamps). I see you play Route 66 using the Jazz Organ. Are there any other songs that you play using organ sounds? Thanks.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Hi Tom! To be honest I am not sure how to demo other sounds than piano and electric piano, since I rarely play them. But in general, I am only impressed with the piano sound. Take it with a grain of salt though.

[@tombic6373]

@@MrYonathanGodjali Yes, I too don't make use of all the sounds available on the ES920. The sounds that I least use are the organ sounds which I have failed to appreciated. I just wondered if others have had the same experience. If you put up another ES920 video, I'd be interested in watching it. Your earlier one was excellent.

[@MelissaGarza]

Thanks so much for posting this! And the info about using the Scarlet. Hand down the best purchase I made this year was the MOTU M4 and I wonder how the ES920 will sound going through that. You killed it on the Keys man! I want to be a bad ass player just like you!

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Thanks a lot! I really enjoy playing the piano sound in this Kawai. Best of luck to you!

[@jokmong2360]

Harga nya berapa kak? Terus kalo bandingin sama yamaha p515 dari sisi suara piano menang mana? Terima kasih

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Harga terupdate harus cek di marketplace. p515 saya belum pernah coba langsung.

[@NirMizrahi-g2n]

The last demon-slayer song was freaking beautiful!

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Thank you for listening!

[@bryanbarajasBB]

At least this has classical music.

[@Josifer4GAppFire]

How were you able to get one? They are on backorder everywhere for the last like 6 months

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

From online marketplace. Might be because it is assembled here in Indonesia, so there were more ready stock.

[@patrickkeehan9560]

Any advice on how to tweak the ES920 to make the base pianos sound better. Upon playing it from the box I immediately noticed that everything sounded muffled, the notes ring with poor quality, and the key noice is very noticeable. I have played around with different piano sounds and with the settings, but have never been able to make it sound close to acoustic or my cheap VST even with headphones. The goal with this piano was to have something that wouldn't have to connect to my desktop and ideally use the speakers, but I just can't make it sound good. Even though I am not a pro I would expect a certain quality level to shine through like it did on other pianos I have practiced on. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

I can't help you further since I only play with the default settings. I agree with the key noise. If you are not satisfied with this one, I think the next option is to upgrade to the next tier of digital piano or electric piano. Option from Kawai is MP7.

[@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?

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Not sure, I have never tried the CN series. Good luck nevertheless

[@nitrocar3075]

Very nice demo, thanks for sharing? How you like your e920, sound and key action? I am also considering to purchase either a es920 or mp11se in the next couple months.

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

I'll make impression video after this I guess. But so far, I like the action (coming from Roland RD700NX). But for sound, not so much. Other than the piano, it seems tough to like them enough. I was also considering mp11se but the wood is a drawback for me. It seems counterintuitive but I am taking in mind that maybe sometime I want to carry this to a gig or stage and the mp11se would be super heavy.

[@nitrocar3075]

@@MrYonathanGodjali Then the other option, also in my list is Yamaha cp88 you can consider. It’s lighter, action may not be as good as mp11se and piano sound is different than mp11se. But its a really good stage piano for portability. Oh I forgot to mention Kawai mp7se, it may be fit your bill. And let’s know your favorite model afterword.

[@JoeLinux2000]

@@MrYonathanGodjali You are right about keeping the weight down if you are involved in transporting it. Plus wood can warp and twist, and termites love to eat it.

[@vacation_generation]

Excellent demo and superb playing....I should have practised more! The Kawai ES920 sounds great, just need to decide....Kawai or Yamaha?

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Good luck with the decision!

[@hugobite]

Keren... Keliatan pro. 👍 Sekalian boleh nanya suhu? 🙏 Bagus banget sound nya Itu input (instrument) gain di focusrite scarlet nya dinaikin sampe kira² seberapa ya?

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Saya gak pakai input gain karena dicoloknya ke input 3+4. Di DAW nya baru diatur biar gak peak aja

[@hugobite]

@@MrYonathanGodjali Owh I see.. Sepertinya kamu pakai Scarlett yg versi >= 4i4 yah. Input 3 + 4 nya di bagian belakang? Pantesan agak bingung...yg sering ku pakai 2i2 cuma ada 2 input gain di depan. 😅 Thanks infonya bro... 🙏

[@fxpianochannel]

😍😍😍

[@Youtube_deleted_my_favourites]

Shame about the mini drum roll after each and every keystroke. Especially when playing pianissimo. Kawai tell me The ES920 features the Responsive Hammer Action III which includes counterweights and weighted hammers in order to create as realistic response as possible in an instrument of that size/specification. As with mechanical actions in real acoustic pianos, the weighted and moving components do generate noise when played (when keys are pressed and released), this is unavoidable due to the nature of piano actions - however in acoustic pianos the volume is not adjustable, so the notes often ‘drown out’ the mechanical sound of the action. In digital pianos the volume can be reduced, allowing the action noise to appear more prominent, this will be accentuated in pianissimo passages. As this action has been designed to be as authentic to an acoustic piano experience as possible for the specification, the action is responding as it is designed and this is not a fault with your instrument. Setting the volume at 80-100% and placing the ES920 in a solid wood stand (such as the HML-1) will set the closest conditions to a piano and offset some of the mechanical action sound, placing the stand on a rug or carpet will reduce this further as solid floors can accentuate mechanical noise further. Sooo, that's all well and good but is the key bounce noise still irritating? - Hell yeh. I can even hear it over my headphones. Wish I'd gone for the P-515 instead

[@ivanyuwono84]

Bro, ini es920 yg versi bluetooth atau bukan?

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

ini yg non bluetooth

[@ivanyuwono84]

@@MrYonathanGodjali pernah update firmware dengan yg versi internasional supaya ada bluetoothnya?

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

@@ivanyuwono84 belum pernah update firmware dan sekarang belum butuh bluetooth juga buat main sehari-hari.

[@philsarkol6443]

How can it be he plays so well on this fine instrument ..and yet look so bored...is it just his everyday face, while his fingers doing things, relative few people of 8 billion on the planet can't.. If I could play like him I would smile a bit more...

[@philsarkol6443]

Herby's piece made him smile....hahaha

[@MrYonathanGodjali]

Haha 🙂 can’t go wrong with Herbie’s music

[@michellemonet4358]

😂😂maybe his fingers are doing all the smiling😂😂