The Kawai ES8 vs. Yamaha P515

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Yamaha and Kawai are two of the industry leaders in the acoustic and digital piano worlds, so their mid- to high-end products in particular are always stellar. How do their mid-priced digital stage pianos compare to each other? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each? Let's find out.

[@tombic6373]

I look forward to you reviewing the new ES920, recently released by Kawai. And, it was a joy listening to you play both keyboards.

[@Gilotopia]

Actually there are effects on the p515. Click function to enter the voice menu, scroll down to voice edit, click it (right arrow button), scroll to effects, that could be set to off but you can choose between a lot including autopan, rotary, phaser and so on. Love the review. Thanks for doing it!

[@MrChannelnamehere]

Great comparison. As an owner of the P-515, I love going back and forth between the Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer samples. Both are amazing. I also think the Rock Grand sample is highly underrated, I've been loving it for Jazz/Blues improv. For those looking to pickup the P-515, I highly recommend the matching Yamaha L-515 stand and Yamaha LP1 pedals. The P-515 when paired with the L-515 and LP1 look amazing and are well worth the value they bring.

[@ArbitraryMind]

Always wanted this comparison! Thanks for us this!

[@petebarber6778]

Thankyou... I bought a P515 two days ago ( yet to arrive)....You just validated again, it as the correct choice for me. I love what you produce bro....and share. Very Real, Thanks

[@sheffsteel7]

Most reviewers belong to commercial stores so they have brand loyalty.....or they can’t afford to negatively criticise any product or brand. Therefore it’s so refreshing to hear an honest opinion. Hope you continue to stay neutral. It’s good to see your channel quickly receiving so many subscribers. You’re still young and deserve every success. Well done from the UK.

[@000piper000]

Thanks James, you’ve given me great insights into the quirks and foibles and great strengths of these two pianos. Only thing is, it’s so hard to choose!

[@hardworkoutmusic6003]

simply , the p515 has better looking and better speakers and better action, and the es8 has better piano sound and build quality .. that's it

[@PlusEVpush]

really like and enjoy such a comparison video like this... ty for your passion and hard work.

[@hiba45]

Hi James, hope you're keeping well and safe! Would love to see a detailed review of KAWAI's new ES520 and ES920 series, waiting on your review before I purchase :)

[@MikesFitnessGoals]

"Riders on the Demonitization Storm" love your appraisals sprinkled with wit, James! I'm almost done with my adult student1st piano research, ug! For me, choosing among available pianos and keyboards, price ranges, identifying sales speak vs honest advice, the value of line-out jacks and midi connectivity etc. has made this process both confusing and exciting. James, in addition to functionc, voices and connections your focus on sound quality and keyboard action within the various price ranges has helped me very much in understanding important fundamentals of piano purchase and learning to play with enjoyment. I really loved your P515 review and your over-under comparison of the ES110 vs ES8 sounds. From the Kawai comparison I began to learn how to hear music and from your review of the Yamaha - and the big JMS smile when finished playing - I learned the P515 must be a very satisfying piano! I appreciate your generosity, integrity and love of the art. Thank you.

[@ThePianoforever]

Choosing a digital piano is incredibly complicated, confusing, and overwhelming. The sheer number of products out there are daunting, and it is my opinion that few honest reviews of digital pianos really exist. Although there are many entertaining content creators who make videos on these products, I felt I had to create videos giving my honest opinions, and the truth behind these instruments that few others wanted to talk about.

[@HarryLewinASR]

You called it as you heard it and as you felt it! Congratulations on not shirking you duty as a critic. I hope other piano critics can leave the world of "it depends on what you prefer" and tell us what they prefer and why; as you have done here. Again congratulations.

[@janetgauntt903]

Thanks so much for this review! I used this video and some of your other reviews to settle on the P515 and I am very very happy with that purchase. The action on the keys feels just right to me. The only thing I would add is that it does have quite a lot of other sounds as well, some great - some - not so great. If you press the Function-Other keys simultaneously, you get access to all the 'XG' voices (480 of them and a more extensive drum kit). I had thought I would have to keep my 'for fun' keyboard, the Yamaha YPG-235, for those, but it turned out the P515 had all that too - just not as obviously or quickly accessible (not sure why they decided to make those so hard to find, but oh well - I mostly use the piano, harpsichord, and organ anyway).

[@hornet224]

I somehow was able to buy a new P515 Bundle with stand, bench and triple pedals from B&H Video while nobody else in the music market has them in stock. The main purpose is to recreate an acoustic grand piano experience in my living room when hooked up to my high end bi-amp stereo system. When playing "Arabesque 1" the result was dynamic full range crystal clear audio. Surprisingly, using just the built-n speakers is really remarkably good in projecting realistic sound much like my audio system, but at lower levels. Impressive.

[@alanzomoolenaar846]

An excellent presentation. Details galore. Thank you!

[@reachnira]

Wow, your treble test piece at 13:48 - 15:10 is truly mesmerizing. Can watch this video repeatedly just for that. It will be great if you make a video on teaching this piece.

[@totolipton]

i've been waiting for this season finale!

[@gregfam6250]

Thank you for doing this! Sadly I never could try the Kawai since they don't sell digital pianos in my country. Happy to see this comparison. No regrets getting my P515 especially the action which I was really concerned about, being so heavy.

[@juliojaviervasquez6906]

Is it too heavy ?

[@juliojaviervasquez6906]

How do you feel your p515

[@SyncopaticSimon]

Tanks James very good comparison. Very comprehensive. I can never make the Bösendorfer sound as good on my P515 :_( Otherwise I love those videos. Purchasing the P515 was a hard decision for me and hearing it on your channel always makes me smile.

[@michaeljordan6008]

I gigged with the ES8 prior to upgrading to the P-515 almost a year and a half ago. At its price point, I don’t believe anything else compares. I love the action and sound. I’m just glad I don’t have to carry it.

[@ivo4357]

thanks, I already had a slight preference to the P515, and when you showed the key action that did it for me. But they both sound really great. It would be nice if you could compare a Yamaha CVP-809 Grand Piano with the P515, to see if these sounds can compete with the flagship

[@enriqueiglesias8141]

Thank you for the review!

[@edwinmons7129]

No regrets I bought the 515. It's absolutely fabulous, I love the feel of the keys, and the piano sound is great, either of the CFX or the Bösendorfer, more to my tastes than the ES8 or the FP90. The dark and bell pads as well as the harpsichord are really tasteful.

[@alwaysuseless]

"The dark and bell pads..." I googled this, but have not yet figured out what you are talking about. What's a pad? What's a bell pad? What's a dark pad? Thanks.

[@Gilotopia]

@@alwaysuseless dark pads are a type of synth. As to why it's called a pad: The most widely accepted definition of a synth pad is something along the lines of “a sustained chord or tone generated by a synthesizer, often used as background harmony or for atmosphere. It is used in much the same way as a string section is used to pad out the sound of an orchestra or film score."

[@annab.5052]

Thank you! I am in the market for a new DP and your videos are very helpful! Keep up the good work! :*

[@germanshepherdlover2613]

Great review, I have the ES8 but am now deciding between the Kawai CA79 or CA99, Love the Kawai samples

[@sheffsteel7]

I’ve tried both and let’s be honest both are excellent....you can’t go wrong with either. I preferred the look of the Kawai..the gloss effect and mimimalisation makes it look classier if you have it in your home.The Yamaha has quite heavy keys (initial inertia) but there’s a strong spring back so you can easily play quick pieces, it’s not sluggish at all and I actually preferred the P 515 keys to the ES8. There are so many piano tones so they are both quite similar sound wise however the Yamaha speakers project the sound more.than on the Kawai. It’s close but my preference is Yamaha P515.. However everyone is different so it’s always best to test them out for yourself so YOU can decide,

[@pauldritsas6047]

AWESOME BREAKDOWN CHAMP. BRILLIANT REVIEW!!

[@boshi9]

Thanks for another helpful comparison, James! I think it would be very interesting if you could show us how different digital pianos react to the same gram weight test you’ve used for Casio PX series to highlight its problems with action balance. Maybe even include a real acoustic piano as a reference.

[@johnkerr99]

First rate review, my friend! On par with your exceptional piano skills.

[@darioroas4021]

James, thanks for the great review. I agreed with your assessment of the weaker DX electric piano sounds on the P-515, until I found the "hidden" electric piano sounds (using the Function + Other key combination). The DXLegend is my favorite DX sound by far but there are some other beautiful electric piano sounds here. Not sure why they didn't put this sound on their main EP section! Also, some of the acoustic guitars and synth pads under this hidden section are just fantastic. Not sure if the ES-8 has something similar

[@sumdude6007]

I absolutely love the ES8 but the glossy look is only pretty for the first day, you see the smallest speck of dust on it and any touch shows how sweaty my hands are, I wish they would make a model with a matte finish, would really make it the perfect digital in this price point

[@PeaceNinja007]

After owning an ES8 myself and when comparing to other Yamahas, I always found that the ES8 had such a clear tone and very natural, long decay. The way the notes blend too sounds very natural. The Yamaha sounds like track a that has been mastered. Not bad, but not necessarily natural. I suspect it's the different kinds of microphones they used to record with.

[@stampscapes]

Great review!

[@mutt1112]

Nice face off, now we need you to do, YAMAHA P-515 VS ROLAND FP-90 .

[@drchrisdavies2941]

Both of these pianos are clearly the best in their class, and the comparisons are very interesting some pros and cons with each as you would expect, slightly better sounds in different categories, which overall seemed to even out. However, where I think the Yamaha edges the comparison is in terms of the quality of the speakers, which the reviewer clearly preferred, and the action, which although heavier did not have the sound and bounce issues of the ES8 on releasing the keys. Further to the above, none of these comparisons mentions that the Yamaha has another 480XG voices and an inbuilt 16track sequencer. Overall, both seem great keyboards and amazing value for the performance available

[@dansickles8983]

And there it is...the ES920. Looks like they improved the sounds and action but I would have liked more power. Anyhow, you know what to do James.

[@andrewrabon]

The one we've all been waiting for! :D

[@cabal4171]

Amazing videos! You're slowly helping me narrow down which dp to get. Save for the Bosendorfer which is my all time favorite piano, I like most of the sounds in the Kawai a lot more. I think Kawai sounds richer and fuller imo, I'm just worried about that key action, Yamaha seems to have the upper hand. I might have missed when you talked about it but which one has more dynamic range? Im mostly going to be playing classical, seconded semi-distantly by jazz and tropical; which one would you recommend? Thanks for all your help!

[@scrappy19]

I bought a white P-515 and i love it. It’s really awesome to play.

[@yepididitagain..d1836]

I don't think he even mentioned that P515 has wooden keys when he talked about the action. Amazing sound previews. Loved the Minecraft theme song though, Mr. Not Satie! haha

[@romari2706]

Yamaha P515 it is. Thanks for the videos.

[@andriandm]

If you use double pedals on ES8, the left pedal turn on and off vibrato on organ sounds just like on Hammond. from slow to normal or backward. Pretty cool!

[@sundancer7381]

Great job switching between pianos! It's hard to do, especially with the pedal!!

[@amanisax5630]

Nicely done! Many thanks! I like the es8 I think:)

[@SuchaDoofus]

Awesome review. Thx

[@moldenburg909]

I really like the p515. Overall the sound is good. The kawai is like the se10 really good but this one sounds ,at least for me ,just that little bit less good. Can’t say exactly why. The sound if the p515 is just that little bit bigger I think. By the way in the beginning of the video it seems to me that the p515 had a just that little less sound on the left channel compared to the right. It happened every time you switch between the two. It seems to me that the mixer couldn’t handle the switches but later on it was good. Anyway thank you for sharing and playing. It was again a pleasure to listen to. Oh and maybe it is an idea to put a link to your second channel under the videos. Just a thought 😊

[@timothyray4774]

Hey James, what about a comparison video of mid range stationary home digital piano ie kawai ca 59 vs Yamaha CLB645.. I think it will be interesting and I’m really curious about your thoughts.

[@christopherknox]

I feel like the velocity settings are off on the Yamaha as opposed to the Kawai (it doesn't appear to be an issue of volume, per se). The Kawai came off as slightly more powerful, but that isn't my personal experience playing the two. The Bosendorfer sample on the Yamaha P515 is ASTONISHING. Try the theme from Forest Gump with that sample to see what I mean.

[@rikspector]

James, I thought the p515 had a slightly cleaner(brighter ) sound with your test piece. The Es8 sound was fatter. Debussy on the ES8 was brighter than the P515 which was mellower. I really enjoyed the comparisons. Your unbiased, comprehensive evaluation of instruments is excellent and although some feathers get ruffled by some manufacturers, in the long run whether they acknowledge it or not, I bet changes are made. Don't ever be intimidated because you are in a unique position having both Classical and popular training and the knowledge of a wide variety of keyboards and pianos. It keeps them on their toes:) Cheers, Frederick "Rik" Spector

[@MrVadymMykh]

Hello! Thank you for your videos. Can you, please, suggest some digital piano to work as master MIDI keyboard for studio recording purpose? Kinda best for the buck

[@tenonakin9237]

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

[@michalc2972]

could we get a comparison of console digital pianos such as yamaha s54, roland f140, korg c1 ? thank you very much

[@micmacadam6193]

Hello James, First of all thank you for your videos, they are perfect. I have the possibility to buy a new es8 but I could read that there were a lot of problems with the keyboard: key that doesn't make sound or that slams,... Have you ever encountered such problems? Thank you in advance.

[@ryanmaestrecampo4804]

James what is the title of this? treble test piece at 13:48 - 15:10 pls reply thanks

[@UnpredictableViolet]

Yes! I want to buy the ES920 when its home bundle becomes available in February 2021, but I need to see what you think of it first. What are the upgrades compared to ES520? Compared to ES8? Especially: is the organ sound OK? How even or uneven is the key pressure back to front compared to other pianos (Yamaha eg.)? What exactly are the Bluetooth capabilities? How agile are the keys (rapid trills and one-key repeats)? Your reviews are the best and your practical judgement is very good. ES920 will be the big digital piano for Kawai this year and if it is a disappointment I want to buy up an ES8 before none can be found anymore.

[@maey5470]

I'm looking for a second piano/keyboard for my piano studio. Which one would you recommend?

[@anon0105]

I was intrigued by your comments on the noise and bounce of the ES8 action. I tried the same experiment on my acoustic grand whose action is by Renner. I was surprised to find that the Renner action makes quite a bit of noise when you release it, and it also bounces when it returns to the top. I've never noticed either of these characteristics when playing normally. Since I can't easily silence the strings, it is harder to compare the action noise on the down stroke with the return, but it seems to me that the action return makes more noise than the down stroke. Based on your description, the Renner acoustic grand action (at least he one I have) seems to behave more like the ES8's than the P515's. I don't have access to other acoustic pianos, but maybe owners of acoustic pianos with other actions can tell us how theirs behaves. I wonder if perhaps the ES8's action mimics Kawai's acoustic grand action and the P515 mimic's Yamaha's. Or maybe not.

[@wwfera00]

Which one would you choose just for house playing?

[@alwaysuseless]

The comparison a lot of us have been eagerly waiting for, and you really knocked it out of the park! I find all the comparisons over the many voices and features very interesting. For now, though, my one goal is to resume learning to play the piano after an interruption of more than a decade. With that narrow focus, I have 2 quick questions I hope you can respond to. I think you'd say the P515 is the better choice for this purpose because of its key action, the CFX concert grand and Bösendorfer samples, and the speakers.The other question is: Might it be worth waiting for the ES9? I'm guessing that you'd say No, because the primary piano sample is not likely to be an "improved" SK, and even if the key action is improved, it's not likely to be better than the P515's. I know I'm being a nervous buyer with limited funds, but an affirmative answer to both would be reassuring. Thanks to your videos, I've learned a lot about pianos and keyboards, despite living more than 200 miles from the nearest piano store, and I've been inspired to take action on getting back to playing the piano. EDIT: Just to be clear, I'm not just asking for reassurance. I'm asking for an honest, informed opinion pertaining to my situation. And while the question was addressed to James, I'd be happy to hear from others as well. Ironically, I was just offered a free spinet, tuned 2 years ago and still in tune. I haven't seen or heard it yet, but from the little I know, I'll probably turn it down.

[@ThePianoforever]

Typically I'd say an acoustic piano is better than a digital, but in the case of a spinet piano I'd probably say the opposite. They typically don't hold a tune for two years, and are infamous for having many problems.

[@alwaysuseless]

@@ThePianoforever Thanks, James. I didn't mention that I live in a 2nd-floor apartment with great views of the mountains, but challenging to get an acoustic piano, even a spinet, up a flight of 37"-wide outdoor stairs. Would I be pushing my luck to nudge you to respond to my main question? *The ES8 vs. P515 for a beginning adult focused on learning to play classical piano music?* I hope that's not too bald a question.

[@ThePianoforever]

It would be hard for me to add anything more than my thoughts in the video.

[@alwaysuseless]

@@ThePianoforever Lol. Understood. Too bad I live in the boondocks and can't just walk over to a piano store that carries both. I'll probably opt for the P515. I wish I could trade out that single pedal for 3. As a beginner, I could probably get by with no pedal, and yet having only 1 of 3 just sounds wrong. Thanks again.

[@valemarcos]

Which digital piano do you recommend for beginners to advanced? I want something definitive, more long term, something with quality that I don't need to worry about upgrading it.

[@judsonmusick3177]

Very good show, James. But I am curious - you have bought a lot of slabs recently. I don't see how you could use them all in your studio. What are you going to do with all of them?

[@ThePianoforever]

I felt that I had something to offer those looking for fair reviews.

[@jml7916]

I like the Yamaha pedal, but I Love the much less expensive Yorkville damper pedal and as a bonus it has a polarity switch

[@permanentwave]

Note When u played riders on the storm I had head phones on and the ES had a distinctive wave from left to right speaker sounds where the yamaha was one sound together it was as if ES was focus on a wave of a sound between bass and treble which was pretty cool sounding

[@ghost8066]

Hi can you please do a review of the ES 110 vs Korg D1

[@blahuhm6782]

I think the closest you'll get is his Korg SV2-88S VS Kawai ES8 comparison. The SV2 has the same keyboard action as the D1, and if you listen to other reviews of the D1 you can get an idea of the sound quality there. Of course, the bigger difference will probably be the D1 has no speakers and no USB MIDI (but it has standard MIDI ports). Similarly the ES8 shares many similarities with the ES110. That said, I'd also love to see him review the D1, as that's the one I'm closest to buying.

[@judsonmusick3177]

James - have you considered comparing the Yamaha P515 to the Fold FP-90? The FP-90 is slightly more expensive, but it would be nice to compare Roland's top gigging piano with Yamaha's. Also, the Roland is a "modeling piano" while the Yamaha is a "sampling piano", so it would be nice to compare the sounds of the two different tone engines.

[@Thiago-px9ev]

The P515 sounds much better, believe me... I owned a HP603 which is a FP90 on a cabinet design and sold it to buy the P515. The Roland has a great action, much lighter than the P515, but there's no better except the sound. Pure modeling still has a long way to go, for now it simply murders the middle register. The P515, however, I enjoy it very much.

[@valemarcos]

Missing review of the new Kawai ES-520.

[@tatube76]

On the P-515 you can add effects on one voice, and there are additional settings if you are on split mode. Function -> Voice -> Voice edit -> effects.

[@fabiobaj]

Fantastic review thank you. is the piece at 24:00?

[@tiagoramalhais5493]

Nice review, a little bit of Satie always helps to solve a murder.

[@pianomanic71]

Played both at my store. Sound is a HUGE factor for me and the P515 wins this contest hands down.

[@VikaKM]

Where is your store? :) I wanted to buy P515 but couldn’t find the store that sells it.

[@davidmckinney6577]

Hey James I can't find your new channel can you send me the link

[@Thadnill]

Is it possible to plug the P515 into an audio interface and record the sound directly into your computer?

[@davidbee8178]

The KEY noise on the ES8 is NOT your imagination James : ) IN ADDITION to the "rebound" noise that you highlighted, there was a "clicking" noise on many of the keys on my ES8 which I took to a certified Kawai service centre with little effect - the noises may have come from contact with electronic "pickups" as keys are played. The overall construction of the ES8 is really very good but since the keyboard is THE central feature of ANY piano, it kinda spoiled the whole ES8 adventure so I sold it and later replaced it with the Yamaha 515 and never looked back. I'm NOT a good pianist but my friend who IS, was super impressed with the sound and feel of the 515 and compared it favourably to his Yamaha grand acoustic . . . not QUITE as good of course but pretty close : )

[@AntonioM95]

Hi James, what do you think about the z stand GDGQJRM? Would you recommend it for Roland FP30?

[@ThePianoforever]

We use a Stellar Labs for one of out stands and you can get one on E-Bay for around 88 dollars including shipping. We have a couple of others as well, but this one would work well for your purpose. I generally really don't like the X design stands as they are unstable.

[@Boaz2108]

I've heard rumours the ES9 is coming in august. I hope it has bigger speakers and a GFC action. If it wont ill def buy the P515 or VPC1

[@skaniskin]

Bigger speakers maybe, but no way it gets GF action due to immense weight

[@benjaminsmith2287]

ES8 is due for an update. But, the P515 may be updated too but probably not soon. Wait, see if there is an ES9. August isn't far away from now.

[@Boaz2108]

@@skaniskin GFC is lighter compared to GF, yamahas NWX combined with yamahas speakers also weights a lot but thats what it takes to be a high end portable piano

[@Boaz2108]

@@benjaminsmith2287 ill def wait on the ES9 if its coming soon, if not i wont wait on an updated P515, that one wont come out this or next year i think

[@AlvM6428]

@@benjaminsmith2287 now i are thinking......

[@apseducationamericanpopula1575]

Thank you James for comparing the actions!

[@philipdenisevinton3181]

James, you just have to do a review on the Kawai ES 920 against the Yamaha P 515. Please!

[@ThePianoforever]

I should have one being shipped to me as I write this.

[@philipdenisevinton3181]

@@ThePianoforever Thank you James, I really enjoy your reviews and playing. You are so exacting in what you do. I live in the UK and ready to purchase. I was all set on the Yamaha p515 until I found the Kawai ES 920 so look forward to your review before I buy. Thank you again for all your advice in your reviews. Keep safe.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

@@ThePianoforever I hear early janurary .

[@mdturner7106]

@@ThePianoforever Just started watching your reviews, and they are really informative and thorough. I have been considering the P515, but I am waiting to hear your views on the ES 920 before finalizing purchase. Any update to your timeline for releasing this review? Thanks for all you do.

[@JitinMisra]

In this demo, the p515 sounds nicer. I’m just wondering which one has better dynamic range?

[@benjaminsmith2287]

There's a little bit more timbre change in the Kawai which makes for more of a sense of better dynamics, IMO.

[@macharptube]

Wondering if the stacking positions of these units is effecting the quality of these sounds.. I've noticed variances with my P125 depending if I'm in front, back , side.etc. Here you're muffling the Kasai speakers a bit..

[@ThePianoforever]

The keyboards were recorded using direct outs and did not involve the use of speakers.

[@macharptube]

@@ThePianoforever . Thanks for reply. That clears that up.. On another matter. I' ve had my 125 about 6months and its now developed a loose/rattling 3rd octave Fsharp key.. Have you ever struck an issue like this before with these models. It only gets used at home so its not on the road or gigging.. Having said this I would have thought it was robust enough for that use..

[@crazyRyoga]

44:15 this bothers me, since I was looking at some Kawai models with RH3 action and I really don't like springy actions. I guess all models with that specific action would behave like that(?)

[@Jan-zg6qg]

Hi James, could you please review Roland FP-60? There were some materials to the comparison between FP-60 and FP-90. But it would be interesting the differences between FP-60 and FP-30, if it´s worth to invest the money to the FP-60 (it´ s clear that´s it´s incomparable to the FP-30 as a gigging instrument). But it would be interesting for me to know your opinion, if there is a difference between the piano samples . I know that the action is the same(PHA 4), but I would like to know if on the FP-60 the sound works better wiht the action or if it´s almost the same as on the FP-30. Thanks a lot for your answer and maybe more detailed review, if it will be possible for you.

[@ThePianoforever]

I may in the future, but as a rule I think Roland is a bit over priced for what you get.

[@Jan-zg6qg]

Thank you James.

[@8croberts]

This was fantastic! Thank you! If I’m only playing classic music, which one would you recommend of the two, please? They honestly sound almost identical.

[@ThePianoforever]

P515

[@8croberts]

@@ThePianoforever thank you!

[@benjaminsmith2287]

I'm glad a tester gave a different point of view on the ES8's action vs. the P515. In so many other reviews Yamaha's action is unfairly criticized as being so inferior. Yes, it's a heavy action. But it is nowhere near as bad as some say it is. Kawai seems to be a louder, fuller piano in the acoustics only. And it certainly has a more sparkly treble. When it gets to the other voices, then Yamaha is more in your face. But I actually like the more restrained tone of the Yamaha CFX and Bosendorfer samples. There's more single voice clarity in chords as well with the Yamaha samples. I'm not sure, but in the new CLP700 series, the reworked samples seem a bit less restrained (and Bosendorfer is now binaural and improved IMO). And herein lies an issue. Now, both the P515 and the older ES8 have a last-generation action and tone engine than their newest cabinet versions. I'm not sure if the P515 will be updated anytime soon but the ES8 is "old" and it may be. So, an ES9 may happen before a P516 or maybe P520 or P615, not sure what Yamaha will call an updated version of the P515.

[@Thiago-px9ev]

The NWX is the kind of action you gotta be used to. Its heavy, but very responsive and quick. I used to play on a Roland with PHA-50 which is much lighter than the NWX, and now I have no concerns about the NWX at all. I still prefer a lighter action, but as long as it allows me to express myself through the piano as the NWX does, then I have absolutely no problem with it. Im curious to see Yamaha's new GrandTouch-S, both wood and plastic versions. I wonder why Yamaha excluded the NWX on the new CLP-700 series...

[@benjaminsmith2287]

@@Thiago-px9ev Seems to be the updated action for their Clavinova pianos. Not sure if it'll make it "down" to the P515's successor.

[@chrspod4133]

Yaaaay! First to watch this (I think)!

[@dansickles8983]

The ES8 appears to be completely out of stock everywhere now. I sure hope Kawai announces the replacement soon (before virtual NAMM 2021). It will be on the short list to replace my ageing Kurzweil.

[@JitinMisra]

FINALLY!!

[@shaolin95]

The Kawai sounds so much better is not even a competition. good test!

[@drchrisdavies2941]

As per another comment, you can change the effects of the P515. Further to this, the P515 has a sixteen track sequencer, as well as the ability to record in WAV and midi and send via USB, I do not see how this is less than the Kiwi, which can record far less racks and has very similar functionality? These comments aside, a very useful review of two amazing keyboards at any price point in terms of piano sound quality and range of functionality.

[@pooyaja]

Isn't the springiness on the Kawai supposed to be a feature, i.e. emulating the escapement? I was under the impression that Yamaha isn't really featuring the escapement as it advertises. Also could you please opine on the closeness to ground truth (since you have had hands on experience with many acoustic grands) in terms of the action weight for both instruments? Yamaha's action on digital pianos tend to be unrealistically heavy (based on forum discussions and my own experience measuring my Yamaha digital piano). I am asking because currently I am considering switching to Kawai precisely to get a more realistic action. Cheers!

[@ThePianoforever]

Kawai's flagship action, the Grand Feel III, is the most realistic digital piano action I have ever played, barring the hybrid instruments which use an actual action. However, to get this, one must pay a pretty penny. I've been using the P515 a lot recently and am still quite pleased with the action, I don't find it to be "unrealistically heavy" at all. It responds excellently and has a lovely crisp feel IMO. But everyone does have their own preferences.

[@pooyaja]

@@ThePianoforever Thanks for the reply and great content!

[@SamTahbou]

I think mine is a p155. I'd love to check out an ES

[@wesleythompson451]

Ah, that's a beautiful piano. The wood trim is really nice.

[@toddheidenreich3866]

I currently own an older Yamaha P140, which has been in storage for years. During Covid social isolation, I’ve recently started taking some lessons to begin learning once again. I’ve been thinking of getting one of these as an upgrade from my P140. I would like the upgraded sampling sounds and also the upgraded USB integration to use with my iPad. What do you think of the P140 in comparison to the P515? An upgrade would certainly be more palatable if I could expect to get decent value for the P140 on the used market.

[@Thiago-px9ev]

@@Cyb3rAssassine They're not stiff. They're heavy, but it doesnt mean they arent great to play.

[@katie8944]

could anyone tell me what the piece is at 19:32 ?

[@johnnyrichard3194]

I love YAMAHA P 515 thanks James

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

I’ve had p515 quite awhile,not too crazy bout the rhythm section,could be better,or the string sound.

[@ReddRubble]

@@robertmichalscheck3072 just run it through a computer through Midi to change the string sounds

[@benf4803]

The ES8 seems to be unavailable at this time. Does anyone know why?

[@ThePianoforever]

It has been replaced by the es520.

[@alanwingate7508]

To me I can see that your favourite is the Yamaha you played more on the Yamaha than the Kawai.I have just bought the Kawai ES 520 This has many features that the ES 920 has Great sounding piano for Beginners to

[@fkh3556]

Bought an ES-8 in 2015 and never looked back

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Strings sound better on kawaii,should’ve shown rhythm feature on both,some of us like that,p515 could have better rhythm feature,hope new es920 has good rhythm feature.

[@wwfera00]

Between the two, which would have the best sounding internal speakers in terms of clear, smooth, unmuffled, without having that "digital" sound when playing the grand piano samples?

[@Thiago-px9ev]

Dont know about the ES8 but I sold my Roland HP603 because of its very digital sound and got the P515, and I have no regret at all. The CFX is fantastic after a few adjustments and brightness down from 5 to 3, its a joy to play it every day. I also own an Estey upright and the P515 is louder and much richer on the bass, I almost dont touch my acoustic anymore

[@273man8]

Treble test is the best

[@CarmenGarcia-qi8il]

I deffinetly like more the ES8 wide and deep delicated sound than the P515 which I find it defined but cold and less rich than the ES8.

[@bleedblue0324]

13:48 the treble testing piece.

[@angelopistilli9234]

Please, could you tell me the name of that piece? Thank you.

[@bleedblue0324]

@@angelopistilli9234 hi dude, as far as i know, its his own composition and i am not aware of its name. Sorry.