Kawai ES120

At home, on stage, your music.

Characteristics of the piano

The touch

The Touch of a Cue Piano: Responsive Hammer Compact keyboard action

The sounds of cue pianos : Shigeru Kawai & Kawai EX

Technical characteristics of the ES120

The variety of a digital piano: Convenience and flexibility The impressive ES120 offers a variety of features to complement its authentic keyboard feel and rich grand piano tones. The adjustable metronome and song recorder are invaluable tools for budding pianists wishing to improve their technique, while additional instrument voices, Dual and Split playing modes and 100 drum rhythms allow players of all levels to let their creative spirit run free.

Musicians will appreciate the recording memories and Line Out jacks dedicated to sound reinforcement, while integrated MIDI and Audio Bluetooth® functions and the standard USB-MIDI port offer great flexibility for connecting to smart devices and computers, with or without cables.

Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio wireless connectivity In addition to a standard USB-MIDI port for connection to computers, the ES120 also features integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and audio technologies, enabling the instrument to communicate wirelessly with supported smart devices.

Once the instrument is paired with a phone, tablet or laptop, ES120 owners can enjoy a wide variety of exciting music apps that enhance their learning and playing experience, or stream the sound of songs and videos directly through the instrument's impressive speaker system, without the need to connect additional cables.

PianoRemote app The ES120 is compatible with Kawai's latest PianoRemote control app for iOS and supported Android devices. This app connects to the piano wirelessly via the instrument's built-in Bluetooth function, offering an easy way to change sounds or adjust settings from an attractive user interface.

The MP7SE digital piano is enhanced by redesigned side arms, new Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and SK-5 grand piano sounds, improved Responsive Hammer III key action and the ability to use the optional Kawai GFP-3 triple pedal. The MP7SE digital piano was introduced as the successor to the successful MP7, now considered a Kawai "Heritage Product".

SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Responsive Hammer III keyboard action, a category leader
• Stunning acoustic grand piano sounds from SK-EX, SK-5, and EX
• Extensive selection of electric piano, organ, synth, brass and other sounds.
• Genuine Tonewheel organ simulation with drawbars, percussion, C/V
• Wide variety of virtual technicians and sound editing parameters
• Intuitive panel with four independent zones, assignable effects
• Powerful features of the 4-channel MIDI master controller.
• 1/4" unbalanced outputs, 1/4" inputs with Line In level slider
• High-quality Kawai-manufactured F-10H single pedal
• Sturdy metal chassis with polished black wooden side arms

Weight & dimensions

Characteristics of the piano

■ Responsive Hammer III keyboard action, a category leader
■ Ivory Touch key surfaces, triple sensor, let-off, counterweights
■ Progressive harmonic imaging sound with 88-key sampling
■ Shigeru Kawai SK-EX & Kawai EX concert grand piano sounds
■ High-quality amplification, 40W four-speaker sound system
■ Built-in Bluetooth® technology for wireless MIDI and audio connectivity
■ MP3/WAV/SMF playback, recording, and overdubbing on USB
■ Integrated classical studies and Alfred lesson books
■ Spatial Headphone Sound for increased depth and realism
■ Attractive cabinet with Cheekblock control panel and OLED display

Grand piano touch: Responsive Hammer III keyboard mechanism

The CN301's Responsive Hammer III keyboard action recreates the supreme touch of an acoustic grand piano, with its realistic movements and rigid, springless design, for a smooth, natural playing experience. The instrument's triple-sensor key detection system enhances responsiveness and precision, while structural reinforcements throughout the action help minimize noise and key oscillation during staccato and fortissimo passages.
The keyboard's weight is adapted to reflect the heavier bass hammers and lighter treble hammers of an acoustic piano, while the release simulation recreates the subtle notching sensation felt when playing softly on the keys of a grand piano. These important features enable demanding pianists to practice expanding their repertoire with confidence, and ensure there are no unpleasant surprises when it comes to playing the very best acoustic grand pianos.

The sound of a grand piano: Three world-class instruments

Renowned as "Japan's first pianos", Shigeru Kawai instruments grace the stages of concert halls and musical institutions around the world, and are appreciated for their exceptional tonal clarity and dynamic range.
The new CN301 captures the magnificent sound of two leading Shigeru Kawai instruments: the SK-EX Concert grand piano and the SK-5 Studio medium-sized grand piano, allowing musicians to appreciate the contrasting properties of each.
What's more, the CN301 also offers the distinctive sound of Kawai's EX concert grand piano, which has been frequently selected by professional pianists at such prestigious events as the Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Rubinstein International Piano Competitions, among others.
All three instruments are faithfully reproduced with full 88-key sampling using exclusive Progressive Harmonic Imaging™ sound technology, to set a new standard in digital piano tonal quality.

Technical characteristics

MP3/WAV Playback & Record

USB memory devices can also be used to play back MP3 or WAV audio files, allowing musicians to learn the chords or melody for a new piece, or to simply play along with their favourite songs.

It is even possible to record and overdub entire performances directly as MP3 or WAV audio files for emailing to family and friends, or casual listening away from the piano.

Flexible USB connectivity
In addition to wireless functionality, the CN301 is also equipped with USB ports that enable the instrument to be connected directly to a computer for MIDI use, or to load and save data on USB memory devices.
This latest USB to Device feature allows recorder songs stored in internal memory to be safely stored on USB memory sticks, or standard MIDI files (SMF) downloaded from the Internet to be played back and enjoyed using the instrument's excellent Progressive Harmonic Imaging sounds, without additional hardware or cables.

Comparison between the CN201 and CN301

Weight & dimensions

Sometimes the best role for an instrument is obvious from the start. The GL-50 Conservatory Grand Piano has found its highest calling within musical institutions, where its versatile size is ideally suited to teaching studios and smaller recital spaces. At 6'2", it offers abundant tone quality and perfect bass resonance for professional teaching applications. The GL-50 has all the features that earned the GL Series MMR magazine's Global Music Industry "Product of the Year" award in 2016, including the revolutionary Action Millennium III with ABS-Carbon parts that promises unparalleled consistency of feel and control over time. And, like the GL-40, the GL-50 features the CORE system, which maximizes the reflective capabilities of the inner frame to deliver greater tonal resonance and power. Play the GL-50 and discover the flagship of the award-winning GL Series line.

Touch

Millennium III Upright Action

The Millennium III Upright's action features components made from ABS-Carbon, a composite material created by infusing carbon fiber into our famous ABS Styran. ABS-Carbon is incredibly strong and rigid, enabling the creation of lighter action parts without compromising strength. The result is a more powerful, faster action offering greater control and stability than conventional all-wood actions. 

THE POWER OF THE PIANISSIMO

One of the most coveted attributes of a quality piano is a wide dynamic range: the ability to play not only thunderous fortissimos but also the most delicate and sensitive pianissimos. The technological superiority of the Millennium III action becomes most evident in its extraordinary ability to produce the perfect pianissimo. It may seem paradoxical, but the GL series technology shines brightest when it whispers.

RIGID FOUNDATIONS FOR THE TOUCH MOVEMENT

The keyframe rail is the central hub of a piano's operation. The keyframe rails in the GL series are made of durable extruded aluminum and combined with our advanced dual-beam technique, providing strength and stability. The hammer and jack rails are securely held in place to maintain the precise tolerances of the action design and ensure consistent touch throughout the piano's lifespan. The entire surface of the hammer rail is finely serrated to securely hold each hammer shank in place for optimal alignment. The hammer shanks are made of PBT resin, allowing the action screws to remain tightly secured without contraction or expansion. These meticulously designed features form the rigid foundations of the GL series, ensuring the precise motion of the keys over time.Carbon ABS is much stronger and more durable than wood, virtually impervious to the effects of humidity-related contraction and expansion. This unique combination of strength and stability allows the action components to transfer energy to the hammers with unmatched efficiency, power, precision, and nuance, delivering an exceptional playing experience. 

Tone

TAPERED SOUNDBOARD IN SOLID SPRUCE

The soundboard is the heart of a piano, responsible for transforming the vibrations of the piano strings into a rich and vibrant tone. Kawai uses only straight-grained solid spruce, quarter-sawn, for the soundboards of the GL series. Each soundboard is carefully tapered to optimize its sound-producing capabilities. Only soundboards that meet or exceed our strict quality requirements are selected to be installed in our GL series grand pianos.

TONALITY

Kawai grand pianos are renowned for their expressive tonality and expansive dynamic range, enabling pianists to effortlessly share and communicate their passion.

Duplex scale

DUPLEX SCALE SCALE

The instrument's duplex scale system provides harmonics in the midrange and treble, adding depth and breadth to the overall sound.

AGRAFFES

The staples ensure precision in string alignment, spacing and angles to produce a more uniform tone and consistent vibratory length of each note.

HARDWOOD BRIDGES

The bridges transfer the vibration of the strings to the soundboard. The bridges in the GL series are made of solid maple or beech and are carefully adjusted and fitted to the frame for perfect string pressure and optimal sound transfer.

SOLID' (Stretcher Over-Lap Integrated Design)

The "SOLID" construction creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support the tension of the strings. First, the windchest is mounted on the frame. Then, the windchest and yoke bar are integrated into a single structure, firmly anchored to the waistband. The extraordinary thickness of the yoke bar illustrates the structural integrity of this sturdy frame, designed to ensure stable tuning and powerful sound.

THE C.O.R.E. SYSTEM

"CORE" is an acronym that stands for "Convergence for Optimum Reflected Energy." Convergence refers to how the points of strength, including the rim, frame, and soundboard, all come together towards a central point at the core of the instrument. This convergence creates the foundation for an extremely powerful "CORE" central core that maximizes the sound reflection capabilities of the inner rim, resulting in exceptional sound quality.

SOLID (STRETCHER OVER-LAP INTEGRATED DESIGN)

The "SOLID" construction creates an exceptionally rigid foundation to support the tension of the strings. First, the windchest is mounted on the frame. Then, the windchest and yoke bar are integrated into a single structure, firmly anchored to the waistband. The extraordinary thickness of the yoke bar illustrates the structural integrity of this sturdy frame, designed to ensure stable tuning and powerful sound.

EXTENDED FINGERBOARD LENGTH

Longer keys make the game easier to play and offer a more uniform response from the front to the back of the playing surface. The benefits for the player are better control and more power with less effort.

SLOW-CLOSE LID MECHANISM

Our slow-close lid mechanism incorporates a dual-damping system that protects fingers and the keyboard from potential damage caused by a sudden closure.

THE KEYBOARD TRAY WITH STEEL REINFORCEMENT.

The keyboard tray must be strong and stable in order to support the weight of the entire mechanics over time. GL Series keyboard trays are made from extremely robust hardwoods, laminated and reinforced with a steel support spar that increases the strength and rigidity of the keyboard tray to prevent any loss of energy.

V-pro frame

V-PRO FRAME

The frame is the acoustically neutral metal superstructure on which the strings are tensioned. All frames in the GL series are cast using the V-Pro process. The additional strength comes from the new frame design. The result is a highly robust, stable, and elegant frame.

SMALL DOOR WITH STEEL REINFORCEMENT

The 'little door' of a piano is that long horizontal piece of wood bordering the front of the notes. Because it's made of wood, this part can twist or bend with changes in humidity, causing the keys to jam. The 'small doors' of the GL series are reinforced by a steel rod that prevents these deformations. The keys move freely, with the 'small door' remaining straight and at a regular distance from the keys throughout the piano's life.

WINDCHEST AND TUNING PEGS

The pinblock on all GL series grand pianos is fully laminated with a minimum of eleven cross-banded layers of North American hard rock maple for maximum strength and balanced torque. The tuning pins are made from the finest carbon steel, threaded for maximum continuous rotation, and nickel-plated for enhanced appearance and long-term protection.

RESISTANCE

Strength enables a piano to maintain its integrity over time. GL Series pianos have the remarkable strength to thrive under the rigors of long-term use.

Specifications

Weight & dimensions

The GX-3 BLAK conservatory grand impresses with its dignified elegance and distinctive tone, evoking the qualities of a much larger grand piano. It's a favorite of music schools for the way it performs admirably over time in teaching studios and smaller recital spaces. With its exceptional tone and touch in a versatile format, the GX-3 is the preferred choice of professionals.

Touch

Millennium III Upright Action

The Millennium III Upright's action features components made from ABS-Carbon, a composite material created by infusing carbon fiber into our famous ABS Styran. ABS-Carbon is incredibly strong and rigid, enabling the creation of lighter action parts without compromising strength. The result is a more powerful, faster action offering greater control and stability than conventional all-wood actions. 

Elongated fingerboards made of fir

Fir is the ideal key material - light, yet extremely strong for its weight. It responds with minimal bending and exceptional consistency, conveying every subtle nuance of the pianist's interpretation while remaining stable through years of intensive use. The length of each key has been extended to facilitate playing and offer a more uniform response from the front to the back of the playing surface. The key shanks are also designed with a slightly higher profile for maximum rigidity and increased power.

Tone

NEOTEX key surfaces

Our exclusive NEOTEX key surface, made from cellulose fibers, offers a smooth, unobtrusive texture similar to natural ivory and ebony, as well as a semi-porous silica-filled surface to absorb natural oils and hand perspiration. Because NEOTEX is used for both black and white keys, key feel is consistent across the entire keyboard. NEOTEX resists cracking and fading over years of use, and is also resistant to static electricity, helping to prevent the build-up of unwanted dust. The result is a beautiful, durable key surface offering exceptional playability.

Rigid foundation for key travel

The hammer rail is the "backbone" of the piano's action. GX Series hammer rails are made of durable extruded aluminum with our exclusive double-beam design for added strength and stability. Both the hammer rail and wippens rail are permanently locked in place to preserve the careful tolerances of the action design and ensure consistent touch response throughout the life of the piano.

The entire surface of the hammer rail is finely notched to hold each hammer flange securely in place, ensuring optimum hammer alignment. The surface-mounted hammer flanges are made of PBT resin, allowing the action screws to remain tight without shrinking or swelling. All these meticulous design features form the rigid foundation of the GX series, guaranteeing precise key travel over time.

Solid spruce conical soundboard

The soundboard is the heart of a piano. Its role is to transform the vibrations of the piano strings into a rich, resonant sound. Kawai uses only solid quarter-grain spruce for the K series soundboards. Each soundboard is strategically tapered to maximize its tonal capacity. Only those that meet or exceed our strict quality standards are selected for use in our professional upright pianos.

Hybrid inner border (Rim Konsei Katagi)

The exclusive Konsei Katagi rim leverages different hardwoods to achieve the ideal sonic balance. For the inner rim, finely porous hardwoods are used to provide superior brilliance and projection of the high-frequency range of the sound spectrum. These are layered with wider-pore hardwoods that offer warmth and fullness to the sound. The synergy of structurally divergent hardwoods produces a powerful and pleasingly rounded sound, which is the hallmark of Shigeru Kawai grand pianos.

Vertically laminated bridge

The bridge performs the essential task of transferring the vibrations from the strings to the soundboard. GX series bass bridges are made from the highest quality hard maple or beech. Treble bridges are vertically laminated with 13 layers of maple and mogno for maximum strength and optimal sound energy transfer.

Specifications

Weight & dimensions