Gearank

This keyboard has very limited availability due to being discontinued. To see our current recommendations please read our guide to The Best Digital Piano Keyboards.

The Kawai company was founded by Koichi Kawai who became Torakusu Yamaha's young apprentice before he started his own piano company. While Yamaha have grown to build other instruments and mechanical devices, Kawai stayed true to the piano path, continuing to build acoustic and digital pianos up to this day. The Kawai ES100 exemplifies what made this brand into a major contender, with its balance of portability, playability and sound quality. Kawai based the action of the keys on their own acoustic grand pianos, and utilized harmonic imaging technology to get the sound samples. In addition to piano sounds, you can switch to electric pianos and non-piano sounds that are included. Other features include dual, layer and split modes, built-in rhythms and a recorder.

Features:

• Keys: 88 Fully Weighted Hammer Action Keys
• Touch Sensitivity: Piano Style
• Speaker System: 2 x 7W Amplifier and 2 Speakers
• Pedal: Sustain
• Presets: 8 Piano Sounds, 11 Other Sounds
• Effects: None
• Polyphony: 192
• Functions: Dual, Split, Layer, Metronome, Rhythm, Transpose, Internal Recorder
• Audio Output: 2x Headphones
• Pedal Input: Damper
• MIDI I/O: MIDI In/Out
• Power Supply: AC Adapter
• Stand: Optional
• Dimensions: 11.26" x 51.65" x 5.71"
• Weight: 33.07 lbs

Pros

A good number of piano teachers and parents recommended the Kawai ES100 for students and amateur piano players. Based on the reviews, its main selling point is the quality of its grand piano sound, some even went so far as to say that it is better than what others in this price range can offer. Even professionals who own acoustic pianos attested to the authenticity of its playing feel, which required minimal playing technique adjustments.

Cons

There were some who complained about the lack of sound options, and the quality of the non-piano sounds, but they were pleased with the genuine piano sound. Others also deducted some points because of the lack of an LCD screen.

Overall

If you are not into extra features and are just looking for a digital piano that is as close to the real thing as possible, then check out the Kawai ES100.