Piano Dreamers
pianodreamers.com › kawai-es120-review
Kawai ES120 review: The Evolution of the ES Series
May 15, 2025 - I’ve said it in the ES520 and ES920 reviews, but I’ll say it here again. The SK-EX piano sounds are some of the best you can get, especially at the sub-$1000 price point of the ES120. For completeness sake, I will note that the ES520 and the ES920’s SK-EX presets sound undoubtedly better than the ES120. The key limitation of the ES120’s HI sound engine appears to be the more limited sample memory. While Kawai managed to keep the detail of having unique per-key recordings, that does mean there are some sacrifices in terms of per-intensity samples.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/piano › opinions on the kawai es120 please
r/piano on Reddit: Opinions on the Kawai ES120 please
July 4, 2025 -
Update - Thanks for the help, the ES120 is ordered, fingers are crossed!
🤞
I am considering getting the ES120 or one other digital piano (which I won't name now). The ES120 is slightly less expensive so I thought to get it first and if I like it, job done.
This is the price range and after a lot of research I'm not considering the Roland FP- range or a Yamaha. I want portable and have no interest in extra voices or rhythms, or connectivity except for headphones. A simple digital piano that ticks all the 'piano' boxes. I'm an older returner, it's a hobby.
I can't try it, or any other, so would like to hear any comments if you've played on it.
I did hesitate about asking as I know it's such a common question, but I've done the research and am just about ready to buy, so it's now or never. I picked now.
Top answer 1 of 5
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I haven't tried the ES 120 specifically, but I have tried the KDP 120 and I understand they're very similar - the ES essentially being the portable version of the KDP. (I actually liked the action on the KDP 75 slightly more than the 120 and so ended up buying the 75). Assuming they're all similar, it's a very good instrument, which copes with very complex, fast rhythms before losing any clarity. I've had my own Kawai for nine months now, it's been abused by me and my kids but have had no issues at all and am very happy.
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ive heard es120 might be the best in its range considering how responsive it is
Videos
17:27
Piano PRO Reviews STUNNING Kawai ES120 Digital Piano - Best In Class?
12:25
Why the Kawai ES120 is the Perfect Portable Piano - YouTube
23:35
Kawai ES120 vs Roland FP30X — The Better Choice in 2025 - YouTube
21:49
Kawai ES120 Digital Piano - First Impressions & Demo - YouTube
21:11
🎹 Kawai ES120 | Digital Piano Review & Demo | ES110 Update 🎹 ...
03:27
🎹 Kawai ES120 vs ES110 | Key Differences 🎹 - YouTube
AZ Piano Reviews
azpianoreviews.com › home › kawai es120 – review | 2026 digital piano | low price here
Kawai ES120 - REVIEW | 2026 Digital Piano | LOW PRICE HERE
2 weeks ago - This would include upgraded key action, acoustic piano sounds, pedals, functionality, features, and even the appearance of the ES120 is more refined and more visually appealing. This model not only comes in black and in white, but it’s now available in a contemporary color called “light gray.” But the black color is by far the most popular. *SPECIAL UPDATE: For the month of January or when supplies run out at Kawai warehouse, whichever comes first, there is an unadvertised “instant rebate” on the Kawai ES120 digital piano off the regular internet discount price, which rarely happens.
Pianist's Compass
pianistscompass.com › reviews › kawai-es120
Kawai ES120 review: Best no-nonsense stage piano
Kawai ES120 review: Best no-nonsense stage piano
Pianist James Michael Nugent reviews the Kawai ES120 and compares it to the Roland FP-30X, Yamaha P-125, Kurzweil SP1, and older ES110. I love the sound of Kawai digital pianos, and if you can get that for a decent price, it’s always worth considering. The ES120 is a fantastic, lightweight, and value-for-money stage piano that sounds and feels great. It’s better than the older ES110, not by as much as I’d like, but it’s better than something already excellent.
Gear4music
gear4music.com › blog › kawai-es120-review
Kawai ES120 Review - An Impressive Introductory Stage Piano
March 26, 2024 - Whether you’re playing the soft moments of a ballad or striking the keys with force in a powerful crescendo, the ES120’s key action is designed to faithfully translate your emotions into sound, providing tactile feedback. Such attention to detail in the key action ensures a nuanced connection between your fingers and the music. It might not be the Responsive Hammer Action III of Kawai’s high-end stage pianos, but for pianists looking for a great-quality introductory instrument with some advanced features, it’s perfect.
BestDigitalPiano.net
bestdigitalpiano.net › reviews › kawai-es120
Kawai ES120 Review [Honest Opinion]
The Kawai ES120 Digital Piano: ... lightweight, making it easy to lift out of the box. At first glance, the ES120 impresses with its sleek design and minimalist aesthetic....
Mixdown Magazine
mixdownmag.com.au › reviews › review-kawai-es120-portable-digital-piano
Review: Kawai ES120 Portable Digital Piano
November 28, 2022 - The ES120 is well worth its price tag, it comes off well when compared to other pricier options, and punches well above its weight when compared to other keyboards at its price bracket.
Piano World
forum.pianoworld.com › ubbthreads.php › topics › 3570525 › re-kawai-es120-review-new-video.html
Kawai ES120 Review (NEW Video) - Piano World Piano & Digital Piano Forums
Hi guys, I've owned the Kawai ES120 for 6 months, having played and taught piano on it. I bought it with my own money and here's my detailed review and sound demo - every impression is honest. Thought the video might be useful for those of you who are interested in this keyboard. By the w...
Merriam Music
merriammusic.com › product › kawai-es-120
Kawai ES-120 Portable Digital Piano 88-key weighted keys
The core EX concert grand sample ... SKEX which adorns many of the world‘s finest concert halls. This is a really nice upgrade that we were thrilled to see. The ES120 features 192 notes of polyphony, and that’s going to ...
Published September 19, 2022
Merriam Music
merriammusic.com › blog › pianos-blog › roland-fp30x-vs-kawai-es120
Roland FP30X vs Kawai ES120 | Digital Piano Comparison
February 26, 2025 - The ES120 is equipped with 25 total onboard sounds, which is up from 19 in total on the ES110. 8 of these sounds are acoustic piano patches, but once you move past the core two samples the overall fidelity starts to drop off, such as on other grand piano or upright piano patches. Other sound categories such as the e pianos, organs, synths and strings however sound improved over the 110. With past Kawai products in this price range, the non-core acoustic piano patches tended to be an afterthought, so the overall improvement here is very welcome.
Sweetwater
sweetwater.com › store › detail › ES120BK--kawai-es120-88-key-digital-piano-with-speakers-black › reviews
Kawai ES120 88-key Digital Piano with Speakers - Black Reviews | Sweetwater
March 13, 2025 - This is my first purchase of this type of instrument as I've always played acoustic piano since age 9. The keys respond so similarly to my upright acoustic that it feels like home to my fingers. The sound is perfect. I haven't had this keyboard ...
Pianoo
pianoo.com › home › product reviews › product review: kawai es-120 – portable piano
Product Review: Kawai ES-120 - Portable Piano
Product Review: Kawai ES-120 – Portable Piano
The ES-120 is the affordable entry into the Kawai ES series. Playing feel and piano sound are excellent given the price range.
Merriam Music
merriammusic.com › blog › pianos-blog › kawai-es110-vs-es120
Kawai ES110 vs ES120 | Digital Piano Comparison & Review
April 5, 2023 - For the same reasons, the key action is a lot quieter on the ES120 and the ES110, and this is going to be a very welcome improvement to those who discovered over the past few years how loud digital piano key actions can be, to the point of disturbing others around them even with headphones engaged. Overall, the action just feels tighter and simply, better to play all around. ... When it comes to the rest of the keyboard action everything stays the same, which is probably why Kawai didn’t go ahead and give this action a new name.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/piano › kawai es-120: wow
r/piano on Reddit: Kawai ES-120: wow
August 1, 2023 -
I’ve been trying to find a decently priced keyboard that mimics my upright for a long time. I’ve tried the Yamaha P-115 and owned Roland FP-30X. I hate the heavy, sluggish action on the FP-30X. The Yamaha seemed better, but still not ideal. I just got my ES-120 today and wow, it’s fantastic. The action is very light, and I love it. Very easy to play with tons of room for expression and fast trills. Highly recommend this keyboard over all the others!
Music Teacher
musicteachermagazine.co.uk › content › review › reviews-kawai-es120-digital-piano
Instrument Reviews: Kawai ES120 Portable Digital Piano
September 17, 2024 - The ES120's full size keyboard offers 88 weighted keys with a reassuringly firm playing action. The improved version of the Responsive Hammer Compact (RHC) keyboard action, featuring upgraded cushioning, does not disappoint, resulting in an ...
Ezmusicbox
ezmusicbox.com › home › blog › digital pianos › kawai es120 review – what are the changes from es110?
Kawai ES120 Review - What are the Changes from ES110?
July 14, 2025 - The ES series delivers the same outstanding tone and quality sound that you found in many acclaimed Kawai digital pianos and offers portability for any venue or occasion. In terms of appearance, the ES120 retains a similar sleek and lightweight ...
Sweetwater
sweetwater.com › home › shop by brand › kawai › kawai es120 88-key digital piano with speakers - black
Kawai ES120 88-key Digital Piano with Speakers - Black | Sweetwater
2 weeks ago - This is my first purchase of this type of instrument as I've always played acoustic piano since age 9. The keys respond so similarly to my upright acoustic that it feels like home to my fingers. The sound is perfect. I haven't had this keyboard ...
Kawai
kawai-global.com › top › products › digital pianos › es series
Kawai ES120｜Digital Pianos｜Products｜Kawai Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Earning a reputation as the ‘premier ... their outstanding tonal clarity and exceptional dynamic range. The ES120 captures the magnificent tone of the flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano....
Reddit
reddit.com › r/piano › how does the action on the kawai es120 compare to the fp-30x?
r/piano on Reddit: How does the action on the Kawai ES120 compare to the FP-30x?
February 8, 2024 -
I currently own a Casio PX-S3000, and I'm looking to make a change. I had an FP-30, sold it after I quit playing for a bit and bought the Casio. The action on the Casio is starting to drive me a little nuts. It just feels too light, especially when I go to my teacher's house and try to play on an acoustic.
I'm sort of in between an FP-30x (maybe even RD-88... I'm a sucker for knobs and screens) and the Kawai ES120. I'd just grab a new Roland but worry that maybe the action is too heavy compared to my Casio.
I'm less worried about sound quality since I will most likely be using speakers and headphones. Also not too worried about additional sounds since my plan is to get some sort of piano software.
If anyone has tried out both and has some input, it would be appreciated.
Top answer 1 of 7
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Hate to be that guy but it really depends on the person. For me i thought the roland was too sluggish. I believe the rebound of the key felt slower than the other brands. Try em out for at least several minutes and get used to both
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Classical players tend to think the FP30x is too heavy, and the ES120 is pretty good. I think jazz/rock players think the ES120 is too light, and the FP30x is pretty good. This is a generalization, but overall seems to track. So it depends on your play style and what you like. But if the Casio was too light, I think you’d prefer the Roland, unless your previous experience with them was that you couldn’t do those fast classical techniques easily.
Bonners Music
bonnersmusic.co.uk › blogs › news › kawai-es120-piano-review
Kawai ES120 Piano Review
March 29, 2023 - We've also made a video to complement this article which demonstrates the sounds and also gives additional explanations about some of the ES120's capabilities. We have tried to make this product review helpful to people who are looking to purchase a new instrument, and hopefully, it will give you all the information you need to make the right buying choices. ... Weighing in at just 12.5kg, the Kawai ES120 is a high-specification, low-price portable digital piano.