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Average Price: $1,300

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$400

$2001+

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Description

Experience a true blend of artistry and technology with the Kawai ES8 Digital Piano, an instrument that seamlessly fits into your home, classroom, or stage setup. This digital piano offers a remarkable playing experience, thanks to the meticulous sampling of all 88 keys from the prestigious Shigeru Kawai EX concert grand. The ES8 is not just about recreating beautiful piano sounds; it hosts a versatile array of instruments, including rock organs and lush strings, allowing you to explore various musical genres with ease.

The Kawai ES8 stands out with its Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) keybed, which captures the essence of playing a traditional acoustic piano. With its graded-weighted hammers, the bass keys feel heavier while the treble keys are lighter, simulating the nuanced touch of an acoustic instrument. Whether you're practicing silently with headphones or filling a room with its powerful 30-watt stereo speakers, the ES8 ensures an authentic and dynamic musical journey.

Ideal for both beginners and seasoned pianists, the Kawai ES8 is equipped with advanced features like a triple-sensor key detection system and let-off simulation, enhancing your performance with every keystroke. Plus, with USB audio functionality, you can easily record and play back your sessions in WAV or MP3 formats, making it a valuable tool for composers and performers alike.

Key Features:

  • Harmonic Imaging XL™ Sound Technology with 88-note piano sampling
  • RHIII Graded-Hammer Action for realistic acoustic piano feel
  • 34 exceptional instrument sounds for diverse musical styles
  • USB digital audio-play/rec WAV and MP3 files
  • Rhythm section with 100 accompaniment styles
  • 256-note max polyphony for a rich sound
  • Built-in 30-watt stereo speaker system
  • Includes F-10H piano-style sustain pedal

Product specs

Brand Kawai
Model ES8 88-Key Digital Piano
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Digital Stage Pianos
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 256 Voices

FAQs

What type of keyboard action does the Kawai ES8 Digital Piano have?

The Kawai ES8 features a weighted keyboard action, providing a realistic feel similar to an acoustic piano, making it ideal for pianists who value authentic touch and response.

How many keys does the Kawai ES8 Digital Piano have?

The Kawai ES8 is equipped with 88 full-size keys, offering the complete range of a standard acoustic piano for a comprehensive playing experience.

What is the polyphony capability of the Kawai ES8 Digital Piano?

The Kawai ES8 offers 256-note polyphony, allowing for complex pieces with sustained notes and layered sounds without note dropouts.

Does the Kawai ES8 Digital Piano have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Kawai ES8 includes both MIDI Input and Output, enabling integration with other MIDI-enabled devices for expanded performance and recording possibilities.

Is the Kawai ES8 Digital Piano suitable for stage performances?

The Kawai ES8 is designed as a digital stage piano, featuring robust sound quality and versatile connectivity options, making it well-suited for live performances.

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Demo with Sean O'Shea

Video thumbnail for Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Demo with Sean O'Shea by Kraft Music

Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Demo with Sean O'Shea

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for 🎹Yamaha P515 vs Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Review - Buyers Guide🎹 by Merriam Music

🎹Yamaha P515 vs Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Review - Buyers Guide🎹

Merriam Music

Merriam Music

Video thumbnail for Kawai ES8 Piano Complete Buyers Guide - Everything You Need To Know! by Bonners Pianos & Keyboards

Kawai ES8 Piano Complete Buyers Guide - Everything You Need To Know!

Bonners Pianos & Keyboards

Bonners Pianos & Keyboards

Video thumbnail for Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Performance with Sean O'Shea by Kraft Music

Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Performance with Sean O'Shea

Kraft Music

Kraft Music

Video thumbnail for 🎹Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Review & Demo - RHIII Action, Harmonic Imaging, USB Audio🎹 by Merriam Music

🎹Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Review & Demo - RHIII Action, Harmonic Imaging, USB Audio🎹

Merriam Music

Merriam Music

Video thumbnail for KAWAI ES8 Digital Piano DEMO - ENGLISH by KAWAI Europe

KAWAI ES8 Digital Piano DEMO - ENGLISH

KAWAI Europe

KAWAI Europe

Video thumbnail for Kawai ES8 - Virtual Technician Explained by PianoManChuck

Kawai ES8 - Virtual Technician Explained

PianoManChuck

PianoManChuck

Video thumbnail for Kawai ES8 Digital Piano, Black | Gear4music demo by Gear4music Guitars

Kawai ES8 Digital Piano, Black | Gear4music demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Demo by Kawai Piano

Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Demo

Kawai Piano

Kawai Piano

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kawai es 8 Digital Piano.

Features and functionality

  • An overtone issue is noted with the ES8 when playing E4, resulting in a C#6 pitch sound, confirmed by Kawai tech support.

    Source
  • The ES8’s inbuilt speakers provide a decent sound, though they don't match the immersive quality of a real piano.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the ES8's action less responsive for rapid notes, suggesting adjustments to touch sensitivity settings to improve performance.

    Source
  • Owners note that even with stereo speakers, no digital piano setup replicates the sound experience of an acoustic piano.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Kawai CN35 is preferred by some users for better sound quality compared to the ES8 if portability is not a concern.

    Source
  • The Roland FP-90 is noted for its Bluetooth functionality and similar tone generator and action to Roland's premium console DPs, making it a strong competitor to the ES8.

    Source
  • The ES8 has a preferable action over equivalent Roland and Yamaha models, leading some to choose it for its superior feel.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ES8 is gig-ready and performs well with external stereo speakers, although it won't perfectly mimic a real piano’s sound.

    Source

Build quality

  • The ES8 has been described as rock solid by users, who would consider repurchasing after years of reliable use.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Kawai ES8 review: Quite Possibly the Best Piano Under $2000

pianodreamers.com

The Kawai ES8 is a standout digital piano, celebrated for its realistic piano sound and authentic keyboard feel. Its Responsive Hammer III action and Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine deliver an impressive playing experience, rivaling more expensive models. This model's robust build and elegant design make it suitable for both home use and gigs. However, its weight and lack of Bluetooth connectivity may hinder portability, and its limited built-in sounds might not satisfy all players. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a top choice under $2000 for those prioritizing sound and touch quality.

positive

Kawai ES8 - REVIEW | Digital Piano | LOWER PRICE

azpianoreviews.com

The Kawai ES8 digital piano garners praise for its realistic key action and superior sound quality, providing an authentic piano experience that's hard to match in its price range. Its Responsive Hammer III key action and rich piano samples from Kawai's own grand and upright pianos stand out, offering nuanced control and expression. The ES8 is also equipped with an impressive sound chip, typically found in much higher-end models, enhancing the overall tonal quality. While the limited number of instrument sounds and some minor control quirks could deter those seeking more variety, the ES8 excels in delivering a focused, high-quality piano experience. Its robust features and portability make it a highly recommended choice for serious pianists and educators alike.

positive

Kawai ES8 Digital Piano Review & Demo

merriammusic.com

The Kawai ES8 Digital Piano impresses with its realistic sound and dynamic tone, thanks to the Harmonic Imaging XL technology and responsive RHIII hammer action. Its 256-note polyphony ensures rich performance, while the efficient onboard speakers deliver ample sound for small to medium spaces. Although it offers a limited selection of high-quality tones, the ES8 shines with its portability and versatility, making it ideal for home, stage, or studio use. The keyboard action may initially feel spongy for those used to digital pianos, but it accurately mimics acoustic counterparts. Despite some competitive options, the ES8 remains a robust choice for musicians prioritizing a genuine piano experience over sheer power or a wide array of sounds.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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