What is the Kawai ES520?

The Kawai ES520 is a midrange portable digital piano that offers high-end features like Onkyo audio hardware and Shigeru Kawai grand piano sounds in a compact format.

Who manufactured the audio hardware for the ES520?

The internal audio hardware, including the amplification and processing components, was developed by Onkyo, a specialist audio manufacturer.

What type of display does the ES520 use?

The instrument features a modern OLED control panel for easier navigation of settings and sounds.

How does the ES520 sound compared to previous models?

Kawai has enhanced the Shigeru Kawai grand piano sounds in the ES520 to provide a more natural and realistic acoustic piano experience.

Is the ES520 portable?

Yes, it is part of Kawai’s portable range, designed to be moved easily while maintaining the build quality of a professional digital piano.

How does the ES520 compare to the ES920?

The ES520 provides many of the flagship features of the ES920 but at a more affordable price point and in a slightly different configuration.

What is the typical price for the Kawai ES520?

In the UK market, the typical price for this digital piano is approximately GBP 1,310.

Does the ES520 have a new design?

Yes, Kawai introduced a new design for the ES520 to give it a more modern and impressive appearance than its predecessors.

What is the main piano sound featured in this model?

The primary sound source is the award-winning Shigeru Kawai grand piano, which has been digitally sampled and enhanced.

Can the ES520 be used for live performances?

Yes, its combination of premium Onkyo hardware, realistic piano sounds, and portable design makes it suitable for live stage use.

Is the Kawai ES520 related to the Gibson ES-335?

No. While they share the 'ES' prefix, the Kawai ES520 is a digital piano, whereas the Gibson ES-335 is a hollowbody electric guitar.

Is the ES520 a good choice for home use?

The ES520 is an excellent choice for home users who want a high-quality piano sound without the space requirements of a traditional upright or grand piano.

Gear article

Kawai ES520 Digital Piano

The Kawai ES520 is a midrange portable digital piano designed to offer premium performance features in a lightweight chassis. It incorporates high-fidelity Onkyo audio hardware and enhanced Shigeru Kawai grand piano samples to provide a professional playing experience for both home and stage use.

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Overview

The Kawai ES520 serves as the midrange entry in Kawai's portable digital piano line, bridging the gap between entry-level models and the flagship ES920. It is designed for musicians who require a balance between portability and high-end acoustic piano simulation. The instrument features a modern aesthetic redesign intended to provide a more impressive appearance compared to previous generations.

Audio Architecture and Hardware

A defining technical feature of the ES520 is the inclusion of premium Onkyo hardware. Through a partnership with the specialist audio manufacturer, Kawai has integrated high-quality amplification and processing components. This collaboration ensures that the output signals remain clean and detailed, whether experienced through the built-in speaker system or external amplification.

Sound Engine and Interface

The ES520 focuses heavily on the reproduction of the Shigeru Kawai grand piano. These sounds have been further enhanced in this model to sound more natural and realistic. Navigating these sounds and various internal settings is facilitated by a modern OLED control panel, which offers improved visibility and ease of use compared to traditional LCD or button-only interfaces.

User Profile and Suitability

This instrument is primarily suited for pianists who need a high-quality sound engine but prefer a more affordable and lightweight alternative to the ES920. Its portable nature makes it an ideal choice for gigging musicians, students, and home users who may need to move the piano between rooms. The inclusion of professional-grade samples also makes it a viable choice for recording environments.

Market Comparison

While the ES520 shares many premium features with the top-of-the-range ES920, it is positioned at a more accessible price point. In the broader market, it competes with other portable digital pianos, though it distinguishes itself through the specific inclusion of Onkyo audio components. It should be noted that while the name 'ES' is shared with several hollowbody guitars like the Gibson ES-335 or Gretsch Nashville models, the Kawai ES520 is a digital keyboard instrument and belongs to a different equipment category.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Kawai ES520?: The Kawai ES520 is a midrange portable digital piano that offers high-end features like Onkyo audio hardware and Shigeru Kawai grand piano sounds in a compact format.
Who manufactured the audio hardware for the ES520?: The internal audio hardware, including the amplification and processing components, was developed by Onkyo, a specialist audio manufacturer.
What type of display does the ES520 use?: The instrument features a modern OLED control panel for easier navigation of settings and sounds.
How does the ES520 sound compared to previous models?: Kawai has enhanced the Shigeru Kawai grand piano sounds in the ES520 to provide a more natural and realistic acoustic piano experience.
Is the ES520 portable?: Yes, it is part of Kawai’s portable range, designed to be moved easily while maintaining the build quality of a professional digital piano.
How does the ES520 compare to the ES920?: The ES520 provides many of the flagship features of the ES920 but at a more affordable price point and in a slightly different configuration.
What is the typical price for the Kawai ES520?: In the UK market, the typical price for this digital piano is approximately GBP 1,310.
Does the ES520 have a new design?: Yes, Kawai introduced a new design for the ES520 to give it a more modern and impressive appearance than its predecessors.
What is the main piano sound featured in this model?: The primary sound source is the award-winning Shigeru Kawai grand piano, which has been digitally sampled and enhanced.
Can the ES520 be used for live performances?: Yes, its combination of premium Onkyo hardware, realistic piano sounds, and portable design makes it suitable for live stage use.
Is the Kawai ES520 related to the Gibson ES-335?: No. While they share the 'ES' prefix, the Kawai ES520 is a digital piano, whereas the Gibson ES-335 is a hollowbody electric guitar.
Is the ES520 a good choice for home use?: The ES520 is an excellent choice for home users who want a high-quality piano sound without the space requirements of a traditional upright or grand piano.