Kawai ES520 Digital Piano in Black

ES520: Main Features

• Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action with grade-weighted keys and triple-sensor system
• Progressive Harmonic Imaging sound technology with 88-key stereo sampling
• 34 authentic sounds, including acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, bass etc.
• Motherboard and amplification developed in partnership with Onkyo, 40W speaker system
• Bluetooth MIDI and Audio functionality with aptX support for wireless communication and audio playback
• Standard MIDI, USB to Host/Device, Audio In/Out connectivity
• Support for latest PianoRemote control app for iOS/Android*
• Intuitive control panel layout with high quality OLED display
• Stylish rounded case design and lightweight chassis weighing 14.5 kg
• Modern HM-5 designer stand and F-302 triple pedal bar, support for GFP-3 triple pedal unit

Kawai Japan is delighted to announce the ES920 and ES520, the latest additions to Kawaiʼs popular ES series of portable digital pianos. The flagship ES920 is the long-awaited successor to the award-winning ES8, while the intermediate ES520 is a new mid- range model that delivers many of the features of the ES920 at a more affordable price.

Kawaiʼs ES series of instruments are high-performance, 88-key portable digital pianos suitable for the home, stage, recital hall, or classroom. The brand new ES920 and ES520 combine Kawaiʼs highly-regarded Responsive Hammer keyboard action and Harmonic Imaging piano sound technologies, to reproduce the touch and tone of a concert grand piano, and provide an authentic, rewarding playing experience for pianists of all abilities. In addition to a strong selection of diverse acoustic piano sounds, the ES920 and ES520 also include a variety of outstanding electric pianos, organs, strings, and other voices, allowing these instruments to support a wide range of musical styles. These sounds are easily selectable from the pianosʼ elegant control panel, which features an intuitive button layout and sharp OLED graphic display, with the ES920ʼs 4-band EQ faders also providing convenient real-time control during live performances.

The latest ES series models boast powerful 40W stereo speaker systems, and incorporate audio processing and amplification technologies developed in collaboration with premium Japanese audio specialists, Onkyo. This unique hardware combination allows these lightweight, portable instrument to deliver well-rounded bass and crisp treble frequencies, reproducing the superb Shigeru Kawai grand piano sounds with exceptional tonal clarity and richness.

The modern ES920 and ES520 also feature built-in Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio connectivity, allowing apps such as Kawaiʼs dedicated PianoRemote control app or a wide range of third-party learning and recreation apps to be enjoyed wirelessly, or for music streamed from a smartphone or tablet to be played through the pianoʼs impressive audio system without any additional cables. However, wired connectivity remains strongly supported, with standard MIDI, USB, Line In and Line Out terminals providing a range of options for the home, studio, and stage.

The latest ES models adopt a brand new exterior design, with the flat panel surface complemented by smooth, rounded edges. The instrumentsʼ sturdy body is surprisingly lightweight, with the ES920 weighing 17 kg (almost 6 kilos lighter than its predecessor), and the ES520 just 14.5 kg. As some of the most portable pianos in their respective classes, the ES920 and ES520 are excellent choices for gigging or studio musicians, yet also ideally suited to academic and religious institutions. Moreover, when attached to the dedicated HM-5 designer stand and F-302 triple pedal bar in matching black or white finishes, these versatile instruments are transformed into stylish, ultra-compact piano replacements, delivering an exceptional playing experience for the lounge, office, or bedroom.

Authentic grand piano touch and tone, superb additional sounds, high-fidelity speaker systems, and modern, convenient features – all housed within a stylish, lightweight case. Introducing the new ES920 and ES520: At home, on stage, your piano.

Hear, Try and Compare the Kawai ES520 Digital Piano in our showroom

Located in Leicester in the central Midlands and close to Coventry, Nottingham, Derby, Birmingham and Warwick we promise you that a visit to our specialist Digital Piano and Keyboard showroom will not disappoint. Try the full Kawai range including the ES520 Digital Piano and compare it with Yamaha, Roland, Casio and Korg all under one roof. Whatever your playing standard our knowledgeable and friendly experts will help guide you through the Piano buying process and make sure that you are buying the right instrument for your needs. As ex teachers we are ideally placed to advise and answer any questions you may have. Lifetime support and product tuition with ALL digital pianos.

We sell Digital Pianos and Keyboards. That's it. Nothing else. No distractions and nothing to steal our focus.

Q: What is the Kawai ES520?
A: The Kawai ES520 is a portable digital piano designed for home, studio, rehearsal, and stage use, combining realistic weighted keyboard action, detailed grand piano sound, modern wireless connectivity, and a powerful built-in speaker system in a compact instrument.

Q: Who is the Kawai ES520 designed for?
A: The ES520 is designed for developing pianists, home players, teachers, performing musicians, and anyone who wants a more advanced portable digital piano with strong sound quality and flexible connectivity.

Q: What makes the Kawai ES520 different from a basic keyboard?
A: Unlike a basic keyboard, the ES520 offers fully weighted hammer action, full 88-key piano sampling, higher polyphony, stronger speakers, Bluetooth MIDI and Audio, line inputs and outputs, recording features, and deeper sound adjustment tools.

Q: How many keys does the Kawai ES520 have?
A: The Kawai ES520 has 88 keys, giving players the full piano range for study, performance, and recording.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 have weighted keys?
A: Yes. The ES520 uses Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action with grade-weighted hammers for a more realistic piano-style touch.

Q: What keyboard action does the Kawai ES520 use?
A: The ES520 uses Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact II action, which includes triple-sensor hammer detection and matte key surfaces for improved control and responsiveness.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 sound like an acoustic piano?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes carefully sampled Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and Kawai EX concert grand piano sounds, along with a Kawai upright piano sound, for a rich and expressive piano experience.

Q: What sound engine does the Kawai ES520 use?
A: The ES520 uses Kawai’s Progressive Harmonic Imaging sound engine with 88-key stereo sampling to deliver detailed and expressive piano tone.

Q: How many sounds are included on the Kawai ES520?
A: The ES520 includes 34 voices, including acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, choir sounds, synth pads, and other useful voices for a wide range of musical styles.

Q: What is the polyphony of the Kawai ES520?
A: The Kawai ES520 offers a maximum polyphony of 192 notes, helping it handle sustained passages, layered sounds, and more detailed performances effectively.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 have built-in speakers?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes a built-in stereo speaker system with 40W total output, delivering a fuller and more powerful sound than many entry-level portable digital pianos.

Q: Is the Kawai ES520 portable?
A: Yes. The ES520 is designed as a portable digital piano and weighs approximately 14.5 kg without the music rest attached, making it suitable for moving between home, rehearsal, and performance environments.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 have Bluetooth?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, allowing wireless connection to compatible smart devices and wireless audio playback through the piano’s speakers.

Q: Can you stream music through the Kawai ES520 speakers?
A: Yes. The ES520 supports Bluetooth Audio, allowing you to play audio from a compatible phone, tablet, or other device through the piano’s built-in speaker system.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 support USB connection?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes both USB to Host and USB to Device connections for MIDI use, file transfer, and USB memory functionality.

Q: Can the Kawai ES520 save settings or songs to USB?
A: Yes. The ES520 can save favourite settings and internal recorder songs to a USB memory device, and it can also play back standard MIDI files from USB storage.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 have standard MIDI ports?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes MIDI In and MIDI Out connections as well as USB-MIDI and Bluetooth MIDI.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 have line inputs and outputs?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes stereo line out connections and a stereo line in, making it suitable for external amplification, playback, and recording setups.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 include recording features?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes a built-in recorder that can store up to 3 songs with 1 part, with approximately 5,000 notes of internal memory.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 include a metronome or rhythm features?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes a metronome with multiple time signatures and 100 drum rhythm patterns for practice and accompaniment.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 work with apps?
A: Yes. The ES520 supports Kawai’s PianoRemote and PiaBookPlayer apps for sound control, settings access, and lesson-related functions.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 include lesson features?
A: Yes. The ES520 supports 9 books and 377 lesson pieces when used with the PiaBookPlayer app.

Q: What keyboard modes are available on the Kawai ES520?
A: The ES520 supports Dual, Split, and Four Hands keyboard modes, allowing players to layer sounds, divide the keyboard, or create a teaching-friendly layout.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 include reverb and effects?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes 6 reverb types, 16 effects, and 3 amp simulator types to help shape and enhance its sounds.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 include Virtual Technician features?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes Virtual Technician with 17 parameters, allowing players to adjust touch, voicing, resonance, tuning, key volume, pedal response, and other piano characteristics.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 have a display?
A: Yes. The ES520 features a clear 128 x 64 pixel OLED display for navigating sounds and settings more easily.

Q: Is the Kawai ES520 good with headphones?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes Kawai’s Spatial Headphone Sound technology and allows players to select different headphone types for a more natural and comfortable listening experience.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 come with a pedal?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes an F-10H damper pedal with half-pedal support, and it is also compatible with optional triple-pedal accessories.

Q: Does the Kawai ES520 come with a music rest?
A: Yes. The ES520 includes a transparent detachable music rest.

Q: Can the Kawai ES520 be used with a stand?
A: Yes. The ES520 is compatible with a matching stand and triple pedal unit for players who want a more furniture-style setup.

Q: What colours is the Kawai ES520 available in?
A: The ES520 is available in black and white finishes.

Q: Is the Kawai ES520 good for home practice?
A: Yes. Its realistic action, strong speaker system, headphone features, and broad sound selection make it an excellent choice for regular home practice.

Q: Is the Kawai ES520 suitable for live performance?
A: Yes. Its portable design, line outputs, Bluetooth Audio and MIDI, strong speaker system, and additional instrument voices make it well suited to live use.

Q: Who should buy the Kawai ES520?
A: The Kawai ES520 is ideal for players who want a mid-to-upper portable digital piano with a more refined key action, stronger speaker output, better connectivity, and broader performance features than entry-level models.