The Kawai ES100 is an 88-key digital piano with all of the features needed for a realistic experience. It has a weighted keyboard using Advanced Hammer Action IV-F to give heavier feel in the lower tones and a lighter feel on the high end. But that is not all. And I have to tell you that this digital piano is worth taking a better look at.
Its maximum polyphony of 192 notes ensures no notes are masked or clipped during complex passages. It utilizes Harmonic Imaging sound sampling to provide an impressive mimic of acoustic sound.
Additional features such as the 19 preset voices and 100 drum rhythms allow for an enhanced personal expression.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions (WxDxH): 51.6 x 11.2 x 5.7 inches
Weight: 33 pounds
Keys: 88 Tones
Weighted Keys: Yes
Keyboard: Advanced Hammer Action IV-F
Polyphony: 192 Notes
Sound Mechanism: Harmonic Imaging with 88-key piano sampling
Number of Preset Voices: 19
Number of Preset Songs: 12
Reverb Effects:
- Concert Hall Reverb
- Small Hall Reverb
- Room
- Split Mode (with adjustable volume balance)
- Dual Mode (with adjustable volume balance)
- Transpose
- Tuning
- Auto Power Off
- Temperament
Metronome:
- 1/4, 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 3/8, 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, 12/8 beats
- Drum Rhythms: 100
Amplifiers: 7W x 7W
Speakers: 2 x 3.2″ (8 cm)
Inputs/Outputs:
- MIDI Out
- Damper Pedal
- Headphone Jack
MIDI:
- MIDI Channel
- Multi-timbral Mode
- Local Control
- Transmit MIDI Program Change
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Features
Harmonic Imaging Sound Technology
The Kawai ES100 uses Harmonic Imaging with 88-key sampling. This maintains the tone of each note in a variety of voices including pianos, organs, bass, strings and others.
Graded Hammer Action
The weighted keys are a product of the ES100’s Advanced Hammer Action IV-F. The heavier and lighter weight on opposite ends of the keyboard provides an authentic feel that will help learning pianists adapt to the form needed when playing an acoustic.
Song Recorder
The unit comes with a three-song recorder that can be used to quickly capture ideas and compositions as well as helping the user monitor play and progress during practice.
Connectivity
The ES100 features MIDI In and Out jacks to connect to computers and other digital instrument as well as headphone jacks for private and quiet play.
Modes
Dual Mode allows two voices to be played at the same time. Split Mode allows two voices to be played on two halves of the keyboard. This allows the piano to be shared for group lessons or one-on-one instruction.
Metronome
The Kawai ES100 comes with a built-in metronome that offers a vast variety of adjustable tempos and time signatures for better practice.
Pros and Cons
The ES100 offers Advanced Hammer action to give a realistic touch response similar to an acoustic instrument. It is lightweight enough to be frequently transported from venue to home or vice versa.
The piano offer s a number of features for advanced players to customize their experience yet it will not hinder beginners. The maximum polyphony comes in at 192 notes, significantly more than many available models.
It accommodates up to three tracks, or 15,000 notes, to make practice and composition much simpler. The ES100 also comes with built-in piano lessons to make learning even easier for beginners.
Pros
Good Action: The Kawai ES100 features 88-note Advanced Hammer action, providing a touch response similar to an acoustic piano once a key is pressed.
Portable: At 33 pounds, the ES100 is light enough to be easily transported between home and practice or performance venues.
192-note Polyphony: The piano’s 192-note polyphony ensures the most complex passages will not mute or cut into other tones when played.
Easy to Use: With all of its features the ES100 is very simple to use. The additional features will not hinder beginner players while they make playing easier for those that are advanced.
Piano Lessons: The Kawai ES100 comes with built-in Alfred piano lessons. The lessons that are included amount to a year of songs from Alfred Publishing.
Song Recorder:
The piano offers a simple three-song recorder that can be used for studying one’s own practice sessions or performances in addition to saving compositions.
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Conclusion
The Kawai ES100 is a total machine that any user can quickly adapt to. Its sound technology and weighted key action are enough to make it worthy of consideration for those that are used to or plan on playing the acoustic piano.
Additional features such as the song recorder and piano lessons make it even more enticing. The ES100 is a suitable purchase for those looking for a balance between affordability and functionality.