Review
Kawai ES120 review
Scout take
The ES120 is a useful candidate for home players who want a movable instrument with line outputs and both Bluetooth audio and MIDI. Its main compromise is the simple supplied pedal and a small control panel. Budget for the setup you want to keep, and compare touch directly with Yamaha and Roland rather than treating any action as objectively best.
Who it fits
- Home players and gigging musicians who need a lighter portable piano
- Players who value Bluetooth, line outputs and two headphone connections
Who should skip it
- Players who want a built-in console cabinet and integrated pedals
- Players who strongly prefer a heavier action or dislike app-assisted editing
Keyboard action
MusicRadar describes a relatively light action with some initial resistance, while music2me finds the response smooth and quick. Those observations are compatible but emphasise different moments in a key stroke. A soft opening chord and a fast passage are both worth testing. A comfortable action for one player can require adjustment for another.
Piano sound
The manufacturer documents Harmonic Imaging and acoustic-piano samples. Music2me is positive about the resulting piano sound; that is editorial listening evidence, not a measured ranking. For a buyer, the useful test is a familiar passage through both speakers and headphones. Avoid transferring another listener’s enthusiasm into a promise that the ES120 will sound best in every room.
Buyer fit
Choose the ES120 if its touch and sound suit you and you value line outputs in a light portable setup. Compare the FP-30X or P-225 if recording the piano’s internal sound through a USB audio interface is important: USB MIDI alone is not that feature. Add an appropriate pedal before comparing complete prices.
Controls and usability
MusicRadar notes that deeper sound adjustments depend on the PianoRemote app. Music2me also highlights app control, while its clearest practical complaint concerns the basic supplied footswitch. For someone who wants to switch on and play, a sparse panel may be welcome. For someone changing many settings, a tablet can become part of the routine. Check your own device compatibility.
Pricing
USD 849.00 historical promotion (ended 2026-09-30; checked 2026-09-25). Current price unavailable; excluded from budget matching. — The promotional U.S. instrument price in the key specifications table below was checked 2026-09-25 through 2026-09-30. The displayed reference price is a comparison price, not an MSRP unless explicitly identified as one. Treat the offer as temporary and compare the same finish and package, including stand, bench, pedals, tax, delivery and assembly. The internally recorded manufacturer MSRP is USD 999.00 and remains separate from the observed selling price.
Owner evidence
The evidence collected for this article does not establish a rate of failures or a recurring long-term ownership problem. We do not generalise from isolated comments or present reviewer preference as owner consensus.
Key specifications
| Status | current |
|---|---|
| Price reference | USD 849.00 historical promotion (ended 2026-09-30; checked 2026-09-25). Current price unavailable; excluded from budget matching. Instrument only; finish, tax, accessories, delivery and assembly may affect the total. |
| Keyboard action | Responsive Hammer Compact |
| Key construction | Not verified |
| Key surface | Matte key surfaces |
| Escapement / let-off | Not verified |
| Maximum polyphony | 192 |
| Piano sound technology | Harmonic Imaging; SK-EX and EX samples |
| Speakers | 12 cm x 2 |
| Amplification | 10 W x 2 |
| Pedals | F-1SP included; F-10H/GFP-3/F-351 compatible |
| Bluetooth audio | Yes |
| Bluetooth MIDI | Yes |
| USB audio interface | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line outputs | Yes |
| Headphones | 1/4 inch and 1/8 inch |
| Dimensions (mm) | 1305 W x 280 D x 150 H (music rest detached) |
| Weight (kg) | 12 |
| Apps | PianoRemote, PiaBookPlayer |
| Warranty | Not verified |
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Research disclosure
Digital Piano Scout has not physically tested this instrument. This is original research-based analysis using manufacturer documentation for facts and attributed third-party reviews for playing impressions. The source publications may have their own commercial relationships. No star rating or universal winner is assigned.
Sources and research
- Kawai ES120 official documentation — manufacturer
- musicradar.com — model review — independent review
- music2me.com — model review — independent review