Combining Kawai's authentic Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action and Progressive Harmonic Imaging sound technologies, with modern Bluetooth® connectivity and a powerful 40W speaker system, the superb ES520 delivers best-in-class touch and tone within a stylish, highly portable package for the home, studio, or stage.
Highlights
■ Authentic Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action
■ Matte key surfaces, triple sensor hammer detection
■ Progressive Harmonic Imaging sound engine with 88-key sampling
■ Shigeru Kawai SK-EX and Kawai EX grand piano sounds
■ Hardware developed in partnership w/Onkyo, 40W speaker system
■ Integrated Bluetooth® MIDI and Audio wireless technology
■ Standard MIDI, USB to Host/Device, Audio In/Out connectivity
■ Spatial Headphone Sound for enhanced depth and realism
■ Intuitive control panel layout with high quality OLED display
■ Modern, lightweight case with matching stand and triple pedal unit
Main Features
The new Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHC II) action has been developed to reproduce the distinctive touch of an acoustic grand piano. The weight of the keyboard is appropriately graded to mirror the heavier bass and lighter treble hammers of acoustic pianos, with a smooth matte texture applied to each black and white key for enhanced playability. As with other Kawai digital piano keyboard actions, Responsive Hammer Compact II utilises triple sensor hammer velocity detection, and features a springless mechanism that delivers a smooth and natural piano playing experience. Despite its lightweight, compact design, the RHC II action allows experienced pianists to perform with confidence, playing fortissimo with power and certainty, while delicately controlling the softest, most gentle pianissimo passages.
The ES520 digital piano captures the rich, expressive sound of the Kawai SK-EX and EX grand pianos, with all 88 keys of these exceptional instruments meticulously recorded, analysed and faithfully reproduced using Progressive Harmonic Imaging™ sound technology. This unique process accurately recreates the broad dynamic range of the original grand pianos, affording pianists an extraordinary level of expressiveness ranging from the softest pianissimo to the strongest, boldest fortissimo. The instrument’s built-in Virtual Technician feature allows various characteristics of these acoustic piano sounds to be shaped at the touch of a button, with settings to adjust string and damper resonance, in addition to subtle hammer, damper, and key release noises. This personalised piano sound is further enhanced with atmospheric reverberation effects, delivering a rich, vibrant piano tone with breathtaking realism and authenticity.
Supplementing the realistic acoustic piano voices, the ES520 digital piano also features a strong selection of additional instrument sounds, ranging from electric pianos and drawbar and church organs, to string, choir, and mallet instruments, inviting musicians to add greater variety to their performances. Furthermore, the Dual playing mode also allows two different sounds, such as grand piano and strings, to be layered together, while the Split and Four Hands modes divide the keyboard into two independent sections. The volume balances for each playing mode can also be adjusted quickly and easily using the real-time panel controls.
Featuring a variety of styles ranging from pop and rock ballads, to jazz-funk, dance, and latin flavours, the Rhythm Section function of the ES520 digital piano provides solo performers with professionally arranged backing accompaniment at the touch of a button. In addition, the 100 preset chord progressions and One Finger Ad-lib™ solo phrases allow musicians to breathe life into their repertoire, while maintaining control over each performance.
In addition to standard MIDI jacks for connecting to other instruments, the ES920 digital piano also boasts integrated Bluetooth MIDI and Audio technology that allows the instrument to communicate with supported smart devices wirelessly. Once connected to a phone, tablet, or laptop, ES520 digital piano owners can enjoy a wide variety of exciting music-related apps that enhance their learning and playing experience, or stream audio from songs and videos through the instrument’s speakers without additional cables.
The ES520 digital piano features a variety of standard connectivity options, with Line-level output jacks that allow the instrument to be enjoyed in larger settings such as churches and schools. Standard MIDI and USB to Host connectors ensure flexibility when using computers and other electronic instruments, while the Line-in stereo jack provides a convenient method of mixing in audio from a laptop, tablet, or other digital device.
Specification
Keyboard
Sound Source
Music/Recording
Features
Sound System
Construction
Dimensions
Coronavirus Update
Our chosen couriers are currently operating as normal and all orders should be delivered on time. DPD are also now operating a "contact-free" service as a standard process and customers will not be asked to sign handheld units.
Order before 2pm, Monday to Friday, for same-day dispatch of in-stock orders. Very heavy items such as pianos may take longer to deliver. In-stock orders placed over the weekend will be dispatched on Monday. Estimated delivery times for out of stock items are to be used as a guide only, these items may take longer than estimated to arrive. While we try our best to ensure rapid delivery of your order, delays may occur which are outside our control, and delivery of large or bulky items, or to remote or non-mainland addresses may take longer than estimated.
Courier Tracking
Most UK deliveries are shipped by our trusted courier, DPD. You'll receive an email with a delivery day, tracking and a one hour estimated delivery window on the morning of delivery. While we can't specify the time of the delivery, if it's not convenient, you can arrange directly with DPD for an alternative delivery date or request the parcel be left with a neighbour.
For heavier items, we usually ship UK deliveries by TNT. You will receive an email with tracking details when we ship your order.
Delivery Charges
Delivery to mainland UK addresses is free on all orders over £99. Delivery charges are based on the size and weight of your order and, in some cases, your location. A standard next working day carriage charge for UK mainland addresses is shown on the shopping basket page, but you can change delivery service later in the checkout.
Delivery Couriers
We use a few different delivery couriers, depending on the items being sent, your location, and the delivery service you've chosen:
Most orders will need to be signed for and we advise you make sure to check your parcel/s for any damage before signing. If no-one is available at your address, a card will be left so you can arrange a re-delivery directly with the courier. Redirection of an order after it's been dispatched may incur an extra charge from the courier.
Delivery charges displayed apply to most UK mainland addresses. Deliveries to Northern Ireland, UK non-mainland, and European addresses will cost more, and carriage charges will be shown at the checkout before you place your order. Free delivery offers may not apply to some remote/Scottish Highlands addresses.
There are currently delays for all returns processing due to extra safety procedures. Thanks for your patience during this difficult time.
It doesn't happen often, but occasionally an item can get damaged on the way to you. Don't worry! If your order is received either damaged or faulty, just let us know, preferably using the returns request form within 30 days of receiving the item, and we'll arrange for it its return and for a replacement or refund.
You can return most items bought online or by phone within 14 days for a refund (provided that it is unused and returned to us in New Condition – including packaging). You will need to return the item at your own expense. When we receive the goods back undamaged and with the correct packaging we will refund the cost of the goods.
Software or products that include software that needs to be registered are not eligible for this 14 day return period if opened and installed, and due to hygiene reasons we can't accept certain used in-ear headphones, microphones or harmonicas.
The repair procedure for items which are under guarantee varies from manufacturer to manufacturer - please refer to the documentation which accompanied your purchase or complete the returns request form and we will advise you of the appropriate process.