Kawai ES920: Review & Diapason Rating

The Kawai ES920 (RHIII action, SK-EX rendering) is a mid-range portable with an excellent action, often preferred by classical pianists for its playing realism.

Who is it for?

For the intermediate-to-advanced pianist who prioritises touch and a sampled grand tone, at home or on stage.

The touch: the RHIII action

At the heart of the ES920 is the Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) action, with triple-sensor keys, realistic graded weighting and let-off simulation. This is what earns it the preference of many classical pianists: the response in repeated notes and quiet dynamics is refined, and the feel approaches that of a well-regulated upright. The synthetic ivory-and-ebony key surfaces absorb finger moisture over long sessions.

The sound: the SK-EX rendering

The tone generator draws on the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand, sampled note by note, with Harmonic Imaging technology conveying the shades between pianissimo and fortissimo. Sympathetic resonance and damper noise add realism, and the built-in amplification copes well with a medium room. It is a warmer, rounder sound than the brightness of some rivals — a character that suits classical repertoire.

Connectivity and stage use

The feature set includes Bluetooth, line outputs, dual headphone sockets and the ability to layer and split voices — all of which make it a credible stage instrument, not just a domestic one. The weight stays manageable for a portable in this class, and paired with a dedicated stand it becomes an elegant living-room piano.

Strengths and limits

In its favour: touch quality among the best in the category, a warm and realistic sound, and home/stage versatility. Against it: a price above entry-level portables, and speakers that, while good, do not replace a PA in larger venues. It is an investment justified above all by the feel under the fingers.

Who it suits

The ES920 speaks to the intermediate or advanced pianist who puts touch first and wants a sampled grand tone without the demands of an acoustic. Those simply after a cheap first instrument have more accessible options; those chasing playing realism will find it here.

Frequently asked questions

Is the ES920 suitable for concerts? Yes: line outputs, a refined touch and manageable weight make it a favourite portable on stage as well as at home.

Why do classical players prefer it? For the RHIII action and the warm SK-EX rendering, which convey the nuances of classical repertoire well.

On stage and in the studio

Away from home the ES920 holds its own. Line outputs let you connect it to a PA or an audio interface without relying on the internal speakers, and its relatively contained weight makes it a manageable companion for rehearsals and small gigs. The ability to layer two voices or split the keyboard is useful in ensemble settings, while the dual headphone sockets ease four-hand lessons. At home, mounted on a wooden stand with a pedal unit, it becomes an elegant living-room piano that fears neither humidity nor the need for tuning.

Does it hold up against an entry-level acoustic upright? On touch and playing realism it is competitive, with the added benefits of silent headphone practice and freedom from maintenance.

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