Hauling three celebrated grand pianos, a wall of organs, and an intelligent rhythm section to the gig has never been easier! The 45-pound Kawai ES8 digital piano has sampled all 88 keys of a world-class Shigeru Kawai EX concert grand (among others) at multiple velocities for a realistic playing experience - right down to the hammer noise and damper resonance. The Kawai ES8's sophisticated graded keybed responds accurately to dynamics and quickly to repeat notes for trills and flourishes. Fill your home with gorgeous piano and organ sounds with the 30-watt onboard stereo speakers, or take advantage of dual headphone and stereo 1/4" outs for silent practice and recording sessions.
- Three Kawai grands with 30 other instruments
- Responsive Hammer III keybed plays like an acoustic piano
- Draws on 90 years of Kawai piano expertise
Three Kawai grands with 30 other instruments
Let's be honest: nothing on the market sounds and responds exactly like a great acoustic piano. But what can be said about the Kawai ES8 is it has taken exhaustive measures to provide the best approximation for an instrument of its class. The Kawai ES8 gives you three meticulously sampled pianos to use at home and onstage: The Shigeru Kawai EX and Kawai EX concert grands, and a 6' Shigeru Kawai SK5 concert grand. And since not every gig calls for a clean piano sound, Kawai saw fit to load up the ES8 with a host of other instruments, like gritty rock organs with switchable amp and rotary speaker simulators, effect pianos, strings, choirs, bass and guitar, and more. You can also layer patches for big filmic strings-and-piano productions or split patches anywhere on the keyboard to mimic a fretless bass/vibes jazz combo.
Responsive Hammer III keybed plays like an acoustic piano
Great-sounding samples aren't enough to sell a digital piano. What makes the Kawai ES8 stand out is its Responsive Hammer III (RHIII) action. Kawai's expertise in the acoustic piano realm is clear in the way it has engineered every key on the ES8. Grade-weighted hammers give the bass side a heavier feel than the treble side like on a "real" piano. Counterweights assist players with a lighter or more dynamic touch. Triple-Sensor Key Detection responds naturally to repeat strokes. And Let-Off simulation re-creates the subtle "notch" you feel on acoustic pianos when playing softly. Top these with Kawai's moisture-absorbing Ivory Touch key surfaces, and you've got a digital piano that plays every bit as good as it sounds.
Draws on 90 years of Kawai piano expertise
Kawai is held in high regard among serious keyboardists, and for good reason. The company has been hard at work crafting fine pianos since 1927, and they pour their considerable knowledge and experience into every digital piano they make. Coming from a company that knows great acoustic pianos, it's little wonder the Kawai ES8 feels and sounds so much like the real thing.
Features:
- A solid instrument for the home, teaching studio, or stage
- RHIII keys with graded hammers, 3 sensors, counterweights, and Let-Off simulation provide a realistic playing experience
- Graded action - feels heavier on the bass side and lighter on the treble end
- Dynamic response - handles the softest pps to the gnarliest fffs
- Ivory Touch matte key surfaces absorb moisture for nonslip performances
- Realistic samples of 3 Kawai grand pianos: Shigeru Kawai EX, Kawai EX, and Shigeru Kawai SK-5
- Harmonic Imaging XL sampling is the same used on Kawai's flagship CA97
- Virtual Technician creates a convincing acoustic performance with adjustable hammer noise and string/damper resonance
- 34 instruments to cover most gig needs: organs, vibes, strings, choirs, bass, guitar, etc.
- Voice layering and keyboard splits for innovative tones
- Amp simulator gives organs and rock pianos real tube grit
- Onboard reverb, modulation, and EQ for further tone shaping
- Rhythm Section follows your lead to provide backing tracks in 100 different styles
- 30-watt onboard speakers can fill a living room
- Back-panel USB to Host ports connects to a computer or iPad
- Front USB port plays MP3s and WAVs to/from a USB stick - great for learning arrangements
- Onboard multitrack recorder lets you work on hands separately or accompany yourself
- Stereo line input plays music from a phone or MP3 player
- Stereo 1/4" outs provide a rich stereo field
- MIDI in/out for no-fuss notation and recording
- Dual headphone outs are helpful for lessons with students
- Free iPad app lets you adjust ES8 settings remotely
- Includes a single sustain pedal with a half-damper function and music rack
- Stand not included, sold separately