Introduction The ES8 from Kawai, first introduced in 2016 and re-released in late 2019 with some minor engineering improvements, is one of the most well-liked digital pianos on the market today. It’s popularity stems from the RHIII action with triple sensor and let-off simulation, the unique and highly efficient onboard speaker systems, its extremely attractive […]
Introduction The Kawai GX2 grand piano is a piano that creatively blends traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation and technology. Whether it’s straightforward improvements to the lid props and soft fall systems, to the more complex improvements in touch control with the carbon fiber Millennium III action, Hard Finish coatings on the music rack, or […]
Introduction Kawai’s CN39 is the latest advancement in home digital piano technology, and represents the highest-level model with plastic key action. It’s equipped with a 4-speaker amplification system, GM2 soundbanks plus the Progressive Harmonic Imaging sound engine including the SK-EX Concert Grand Sample (the same type of piano found in concert halls, now comfortably […]
Introduction The RD-2000 is the latest in the RD series from Roland – probably the world’s best-known stage pianos of the last 10 years along with Nord’s lineup, and a bench-mark for master controllers across the industry. It offers up a dual sound engine, giving full polyphony to it’s piano sounds; it has the Supernatural […]
Introduction The W. Hoffmann Professional series grand pianos are built in the Czech Republic by C. Bechstein Europe (a wholly-owned subsidiary of C. Bechstein Germany), based on many of the same designs and parts that are used in the Bechstein Academy series as well as the Tradition Series. They are built to satisfy professional […]
Introduction Welcome to a video review and article on Casio’s Privia PX-160 digital piano, presented by Stu Harrison for Merriam Pianos. We’ll be discussing this high-value, entry-level piano that’s receiving use as a stage piano for professional musicians, as well as home-based starter instruments all around the world. It uses Casio’s Award-winning Tone Generator […]
Introduction The Roland FP-90 is a premium portable piano that combines elements of a stage piano with performance enhancements like rhythm accompaniments, live mic effects, 3-band equalizer, high-quality onboard speakers, and available 3 pedal unit. It has emerged as a flagship piano for Roland and bench-setter in the category, competing head to head with […]
Introduction The W. Hoffmann line of pianos from C. Bechstein are made in the Czech Republic by C. Bechstein Europe. They are quality instruments made by piano makers that draw on the longstanding experience of the Czech people in virtually all areas of precision manufacturing and musical instrument construction. The Vision Series is the […]
Introduction C. Bechstein’s Zimmermann line is a re-designed, re-engineered line of piano that provides one of the more successful marriages of Asian manufacturing and German designs and oversight. Zimmermann is a long-established German piano line that C. Bechstein purchased, and maintained Germany manufacturing for a brief period before making the decision to shift production […]
Introduction There are few upright pianos available from any manufacturer for less than $5,000 that would be considered anything but an entry-level instrument; however, the Kawai K15 and Yamaha B1 are two that defy that stereotype. They’re well-made with the same level of craftsmanship we all expect from both companies, use quality components and […]
