Kawai KDP110 Digital Piano

Introduction

The Kawai KDP110 digital piano is the latest addition to Kawai’s lineup of high-performance digital pianos. Using Kawai’s exclusive “Harmonic Imaging Technology” with an individual 88-key piano sampling, the Kawai KDP110 outperforms every other piano in its class. The Kawai KDP110 is currently the most popular Kawai digital piano available.

It provides a beautiful sound, the distinctive touch of an acoustic grand piano, and an overall authentic piano playing experience to aspiring pianists of all ages. For those with an eye for design; it also looks stellar in matte, Premium Rosewood Finish case of sturdy construction with chrome detailing.

The KDP110 has broken a lot of ground in digital piano technology and will allow for a whole new generation of young players to have access to an authentic touch and feel at an exceptional price range. Some of the other unique features on this model include a full weighted 88 key action, built-in speakers, 2 headphone jacks, and a music desk. Truly an instrument to have on any wish list!

Action

Responsive Hammer Compact Action

Kawai puts the RHC-II action in the KDP110 digital piano, which is one generation beyond the ES110. The key construction has been further reinforced with different cushioning, and most notably, they’ve added the triple sensor Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard action that authentically replicates the natural motion and feels of an acoustic piano.

Overall, it’s a forgiving action that’s medium-weighted, touch-sensitive with an excellent track record of maintenance and wear. Kawai developed its 3-sensor Responsive Hammer Compact II action used in the KDP110 to capture the distinctive feel of an acoustic grand piano, which is equipped with a sliding key cover that helps to keep the keys away from dust and dirt when the piano is not in use. It doesn’t have an escapement on the action, which most beginners won’t notice or miss, All around, a very satisfying action to play on!

Sound/Tone & Connectivity

The Kawai KDP110 Digital Piano provides an extremely capable speaker/amplifier/piano tone combination that gives warmth and presence rarely found in this price category and also includes a variety of convenient digital functions to complement its authentic keyboard touch and rich concert grand piano sounds. The Kawai KDP110 uses Kawai’s most recent version of Harmonic Imaging, which is the synthesis engine that they’ve been honing for over a decade. It combines real samples with modeled dynamic tonal effects like resonance, hammer noise, or damper noise, and is also widely praised for its authenticity. The use of a real high-quality sample produces some moments of warmth that I find difficult to draw from the Roland in some cases, but I also appreciate the harmonic precision of the Roland – particularly in the upper ranges.

Kawai has always followed the philosophy of giving its digital pianos as wide a dynamic range as possible, and the KDP110 is consistent with this approach. This means that setting the volume to a higher level than on most digitals is the best strategy, and let the fingers control the volume. In this aspect, Kawai’s seem to take students a little further down the road in terms of developing muscle control before they might need to switch to acoustic. The Kawai KDP110 Digital Piano uses a spring-less design that delivers a consistent upward and downward motion for a smooth and natural piano playing experience.

The Kawai KDP110 Digital Piano uses Bluetooth MIDI technology to permit the connection of Kawai’s “SOUND MUSEUM” and “VIRTUAL TECHNICIAN”, as well as connecting to software such as Garage Band, Logic, or other DAW software modules. It’s extremely handy to connect without wires and makes it easier and faster to engage in a creative situation and share material afterward. It also has two headphone jacks, one-quarter inch, and the other 3.5mm that has Enhanced SHS headphone sound with headphone type settings Powerful 40W stereo amplifier. It’s a convenient feature that allows your teacher to listen to your playing. With the smaller 3.5mm jack, you can also avoid the hassle of the headphone adapter. The integrated metronome, lesson songs, and dual headphone jacks ensure that practice is both productive and engaging, while USB and Bluetooth® connectivity allow the instrument to communicate with computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Notable Features

• Kawai’s acclaimed Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Concert 88-note, sampled Harmonic Imaging tone engine
• Responsive Hammer Compact II 88-note key action with new 3-sensor detection,
• Onboard 40W stereo amplifier and speakers serve up rich, robust sound
• Headphone output equipped with Kawai’s spatial headphone sound technology
• 192 note polyphony
• Built-in lesson function and collection of Czerny, Burgmüller, and Beyer etudes, and Alfred Basic Piano course books
• Beautiful Premium Rosewood Finish
• Convenient Bluetooth Midi connectivity lets you use the KDP-110 with smart devices such as iPads, tablets, and phones
• Kawai’s flexible Virtual Technician Function allows you a level of control over the instrument simply not found in other electric pianos (far beyond just some reverb and a transpose function)
• Dual and split modes for duets and self-accompaniment
• A broad selection of non-piano sounds, including strings, harpsichord, voices, organ, drums, and more
• USB-to-host port lets you connect with your computer

Conclusions/Summary/Overall Impressions

The KDP110 is a well-built digital piano that serves beginners and hobbyists equally and features a wide dynamic range (soft pianissimos to thundering fortissimos), high-quality full 88-key sampling, Bluetooth MIDI and USB-MIDI connectivity, grand feel pedal system, and attractive cabinetry. Not surprisingly, the KDP110 commands top sales positions in multiple markets all around the world. The KDP110 has a full-size 88-key keyboard. The action of this keyboard is called the Responsive Hammer Compact II action. To ensure that your new piano sounds brilliant all time, Kawai has incorporated their Superior Headphone Sound technology into the KDP110.

The Rosewood Kawai KDP110 is one of the latest addition to the Kawai home piano line-up. This model has replaced the KDP90 which was only available in Canada for the past 3 years. The Kawai KDP110 is Kawai’s only furniture style digital piano under $1600. The Kawai KDP110 now features improved polyphony and better action, along with an upgraded speaker system. As always, Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging Technology gives the KDP110 a very authentic touch and sounds like a grand piano. The Kawai KDP110 digital piano in premium rosewood features everything you need to learn the piano – all within a stylish cabinet. Boasting Kawai’s brand new Responsive Hammer Compact II keyboard, the KDP110 piano will accurately reproduce every nuance of your performance.

MERRIAM pianos have been a Kawai dealer for almost 25 years and are the largest in Canada. For the best prices on the Kawai KDP110 and others in stock feel free to visit us at one of our GTA locations.

Good luck with the shopping, and thanks for checking out our comparison video!!

To learn more about how digital pianos are made and what makes some better than others please CLICK HERE.

Kawai KDP110 Owner’s Manual

• [English] KDP110 Owner’s Manual

Kawai KDP110 Related Resources

• [VIDEO] Kawai KDP110 Digital Piano Review & Demo
• [VIDEO] Kawai KDP70 vs KDP110 Digital Piano Comparison
• [VIDEO] Kawai KDP110 vs Yamaha Arius YDP-144 Digital Piano Comparison & Demo
• [BLOG] Kawai KDP110 Review