Kawai KDP120 Digital Piano

Product Overview

Kawai has been on a steady and consistent climb in the digital piano world since the early 2000’s when it shed all other product lines to focus on one thing only: building the best pianos. An acoustic piano maker for 90 years, Kawai’s reputation for innovation and exceptional value is well established; and with digital piano models such as the KDP120, ES920, CN201, MP11se, VPC1, CA901, and the Novus series, Kawai has come to dominate discussions around the world in virtually every category of digital piano available.

The Kawai KDP120 digital piano is a full-sized, weighted 88 note instrument from the 90-year-old acclaimed piano manufacturer. It’s the latest in their KDP series which has gone toe-to-toe with Yamaha’s YDP series, Roland’s RP series, and Casio’s Privia series in sales. And, in numerous size-by-side comparisons, has been an overwhelming favorite when it comes to quality of tone and touch.

It features an acoustic piano sound that’s directly sampled from Kawai’s top concert grand piano, the Shigeru SK-EX, along with several other high-quality tones from the electric piano, string, and organ families. Unlike most instruments in its price range, the KDP120 offers full 88-key sampling and a powerful 40-watt speaker system, two outstanding features that set the instrument objectively apart from the pack.

It’s also designed for headphone use, with several headphone type settings to ensure the proper binaural experience, and when playing with the speakers, a new low volume balance feature ensures that even when set quietly, the player enjoys the correct dynamic response.

It’s a powerhouse of features, build quality, and musical potential, and a perfect way to begin you or your child’s musical journey off on the right foot.

Keyboard Action

The piano keyboard action is their RHCII, first seen in the KDP110, but now improved with additional padding and strengthened construction. It features triple sensors for improved performance at fortissimo and dynamic playing levels, as well as robust construction for years to come.

The keys are micro-textured and easy to clean, and a built-in key cover ensures that dust stays out when not in use.

Its available Bluetooth connection also means that owners can take advantage of the increased sensitivity of the triple sensor to deliver super-detailed MIDI input to apps and programs of their choice – all without the use of cables.

Sound/Tone & Connectivity

In addition to the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Concert Grand (in full 88-key sampling), the KDP120 also includes several other grand piano sounds to choose from. The tones include a beautifully rendered e-piano tone, several string patches, pipe and jazz organ, synth pad, harpsichord, for a total of 15 voices.

The earphone / headphone technology onboard ensures that players receive a perfect binaural experience whether they’re using earbuds, closed, or open-type headphones.

The KDP120 is also now compatible with Kawai’s PianoRemote app, making it even easier to select and edit tones and access the onboard educational features.

The Bluetooth MIDI and USB-MIDI connectivity options, available with iOS/Android phones, tablets, and personal computers, give expanded functionality by connecting the piano with leading apps like Skoove, Flowkey, Yousician, and PiabookPlayer Apps.

Notable Features

• Kawai’s acclaimed Shigeru Kawai SK-EX Concert 88-note, sampled Harmonic Imaging tone engine, in addition to several other concert grand piano sounds
• Responsive Hammer Compact II 88-note key action with new 3-sensor detection, and improved cushioning for an even more life-like playing experience
• 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
• 3 finishes to select from: Premium Rosewood, Black Satin, and White Satin
• Convenient Bluetooth Midi connectivity lets you use the KDP-120 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). You can now access that on both iOS and Android through the PianoRemote app.
• 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