No one explains each thing with such great depth and detail like you do, you take time, play and review each functionality of the instrument beautifully. It''s just so refreshing to hear. PLEASE PLEASE NEVER EVER CHANGE YOUR REVIEWING STYLE. Cheers !
Enjoy the show... Could you just change one thing...? Play one song on one and then immediately turn over and play the exact song on the other. That way we hear the difference immediately. Then you can talk about each one. Thank you very much
Santa brought us casio 870 this year)) now we can play) sounds soooo good)) and now it is such a pleasure to hear you playing both of them. I wish someday i, my wife and kids will achieve such a high level.
Hello from an old lady, semi-retired professor looking forward to having more time to play the piano. I am in your category called hobbyist. I am so glad I stumbled across one of your videos. Now I have watched about a dozen of them. It has completely changed my mind about what kind of piano I will buy for our casa in Mexico. We will live there half the year. In Chicago I have a grand piano that I love. It's a Yamaha with 2 pedals. I watched your video about what the pedals do which was great. I had no idea. I use the sustain pedal a lot, but didn't know what the others did. I never had piano lessons. As a kid I had a Hammond C3 and had lessons for a few years on that. When I got an acoustic piano as an adult I fell in love with it, because you can control how loud each note is. On the organ it really doesn't matter how you hit the keys You control the volume with a foot pedal. I watched your video about upright acoustic pianos, because I thought that I would have to have an acoustic piano in Mexico to be almost as good as my grand. Your video convinced me that it would be hard for me to to evaluate uprights. It's also hard to find them near our little town in Mexico. You have convinced me to buy a digital piano. It makes more sense here where there is a rainy season and a dry season and the humidity changes radically. Our casa, like most around here high up in the mountains, does not have central air or heat. So having a piano that stays in tune is a plus, although I must admit when my grand gets out of tune and sounds ripe, I like it, Also I'm excited to be able to play with headphones and not annoy my husband. I am leaning towards the Casio PX 870. I will take your advice and find showrooms in Chicago to see (hear) what I like the most. I will be looking for a grand piano sound since I play mostly classical music. I will be looking for an action that I like. Having learned on an organ, I suppose I have a light touch. Yet I seem to do OK on my Yamaha grand. I don't know how much my hearing aids might change what I like. I don't wear them most of the time. I have what they call age appropriate hearing loss, a loss in the high frequencies. Thanks for making all those videos. I suspect that you have a category of old people like me who watch your videos and are as grateful as I am.
The other thing about digital pianos is one can adjust the 'heaviness' of the keys. I was told that, if older people have limited mobility in the fingers (mild arthritis) this can be a real benefit - plus, as you say, being able to use headphones. Also, being lightweight, much easier to move around, and those organ sounds as well that you remember from your youth. Personally I love the Kawai sound.
Everytime I hear a kawai piano I prefer it over everything else. It has the warmth. I even prefer kawai over bosenderfor, steinway, or the Italian fazioli.
I do love these piano reviews. I think Mr. Harrison does just a fabulous job going over these pianos and doing comparisons. My only comment on this particular comparison is that they are close, but probably differ enough in price as of Jan 23' to be in different financial classes. Yes, both under $1,500, but the PX-870 can be had for about $1,100US (with some extras thrown in), KDP120 a right at $1,500US plus or minus a few dollars. $400, or 36% higher for the Kawai can be a lot depending, of course, on one's budget. Hated having to be that practical, but for me, it led me to go with PX-870 even though I might have favored the sounds of the KDP a bit more. Sadly, such are life's compromises.
Thanks for tuning in and for your kind words! In the Canadian market, the gap between these two pianos is only about $150. With that said, there is a lot of disparity when it comes to price gaps between certain manufacturers and models in different markets. In either case, the PX870 is a fantastic piano that present a wonderful cost-to-value ratio. It will serve you well! :)
@@MerriamPianos I have noticed that (especially after looking at your website). I should have specified "US Market" or "US Stores". My bad. But I did get an idea of smuggling Kawai Pianos from Canada across the border. Kind of like whiskey during prohibition. Have to work that out :). Anyway again, love the channel, love the reviews, I think they are the best out there and utterly fascinating. If and when I move up from the PX=870, coming right back here for ideas. Until then, just going to watch for the shear fun of it. Cheers!
The Kawaii KDP120 has been recommended to me, and also the Roland FP701. So far, from watching TH-cam reviews, I’m already more drawn to the Kawaii KDP 120 hoping to try it out tomorrow. It’s sounding absolutely beautiful on this video. I’ll try them both, and a couple of other models on my list. Ok, I’ll get back into your review now!
The KDP120 is an awesome instrument all-around. Fantastic tone, responsive touch and a very impressive speaker system. I think you will be thrilled with what it has to offer! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you. Tried the KDP 130, it had much to offer, however I preferred the sound and feel of the Roland F701. Going to have a little think now, because I tried a couple of Korg’s last weekend. Will probably try some Casio’s and Yamaha’s next weekend!
@@lc1796 Hello, would you believe that I still have not chosen any? Since the time of trying the KDP120 and the Roland F701…I tried the Kawaii CN201, and prefer that one along with the Yamaha CLP785 (but that one is definitely out of my price range)! Have you tried any that you like?
The Yamaha YDP164 is inferior in every way to the Kawai KDP120 for one BIG reason: Merriam Music is not a Yamaha dealer. They are a Kawai, Roland, and Casio dealer. You can check their website. Do you really expect Stu to compare the Yamaha YDP164 favorably against Kawai? And lose sales? Why would he say anything good about a brand they don't sell? All these videos are part of the company trying to reach customers. They will tell you what you want to hear. Most people here are Kawai fans. Wrong channel for your request.
In China KDP120 is going be on sale at 870$ CAD / 700$ USD on 11/11 (bigger than black Friday event), shame there's no such discount for pianos in the west
Thank you so much! This comparison video as well as the one between the Kawai KDP120 and Yamaha YDP144 and the analysis of different price points have been a massive help to me in narrowing down my choices from a much larger field. I'm planning to try these models out in a store today armed with this knowledge, and hope to finally come away with a new digital piano after years of putting it off. Too bad I don't live near a Merriam store!
In case others are interested in the videos I referenced above...KDP120 vs. YDP144: th-cam.com/video/IB0EWvRHuNU/w-d-xo.html. Price point comparison: th-cam.com/video/IB0EWvRHuNU/w-d-xo.html.
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words! We appreciate it. We're so happy to hear that you found the videos helpful in your process. Best of luck and enjoy your new piano, whichever one you decide upon! :)
what about KDP120 vs CN-29? I guess the comparison might help someone considering how much it's worth the money going for the CN-29 against the KDP-120.
Spec-wise the differences seem to be RH3 action and Progressive Harmonic Imaging in the CN29, vs the RHC2 action and Harmonic Imaging engine in the KDP-120.
You won’t get all the Harmonic Engine resonances on this instrument. They add each one additional harmonics element with each model number upgrade and there is only simplest damper resonance in KDP120 (10 parameters in the Virtual Technocian, not 15), while more advanced instruments in the model line has also string resonances, cabinet resonances, etc., etc., and even physical modeling resonances. So they may have the same SK-EX samples but sound much more natural!
Hi, thank you for the great review. Could you please let me know which of these two is likely better for a complete beginner (child). I mistakenly bought an electronic keyboard thinking it's all the same only to learn how wrong I was!! Therefore, looking for a weighted keyboard digital piano to restart my child's music journey. Thank you
Interesting comparison on the tuning. I do prefer the sound on the Casio, action wise it is a toss up with the Kawai closer to a Piano but Casio is more responsive. The deal for me is Kawai has bluetooth Midi but I think Casio doesn't
They're both excellent pianos in their own regard, but they offer very different things musically, as you've pointed out. In either case, you're getting a piano that can offer a very satisfying and rewarding musical experience. :)
Volume is always a question. If the Casio is preferable at low volumes and the Kawai at high, there must be a point where they sound comparable. No digital piano has exceptional volume without an amplifier and most of us will be playing around mid volume so how do they stack up in the real world between max and min? The Casio is surprisingly closer to meeting my needs but I would never swap my acoustic Yamaha for one of these pianos.
Always great reviews, thank you! I'm choosing for a piano as a gift to my daughter, she is 10 years old. She likes the kawai tone. I'm wondering if spending 860 euro for the kdp120 or going to effort a 1200 euros expence for the cn201 or 1500 for a new but discontinued ca49. What do you suggest? Is a sense option to spend more ina a longevity prospective? Thank you. Ciao from Italy!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for writing in! The CN201 and CA49 are a meaningful step up from the already amazing KDP120. So, if you are looking for longevity, I would definitely recommend those options. I personally prefer the touch of the CA49 and, given that I prioritize action when it comes to digital piano purchases, that would be my top suggestion personally. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianosIn my humble opinion, the Casio Privia PX870 is one of the most underrated digital consoles on the market for under $1200. What do you think, Stu?
Everyone, I have both...the secret is to attach a pair of external speakers....I recommend Logitech THX $100 Amazon, big woofer... excellent sound. Kawai can not play internal and ext at the same time 🤔🤔870 no problem, and Casio has better demo songs, Kawai not excited 🤔🤔 but I like Kawai Shinguru sound it's good but es 520 better for sure...and can play both speaker systems at the same time. 👍👍. Finally DP lovers the key of enjoyment IS THE EXTERNAL SPEAKERS , 🙏🙏🙏
I like 870 concert Play, Kawai no, and app still in development stage, don't get famous classical pieces as in 870...870 need too much key interactions, Kawai is simpler (120) 520has display... cabinet design looks nice in white 👍
Hi there and thanks for these great reviews! I’m interested in the jazz organ sound on the PX 870. Is it decent quality sound in comparison to Kawai? Can the Leslie speaker effect be controlled by the pedals? Thanks so much!!!
Hi! Brent here! The Casio PX870's organ sounds are quite good, including the jazz organ. However, the speaker effect cannot be controlled using the pedals. Some digital pianos (some Roland models for instance) have assignable pedals that can control those types of effects though. I would say the PX870 and KDP120 have fairly comparable non-piano sounds in terms of quality and fidelity. But, that is a matter of subjectivity of course!
@@MerriamPianos cool, thanks for getting back me! I saw you turning the Leslie effect on and off with the pedal of the Kawai in this video at 23:15, and that looks fun. Hopefully I’ll get an chance to play these both in real life soon, so I can choose one for myself.
Both of these models offer excellent tone and touch for their price, but every individual player will have their own preference in terms of what connects with them and their own playing. :)
Hi, great review! Can you pls reveal me does the KDP 120 have some options to record track/song and transfer it to the PC or mobile phone in wav or mpr3 format? Thanks!
Thanks for tuning in! We appreciate it. :) The KDP120 does have onboard recording, but it does not have a USB port to be able to transfer it easily to a computer or device. You could still do it, but you would need an audio interface that can accept 1/8" or 1/4" connections. You would have to connect a cable from the headphone output of the KDP120 to the audio interface input, which would be connected to your computer or device. Thanks and hope this helps!
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for quick response. That feature was my last turning point before buying the kdp120, but if there is alternative option (as you said) that's cool for me. Do you have any suggestions about audio interface? Thanks
Bought the Casio PX-870, its so much better than the Kawai. You can hear he used the word "love" with the PX-870 and he is not wrong, and yes it sounds like the Steinway I love.
Hi all. A question, please. Could you compare a Casio privia with a Casio celviano all two about maybe 1000 €? Thank you very very much for your work and your videos.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you. With that said, we do have a few videos in the queue currently. :)
This is a really great presentation, thank you very much. I have a proposal to play solo as a pianist in a restaurant. I can't decide - which instrument should I buy the Kawai KDP-120 or Casio PX-870?
In your case, I'd stick with Kawai: - more bassy and chocolate sound - more powerful output - classic brand name Though. Me personally, I've stuck in picking one specific option between these two.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that comparison. However, they are not quite comparable models. The direct competitor to the KDP120 from Casio is the PX870. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
How is the cabinet stability for the Kawai KDP 120? I tested some competing models today, and found that some of the stands would "wriggle" while others were stable. Unfortunately the shop didn't have the KDP 120 in stock, so I was unable to test it.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The KDP120 stand is quite robust and sturdy. At this price point, it is one of the most stable built-in stands in my opinion. :)
in the comparison you did between this Casio and the Yamaha 144,which has the GHS,you said that other than the texture you couldnt tell them apart.How is it possible that this Casio reminds you a heavy action like PHA-4 which is much heavier than GHS?
Hi! Brent here! While I can't speak on behalf of Stu, I don't think it has to do with heaviness/lightness of the touch. The Casio action feels completely different than the PHA4 action in nearly every regard (weighting, escapement, key texture, etc.). Thanks and all the best! :)
Does the cabinet of a console digital have much influence on sound quality, or is it just a basic stand for the keyboard? Seems like it would affect the sound of the speakers, depending on where they are placed. There are also aesthetics involved just as a piece of furniture? From this video I would prefer the look of the Kawai.
Hi Katie! Brent from Merriam Music here! In some cases, the cabinet of the console digital piano will influence the sound in a meaningful way. First of all, the presence/absence of a speaker box/enclosure, and the positioning of the speakers can have a drastic difference on the sonic experience. Furthermore, while most cabinets are not made of materials that are specifically chose for their acoustic properties, because the cabinet simply has more material, I personally find them to offer a bit more resonance and a sound that seems to fill the immediate space around the instrument more fully. However, the aforementioned points do have a lot to do with that as well. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks! I am heavily involved in researching to purchase my first digital (to replace a not-so-wonderful spinet) and I have read many comments that say there is little point in spending extra $$ for the cabinet when many of the consoles have the same sound engine as the keyboard on a stand. As a HIFI enthusiast, I know that the materials and construction of speaker boxes are very important, as are materials and construction in acoustic pianos, and since so many of these models depend on speakers, that is what prompted my question. Is it fair to assume that the more expensive the console piano, the better the quality of cabinet designs and materials?
@@marlajackson1905 what he means is that it’s mathematically impossible to tune a piano 100% perfectly, so there will always be small compromises (usually it’s tuned using what’s known as an “equal temperament” to minimize those compromises and spread them evenly across the piano). Stretch tuning is pretty standard, and most people likely wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in a blind test. All that to say, no, the choice between these two digital pianos will have no bearing on the development of a child’s ear unless perhaps they can perceive pitches with an EXTREMELY rare level of precision
Hi! Brent here! The AP470 is certainly a more refined and richer tone due to the tone engine and speaker system. I am not sure which Steinway D sampling you are referring to, so I can't really comment on that aspect as every sample set sounds a bit different even when using the same piano model to generate the samples.
Here is the definition for stretched tuning: In stretched tuning, two notes an octave apart, whose fundamental frequencies should have an exact 2:1 ratio, are tuned slightly farther apart (a stretched octave). Thanks and hope this helps clarify things! :)
Regarding the "stretching" you say at first that they'd both stretched the tuning. I think I heard you mention that the bottom end is sharper on the Casio, while the top end is sharper on the Kawai? If so, I reckon they come out even on this score. But you went on to say Kawai stretched the tuning and Casio hadn't. Did I hear correctly?
that doesn't even out, that makes the kawai stretched, while casio isn't. "bottom end is sharper on the casio" => kawai stretches more the lower end "top end is sharper on the kawai" => kawai stretches more on the top end ===> kawai stretches the whole keyboard.
The KDP and PX series are both excellent lines! It is interesting that the price disparity is quite different from market to market. In any case, you can't go wrong with either option. They both make for wonderful starting points! :)
Probably works pretty well, This is similar to what I have, but seems updated. I think you asked me about speakers before. This must be what you decided on.
Couldn't this have been recorded at a time when an out-of-tune piano was NOT audibly being tuned in the background? These videos are usually amazing but I found the background clash distracting.
No one explains each thing with such great depth and detail like you do, you take time, play and review each functionality of the instrument beautifully. It''s just so refreshing to hear. PLEASE PLEASE NEVER EVER CHANGE YOUR REVIEWING STYLE. Cheers !
Enjoy the show... Could you just change one thing...? Play one song on one and then immediately turn over and play the exact song on the other.
That way we hear the difference immediately. Then you can talk about each one. Thank you very much
Casio and Kawai are my two favorite piano manufacturers. Seeing them both on screen my heart just felt full looking at the thumbnail
Santa brought us casio 870 this year)) now we can play) sounds soooo good)) and now it is such a pleasure to hear you playing both of them. I wish someday i, my wife and kids will achieve such a high level.
Hello from an old lady, semi-retired professor looking forward to having more time to play the piano. I am in your category called hobbyist. I am so glad I stumbled across one of your videos. Now I have watched about a dozen of them. It has completely changed my mind about what kind of piano I will buy for our casa in Mexico. We will live there half the year. In Chicago I have a grand piano that I love. It's a Yamaha with 2 pedals. I watched your video about what the pedals do which was great. I had no idea. I use the sustain pedal a lot, but didn't know what the others did. I never had piano lessons. As a kid I had a Hammond C3 and had lessons for a few years on that. When I got an acoustic piano as an adult I fell in love with it, because you can control how loud each note is. On the organ it really doesn't matter how you hit the keys You control the volume with a foot pedal. I watched your video about upright acoustic pianos, because I thought that I would have to have an acoustic piano in Mexico to be almost as good as my grand. Your video convinced me that it would be hard for me to to evaluate uprights. It's also hard to find them near our little town in Mexico. You have convinced me to buy a digital piano. It makes more sense here where there is a rainy season and a dry season and the humidity changes radically. Our casa, like most around here high up in the mountains, does not have central air or heat. So having a piano that stays in tune is a plus, although I must admit when my grand gets out of tune and sounds ripe, I like it, Also I'm excited to be able to play with headphones and not annoy my husband. I am leaning towards the Casio PX 870. I will take your advice and find showrooms in Chicago to see (hear) what I like the most. I will be looking for a grand piano sound since I play mostly classical music. I will be looking for an action that I like. Having learned on an organ, I suppose I have a light touch. Yet I seem to do OK on my Yamaha grand. I don't know how much my hearing aids might change what I like. I don't wear them most of the time. I have what they call age appropriate hearing loss, a loss in the high frequencies. Thanks for making all those videos. I suspect that you have a category of old people like me who watch your videos and are as grateful as I am.
The other thing about digital pianos is one can adjust the 'heaviness' of the keys. I was told that, if older people have limited mobility in the fingers (mild arthritis) this can be a real benefit - plus, as you say, being able to use headphones. Also, being lightweight, much easier to move around, and those organ sounds as well that you remember from your youth. Personally I love the Kawai sound.
Yet another fantastic video Stu makes me want to go and spend a fortune on a fantastic piano
Your videos have the best and most in-depth explanations. Thank you so much!
Thanks a million Julia! We appreciate the kind words and compliments immensely! :)
Everytime I hear a kawai piano I prefer it over everything else. It has the warmth. I even prefer kawai over bosenderfor, steinway, or the Italian fazioli.
Best piano comparison reviews out there. I love how you give your opinion but also explain how it is due to personal preferences
I do love these piano reviews. I think Mr. Harrison does just a fabulous job going over these pianos and doing comparisons. My only comment on this particular comparison is that they are close, but probably differ enough in price as of Jan 23' to be in different financial classes. Yes, both under $1,500, but the PX-870 can be had for about $1,100US (with some extras thrown in), KDP120 a right at $1,500US plus or minus a few dollars. $400, or 36% higher for the Kawai can be a lot depending, of course, on one's budget. Hated having to be that practical, but for me, it led me to go with PX-870 even though I might have favored the sounds of the KDP a bit more. Sadly, such are life's compromises.
Thanks for tuning in and for your kind words! In the Canadian market, the gap between these two pianos is only about $150. With that said, there is a lot of disparity when it comes to price gaps between certain manufacturers and models in different markets. In either case, the PX870 is a fantastic piano that present a wonderful cost-to-value ratio. It will serve you well! :)
@@MerriamPianos I have noticed that (especially after looking at your website). I should have specified "US Market" or "US Stores". My bad. But I did get an idea of smuggling Kawai Pianos from Canada across the border. Kind of like whiskey during prohibition. Have to work that out :). Anyway again, love the channel, love the reviews, I think they are the best out there and utterly fascinating. If and when I move up from the PX=870, coming right back here for ideas. Until then, just going to watch for the shear fun of it. Cheers!
The Kawaii KDP120 has been recommended to me, and also the Roland FP701. So far, from watching TH-cam reviews, I’m already more drawn to the Kawaii KDP 120 hoping to try it out tomorrow. It’s sounding absolutely beautiful on this video. I’ll try them both, and a couple of other models on my list. Ok, I’ll get back into your review now!
The KDP120 is an awesome instrument all-around. Fantastic tone, responsive touch and a very impressive speaker system. I think you will be thrilled with what it has to offer! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you. Tried the KDP 130, it had much to offer, however I preferred the sound and feel of the Roland F701. Going to have a little think now, because I tried a couple of Korg’s last weekend. Will probably try some Casio’s and Yamaha’s next weekend!
@@Genevieve8002 hi, which did you end up picking? Thanks
@@lc1796 Hello, would you believe that I still have not chosen any? Since the time of trying the KDP120 and the Roland F701…I tried the Kawaii CN201, and prefer that one along with the Yamaha CLP785 (but that one is definitely out of my price range)! Have you tried any that you like?
Yo estuve viendo esos mismos dos, pero me decidi por kawai, encontre que sonaba mucho mas real
I'm not interesed on neither of those pianos but see this man playing is AWESOME!
Now we need to compare the Kawai-KDP120 and the Yamaha YDP164!
Please!!!!!!
I'd bet on Kawai - like it's fatty chocolate sound. Based on what Stu explained me 😅
The Yamaha YDP164 is inferior in every way to the Kawai KDP120 for one BIG reason: Merriam Music is not a Yamaha dealer. They are a Kawai, Roland, and Casio dealer. You can check their website. Do you really expect Stu to compare the Yamaha YDP164 favorably against Kawai? And lose sales? Why would he say anything good about a brand they don't sell? All these videos are part of the company trying to reach customers. They will tell you what you want to hear. Most people here are Kawai fans. Wrong channel for your request.
@@Instrumental-Covers th-cam.com/video/IB0EWvRHuNU/w-d-xo.html
A superbly thorough review, thanks so much.
In China KDP120 is going be on sale at 870$ CAD / 700$ USD on 11/11 (bigger than black Friday event), shame there's no such discount for pianos in the west
Kawai has the more authentic and musical sound. More complex and rich. Harmonically more like the real thing IMO.
Kawai's 88 note SKEX samples definitely give the KDP120 one of the most authentic sounds on the market at this price point!
Which model...casio or the kawaii..has the quietest key mechanics?
Great video! Now is time to compare the Kawai KDP75 vs Casio PX 770!
Thank you so much! This comparison video as well as the one between the Kawai KDP120 and Yamaha YDP144 and the analysis of different price points have been a massive help to me in narrowing down my choices from a much larger field. I'm planning to try these models out in a store today armed with this knowledge, and hope to finally come away with a new digital piano after years of putting it off. Too bad I don't live near a Merriam store!
In case others are interested in the videos I referenced above...KDP120 vs. YDP144: th-cam.com/video/IB0EWvRHuNU/w-d-xo.html. Price point comparison: th-cam.com/video/IB0EWvRHuNU/w-d-xo.html.
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in and for the kind words! We appreciate it. We're so happy to hear that you found the videos helpful in your process. Best of luck and enjoy your new piano, whichever one you decide upon! :)
what about KDP120 vs CN-29? I guess the comparison might help someone considering how much it's worth the money going for the CN-29 against the KDP-120.
I really want to know this too!
Spec-wise the differences seem to be RH3 action and Progressive Harmonic Imaging in the CN29, vs the RHC2 action and Harmonic Imaging engine in the KDP-120.
this is useful. th-cam.com/video/5FeMSVZ9dMI/w-d-xo.html
Extremely useful and on point comparison.Thanks for your work!
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! :)
I hear someone tuning a piano. Minute 10:50
Excellent video!
Excellent video. Superb comparison. Thank you. Answered all my questions.
Thanks so much! We're glad you enjoyed it! :)
You won’t get all the Harmonic Engine resonances on this instrument. They add each one additional harmonics element with each model number upgrade and there is only simplest damper resonance in KDP120 (10 parameters in the Virtual Technocian, not 15), while more advanced instruments in the model line has also string resonances, cabinet resonances, etc., etc., and even physical modeling resonances. So they may have the same SK-EX samples but sound much more natural!
Thanks for the absolutely great review!
I'm quite happy to just sit here and watch Stu Play.....Just Awsome! 👏👍
Stu's amazing and we're very luck to have his talent and knowledge! :)
Great review! Like always!
I have no idea what your talking about however I just purchased a PX-870.
Congrats on your PX870! They're awesome pianos! :)
So much value for me , thank you so much i will probably buy one for my son
Hi, thank you for the great review. Could you please let me know which of these two is likely better for a complete beginner (child). I mistakenly bought an electronic keyboard thinking it's all the same only to learn how wrong I was!! Therefore, looking for a weighted keyboard digital piano to restart my child's music journey. Thank you
Interesting comparison on the tuning.
I do prefer the sound on the Casio, action wise it is a toss up with the Kawai closer to a Piano but Casio is more responsive.
The deal for me is Kawai has bluetooth Midi but I think Casio doesn't
They're both excellent pianos in their own regard, but they offer very different things musically, as you've pointed out. In either case, you're getting a piano that can offer a very satisfying and rewarding musical experience. :)
This guy knows his shit. Great technique and musicality too..
Stu is awesome! We are very lucky to have him! :)
Volume is always a question. If the Casio is preferable at low volumes and the Kawai at high, there must be a point where they sound comparable. No digital piano has exceptional volume without an amplifier and most of us will be playing around mid volume so how do they stack up in the real world between max and min? The Casio is surprisingly closer to meeting my needs but I would never swap my acoustic Yamaha for one of these pianos.
Kawai better by Far
Always great reviews, thank you! I'm choosing for a piano as a gift to my daughter, she is 10 years old. She likes the kawai tone. I'm wondering if spending 860 euro for the kdp120 or going to effort a 1200 euros expence for the cn201 or 1500 for a new but discontinued ca49. What do you suggest? Is a sense option to spend more ina a longevity prospective? Thank you. Ciao from Italy!
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for writing in! The CN201 and CA49 are a meaningful step up from the already amazing KDP120. So, if you are looking for longevity, I would definitely recommend those options. I personally prefer the touch of the CA49 and, given that I prioritize action when it comes to digital piano purchases, that would be my top suggestion personally. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
THanks, very detailed analysis.
You're very welcome! Thanks for tuning in! :)
The PX870 has been pitted against all brands. Casio has definitely captured Merriam Music's attention!
The Casio PX870 is a wonderful, fully-equipped console digital piano! It has been quite a popular model for us. :)
@@MerriamPianosIn my humble opinion, the Casio Privia PX870 is one of the most underrated digital consoles on the market for under $1200. What do you think, Stu?
Great video. Very informative
Thanks so much! We're glad you enjoyed it! :)
Everyone, I have both...the secret is to attach a pair of external speakers....I recommend Logitech THX $100 Amazon, big woofer... excellent sound. Kawai can not play internal and ext at the same time 🤔🤔870 no problem, and Casio has better demo songs, Kawai not excited 🤔🤔 but I like Kawai Shinguru sound it's good but es 520 better for sure...and can play both speaker systems at the same time. 👍👍. Finally DP lovers the key of enjoyment IS THE EXTERNAL SPEAKERS , 🙏🙏🙏
It's the EX concert Piano 🎹, NOT Shinguru concernt? No wonder its not as good as 520/920...
I like 870 concert Play, Kawai no, and app still in development stage, don't get famous classical pieces as in 870...870 need too much key interactions, Kawai is simpler (120) 520has display... cabinet design looks nice in white 👍
@@tentrade2 Shigeru Kawai SK-EX sounds in the KDP120/KDP75.
Try combining it with Pianoteq. You might be completely blown away.
Kawaii now has the PiaBook Player app with concert songs now for the KDP 120.
Hi there and thanks for these great reviews! I’m interested in the jazz organ sound on the PX 870. Is it decent quality sound in comparison to Kawai? Can the Leslie speaker effect be controlled by the pedals? Thanks so much!!!
Hi! Brent here! The Casio PX870's organ sounds are quite good, including the jazz organ. However, the speaker effect cannot be controlled using the pedals. Some digital pianos (some Roland models for instance) have assignable pedals that can control those types of effects though. I would say the PX870 and KDP120 have fairly comparable non-piano sounds in terms of quality and fidelity. But, that is a matter of subjectivity of course!
@@MerriamPianos cool, thanks for getting back me! I saw you turning the Leslie effect on and off with the pedal of the Kawai in this video at 23:15, and that looks fun. Hopefully I’ll get an chance to play these both in real life soon, so I can choose one for myself.
I think Stu prefers the Kawai piano samples and its action.
Both of these models offer excellent tone and touch for their price, but every individual player will have their own preference in terms of what connects with them and their own playing. :)
Hi, great review! Can you pls reveal me does the KDP 120 have some options to record track/song and transfer it to the PC or mobile phone in wav or mpr3 format? Thanks!
Thanks for tuning in! We appreciate it. :)
The KDP120 does have onboard recording, but it does not have a USB port to be able to transfer it easily to a computer or device. You could still do it, but you would need an audio interface that can accept 1/8" or 1/4" connections. You would have to connect a cable from the headphone output of the KDP120 to the audio interface input, which would be connected to your computer or device. Thanks and hope this helps!
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for quick response. That feature was my last turning point before buying the kdp120, but if there is alternative option (as you said) that's cool for me. Do you have any suggestions about audio interface? Thanks
Worlds best reviewer
Well done Amigo
i think he starts to compare px870 with new pianos to force casio to release a new px
How does the Kawai KDP120 compare to the Yamaha YDP-164?
Bought the Casio PX-870, its so much better than the Kawai. You can hear he used the word "love" with the PX-870 and he is not wrong, and yes it sounds like the Steinway I love.
i love you too
Kawai better by far
@@محمدالخلفي-ط1ل🤦
Hi all.
A question, please.
Could you compare a Casio privia with a Casio celviano all two about maybe 1000 €?
Thank you very very much for your work and your videos.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you. With that said, we do have a few videos in the queue currently. :)
@@MerriamPianos Hi, Brent. I understand. I rekon every viewer wants his comparation. 😜
Is the headphone jack clean enough to be considered a line out?
For sure! We capture the audio for these videos from line out or (when line outs are not present) headphone jacks. :)
This is a really great presentation, thank you very much. I have a proposal to play solo as a pianist in a restaurant. I can't decide - which instrument should I buy the Kawai KDP-120 or Casio PX-870?
There seem to be lots of deals on the PX870 if that makes a difference.
In your case, I'd stick with Kawai:
- more bassy and chocolate sound
- more powerful output
- classic brand name
Though. Me personally, I've stuck in picking one specific option between these two.
It would be great to compare Casio Celviano AP-470 Against Kawai KDP120
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that comparison. However, they are not quite comparable models. The direct competitor to the KDP120 from Casio is the PX870. Thanks again and happy playing! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you Brent for your answer. And which KAWAI Digital Piano would be comparable against Casio AP-470?
00:57 kdp
06:07
07:08
01:23 px870
13:57
19:18 различие в настройке
Thank you for tuning in! :)
PLEASE next video Kawai-KDP120 vs Yamaha YDP164!!!
How is the cabinet stability for the Kawai KDP 120?
I tested some competing models today, and found that some of the stands would "wriggle" while others were stable. Unfortunately the shop didn't have the KDP 120 in stock, so I was unable to test it.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The KDP120 stand is quite robust and sturdy. At this price point, it is one of the most stable built-in stands in my opinion. :)
@Merriam Music Thank you for the speedy reply and thorough reviews :)
in the comparison you did between this Casio and the Yamaha 144,which has the GHS,you said that other than the texture you couldnt tell them apart.How is it possible that this Casio reminds you a heavy action like PHA-4 which is much heavier than GHS?
Hi! Brent here! While I can't speak on behalf of Stu, I don't think it has to do with heaviness/lightness of the touch. The Casio action feels completely different than the PHA4 action in nearly every regard (weighting, escapement, key texture, etc.). Thanks and all the best! :)
Thank you
Does the cabinet of a console digital have much influence on sound quality, or is it just a basic stand for the keyboard? Seems like it would affect the sound of the speakers, depending on where they are placed. There are also aesthetics involved just as a piece of furniture? From this video I would prefer the look of the Kawai.
Hi Katie! Brent from Merriam Music here! In some cases, the cabinet of the console digital piano will influence the sound in a meaningful way. First of all, the presence/absence of a speaker box/enclosure, and the positioning of the speakers can have a drastic difference on the sonic experience. Furthermore, while most cabinets are not made of materials that are specifically chose for their acoustic properties, because the cabinet simply has more material, I personally find them to offer a bit more resonance and a sound that seems to fill the immediate space around the instrument more fully. However, the aforementioned points do have a lot to do with that as well. Thanks and hope this helps! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks! I am heavily involved in researching to purchase my first digital (to replace a not-so-wonderful spinet) and I have read many comments that say there is little point in spending extra $$ for the cabinet when many of the consoles have the same sound engine as the keyboard on a stand. As a HIFI enthusiast, I know that the materials and construction of speaker boxes are very important, as are materials and construction in acoustic pianos, and since so many of these models depend on speakers, that is what prompted my question. Is it fair to assume that the more expensive the console piano, the better the quality of cabinet designs and materials?
I should also point out that I'm an older musician who is returning to the piano after several decades apart...)
kawai kdp 120 or yamaha ydp 164?
KDP-120 vs CN29 !
Is the fact that Kawaii did stretch tuning a bad thing? Could this affect a learning child’s pitch? Is this a reason to choose the Casio?
If you don't want to affect a learning child's pitch, don't buy them a piano ;) a piano is out of tune by definition.
Hi. Thanks for replying but I don’t understand your comment.
@@marlajackson1905 what he means is that it’s mathematically impossible to tune a piano 100% perfectly, so there will always be small compromises (usually it’s tuned using what’s known as an “equal temperament” to minimize those compromises and spread them evenly across the piano). Stretch tuning is pretty standard, and most people likely wouldn’t be able to tell the difference in a blind test. All that to say, no, the choice between these two digital pianos will have no bearing on the development of a child’s ear unless perhaps they can perceive pitches with an EXTREMELY rare level of precision
How's the sound on the px870 vs AP470 is it similar to Steinway D sampling too?
Hi! Brent here! The AP470 is certainly a more refined and richer tone due to the tone engine and speaker system. I am not sure which Steinway D sampling you are referring to, so I can't really comment on that aspect as every sample set sounds a bit different even when using the same piano model to generate the samples.
@@MerriamPianosthanks for your reply and concern, it's Just When Stu hit the lowest key he said it sounds like a Steinway D. 11:01
Please can someone explain what stretched tuning is? Thank you in advance. 😊
Here is the definition for stretched tuning:
In stretched tuning, two notes an octave apart, whose fundamental frequencies should have an exact 2:1 ratio, are tuned slightly farther apart (a stretched octave).
Thanks and hope this helps clarify things! :)
@@MerriamPianos Oh I see. That’s interesting.
Regarding the "stretching" you say at first that they'd both stretched the tuning. I think I heard you mention that the bottom end is sharper on the Casio, while the top end is sharper on the Kawai? If so, I reckon they come out even on this score. But you went on to say Kawai stretched the tuning and Casio hadn't. Did I hear correctly?
that doesn't even out, that makes the kawai stretched, while casio isn't.
"bottom end is sharper on the casio" => kawai stretches more the lower end
"top end is sharper on the kawai" => kawai stretches more on the top end
===> kawai stretches the whole keyboard.
My hesitation is between the kdp 120 and the ap 470... Someone with an advice?
Most of what is said about the PX-870 should apply to the AP-470. Of course the cabinet and speakers vary and the AP has another main piano sound.
what about arius 164?
PLS next video Kawai-KDP120 vs Yamaha YDP164!!!
Não tem níveis de comparação, o KDP dá um banho no PX. Aqui no Brasil o Kawai é o dobro do preço do Casio, são instrumentos de categorias diferentes.
The KDP and PX series are both excellent lines! It is interesting that the price disparity is quite different from market to market. In any case, you can't go wrong with either option. They both make for wonderful starting points! :)
@@MerriamPianos PX870 - R$5.841,00 e o KDP120 - R$10.800,00. Preços em R$ no Brasil.
Guys get the Logitech THX system first ($100)👍👍👍 then decide DPs 🤔🤔🤔😄😄😄
Probably works pretty well, This is similar to what I have, but seems updated. I think you asked me about speakers before. This must be what you decided on.
@@JoeLinux2000 I found it after several speakers purchases,👍👍👍
Next video Kawai-KDP120 vs Yamaha YDP164!!!
kawai better i guess
The Kwai sounds better. IMO.🎹🎵🎶
The KDP120 is definitely a tough instrument to beat in the tone category! :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for producing these. They're very helpful.
What's the difference between the kdp 120 and the cn29?
$700
I really want to know this too!
Couldn't this have been recorded at a time when an out-of-tune piano was NOT audibly being tuned in the background? These videos are usually amazing but I found the background clash distracting.
We do our best to filter background noise out, but, often times, these videos are shot on our showroom floor, which is active and in operation.
It's a sin that niether of these have line out jacks.
Kawai kdp 120 coast 50% more them px 870 on my cowntry
The price gap between these models is more pronounced in different markets/regions. With that said, here in Canada, they are only about $150 apart.
Kawai KDP120 dont have string resonanse
The KDP120's Harmonic Imaging engine is a bit more basic than higher-end models, but it is still incredibly impressive for its price point.
Kawai has more metal subsounds but Casio much closer to neutral sounds
They are both wonderful instruments in their own right, but offer a different flavour musically. :)
На Каваи всё норм, на Касио низкие звучат чуть выше.
That is certainly fair! They're both excellent pianos that offer something a bit different. :)