🎹Roland FP-60X vs Kawai ES520 Digital Piano Comparison - Mid-Range Digital Comparison🎹
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Playing Demo: 1:00
Intro: 2:53
Sound: 4:05
Actions: 25:13
Features/Connectivity: 31:16
Conclusion: 41:53
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Comparable Alternatives
🛒 Roland FP-90X▸geni.us/Roland...
🛒 Kawai ES920▸geni.us/Kawai-...
🛒 Yamaha P515▸geni.us/Yamaha...
🛒 Casio PX-560▸geni.us/Casio-...
🛒 Roland FP-30X▸geni.us/Roland...
🛒 Kawai ES110▸geni.us/Kawai-...
#FP60X #ES520 #DigitalPiano
Welcome to another side-by-side digital piano comparison video at the Merriam Pianos TH-cam channel. We’ve got two brand new models to compare today that are essentially positioned directly against one another in the market with the Kawai ES520 and the Roland FP-60X.
Despite the similar price points and the fact that they’re both targeting the same buyer, these instruments are actually very different. We’ll cover all of that and more here.
Product Overview
You can think of this video as showcasing the battle of the middle children. The ES520 fits in between the ES110 and ES920 in Kawai’s portable ES series, while the FP60X falls between the FP30X and FP90X in Roland’s portable FP series. Both instruments can be viewed as coming up just short of their more expensive brethren, or as substantial upgrades over the less expensive models.
Piano Sound
After playing by one after the other, it’s clear that they both have very different tonal characters. That said, both instruments offer a ton of editability when it comes to the piano tones for customization, but the fundamental differences are nonetheless striking.
In terms of editing the sound, the FP60X has some notable advantages over the ES520, such as a 3-band slider equalizer on-board. There’s also Roland's new ‘My Stage’ button which gives you a series of carefully calibrated presets.
The ES520 has essentially the same functionality, but it requires you to dig into the menu or app, so it doesn’t offer the same lighting quick real-time adjustability.
In terms of speakers, the ES520 packs quite a bit more power with the same 40 watt, dual speaker system found in the upgraded ES920, whereas the FP60X uses a 26 watt, dual speaker system. Is there a discernible difference? Absolutely, the ES520 clearly offers more punch.
The ES520 sounds like it has a more open tone with more bloom, while the FP-60X sounds a little bit limited by its speakers, even though it’s using Roland’s new BMC chip with better fidelity than the FP60.
Despite this, the E pianos, synths, and pads sound absolutely incredible on the FP-60X with this new BMC chip. It also has far more on-board tones, and greater general complexity on all non-acoustic piano tones.
Piano Action
The actions in each piano have been available on the market for a few years ago, and both are well regarded.
The FP-60X’s features Roland’s PHA4, which can be found all throughout their lineup up to the $2,500 CAD price point. This action has a triple sensor, escapement and a nice texture on the keys. The lower levels of dynamic expression are way better than on past models, so Roland deserves credit for a big improvement here.
The ES520 uses Kawai’s Responsive Hammer Compact II (RHCII) and can also be found in their massively popular KDP110 home digital piano. It also features a triple sensor, but does not have escapement. The escapement is missed if you’re playing complex classical or jazz, but it’s probably not a deal breaker for most. The texture is more subtle than on the PHA4, but supplies the same level of grip.
Piano Features
The ES520 will likely need a firmware update out of the box, so check Kawai’s website for that, as you’ll need the update for the ES520 to be compatible with Kawai’s new PianoRemote app, which is easily one of the best piano apps on the market.
The FP-60X is also compatible with some apps from Roland, such as Piano Designer and Piano Every Day. The user interfaces are not as well laid out as Kawai’s app, but these are still well executed apps.
The FP60X does in fact function as a USB MIDI interface. Roland doesn’t disclose this, so this function may not always be available. This function is not available on the ES520.
Lastly, the ES520 is about 10 lbs lighter, which make a big difference to some.
Thanks for watching! Two great instruments that you owe it to yourself to try if you’re shopping for a piano in this category.
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I wanted many times to write a commentary on this film and that is what I would like to notice: both Kawai ES-520 and Kawai ES-920 (also Kawai ES-120 and 110) are piano-centered instruments; that is why their piano tones are probably the best among portable digital pianos with speakers. This is, in my modest opinion, the best approach to evaluate their musical value. And then, we have additional advantages of these instruments: other good tones, rhythms, registrations etc. Comparing just the amount of sounds between Roland and Kawai is, in this perspective, a little bit deceptive since, in the case of Kawai, we pay *mainly for the quality of piano tones (coming from great samples) and great speakers combined with good/very good keyboards (depending on our rate), and all the 88 keys are individually stereo-sampled* (I just don't know whether it regards piano tones only or all the tones). Neither Yamaha, nor Roland, nor Korg have ever had such a detailed attitude to their piano samples as Kawai.
Hi there! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! I do agree that it is very difficult to compete with the Kawai ES models in terms of the quality of the piano tone for the respective price points. The fidelity and authenticity of the piano samples are truly impressive. :)
This is the most professional and fair way to compare those two treasures I could imagine, and I'm a strict judge.
Not to forget how pleasurable the way you very comprehensibly describe the sounds and which words you use, is.
So thank you so much, I had a very hard time to decide which of 'em would suit me better, to me the Roland feels like a piano for a kind of higher class players and producers - it comes with a very warm, classical, more jazzy sound. In comparison the Kawai gives me a more magical, mystic vibe - the depths and high notes seem clearer, brighter, stronger. Though I would like to have my skills being worthy of the Roland, the Kawai really really touches me on a deeper level and I think I'll make the right choice by playing the one I prefered anyways, right before I got confused. This helped me a lot. (:
What an outstanding good job you did here, honestly
Greetings!
Hi there! Thanks so much for tuning in! I'm happy to hear that you found this comparison useful in your decision making process. It is a really difficult call to make between two wonderful digital pianos! :)
I bought the 60x and I’m very pleased with it.
Just curious who you got it from? I'm still waiting on mine from Sweetwater and have been told early May for it to arrive, thx.
@@j.r.wright1885 I bought it from Thomann. They're very quick if you're living in Europe
@@j.r.wright1885 I’m waiting for mine from Sweetwater as well. They’re telling me middle-May. Can’t wait for mine!!
Compare to Kawai, Roland sounds more digital and artificial, the mid range is weaker. Sound wise, I vote for Kawai.
very true
The roland has crisper highs and powerful bass notes. But the kawai sounds richer and warmer. Overall I prefer the kawai sound too. It sounds more natural.
I thought the opposite.
The highs on the Kawai are enormous !!!!
I'm really impressed with it !
I wasn't sure what keyboard was what and I closed my eyes in the beginning and wow !!!!
The Kawai did sound a lot better piano wise.
Then once it got into the other sounds, The Roland does impress.
I may change my mind on what to get now.
So many videos, so much driving time !!!!
LOL
Dont worry, I wasn't just driving when I closed my eyes to listen !!!!
Hahahahahahaha
Have a great day !
:-)
Excellent, thank you. These are both seriously nice instruments. I favor the Kawai because it sounds less punchy, more rounded with a really crystalline upper treble (piano samples) but I like some of the shading of the FP-60X that is expressively capable of as well. Both sound better through line-out but those are nice mics to pick up the speaker's sounds.
The FP-90X is so close to Stu’s review, I can feel it! 👊🤠
I want to know what the difference is between the FP-90 and FP-90x. I'm feeling a bit of buyers remorse since I bought the FP-90 last year.
@@BUJU2007 I've heard there is some "problem with the sound" that gets improved in the 90x.
Thanks for including direct out. I'm leaning towards 90x but the es520 high notes sound the best IMHO. A very slight bell sound is what I like about the Bosendorfer. I enjoy your playing.
@@markwillis2980 I agree that the highs of the Roland are lacking, I don't know if that can be tweaked out.
@@BUJU2007 This is the problem with all electronic instruments. They go obsolete very quickly, almost overnight. It's more concerning on the top of the line instruments. I believe the 90x is a modeled tone as compared to a sample in the 90. Personally I think Roland as probably cut a deal with Pianoteq to license the Pianoteq sound engine in some way that limits it to "Roland" only piano voices. I remember playing some years ago playing a $25,000.00 Roland digital grand piano that sounded entirely authentic. I think when it Stu gets to the 90x, it's going to sound very good.
Thank you for a stellar review. Now the Fp30x vs the Fp60x 😊
Thanks for giving us a listen to the onboard speakers, few do that, and to give a comparison between those and using line out is also great. Looking for something to just set up in the living room with no amp or speakers as well as something that might be used on stage.
You're very welcome! It is tough to properly represent onboard speaker sound because the room and microphones do colour the sound as well, but we try to be as thorough as possible with our reviews/comparisons. :)
The very best reviews I've seen so far!
Terrific review. Really excellent overview of these two Keyboards. Thanks Stu!
Stu is a phenomenal player and makes them all sound good. We must remember, however, that we are listening vía our phone speakers, bluetooth speakers, etc. and are not thus getting the true picture. It is always better to play them yourself in the store before you choose.
I have never heard you play Chopin before. :)
Excellent review. On one hand, a talented pianist like yourself can make almost any piano sound great, my experience with both previous versions has led me to prefer the Roland sound and interface over the Kawai for many years. My problem with a Kawai ES8 was that the display is too small and cryptic, while my Roland FP7F and FP80 are better sounding and have a larger display. I will be donating my Kawai ES8 to the local high school music department. I must admit you have made the Kawai ES520 very compelling. Glad you include keybed noise in the review.
Thanks, best Reviews and of course playing so far. Makes decisions more easy....
Thanks a million! We really appreciate that. :)
Great video Stu. Seems like if one's focus is more towards playing true pianissimo or fortissimo, then Kawai shines all the way. Especially when playing classical and contemporary classic piano Kawai has much more true acoustic foundation to it. Roland fades away at the far end of the treble and the mechanical strike becomes more audible than the tone itself. Overall Roland seems to have more audible mechanical strike compared to Kawai. I will not change my preference of Kawai ES520 to start with. Soon to order when available.
What about your preferences of keybaord action?
Doesn't roland's pha4 do a better job at that?
Another great video Stu. Thanks! I was genuinely shocked at the noticeable difference in the quality between the Kawai and the Roland. The Roland sounded very thin in comparison and not just when the speakers were the sound source. I'm a big fan of the RD series and the supernatural pianos in those sound great to my ear as well as the v-pianos. Was there any reason why the FP-60X sounded so outclassed by the Kawai in this comaprison?
Because it's Kawai
Can’t wait for the FP90X review and comparisons. Mine arrives on Monday.
Howd you manage to get it? I checj every website possible with no luck lol they all say coming soon
@@darklynch10 Really? I live in the UK and had no problem. Got it now and it's a fantastic instrument.
Maybe that's why here in the US I can't find any of the fpx series anywhere lol
Oh, Stu, I can't stay without making a second comment, thanking you for playing so splendidly and for putting those few notes from Edward Grieg's piano concerto! ☺️
Hi Stu... thanks and greetings from Daniel in Sweden.. Fantastic presentation the more i like to listen to your Jazz performance even tough I´m classic devoted. Actually I´m in the process for decision between exactly these two instruments. Great job, thank you
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thank you kindly! We're glad to hear that you've been enjoying Stu's review/comparison videos helpful. Thanks for tuning in and supporting the channel! :)
Thanks Stu...great as always.
I've trying to decide between the two (Both about £850 here) and I've only gotten to actually use the fp60x so far.
Whilst people are saying the es520 does sound better, I really liked the key texture and general build quality of the Roland, whilst I can't guarantee that will be the case for the es520 as I've never tried it in person. I also assume that mostly using these with good headphones will mitigate the sound advantage the es520 has due to the better speakers.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Both of these models are extremely well-built digital pianos. The Roland FP60X's PHA4 action is a little heavier of a touch and it features escapement, whereas the ES520 does not. Ultimately, it will come down to the player's preference in terms of which touch they connect with more. As for the tonal differences, those will still exist even with headphone use. In fact, in some ways, you will actually hear more details and nuances of the samples/piano sounds and their differences in headphones than through the internal speakers, particularly if you're using high-quality headphones that are well-matched in terms of specs and impedance for use with a digital piano.
The Kawai just sounds incredible. OMG
i am listening through good speakers and the Kawai has a much better "acoustic" sound, no contest there.
Excellent review! It has been very helpful.
Thanks so much! We're glad that you found the comparison to be helpful! :)
Kawai's latest ES 520 and ES920 build quality feels ceap. I dont even bother to compare them with the Roland's premium build quality.
But if you are interested only in the best Piano sample in a digital piano... then any of the Kawai's ES series will do. (less so the ES 110)
Great video as usual!
Yeah, ES920 and ES520 are disappointing on build quality. Even casio privias of similar price seem to be built better.
On the first minutes of the video, comparing the sound of the two pianos, you can clearly tell the Roland has a brighter and thinner sound than the Kawai.
I actually had the chance of playing both today at a store. I liked the sound of the Kawai better, but didn’t like the keys at all - there is no escapement, and the keys make a lot of noise.
The Roland finish, keys, interface buttons, look much better. In the end the only thing I wanted from the Kawai was it’s sound.
I think we spend too much time trying to mirror a grand piano personally. Although the piano has taught us a great deal about music over the years, I think they should spend more time exploring what a piano isn't rather than what it is.
@@sgt.sharky9832 do you mind elaborating? I'm genuinely interested to understand what you mean with your comment.
@@Elazarko sounds are limitless for an electric piano, so create.
@@sgt.sharky9832 Interesting. I agree that there's always going to be this authenticity of an acoustic piano that is nearly impossible to emulate, though there are some very clever "modeling" happening with the top of the line digital pianos as well as very high quality midi samples/DSP and when combined with high quality studio monitors can give a very detailed/realistic sound.
Brilliant playing, excellent review as usual! Could you pls do the MP7SE one day?
Yeah it’s tough one. The SK samples in kawaii are really sweet as a starting point way better than Roland, So kawai let’s a lead lap on that. But Roland catches up and overtakes due to its supernatural modeling and synthesized presets of so many variety!
Update: I am sure their “my stage” is just different different scenes prebaked and bundled in it, on that note question to Stu? Can u import your custom scenes from a dawn or fantom into fp-60 like u can with RD-88?
"SuperNatural" isn't necessarily Roland's modeling. For the FP-90X Roland clearly describes it having "PureAcoustic Piano Modeling" but this is NOT indicated its less expensive models like the FP60X, which simply are described as having "SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine". SuperNatural is mentioned in all Roland's pianos, but you have to look more closely.
Thx for all the reviews. I received a message of a ES520 review & unboxing?
I dont understand when others might like others brands, the Kawai is the only that really sounds great, (only talking about the ES series) and sounds more liek a real piano.
As they say about musicians, "beauty is in the ears of the beholder". With that said, it is hard to find a more nuanced and authentic sound than Kawai's SKEX concert grand samples. :)
Suggestion: time stamp your videos so we can surf around. :) Thanks!
About the audio interface... Is it really not mentioned? In page 27 of the fp60x manual it has a section on "adjusting the volume from computer (USB audio input volume)", and there is a menu function to adjust volume in 1-10 range... So, it is not a unreported or non official function.
I think we spend too much time trying to mirror a grand piano personally. Although the piano has taught us a great deal about music over the years, I think they should spend more time exploring what a piano isn't rather than what it is.
I thought I was set on the fp60x, but that kawai piano sample sounds so rich and beautiful. Now I’m torn.
It is quite impressive to say the least! It may also be worth checking out the ES920 model, which has an even more advanced tone engine. :)
Can you use just chords to play the rhythm section on the FP60X as you do with the Old Yamaha PSR 5600?
Are you going to review the yamaha dgx 670?
Which piano sound was used on the ES520? It sounds really good.
@Konstantin Ridaya Yamaha CFX is also made in Japan as you know so there is no point in where they are produced... But I would like to have a piano made in Saturn :)
@Ultra Legendary Master It would be sounding smashing for sure.
Do you mean the audio/mic input will sample? Then gets played across the keyboard?
I've finally been able to try several Rolands and Kawais. I was only able to use the inbuilt speakers. The Kawais, including the ES520, didn't impress me as much as I'd hoped. I still can't get on with the Shigeru sound, but the EX was generally pleasing. The high notes were very light (exaggerated grading on the action?) and on both samples they were too bright for me. Maybe I don't like Onkyo tweeters?
Sadly, there wasn't an FP60X to try but the FP30X has the same PHA4 action, so I tried it instead. It was a nice surprise, and more pleasing to me than the action on the ES520, but I didn't like the controls, and I had trouble finding an agreeable touch curve. I hope the FP-60X has a nicer layout, what with having a screen.
I get more emotion from the Kawai. The Kawai is warm and rich in detail, the Roland sounds muffled and artificial. Roland 2:22 Kawai 1:28
Tonal and musical preferences are always highly-subjective, but I definitely agree with how warm and rich Kawai's SKEX samples are. They are wonderfully-rewarding and immersive samples to play. With that said, Roland's modelling tone engine certainly offers some perks as well. The versatility and tonal flexibility that the modelling parameters offer is also quite impressive. :)
Great review/ comparison!FP-90x please ☺️
Thank you for showing, at least, one rhythm. Would love to hear more of them.
Bro u r owesome👌
the kawai has a piano that i like more , but all the non piano sounds ( ep , organs , rhodes , wurli ... ) they are better in the roland... tough choice .. maybe a fp30x and a controlled vst ( like ravenscroft ... or noire ) , or get a fp30x and play with the roland app, maybe i get the sound i like ...
It is unquestionably a difficult choice between these two excellent digital pianos! That is why the ideal situation is to have both! ;)
With that said, VST plug ins will definitely help in getting the exact sounds your after if there is anything you feel like you're missing out on with a particular model. Finding a keyboard action that you connect with is probably the most important detail when shopping for a digital piano.
20:35-20:47, Roland makes some great pads.
I think both pianos sound very good. I know that when you compared the 920 to the 520, the consensus was the 920 sounded a bit richer, but today I have no complaint about the sound of the 520. The fact that it is lighter in weight than the 920 is a real plus in my book. I prefer the Roland's key noise level. All the key noise of the the Kawai is one of the reasons I canceled my 920 order. For that kind of money, I'd like something that is quieter than my Casio PX-150. The 520 is $100 Biden Bucks more than the 60x. Here's another video of the sound of the fp-60x:
th-cam.com/video/cGQxlBQt-fg/w-d-xo.html
This is what many have been waiting for: A comparison between these two instruments. And again you did it exceptionally well, Stu, giving us viewers a whole lot of information and details which are very difficult - if not impossible - to get anywhere else. When it comes to the action you say you prefer the Kawai over the Roland for certain classical pieces, and you say you like how the Kawai feels a little bit more. That statement astonished me, because doesn't almost everybody say that the Roland action actually comes closer to a real grand piano (what the weight and feel is concerned) than the Kawai? And they same would also be true when it comes to a comparison between the actions of the ES110 and the FP-10, right? Can you explain that?
@stephen williams Thanks a lot for your explanation, Steven. This is probably something you cannot realy describe but it needs to be experienced, it seems. What you describe is probably also what James Shawcross of The Piano Forever means in his reviews, especially the one about the ES110.
No sustain on the Roland in the higher octaves. That's a typical problem with digital pianos up till now. The hammering style of playing nearly covers that up but around 6:25 you hear how the Roland tone just about dyes after the key is struck. The melody can not carry. The Kawai has a more realistic decay. Play a slow melody with long notes in the descant, then you instantly reject the Roland. 30s 'upright' Bar music style doesn't demonstrate this important quality.
All the 'designers' and 'apps' just distract, as you cannot do anything about decay and balance.
I tried all these before settling for CLP-745 which has decent sustain in the descant. Yep, that's my opinion based on my demands of an instrument that should be as good as a Grand but fit in my bedroom😅
The sustain and decay is certainly an important detail of any musical sample and will definitely augment or diminish the authenticity of the sound's authenticity. While digital technology has certainly come a very long way in recent years, at the end of the day, even the very best digital pianos are emulating the acoustic experience of strings and a soundboard when it comes to their piano sounds. Perhaps, in the coming years, this detail will be captured more authentically. In either case, I'm vey happy to hear that you found a digital piano model that you're happy with! That is always the most important thing. Happy playing! :)
Fully agree about the sustain in the higher ovtaves. Read about the Kawai-ES520-review-digital-piano.html
Dumb question but what does escapement actually do on a digital piano. Is it a good thing?
it gives you the tactile feedback similar to a real acoustic piano. it's neither good or bad. some people prefer authenticity
From what have heard is that the FP10 is no longer produced.
And maybe you can shed some light on that, and why?
@Ultra Legendary Master That's possible.
But now they are dragging their ass on the release of the FP-X series, much like they did on the FP10. I have made several call to Roland for an update, with no answer or response. China must be playing Roland for a sucker...
Hello, Stu, first of all, thanks for your super professional videos! Your videos are now part of my duty program! I can't wait to hear you play! Now, for the pianos, I'm sorry, but when you played the Roland, I've always heard Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Ping Pi... What an artificial sound... Against Kawai 520, which, by the way, sounds much worse to me than the 920, the Roland sounds like an e-piano in the Acustik Piano...
This was exactly my impression even before I read your comment.
A comparison KDP120 vs ES520, CN39 vs ES920 or P515 vs CLP725 (plastic vs wood finishing, similar price range and manufacturer), especially internal speakers capture, would be quite useful.
Did these two instruments receive any notable recent firmware updates that would make you pick one over the other? Thank you! Also, a video vs the Korg SV2 would be amazing!
To my knowledge, I don't believe any significant firmware updates were made on either of these models. With that said, they're both fantastic digital pianos. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to the preferences of the player, particularly in regard to touch and tone. In either case, you really can't go wrong! Also, we always do our best to tackle as many community submitted suggestions as possible for upcoming videos and will certainly add the SV2 to the list. :)
Does the Roland's "USB audio interface" 39:39 mean that I won't need an audio interface like Focusrite Scarlett to record my playing into my computer as an audio file, or does it only mean that I won't need a memory stick to save my playing into my computer as a MIDI file?
Hi there! It is stating that the USB connection will pass audio information opposed to just MIDI. So, you can record audio and MIDI info into a DAW directly from the USB connection. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks, very much!
On the connectivity spec sheet, you have "Kawai Apps" as both Kawai and Roland heading
Very very beautiful playin🙋♀️🎈🎈🎈🦌
Those japanese riffs were fun idd!
in my opinion 520 has clearly sounding
YES!!!!!
You cannot play along with the rhythms. There is a delay in the timing due to the wifi. Why can you?
Such a tough choice between the es520 and fp60x though I guess once I play them in real life I should know which one I prefer.
Absolutely! It is unquestionably a difficult choice between both excellent instruments. The best bet is to get into a showroom that offers both models and spend time on them to determine which one you connect with more in terms of tone and touch. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank You for all your help!
Can you do presentation Kawai cn17 with roland 30x please?
Price wise the 60x is the clear winner! The 60x is a little less deeper about an inch and a half for a table etc. The ES520 14.8 and the Roland 60x 13.5 inches. Probably because of the speakers. The 60x is a bargain compared to Yamaha's P515 priced $400 more! The 60x most bang for the buck. The P90x is $1100 more than the 60x. The 60x has midi ports too I believe over the 30x.
strange - no matter what you play - and the instrument is not important att all - it sounds fantastic
Haha Stu is definitely living proof of the old adage that "tone is in the fingers." ;)
The dropping of the SK5 in the Kawai is a shame. I really loved the SK5 in my ES8.
The SK5 sample sets are on some other Kawai digital models. They do offer a nice point of contrast to the SK-EX samples. :)
I bought the FP-60X two weeks ago and feels really confortable with almost all stuff but I was asking to myself, did you really think that anyone can reach modify the sound to get that rounded and colorful sound of KAWAI (not from the speakers) because I notice both sounds are really different in their Concert Grand Mode.
I try the customize part but its hard to know how to reach that resonance and deep at the same time that tremble notes goes more clear too. It could be awesome ;D
Do you still have the FP60X? Did you change to Kawai? I got the ES920 and it’s amazing
@@gustavopaulette3496 I still have it, is a real difficult thing to choose, I dont know if the ES920 have sounds like Koto that really interest me but the more you look the roland fp-60x is like "dude is a good piano and looks so good" so if I really get bored of that one maybe will be to buy a better one or new generation.
What is 100 types of touch sensitivity on fp-60 ? Is it important for a pianist ?
Kawai better touch and action
@@user-xy8ec9nw3u you're saying it as if it's a fact. It's clearly personal preference in this price range.
There is no comparison!
Kawai is the better choice!
Sound wise the kawai is the clear winner. And keytouch kawai feels better. And closer to real grand piano.
Please show us the rhythm section.
One thing all reviewers of the ES 920 don't mention is the mini drum roll that immediately follows each and every key stroke, unless played at full volume. I can even hear it when wearing headphones, very disappointing for what is en excellent Kawai otherwise
I have not personally experienced that, particularly with the new batches of ES920 pianos. It seems like some improvements have been made on the newer batches that have come after the manufacturing was resumed on the model during the pandemic.
Hi, Can you connect the Kawai ES520 to a DAW and use it as a MIDI keyboard? For example to use software instruments?
Second question: Is there any difference in the action feel between the ES520 and the ES110?
Thanks in advance!
1st question: yes, you can!
Please comment on what Mrityu published on youtube entitled "Roland FP60x piano sound problem. Thank you.
I just tried the ES520 and was instantly disapointed by the poor sound quality. Yes the samples are beautiful and feel real, but they totally lack bass and worse, they exibits very strong resonances. Through the speakers (which I can understand) but also through headphones. So I prefered to save money and buy a FP-30X that I'll use as a midi controler with good VST plugins and headphones. Later, I'll probably add good full range speakers.
You mentioned you would use the 30X with VST plugins . Did you get a chance to use the FP-30x with the Garritan CFX ? If yes, can you tell me how well it performs with the vst?
I have the 520. I'm not going to be defensive because, well, you know, people have wildly different opinions, but keep in mind that nearly all headphones make the piano sound thin and bright (even Beats). I use studio monitors, and the bass notes are deep and rich. I love to end on a left-hand octave way down and hold and rattle to hear it rumble. The high treble notes are super crisp and clean. The onboard speakers are powerful, very nearly the equivalent of the monitors. The monitors are a touch better, though, which probably explains your experience.
If you play a high note on the Roland it won't stop dead when you take your finger off. Just like a real piano. Does the Kawai or any other digital piano do this?
Yes all digital pianos do that🎹🎶
Thanks 🙏
@@seanleeduncan you're welcome🎹🎶
This review is really confusing, because he makes it seem like the ES520 cannot do pretty much everything the FP60X can.
Also, you can adjust the EQ on the ES520 from either the Tone Control settings or the Piano Remote App.
It literally comes down to better speakers and better piano sound and sound stage on the Kawai vs EQ sliders and more Polyphony on the Roland. Either way, I think these are the best Digital Pianos in the $1200 class.
520 sound is not as good as 920 both derived from Shiguru Kawai though.both key noise are annoy. Roland keys are very good and have escapement feature...I go for better keys.....😊
Worship Music Academy haunts every piano video
What?
@@Pe6ek Hahaha it's an ad which shows on every video
The way he stares Into the camera tho...
Utterly ODD that the Kawai is actually "lighter" when it's HUGE in comparison to the Roland. LOL
Am I the only one who prefers the roland piano sound? I personally trust the supernatural engine more than sampled piano sound
You are certainly not the only one! I would say it is close to a 50/50 split based on what I've observed at our showrooms. They're both wonderful digital pianos, but they do have a slightly different sonic flavour. :)
@@MerriamPianos thank you! I better go and try in person.
The 520 OMG...
It is quite a nice offering from Kawai! :)
A closer and more useful comparison would have been against the ES920, IMO. The Roland is a clear winner here.
Not really, for the same price.
@@joewger Roland is cheaper.
@@mellow7183 be careful the price fluctuates in PH🎹🎶
@@MERCEDES-BENZS600GUARD_V12 Okie thanksss
I didn’t know Edward Norton is reviewing pianos?!
Running Fight Club is only a part-time job, which thankfully leaves plenty of time to dabble in the arts. :)
lol seriously really appreciate these reviews, thanks!
Those keys are LOUD on the Roland.... 😳😳😳😳😳
The heavier actions with pronounced escapement do have a bit more mechanical key noise. However, the action feels remarkably authentic and is very enjoyable to play! :)
KAWAI Win natural and live beautiful.Roland sound artificial and dead sound.
I think the jump from the FP60X to the ES920 would be worth the extra $300 Can. if we're talking just slightly beyond the mid priced guys. Also, the 920 has a 4 band EQ and a more sophisticated processing going on than the 520.
I have been contemplating this EXACT same thing… although I was initially looking at a more midrange digital piano, the ES920 seems to be a good choice to spend a little more for upgraded piano samples over both these midrange units and would have the let-off/escapement feature plus a few more that’s missing on the ES520. For my needs I may be willing to spend a little more for the ES920.
@@GrayGhostDog1 did you get it?
@@gustavopaulette3496 … unfortunately, no. Apparently there were a lot of shortages still going on, so I decided to concentrate in other areas and will revisit this around Springtime.
@@GrayGhostDog1how about now?
@@gustavogo2915 … only recently have I decided to go in a slightly different direction with a 88-keys workstation keyboard… Yamaha Montage M8X
520 key noise is annoying, Stu needs to ADDRESS 🙏
The sound of the Roland piano does not compare to either Yamaha or Kawai. I do not like it for nothing.
That is totally fair. Every player will gravitate towards a different tonal profile. :)
The kawaii is quite impressive while the Roland sounds like a cheap toy.
Y are amateur 😁
@@user-xy8ec9nw3u haha no way Yamaha are very pro ! Kawai are great too
who ist having a gig in the background at 34:30? 😂
Thanks for tuning in! I am not sure what you are referring to.
@@MerriamPianos when you are listening with headphones, you clearly can hear a band playing in the background at timestap 34:12 and 34:29 ;)
The Rolands have a metallic tone that I don't like. Very un piano.
Every player will have their own tonal preferences and it all comes down to finding the tone and touch that resonates with you personally. :)
Stu, I hope you see this and respond. What is the song you’re playing on both pianos at the beginning of this video?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! I am not sure as to what pieces Stu is playing at the beginning of this piano. I'd have to check with him. On that note, we have received a few requests to include the song name or specify whether it is an improvisation, which I think is a great idea! :)
@@MerriamPianos Yes! I’d love to know what piece that is, so I can purchase the sheets. :-)