Review
Kawai ES60 review
Scout take
The ES60 is a focused portable for someone who values an approachable action and acoustic-piano sound more than a busy feature panel. Its light touch will suit some players immediately; the control shortcuts and modest expansion options deserve a practical check.
Who it fits
- First-time buyers
- Players who need a compact portable
Who should skip it
- Players seeking premium cabinet speakers or extensive controls
Model overview
The ES60 should be considered on its complete entry-level value: action feel, basic piano sound, speaker usability, included pedal, and the cost of any stand or upgrade. Compare it with Yamaha and Casio portables at the same street price, and treat touch preference as the deciding factor after the basic requirements are met.
Keyboard action
Piano Tone particularly enjoys the light, quick response of the RHL action. AMAZONA also finds it playable but considers the weighting a little too light for the reviewer’s preference. This is exactly the sort of disagreement a specification cannot settle. Beginners should try it alongside the FP-10 or P-145BT with the same short exercise, ideally with a teacher’s input, rather than assuming heavier always means better.
Piano sound and speakers
Both sources respond positively to the main acoustic-piano voice. Piano Tone finds several supporting voices less remarkable; AMAZONA also regards the acoustic pianos as a strength and objects to the effect treatment on one electric-piano sound. If your routine is predominantly piano practice, that difference in emphasis may be harmless. If electric piano is central to your music, listen to that particular voice before buying.
Controls connectivity and buyer fit
There is a sharper disagreement over operation. AMAZONA finds the small set of controls learnable, while Piano Tone finds some layering combinations awkward and prefers using PianoRemote. Neither observation is an owner-wide defect report. Ask to select two sounds, layer them and adjust the balance during a demonstration. The ES60 makes sense if that routine works for you; the ES120 is a useful next comparison when you want a fuller portable setup.
Purchase check
Consider the instrument with the stand, carrying case and pedal arrangement you will actually use. Test how much effort it takes to set up and put away. A portable body can still become awkward once accessories are added. Ask the seller to identify exactly what the package includes and compare that complete cost.
Pricing
A current US selling price has not been verified for this article. Check the instrument, stand, pedal, bench, delivery and return conditions as a complete purchase. Historical review prices are not current offers or MSRP.
Owner evidence
The evidence collected for this article does not establish a rate of failures or a recurring long-term ownership problem. We do not generalise from isolated comments or present reviewer preference as owner consensus.
Key specifications
| Status | current |
|---|---|
| Observed price | Not verified — request a current regional quote |
| Keyboard action | Responsive Hammer Lite |
| Key construction | Not verified |
| Key surface | Not verified |
| Escapement / let-off | Not verified |
| Maximum polyphony | 192 |
| Piano sound technology | Harmonic Imaging; SK-EX |
| Speakers | Not verified |
| Amplification | 10 W × 2 |
| Pedals | F-1SP included; optional F-10H |
| Bluetooth audio | Not verified |
| Bluetooth MIDI | Not verified |
| USB audio interface | Not verified |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line outputs | Yes |
| Headphones | Not verified |
| Dimensions (mm) | Not verified |
| Weight (kg) | 11 |
| Apps | PianoRemote |
| Warranty | Not verified |
Research disclosure
Digital Piano Scout has not physically tested this instrument. This is original research-based analysis using manufacturer documentation for facts and attributed third-party reviews for playing impressions. The source publications may have their own commercial relationships. No star rating or universal winner is assigned.
Sources and research
- Kawai ES60 official documentation — manufacturer
- pianotone.ca — Kawai ES60 review — independent review
- amazona.de — Kawai ES60 review — independent review