Korg debuts B1, Kawai unveils ES8 digital piano
Korg and Kawai continue to innovate in the digital piano market, as the releases of the B1 and ES8, respectively, can attest.
The Korg B1 is a digital piano that’s meant to be both streamlined and quite affordable for the player. What’s nice about the B1 is that it’s a very welcoming instrument—it works for those that are completely brand new to piano and are interested in beginning a new hobby, and it’s great for those that have stepped away from the black and white keys for a few years and want to be reintroduced to the instrument.
The B1 is working with KORG’s servo-assisted MFB (or Motion FeedBack) technology, and also comes with a pair of speakers and a passive radiator.
Due to the fact that this is meant to be a very accessible piano, it only comes with 8 sounds (one Harpsichord, 3 Acoustic, 2 Electric Piano, and 2 Organ). The maximum polyphony for this instrument is 120.
It should also be noted that, at just 26 lbs, this piano is quite versatile. Being able to pick it up and take it with you to work or school is a great plus. You can also purchase the optional STB1 stand, which, if you do, would increase the overall weight of the instrument to 44 lbs.
And while the stand is optional, the B1 does come with a damper pedal included, as well as an AC adapter and music stand. The B1 can be had at some online retailers for as low as $499.99.
The Kawai ES8, on the other hand, is a bit more advanced. Coming in at anywhere from an MSRP of $1999.00 to $2499.00, this portable piano comes with RHIII Graded Hammer Action, 34 instrument sounds, and 256-note max polyphony.
Similar to the B1, the ES8 also has a built-in speaker system, as well.
To dig a bit deeper, the Kawai ES8 utilizes what Kawai calls “Harmonic Imaging” sound technology, which helps to capture and ultimately reproduce tons of great detail of the SK-EX and EX concert grand pianos—which of course are monumentally expensive instruments.
For more on these great pianos, be sure to check back into Digital Piano Review Guide for additional news and reviews!
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