Pros and Cons
Can it get any cheaper? Brand-name manufacturers constantly compete to offer affordable options for beginners who want to spend as little as possible to get started. But how much digital piano can you still get for that price? Surprisingly, quite a lot! You just need to focus on the essential features, as the Kawai KDP-75 demonstrates.
These affordable models focus on the essential features for learning and playing. So they include a high-quality piano sound and a hammer-action keyboard for a realistic playing experience.
The strength of the Kawai KDP-75 lies in its RH Compact keyboard, which offers an authentic response thanks to a well-balanced hammer action. The keys have a matte plastic finish, which enhances the overall playing experience and immediately gives a pleasant feel to the touch.
While this texture isn’t as realistic as the ivory-like surfaces found on Kawai’s higher-end models, it does create a similar sensation. In this price range, the KDP-75 stands out as one of the few home pianos to feature this kind of keyboard. The slightly textured keys ensure a good grip – they’re neither too slippery nor too unresponsive. This avoids a common problem on lower-priced models with smooth plastic keys.
Interestingly, the Kawai KDP-120, one of the few exceptions in this category, comes equipped with an updated RH-Compact II keyboard. This results in an even more refined playing experience.
In terms of sound, the Kawai KDP-75 is on par with the other entry-level models, the Kawai KDP-120 and ES-120. It features a solid selection of piano sounds, including Concert Grand, Studio Grand, Mellow Grand, and Modern Piano. The first preset in particular stands out, offering a brilliant and expressive concert grand sound that’s versatile enough for both classical and pop music.
A rare feature at this price point is the ability to connect to a tablet via USB, allowing you to use Kawai’s Virtual Technician. The app enables you to fine-tune the piano sound and adjust parameters such as string resonance, damping, and touch sensitivity.
Given the small size of the Kawai KDP-75, it’s no surprise that its 2×9-watt speaker system isn’t particularly powerful either. However, during our tests, we were pleasantly surprised by the sound quality this compact piano delivers. While the KDP-75 may struggle to fill larger rooms with sound, it is more than adequate for smaller spaces. If you’re looking for more power, consider the KDP-120 as an alternative.
That said, the KDP-75’s speaker system works well for practice in a typical music room and sounds impressive for its size. For the best listening experience, however, a good pair of headphones is recommended.
As is typical in this price range, the Kawai KDP-75 has only a small control panel to adjust its settings. Consequently, you’ll have to refer to the manual for keyboard shortcuts. However, the free PianoRemote app for Android and iOS makes this far more convenient. The app also includes the Virtual Technician mentioned earlier.
While the KDP-75 lacks Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect it to computers and mobile devices via USB-to-host. Although it doesn’t offer alternative tuning options beyond equal temperament, it includes the essentials: A recorder, metronome, dual (layer) function, and a split mode for four-handed playing. The lesson function, which includes etudes and pieces from the classical piano repertoire, is also helpful for practice. In addition, the piano offers a variety of sounds among its 15 stored sounds, ranging from electric pianos to strings and a harpsichord.
When shopping for a home piano under €1,000, you’ll often find yourself looking at lesser-known brands, mainly because their feature lists seem more extensive. Of course, features are important for a digital piano because it is, after all, an electronic device.
For beginners or those unfamiliar with musical instruments, it might help to think of it like this: Would you buy a cheap TV with plenty of ports and wide compatibility, but poor picture quality and brightness?
With affordable digital pianos, there are two key aspects to focus on, though they can be difficult to assess as a beginner:
This is where the Kawai KDP-75 focuses its strengths, opting to forgo features like Bluetooth and a larger speaker system. Even so, it competes well with others in its price range by emphasizing playing feel and sound quality.
KDP-75 vs. Kawai KDP-120: The KDP-75’s first competitor comes from Kawai itself. The next model up, the KDP-120, includes Bluetooth connectivity, the upgraded RH-Compact II keyboard, and a more powerful speaker system (2×20 watts).
KDP-75 vs. Yamaha YDP-145: While Yamaha’s smallest home piano is significantly more expensive, it comes with additional features such as USB audio/MIDI. However, the KDP-75’s matte plastic keyboard clearly offers a much more comfortable playing feel.
KDP-75 vs. Thomann DP-32: The most affordable competitor in this comparison is Thomann’s own-brand entry-level model, the DP-32. The Thomann DP-32 lacks many features, such as built-in practice pieces, and cannot compete with the KDP-75 in terms of keyboard quality either. Nevertheless, at just over €500, it is by far the most affordable digital piano in a home piano design.
KDP-75 vs. ES-120: The Kawai ES-120 is worth considering for those who are more flexible with design. With a price of just under €600, the ES-120 is a portable piano that requires a separate stand and pedal unit to function as a home piano. Kawai offers the matching HML-2 stand and F-351 pedal unit, bringing the fully equipped ES-120 to around €840. While this is slightly more expensive than the KDP-75, the ES-120 offers additional features such as Bluetooth for audio and MIDI, a wider variety of sounds, dual and split modes, and 100 drum rhythms.
For those looking for an affordable home piano from a reputable brand, the Kawai KDP-75 is currently Kawai’s most budget-friendly option at under €800. It offers solid features that cover the essential functions of a digital piano: Excellent piano sounds and a high-quality keyboard – everything you need to begin learning the piano.
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Pros and Cons
Jörg Sunderkötter
If you're looking for an affordable home piano from a reputable brand, the Kawai KDP-75 is currently one of the most budget-friendly options at just under €800.
KDP-75 B : 690,00 €
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