Product Review: Kurzweil KaE1-LB – Portable Piano

Kurzweil instruments have ranked among the top electronic musical devices since the 1980s. However, the company has also made sure not to overlook the entry-level piano market. The Kurzweil KaE1-LB makes a strong statement here, offering solid quality and impressive features at an affordable price.

Kurzweil—a venerable name in the musical instrument industry—revolutionized electronic keyboards in 1984 with the K250. This groundbreaking instrument offered piano, strings, brass, guitar, bass, and more, all playable at the touch of a button–what is now a standard feature on most keyboards and digital pianos was truly sensational in the ’80s. And this also goes for the Kurzweil piano sound that made the K250 the world’s first digital piano. The only problem was that its price made it a luxury for many.

Kurzweil products have become more affordable over time, although they still sit on the higher end of the price spectrum. That’s why it’s so remarkable that Kurzweil now offers a portable piano for less than €500. At first glance, the Kurzweil KaE1-LB meets typical expectations with a light plastic case that weighs just under 15 kg. It’s also battery-powered, making it easy to enjoy playing the piano almost anywhere.

The manufacturer offers a matching stand as an optional accessory for more “stationary” use. This stand complements the design and color of the piano and comes with three pedals, transforming the portable piano into a compact home instrument.

Does the Kurzweil KaE1-LB Sound Good?

Of course, we must consider the low price point here, but the answer is a definite “yes” in two key areas that pleasantly surprised us from the start. Not only is the piano sound itself impressive, but the playback system—often the weak point in this price range—also exceeds expectations on the Kurzweil KaE1-LB.

⬇️ Find technical details in the FAQ section ⬇️

Compared to the well-balanced sound through headphones, the speaker system of the Kurzweil KaE1-LB lacks a bit of low-end bass. However, if you take other digital pianos under €500 into account, the sound quality of the built-in speakers is impressively good.

Piano Sound and More

The piano sound is strong, clear, and brilliant, capturing the idealized sound of a Steinway grand. It responds expressively and with noticeable dynamic transitions, although it lacks certain subtle details such as sympathetic resonance and damper noise. Nevertheless, it leaves an overall satisfying impression and makes playing the instrument an enjoyable experience.

The Kurzweil KaE1-LB offers 20 sounds that provide a solid range of presets, particularly for piano. There are two complementary acoustic pianos, which create a rich, full pop piano sound when layered. The electric pianos include vintage Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer models, complete with chorus and tremolo effects, while the second electric piano bank also features digital FM pianos.

Additionally, there are clavinet, harpsichord, strings, guitar, bass, and more. Those familiar with Kurzweil instruments will recognize some of these sounds, such as the strings and Rhodes-like electric piano. While the overall sound quality is certainly convincing, the piano sound from Bank 1 clearly stands out.

Audio & MIDI

Given the Kurzweil KaE1-LB’s low price, you might not expect this level of connectivity. It features both an audio output and an aux input, as well as digital audio connections. With the USB audio/MIDI function, you can easily connect mobile devices and computers using a simple USB cable. In addition, the piano supports Bluetooth MIDI for wireless connections.

Playing the Kurzweil KaE1-LB

All in all, the 88-key hammer-action keyboard allows for a satisfying playing experience. However, the keys may feel a little ‘different’ at first—only the black keys have a textured surface, while the white keys are smooth. This minor point of criticism doesn’t detract from the overall playability and excellent dynamic control, which is impressive for this price range.

Conclusion: An Affordable Digital Piano for Beginners and Beyond

The Kurzweil KaE1-LB offers great value for money, combining good playability with quality piano sounds at an affordable price. Its extensive control panel stands out in this price range, as do its Bluetooth (audio & MIDI) and USB audio/MIDI capabilities.

With these features, the KaE1-LB is technically up-to-date and can be seamlessly connected to a computer or mobile device for music-making. We recommend it not only for beginners but also for professionals looking for an affordable, compact stage piano for rehearsals and small gigs.

Kurzweil KaE1-LB – Overview

Release date: 04.2024
Keyboard: 88-key hammer-action keyboard
Polyphony: 128 voices
Piano app: None
Included accessories: Sustain footswitch, power supply, music stand
Manufacturer/Distributor: Kurzweil/Hyperactive Audio

FAQ – Kurzweil KaE1-LB

What digital piano features are available?

The KaE1-LB offers a wide range of functions: transpose, tuning, MIDI local control, layer, split, duo mode, EQ, a built-in sequencer, and a metronome with different time signatures. You can easily access key functions from the control panel and adjust additional settings directly from the keyboard.

Does the KaE1-LB support half-pedaling?

No, the included pedal is a basic footswitch. For a more expressive playing experience, you may want to invest in a quality sustain pedal. The KaE1-LB automatically detects pedal polarity.

How powerful is the speaker system?

At 2 x 15 watts, the built-in speakers provide ample power for playing at typical volume levels. The sound quality holds up well across the frequency range, although there is a slight drop-off in the low bass—a reasonable trade-off considering the speaker size. Additionally, the 2-band EQ allows you to boost the bass if necessary. And thanks to the dual speakers (bass/midrange and tweeter), the overall sound at the listening position is well-balanced and pleasantly clear.

Can I select all the sounds directly?

Yes, you can select all 20 sounds directly without having to navigate through the keyboard—a feature that stands out in this price range. The VOICE section contains five sound groups of four sounds each, accessible via the BANK button and the Plus/Minus buttons.

Can I adjust touch dynamics?

Yes, you can adjust the touch dynamics with three available curves: soft, normal, and hard, accessible through the Function Panel.

Is there a piano app?

No, Kurzweil does not offer a dedicated app. However, the KaE1-LB offers excellent connectivity for integrating music software on computers and mobile devices, easily achieved through USB audio/MIDI. This setup allows you to play any music application through the piano’s sound system. Given the price range, this flexibility is outstanding!

How do I connect an external audio source?

There are multiple ways to route external audio through the KaE1-LB’s sound system. A 3.5 mm jack lets you connect a stereo mini jack cable, and you can also integrate external devices wirelessly via Bluetooth. Additionally, the built-in audio interface supports direct connections via USB.

How easy is the Kurzweil KaE1-LB to use?

The controls offer direct access to the most important functions for playing and practicing. You will need to use the control panel and specific key combinations to adjust additional settings such as Tune or Local Control. However, a quick glance at the manual is all that’s needed to navigate these controls.

Is the KaE1-LB easy to transport?

Thanks to its sturdy plastic case, the KaE1-LB is quite light for an 88-key stage piano, weighing in at just under 15 kilograms. While the build quality, including the controls, makes a sturdy impression, it’s still advisable to use a gig bag or flight case for added protection. The dimensions are 1320 x 337 x 112 mm.

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