Vintage Keyboards: Kawai EP-608 – Electric Piano

When you first encounter the Kawai EP-608 in person, you might wonder whether you should have taken those colorful pills at the club last night. This rare electric piano from the early 1980s appears almost to float, supported only by its slender chrome legs.

When the Kawai EP-608 was introduced, sample-based stage pianos had not yet emerged. However, semi-acoustic hybrid concepts had already become a key topic among musicians seeking a more authentic pianistic expression on stage since the late 1970s. At the time, most stage instruments were electric pianos such as the Fender Rhodes or the Wurlitzer. These possess a unique sound that does not imitate an acoustic or grand piano.

Pickups Instead of Soundboards

This is why companies such as Yamaha (with the Yamaha CP-80) and Kawai developed electroacoustic hybrid pianos in the 1970s and early 1980s. These instruments have a conventional piano action that strikes the strings. However, rather than being amplified by a traditional soundboard, their vibrations are captured by pickups and routed to an external amplifier.

In principle, these semi-acoustic instruments share certain similarities with digital pianos. The aim was to create a stage-ready, portable, and durable instrument. The pickup system also allows straightforward integration into a band’s amplification setup.

However, the term “portable” must be understood in relative terms: A Yamaha CP-80 weighs around 286 pounds. By contrast, the Kawai EP-608 is comparatively lightweight (unlike its larger, grand-style sibling, the Kawai EP-308). You can even transport it in a standard car. It became available in Europe in 1982 for around $3,000.

Space-Age Design

With its four Sputnik-style chrome legs, the Kawai EP-608 looks as though it could have been designed by a 1960s satellite engineer. Once you assemble and disassemble it, however, the clever, musician-friendly concept becomes apparent.

The six-octave keyboard offers smooth, comfortable playability. For transport, the instrument folds neatly into its vinyl-covered case. Once the legs are removed, the body rests on integrated metal casters, allowing you to roll it away with ease.

Sound Generation of the Kawai EP-608

On the Kawai EP-608, each key actuates a single string. The strings are strung across a compact metal frame, and piezoelectric pickups capture their vibrations. Even when turned off, the instrument produces an audible yet pleasant acoustic output.

Sound of the Kawai EP-608

The Kawai EP-608 has a distinctive tonal character and is noticeably softer than Yamaha’s CP models. While the bass register can sound somewhat synthetic, it remains powerful. The midrange is balanced and smooth.

In the upper octaves, notes tend to decay quickly. Depending on the playing technique, they may sound slightly wiry or thin. Despite each key driving only a single string, the responsive hammer action allows for expressive shaping of the tone.

Not Quite the Real Thing

Although the Kawai EP-608 cannot fully replace an acoustic piano (not least because it lacks a resonant soundboard), it is nevertheless a highly enjoyable instrument to play. Its tremolo effect is particularly appealing, lending the sound somewhat of a space-age character at higher intensity settings. For electric piano enthusiasts with enough space, the EP-608 is a compelling choice.

Semi-Acoustic Hybrid Pianos Today

Digital stage pianos have long since become firmly established. Their compact design and relatively low weight make them practical for both live performances and home use. Nevertheless, the term “semi-acoustic” remains relevant and can be interpreted more broadly. Modern acoustic pianos with silent systems or transducer-driven soundboards combine traditional acoustic and electronic elements in innovative ways.

→ Guide: Hybrid Pianos

The Keybird X1 from Danish manufacturer Keybird Instruments is a semi-acoustic piano in the traditional sense. Although it was primarily conceived as an una corda piano, it is also available with optional Helpinstill pickups, turning it into a semi-acoustic instrument.

→ Manufacturer’s website