Korg
SV-2 88
$2,200
Vintage soul in a stage piano body
5.6 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 3.0 Portability 6.6 Touch Reality 5.3 Value
88 22.5 kg
View Details Kawai
Kawai MP7SE Review
A gigging pianist's workhorse — 256 sounds, real hammer action, no compromises on stage
88 Keys 22.5 kg responsive hammer iii Advanced
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
5.6| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 256 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
5.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | responsive hammer iii | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
3.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 22.5 kg | -1.5 |
| Width | 1360 mm | -0.5 |
| Battery | No | +0 |
| Foldable | No | +0 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +0 |
Touch Reality
8.2| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Key Action Quality | responsive hammer iii (grade 7) | +4.2 |
| Key Count | 88 keys | +1.5 |
| Polyphony | 256 notes | +1.5 |
| Sound Modeling | Harmonic Imaging XL | +0.5 |
| Key Surface | ivory-feel | +0.5 |
Our Verdict
The MP7SE puts Kawai's Responsive Hammer III action and 256 performance-ready sounds into a stage piano built for players who need reliable, expressive keys under their fingers every night.
Pros
- • Responsive Hammer III action — the same triple-sensor mechanism found in Kawai's CN consoles, with graded weight and ivory-feel surface
- • 256 sounds covering acoustic pianos, electric pianos (7 vintage models), organs, clavs, strings, and pads — serious gigging versatility
- • Harmonic Imaging XL sound engine with 256-note polyphony — no note dropout even with heavy sustain pedal use
- • Line-out jacks for direct connection to PA systems or studio monitors
- • USB MIDI for studio recording and DAW integration
- • Layer and split modes with per-zone volume control — stack strings under piano or split bass left and piano right for solo gigs
Cons
- • 22.5 kg — significantly heavier than competitors like the Roland FP-90X (23.6 kg) and much heavier than lightweight stage pianos around 12-15 kg
- • No built-in speakers — you need an amp, PA, or headphones to hear anything at all
- • Only one headphone jack (6.3mm) with no spatial optimization — home practice experience is basic compared to console models
- • No Bluetooth, no app connectivity, no lesson function — this is purely a performance instrument
- • Released in 2017 — aging design with no USB-C, no Bluetooth MIDI, while competitors have modernized
The MP7SE is a niche instrument with a clear purpose: it's for pianists who gig and refuse to sacrifice touch quality. The 256 sounds cover everything from pristine acoustic grands to vintage electric pianos, and the RH III action is genuinely good — better than what you'll find in most stage pianos under $2,000. The downsides are real: it's heavy for load-in, it has no speakers for home practice, and the 2017 design lacks modern connectivity like Bluetooth. If you play at home as much as on stage, a console like the CN-301 with speakers might serve you better. But if your piano goes in a road case every weekend, and you need keys that feel right whether you're playing Debussy or Stevie Wonder, the MP7SE delivers.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Responsive Hammer III in the MP7SE is the same action used in Kawai's CN-series consoles — three sensors per key, graded weight from bass to treble, and ivory-feel surfaces that grip your fingers. For a stage piano, this level of action quality is remarkable. Most competitors in this price range use lighter, simpler mechanisms. The trade-off is weight: at 22.5 kg, the MP7SE is one of the heavier stage pianos on the market. But for pianists who actually play piano repertoire on stage (not just pop chords), the realistic touch is worth every gram.
Who Is This Piano For?
You play keyboards in a jazz trio, a church worship band, or as a solo pianist at restaurants and events. You need an instrument that feels like a real piano — not a synth with weighted keys — but you also need electric piano patches, organ sounds, and the ability to plug straight into a PA and go. You've tried lightweight stage pianos and found them too toylike. The MP7SE is heavier, yes, but it rewards you with a key feel that lets you play Chopin and then switch to Rhodes without missing a beat.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Responsive Hammer Iii |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 256 |
| Weight | 22.5 kg |
| Speakers | — |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | Harmonic Imaging XL |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1360×355×175 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | Yes |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.
🎧
Headphones
Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.
🎹
Sustain Pedal
The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.
💺
Bench
An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.
How It Compares
MP7SE vs SV-2 88
The MP7SE scores higher in Touch Reality and Value. The MP7SE costs $300 less. Choose the MP7SE if you prioritize realistic touch.
Korg SV-2 88 →MP7SE vs VIVO S1
The MP7SE scores higher in Beginner and Touch Reality, while the VIVO S1 edges ahead in Night Practice and Portability. The MP7SE costs $100 less. Choose the MP7SE if you prioritize beginner-friendly features.
Dexibell VIVO S1 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kawai MP7SE good for beginners?
It's decent for beginners. The Kawai MP7SE scores 5.6/10 on our Beginner scale — it covers the basics but may lack some advanced learning features found in higher-scoring models.
Does the Kawai MP7SE have Bluetooth?
No, the Kawai MP7SE does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Kawai MP7SE?
The Kawai MP7SE weighs 22.5 kg (50 lbs). It scores 3/10 on our Portability scale. This is manageable for occasional moves but not truly portable.
Can I use headphones with the Kawai MP7SE?
Yes. The Kawai MP7SE has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Kawai MP7SE have?
The Kawai MP7SE has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
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Dexibell
VIVO S1
$2,000
Dexibell's ultra-light stage keyboard powerhouse
4.6 Beginner 6.5 Night Practice 7.5 Portability 2.8 Touch Reality 5.8 Value
68 7 kg
View Details