Kawai MP-11SE stage piano

Grand Feel III wooden-key action

All eighty-eight black and white keys are crafted entirely from long pieces of wood, rather than a plastic shell with wooden sides. This ensures the weight of each key is distributed evenly throughout the length, and guarantees an efficient transfer of movement energy when the note is struck.

In addition to grade-weighted hammers, the Grand Feel III action also features metal counterweights, attached beneath each key, and graded across the length of the keyboard. As with an acoustic piano, these additional weights help to balance the touch of the keyboard during pianissimo passages, while providing a feeling of greater substance and solidity when playing with force.

The keys are topped with Kawai’s premium Ivory & Ebony Touch surface materials, with the smooth, matte finish of the white keys complementing the finely textured wood grain on the blacks. These characteristics are not only beneficial in aiding finger control, but also contribute to the overall impression of playing a high quality, authentic piano.

The magnificent sound of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand

The MP-11SE's primary piano sound comes from Kawai’s flagship Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand , with all 88 keys recorded, meticulously analysed, and accurately reproduced as high-fidelity digital waveforms. Recording each key individually preserves the grand piano’s unique harmonic character, guaranteeing a faithful representation of the original acoustic source. Additionally, the SK-EX is also captured at a variety of different volume levels from pianissimo to fortissimo, which allows an accurate acoustic portrait of the instrument to be assembled using Kawai’s Harmonic Imaging XL technology, resulting in smooth tonal transitions across the keyboard and throughout the entire dynamic range.

The naturally expressive Shigeru Kawai sound is further enriched by advanced resonance algorithms which physically model the complex tonal interactions between the strings, dampers, and various other parts of an acoustic piano. These resonances are generated for all 88 keys progressively, allowing the Concert Artist to behave just like an acoustic piano. Employing Kawai's latest SK-EX Rendering engine, the MP-11SE utilises multi-channel sampling to capture the sound from different parts of the piano. This technique not only allows a broader range of tonal characteristics to be recorded and reproduced, but also further improves the connection felt between the keyboard action and piano sound.

The powerful Virtual Technician feature simulates these careful refinements digitally, allowing performers to shape aspects of the piano’s tonal character and playability to suit their unique personal preferences.

Vintage Ep's, Strings, Pads and More

The MP11SE features a selection of incredible vintage electric piano sounds, each with their own distinctive characteristics. Enjoy their natural, organic sound, or pass the signal through a wide variety of classic effects stomp boxes, before plugging into one of the five classic amp and speaker cabinets – complete with realistic microphone character and position modelling.

This instruments SUB section features high quality strings, pads, basses, and other useful sounds that are ideal for creating splits and custom zones, layering with acoustic or electric pianos, or for playing individually, at the front of the mix. Additional Bell, Air, and Voice layers bring greater depth to the sound, with flexible ADSR parameters and resonance/cut-off controls all adjustable directly from the panel’s assignable control knobs.

MIDI Keyboard Capability

Featuring a MIDI out section, the Kawia MP-11SE transforms into the ultimate MIDI controller. Four independent zones control external devices can also integrate into the studio as a master keyboard. With the recorder transport buttons in-built, you don't even need to touch a mouse or leave the piano.

The MP11SE even includes LINE IN jacks and a dedicated panel fader to adjust the level of connected devices, such as that old expander module or semi-weighted synth that you just can’t live without, or a laptop running software instruments.

Ultimate Functionality

Easy to navigate menu's and functions are a must when on stage and with the MP-11SE's large LCD display, it delivers just that. The large LCD display alongside the four assignable control knobs, allow several parameters to be adjusted directly in real-time, without getting lost in menus. The central control panel is very easy to use, with related functions logically grouped and placed where you would expect.
The MP-11SE has up to 208 setup memories, enough even for the busiest stage musician. Every single customised sound, knob position, fader level, and adjustable parameter to be stored in memory as a SETUP, and recalled at the touch of a button. With the ability to set-up in-advance for the next show, or even multiple shows, the MP-11SE makes your life that little bit easier.

Recording and listening back is made easy with this instruments USB to device functionality. It can be used to play back MP3, WAV, or MIDI audio files, so you can play along with backing tracks or use it to learn new tracks. It is even possible to save your own performances directly as MP3 to send to fellow band mates or for casual listening away from the keyboard.

GFP-3 Pedal with Optical Sensors

As the pianist’s stage piano, the MP11SE includes a sturdily-built triple pedal unit providing full Damper, Sostenuto, and Soft pedal control.

This brand new GFP-3 pedal unit has been engineered and manufactured by Kawai, and utilises optical sensors for each pedal to ensure smooth and accurate progressive pedal control without the need for periodic recalibration.