Casio Keyboards Details and Deals

Casio Keyboards

Written on October 28, 2011 at 10:58 pm, by admin

There’s a Casio keyboard for just about everyone from complete beginner to musicians on the edge of a professional career. They have a great reputation for quality sound plus lots of features, at very affordable prices. This blog provides honest descriptions and comparisons to help you select the electric keyboard that’s best for you. Plus we’ll keep an eye out for discounts and deals.

Making the Right Choice

Picking the best keyboard depends on both your level of playing and the sorts of music you expect to play. If you’re just beginning you might want to go for a low-cost model but this might actually be more expensive in the long run. You may quickly outgrow a low-end model and have to shell out a couple of hundred dollars to go up a couple of levels.

The first thing to look for in an electronic keyboard is “polophony.” That’s just a fancy term for being able to play more than one note at a time. Any keyboard without polophony isn’t much more than a toy. All the keyboards on the site can play many notes at the same time. Some as many as 48. “Fourty-eight? But I only have ten fingers.” Nearly all Casio musical keyboards can record the notes you’re playing so that you can layer several parts on top of one another.

You may want to consider the number of “tones” or “voices.” Some digital pianos are limited to a small number of piano-based sounds plus maybe a few others. More general keyboards can have a hundred or more tones emulating a wide variety of traditional instruments as well as various synthesizer sounds.

If you’re interested in more than just learning and playing some simple arrangements, you’ll want to look into keyboards with additional features. Many offer reverberation (echo) and other audio effects. If you’re seriously into musical creation you’ll want features that let you record multiple parts and put them together. Many keyboards include a USB port, allowing you to record, edit, and compose with your computer. If you’re especially into live performance, you can find keyboards that can automatically add rhythm patterns and simple arpeggios, and some even bass lines and harmonies.

People seriously into music may also be interested in keyboards with MIDI interfaces. MIDI was originally a stand-alone serial interface allowing a single source, such as a keyboard, to control one or more electronic instruments including synthesizers and drum kits. That has involved into MIDI General, and is now more commonly handled over a USB interface. If you have older MIDI gear you’ll probably need a USB-MIDI interface box.

Most electronic keyboards incorporate an audio amplifier and speakers. If this is the way you’ll typically be playing, be sure to check out user reviews of their sound quality. Most keyboards also include headphones, which are sometimes included. If this is how you plan to play most of the time, you’ll probably want to buy a better quality set of headphones. Simple adapters are also available for mis-matched plugs and jacks.

Which of the Casio Electronic Keyboards is Right for You?

Besides looking at the various keyboard features, you’ll also need to think about your personal situation. Unless you’re looking for a Casio piano keyboard, you’ll be looking at Casio portable keyboards.

If the keyboard is for a youngster just interested in playing a few tunes, a mini-keyboard (such as the SA-76) is fine and very inexpensive. However for any two-handed playing you’ll need at least 61 keys. A “real” piano has 88 keys, so you’ll need that many keys for live performances of the full range of keyboard music. For personal or studio playing keyboards with 61 keys, such as the CTK 3000 are fine. Personally, I went for a CTK 4000. Many Casio CTK keyboards can record your playing and you can use this to fill in the bass and treble ranges.

If your intention is to first learn on an electronic keyboard and then move on an acoustic piano, you should take a close look at the keyboard’s “action.” Many Casio digital pianos and premium keyboards have special “weightings” so that they feel closer to that of an acoustic piano. You should also keep an eye out for touch-sensitive keyboards. They will allow you to work on the expressiveness of your playing whether you plan to move on or stick with electric keyboards.

Wrap Up

Casio was established in 1946. Known for a great balance of cost and performance, they’ve grown to become a leader in keyboards, calculators, and watches. Click here for Wikipedia’s history and technical scoop on electronic keyboards.

The various keyboard series we’ve just discussed are intended for beginner, intermediate, and some advanced players. They’re all relatively inexpensive and packed with capabilities. Although they may not have the reputation of Yamaha, Roland, or Korg among professionals, Casio keyboards are just perfect for just about everyone else.

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Casio CTK 4000 and CTK 4200 — Both Great Choices

Written on November 16, 2011 at 1:45 am, by admin

CTK-4000 1/3 Off

For not much more that a CTK 3000 you can step up to the 4000. That’s what I did. I’ll explain the differences below. Most owners agree it’s the best you’re going to find without spending at least twice as much. We’ll also introduce the new CTK 4200. It’s now literally just a few dollars more than the 4000. So here’s the lowest prices right now.

Casio CTK 4000 One of the Best Affordable Keyboards

Like the 3000, the CTK 4000 has 61 touch-sensitive keys. So how is this keyboard different from the 3000? You loose the pitch wheel, which offers blended notes for synth styles – not to important for other keyboard styles. In return you get 10 seconds of audio sampling (versus 1 second for the 3000). You also get an additional accompaniment function, the “arpeggiator,” offering 90 different arpeggio patterns.

You’ll also be adding “AHL” – Acoustic and Highly-Compressed Large-Waveform tones. I’m not sure exactly what the technology is, but it means even better sound quality. The 4000′s sound is especially good on piano, harpsichord, and organ tones. It also has a great saxophone tone, at least to my ears. The speakers are plenty loud with good sound quality. It’s succesor, the new CTK 4200 is nearly identical. If you try out a dozen different electric keyboards you’re not likely to find anything better for less than $300. You can pay more for a few more features and tones, but you won’t get a better instrument without paying a whole lot more.

Recommended Users

Casio’s 4000 is one of the best and most economical choices for those learning and beginner to intermediate players. Advanced players will want to go a few grades (and a lot more dollars) higher.

The “Step-Up Lesson System,” also available on the other CTK models, is an automatic teaching system that breaks learning up into several parts. Each piece of music to be learned is first broken down into individual phrases. You first practice the right-hand part of each phrase, then the left-hand, then both together. Finally you put all the phrases together, and you’ve learned the piece. The purchase includes a paper printed song book containing the songs built-into this learning system. There’s also a “Music Challenge Keyboard Game” that measures and improves your reaction speed.

The keys themselves are exactly what’s needed for everyone other than advanced players. The 2-levels of sensitivity are a must. Without that you simply can’t get much expressiveness into your playing. The keys have a good feel as an electric keyboard, although not the advanced weighted keys of a much more expensive electric piano. So the 4000 is well beyond a “toss it aside” first keyboard and the best value for almost anyone other than serious musicians and perhaps those planning to move to an acoustic piano.

My Review: Any Got Ya’s?

There’s a few things to dislike, but they’re shared by Casio’s other CTK models. Unless you buy the premium package, you’ll get just the keyboard with no power adapter to run it. A set of batteries will cost you almost as much as an AC adapter and only last 10-15 hours. And nope, you can’t use rechargeable batteries (even their fully-charged voltage is to low). In a way the premium package is a bargain. You get the power adapter, a stand, and headphones for less than the cost of adding an adapter and stand separately. On the other hand, the three added item don’t seem to be particularly good quality so you’re actually better off buying something else separately.

I personally recommend getting the World Tours WTAD5 power adapter and leaving it at that. You may eventually want to add a sustain pedal, headphones and maybe a stand. So think about those in your budgeting.

There’s one more drawback to the 4000 model and below. All settings, samples, and “recorded” songs are lost when you turn the keyboard off. I have mine connected to a PC and leave it turned on until I’ve finished a “project” so this isn’t a big deal for me.

4000 Details… not really

I’m running out of time and want to get this posted. So for now I’ll just list the other features that I haven’t already touched on.

48 note polyphony
570 tones
180 rhythms
152 built-in songs
6 track recording
split and layer keyboard
reverb and chorus
transpose
auto accompaniment
auto harmonize
USB MIDI

Casio CTK 4200

This model is mostely a minor cosmetic update to the 4000. You will find a few additional features, but nothing to write home about. First, the number of tones in increased from 570 on the 4000 model to 600 on the Casio CTK 4200 You’ll also get a pair of “quick change” buttons for a little convenience. One switches between piano and organ tones, while the other toggles the chord auto-accompaniment on and off. Like its predecessor, the CTK-4200 is already developing a reputation for “exceeding expectations.”

My Evaluation

There’s quite a few great keyboards out there, but you’re not likely to find something better at anywhere near the price of the 4000s. It’s the one I chose and purchased for myself. I bought the 4000 a few months ago, and don’t really feel left out of the 4200. The sound of both is great, and it has all the features on my must-have list, plus a few more. While you won’t get the true feel and expressiveness of an acoustic or high-end electric piano, you do get 2 levels of sensitivity and a good quality feel. You’re likely to pay several times more for anything significantly better. It won’t be the main keyboard for “serious” musicians but the 4000 and the 4200 are great values for the rest of us.

Cool Video

The opening looks like a commercial, but don’t get turned off. It walks you through hooking up to a computer and creating your own multi-track recording.

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Casio WK 7500 — a True Music Workstation

Written on November 6, 2011 at 12:52 am, by admin

Keyboard Music Workstation

The Casio WK 7500 is truly a digital workstation for, both amateures and professionals. Although there’s a twist that eliminates this model for many experienced musicians, it’s an exceptional value for the rest of us.

The WK 7500 is a very affordable semi-professional electronic keyboard that incorporates quite a few digital studio capabilities along with many more that support live performances. Although it runs about twice the cost of the typical CTS model, it’s a great price considering all the workstation features. Although it lists for some $700, we’ve found it going for around $450.

With a digital workstation you can create and edit music, so this keyboard takes you well beyond just learning, practicing, and performing simple arrangements. You can use it as a composers station, creating new music and accompanying complex performances.

The Casio WK 7500 weighs in at under 20 pounds, making it easy to take on the road for gigs. It’s also convenient to carry over to a friends for practice or to lessons. If you’re tight on space, the light weight makes it easier to move out of the way when you need the room.

Possible Roadblocks

But lets be upfront about a major issue. The keys, both white and black, are about 1/2” shorter than a standard keyboard. This probably isn’t a big deal for beginning and intermediate players, but it can be a big headache for experienced keyboardists. The size and depression won’t feel exactly right, and may even lead to fatigue and other problems as your muscle-memory keeps going for full-sized keys. You may also want to avoid this model if you’re expecting to “graduate” to acoustic piano or play both acoustic and electric keyboards.

You should also be aware that many players have noted that the 7000′s audio quality is not quite up to the standards of the WK 8000. Many non-professionals may not notice the difference, but you should give both a listen. If you can tell the difference you may well want to pay a bit extra for the 8000.

This may not bee the best keyboard for the novice. Although it’s usually best to go with a keyboard you won’t outgrow for quite a while a workstation may be overwhelming for a beginner. On the other hand, you don’t have to use the advanced features until you’re ready.

Casio WK 7500 Basics

That said, this keyboard can be terrific for most of us. I’ll hit the basics here and go into more details in a later post.

76 keys provide a wider range most low-cost keyboards, plenty for most composers and performers. But it’s not the full 88 keys of an acoustic piano. As a big plus, the keys are touch-sensitive for a more realistic feel. This will also let your playing become more expressive. Several semi-pro performers have called the 7500 among the best you’ll find in non-weighted keys (which you’ll find only in premium digital piano keyboards).

This workstation keyboard provides numerous capabilities to support creativity and music composition.

You can tweak each tone
You can create your own tones and rhythms
17-track sequencer
32 channel mixer
record and store to SD card or personal computer

The 7500 is well-equipped to enhance live performances as well.

Can setup splits, layers, or both
Leslie (rotating speaker) simulation
800 tones
250 rhythms

The auto-accompaniment capabilities have been described as incredible. They can really flesh out a performance, especially for beginner to intermediate players. These features exceed many other makes and models costing a whole lot more.

My Conclusions

Overall, this is a really great workstation at a surprisingly low street price. Too bad Casio had to mess with the key size. The 7500 is not up to professional standards, but it comes very close, and combines a great keyboard with the core of a digital studio. Even people who have used professional models of premium brands have very good things to say about the Casio WK 7500.

Click Here for Best Deal

“This is one of the finest keyboards I have ever owned” – Ron

“It’s a very good choice for the stage and the studio, with enough voices, tracks, and channels to rival some very good and much more expensive workstations.” – Dave

“… more bang for the buck than any other keyboard I know of.” – Jim

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Casio CTK 3000 Best Value

Written on October 1, 2011 at 11:30 pm, by admin

: Casio CTK 3000 over 1/3 Off

The Casio CTK 3000 keyboard is one of the most popular portable keyboards around. It has everything you need to progress from rank beginner to excellent performer almost ready for the pros. There’s many other reasons for its popularity. You’ll love the sound and the rich and extensive set of features for an amazingly low price. Most people simply won’t outgrow it. There’s a few things to look out for, so read on!

This CTK 3000 delivers the usual great audio together with features for beginners just learning as well as those seriously into music. Its very realistic grand piano voice has made it especially noteworthy and well suited to those interested in classical piano music. But there’s hundreds of other tones as well.

The Casio Step-Up lesson system guides beginners in basic keyboard playing, developing hand as well as music skills. It can supplement a teacher, and for casual players it may eliminate taking lessons all together. There’s also a fingering guide and keyboard indicators. These act sort of like training wheels for learning a melody and reinforcing sight reading. The Music Challenge systems pushes speed as a sort of game. This will certainly improve dexterity, and might even nudge sight reading a bit faster.

One feature the CTK 3000 offers that many other models don’t include is digital sampling. Here the keyboard can record up to a second of audio and then use it for notes. This is a great tool for innovation and adding unique effects to your playing.

This model also provides accompaniment in the form of automatic chords, rhythms, and bass. This can beef up the sound for beginners and enhances the music for all levels of players. A leftt-hand cord can generate an accompainment and a right-hand note can cue an automatic harmony. There’s also a huge list of built-in rhythm patterns. With a little practice you can sound like several musicians at once. Add the sampling and other features and you have the start of a digital studio.

Casio CTK 3000 Features

This electric keyboard has 61 touch-sensitive keys. Although not that of a full acoustic piano, that’s more than sufficient for true two-handed playing. A couple of touch-sensitive levels adds some expressiveness, this model is still unfortunately a way from the subtlety of an acoustic keyboard.

With 48-note polyphony, there’s no shortage of notes that can be played simultaneously. This lets you do lots of layering and take full advantage of the automatic bass, harmony, and rhythms. It has 300 built-in tones with the capacity for 100 more. So you can quite literally select from hundreds of sounds including classical instruments, ethnic and other acoustic instruments, plus lots of electronic synth sounds.

You can also draw from 150 built-in rhythms to accompany your playing. Some 20 of these are drawn from piano styles and over 50 are ethnic beats giving you a wide range of selections to fill out your performances.

Here’s a few more specific features.

Audio Input – for sampling and play-along
USB Port – lets you connect to your personal computer and potentially other MIDI instruments
Pitch Wheel – for pitch blending and synth effects
LCD Display – makes configuration and selections easier, and provides a quick check

Special Sauce

The combination of 61 keys, touch-sensitivity, and polophony make the 3000 a serious keyboard. And the long list of tones, rhythms, and auto-accompainmnet help make it a joy to play. The other features are nice touches that can expand how you use this keyboard.

The USB MIDI connection lets you hook this Casio up to your personal computer. With your choice from lots of free and moderately priced software you can then record and edit your playing. You can even use it as the keyboard input for Apple’s GarageBand and other recent MIDI gear.

The sampler is a particularly nifty feature. You can use it to record a live instrument and add it to your tones. Or capture up to 1 second of sound and import that into your performance. Finally, the analog audio input lets you play along with CDs or MP3s.

Accessorizing

There’s a few accessories you might want to consider. If you don’t have an AC adapter, get one first thing. It’ll save you a fortune in batteries. If you practice (or learn) with other people around, you just might want a good pair of over-the-ear headphones. I personally haven’t bothered with a stand. To me, most are either too flimsy or too expensive in comparison to the keyboard itself. But you just might want one, especially for portability. If you have an iMac or iPad, look into GarageBand. You’ll get some really great tones plus added recording and editing capabilities. But for an iPad you’ll also need Apple’s camera (yes, camera) adapter to make the connection. You can also get great music software for PCs, and only need a USB cable to make the hook-up. Just be sure the software is compatible with General MIDI over USB.

CTK 3000 — My Conclusions

The 3000 is low cost, often available from discount sources for around $130 but loaded with features and capabilities. When I first ran across this keyboard I was surprisingly pleased with the sound and amazed by the low cost. I’ve personally found it to be a sweet spot, in between the Casio CTK 2100 and the Casio CTK 4000.

It’s hard to find fault with this model. The included power adapter and stand could be better, so I recommend buying just the keyboard (not a premium package) and purchasing better quality accessories separately. The keys don’t have the touch and sensitivity one might like, but you’d have to pay several times as much to get that. Even so, the keyboard itself has a solid quality feel that you’ll enjoy playing.

With other brands and models you’ll pay a whole lot more, and get very little more. With this keyboard you’ll have all you need at the best price around. In brief, this is great for taking lessons as well as taking it further into music creation and performance. Priced low enough to be a casual purchase, the Casio CTK 3000 can be the one and only electronic keyboard for most of us with no push to upgrade to a more expensive instrument.

Click Here for Lowest Price

“It is good as and better than most other keyboards that cost twice as much.”
– David Drofdoow, eZine Articles

Pardon My French

… but this is the best video on the CTK 3000 I’ve been able to find.