Brands

The beautiful sound of the Casio PX-350 is in part achieved thanks to the ingenious AiR technology offered by Casio. The Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator system is Casio’s solution to interpolating various velocity-switched sample levels that give the PX-350 same sound as that of a grand piano.

The AiR system allows for better control and smooth dynamics. In combination with Casio’s Damper Resonance, the AiR system makes for one of the richest sounding digital pianos out there.

Key action

Not only does Casio aim for realism in terms of the sound of the PX-350, but also in terms of the feel of the keyboard for the player. The 88 keys of the PX-350 feature Tri-sensor scaled hammer action.

Keys are designed to mimic the look and feel of ebony or ivory. Casio has achieved an extreme in key sensitivity and realism by taking into account how the hammers of an acoustic grand work in relation to the speed and force with which keys are pressed.

Special sounds and features

There are 250 different instrument tones built into the PX-350. Among the built-in instruments are strings, bass, drums, brass, and organ sounds. This digital piano from Casio also comes with 180 drum patterns that can provide accompaniment. Composers using the PX-350 can take advantage of the 17-track recorder that comes built in.

Transposing keys is easy thanks to he a 25 step key transpose feature. Four different types of reverb and four different types of chorus effects allow the player to achieve a many different sounds. The PX-350 is a good choice for student pianists thanks to its built-in metronome with a wide range of tempo settings.

Other features include 1/4″ audio outputs that allow the digital piano to be hooked up to recording or sound reinforcement equipment. The Casio PX-350 also includes a thumb-drive dock that allows performances to be recorded directly onto a drive.

Some possible criticisms

Casio Privia PX-350 Review (2020)

Some users of the Casio PX-350 have complained that the button layout feels somewhat crammed and confusing.

However, this is a natural consequence of a digital piano offering such a wide variety of special effects and features. Another criticism of the digital piano is that its internal speakers show a noticeable compression effect at loud volume settings.

Altogether, the Casio PX-350 is just one more model that showcases the striking realism and impressive value that have become standard features of Casio’s Privia line of digital pianos.

Casio Privia PX-350 Demonstration

Alternatives

Yamaha P115‎

The Yamaha P115 is an excellent alternative to the Casio PX-350. Like the PX-‎‎350, the P115 has 88-fully weighted keys with matte black keytops. Including ‎four touch sensitivity options, compared to the PX-350's three, the P115 offers ‎slightly more touch customization. There are also 50 built-in songs to play ‎along with, plus 14 more demo songs. Though some aspects of the P115 ‎outperform the PX-350, there are other areas where the Yamaha keyboard ‎lacks. You have access to only two recording tracks, compared to the Casio PX-‎‎350's 17 tracks. For musicians who value advanced recording options, this ‎difference is significant. You can create nice piano songs with two tracks, but ‎with 17, you can craft a musical masterpiece. Nevertheless, the Yamaha P115 ‎is a solid alternative to the PX-350 in terms of sound. ‎

Yamaha DGX-660‎

Another great alternative to the Casio PX-350 is the Yamaha DGX-660. The ‎soundbank of the DGX-660 is over twice the size of the PX-350's and features ‎an impressive 554 built-in sounds. If you're a beginner, you may also take ‎advantage of the Yamaha Education Suite that's integrated into the piano. ‎With two 6W speakers, the DGX-660 has slightly less volume power than the ‎PX-350. One thing you may enjoy about this digital piano is the Graded ‎Hammer Standard action of the keys. This action is a classic Yamaha feature ‎that doesn't disappoint. Though this keyboard doesn't have the PX-350's 17 ‎track capabilities, you'll have decent recording options with a 6-track MIDI ‎recorder. ‎

Conclusion

The Casio PX-350 is a beautifully designed digital keyboard that offers ‎outstanding sounds and unrivaled recording potential. You can use this piano ‎at home or for professional use. Pianists of all levels commend the world-class ‎AiR sound engine for the rich and authentic tones it produces. Ebony and ‎Ivory keytops provide the optimal feel and grip, which is similar to Grand ‎Pianos. ‎

Since the keyboard is compact and lightweight, you'll have no problems ‎putting it in a small space or taking it on the road. The Tri-Sensor Scaled ‎Hammer Action II offers smooth touch for every single key. One of the most ‎impressive attributes of the PX-350 is the recording hardware. Composers and ‎recording enthusiasts alike will love the vast potential of 17 tracks. Many ‎keyboards in the same price range can't compare and often feature less than 6 ‎recording tracks. With loads of fantastic features at a reasonable price, the ‎Casio PX-350 is a powerful machine fitted for amateur and professional ‎pianists.‎

See Reviews & More for Casio PX350

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Yamaha Arius YDP-V240 Review (2020)

September 25, 2020 By admin

Yamaha Arius YDP-V240 Traditional Console Digital Piano With Bench

I haven’t reviewed a cabinet-styled keyboard in quite some time and this is the first in awhile. I tried the YDP-V240 recently; It’s a solid keyboard made of high quality which I would expect nothing less from Yamaha. In this Yamaha Arius YDP-V240 review, I will take a look at different features and working of this digital piano.

Graded hammer action
The dynamic stereo sampling (AWM)
131 voices and 361 XGLight voices and 12 drum kits
A six track sequencer
USB connectivity for storing your MIDI files and connecting to a computer

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Graded Hammer Action for Authentic Piano Feel

The first thing I would like to talk about is the graded hammer action. The hammer action replicates the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. But not only that the graded hammer action works in the same manner as the acoustic piano.

The keys in the lower register require a heavier touch in contrast to the keys in the upper register that require a lighter touch. And the reason for that is because of the sound dynamics that need to be balanced from from lower to high register.

Comprehensive Library of Wave Sampled Dynamic Sounds

modern-yamaha-arius-ydp-v240-digital-piano-with-bench-tittle-5ab81771b3926-800x600

This Yamaha digital piano features advanced wave memory which is an advanced sampling system which accurately captures the sounds and textures of acoustic instruments.

For instance, an acoustic piano reproduces sound in the lower register differently than the sounds in the higher registry. Yamaha’s advanced wave memory is designed to capture every little nuance in sound reproduction and produces sounds accurately.

This digital piano also features a comprehensive library of dynamic sounds and voices — everything from brass, strings, or organs and reed instruments and more. The sound bank is comprised of 131 voices including 361 XGLight voices and 12 percussion kits or drums.

All these can be combined into a six track sequencer that can play up to 64 notes simultaneously or as is commonly referred to in the music industry 64 note polyphony.

An Advanced Effects Signal Processor

This piano also comes with an effects signal processor that can be added to the main and dual voices. The effects processor includes a range of effects from reverb to distortion and many others to give your instruments a deep rich sound.

Arius YDP V240 comes with a six track MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) sequencer which is adequate for recording your playing and reviewing your performance. While this is a adequate for reviewing your playing I would not recommend this as a multitrack sequencer for complete multi-instrument arrangements.

For that I would recommend using a computer connected to the USB port and MIDI software software which is what most musicians use in any event. One of the nice features I like about this digital piano is the fact that you can change the song style on-the-fly.

For instance you can play one song using a certain style and automatically change it to a swing jazz song or hip-hop depending on whatever is of interest to you.

Designed for Beginners Learning to Play

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Another feature that has been added to this digital piano is great for newer musicians learning to play. There are a number of preset songs that you can play along with to help you learn a particular song and related style.

You can store some of your songs on board the digital keyboard or you can save it to any USB device which makes it easy to transport or transfer your MIDI files to other devices or other keyboards. You can also use the USB port to connect a computer to manage all of your song recordings using third-party MIDI software.

Interestingly Arius YDP V240 also features dual headphone outputs which is great for a student and teacher, making the lesson session a quiet for other household members.

The great thing about digital piano for the price, it has a good number of voices and instruments on board, featured in a richly designed wood style cabinet piano which wouldn’t look out of place in your living room or family room.

Basic MIDI Sequencer Good Enough for the Beginner

The only caveat that I would have about YDP V240 is that it’s MIDI sequencer is good for rudimentary recording, however if you want a full-fledged sequencer then I recommend connecting digital piano to a computer using the USB port.

Yamaha YDP V240 Piano Sound

What's Not So Good...

Though the Yamaha Arius YDP V240 is a stunning keyboard, it comes with a ‎few minor drawbacks. Like many other digital pianos, this keyboard is bulky ‎and can be challenging to move. The YDP V240 weighs 108lbs, so it will likely ‎take at least two people to move it. People often associate heavy keyboards ‎with high performance and quality, and many times this is an accurate ‎assumption. However, keyboards weighing over 40lbs aren't great for gigging ‎musicians. In most cases, the YDP V240 will become a new piece of furniture ‎in a household. This piano is also a bit on the pricier side.‎

Another slight drawback is the split voice feature. When using this mode, you ‎aren't able to use the sustain pedal at the same time. With some digital pianos, ‎you can't utilize the pedals with the split function activated because ‎manufacturers overlook this aspect. ‎

The YDP V240 has relatively noisy keys, which may be slightly bothersome for ‎some people. If you live with others, the sound of keys clunking might irritate ‎others in the same room. Fortunately, you won't have to worry about this noise ‎if you wear headphones. ‎

Those who wish to play alongside someone else might find the piano bench ‎inconvenient. The included bench is on the smaller side and not fitting for two ‎people. If you are going to play with others, you might have to invest in a ‎separate bench. ‎

Though some enjoy the GHS action, others don't prefer it as much. With the ‎GHS, you may not be able to play quick, repeated notes with the same ‎effectiveness as the GHE or GH. ‎

Conclusion

To conclude this Yamaha ARIUS YDP-V240 review, it is an excellent instrument that all levels of ‎pianists can appreciate. This digital piano is for people that want a beautiful, ‎high-performance console for their home. With the look and feel of a ‎traditional console piano, the Yamaha Arius YDP V240 includes many standout features that ‎separate it from its competition. You can expand the internal gallery with ‎hundreds of unique sounds, styles, and instrument tracks. ‎

Also, the keyboard has a touch screen that provides smooth and easy ‎navigation. People with smartphones can also connect to the YDP V240 with ‎several feature-rich apps. Each of the sounds come from the PureCF Sound ‎Engine, including piano tones sampled directly from the Yamaha's famous ‎CFIII 9' Concert Grand Piano. ‎

With the inclusion of all three pedals, you have significantly more control over ‎the sound. The middle pedal, or sostenuto pedal, allows users to sustain the ‎bottom half of the keys, while the left pedal, or soft pedal, slightly reduces the ‎overall volume. ‎

Including a 6-track recording option, this keyboard is excellent for creating ‎intricate songs with a wide variety of instruments. MIDI connectivity gives you ‎the opportunity to connect to a DAW, or Digital Audio Workstation. Though the ‎YDP V240 is exceptional for beginners, it's also highly suitable for experienced ‎players. If you want access to a powerful machine with countless features and ‎rich sounds, the Yamaha Arius YDP V240 may be the perfect solution. ‎

See Reviews & More for Yamaha YDP V240

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Yamaha P45B Review (2020): Is It Worth Your Money?

September 25, 2020 By Maurice

Yamaha P45, 88-Key Weighted Action Digital Piano (P45B)

If you’re like most serious musicians, you want the absolute best instrument you can get, and from a manufacturer that you can trust.

This is why so many musicians depend on their Yamaha keyboards - because they know that they’re getting quality and the best piano sound backed by the Yamaha name.

But with a bunch of high-end Yamaha models to choose from, how do you know which is the best Yamaha keyboard for your particular needs?

That’s what we're going to do in this Yamaha P45B review - give you the low-down on one of Yamaha’s top models!

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Quick Navigation

Overview

Video Overview

Who the Yamaha P45B Digital Piano is Most Suitable?

What’s Included in the Box?

Features

Pros and Cons

Manual

How to Use the Yamaha P45B

Yamaha P45 vs P45B

Sweetwater's Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano Review

Conclusion

Overview

The P series is part of Yamaha’s line of contemporary keyboard pianos, and they cost less than $1,000. The most affordable of the P line is the P-35, an 88-key, weighted keyboard that was very popular.

Now, there is the P45B, which is the next incarnation of the P-35, with new features that may just make it even better than the popular P-35. The P 45B is smaller and even more portable than the P-35, and it has an upgraded, 64-note polyphony for awesome musical quality.

The P45B has the latest in Advanced Wave Memory technology (AWM), which means that the instrument sounds are as close as possible to the real thing. The acoustic piano sound is very authentic, and the AWM stereo sampling helps to create a sound that is richer and deeper.

The sounds can be played at many volumes and timbres. Every key has been sampled with AWM single key sampling technology. For a relatively inexpensive keyboard, you will be very impressed with the sound quality.

One of the best things about the P45B is the key action. Each key is weighted, so it is heavier in the low notes and lighter in the high notes.

This means that this is a keyboard that is the next best thing to playing an acoustic piano, at least when it comes to how it feels, and there are four settings for the key sensitivity.

The keys have a matte finish, so you don’t have to worry about your fingers slipping off, even if you are playing hard and sweating.

You can get the P45B in a bundle package that comes with an X keyboard stand, headphones, and a sustain pedal.

This is a great way to save money rather than having to buy each of these items separately, which can start to add up after a while.

Video Overview

See one person’s impression of their new P 45B on this YouTube video.

See Reviews & More for Yamaha P45B

Who the Yamaha P45B Digital Piano is Most Suitable?

It is reasonably priced, with bundle packages costing less than $500 on Amazon, and it has plenty of features to offer players of all levels.

If you are looking for a good digital piano that is portable, sounds like an acoustic piano, and isn’t going to cost $1,000 or more, the P45B is definitely an option to consider.

If you are looking for a keyboard for a child, this may not be the best option. Since it is in the $500 range, it is not something that you want to see treated as a toy, or have them lose interest in. If you have a child who is learning how to play the piano, something like this would be an excellent one for them to move up to when they show that they have an interest to continue learning. In fact, it could be used as an incentive to keep on practicing and getting better.

What’s Included in the Box?

Depending on the seller, you can buy the P45B by itself, or you can get it in a bundle package. What is inside the bundle package again depends on the seller. Look for a bundle package that includes the Yamaha P45B keyboard, an X keyboard stand, a padded piano bench, headphones, dust cover, and a sustain pedal.

Even though this is a keyboard designed for professionals, some of the bundle packages even come with instructional books for beginner and intermediate players.

If you were to purchase the keyboard separately from all of these accessories, you would pay around $450. For an additional $50, you get at least $200 worth of accessories.

Also, when you get a bundle package, you have everything you need to sit down and start playing as soon as you take it all out of the box.

Features

This is a keyboard piano that is made for professionals, but it is also a good model for beginner and intermediate players.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD YAMAHA P45B MANUAL

First there was the P35. Then, there was the P45 with upgraded features. Now we have the P45B, which has even more upgrades. Of course, it has GHS weighted action, so you get the heaviness in the low keys and the lightness in the high keys.

The sensitivity of the keyboard can be adjusted, depending on your own personal playing style. As we mentioned, this can be a good keyboard for beginners, and the GHS weighted action is one of the reasons why, because they will be learning on something that feels like a grand piano. Some of our favorite features of the P45B include:

	64-Note Polyphony

One of the best upgrades from the P35 is the 64-note polyphony. This is going to allow you to be able to perform some pretty complicated musical passages, even when you are using a lot of sustain, and you won’t have to worry about any dropped notes.

In fact, you could play 64 notes at once, and hear each one as clear as a bell. It’s not likely that you are ever going to actually want to do this, but with this keyboard, it is an option.

	Dual and Split Modes

When you are using the dual mode feature, you are able to combine two of the built-in voices (instrument sounds) for better creativity in your work. The split mode lets you have two sounds in the higher and lower ends of the keyboard.

This means that you can have the sound of one instrument in the lower half of the keyboard, and the sound of a different instrument in the upper half.

	USB Connectivity

There are tons of great music apps out there, and you can use them with this keyboard. It has a USB to Host port that lets you connect it to other devices, including computers, laptops, and mobile phones.

This is going to let you use the various music education, entertainment, and creation software packages. You can choose to use the MIDI in and out, and there is also a ¼” headphone output jack.

	One-button Function

Here is a feature that is perfect for professionals and beginners in this digital piano. You can change the various settings using a single button, including changing voices, setting up the built-in metronome, playing demo sources, and more.

All you have to do is press the “Grand Piano/Function” button, and making changes is simple. This is going to speed things up if you are playing on stage, and beginners won’t have to worry about fiddling with a bunch of buttons.

	Reverb and Chorus

You won’t find many digital pianos in this price range that have chorus and reverb effects. This is going to allow you to create sounds that have much warmer sound quality.

There is also a sustain pedal included with your purchase, so you will have this effect as well. These are just a few of the effects that set this digital piano apart from comparable models by other brands.

	Octaves

This 88-key keyboard has something that many digital pianos, particularly those in this price range, don't: eight octaves. This is a full-size piano, with a full eight octaves, which is going to let you play those really complex pieces.

This is because unlike other digital pianos that are small, this one, even though it is lightweight and portable, is going to give you plenty of room to play with both hands.

	Voices

There are 10 instrument voices you can use on this digital piano, so you can get just the sound you want every time you play.

Sure, there are other digital pianos that have hundreds of voices, but when you come right down to it, you will never need more than a handful, and the rest are likely never going to be used anyway (except maybe when you first get the keyboard and you want to play around with it).

	Pre-set Songs

Here is one more reason why we like this keyboard for beginners. There are 10 pre-set songs, along with 10 demos that you can use to play along with.

This is great for beginners, because they can learn with songs and actually be playing something. You can also slow down the songs, which is going to help beginners to get the feel for playing at their own speed, and building up as they get better.

	Portability

This keyboard weighs just under 35 pounds and measures 58.2” X 16.1” X 11.8”, making it fairly lightweight, and very portable. The accessories (included when you buy a bundle package) are also lightweight, so they are quite portable as well.

One thing that we don’t like about this keyboard is the fact that it doesn’t have a record and playback option. This is strange, considering that there are many other digital pianos that cost far less and have this feature.

Of course, you can always connect the keyboard to the Internet and do your recording through music recording software. It would just be a whole lot easier if you didn’t have to go through any extra steps to record what you are playing.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
GHS weighted keys make it feel like an acoustic piano Full, 88-key keyboard with plenty of room, even for duets Easy to change settings just by touching one button Reverb and chorus effects for warm, rich sound quality Energy-saving feature shuts keyboard down after a certain amount of time of non-use	Some keys have a tendency to be noisy (particularly lower keys) No record/playback feature, must use alternate sources Missing many features that are offered by comparable models

Manual

If you'd like to check out the nitty-gritty of the Yamaha P 45B, here's a link to the model's manual:

How to Use the Yamaha P45B

211198_1_yamaha_electronic_keyboard_p45b

One great thing is that you can start using the P 45B right out of the box. It is even easier if you order a bundle package so you have a stand and a bench. If you want to play undisturbed, the headphones will come in quite handy.

Using this digital piano is relatively simple for the most part, thanks to that one-button function we were talking about earlier. Also, if this is for a beginner, make sure that you get the bundle package that offers instructional books that can be used alongside regular piano lessons.

Yamaha P 45 vs P45B

We occasionally get emails asking us "how does the P 45B compare to the Yamaha P45?" Well, we've been trying to figure that out, but we can’t seem to come up with any major differences. They are pretty much the exact same product.

Now, if you were comparing the P35 and the P 45B, you would see some differences. (Note that, at the time of this review, the P35 was not available for purchase, for some reason).

For instance, the biggest difference between these digital pianos is the 64-note polyphony. The P 35 only has 32-note polyphony. Also, the P 45B has a much better sound quality than the P 35.

The other main difference is the USB connection. On the P 45B, there is a USB to Host port. On the P35, it is a 5-pin din MIDI. All in all, as for the answer to the Yamaha P 45 vs P 45B, it doesn’t really matter. If you want to know if the P 45B is better than the P35, we recommend the P 45B.

Sweetwater's Yamaha P-45 Digital Piano Review

Conclusion

So, to conclude this Yamaha P45b review, whether you're looking for a stage piano, or one that is ideal for learning on, the Yamaha P45B is an excellent choice. It has plenty of features, without being too overwhelming for the beginner, or too complicated for stage use.

It has a full keyboard with weighted keys that have a matte finish, for that acoustic piano feel. At a price of less than $500, you really can’t go wrong, especially when you consider all of the extra goodies that come along with the keyboard.

Interested in learning more? Please click here.

Yamaha P45B Digital Piano with Knox Bench,Knox Double X Stand, Headphones, Dust Cover, and FastTrack Keyboard Method Starter Pack

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Best Casio Keyboard for Beginners (2020): Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

September 21, 2020 By Maurice

After testing 10 beginner models, we think the Casio CTK-2550 is the best keyboard for beginners. It has lots of features that make learning easy and fun (including some neat dance music beats), at an unbeatable price.

In this comprehensive guide, we look at three of our favorite Casio keyboards, including the CTK-2550, LK-280, and CTK-3500. We cover their most important features and their pros & cons, so you have all of the details you need to make an informed decision about your beginner keyboard purchase.

Our Picks:

Overall

CTK-2550

The CTK-2550 is a 61-key, portable keyboard that, like the CTK-3500, offers the fun Dance Music Mode with 50 built-in dance rhythms. This is a 48-note polyphony keyboard, so you can play faster and more detailed pieces without worrying about dropping notes, which is often the case with an inexpensive digital piano.

This keyboard also incorporate the Step-Up Lesson System, which can help you to learn, or be used alongside your regular piano lessons.

Best Casio Keyboard with Visual Aids

Casio LK280

The LK280 is great for beginners, thanks to the awesome visual aids. This is a lighted USB digital piano that has a step-teaching tool to help beginners to start playing the piano right away, without having to go through all of the boring stuff that can turn a lot of younger students off.

This keyboard has two sensitivity levels of touch response, and the keys are standard size. The best part is, the keys light up, making it easier than ever to use interactive learning apps.

Best Casio Keyboard for Dance Music

Casio CTK-3500

The CTK-3500 is a 61-key, touch sensitive, portable digital piano that comes with its own power supply, and it can also be used with battery power.

This is a great keyboard for anyone who is into dance music, and it even has a Dance Music Mode with 50 built-in dance rhythms. It has a 48-note polyphony keyboard, so even when you are playing fast or intricate pieces, you are not going to end up dropping notes. It is also an excellent choice for beginners, with the Step-Up Lesson System.

Best Casio Keyboards (Summary Table)

Quick Navigation

History of Casio

Tips for Buying a Keyboard for Beginners

Best Casio Keyboards Reviews

CTK-2550 : Best Overall

CTK-3500 : Best Beginner Casio Keyboard for Dance Music

LK280 : Best Beginner Casio Keyboard with Visual Aids

Alternative Products to Consider

How to Play your Casio Keyboard

Conclusion

Credits

History of Casio

Casio may not be one of the oldest names in keyboards, but it is one of the most well-known, and one of the most popular.

The first Casio keyboard, the Casiotone 201, was introduced to the world in 1980, and even though it didn’t have a lot of features, it quickly became popular all over the world. From there, Casio began developing keyboards that had a multitude of cool feature that can only be created through digital instrument technology.

Some of these features include one-touch auto-accompaniment, memory capacity for recording and playback, auto-play, lighted keys, and awesome sampling technology. Today, Casio makes more than just keyboards. They also create digital drum kits, digital guitars, and digital wind instruments.

Best Casio Keyboards (Summary Table)

Tips for Buying a Keyboard for Beginners

Not every keyboard is ideal for beginners and you also don't have to spend thousands of dollars on an acoustic piano when just starting out. While it is best to go with a keyboard that has a full 88 keys, it is not always necessary. There is plenty of learning that can be done on a smaller keyboard. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when buying a digital piano for beginners.

> Weighted Keys

If you are able to find an inexpensive model with weighted keys, it is ideal, because the student can learn with the same feel that they would with a traditional acoustic piano.

> Touch-Sensitive Keys

It is also a good idea to buy a keyboard that has touch-sensitive keys, to ensure that no notes are going to be missed, played too loudly or too softly, etc. This is usually on 88-key keyboards, but it can also be found on the smaller models.

> Learning Tools

Look for a digital piano that has interactive learning tools. Not only can these come in handy if the learner is not taking actual lessons, but these tools can also be great to use alongside lessons.

Best Casio Keyboards Reviews

CTK-2550 : Best Overall

The CTK-2550 is a 61-key, portable keyboard that has app integration and even a Dance Music Mode. This keyboard has the Chordata Play app, along with 48-note polyphony so you won’t be dropping notes, even if you are playing fast pieces.

The CTK-550 offers up 400 high quality sounding tones, as well as 100 rhythms that are loads of fun to play along with, and really give you a lot of depth for whatever songs you are playing. You will have loads of fun exploring your musical creativity when you are using this affordable digital piano from Casio.

If you don’t like to be stuck in one place all the time while you are playing, you are going to love the CTK-2550, because not only does it use an AC adapter (included with your purchase), it also runs on battery power. You can take it anywhere, and always be able to play for several hours at a time without having to change the batteries.

Pros

Listen through built-in speakers, or use the headphone jack for quiet practice
50 styles of electronic dance music to play around with
Loads of drum beats, bass lines, and synth parts

Cons

Keys sometimes freeze up after longer periods of playing
Some of the keys have a tendency to malfunction
Some model have simply stopped working for no apparent reason

Summary

While this may not be the keyboard you want to use for professional gigs, it is an ideal model for younger people, and for anyone who wants to learn how to play the piano. The CTK-2550 is loaded with features that make learning fun and easy, including all kinds of cool electronic dance music styles and beats.

If you have a young person in your home who has expressed an interest in learning how to play the piano, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money just yet, you really should consider the CTK-2550.

CTK-3500 : Best Beginner Casio Keyboard for Dance Music

The CTK-3500 is a great option for youngsters because it has the cool and all-new Dance Music Mode, so kids can have the latest dance rhythms backing up their music. This feature lets anyone easily create and remix electronic dance music.

It has 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys that will respond to the player’s particular playing dynamics, so you can really express yourself musically. Whether you are inside or on the road, you can play this keyboard anywhere, because it doesn’t just rely on an adapter, but also uses battery power.

One of the features we like the most about the CTK-3500 is the free Chordata Play app. This uses the keyboard’s display to help you learn how to play all of your favorite tunes.

It has a 48-polyphony keyboard, so you don’t have to worry about dropping notes while playing fast, and the lesson function includes Lesson Lite, the Scoring System, and a Voice Fingering Guide.

Pros

Connects to iOS and Android devices so you can use the Chordana Play app
Enjoy learning through three-step lessons that appear on the screen
Audio inputs for your MP3 player

Cons

Some of the keys have a tendency to freeze up after extended periods of play
Power may shut off by pressing keys other than the power key
Sometimes it will simply stop working, and end up needing repairs or replacement

Summary

Overall, if you're looking for a keyboard that's going to be ideal for learners, but isn’t going to cost a fortune, the CTK-3500 is definitely one to keep in mind when you start shopping.

This is an affordable instrument that has a lot of the same effects as some of its more expensive counterparts, and it even has some things that the costlier models do not have, including the Dance Music feature. In fact, when it comes to creating dance music for beginners, this is our top pick out of the Casio keyboards.

LK280 : Best Beginner Casio Keyboard with Visual Aids

The LK280 has 61, full-size keys that light up, making this the ideal instrument for beginners to learn on. It has step-by-step lessons that are broken up into smaller units, making learning fast and easy. It is the next best thing to having a human teacher right beside you while you're learning. The lighted keys show you which notes to play next, and they will even let you know which finger you need to use for each key, so you learn a lot about the dynamics as you play.

There are so many features on the LK280 that you are going to absolutely love. For instance, the keys are touch responsive, which is a great learning aid. There are 152 songs built in, with 50 of these songs being for practice and easy learning. There are 600 different tones, as well as a five-song recorder.

Pros

Lighted keys for easy learning and playing in dark areas
Two sensitivity levels of touch response
Loads of great features, including reverb, chorus, auto harmonize, metronome, and more

Cons

May stop working for no apparent reason while you are playing
Some keys don’t always work properly, or at all
Not a full keyboard (but this is often better for beginners to learn on)

Summary

The Casio LK280 has plenty of features that make it easier to learn on than other more expensive keyboards, and the Step Lessons break up each song into smaller parts, so you don’t end up frustrated when you are trying to learn a complete song. It may not have a full keyboard, but it offers so many other great features that it is perfect for playing around and starting to learn how to play the piano.

Alternative Products to Consider

Casio Privia PX-160

If you have your heart set on getting an 88-key keyboard, the Casio Privia PX-160 is a great option. This is an affordable digital keyboard (for a keyboard that has a full 88 keys), with weighted hammer action. The keys are made from simulated ebony and ivory, and it also has a powerful speaker system with dual headphone jacks.

You can also connect this keyboard to other music gear, including amplifiers. This is a bundle package that also comes with a stand and a bench.

Casiotone CT-S200 RD Keyboard

The CT-S200RD is a stylish 60 tunes digital piano that is well designed to fit a ‎‎61-key portable keyboard. The slim and ecstatic feel allows for the best ‎portability. The keyboard can play up to 16 hours on a fully charged battery. ‎That provides you with a lot of uninterrupted practice time, without worrying ‎about running out of power.‎

The keyboard design aims to make it easy to recall where the different sound ‎keys are located. That enables you to practice at home without needing a tutor ‎present for guidance.‎

While the keyboard may be slim and light, it produces high quality sound. This ‎is unusual of such a compact keyboard. Its oval speakers are strengthened ‎using powerful magnets that integrate smoothly with the equalizer, allowing ‎for the best mix of highs and lows of music. Moreover, this digital piano has a ‎dance music mode and voice expand feature. This unique feature enables ‎seamless integration of the bass, the drum and the synthesizer.‎

Most people are attached to their mobile phones and tablets. Casio saw this as ‎an opportunity to further leverage on technology to make the keyboard more ‎infused into our daily lives. The company developed an application called ‎Chordana that you can download on your mobile devices and connect to the ‎keyboard using a USB cable. The application provides tutorials to enable you ‎keep practicing on the keyboard. It is available on both iOS and Android stores.‎
Further, the keyboard comes with a soft and stylish backpack that makes it ‎fun to carry around.‎

Pros

Portable
User-friendly interface
USB MIDI port that enables connectivity to your phone or tablet.‎
Dance Music Mode, which allows for easy EDM recording and remixing.‎
Visible LCD and insightful keyboard controls that enable a quick ‎understanding of the entire system with a short period.‎
Magnet strengthened speakers for high quality sound.‎
Long battery life- up to 16 hours of battery life.‎

Cons

Requires batteries to power the gadget on after buying.‎
Does not have added accessories such as a stand.‎

The stylish well-curved digital piano is best suited for beginners exploring their ‎new interest. Students who enjoy playing and dancing to a nice tune or ‎rhythm can also carry it to school to play it during their breaks. The long ‎battery life and light weight makes it easy to carry around and use without ‎having to worry about it going off because of lack of power.‎

Casio SA-46‎

The Casio SA-46 is a unique 32-key children keyboard that contains 100 ‎different tones and rhythms. Built with 8 polyphony, 10 tunes and a drum pad ‎‎(five), the keyboard can play sounds upon tapping any of the pads. The ‎design and interface have attained the goal of Casio; attracting the interest of ‎children in learning how to play.‎

This digital piano comprises of light material with a nice grip at the edges. That ‎allows for efficient portability by both the child and the guardian. The keyboard ‎uses both a battery charging system and a power cord charging system. A ‎solar charging system option is not yet available in the market. The light ‎weight and portability options targeted the comfort of children as they like ‎moving around a lot. This adaptation would assist them carry the keyboard ‎around easily and play at their convenience. ‎

The keyboard is also fitted with a changeover button. That allows for quick ‎change-over from a piano sound to the organ sound. Furthermore, the ‎keyboard comes preloaded with 50 tracks that you can play while practicing ‎playing. Most suppliers do not sell it with a stand, but a songbook is often ‎available as an added accessory.‎

The model also boasts of an idle-switching system that immediately activates ‎after 5 minutes of idleness. This system helps the keyboard save on energy ‎use, especially when powered by the battery. In addition, this digital piano has a ‎headphone connectivity feature. This helps in reducing noise to others while ‎also allowing you to concentrate when practicing. ‎

Pros

Easy and quick to configure ‎
Conveniently Portable
Children-friendly interface
Visible LCD screen and baby-friendly keyboard controls that allows a quick ‎understanding of the entire system within a short period
Allows the use of the battery power system, which is a vital feature for outdoor ‎fun
The keyboard’s 32 keys allow basic keyboard learning adventure for children ‎with much convenience and comfort
An added songbook for practice

Cons

Does not contain added accessories such as a stand
A restricted number of polyphonies
Restricted voices

The sturdy and simple keyboard is best suited for children and beginners in ‎the journey to discover their liking for music. Music students can also carry it ‎to school for practice. Young children will also enjoy catching up with the ‎keyboard. Its design and features make it well adapted for use by children, ‎without requiring any adult supervision.‎

Casio WK-245‎

Beginners and more experienced keyboard players have come to love the ‎Casio WK-245. This model is specially designed to meet your touring needs. ‎This digital piano is conveniently light and portable, enabling you to carry it easily ‎along as you tour the world. ‎

The model is popular for its versatility. The specially built Casio keyboard ‎consists of a compilation of 600 built-in sounds. It also comes preloaded with ‎‎180 rhythms, 76 touch keys and a 48-note polyphony. This makes it ideal for ‎playing a variety of musical genres and styles. ‎

Its playback feature stands out among many rival keyboards of its class. This digital piano also has recording and memory capabilities. This provides the capability ‎of storing some of the good music you played, ensuring they are not lost. You ‎can comfortably compose and play new music knowing that you will be able to ‎retrieve and replay it later.‎

The model also has advanced aux and USB features that allow for connectivity ‎with your best gadgets. The aux input is placed conveniently to enable ‎connection with your MP3 player, allowing you to play your music of choice. It ‎is also fitted with a MIDI port USB, which allows for additional input options ‎like your iOS device or computer.‎

Pros

Highly portable
Supports versatility while practicing with 600 built-in high quality sounds, 152 song bands ‎and up to 180 rhythms
It has accessories such as a Samson HP30 adjustable headband. Headphones ‎are sold as an add-on
Consists of a great backlight LCD allowing for best musical notation
Fitted with an aux and USB MIDI input; a feature that enables connectivity ‎with phones, music players, and tablets
The keyboard model allows for five songs or six tracks size of recording, ‎ensuring no loss of music played
Consists of performance buttons easily accessible to the player, allowing ‎integration of both tones and split keyboard

Cons

Its sound performance does not meet the standard of similar pianos

Casio PX-770‎

The Casio PX-770 stands out as a unique 88-key triple sensor hammer ‎keyboard, containing 19 different tones and rhythms. It has been pre-loaded ‎with a 128 polyphony, 10 concert play songs and 60 practice library songs. ‎The Casio piano enjoys an AiR Sound Source system that relays the songs in ‎great quality.‎

The model also boasts of an idle-switching system that immediately activates ‎after four minutes of idleness. This system helps the digital piano save on energy. ‎It saves the highest amount of energy when the battery is in use rather than ‎when on electrical power. ‎

The excellence of the sound structure is something to boast about in this ‎model. It uses a 3-sensor system that sequentially reacts to key touches. This ‎innovative feature reduces the time lapse between when the instrument is ‎played and when the sound can be heard. This greatly improves the quality of ‎sound. ‎

The ecstatic keyboard features black, well-finished keys, portraying a great ‎feeling of luxury and uniqueness. The surface of the keys is well designed to ‎prevent the fingers from sliding off while playing.‎

The keyboard also incorporates a great orchestra recording system. That allows ‎for up to 10 orchestra recordings or performances that you can exploit. ‎

The model adopted a damper pedal method where a resonance simulator was ‎installed in all the 88 keyboard keys. This new model, deemed superior to ‎conventional models, has an amazing resonance generated directly whenever ‎the damper is lifted and the pedal pressed.‎

Pros

The keyboard comes pre-loaded with 60 library songs for practice lessons
It consists of a great backlight LCD, allowing for best musical notation
It is fitted with a USB driver that supports connectivity to phones, music ‎players and tablets
This digital piano model allows for five songs or six tracks size recordings, ‎ensuring no loss to music played
Enjoys an excellent and super-fast 3-sensor keys sound structure
The model allows for 10 orchestra performance recordings that can be played ‎along the recordings to give the pianist a performance experience
The model helps save energy through an automatic On and Off feature

Cons

The model is not portable hence not for carrying around during normal life ‎activities

How to Play your Casio Keyboard

Conclusion

Casio has come a long way since its beginnings in 1980, and there are many different Casio keyboard models that are ideal for musicians of all levels. The ones we have discussed today are all ideal for beginners, and they also have many features that more advanced players will enjoy using.

The Casio CTK-2550, CTK-3500, and LK280 and are quality keyboards that are built with the latest in digital instrument technology. We think you'll love these beginner models so much that your next keyboard will also be Casio!

Yamaha MM8 Review (2020)

September 17, 2020 By admin

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One of the most popular, the Yamaha MM8 keyboard has a good reason. Some of you may wonder what the MM eight stands for. It actually stands for mini motif, a representation of the motif keyboard created by Yamaha.

One of the contrasting differences between the motif and the MM8 is that the sound libraries are borrowed from the PSR line of keyboards. Hence, the Yamaha MM8 is somewhat of a hybrid.

In this Yamaha MM8 review, we will take a look at different features and working of this keyboard.

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Full Length Graduated Hammer Keyboard

One notable feature is that the keyboard itself is actually an 88 note piano with graduated hammer action and is considerably larger than previous models.

If we look at the top console layout of the keyboard it would appear to be somewhat sparse but that is just because of the size of the keyboard. Yet there are a lot of features built-in including an array of buttons to keep you happy.

A Multitude of Ports for Easy Importing and Exporting

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The ports on the rear panel are quite simple with MIDI, audio, pedal sockets and two USB ports, one for connecting to a PC and the other for storing setup data.

There is also a headphone jack that is included but it is not very well-placed because it can snag on keys, sheet music and other things as well.

The pitch and modulation wheel are positioned right at the top left hand corner.

This keyboard is somewhat light to carry even though it features graded hammer action keys. Certainly the Yamaha MM8 is well-suited for band performance, however if you are considering using his kennel is a full-fledged recording studio on its own then you might want to consider another keyboard for that purpose or hook it up to a computer equipped with MIDI software.

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