Welcome to another piano review here at Merriam Music! In this article and accompanying video, we’ll be comparing two absolute titans of the entry-level market for 88-key digital pianos with weighted actions as we look at the Yamaha P45 vs Casio PX-160. We’ll be comparing the actions, sound engines, speaker systems, and peripheral features - everything you'll want to know about these instruments before making a decision.
Let’s kick off our discussion by focusing on sound engines.
Digital Piano Sound Comparison: Yamaha P45 vs Casio PX-160
Casio PX-160 Polyphony
The Yamaha P45 and Casio PX-160 are really well-matched when it comes to price, but when we take a closer look at the sound-related specs, it becomes immediately apparent that the PX-160 is delivering some exceptional value. Just look at the polyphony counts for example - there are 128 notes of polyphony over on the PX-160, whereas the P45 has half of that at 64 note polyphony.
Speakers
The same thing continues when it comes to the speakers - the P45 has dual 6-watt amps/speakers for 12 watts of power versus dual 8-watt speakers for 16 watts of amplifier power on the PX-160.
Sound Engine: AiR Sound System
For the price, it really is quite remarkable what Casio has brought to the table here in terms of sound quality with their AiR sound system. Since sound is a super personal and subjective thing, however, at this point we’d recommend checking out the video as Stu Harrison takes us through a playing comparison of both pianos’ default grand piano sounds.
In terms of the actual acoustic piano tone, both instruments are definitely bringing something satisfying to the table. If you demo both pianos with headphones (which we would recommend) you’ll notice that the PX-160 has a lot of air surrounding the sound, which maybe shouldn’t be a shock given the name of the sound engine.
This is a really great feature as it gives the player a sense of being in a larger room behind a real piano. The Yamaha P45 has a more simple tone courtesy of the Advanced Wave Memory engine (AWM stereo sampling), but it's still delivering a satisfying playing experience.
Yamaha has sampled their CFIIIS concert grand piano for the core piano sound, and while this piano has been replaced by the newer CFX concert grand, this is still a super high-end grand piano to be working from.
Additional Sounds
Beyond the core acoustic piano sounds, both pianos have some additional instrument sounds worth exploring, with 18 total sounds on the PX160, and the P45 has just over half as many with 10.
Even though there are only 10 sounds on the P45, all of the essentials are covered, such as some electric pianos, strings, organ, and harpsichord. The P-Series pianos always have nice electric piano sounds, and that holds true here.
The PX160 has all of the same types of sounds, plus several more given its larger count overall. The quality is high for the price points on both pianos in terms of the onboard voices, but the PX160 obviously gets an edge here due to the greater number of sounds. Both pianos offer some user control over the Reverb settings.
This sums up our discussion on sound. Let’s move on to action now.
Yamaha P45 vs Casio PX-160 | Piano Action Review and Comparison
We certainly had some big differences in the sound systems of both pianos, but when it comes to the action, the differences become even more obvious, even if both pianos are using full-size, weighted keys, 88-key keyboards. This is apparent right away when you first play the PX-160’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II due to some really dramatic textures on the white and black keys.
Yamaha P45 Graded Hammer Standard
The Yamaha P45 Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) action on the other hand doesn’t employ any type of texture on the white keys and instead features a glossy feel, with a matte finish on the black keys.
For the P45, this has been an area of criticism within the industry for a few years now, as the piano player’s fingers can slide on the keys in playing situations with higher humidity, which of course aren’t uncommon for portable digital pianos.
Casio Privia PX160 Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II
Neither action has escapement or let-off as it's sometimes known, and only the FP10 and its PHA4 action boast this particular feature in the price point. The Yamaha P45 action uses a dual-sensor which is typical for the price, but the PX160’s action features a more advanced triple sensor action meaning it has a greater capacity for touch sensitivity.
A beginner looking for an instrument for piano lessons won’t really feel a difference here, but an experienced musician looking for a good value practice or secondary instrument probably will, as will those looking for an accurate MIDI controller.
The weighting is good on both pianos, with the Yamaha feeling a little bit lighter.
As far as weighted action digital pianos go, both of these feel good overall for the price. Are you going to put either one on your wishlist if you’re looking to dive into advanced classical repertoire? No, but that’s not the point, and you’re probably not looking for a portable keyboard in that case anyway.
Yamaha P45 vs Casio PX-160 | Features/Connectivity Comparison
Both the PX-160 and the P45 have all of the basics covered when it comes to normal digital piano features. Both have a metronome, transpose, dual-mode (Layer), while the PX160 has Split mode, and the P45 has Duo mode.
USB-MIDI Connections: Yamaha P45 and Casio Privia PX-160
There’s no built-in recorder on the P45 like there is on the PX160, but thanks to USB-MIDI connections both pianos are easily connectible to computers for recording anyway. The PX160 has discreet 1/4” line outputs which is a very nice bonus for the price point, while you’ll have to use the headphone jack on the P45 which isn’t ideal.
Keyboard Stand and Pedal System: Yamaha P45 vs Casio PX-160
Both pianos include a basic footswitch sustain pedal, though we recommend upgrading to a more substantial damper pedal. Also included with each are a power supply (power adapter) and a music rest.
Both are available with optional matching keyboard stands, while Casio also gives you the option of opting for a triple pedal system as well.
Final Thoughts
At the price both of these pianos are available, there aren’t too many other compelling options out there, aside from spending a little bit more and jumping to the Roland FP10 with its superior tone and touch (no triple pedal though!.)
Between the P45 and PX160, the PX160 definitely out-specs it on paper and makes a pretty compelling case for itself. That said, there are plenty of folks who will simply prefer the tone and touch of the P45 for their own personal reasons, not to mention the comfort that comes with selecting a Yamaha product.
Tough to find in stock, even on Amazon, but if you can, both are among the best digital pianos available in the entry-level class.
Welcome to a fresh rundown of our favorite pianos and keyboards between the $500 and $1000 (USD) price range available on the market. In this article, we'll be looking at various models for the best digital piano under $1000, from Kawai’s ES110 to Yamaha’s P125, Casio’s fairly new PX-S1000, or Roland’s FP30. Every piano on the list is an 88-note instrument with a graded hammer action keyboard and touch-sensitive weighted keys.
This current year is certainly giving us plenty of reasons to find interesting and fun things to do indoors, and the piano is one of those things that checks all kinds of boxes. It's mentally stimulating, it can be social, and you can learn some of your favorite songs pretty quickly from YouTube.
There are a ton of families and parents out there who are thinking about introducing piano either back into their home or possibly for the first time, but they don't necessarily want to invest substantially more in an acoustic piano and find some of the extra perks of a digital piano, such as the ability to play quietly via the headphone jacks.
Best-Selling Piano Category
The $500-$1000 class is an incredibly popular category, in fact, it’s actually the category that boasts the highest volume of units sold for each manufacturer. As such, every major manufacturer offers at least one model in this class, so it's great to see how they all stack up against one another.
While most folks revert to Amazon to do a lot of their shopping research these days, many of these models are not actually sold on Amazon so some of the models might be totally new to you. We'll split it up between portable digitals (lightweight, easily transportable options), as well as stationary, home digital pianos.
Portable Digitals | Best Digital Piano Under $1000
Kawai ES110
The first instrument on our list is the Kawai ES110. As a portable piano, in its most basic format out of the box the ES110 is designed to be picked up and taken around, and it's one of the most lightweight instruments currently on the market. Kawai pianos, generally speaking, are known for a very realistic feel, overall sound quality, and a focus on the piano experience. When it comes to other features, sometimes we call that edutainment (lots of instrument sounds and rhythms), Kawai's tends to not be as loaded up in that department. A lot of the focus is instead geared toward creating as good a piano experience as possible.
Harmonic Imaging Sound Engine
The ES110 uses the Harmonic Imaging engine, which is an additive synthesis on top of an existing sample of a Kawai EX Concert Grand Piano. Please note this is different than the SK-EX grand piano sample set that the new CN / CA pianos have. The ES110 can be connected via wireless Bluetooth to a tablet with Kawai’s Virtual Technician, which gives you microscopic control of all of the parameters. It also gives the player 192-note polyphony, which is PLENTY for great textured playing at any level of complexity.
Responsive Hammer Compact Action
It uses Kawai's Responsive Hammer Compact action. This is a very well-weighted action. that has shown itself over the years to be a very durable action as well with good touch sensitivity.
Summary
For people who are looking at feel and piano tone as their main priorities with maybe a secondary priority being either the Bluetooth or just lightweight portability, the ES110 is an excellent choice. The ES110 is also compatible with a matching designer stand and triple pedal board from Kawai if you'd like more than the standard damper/sustain pedal that's included in the box.
Roland FP30
The next piano on our list is the Roland FP-30. Roland is the first company to have built a fully electric piano and has consistently been one of the key innovators of digital pianos for decades now. The FP-30 has been around for a little while and it's been a proven performer in the marketplace.
SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine
The FP30’s SuperNATURAL piano sound engine combines sampling with modern modeling technology for a convincing and expressive piano tone. The electric pianos are definite standouts as well.
Its onboard speakers aren’t quite as full-bodied as the ES110 for piano sound, but of course, can always be sent through an amp to beef it up.
PHA4 Action
The biggest thing that stands out about the FP-30 is the action - Roland's PHA-4 action. You'll find this action across much of the Roland line (including some models almost triple the price), and most notably, it features a triple sensor which is actually a really big deal for people who are using this to trigger virtual instruments or potentially, or for accurate MIDI output in a studio setting. The action also comes with a very nicely textured white key, and could certainly double as a bare-bones stage piano.
Summary
The addition of the Piano Partner 2 app is almost a must with this one since it gives it the rhythm auto-accompaniment feature. Also, like the ES110, the FP30 is also very lightweight and easy to carry around, but it is available as well with the full permanent stand and a triple pedal.
Yamaha P125
Piano number three is another one that I'm sure lots of people have run into - the Yamaha P125, which is easily one of the best-selling digital pianos in this category. Yamaha is famous for its manufacturing quality control, and they have always done a great job of matching their product with the customer demands.
Pure CF Sound Engine
The P125’s Pure CF sound engine is probably the biggest highlight of this instrument. This is a quality sound engine producing excellent tone for the price point.
There’s also a really nice clear set of speakers on board with two speakers that are actually facing you, so in terms of the sonic playing experience that the player themselves gets with the P125, it's just excellent.
GHS Action
The GHS action may be a little more basic than what you’re getting on the ES110 and FP30 in that less focus has been given to creating as authentic a physical touch.
This is probably simply due to the fact that the GHS action has been out for quite a few years now, so compared to some of the newer actions coming out from other manufacturers, it is feeling a little bit dated.
That said, it’s by no means a bad action, and still more than up for the task of helping a student through piano lessons.
Summary
The other thing that we really appreciate about the P125 is the ease with which you can navigate the various sounds that it's equipped with. There's also onboard accompaniment that's really well executed and easy to navigate.
The P125 offers a really nice balance of performance and features. Just like the ES110 and FP30, you can get the P125 with a matching stand and triple pedal, though out of the box it's nice and lightweight as well.
Casio PXS1000
Fourth on the list is Casio's relatively new Privia PX-S1000 which serves as the spiritual successor to the immensely popular and groundbreaking Casio Privia PX-160. With the release of this as well as the upgraded PX-S3000, there's clearly been a much bigger emphasis by Casio on the overall look and feel of the instrument. The 1000 and 3000 models are very distinct because of the high gloss, shiny black finish.
Multi-Dimensional AiR Sound Source
Casio has paid particularly close attention to creating as much control and variety of different reverb effects and surround effects as you really could possibly expect in an instrument of this price point with their AiR Sound Source.
The AiR Sound Source is well regarded in the industry for its richness and sense of space around the notes themselves. Interestingly, all of the controls are touch-sensitive and there are no actual physical buttons, which also looks very slick.
Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
The Smart Scaled Hammer Action features key-tops that have exaggerated textures that may be something that is a very good thing for people, or it could be something that's a little overdone. Either way, it's something you really just have to try because you never know until your fingers touch the keys.
In general, this is a solid action that most would agree outperforms Yamaha’s GHS action and is probably on par with Kawai’s GHS action.
Summary
S1000 is available with a matching stand, however, it does not have a matching pedalboard, though it is available with a floating triple pedal system, something similar to the Roland FP-60. The PX-S1000 is the most affordable digital piano on our list.
Home Digitals | Best Digital Piano Under $1000
Let's move into the home digital category. These are instruments that are not designed to be portable but are still very affordable, very easy to move around the house if need be, and come with integrated stands (sometimes a bench too). Be sure to check every individual product page, so that you know exactly whether you need to get an extra bench or whether one is included.
Kawai KDP110
The first home digital on the list is the Kawai KDP110. This is an interesting choice and comes right in at around the $1,000 mark in the United States. Some dealers may have this for slightly more, but it's close enough that we wanted to include it in this list. All kinds of things stand out about the KDP110.
Harmonic Imaging Sound Engine With SKEX Grand Piano Sample
The main grand piano sound is the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX individually sampled engine, which is a huge plus as this is a super thick and realistic piano tone. The added SKEX sample means this version of the HI engine is an upgrade over the version featured in the ES110.
Speaker System
The speaker system is very well-equipped, with the 40 watts of power significantly outpacing the less expensive Kawai KDP70 or similarly priced Roland RP102.
The KDP110 is also Bluetooth-compatible, which means that this will connect easily with any DAW program that has Bluetooth over MIDI compatibility. It also lets you use the KDP110 with Kawai zone, Sound Museum, and any other Kawai app that is built to be compatible with the KDP110 making navigation a breeze.
Responsive Hammer Compact II Action With Triple Sensor
The KDP110 uses an upgraded action from the action on the ES110, and this one has a tri-sensor. It’s a very sensitive action that is well-liked for its responsiveness and dynamic control.
In fact, in our opinion, it’s second only to Roland’s PHA4 action overall in terms of all of the piano actions featured on this list.
Summary
It's not particularly surprising that the 110 actually happens to be one of the most popular instruments that we sell here at Merriam even with advanced players needing a practice instrument, to the point that it's been extremely difficult to get in 2020 during COVID-19. Even if you have to get on a long waiting list, the KDP110 is more than worth the wait as it's easily one of the best pianos in its class.
Yamaha YDP144
Next on our list is the Yamaha Arius YDP-144. The YDP series is their entry point into home digital pianos with full actions. They share many components with their portable counterparts the P series, as well as the DGX series, including action and sample sets.
Yamaha CFX Sound Engine
The highlight of the YDP-144’s sound engine is the default grand piano tone which is a sample of Yamaha’s flagship CFX concert grand piano. Like the Shigeru Kawai SKEX, the CFX is one of the world’s finest concert grand pianos.
It comes across very nicely here and is without question one of the best default grand piano tones on our list.
The total number of tones is light at 10, but all are high quality. The speaker power is also on the lower end for the class with 16 watts of power. Still, the YDP-144 is producing a great tone.
GHS Action
Yamaha’s go-to action in this range is the same one featured in the P125 above - the Graded Hammer Standard (GHS), a satisfying albeit more basic design than some of the others in this category (Roland and Kawai both offer triple sensors, and the Roland additionally has escapement & textured key tops)
Summary
For the price, it tends to be a nice balance for a lot of people and certainly compares very well against things like either the KDP70 or the Roland RP102.
Roland RP102
The Roland RP102 is next on our list. This is a home digital that's the baby brother of the Roland RP501, and a little bit lower priced than the Roland F140, but with a more traditional cabinet.
SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine
The RP102 takes advantage of Roland's legendary supernatural sound engine, which is something that they've been working on for well over a decade. This sound technology is a really interesting cutting-edge way in which to combine real samples with some synthesis on top to add all kinds of interesting nuance to the tone.
The only sound-related downside is the relatively weak speaker output at 12 watts of power, especially contrasted with the KDP110’s 40-watt speaker output for example.
PHA4 Action
Even with the increased cost of the RP102 over the FP30, the PHA4 action is still widely regarded as the best action in the class and still a great value at this price point.
The combination of triple sensor, escapement, and textured key tops has no peer in this class.
Summary
Being that it is Bluetooth-compatible, Roland has several apps that work with the RP102.
Overall, the RP102 is a great option, with the only real downside being its lower power speaker output.
Kawai KDP70
Very last on the list is the Kawai KDP70. This is the little brother of the KDP110 and takes away a few things that you would get on the 110, but also saves you a few hundred dollars. Really, you can actually think of it as the console home version of the ES110.
Harmonic Imaging Sound Engine
Like the ES110, the KDP70 has a version of the Harmonic Imaging engine that is built around the EX sample. This is still a great-sounding sample with 88-key individual sampling and 192-note polyphony, but you can hear that it’s not quite as nice as the SKEX sample on the KDP110.
The speakers come in at 16 watts which is tied with the YDP144 and actually better than the RP102, but still a step down from the KDP110.
Responsive Hammer Compact Action
This is the same dual-sensor version of this action that is also found in the ES110. A solid, reliable action, if not as sensitive as the RHCII or PHA4.
Summary
The other big difference from the KDP110 is that the Bluetooth functionality is not present on the KDP70.
That being said, all in all, this is still a well-built, high-value unit. In many ways, it's an excellent comparison to the Roland RP102. It looks fantastic in the home and slightly different sound than you would get from the Roland.
Conclusions
This year more than any in living memory has given us lots of reasons to find fun, engaging things to do indoors. What better to do than get a piano and start to explore some of those musical preferences and tastes that we all have and love with young piano players? If you've been thinking of buying a piano for the first time and plan on spending up to about $1,000 USD, you've got a lot of great options. Shop Here for more digital pianos. We hope you've found this article helpful!
Hi and welcome to another piano comparison article. In this piece, we'll be comparing Casio PX-160 vs Roland FP-10. These are two darlings of the entry-level 88-key digital piano space, and certainly two instruments that our customers love.
The PX-160 really elevated the entry price range when it came out and caused other companies to play catch up. Roland's FP-10 was in many ways Roland's direct response to the PX-160.
Yamaha (particularly the Yamaha P45 and Yamaha P-125, huge sellers on Amazon), Kawai, and Korg also had their own musical instrument responses, but we're focusing on this comparison in our piano review today.
Discontinued Model: The Casio PX-160 has been replaced by the PX-S1000 and the CDP-S350.
Casio PX-160 vs Roland FP-10 - Sound Engine Comparison
Let's start by comparing the sound of these two instruments, and we've really got a good match-up here as far as grand piano sound is concerned.
Casio has in the past been a brand that's somewhat associated with the very entry-level portion of the market, but when the PX-160 digital piano hit the market a few years ago, it redefined what a $600 CAD digital piano should be delivered to the marketplace.
The PX-160bk is using Casio's Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator), which is essentially a sample-based sound engine with some additive synthesis on top to add some of the extra nuances like after-touch, string resonance, and damper resonance, among others.
Overall, the PX-160 is generating a pretty authentic and satisfying concert grand piano tone, particularly when you're listening through headphones. It was the top piano sound for the category in our opinion for a few years easily.
It has 128-note polyphony and an onboard speaker system with a wattage of 8 watts per side.
When we flip over to the FP-10, it's important to remember that we're now looking at a newer instrument that actually arrived in response to the PX-160.
Roland has put their SuperNATURAL piano engine into the FP-10 and that unlocks all sorts of value to piano players who are aware of Roland's technology. It has a slightly lower polyphony of 96, but this only becomes an issue if you're doing a lot of layering. For solo piano playing, 96 notes are still fine and the SuperNATURAL Sound Engine is very nice.
The speakers on the FP-10 are a little weak at 6 watts per side, so the best way to enjoy the FP-10 is with a good quality set of headphones.
At first, listen between the two, they sound pretty close. The more you listen, you start to pick up some differences. The FP-10 in the extremities of the range delivers a slightly more authentic sound and timbre, closer to that of a real piano.
There's a certain clarity to the sound that we're hearing on the FP-10 that starts to get a bit distorted and not quite as well constructed on the PX-160.
Both pianos have a decent selection of other sounds, including some nice electric piano sounds (e.piano), as well as others like synths, harpsichord, and string ensemble.
Overall, we do have to give Roland slightly higher points as far as expressive sound quality is concerned, but this was expected since the FP-10 is the newer instrument.
Digital Piano Action Comparison
The action on these two instruments is probably the most impressive thing about each one. Both of these hammer action keyboards have triple sensors, which means that you're getting accurate MIDI output touch sensitivity that goes beyond what most digital keyboard actions were capable of, say 10 years ago when dual sensor actions were the norm.
The fact that you're getting the PHA-4 Standard Keyboard in the FP-10 for this price point is somewhat mind-blowing because the PHA-4 ivory feels key action from Roland is one of the most reliable and well-liked plastic actions out there.
Casio has put the Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II with simulated ebony and ivory keys in the PX-160, and this was definitely the best action available for the price when the PX-160 came out.
So, the match-up between these two actions is pretty subtle. It's hard to say one is objectively better, so we'd recommend trying both out yourself.
That said. one thing we noticed is that the PHA-4 has a less lateral motion on the keys, and thus less mechanical noise. This won't matter for most styles of music, but if you're tackling some more advanced classical rep, the extra motion can be problematic.
The PX-160 isn't marketed as an advanced practice instrument anyway, but it's something worth noting in our side-by-side comparison here.
Both pianos have a moisture-absorbing texture on the keys which is nice, but one other difference is that the PHA-4 keyboard has escapement. Escapement replicates the sensation you get when playing an acoustic grand piano, and it can make playing fast passages for experienced players easier.
That's it for the comparison of these high-quality actions. Let's move on to some features and connector specs.
Features & Connectivity
The first feature difference between these two we'll point out is that the PX-160 has two 1/4-inch stereo outputs that are separate from the headphone jacks. This is great if you want to connect to an amplifier or stereo for[ some sound reinforcement, or if you were actually thinking about using the PX-160 as a gigging stage piano instrument.
The FP-10 on the other hand has a single headphone output and not a discreet line out. So, for people who are considering this for some type of a gigging keyboard, having the mini jack as the only output is a bit limiting.
The PX-160 also has an optional triple pedal unit (SP-33) matching keyboard stand (CS-67 Stand). The FP-10 also has the option for a matching stand (KSCFP10 Stand), but it does not have a port for a triple pedal. They both come with a basic sustain pedal, but the PX-160 has the advantage of offering triple pedal flexibility.
We'd highly recommend if you're thinking about the FP-10, go with the DP-10 damper pedal with half-pedaling as an add-on accessory.
Both come with their own built-in music stands, though these music rests are probably only going to be able to handle a pretty light book.
One feature that favors the FP-10 is the Bluetooth MIDI connection allowing for wireless connection to apps, like Roland's Piano Partner 2 for iOS and Android.
The PX-160 requires a wired connection via USB connectivity as it has no Bluetooth connectivity.
The PX-160 has a 2-Track recorder with Playback while the FP-10 has no on-board recorder. Both pianos have a Metronome, Duet Mode, and Twin Piano Mode with Transpose (shifts the pitch in semitones.)
Closing Thoughts
To sum everything up here, it's not exactly an apple-to-apple match-up that we're dealing with after all. The actions are both great, though the PHA-4 has an advantage on paper with the escapement and an advantage in practice with less lateral movement. Both would be great MIDI controllers with a DAW though.
The acoustic piano sound for the most part is quite comparable, though we do hear more detail and authenticity on the FP-10 side.
The PX-160 has a lot of practical pluses in other areas though. The addition of the triple pedal, the 1/4-inch outputs, and a better visual layout are all check marks.
So, there are some differences here that make it a little bit hard to tally up exactly which one is going to come out on top as a better option for pianists. In the end, it really is going to depend largely on your use case.
We're back with another piano review and today we'll be focusing on the Casio PX-770. This is an 88 key digital piano built for home use and the least expensive furniture style model in the Casio Privia lineup.
There's a nice cabinet, integrated triple pedal, and lots of other things to like about the PX-770.
Let's dive into the Casio PX-770 review and see where it stands among the rest of the very crowded mid-range home digital piano class.
The PX-770's award-winning Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source with 128 notes of polyphony has been used in several Privia models and is widely regarded as a very solid piano sound engine with adjustable reverb and brilliance.
Casio's been continually developing the AiR Sound Source and improving it, and the current version represents Casio's true arrival as a big player in the mid-range digital piano market. The sample is well recorded and generates a beautiful new stereo sound, and there's an extra synthesis on top of the sound in the form of realistic damper resonance and hammer response.
The PX-770 is equipped with a very capable eight watt per side speaker system output for 16 watts in total. The speaker boxes are on the bottom and there's some venting going on at the top, so you get some high-end frequencies coming through the ports.
This approach is a less expensive way to simulate having a set of small tweeters at the front. We're quite impressed with the quality of the sound that comes out of these on the PX-770 even if 16 watts isn't enough to create a true grand piano experience - a more powerful stereo amplification system is required for that truly immersive audio spectrum spanning experience.
In terms of other instrument tones, there are 19 in total, including 4 other grand piano sounds. The default patch is clearly the focus and likely the most versatile, but the remainder of the sounds, including some electric pianos, organs, strings, and others are generally pretty decent.
Tri-Sensor II Scaled Hammer Action
The action on this Casio Privia PX-770 is probably one of the strongest parts of this instrument. Casio's scaled hammer actions have been steadily evolving over the last few years as they've been playing a little bit of catch-up against Yamaha, Kawai, and Roland.
It was only a few years ago that Casio digital pianos didn't really have an action design that was durable or considered a reasonable substitute for an acoustic piano action. Those days are gone and we're now dealing with a company that's building good innovative hammer actions, which can actually be spoken about and debated in the same breath as the Yamaha and Roland actions of the class.
The PX-770s' Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II uses a triple sensor as the name would suggest which makes it a really interesting choice to use as an input device for recorded MIDI data due to its solid touch sensitivity.
There are nice simulated ebony and ivory textures on the piano keys that deliver a pretty natural feel. It's not as extreme as the ivory keys of old, but you're definitely getting some additional grip here for when your hands get sweaty.
The key spacing is nice and consistent and in general, we feel like this action is a more advanced, better-designed action than what you'll find in the PX-S1000 for example. There are also 3 levels of adjustable touch sensitivity so you can have a comfortable touch regardless of your playing style.
We wouldn't call the Tri-Sensor II the best action for the price, but it's close.
Features/Connectivity - USB, MIDI & Chordana Play App
The first feature we'll look at that the PX-770 is equipped with is the Concert Play function. Basically, they have 10 famous orchestral pieces preloaded into the piano and you have the ability to play along with the full orchestra recording of the piece. Super fun. You also have the option to turn off the piano part as well.
Then we've got a Music Library, which features MIDI files of 60 other well-known works for a fun listening experience or for playing along with, plus you can add 10 additional songs of your choice. The PX-770's convenient features also include a Metronome, Transpose (changes the pitch of the entire key range), and a Master Tuning function.
There are also some alternate playing modes like Duet mode (divides the keyboard into 2 equal pitch ranges), and a built-in 2-track MIDI recorder. The PX-770's two-track MIDI recorder is more than you usually get for this price point. This is a decently impressive features list for a home digital piano when you consider the cost of the instrument.
The cabinet of the PX-770 features a really slick modern design and includes a built-in keyboard cover and integrated triple pedal unit with damper, sostenuto, and soft pedals.
Connectivity includes two headphone ports so you can connect 2 sets of headphones at once and class-compliant USB to host for connecting to apps for Mac and Android.
The PX-770 is available in Black (PX-770BK), White (PX-770WE), and Brown (PX-770BN).
Closing Thoughts
For people who are looking for a new piano around $1,000 Canadian dollars or so, the PX-770 is a really compelling option, and definitely, more than holds its own against a competing Yamaha YDP model.
Considering you don't need to add a stand or pedals, the overall value makes the PX-770 ideal for those shopping within a $1,000 budget.
You just might have trouble finding one in stock as the PX-770 has been a huge seller over the past few years - another brilliant instrument for the price from Casio. Thanks for reading our Casio PX-770 review and stay tuned for the next review!
The Casio PX-S1000 was a groundbreaking instrument with an incredibly small, highly portable battery-operated frame that still managed to deliver great sound and a weighted 88-key action.
Today, we’re going to be unboxing and taking a look at its brand new Privia digital piano replacement - the Casio PX-S1100. The PX-S3000 also received an update with the new PX-S3100 so we’ll be looking forward to exploring that instrument as well.
The Casio Privia PX-S1000 was a massive seller, especially during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021 when it was impossible to keep in stock, so we’re very excited to see what Casio has in store for us with the new PX-S1100.
Casio PX-S1100 - Background
The PX-S1100 had been on the market for at least four or five months in different parts of the world, but because of supply chain issues, and the fact that the minute that we made it available for presale all of our allotted units got preordered, it took a while before we had a unit we could open up and check out.
When we first got the news reports about this new model, the main emphasis in the marketing literature had to do with a speaker system redesign, so that’s one of the things we’re most interested in exploring.
They’ve also included a free Bluetooth adapter that gives the PX-S1100 both Bluetooth MIDI and Audio, and this is a nice upgrade as the PX-S1000 had Bluetooth Audio but oddly, no wireless MIDI.
Let’s get this opened up and see what it’s all about.
First Impressions - PX-S1000 Comparisons
With the PX-S1100 out of the box and plastic wrap, we’ve got it hooked up and wirelessly connected to a smartphone with Casio’s Chordana Play app fired up.
And there are a few things we can tell you right off the bat. With the S1000, the sound was somewhat underwhelming when you didn't have the Hall Simulator or any of the Surround Sound modes engaged. With the S1100 even without any of those special modes engaged, the acoustic piano sound is very enjoyable to play.
Improved Speakers
As we mentioned above, Casio has indicated that the speaker box configuration has been changed. Specifically, they’ve changed the material that the tweeters are made of, and they’ve also managed to improve the bass response. This is immediately coming through with the noticeably improved default grand piano tone without any other sound modes on.
The output power remains the same with a pair of 8-watt amplifiers for a total of 16 watts of power. This is really impressive given that the S1100 is such a portable digital piano.
In fact, the overall sound quality paired with the slimness and lightness of the frame is really what makes the S1100 a complete standout in the market.
The S1100 is often compared to the Roland FP-10, but the onboard speaker performance here totally outdoes the FP-10. Of course, the appeal of the FP10 is the action, but the Roland FP-30X costs quite a bit more than the S1100 if you’re looking for really good speaker performance.
Bluetooth Functionality
As we also mentioned above, the expanded Bluetooth functionality is very nice to see. Now, they didn’t actually change the circuitry and instead are simply including a Bluetooth dongle in the box at no extra charge.
Simply plug it in and your S1100 is now Bluetooth MIDI and Audio enabled.
Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source
Casio has brought back the same version of the AiR sound source and its strong 192 notes of polyphony. This is easily one of the best sound engines available in the class, and the new speaker array is definitely able to coax more out of it.
Chordana Play App
Get your S1100 linked up with the smart device of your choice and via the Chordana Play App, you’re given the ability to remotely control the S1100.
Inside the app, you can edit the DSP effects, Surround Mode and the Hall Simulator which is your reverb engine, consisting of settings like Opera Hall, Berlin Hall and British Stadium.
You’ll mostly be applying these effects and settings to acoustic piano sounds, and you’re also given an Acoustic Simulator with access to parameters like string resonance, damper resonance, damper noise, and key on and key off action. This is really well pulled off and gives the user a lot of control, plus, you can also save your setting preferences for quick recall later.
Other Sounds
In total, the Casio PX-S1100 has 18 built-in preset sounds. There’s a handful of built-in acoustic piano sounds, but the default grand piano sound is definitely the best of the bunch.
From there we get into the electric piano, and Casio always does a great job with their Fender Rhodes patches. Organs, strings, and a couple of other tones complete the offering which is very strong overall.
Features/Functions
In terms of functionality, the PX-S1100 is definitely on the basic side. The PX-S3100 is available for a few hundred dollars more and greatly expands the functionality on top of the same basic framework if you’re looking for something more arranger. Alternatively, the less expensive CDP-S350 is also quite feature-heavy and costs less than the S1100, though the piano experience is not as authentic.
On the PX-S1100 we have a basic MIDI and Audio recorder, but it’s actually not bad. You can record straight to a USB key and isolate right or left-hand parts for playback. These days onboard MIDI recorders are kind of an antique function for most people because even MIDI recorder apps available in iOS and Android app stores for free are better equipped.
There are 60 built-in songs preloaded here with the option to add 10 of your own. From a feature standpoint, the PX-S1100 isn’t really doing anything different from the PX-S1000.
Digital Piano Action
Casio has brought back the Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II which was first introduced in the PX-S1000. This action has received quite a bit of dialogue and discussion online for a variety of reasons.
One point of conversation has been the keytops as they are highly textured, as opposed to say the GHS action featured in the Yamaha P-125 and P-45. People who are prone to sweaty hands when playing will love this action because this texture is very absorptive.
The weighted keys are not particularly heavy, nor are they light, sitting comfortably somewhere in the middle, fairly comparable with the weighting of the Kawai RHCII action used in the ES110 and soon-to-be ES120.
For a piano as slim as this and that you can operate with battery power (8X AA batteries), this is a really solid action overall, even if there are some valid criticisms.
What are those criticisms? Mainly, they center around the fact that given how compact this action is, the pivot length is quite short. Casio made a conscious effort to produce a super compact action to accommodate the incredibly slim case.
The result is that the keys are not evenly weighted from the top to the bottom. Now, this isn’t really going to be a factor for beginner or even most intermediate players, but it is certainly noticeable to more advanced players and those with ample acoustic piano experience.
So, we would let that be the barometer, if you’ve got lots of acoustic piano experience, perhaps this action wouldn’t be ideal. If you’re a beginner or hobbyist you shouldn’t have any issues.
Connectivity + Odds & Ends
The PX-S1100 is very solid from a connectivity point. In addition to the Bluetooth functionality we’ve already covered, the other great feature when considering the price point is the inclusion of discreet 1/4” line outs (L/MONO, R). This critical connector port makes the S1100 a totally viable instrument for gigging.
The S1100 is also equipped with a stereo mini line in, USB Type A and B, dual headphone jacks, a port for a single damper pedal (comes with a basic switch sustain pedal), a port for the optional 3-pedal unit and of course a spot for a cabled power supply.
A totally useable music stand ships with the S1100, and it’s also available in three finishes - Black, White and even a stylish Red.
Standards like a metronome, transpose, and split are all of course covered as well.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks very much for joining us for our first look at the new Casio PX-S1100. Ultimately, while it looks like the S1100 won’t be a radical leap forward from its predecessor, it meaningfully improves on the sound and adds Bluetooth MIDI while keeping everything that made the PX-S1000 one of the best digital pianos in the class.
On deck today we have the Casio PX-S3000 review, a really cool new Privia piano from Casio. We've had a lot of fun getting to know this instrument, and hopefully, you will enjoy learning about it as well.
We'll cover all of the important core and auxiliary features, and outline how it differs from the other new piano in the series - the Casio PX-S1000. Also, check out our Casio PX-S1000 review.
Casio PX-S3000 | Background
Casio felt it was time for an upgrade to their portable digital piano Privia lineup, so they've recently released the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000 as part of their new PX-S line.
Their goal with the new product line seems primarily focused on making the cases super slim and more compact resulting in an instrument that takes up minimal space and is easily transportable.
At the same time, they've also improved the sound engine and tweaked the action design to accommodate the new smaller chassis.
They've also innovated a fresh new design with a unibody top panel design with unique touch sensor controls and a power button that disappears when the piano is powered off.
Casio is a huge player in the portable digital piano market, so both of these instruments are undoubtedly going to be popular. Let's dive in.
Casio PX-S3000 Piano Sounds
Casio's Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Chip
Starting with the sound, the PX-S3000 is equipped with Casio's proprietary Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR sound chip.
The AiR sound chip is delivering 192 notes worth of polyphony which is plenty for solo piano, and even for a couple of tracks of sequencing.
Casio is a little bit vague on some of the specs of this instrument compared to other manufacturers in terms of the type of sampling that went into the AiR chip, i.e. was there 88-key stereo sampling, how many sample layers, etc. Nonetheless, we can still make quite a few assessments and determinations about the instrument.
Reverb Engine
Just like the PX-S1000, the PX-S3000 has some different sound modes, the first of which is a reverb engine (hall simulator), while the second and third mode involves a lot of signal processing. So essentially, this means that for any given sound, such as the default grand piano tone, there will be 3 slightly different versions depending on which sound mode you have engaged.
There are definitely some surprising things that jumped to us about the acoustic piano sound. For one, the character and the complexity of the grand piano sound that we're hearing out of the acoustic patches, specifically the default grand tone, is as good as anything else we've heard at the price point, with some really nice string resonance and damper resonance synthesis going on.
That said, the dynamic range feels a little bit compressed, so for solo classical playing, the sound might be a little bit limiting, but this won't matter for beginners and you can go in and edit the touch curve.
700 Tones
When it comes to non-piano sounds, the PX-S3000 has a whopping 700 tones, compared to only 19 on the PX-S1000. The various electric pianos are very nice, as are many of the organ and synth patches.
In general, we've got some really impressive samples right across the category range, many of which are going to be totally functional for professional performance situations.
If you need a large stable of sounds, the meager price jump from PX-S1000 to the PX-S3000 will be worth it for a massive increase in onboard tones alone.
Casio PX-S3000 Piano Action
Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
Due to the new, slimmer frame of the PX-S series pianos, Casio has to tweak their action design by shortening the keys to make them fit. The result is the new Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard with Hammer Response and Key-Off Simulation.
On paper, it actually looks like a bit of a downgrade from the PX-160's triple sensor action as this new action reverts back to a dual sensor. That said, the 'Smart' in the name refers to Casio's new Smart Technology which is supposed to make up for the missing sensor.
Given the sound engine's compressed dynamic range, we don't think anything is really missing from the switch back to a dual sensor, though we probably won't recommend this action first if you're looking for a MIDI controller.
Ebony and Ivory Key Texture
There's a nice ebony and ivory key texture that provides some extra grip when playing, which is actually very helpful if you're doing a lot of really rhythmic playing as your fingers won't glide around the keys.
Now, an oddity is that the black keys feel slightly lighter than the white keys, and this might be a big deal for you if you have a lot of acoustic piano experience. The key bed depth is also quite shallow.
But, for beginners and hobbyists, this won't really matter. All in all, this is a good action that should be fairly pleasing to most players.
Features/Connectivity
Built-in Auto-accompaniment & Rhythms
Another nice upgrade over 1000 is the built-in auto-accompaniment and rhythms. This feature is easy to use and the drum kits and rhythms are up to date stylistically, of which there are 200 to choose from.
The authentic acoustic drums, drum machine sounds, and percussion instruments are really nice here.
Built-in 3-track MIDI Recorder
There's also a built-in 3-track MIDI recorder, as well as basics like transpose, metronome, duet mode, and all the other normal features you'd expect.
We should also mention that there is an arpeggiator, pitch bend wheel, and assignable knobs, which really help in elevating the PX-S3000 to true stage-worthy status.
Connectivity
For connectivity, there are two headphone jacks, 3 pedal inputs (Damper pedal, Expression Pedal/Assignable, 3 Pedal Unit), discreet line outputs if you need a more powerful amplification system, Audio In, class-compliant USB ports Type A and B and Bluetooth Audio lets you stream and play along with your favorite songs. There's also a spot for 6AA batteries if you'd like to forgo the ac adapter and run on battery power.
The Casio PX-770 is also compatible with Casio's free Chordana Play for Piano app for Android devices and Mac iOS, which allows you to control the instrument from a smart device and view PDF piano scores via the Piano Roll feature.
Cabinet Design
Casio makes a matching keyboard stand which can be added, as well as the optional 3 pedal unit with a sustain pedal, sostenuto, and soft pedals (optional SP-34). A music rest is included in the box.
Closing Thoughts
A feature-heavy instrument with loads of sounds and solid piano touch is available for a competitive price, and well worth the extra price over the PX-S1000 in our opinion, as well as the comparative Yamaha models.
Hi, everybody, and welcome to another digital piano review video and article here at Merriam Pianos. In today’s review, we’ll be taking a look at Casio PX-870. This is a wonderful instrument in the mid-range home digital piano category with 88 fully weighted keys, great sound, and a nice cabinet.
The PX-870 has been a very popular instrument for us at Merriam Pianos, especially during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. The combination of price and class-leading features such as a robust speaker system capable of great sound projection and always reliable Tri-Sensor II action has made the Privia PX-870 a logical choice for many shoppers.
Let’s get into it by starting with a quick overview.
The Newer Casio PX-870 Model | A More Advanced Digital Piano
The PX-870bk sits right at the top of the Casio Privia PX lineup. As such, there are several models below the 870 like the PX-770, the PX-780, and portable units like the PX-S1100 and PX-S3100, but Privia and PX lines have been a staple lineup of Casio’s for quite some time, with newer more advanced models coming out every few years to replace models from the previous generation. It’s been wonderful seeing the line evolve over the years in terms of the fit and finish of the product, as well as the overall musical performance that the various models are capable of.
We had high hope for the PX-870 when it was announced after one quick look at the specs sheet - it’s clear that Casio has equipped the PX-870 with a great tone engine, solid action, and strong internal amplifiers.
In practice and especially for the price point, we’re happy to report that the PX-870 is delivering very nicely. So let's run down what that means.
Casio PX-870 Piano Sounds and Tone Engine Generators
Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source
Casio has equipped the PX-870 with their Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source tone generator which is delivering an impressive 256-note polyphony count. Polyphony is a less relevant spec these days, especially with home-based digital pianos meant to be a substitute for an acoustic piano because most digital pianos have a sufficient digital piano for solo piano playing.
Up-to-date Polyphony Count
Polyphony used to be a really important spec when computing technology was more expensive as it was a lot more difficult for manufacturers to deliver a decent polyphony count without the cost being through the roof.
These days, it's almost a given that the polyphony is going to be something pretty decent if it's an up-to-date product. All of that being said, a count of 256 is very impressive, and that definitely puts the PX-870 among the top of the class in this category. Check out our YouTube channel and our video on polyphony for a detailed breakdown of what it means, but essentially, the spec simply refers to how many notes a tone engine can generate and sustain at one time.
Sound Projection and Speaker System
Moving onto the speakers, we’re looking at a 4-speaker system with a pair of 20-watt amps for 40 watts of power. The speakers are down-facing, however, Casio has incorporated small vents or tone ports on the back of the cabinet to help create a more detailed sound, essentially like a tweeter.
There are 19 onboard sounds in total, and the quality of the sounds that Casio is putting overall has really gotten quite impressive. There are aspects of the tone on the PX-870 here that we think is coming across as successfully as some similar tones that you would get out of comparable Kawai’s, Roland’s, and Yamaha’s. In our showroom, the PX-870 competes primarily against the Kawai KDP-110.
Where would we say the KDP-110 has an edge in terms of sound quality? In our opinion, the acoustic piano tone that the Kawai KDP-110, or similarly priced Roland with their SuperNATURAL engine, is generating is still processing some of the finer details of the piano tone with a little bit more definition and accuracy.
Acoustic Piano Sound with Modeling Technology
That said, this is splitting hairs to some extent here since the PX-870 really is delivering a very impressive acoustic piano sound, and in addition to the sample, they’re using some modeling technology to fill in things like string resonance, damper resonance, lid simulator, and hammer response. Here are some specific observations regarding the default grand piano tone;
There’s Lots of character and warmth which is immediately apparent.
There are a few other grand pianos all with different characters, though we do think the default tone is the best of the bunch.
Adjustable reverb, hall simulator, and brilliance also give you an extra layer of control over the piano tones.
After moving through the acoustic piano patches we come to a couple of very nice e-piano sounds, along with harpsichord, organs, and strings. There are a few misses among the selection sounds, but overall, it's a pretty impressive lineup.
Wrap Up
To sum up the highlights of the piano sound of the PX-870, we’re looking at a piano with the most powerful speaker system in the class, with the exception of the Kawai KDP-110 which also has a 40-watt speaker system.
Polyphony also happens to be among the class leaders with a strong 256 notes here, and while the sound engine may not be our favorite in the class, it’s nonetheless a very good sound engine overall. Let’s move on to the action.
Casio PX-870 Digital Piano Keyboard System
Casio has done a few interesting things with its actions over the last few years. Certain things have been very successful, while others we would classify a little bit odd. For the most part, however, their actions have come a very long way and compete very well in the marketplace.
Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II
The PX-870 is using Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II. This action is using a triple sensor, so it's very accurate in terms of its dynamic output and touch sensitivity. This is a potentially important consideration if you plan on using the PX-870 as a MIDI controller at any point.
It doesn't have escapement, which is not unusual for this price range. For example, the Kawai and Yamaha options in the price don’t feature escapement either, with Roland being the only exception courtesy of their PHA-4 action.
Key Texture
An area where Casio is ahead of the curve is with regards to a fairly dramatic simulated ebony and ivory texture on the keytops to imitate the feel of an acoustic piano action. This approach has become common with all the manufacturers, but Casio was a real trailblazer in this regard.
The black keys feel a little bit too slippery right out of the box, but this goes away after playing for a little while as the finger’s natural oils gradually work their way into the keys.
Another thing we like about this current generation of the action is that it feels a lot more solid, and there’s much less unwanted motion in the key action parts than there was with past Casio actions.
Wrap Up
Overall we would suspect that this action will age fairly well, very much in line with Kawai’s RHC action or Yamaha’s GHS action, though we think this action easily outplays Yamaha’s GHS action which is feeling fairly dated at this point.
So, to sum this category up, what we have here with Casio’s Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II is a well-built, enjoyable action to play on, and courtesy of its triple sensor will be accommodating to advanced playing styles.
Features and Connectivity
Music Library
The PX-870 has a fairly standard, but no less impressive set of features available when you consider the price point. For starters, there’s a solid music library of built-in songs that are good for playing along with, or simply sitting back and listening.
Connect with Chordana Play App
You can isolate specific piano parts for practice purposes, and it’s all easily controllable from the Chordana Play App, which is compatible with both iOS and Android. For a demo of the Chordana app, definitely check out the video review version of this article as Stu Harrison walks us through a nice sample of the app.
From there we have a cool Concert Play feature wherein the player gets to play along with symphony recordings of classic compositions.
Built-in Audio Recorder
There’s also a MIDI recorder as well as built-in Audio Recording and playback capability.
Cabinetry and Pedal System
The Casio PX-870 features a nice built-in cabinet and triple pedal system with damper, sostenuto, and soft pedals, though Casio isn’t including a piano bench in the package at this point. Comparable Kawai’s and Yamaha’s do include a bench at no charge, so that’s an area where the PX-870 is a little bit behind.
Dual Headphone Jacks
In terms of connectors, we’ve got two headphone jacks and a designated headphone mode that enhances the sonic experience when playing with headphones. There are no discreet line outputs, so you will need to use the headphone ports and an adapter if you need more power.
The Casio PX-870 also lacks any Bluetooth connectivity which is a little bit disappointing since it is quite common these days at the price point, so you will need to use a cable when connecting to a Smartphone or Tablet.
Of course, the basics are covered such as Layer, Duet mode, a metronome, transpose, and octave shift.
Closing Thoughts
In summary, what do we have? Well, we have an instrument in a sweet spot price-wise that also happens to exist in a very competitive part of the market. Compared to some of the other instruments out on the market, we have an above-average piano tone and action, and an impressive sound projection system courtesy of the 40-watt speaker system.
If you’re looking for an instrument in this price range and you hadn't yet considered Casio, it's definitely worthwhile to give the PX-870 a look by getting into a showroom to compare it against a Yamaha YDP-144 for example.
We’ve already mentioned the KDP-110 as Kawai’s comparable model, while the RP-102 on the Roland side of things would be a good match.
It’s definitely fair to say that the PX-870 is a compelling option to consider against anything else in the price point, with Casio’s growth and improvement over the past few years really being something to behold.
