Casio PX-S1100 FAQ | Digital Piano FAQ | Including Features, Performance, And Overall Value

 

Next up in our series covering commonly asked questions regarding specific digital piano models, we present to you: the Casio PX-S1100 FAQ -  examining features, performance and overall value.

The Privia PX-S1100 is a fairly recent release from Casio. A highly portable, 88-key weighted action digital piano that serves as the follow-up to the innovative and very successful PX-S1000, we’ve been getting bombarded with questions about the S1100 since it hit store shelves.

For a deeper dive into the PX-S1100 check out the full digital piano review on our YouTube channel, but for those interested in the most common questions about the S1100 according to Google, you’ll find all of the questions and answers right here.

 

Casio PX-S1100 FAQ - 11 Most Commonly Asked Questions

FAQ #1: Does the Casio PX-S1100 Have Weighted Keys?

It’s not a shock to see this question at number one as it happens to be number one for many digital piano models.

The PX-S1100BK does most certainly have weighted keys with Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard being the action used here. This is a dual-sensor action with textured white and black keys that are paired very nicely with the S1100’s AiR sound engine.

Due to the S1100’s extremely slim cabinet, this key action is purposely more compact than most others, but the keys themselves are still weighted nonetheless.

 

FAQ #2: Does the Casio PX-S1100 Have a Music Stand?

The answer here is another simple ‘Yes’. Casio includes a highly usable music stand with the PX-S1100 in the box at no extra charge.

 

FAQ #3: Does the Casio PX-S1100 Have MIDI?

The PX-S1100 is most certainly outfitted with MIDI connectivity, and there are actually two different ways you can go about connecting to external devices via MIDI.

For a wired connection to a computer or Smart device, the S1100 is outfitted with a USB MIDI port, which also means you can use it as a controller.

The S1100 also comes with a free Bluetooth adapter in the box which gives the S1100 wireless MIDI Bluetooth connectivity, and even Bluetooth Audio. Casio’s Chordana app is excellent, so we’d definitely recommend checking that out.

 

FAQ #4: Can you Record on the Casio PX-S1100?

The PX-S1100 has fairly limited onboard recording functionality, but there is an audio recorder nonetheless. While the onboard recorder can be helpful for isolating left-hand parts or critiquing your own playing with playback, you’ll get a lot more mileage connecting to a computer or mobile device for recording.

Like the Yamaha P125, Roland FP-30X and Kawai ES110, the S1100 has 1/4” line outs (L/R, MONO) so you can capture audio into a USB audio interface or stream MIDI into a computer running a sound source like a VST plugin.

 

FAQ #5: Does the Casio PX-S1100 Have Bluetooth?

As indicated by some of the answers to previous questions, the PX-S1100 has both Bluetooth MIDI and Audio functionality courtesy of the free adapter Casio includes in the box. Simply plug the adapter into the back output of your S1100, and you’re good to go.

The PX-S1000 has Bluetooth Audio, but oddly, no MIDI, so it’s nice that Casio has added Bluetooth MIDI here.

 

FAQ #6: What is the Newest Casio Privia Model?

At the time our companion video was filmed, the newest Casio Privia models were the PX-S1100 and the PX-S3100, which replaced the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000.

That said, Casio recently announced a huge expansion of the Privia PX-S line by expanding it to include the new PX-S5000, PX-S6000 and PX-S7000 full-on stage pianos, making these the newest Privia models.

 

FAQ #7: Can you use the Casio PX-S1100 as a MIDI controller?

The PX-S1100 has a USB MIDI jack which means it can definitely be used as a MIDI controller. This is the case with most Casio digital pianos, including even the super affordable CDP-S350 portable digital piano.

FAQ #8: How do you connect your Bluetooth Headphones to a PX-S1100?

We’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but no digital piano is currently compatible with any Bluetooth headphones at this point in time. Unfortunately, there are lag issues with Bluetooth audio at this point in time that derail the playing experience and thus nullify the compatibility between Bluetooth headphones and digital pianos.

There are engineers out there working on this problem right now, so hopefully, this issue will be resolved in the not-too-distant future and any digital piano outfitted with Bluetooth Audio will be compatible with Bluetooth headphones.

 

FAQ #9: What is the Chordana App?

The Chordana Play app is a free app from Casio for iOS and Android that happens to be one of the most functional of all piano apps currently out there from any manufacturer.

This app essentially allows you to control the PX-S1100 remotely from a smart device with a super intuitive user interface.

You can set up and save various presets for quick recall later, and control all of the features of the S1100 including the piano sounds like acoustic pianos and electric pianos, effects like reverbs and hall simulators, the metronome and built-in songs.

FAQ #10: Where are Casio Pianos Made?

Casio digital pianos are manufactured in China, as are many digital pianos these days such as most Korg products and some Yamaha’s. The design occurs in Japan, but the manufacturing process itself takes place entirely in China.

FAQ #11: Which Casio Digital Piano is Best for Beginners?

Casio has a ton of options available beyond strictly 88-key weighted action digital pianos, including smaller keyboards that can even be had for under $100.

If piano lessons are the focus, or the aim is to one day own an upright or grand piano, we always recommend starting with an 88-key fully weighted option. This will create the proper foundation for advancing in your piano studies.

The PX-S1100 is a great option for this purpose due to its great sound and solid action. It also has a very strong 192 notes of polyphony, a powerful speaker system (16-watt amplifier), and can operate via battery power (6x AA batteries instead of a cabled power supply.)

The basic sustain pedal that comes with it should be upgraded by intermediate players to Casio’s SP-20 damper pedal, but there’s also the option to upgrade to the SP-34 3-pedal unit as well.

Now, if you’re buying for a really young beginner or simply looking to introduce someone to music for the first time without making a huge investment, a smaller Casio keyboard, such as one from the CT series, will be just fine.

 

Closing Thoughts

Thanks very much for checking out our Casio PX-S1100 FAQ - be sure to out our YouTube channel for more high-quality content!

The post Casio PX-S1100 FAQ | Digital Piano FAQ | Including Features, Performance, And Overall Value first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 | Digital Piano Review | Casio Privia PX Comparison

 

With the recent expansion of the Casio Privia PX line, suddenly we’ve gone from two portable models to five with the new PX-S5000, PX-S6000 and PX-S7000 Privia digital pianos newly hitting the market.

The PX-S5000 serves as the direct step up to the hugely popular PX-S1100, and with a price point that isn’t overly prohibitive, for a lot of people making that jump to the S5000 will make sense. With that in mind, we’re going to do a detailed comparison for you here to cover the exact differences between these two instruments.

If you’re among those looking for a piano-centric, highly portable digital piano that also happens to offer an extremely slim cabinet, weighted keys and battery operation, odds are this Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 comparison will be very useful to you. If features and functionality are what you’re after, the PX-S3100 vs PX-S6000 comparison will be more relevant to you.

Casio PX-S5000 vs PX-S1100 Background

Even though the PX-S5000 hasn’t been out for too long at this point and many pre-orders haven’t yet been fulfilled, some internet chatter has already sprung up with the question; is the S5000 simply an overpriced PX-S1100BK with a rebranded action?

To be totally honest, we wondered the exact same thing here at Merriam Pianos when we first saw the specs sheet, as even things like the warranty coverage are the same. Fortunately, once we played the S5000 and got it side-by-side with the S1100, we realized right away that there are actually substantial differences in the piano tone and the action in terms of the actual playing experience.

In fact, the piano sound is much richer and really in a different class from the 1100. Paired with an improved action and the result is an instrument capable of much more nuance for those seeking a more realistic piano experience.

Let’s move to a more detailed comparison of the sound engines.

 

Piano Sound - Sound Engine & Speakers 

Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source with Hamburg Grand Sample

When glancing at the sound-related specs, it looks like we’re working with very similar offerings here. For example, both pianos are the using the Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR sound engine, the polyphony is the same, the effects like reverbs, hall simulators, DSP and surround are the same, and the speaker systems and wattage are the same.

That said, there is one notable difference - the fact that the S5000 digital piano includes Casio’s Hamburg Grand sample, which is the same sample used in Casio’s high-end GP310 and GP510 hybrid digital pianos. This is a much higher quality default grand piano sample than what the S1100 receives, and the result, especially when playing with headphones, is a much more authentic and immersive acoustic piano sound stage experience, meaning it truly feels like you’re in front of a concert grand.

Both pianos have the same Acoustic Simulators, but parameters like Damper Resonance and Damper Noise are coming through more clearly on the S5000.

The S1100 still sounds very good, especially for the price point, but there’s no question that there’s just much more detail coming from the S5000, especially in the mid and lower registers. In the upper register, there’s more color and depth to the sound on the S5000.

 

Stereo Speaker System

As we touched on above, both pianos are equipped with the same dual speaker system with 16 watts of total amplifier output power. These are redesigned speakers from what was used in the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000 resulting in cleaner high-end and more dynamic low end referred to as Casio’s new Sound System.

Since the speakers are identical, the differences in tone we mentioned above primarily apply to when you’re playing with headphones. You can still hear a difference when the speakers are engaged, but those differences are less pronounced.

So, if you’re going to be doing a fair bit of playing with headphones, the improved sound is reason enough to go for the S5000 assuming you have the budget. If you’re primarily going to be using the speakers, the upgrade may not make sense for you.

 

Polyphony

As we also briefly mentioned above, polyphony is the same on both instruments at a strong 192 notes - easily enough to accommodate all solo piano playing.

Other Sounds

Once you move past the default grand piano presets, the rest of the tones are essentially the same, covering things like electric piano, organs and synths.

That said, there are 18 total sounds on the PX-S1100 as opposed to 23 sounds on the PX-S5000. Neither has the breadth of sounds you would find on a stage piano, but it’s worth noting that there are 5 extra on the S5000.

 

Casio Privia Piano Action - Smart Scaled vs Smart Hybrid Hammer Action

The PX-S1100’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard

Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard has been met with favorable reviews overall, but many players have observed that the white keys feel weighted slightly differently from the white keys and that all of the keys feel different depending on where on the keyboard your fingers press the keys.

The big reason for this was in having to accommodate the PX-S1000’s super slim frame (where this action was introduced), meaning the action had to be compressed. The result is a very short pivot length, which is why the key weighting feels different depending on where you play the keys.

For many players (especially beginners), this won’t matter, but it does essentially disqualify the action for higher-level classical players or those who need their digital piano key action to mimic an acoustic key action as closely as possible.

 

The PX-S5000’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard

The new Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard has an identical pivot length so these general observations about the different weighting depending on where your fingers press are still true, but fortunately the weighting differences from the white and black keys have been fixed. And despite the same pivot length, this action feels quite different from the S1100’s Smart Scaled action and definitely represents a step up.

Key Differences

For one, the cushioning is improved so the Smart Hybrid action emits much less mechanical noise than the Smart Scaled action does, and this will be a huge benefit to those looking to practice at odd hours without disturbing others.

Secondly, the Smart Hybrid action features wood siding, which means the keys themselves feel more like a real acoustic piano action. This might be a non-issue for some people, but it will be a big consideration for others. The wood siding should also help long-term durability, especially when combined with the improved cushioning.

Finally, the keytops feel different as well. On the S1100’s Smart Scaled action, the keytops have a very exaggerated texture, while the texture on the S5000’s Smart Hybrid action feels more like real ivory and ebony. Both sets of keytops have great playability, but there’s no doubt that the S5000’s keytops feel more like a real piano. For context, the Yamaha P-125’s GHS action does not offer textured keytops.

Overall, the Smart Hybrid action represents a real step up from the Smart Scaled action, which we hoped would be the case considering the jump in price. While it still wouldn’t be an ideal action for a classical pianist it is going to be a great action for many players.

 

Additional Features & Connectivity

Additional Accessories

Both pianos come as a slab, and ship with a music stand and basic SP-3 switch sustain pedal, though we would recommend an upgrade to the SP-10 damper pedal at minimum. Roland, Yamaha and Kawai are sometimes guilty of including a flimsy pedal in the box that should really be upgraded.

You can also opt for the SP-34 3-pedal unit if you’d like triple pedal functionality (soft, sostenuto and damper), and Casio’s CS-68 wooden design stand is an option as well.

 

Finish Options

The PX-S1100 is available in three distinct finish options - Black, White and Red. The PX-S5000 at this point is only available in Black.

 

Connectors - Line In/Out, Bluetooth & MIDI

Connectivity is virtually the same across these two pianos with the only difference being that the S1100 has a stereo mini line-in, whereas the S5000 does not. Perhaps Casio feels this isn’t a necessary terminal moving forward which would be why the newer and more expensive S5000 doesn’t have a line in.

Otherwise, all of the other jacks are the same including L/MONO, R line outputs, USB Type A and B, dual headphone outputs and a port for the power supply. Line-outs are essential for a gigging instrument so it’s nice to see them here.

Both pianos also come with the WU-BT10 wireless MIDI and Audio Bluetooth adaptor which is a very nice added bonus at no extra charge. Bluetooth MIDI means you can wirelessly access the new Casio Music Space App for iOS and Android which is one of the best music apps around and essentially replaces the Chordana Play for Piano app.

Bluetooth Audio allows you to stream music from a Smart Device through the piano’s speakers with the help of a simple Bluetooth adapter.

 

Extra Features

Features are pretty lean on both pianos, but things like a basic MIDI recorder and Audio recorder for recording and playback, metronome, transpose, built-in songs and playing modes like split are all covered.

 

Closing Thoughts

After taking a close look at both of these pianos, we can say confidently that the PX-S5000 is not simply an overpriced PX-S1100. The differences in the default grand piano patch and action make the PX-S5000 a distinct upgrade over the S1100, even if you need headphones to truly maximize those tonal differences.

The PX-S5000 is really offering a pretty awesome experience for the price, especially considering that it can be operated via battery power, and the PX-S1100 is continually heralded as one of the best digital pianos for its price point as well.

For some, these key upgrades will easily make the S5000 worth the extra money. For others, the S1100 is already more than enough of what they need.

The post Casio PX-S1100 vs Roland FP10 | Digital Piano Review & Comparison first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000 | Digital Piano Review | Pros & Cons | What's The Difference?

 

 The Casio Privia PX-S1000 and PX-S3000 hit the market a few years ago, and both proved to be hugely popular Casio digital pianos, especially during the lockdown years of 2020 and 2021.

The PX-S1000 has since been replaced by the PX-S1100 (and the S3000 by the PX-S3100), so of course, doing a comparison of these two pianos is called for. We’ve actually had a number of customers contact us who already own an S1000 wondering if it’s worthwhile to trade it in for an S1100.

Hopefully, this Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000 comparison and review can answer that question for you, and if you’re shopping for the first time and had already heard about the S1000, learning about the S1100 in greater context could be of some value to you.

Let’s start this with some general background information.

Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000 - Background

We’ve done a number of reviews now comparing the new PX-S1100 trading it to some models it competes against in the market, such as the Yamaha P-125 and Roland FP-10, but we haven’t yet compared it to its predecessor the PX-S1000.

While there are some definite upgrades, much of what made the S1000 so successful has been carried over here. With that being said, the PX-S1100BK is a fairly subtle upgrade, and not the giant leap forward that the PX-S1000 was over the PX-160 (though the CDP-S350 is also kind of a replacement for the PX-160 as well).

For many people who already own an S1000, trading it in won’t make a ton of sense except for a few notable situations which we will get to below. Let’s move to what remains the same on the PX-S1100.

What’s the Same?

Sound Engine - Multidimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source

Firstly, it would seem that the tone engines and related specs are exactly the same between these two. Both pianos are using the Multidimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source, both pianos have 192 notes of polyphony, and both pianos have the same 18 built-in preset tones such as grand pianos and electric pianos.

The amplifier power is also the same at 16 watts courtesy of dual 8-watt speakers,

The same digital effects have returned here as well, which consist of Sound Mode, Hall Simulators and more.

Weighted Key Action & Cabinet

Outside of sound-related considerations, both pianos have the same Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard (with the same ivory key surface), the same super slim casing, the same finish options (Black, White and Red), the same music stand, and both offer the option to be powered by 8 AA batteries.

In fact, the PX-S1100 is still the slimmest 88-key weighted action available beating out the Roland FP-10, Roland FP-30X and Kawai ES-110, which is remarkable since it can also run on battery power as opposed to a traditional cabled power supply. The touch sensor user interface has been tweaked but largely remains the same.

 

Features - Midi Recorder & More

Essentially all of the features have carried over here. The MIDI recorder and playback options are the same, as well as things like duet mode and built-in songs.

 

What’s Different?

Bluetooth Connectivity

A critical change with the S1100 digital piano which for some will make it worth trading their S1000 in is the tweak to the Bluetooth offering; while the S1000 remarkably offered Bluetooth Audio, Bluetooth MIDI was conspicuously absent.

The PX-S1100 rectifies this by including the WU-BT10 Bluetooth adapter, which when plugged in gives the S1100 Bluetooth Audio and wireless MIDI.

This allows you to wirelessly access apps for iOS and Android such as the new Casio Music Space App which has replaced the Chordana Play. You can remote control everything from the app including the piano tones, the metronome, transpose, and Acoustic Simulator features like damper resonance, string resonance, and the Hall Simulator reverbs.

You can also play along with your favorite songs by streaming them through the PX-S1100’s speakers.

The remainder of the connectors, including the L/MONO, R line outs, dual headphone jacks, sustain pedal input and 3-pedal unit input (damper pedal, sostenuto and soft), all remain the same.

 

Redesigned Speaker System

As we mentioned above, the built-in speaker power has remained the same here, however, the design of the speaker system has been improved, to the point that the acoustic piano sound is noticeably better on the PX-S1100.

Essentially, they’ve changed the speaker diaphragm with the hopes of creating a clearer high-end and more dynamic low-end to the sound. We are noticing that they’ve been absolutely successful in this regard.

The PX-S1100 is producing better top end on each note, and definitely better clarity as well. This is the most apparent throughout the mid-range. If you plug in a set of headphones, suddenly those differences disappear.

 

Closing Thoughts

When comparing the Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000, the only real difference we’re seeing out of the S1100 is an improved speaker design which translates to better clarity in the mid-range of the instrument and more detail in the higher frequencies.

The superior sound is certainly welcome, but on its own is probably not significant enough for someone to feel compelled to trade up their PX-S1000.

The other big difference, however, is of course the inclusion of the Bluetooth adaptor which gives the PX-S1100 Bluetooth MIDI and Audio capability. If Bluetooth MIDI is important to you, this could definitely be a compelling enough reason for someone to upgrade.

All in all, the PX-S1100 offers everything that made the PX-S1000 great while upgrading a couple of potentially important areas with no downside, remaining an extremely portably digital piano even capable of gigging due to its line outputs.

Thanks for reading!

The post Casio PX-S1100 vs PX-S1000 | Digital Piano Review | Pros & Cons | What's The Difference? first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X | Digital Piano Review & Comparison

 

 Ever since Casio’s newest Privia PX models hit the market we’ve been getting a ton of requests to compare them to other already existing options in the marketplace.

Today, we’ll be lining up the brand-new PX-S5000 against an absolute titan of the class in the Roland FP-30X. This comparison was pretty much inevitable because of the fact that the price points are so close, but we were quick to find out that we really have two different beasts here aimed at two different audiences.

We’ll start our Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X comparison as we often do with an examination of each piano’s offering from a sound standpoint.

 

Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X - Sound Engine Comparison

Casio’s Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source

The Casio Privia PX-S5000BK is equipped with a very impressive default concert grand piano tone with the very well-rendered Hamburg Grand sample, originally used in their GP310 and GP510. You’ll also find this sample in the PX-S6000 and PX-S7000, and it’s a big step up from the default grand piano tone featured in PX-S1100.

In fact, we recently did a comparison video between the S5000 and S1100 so if you’d like to hear the difference for yourself, check out that video over on our YouTube channel.

We can definitely say that this is one of the better piano tones at the price point, so great job by Casio here. Polyphony is strong at 192 notes as well.

There’s also the Acoustic Simulator which allows you to access and edit a number of sound-related parameters like string resonance, damper resonance, damper noise, key on, key off, as well as effects like the Hall Simulator, reverbs, DSP effects and Surround Sound mode.

 

Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano Sound Engine

The FP-30X introduced Roland’s new BMC chip which is able to extract much more out of the SuperNATURAL piano engine than what the Roland FP-30 was capable of. Polyphony is even stronger than the S5000 at a very impressive 256 notes.

The BMC chip is being used throughout the FP-X series with the FP-60X and FP-90X.

The piano sound is very dynamic and responds very well to changes in volume. You also have quite a bit of editing power via the Piano Designer App.

 

How do they Compare? Privia vs FP-X Series

When comparing these two piano sounds, and we've done this with a really good set of headphones on as well, the S5000 is doing a great job of creating a sense of true three-dimensional space. You can hear the hammers right in front of you, and it’s an overall very realistic impression of being behind a piano.

As you play each note, the AiR engine automatically starts to draw from different samples to bring out different aspects of the instrument hence the multidimensional morphing verbiage that implies that Casio has sampled the grand piano with more than just a basic stereo mic placement.

On the FP-30X, the impression that you're given is that of a very complex tone surrounded by partials. Rather than being given a strong player’s perspective impression, it feels more like you're an audience member hearing the piano sound coming at you.

I hope I'm describing this with some level of usefulness to people. But that's really how I describe the two experiences of playing those pianos side by side.

 

Other Sounds - Electric Pianos, Synths, Organs

In terms of the number of sounds that are available to you on these two pianos, the overall quantity of core sounds is higher on the FP-30X as it has 56 presets compared to 23 on the PX-S5000, plus you can also access the entire GMII with the Roland Piano App via wireless MIDI connectivity.

The range of non-acoustic piano tones such as electric pianos, synths, and organs is stronger overall on the FP-30X, plus the larger range of sounds is a nice benefit as well. This isn’t a huge surprise given that Roland’s e pianos and synthesizers are usually very tough to beat.

 

Speaker Comparison

When it comes to speakers, both pianos are utilizing a dual speaker system. The PX-S5000 has dual 8-watt built-in speakers, pointed out of the back of the piano. On the FP-30X, we’ve got two downward-facing 11-watt speakers for 22 watts of total amplifier power.

In terms of overall fullness and power, the FP-30X definitely has an advantage over the PX-S5000, and this is most apparent in the lower registers. When it comes to the high-end and overall clarity, the S5000 actually does a better job, and this could largely be attributed to the speaker position.

Keep in mind too that one of the reasons that Casio needed to keep the speakers from getting too big is because the S5000 offers the option to run on batteries, which is not available over on the FP-30X. The S5000 is also about 8lbs lighter which can be a pretty big deal to some people.

 

Sound Wrap-Up

To summarize our comparison of sound, we think it’s fair to say that the FP-30X is bringing more to the table for a professional player as an affordable stand-in for a stage piano than the PX-S5000 is.

On the other hand, the pianos are very different from one another, and for someone who will do most of their playing with the default grand piano patch and also happens to prefer the tone of the S5000, it’s probably a no-brainer to lean in that direction.

Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X - Digital Piano Action Comparison

Casio’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard

The actions on these two instruments do not feel the same, and yet they are both very nice to play. The key action on the PX-S5000 is the new Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard, which is an evolved action design that comes out of the more entry-level version that was introduced with the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000.

The S5000 feels very different from the S1100 as a result, and we get quite into the weeds on those specific differences in our comparison of those two pianos. Long story short, the Hybrid Hammer action features wooden sides, improved cushioning, and some tweaked weighting. The pivot length and sensor technology don’t appear to be different, but this is a quieter and overall superior action to play on.

 

Roland’s PHA-4 Standard Keyboard Action

The FP-30X features the PHA-4 action from Roland, and this is a popular hammer action used on various musical instruments from Roland throughout their lineup.

This action features escapement, a triple sensor, and textured white and black keytops. It takes a little bit more force to get the key in motion than it does to keep the key in motion, which sometimes people love, and many others don’t actually notice.

 

How do they Compare?

The PHA-4 offers a little bit more control, especially in the lower end. It also has a longer pivot length than the Hybrid Hammer Action meaning that it feels more uniform regardless of where you play the key. For more advanced players, the PHA-4 will feel closer to the natural feel of an acoustic piano than the Hybrid Hammer.

The Hybrid Hammer however is a little bit quieter mechanically than the PHA-4, and it also happens to be very responsive with a very solid repetition speed. The textures on the white keys feel pretty similar (ivory feel), whereas it’s slightly more exaggerated on the black keys of the Hybrid Hammer.

 

Action Wrap Up

For people who are already fairly advanced players with a good amount of acoustic piano experience, odds are they’ll feel more at home on the PHA-4. If your piano teacher has you learning on an acoustic piano, this would apply to you as well.

For people who are self-taught or not particularly focused on getting classical technique together, the acoustic piano consideration isn't all that relevant.

And if you like the S5000 otherwise, this is a very solid action that isn’t at all going to hold you back in any way.

 

Features/Connectivity

Connectors - Audio In/Out, USB & MIDI

From a connectivity standpoint, these two pianos are quite well-matched. Both pianos have dual 1/4” line output jacks (L/MONO, R) for connecting to external amps and mixers, USB Type A and B (flash drive and computer port), dual headphone outputs, as well as pedal outputs for a damper pedal and a second one for an optional 3-pedal unit.

Both pianos offer both Bluetooth MIDI and Bluetooth Audio, though, in the case of the S5000, it’s by virtue of the WU-BT10 adapter dongle that comes included at no cost. Simply plug the adaptor in your S5000 is now outfitted with Bluetooth.

Both companies have their own compatible apps for iOS and Android- the Casio Music Space App and the Roland Piano App (recently replaced the Roland Piano Every Day App) - so real-time wireless connectivity is very welcome. Of course, 3rd party apps like Garageband are fair game as well.

 

Additional Functions

Both pianos have a basic onboard MIDI recorder (MIDI files) and playback option, whereas the PX-S5000 is also capable of audio recording (WAV). That said, the FP-30X has a built-in USB audio interface so that’s a really nice feature for those looking for a production instrument.

Both pianos of course have built-in metronomes, transpose, twin piano, and other standard features like split and dual.

 

Accessories - Music Stands & Pedals

Both pianos come with a basic music stand (music rest for sheet music) at no extra charge as well as a sustain pedal, and of course, an owner’s manual. Both are also available with matching stands and triple pedal systems as well - the KSC-70 keyboard stand and KPD-70 pedalboard in the case of the FP-30X, and the CS-68 stand and SP-34 pedals in the case of the S5000.

Closing Thoughts

To wrap everything up, in comparing the Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X, we've got two instruments that in some ways compare well and in others are actually quite different in terms of their overall specs.

In fact, the Casio PX-S3100 might actually be a more apt comparison for the FP-30X as it’s more geared towards being a performance-based instrument like the 30X, while the S5000 is very much a piano-centric instrument that also happens to be one of the most portable digital pianos around.

As always, we’ll stress the importance of trying to get into a showroom to demo these pianos out against one another if you can rather than simply ordering from Amazon, though of course not everyone has this option.

Both pianos should also be considered against the Kawai ES-120 and Yamaha P-125, both of which are other great options for beginners and experienced musicians.

Thanks for reading!

The post Casio PX-S5000 vs Roland FP30X | Digital Piano Review & Comparison first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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Casio PX-S1100 | Digital Piano Review & Unboxing | Casio PX-S1000 Improved

 

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.

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Casio PX-870 Digital Piano Review

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.

The post Casio PX-870 Digital Piano Review first appeared on Merriam Pianos

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