Piano Reviews

“The key action is good”

Like: Casio PX-150 because the timbre of the item is colorful .

Ok: The key action is good..

Ok but: The ivory and ebony like keys are good but too much textured.

Dislike: The pedal is bad. It absolutely needs SP-33 pedal set.

Note: I don’t need any rhythm feature, and PX 150 does not have any. In order to do that, one can use the USB midi but it is not as friendly as its competitors drum feature.

Review by Ismail Hakki Batum

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

>> For Casio PX150 information, specifications and prices, click here

“It blew the opposition away”

Casio PX350 from the maker of cheap horrible watches? Well the facia design fared no better than their watches and the array of buttons was not intuitive. But at least the piano comes with a display in plain English so I knew what was happening. Again like Roland, headphone sockets on the rear and when I picked up the piano – it was so light, I was beginning to hate this piano already. Thought I may as well try this ‘toy’ just for the sake of it… and ended up placing an order!

Whilst not as good as the Roland, the Casio keyboard came a close 2nd in feel. Sound thru the built in speakers couldn’t compete with the Roland or Kawai, but thru headphones? in my opinion it blew the opposition away. (I only used a few piano sounds). Not that I’ll use it much but I did try some accompaniments and again was shocked, I expected rubbish. What I actually heard was the equal of, if not better than any other piano I tried. And the store’s January special offer deal also included a double X stand, headphones and 3yr warranty.

Yes the Roland is the better piano and if the display model had been for sale as the salesman first thought, I’d have taken it. But it wasn’t, the price was £1100 so decision, could I justify Roland’s FP-4F £500 premium over the Casio? In my opinion, certainly not. The only downside is I’ll have to buy a 3rd party sustain pedal because as with Yamaha’s P105, the PX350 is bundled with Casio’s cheap and nasty plastic offering. Why go to the trouble of producing a keyboard which is supposed to emulate an acoustic, introduce the A.I.R. sound engine which is supposed to make it sound like an acoustic, and bundle it with a Toys-R-Us sustain pedal?

Review by Ron Martin

 

“Didn’t like the sound at all”

I tried the new Casio PX-350 before getting the Roland and didn’t like the sound at all. Sounded like different pianos in the different octaves. Good value if you don’t care about the sound quality.

Review by P. Johnson, Canada

 

“After a week, I’m still having a great time playing it”

I bought a Casio PX-350.

Reasons:

Nice feeling weighted keyboard;
Good piano voices (through headphones or outboard loudspeakers)
Good set of “non-piano” voices, including the full General MIDI library.
Compact size and light weight (for an 88-key weighted action — it’s still an armful!),

I’m still exploring the auto-accompaniment feature – it’s very rich. After a week, I’m still having a great time playing it.

The closest contender was the Yamaha P155, but it was more expensive and has a much smaller voice library. Nice keyboard, though.

Review by Charles Cohen, Richmond, BC

 

“This Privia performs quite well”

I bought a white Casio Privia PX350 : a complete unit with stand and three pedal bar.

Main reasons, then:
-Keyboard feel, that I heard to be more than acceptable for tis price range
-Midi features, USB host , Midi record&play rythms, voices
-Decent piano sound
-Form factor: easily moveable, easy assembly-dissassembly of the stand.

First impressions have confirmed all my thoughts (and desires). This Privia performs quite well, key feel looks similar to more expensive Yamahas and Rolands I tested (i’m not an expert at all), and sound is more than decent to me.

Main “defects” of this model:

– Internal speakers : crappy sound , (not so importat to me, as I have it connected to an HiFi system
– Key “rebound” (common to this type of keyboards as far as I tested, but a bit uncomfortable to me)

Review by Jose Martin

 

“I’ve purchased a Casio Privia PX-350”

My main criteria were:

1.    I felt I actually needed to play a good selection of keyboards, and this shop had the best range locally that I could find. I wouldn’t wish to buy without playing.
2.    Re the instrument itself (in order of importance)
1.    It had to have the full 88 keys
2.    It had to be really portable (e.g. I have used the Yamaha DGX 620, which calls itself a portable grand piano, but only if you have an assistance).
3.    It had to have a good range of organ and harpsichord voices, preferably also strings as well as a good piano sound.
4.    It had to have a good number of memories, for ease of use during performance
5.    It had to have dual and split voice capability
6.    Ideally keys would have been fully weighted, but there didn’t seem to be one that met the first five points (especially the weight of the instrument), so I had to compromise on this.
7.    Ideally a good visual display of what’s selected, so as to check before playing
8.    Tuning control is an added bonus, in case I’m playing continuo with an orchestra that doesn’t play at A440.
9.    Ideally I would have liked three pedals, but Musicroom said to have this I would have to have the full wooden stand
10.    If speakers were inadequate, it had to have line out for improved amplification
11.    The shop only had a demo model in stock, so I haven’t actually got it home yet.

Review by Donovan Brown, Brighton

 

“I’m quite happy with it”

The PX-350 is most interesting.
So far, I’ve found one glitch in the “damper-off” handling of one piano voice.
Aside from that, I’m quite happy with it (after a few hours of fiddling).

Review by Charles Cohen, Richmond, BC, Canada

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

>> For Casio PX350 information, specifications and prices, click here

“The PX-750 came out as the best choice”

I purchased a Casio Privia PX-750

The reason I went for the Privia is because it was the most highly recommended digital piano
online. From the outset, after doing some research, I wanted a full 88-keyed keyboard with some sort of hammer action.

Initially I was looking at second-hand Yamaha’s, as they came highly recommended by online
contacts. I started noticing Casio’s being suggested on for as alternatives for the Yamaha models (p35 and P105).

After googling comparison topics, the Casio Privia series seemed to eek out ahead every time. I
ended up searching for reviews for the Yamaha P35 and Casio CDP120, and came across a comparison review.
In the final paragraph, the writer noted that the most recent Privia piano’s were a far better choice, albeit a
more expensive option. I proceeded to read this review, and the PX-150 came out way ahead
in terms of key-quality and polyphony (128 vs 48 and 32 on the other Casio and Yamaha, respectively).

After some more research, the PX-750 came out as the best choice. Buying the PX-150 and the
optional bits (stand, 3-pedal unit), the 750 would be about €50 more. In a video review by rbodinnar, the better
speakers on the 750 seemed like they’d be worth the extra money. The PX-850, also covered in the video review, seemed to be
a step up from the 750 in a major way (this being reinforced by a few other reviewers as well),
but the 750 itself already stretched my budget.  I settled on the 750 with the though that I would be set for
quite some time and if I ever needed to, selling the 750 and buying the 850 would always be an option down the road.

Review by Dave Grouwe

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

>> For Casio PX750 information, specifications and prices, click here

“The PX830 keyboard not much difference from the acoustic entry level pianos (x3 more expensive)”

Like all other 1st shopper of pianos you decide the budget. Let me advice one thing to you all,
FORGET IT! If you love music, as soon you start to ear the different pianos you don’t remember any more the budget
you had.

I don’t play the piano, but I like to consider my self sound educated, and after listen to a
couple of pianos you start to feel the difference. Important don’t worry to mush about the technical stuff about
your electronic piano and more about the sound and PX830 DID.

I like a lot the strong, not the common metallic sound and also the other adjustments that you
can do to the sound (besides volumes of course) it’s soft and you can really make short, long and tiny music notes.
The PX830 keyboard if really good, for me not much difference from the acoustic entry level pianos (x3 more
expensive).

This PX830 have the standard finishing in wood and the shinny fancy one , if you want to put the
piano in the living room (for more 300€) you should do the financial effort and for sure much better price than the
Yamaha or Roland of the same sgement.

Review by Paulo Padua, France

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

“The sound quality is very good”

I bought the Casio PX-830 from a local piano shop (Vienna, Austria). The claviature is heavy
enough (and accepted by my piano teacher), sound quality is very good (even at peak volume), and the
piano is compact enough to fit into my apartment.

Besides, CASIO is the only manufacturer here in Vienna with an in-house repair service (free
of charge during the warranty period). I also looked at other models (Kawai, Yamaha, Roland)
and while they have excellent products, the Casio PX-830 is more suited for my budget and
space preferences.

Review by Guenter, Vienna, Austria

 

“I’m not satisfied with it – the key touch is too light”

I’ve just bought a Casio PX-830. I’m not totally satisfied with it
but I had no chance to try it before purchasing.
What’s not convincing is, overall, the too light touch. I may take it back and get a Kawai (as the CL-36, which
is supposed to have a heavier touch) or, if I find some more money (bank robbery?), a Roland DP-990 instead.
Thanks for the very useful support,

Review by Giovanni

“The Sound quality did what I wanted in that respect and it did it very well”

I’d been trawling the internet checking out various reviews on stage pianos for some
weeks but had to bring my sights down due to budget limitations. The Roland RD700GX I
longed for will have to wait a while longer I’m afraid. Such is life.

I would never have thought that I would even consider buying a Casio keyboard and I’m
hoping I won’t regret it.
But hey, if after three to five years down the line I fancy a change, then I haven’t
spent a massive amount in the first place.

After downloading a free e-magazine from a Christian Worship site last week, it featured
a review of the latest Casio PX3 which I must admit I hadn’t even heard of until then. I
simply had to do further research and was surprised to see how many positive comments
were being made regarding this keyboard. As this is an American based site, ‘WOW!’ and
‘Best Bang for the Buck!’ were terms being mentioned. Not only that, but the price was
below£700. So I sourced one in J G Windows in Newcastle upon Tyne and sat for over an
hour trying a display model out, accompanied by a very patient sales assistant who kindly
got the user manual out and helped me get to grips with the menu set up to reveal some of
the more advanced features of the piano.

I was at the same time as all this was happening, rather cheekily keeping an eye on a
mint Roland RD300 GX which had been sitting at£450 for a few days on Ebay right up to
the last 2 minutes! It was very tempting. So at the last minute I entered my username and
password to place a bid only to find that it had shot up to£650 with a minimum bid of
£670 to secure a chance of winning it. PAH!
So with hopes dashed, I thought, play it safe John, you’ve managed to get an excellent
deal on a brand new Casio PX3 limited edition stage piano, including a double braced
stand and gig bag, all for£675 and once my purchase is registered with Casio, the
warrantly will automatically be extended to 3 years.
A bit of a no brainer.

What really concerned me before I got my hands on the piano were the following:

1.Weight.
Weighing in at less than 24lbs, is this keyboard going to feel like a lightweight home
keyboard or is it going to feel like a proper grown up serious workhorse.
Well, if you can look beyond the lightweight understated plastic casing, you may be just
blown away by the feel and the weight of the action on this piano.  I doubted whether it
would be possible to make it feel as good as something a£1000 more expensive but I was
very pleasantly surprised. Well done to the Casio engineers. Also as I am no spring
chicken (51), which my younger band members constantly remind me, I didn’t really want
the problem of lugging around a traditional 25KG stage piano with hardcase adding even
more weight and bulk to a very dead weight. Been there, done that, got the knackered back
to constantly remind me! The PX3 is something that you could possibly sling under one arm
and carry quite easily. One major box firmly ticked!

2. Sound quality.
Well as I rarely venture beyond piano, EP’s and smooth string sounds. It did what I
wanted in that respect and it did it very well. Most of the other sounds are pretty much
redundant because I’ve got a band who play the other sounds for me (sickeningly well, I
might add), so it’s not an issue for me.
After a bit of experimentation, tweaking the EQ here and there, slight de-tuning and
layering up with my favoured trusty warm strings sound, this can cut it with a lot more
expensive pianos. It will be ideal in a contemporary church worship setting where you
need to be sensitive to the congregation and the dynamics of the songs. I’m going to so
enjoy playing this piano. Again a resounding yes.

3. Build Quality.
What can I say. It’s very……plastic. No getting away from it. If you’re wanting to
show off to your audience and are image conscious, then buy a Korg SV1, they look fab and
very retro. They also sound very nice but again, you would need to find another£900. Not
an option in my case….sadly. Will the PX3 stand up to the rigours of stage use remains
to be seen. It is very light, so the chances of you falling over and dropping it because
you’ve overbalanced, are fairly remote. I’m not one who flings my gear around, I look
after things and am careful with expensive toys which I work hard to afford and
eventually spend serious amounts of money on. So will it be an issue for me? Probably not.

Since getting the piano home, I’ve been spending every spare few minutes eagerly fiddling
around with the various user presets and experimenting with combinations of sounds which
will work with the worship band I play in. I have also been enjoying what I missed out on
for the past 10 years with the XP80, those extra keys. Ah man! It’s sooo good to get my
hands on a proper weighted 88 note piano keyboard again. Feeling the sound of those lower
register notes hitting you in the chest and lingering. It might sound soft to you guys
out there but it’s a very personal and quite emotional thing and something I find quite
moving.

The guys in the band can now relax and enjoy the fact that I won’t be whinging about
trying to find a new keyboard anymore and that we can get down to creating some great
music together.

Sadly, I will now have to sell my faithful Roland XP80 which I have enjoyed playing for
over the last 10 years and it’s never let me down.
But very briefly, coming back to the PX3, just having those few extra keys at the bottom
end makes an awful lot of difference to the depth and richness of tones which I will now
be able to kick out with the band. It’s maiden practice voyage with the band is Monday
night and I can’t wait to rattle those ivory effect keys. Oh yes. Bring it on.

Review by: John Gillender, Newcastle, UK

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

“This piano fulfills my needs as a pro. musician”

Light but Full weighted keyboard with a few basic piano sounds (good for teaching or to use at home in accompaniement tasks) and MIDI in/out.
I was looking for a replacement of an older Yamaha p70 since after a few years of pro use we found here at home that the keys made a lot of clicking ‘noise’ by themselves (meaning f.e. when a headphone was used) … with heavy playing, like scales and exercises the noise of the keys alone was enough to wake up a person sleeping on a higher floor…

On reviewing the shops (because you cannot hear how the keys without the sounds sound on internet) I was surprised to find out that most D. pianos, including expensive ones, make a lot of noise… Exceptions to this was one Roland fp7f in one shop (while another one in another shop was noisy) and a yamaha DGX 640. The latter got disqualified because of no midi-out (it only connects via USB which makes it impossible to connect directly to synth racks – a feature I rely on)…
So I extended my research into the next shop where, to my big surprise, I found Casio 88 keys fully weighted keyboards for a fraction of the price of the other ones. There was a casio cdp-200 that was on its way to my house until I discovered that also that piano didn’t have the classical MIDI in and out bus. Since the cheaper CDP-100 dit have midi in and out and by the way seemed to be less noisy than the cdp-200… the descision was an instant no-brainer to me.

This piano fulfills my needs as a pro. musician admirably : it”s got a nice touch, a sound that is good enough for rehearsals and accompniment at home (or at somebody else’s home without having to carry anything else than the piano) and a midi connection when better sound quality is required. it’s a featherweight (as far as pianos are concerned), fits on the backseat of the car…
Excellent value for money.

Review by Serge Lippens, Brussels, Belgium

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

>> For Casio CDP100 information, specifications and prices, click here

“The casio CDP120 is probably ok for my kid for a year or two but don’t think for anything beyond grade 2”

I bought the CDP120 a week ago and had wished i dug a bit more online and would have found your site. quite
frankly, thats all anyone will need to make a proper deicision. Like you say choose carefully and get it right the
first time. Like, many before me, i made the error of buying in the ‘excitement’.

Two weeks back we decided to get a piano for my 5 year old daughter. I also have a 3 year old boy so thought
go cheap and cheerful as have young kids runing around flat. Quick look on the internet (you’ll be surprised how
often Casio comes up). Walked into my local music store, hit a few keys, sounds ok, keys have weight and bought it
(was too embarrassed to try as i have not played in so many years).

Me and my wife used to play the piano (grade 5 and 8 respectively) but that was 25 years ago.
Took it out in the evening and played. it sounded ok in a flat as cant play too loud but only gripe is the key
action is a bit clunky, you know almost there but somehow not quite. I am sure you know what i mean. the casio
is probably ok for my kid for a year or two and but dont think for anything beyond grade 2.

My gripe, is I now have to buy the Casio stand, decent stool and decent, pedal (which is sustain only) which
will add another hundred odd pounds to the purchase.
My local store was also not the best place to look for a piano. It is a chain music store and suppose popular with
musicians but i should have gone to a piano store like yours where there would be advise from someone who actually
plays the piano. They dont do returns and suggested i use it year or two, ebay it and upgrade then. i am certainly
not going back there.

The CDP 120 is obviously more suited for musicians who need some portability and probably also students on tight
budget and it has a market and serves it well. hence the good reviews.

I just wished i had your guide before as i would have had known of the choices out there. Its amazing that between
the £500 to £700 range, there is so much choice eg. Privia 735, YDP142 etc. although these, may be outgoing models,
am sure they will have better key action as rated by you.

In summary:
Anway, the CDP120 is not all that bad.
Unless you need a portable, its just not that great value (and also you do need to buy stand, stool and decent
pedal). And for not very much more, there is much more choice.

Review by Lee Chong

 

“The build quality leaves much to be desired”

I really should have read Graham Howard’s digital piano guide first, unfortunately I went by online demo’s and reviews and went and got a Casio CDP120 at the time it was all I could afford, the sound is not to bad but the 4 notes from B4 to D5 have more of an electric piano sound to them which gets very annoying the keys action not to bad but the build quality leaves much to be desired, the keys have very uneven spacing and some have little bits of plastic on the side of the key left over from the moulding process which made a loud clicking sound.

Review by Nick Wilemore

 

“What a mistake- it was dreadful”

Unfortunately, on a whim a few weeks ago, I bought a Casio cdp 120 which had sounded good on YouTube.
What a mistake- it was dreadful, I couldn’t play it, there was no pleasure and I felt like apologising
to faithful old Roland. There was practically no sustain to talk of, minimal decay and very dry.

Review by Dougie Mcaree

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

>> For Casio CDP120 information, specifications and prices, click here

“We preferred the sound / feel / design of the Casio to the Yamaha”

In the end we settled on a Casio Celviano AP 220 BN as although my son plays his current keyboard
daily he is very much a beginner and we did not want to invest in a top of the range model. We looked at several
other keyboard style pianos – and for £50 more we could buy the Casio which was a cabinet piano. In addition, we
preferred the sound / feel / design of the Casio to the Yamaha basic cabinet piano. Although, it wasnt the primary
reason the Casio’s cabinet looks classy, not at all old fashioned and would fit in with the decor of a modern
house.

Reading Graham Howard’s piano guide perhaps my only concern was the short warrenty and speaker output.

Review by Chrissie Wilkes-Holmes

 

“Its touch is a little light, the bass is noticably weak, sounding rather corny, but actually fine for its purposes”

The parents of my pupil decided to go ahead with the Casio AP220BN Celviano Digital Piano I think mainly because
it was easy and practical in terms of purchase and getting back to the house – it was on sale as well i think. I
know its not the best piano, but actually is fine for its purposes easily does the job for the pupil to learn on.

Its touch is a little light but good for the pupil because she found my ‘hopper’ grand yamaha was sometimes too
heavy, especially when playing with third and fourth fingers – i suppose she is six after all.

The bass is noticably weak, sounding rather corny, but I think there was a bass boost button which did help.
Middle and Upper octaves sounded good enough to me.

All in all, she enjoys playing on it alot i’m told – so no obvious problems with build quality, and now the
father wants to learn too!

Review by Greg Thompson

 

“I am not getting used to its playing characteristics”

I took a punt and bought the Casio AP220 online, and I made the fundamental error of not playing some pianos in stores before deciding on the most suitable one. The AP220 is an entry level model and whilst it does the job, I am not getting used to its playing characteristics. As the previous reviewer noted, the weighting of the keys is on the light side – compared to an AP21 I owned for 10 years.

Also, the sound is adequate but not great in my books – with only 2 x 8 watt speakers. More expensive pianos will see you get 2 x 20 watt speakers.

I think this piano is more suitable to beginners and children. The more experienced players will find it hard to adapt to the playing characteristics and for me it is a lesson in try before you buy !

I will probably persevere with it for a few months before I shift it on – and then purchase something more suitable.

The AP220 is not a bad digital piano – but definitely play it before you buy to see if it suits you. On the practical side, it is light, compact size and easy to set up.

Review by Glen Browne, London, UK

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

>> For Casio AP220 information, specifications and prices, click here

“A fair piano for the price”

Hi Graham

Piano chosen based on Price,Features,Quality was Casio Celviano AP650, Supplied locally.
Lets be honest this unit was set up instore for demonstrations; maybe a further discount could have been squeezed as it was delivered assembled without all the boxes. However as i am semi retired through severe heart conditions and stay in a first floor apt, i was delighted when it arrived , though  a bit nerve wracking,watching two lads carry this up fifteen stairs,. They then set it up where requested. Believe me that was worth more to me than any further possible discount. (free headphones) good quality.

In respect to your review and assesment scores allocated, as a complete novice, i would agree that on a big hill if AP650 managed the halfway mark at £1000 and at the top  was cvp609 at £7000,it is a very fair assesment.

Keep up the excellent work, and many thanks from novice & co.

Review by Roderick Cameron

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107

 

>> For Casio AP650 information, specifications and prices, click here

I do have a Casio PS3000 digital piano and I can say I am satisfied with the quality of the sound produced and it was really good value for money, although I do not have it with me right now and I do really miss playing the piano as I am an international student at the University of Birmingham and finding a piano to play is not an easy job at all.

I paid $1000 for my Casio PS3000 and it has a really good sound similar to the Yamaha which is more expensive but with no additional features compared to Casio, almost the same sound quality. I even found Casio better than Yamaha.

Rami Al Ashi

 

“These are customer reviews from actual owners of this piano.
The most recent review is at the top of this page “, Graham Howard, Piano Advisor

Send me an email if you have any questions or need advice: grahamhoward@ukpianos.co.uk
Or call 020 8367 5107