For improved projection, the CT-S300 also has new, more powerful speakers. They’re powered by two 2.5W amplifiers, so you can pump up the volume if you want! Pre-1980, Casiowere known primarily as a computing company. Established in Tokyo, they had experienced success from the ‘50s onwards with their ground-breaking electronic calculator designs. However, besides a couple of sound-producing gizmos and toys, they’d never built anything even approaching a musical instrument. Sound output is stereo, and although the speakers are closely spaced the quality is remarkably good for the price - a godsend for long-suffering parents! The only downside is that the mains power adapter is an optional extra. Still, your little ones will get up to 10 hours of continuous use from 6 AA rechargeable batteries. Which is probably plenty.

The CT-S400 is a big change from the previous models. The first three iterations of the modern Casiotone line added more and more features and sounds to the same body. The CT-S400 is a total redesign, body and all. The functionality of the CT-S400 is enormous, making this an excellent instrument for somebody looking for a serious keyboard. Other supplied accessories include a power supply (the CT-S1000V can also run on six AA batteries) and a music stand. Performance & VerdictThe success of the first Casiotone keyboard prompted Casio to continue the line, adding even more features to their products. Many of their additions have since become hallmarks of the modern keyboard – such as automated rhythm and bass parts. The fact that all Casiotone keyboards have USB connections means they can all be used as MIDI controllers. The CT-S300 and CT-S1 stand out as good choices for those seeking a keyboard to use mainly as a controller for their DAWdue to their touch-sensitive keys. The easily-carried CT-S300 would be good for somebody seeking a portable, laptop-based setup; whilst the refined styling of the CT-S1 would look excellent in a home studioenvironment. There is no longer a suite of songs though, the S500 having its bank cut down to only one demo song. All of the products on this list can be powered via a standard power supply or USB, and some enable you to use batteries – a handy option for those who need some portability. This instrument offers something truly unique, giving it wide appeal. Hobbyists and pros alike will find a use for the CT-S1000V.

The Casiotone range largely appealed to amateurs and hobbyists, but some models have achieved cult status among composers and producers. One such keyboard is the Casiotone MT-40, famous for birthing the Sleng Teng riddim. Touch-responsive keys are important for playing piano pieces, whilst a pitch bend wheel is great for synth-style lead parts. If performing is a priority for you, then the CT-S300 is a good choice. The original Casiotone keyboards came in three distinct families, separated by the method of synthesis. [ citation needed] The CT-S1 refines the essence of the S100, S200, and S300 – whilst utilising some of Casio’s most recent technological breakthroughs. Modern electronics allow Casio to fit far more quality-of-life features into their budget keyboards than they could in the 1980’s, however. The CT-S100 comes with a built-in metronome, key transposition, and tuning control (A4 from 415.5Hz to 465.9Hz). There are also four different reverb settings, as well as a headphoneconnection and two 2W amplifiers for the built-in speakers.

Reviews

When connected to your Casio piano or keyboard, Casio Music Space can act as a digital music score, a teacher, a live-performance simulator and an all-round app with which to enjoy learning and playing music. Based around the functionality of Chordana Play but with an expanded array of features, it’s aimed at complete beginners, people taking up an instrument again, or intermediate to advanced players who want to experience a new way of playing. All of this fits inside a super lightweight and portable body. The keyboard can run off either battery or mains power, and there’s a handy integrated handle in the top of the body for super-convenient mobility. If you require any further information relating to the Delivery service used, please call us at +44 (0)20 8208 9567. Special mention should go to the speakers, which we’re led to believe are the same as those on the excellent Casiotone CT-S1. They deliver a surprising amount of punch, and are certainly good enough to be used for listening to music in a bedroom (or similar). The Bluetooth audio connectivity makes this very convenient, too.

The CT-S1 is a return to what Casio intended to create with the very first Casiotone keyboard: a simple instrument which looks as good as it sounds. Similarly, the widespread success of the first Casiotone keyboards is responsible for propelling Casio further into the musical instrument business, where they went on to cement themselves as one of the major players for electronic keyboards and digital pianos.However – as the line has continued over the last few years, Casio have begun to push the envelope more and more. Without losing sight of their roots, Casiotone keyboards have become increasingly feature-rich. Their most recent models wouldn’t be out of place in a professional studio! Following directly on, the CT-S200 is like a beefed-up CT-S100. It offers all of the functionality of the CT-S100, with lots of useful extras. After the release of the Casio SK-1 in 1985, gradually PCM sample-based tone generators became dominant in Casio's keyboards line. After the 1990s, most Casio keyboards utilized PCM tone generator or its variants. As well as the USB connection, which has been present on all modern Casiotone keyboards, the CT-S400 is compatible with Casio’s WU-BT10 Bluetooth Dongle. This handy gadget turns your instrument into a Bluetooth device, allowing you to wirelessly transfer MIDI and audio data for a variety of functions.

With the modern Casiotone range now up to seven models, we’ve decided to run you through their development, and help you figure out which one might be right for you. Roland's take on the portable keyboard concept features 61 keys, more than 500 sounds, onboard Bluetooth and a Loop Mix feature. Some other keyboards (such as the MT-35 and MT-45) use a combination of two different binary weighted numbers (1 and 64). The larger weight bit provides the fundamental, and the smaller weight bit provides the harmonic complexity. It’s a bit bigger and heavier, and the handle is gone – so this keyboard has lost some of the mobility of the earlier Casiotones. Dance Music Mode has also been taken off.Here at MusicRadar, we are experts in our field, with many years of playing, creating and product testing between us. We live and breathe everything music gear related, and we draw on this knowledge and experience of using products in live, recording and rehearsal scenarios when selecting the products for our guides. Some early 1980s models in the PT series of keyboards, such as the PT-30, PT-50, PT-80 and PT-82, were not marketed under the Casiotone name. The name was revived again later for models such as the PT-87 (which is basically the same as the PT-82) which was again sold as Casiotone.