CT-S1 RD Casiotone Piano-Keyboard

Product Information

The PSR-E373 is a feature-rich portable arranger keyboard. It’s a lovely keyboard, but for complete beginners, the Casio CT-S1 is better. There are three ways to experience the CT-S1's amazing sound quality at its best. First, the bass-ported stereo speaker system delivers eyebrow-raising punch and clarity throughout the entire volume range. Second, plug in a good set of headphones for personal play. Third, press the SURROUND button, and the sound from the speakers will place you right in the middle of your music. Casio’s Chordana Play app is one of the best around when it comes to free content for beginners. It comes with 50 play-along songs and the option to upload any MIDI file.

It’s a big thumbs-up from us, then - it may have been around for more than 40 years, but with products like this coming to market, the Casiotone brand seems stronger than ever. If you require any further information relating to the Delivery service used, please call us at +44 (0)20 8208 9567. A combination of oval ear cups and a comfortable headband ensure that you can use the HPM1000 headphones for extended sessions, without encountering listening fatigue! Each cup features crystal clear capsules too, which really helps to project every single detail of your sound. Features Learning online at home is very popular and the CT-S1 has been designed with this in mind. Connect your phone, tablet or computer directly with USB and enjoy music learning apps and games. Learn with Chordana PlayHowever, it doesn’t really matter if the speakers aren’t too powerful on a beginner keyboard. All that matters is that they deliver clear sound, and these ones do. That’s one significant improvement from the Casiotone keyboards of years ago. It should be said, though, that if you just want to do the basics - ie, sit down and play - the CT-S1 is about as easy to use as you could hope for. The Casio CT-S1 isn’t the best-sounding keyboard in its class. The Yamaha NP-12 beats it for grand pianos and the more expensive Roland Go:Keys potentially outdoes it, too. What I need to make clear is that it’s a close call, and the Casio CT-S1 is one of just a few exceptional keyboards at this price.

The Casio CT-S1 comes with two 5.1″ speakers, each powered by a 2.5 W amplifier. So, on the size and power of the speaker system, it’s about average for the price point, perhaps slightly ahead. Using Casio’s advanced AiX sound technology, the CT-S1 boasts an expressive grand piano tone that sounds like an instrument twice its size (not to mention twice the price). Newly developed Bass Reflex speakers and Surround Sound mode mean a richer, more dynamic tone that complements the excellent sound quality. The CT-S1 is an entry level keyboard that you’ll enjoy playing and listening to over and over again. Hassle Free Connections -Every Time Complete the short form that accompanies your product. Please ensure that you complete all of the sections, as this will guarantee the timely processing of your return/exchange.

You can cycle through variations on each tone with repeated presses of the aptly named Tone Variation button, or select further tones (listed in the manual but not on the unit itself) with a combination of button and note presses. It’s possible to layer tones, too, and adjust the relative volume of the layers. Tone-wise, the piano is the headline act, but the unassuming top panel also contains dedicated sound selection buttons for two electric pianos, organ, ‘keyboard’ (the default is a harpsichord), synth and the mysterious ‘others’. There are 61 sounds in total, which is more than enough for any beginner. The core sounds are the acoustic pianos, and they are fantastic. You get multiple variations of acoustic piano voices, ranging from darker, richer tones to brighter, modern tones. This keyboard comes with a 9.5 V DC power adapter, but you can make it even more portable with battery power (six AA batteries). Optional Bluetooth adapter Like one or two other beginner keyboards, the CT-S1 has the potential to act as a rehearsal keyboard for a more advanced player. I’m not suggesting you should buy it for that purpose, but it does sound good enough to be a reliable, lightweight substitute. Build quality 4.7

A musical instrument should be intuitive and inspire you to want to play, wherever you may be. This design philosophy is at the heart of the CT-S1 and it’s what sets it apart from other keyboards. With 61 full-size, touch sensitive textured keys, you’ll be enjoying your style of music anytime, anywhere. Compact Size, Incredible Sound Another decent option if you're looking for a piano-style entry-level keyboard, the NP-12 is lightweight and portable, and sounds great. The HPM1000 headphones from Behringer are ultra-affordable, offering high resolution sound at an amazing price point. Audio VersatilityIt’s the slimmest stage piano in the world, which makes the weighted keyboard even more impressive. It’s also one of the lightest, so practicing anywhere you like won’t be a struggle. Listen to your favourite tunes, mix and master your recordings and monitor a variety of different instruments. These cans can do it all. Thanks to a high dynamic range and a wide frequency response, you get high resolution performance – no matter the scenario. Comfort and Clarity It might have a very competitive price tag, but any fears that the Casiotone CT-S1 is a ‘cheap’ keyboard are dispelled the moment you start playing it.

We’re not going to run you through every tone that’s included, but we’re happy to report that Casio’s AiX sound engine really delivers the goods, providing pretty much everything you need and very little of what you don’t. Right from the off, the tones are impressive, with the default stage piano being immensely playable and easily good enough to perform with.I like it for beginners because it has a graded hammer-action keyboard, which helps students prepare for the weight of a real piano. It also has one of the best acoustic piano tones in its class, Casio’s flagship German concert grand tone. What sets it apart from most beginner keyboards is the design. It’s very sleek and smooth-looking, especially with the full-length speaker bar. Connectivity 4.5