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. The CT-S400 uses Casio’s AiX Sound Source. AiX stands for Acoustic Intelligent Expression (sort of), and it combines high-performance EQ and DSP effects with carefully designed instrument noises. This results in highly expressive acoustic instrument noises with incredible clarity. 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 most exciting feature for a keyboard in this price range is the USB connection, allowing you to connect up to a computer or mobile device and control them using MIDI. This opens up practically limitless applications for the CT-S100.

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. 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. 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. The CT-S1 refines the essence of the S100, S200, and S300 – whilst utilising some of Casio’s most recent technological breakthroughs.

Keyboards such as the CT-202 ( c. 1981) use vowel-Consonant synthesis. The later model of this family, the MT-65, is one of the more well known and sought after models, as it also contains auto-accompaniment drum beats and bass lines. Casio’s onboard lesson system can teach you how to play a selection of pre-programmed popular songs (these will vary depending on which model of keyboard you have). It’ll let you practise certain phrases of your chosen song, enabling you to learn the left-hand and right-hand parts separately or together – and you can even speed up or slow down the tempo according to your prowess. Overall, it’s quite a useful feature for beginners wanting to learn their favourite songs, though the process can be quite involved. The CT-S400, CT-S500, and CT-S1000V are pointed more towards intermediate players. Beginners will have a great time with them, but making the most of all of the features straight out of the box might require a bit of experience. These keyboards will appeal to both performers and producers, with elements like the sampler and voice synthesis engine offering particular creative versatility. 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.

Whether you’re a beginner keyboardist looking for your first-ever instrument or a rookie producer seeking a highly affordable MIDI-compatible keyboard, the CT-S100 is a great choice. The Casiotone line was relaunched in 2019 with the same design philosophy as Casio’s original 1980’s keyboard. Simple yet stylish instruments at an affordable price – making music accessible to everybody.The CT-S1WE is a portable keyboard that delivers incredible sound quality, style, and simplicity. Whether you need an affordable first 61 key keyboard, a portable piano for practice or performance, or an always-ready songwriting partner, the CT-S1WE goes beyond your expectations and redefines what a portable keyboard should be. 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. 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. 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.

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. There is no longer a suite of songs though, the S500 having its bank cut down to only one demo song. So, to return to our previous question, who is the CT-S1000V designed for? Despite its vocal synthesis capabilities, this still looks and feels like a home keyboard, but we think it’ll be quirky enough to find a place in a few studios, too. With 61 full-sized keys and 32 notes of polyphony, this is a great instrument for learning on. There are 122 built-in tones to explore, as well as 61 play-along rhythms and 60 songs. In a nod to the 201, this keyboard uses the same tone selection system as its classic predecessor (press tone select and then press the keys to find a sound you like.) As suggested by the sudden jump from 500 to 1000, this keyboard takes a significant step forward from its predecessor.

Connected to Your World

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.

We’ve included a few digital pianos in this guide, so it’s worth making the distinction even though there’s often a lot of overlap between them and arranger keyboards. Adding performance-focussed functionality, the CT-S300 is perfect for those seeking more expressive capabilities. It retains all of the features of the CT-S200, but with improved playability. This instrument offers something truly unique, giving it wide appeal. Hobbyists and pros alike will find a use for the CT-S1000V.In exchange, the CT-S400 has 600 tones, 200 rhythms (allowing 10 user rhythms), 20 reverbs, 10 choruses, and 10 EQ pre-sets. There are a total of 160 songs, and you can record 10 user songs. There’s also an extra touch-sensitivity setting, as well as layer and split functions, and an arpeggiator.