Casio's PX-S1000 (shown here on the optional stand).
For years, the focus of Casio’s keyboard division has been the home market rather than on producing tools that might interest SOS readers. However, we’ve often featured their products when they cross over and are suitable for domestic and studio or stage use. The latest models in their Privia range of digital pianos fit this mould — stylishly built for living rooms, they also make very nice compact, portable stage pianos (both models weigh less than 11.5kg each).
Casio’s claim is that the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000, at 232mm deep, are the slimmest pianos in the world, partly thanks to a newly designed compact hammer-action mechanism on both keyboards. Each model combines extensively sampled grand piano sounds that include mechanical damper and key noises with a Casio AiR sound engine that imparts string and damper resonance for greater realism. Built-in speakers are included, but so are stereo line out jacks for live use, and the speakers can be defeated. There’s even an audio input via a rear-panel 3.5mm stereo jack or Bluetooth in, so you can play along with a backing track and all audio will be output via the piano.
Both the S1000 and S3000 are 88-note keyboards with a supplied sustain pedal, twin headphone jacks and backlit controls — handy for use in dimly lit venues. The S1000, which is available in a white or black finish, has 18 piano-focused sounds, while the black-only S3000 has over 700, including other keyboard, orchestral, guitar and even synth tones. The SX3000 also includes a colour LCD, 200 rhythm sounds, a pitch-bend wheel and two assignable real-time control knobs for instant parameter adjustment (for example of the settings on the built-in effects) when performing.
Both new pianos have class-compliant USB interfacing that allow you to connect the piano to computers or smartphones. A supplied app, which runs on Mac, PC, Android or iOS platforms offers expanded control of the sound engine. Optional extras include a stand (pictured), a portable foot unit with three expression pedals, and a carrying case. The PX-S1000 retails for £575$899, the PX-S3000 for £795$1099. Both will be available later in the Spring.
SOS Features Editor Sam Inglis was on the Casio booth at NAMM and was given a demo of the PX-S3000 — see the video below!
