Even with lockdowns sweeping nations, causing banned concerts and gigs, piano sales continue to rise. There's been a spike in first-time buyer sales since quarantine happened.
We aren't that surprised. People are looking for new hobbies or are homeschooled with a lack of musical equipment.
Besides, playing the piano also reduces a lot of stress. Whether you're an amateur or an experienced player looking for an upgrade, it's important to get a sleek, quality digital piano.
Today, we review the Casio PX-S1000 - one of the popular pianos today. We look into features, benefits, and alternatives. Are you ready? Let's dive into the review below!
In a 2019 Casio survey, the Casio Privia PX-S1000 is the world's slimmest digital piano. We have yet to see this claim disputed. Aside from its slimness and portability, it's also a powerful and well-rounded instrument fit for any player.
In this Casio PX-S1000 review, let's have a quick run-down of what it can offer first.
Specifications
In this section, we cover what makes the PX-S1000 stand out. We discuss all of its unique features, benefits, and dive deeper into what it can offer apart from the rest!
Sound
The Casio PX-S1000 comes with an authentic grand piano sound that's both rich and deep to the ears.
There are a few factors as to why Privia models, with the Casio PX-S1000 in particular, have such a great depth considering the sound quality.
First, the touch-sensitive synthetic ivory keys rely on the player's playing force, making the instrument sound wholly natural. Casio incorporated three-piece hammers for stable playability.
They also developed the Smart-Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard.
The Smart-Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard allows the piano to be compact and has a Key-Off response. A pianist can play the same tone repeatedly and hit the next tone. This is before the key returns to its uppermost position.
Next, we have the AiR Sound Engine or Acoustic Intelligent Resonator. It allows for a natural, lifelike performance. The Casio PX-S1000 simulates vibrating strings, mechanical keys, and string releases.
Casio PX-S1000 has 192 polyphony notes. For any piano, this is more than enough polyphony to make layers of complex sounds.
Touch sensor controls used to be at a triple-sensor standard, but Casio has since adjusted this.
Two sensors equipped with software-based solutions are in this PX-S1000 model instead. Once you touch a key, the software can determine how deep your key presses are.
Before these newer models, they used the hammer action keys to reach the lowermost sensor.
The sound played again when reaching the middle sensor. The change for the hammer action keys didn't downgrade the playing quality. Instead, we feel the key action was improved.
It was a bit confusing as the three sensors were now two, but Casio also said these were smart sensors. We believe them! The key action was great.
If you like, you can also turn off the five levels of sensitivity the Casio PX-S1000 has.
Despite the slimness of the PX-S1000 model, they managed to include pretty powerful speakers. Both speakers are at 8 watts, making them 16 watts overall.
Overall, we found the sound quality high-end and a positive point for the Casio PX-S1000.
Here are the following 18 sounds Casio PX-S1000 has
- 3 grand pianos
- 2 upright pianos
- 4 electric pianos
- 4 organs
- 2 string orchestra variations
- Harpsichord, vibraphone, and electric bass
Here's a sample of how PX-S1000 sounds:
Features
Here are the functions the Casio PX-S1000 has:
- Metronome
- Transpose function
- Octave shift
- Fine-tuning
- Temperament options
In addition to all of these, the Casio PX-S1000 also offers Speakers On/Off, Auto-Resume, Touch Button Brightness, Button Auto-Off, and Touch Button Sensitivity.
The sleek top panel features a power button and a volume knob as well.
One of the best features the Casio PX-S1000 has is its different play modes.
Take advantage of the Layer Mode! You can have different sounds. The PX-S1000 offers to play two different instruments simultaneously.
If you're a beginner and have someone who can teach you at home, the Duet Play mode is ideal.
Duet Play splits the keyboard and allows another player to play alongside you. This is ideal for teachers who want to demonstrate, and the student can follow as they find fit.
For experimental players and performers, the Split Mode is ideal as well. There's only one drawback: the left side must be bass, and the right side can be anything you like.
This can be limiting, but we still appreciated the unique modification the PX-S1000 offers!
We like the following hall simulator effects Casio PX-S1000 has:
- Standard Concert Hall
- Opera Hall
- Berlin Arena Hall
- British Outdoor Stadium Hall
The hall simulator has different settings, so play with it as you wish. You can enable surround sound, reverb, chorus, and brilliance.
Connectivity
For connectivity, you can use the headphone jack for quiet playing.
You can also connect your phone or other music players if you want audio playback. It also allows external connectivity to other speakers or a PA system if needed.
You can also connect your piano to the Chordana Play App. Chordana Play makes it easier for you to see the music score, sheet music, notation, and practice at your own pace.
Chordana Play can connect to your MIDI, smartphone, and keyboard.
One downside is Bluetooth connectivity doesn't connect to MIDI or the Chordana app.
You may need USB adapters. However, you can Bluetooth audio files. It's a missed opportunity, but at least you can Bluetooth audio - especially your favorite files - with the keyboard and a smartphone.
There is another highlight: the pedal unit. With a jack, you can get all three pedals (soft, sostenuto, and damper). Not all pedals work with it, though, so try and test at your own pace.
Design
The main feature that makes the Privia PX-S1000 is its lightweight, compact build.
It doesn't interfere with its power and instead makes it a versatile piano to bring around. Casio made sure there were no compromises.
As the world's slimmest digital piano, we're pretty impressed.
The dimensions make it compact, and the weight isn't heavy - just around 24 pounds. The design makes its compact build look glossy, sleek, and modern.
For those who love to perform and busk, the Privia PX-S1000 comes with battery power.
The 6 AA batteries make it possible to bring the Casio Privia PX-S1000 around without fearing you'll lose your piano all of a sudden.
You can count on battery power to get you through several hours of performing and practicing!
A Closer Look at Casio Brand
Just the mention of the word "Casio" may remind you a bit of certain items at home. From calculators to printers, Casio provides some of the best electronics in the world.
Casio is a Japanese multinational company founded in 1946.
Before venturing to other products, Casio started as a manufacturer and distributor of electronic calculators. By the time Casio launched wristwatches - ever heard of the G-Shock? - and digital pianos, they had become a household name.
In 1980, Casio released the Casiotone 201, the company's first keyboard!
Today, Casio continues to be an innovative company that envisions solutions for the modern world.
They continue to uphold high-quality standards, good environmental performance, education, and a dialogue with their customers. You can view more of Casio on their website here.
The Privia Line
Casio introduced Privia in the early 2000s. Since its launch, Casio wanted the Privia models to uphold a balance of design, sound, and touch. It boasts an authentic grand piano sound with every press of your fingertips.
Casio's Privia line is also awe-shockingly lightweight for more portability and supports battery power.
Instead of protruding buttons around the keys to access functions, Privia models feature a touch-sensor design.
The piano keys emulate ebony and ivory keys, allowing for comfortable, extended playing sessions. The resulting look of the Privia models is sleek, minimal, and clean.
3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Digital Piano
Whether you're a pianist or an aspiring musician, it's important to weigh considerations before buying a piano.
This type of piano is excellent for all-around playing. It has the right amount of added features flexibility for beginners and intermediate musicians.
Today, we curated a list of what to consider before buying digital pianos for your personal or professional use!
The Right Design
With a digital piano, you want the design to reflect good portability and quality material.
Look for a full scale of balanced, sensitive keys. This is a bit crucial. One downside of this type of piano is the lack of musical nuance and creativity.
You want to play expressively, so the balanced, touch-sensitive key action is best, especially for beginners.
As much as possible, try to gear towards synthetic ivory and ebony keys. Cheaper pianos use plastic keys, but synthetic ivory and ebony improve a pianist's grip.
If you're looking into getting an upright or grand piano in the future, get the synthetic ivory types. Your transition will be much smoother.
If you're simply learning how to play and the knowledge is enough, then plastic keys are just fine.
Ideally, you should get something both lightweight and compact.
You want to bring your piano around for practice whenever and wherever especially if you consider being a performer. If this isn't a concern, you can get something that weighs heavier.
Sound
Get the best sound quality and texture without sacrificing your budget.
A piano that has different samples for one note has more texture. Consider polyphony, too, and if the models come with sustain pedals - either thrown in with the purchase or bought separately.
Sustain pedals help with the polyphony or the number of sounds you can play at the same time. Most models have a basic range of 18 to 32 notes, while more high-end models have 200.
If you're a beginner, the small range should be enough.
If you want to explore and experiment more with music, you should get a digital piano that incorporates more sounds.
You can also consider audio output in the sound evaluation. Look into the speaker system.
A crystal-clear sound is essential, even if you do have headphones for quiet play. Who knows when you might make a performance?
Connectivity
Many producers and musicians use MIDI. Look into a piano with a Bluetooth MIDI connection if you want to record and access different functions.
This way, you can connect to computers and a digital workstation. Check for USB ports, too. It helps manage different audio gear as well.
Good connectivity ensures you have musical freedom to connect to different software and equipment.
These are only three basic things to look into before choosing the best piano for you. Other considerations may include bonus features, accessories, and the like.
If you're looking for the best instrument, look into those three considerations.
Of course, don't forget to factor in a vital bit of detail: the price range. Choose the price that's best-suited for your budget and instrument needs!
Summary
The Casio PX-S1000 is ideal for entry-level pianists and intermediate musicians. Whatever your music background or piano experience is, you're sure to enjoy the Privia PX-S1000 for its power at its price.
It's best for people who prioritize portability over anything else. In this PX-S1000 review, we want to reiterate that the slimness and sleekness is the main highlight.
The product is powerful as it does not compromise even with the compact sizing.
However, if you have other priorities in mind, take the price range into account.
Then, take different functions, features, and connectivity capabilities into your decision-making. At the end of the day, it's best to purchase something for your unique needs.
Pros
Cons
Alternatives
If you're hesitant to commit to the Casio Privia PX S1000, we have some alternatives for you. Read on to see how the following alternatives compare!
Casio Privia PX-S3000 vs Casio PX-S1000
Casio PX-s3000 Specifications:
- 88 keys
- 52 x 9 x 4 inches
- 24.7 pounds
- With pedal, music stand, and AC adaptor
- Lifelike sound quality
There are various upgrades that you can find on the PX-S3000. For one, 700 sounds extend to ethnic instruments, synth pads, and different drum effects. However, the modes, speakers, and other features remain identical.
Casio PX-S3000
It also comes with the same drawbacks, like the lack of Bluetooth for MIDI.
If you like more sounds and additional features for artistic creativity, then get the PX-S3000 if you wish. There's an arpeggiator, pitch bend wheel, and 2 assignable knobs.
However, the PX-S1000 is enough for any aspiring pianist.
Casio Privia PX-S1000 vs Roland FP 10
Roland FP 10 Specifications:
- 88 keys
- 50-9/16 x 10-3/16 x 5-9/16 inches
- 27 pounds
- With damper, pedal, adaptor, and pedal switch
- Authentic feel
In terms of portability, the PX-S1000 beats the FP 10. The Roland FP 10 is significantly heavier and longer than the PX-S1000. It also has a polyphony of 96, while the PX-S1000 is at 192.
However, the PX-S1000's compact size also has a downside. The pivot length is shorter to accommodate portability, and the keys are harder to reach. This doesn't happen with the FP 10.
Roland FP10
It does fill in the gap of the absent Bluetooth connectivity to MIDI with the Privia PX-S1000. It has an expressive keyboard and allows smartphone connections. You can play quietly with headphones and a silent action keyboard, plus it's the cheaper buy.
If you're not about to take your instrument everywhere you go and can deal with less polyphony and sounds, then take FP 10! For its price, it's an investment for anyone who loves playing.
While you're there, you can also check out other Roland models you may like. The FP-30 and FP-90 are great alternatives, too.
Casio Privia PX-S1000 vs Yamaha P-125
Yamaha P-125 Specifications:
- 88 keys
- 52.2 x 11.9 x 6.5
- 26 pounds
- Comes with a pedal, speakers, music rest, pedal, and adaptor
- Lifelike piano sounds
The Casio Privia PX S1000 and the Yamaha P-125 have a lot of similarities.
They have the same number of polyphony, key action, and different functions. The P-125 has many highlights: matte finish on the keys, a higher amount of voices (24), and connects to smart devices.
It can even play quality sound while on hard surfaces thanks to its Table EQ function.
It does have drawbacks. It's also heavier at 26 pounds, but still lighter than the FP 10.
Again, if portability isn't your main issue, and you'd just love an entry-level instrument, this is an ideal pick.
Overall, The Yamaha P-125 is well-rounded and a steal for its price.
That concludes our PX-S1000 review! We hope you liked our review of the piano, including every feature and drawback.
