Casio PS20

Advantages: its better than a toy one
Disadvantages: tinny sound, not 88 keys, no weighted keys, hard to get technical support

...I bought this keyboard around 7 years ago. I was not happy with from the start. After one month a couple of the keys didnt work. Casio was not helpful on the phone, and after a lot of persisting they promised to pick the piano up and repair it. Seven years later I am still waiting (This happened in Spain where I live). The sound is not very good, and I now know that tinny sound is a general trademark of Casio. Also is only has 76 keys, which at the time may seem not important, and then it really is. The lack of weight in keys is probably the worst feature of all. I dont know what possessed me to buy it, but I would be happy if I helped anyone else not to make the same mistake. If you are looking for a digital piano, go for weighted keys, hammeraction if possible, and all 88 keys.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Velocity and touch sensitive. Great MIDI, and great unique sounds.
Disadvantages: Some sounds seem mellower then other CZ series synths.

...like the opposite, of any other synthesizer you might be used to (except a Casio) These Casio keyboards just have a special sound. I use an equal number of Casio and Korg keyboards in my setup, and I think of it almoast like hot and cold knobs (with the Casio always being the cold) Many of the sounds are very liquid, and sometimes like water, snow and ice being poured onto different shape pieces of different types of metal. That's the closest description I can think of. One thing you can be sure of however, is that these keyboards sound unique. They are built like a tank, and weigh in at 40 pounds, but that's why there are so many of them in top notch shape left in the world. The chorus and volume slider caps are usually missing, but they work fine without the caps, and you wouldn't probably want to use the volume slider anyways... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Reliable switching action, durable
Disadvantages: Not piano-style, can slip, cable perhaps too long

...I use this as an una corda pedal with my Casio Privia PX-310 stage piano, alongside an SP-20 as the main sustain pedal. As you'd expect from Casio, it's well-made and has served me well through many gigs and even more hours of practice at home. This pedal is a class above the cheaper models available in this design and the switching action is positive and reliable. Obviously though, anyone hoping for the realistic action and feel of a "proper" piano pedal will be disappointed. Despite the rubber underside, slipping can be a problem on some stages. At nearly 2 m (6 ft), the attached cable is almost certainly longer than you'll need and this can contribute to the inevitably messy-looking stage, but it's a minor gripe. A perfectly acceptable budget sustain pedal, but before long you'll want to spend a little more on a proper piano... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful