Casio revives the popular Casiotone series (introduced in the eighties), adds light-up keys and iPad learning features to make it more appealing to beginners. This series boasts of an easy interface, better sound system, and app connectivity.
Introduction
The first Casiotone portable keyboard (CT-201) was created by Casio in 1980; this was the first time than an electronic keyboard was made for the masses, it was affordable for players of all ages and skills. These keyboards were great for beginners who were looking for an affordable instrument to play the keyboard. Used by families and countless garage bands who could not afford expensive keyboards, the Casiotone range of portable keyboards was quite popular back in the early ’80s. Several decades later, Casio has launched the next generation of Casiotone portable keyboards.
Casio has now revived the series by loading it with more features, specifically for learning.
- Great looks & style, slim design and use of bold colors.
- They are portable, come with a built-in carrying handle. These run on batteries
- Each model comes with a power supply and music rest.
- Variety of Tones and accompaniment Rhythms. Dance Music Mode lets you create and remix EDM tracks.
- 61 full-size touch-sensitive keys
- Easy-to-read LCD display and intuitive controls.
- Better quality built-in speakers, you can plug-in headphones as well.
- Chordana Play app connectivity makes self-learning easier.
The revamped keyboards come with 61 keys and are ideal for playing at home or on the go. You can use the Casiotone as a beginner keyboard, or gift it to someone close.
Casiotone Series Modes (At a Glance)
There are three models in the new Casiotone range of portable keyboards:
- Casio CT-S400: 61 full-size touch-responsive keys, 600 tones, 200 rhythms, and USB MIDI
- Casiotone CT-S300 features velocity-sensitive keys, 400 Tones, 77 Rhythms
- Casiotone CT-S200 (available in red, black and white): Tones: 400. No touch-sensitive keys
All these keyboards are compatible with the Chordana Play app.
Casiotone (CT-S) Series: Reviews
Casio CT-S400 Casiotone
The CT-S400 is a beginner-friendly keyboard with 61 full-size touch-responsive keys, 600 tones, 200 rhythms, built-in speakers, 6-track song recorder, and USB MIDI.
Casio CT-S300
Casiotone CT-S300 is a keyboard with 61 full-size keys, and a built-in carrying handle, ideal for playing on the go. It lets you make music anytime, anywhere.
- Weighs just six pounds.
- Easy-to-read LCD display, built-in speakers, 1/8″ headphone output and a 1/8″ audio input.
- Hundreds of tones, rhythms.
- Compatible with Chordana Play app
- Powered by batteries.
Click here to buy Casio CT-S300
Casiotone CT-S200
Casiotone CT-S200 is inspired by the original Casiotone electronic keyboard (CT-201) that debuted nearly 4 decades back, the new reimagined Casiotone features modern design with enhanced features.
The Casiotone CT-S200 electronic keyboard is ideal for playing at home or on the go, and can be used by music lovers of all ages and skill levels.
- 61 full-size keys, 400 tones, 77 rhythms, 60 built-in songs, 50 patterns for Dance Music Mode, USB Midi, and more.
- Easy-to-read LCD display, and intuitive controls
- Built-in speakers, 1/8″ audio input allows you to play music from other sources.
- Powered by six AA batteries or adaptor.
The Casiotone CT-S200 is also compatible with the Chordana Play app, allowing users to learn to play their favorite songs from downloaded MIDI files.
Casio Casiotone CT-S1
The Casio’s CT-S1 is an inexpensive yet stylish looking beginner piano that sounds way more expensive than it actually is. The CT-S1 features 61 full-size, touch-sensitive keys with semi-weighted action, and you can adjust the touch response to suit your playing style.
The keyboard has a a handle on the underside which makes it very easy to carry and the keyboard also comes with strap pins in case you wish to use the CT-S1 as a keytar.
Number of Voices: 61. Its a beginner’s keyboard with great sounds and available at a very competitive price.
USB MIDI. 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) weight. Compatibility with Casio’s Chordana app for learning pieces Optional battery power (via six AA batteries). Optional Bluetooth MIDI and Audio via the WU-BT01 adapter.
Casio LK-S450 and LK-S250 Keyboards
Casio LK-S450 and LK-S250 electronic keyboards are also part of Casiotone series from Casio. These are portable keyboards with lighted keys and smartphone connectivity that make learning to play songs faster. It encourages music education among children and learners as its compatible with the Chordana Play app.
Read more on lighted keyboards here.
Useful Links
Read: Checkout more Casio music keyboards and digital pianos here.
User manual for Casiotone (CT-S) series
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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