🎹 Casio Celviano AP-S450 Demo & Review: Does It Live Up to the Hype? 🎹
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
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#casio#casioaps450#casiodigitalpiano
Introduction
Casio has been making major strides to position itself in the top tier of digital piano manufacturers, with two of its most impressive products being the hybrid grand GP-510 and the PX-S7000, which got into the Rob Report. This is no small feat for a magazine known for luxury watches and private jets.
The mid-range of Casio’s home digital lineup, namely the PX and AP series, was begging for an update. With the release of the AP-S450, 550, and 750, they have rounded out their full lineup to compete with Yamaha, Roland, and Kawai.
4 Key Features
Aesthetics
Riding off the success of the PS-X5000, 6000, and 7000, the aesthetic look of the cabinet and the overall style of the instrument stand out; including the high-gloss finish, touchscreen surfaces, and modern sleek look. The piano has a very compact form factor, but the most distinctive part of the cabinet is the high-gloss piece of cabinetry where the key cover would normally be. It’s very eye-catching until you sit down and realize it’s more like the HAL-9000 talking to you while playing the instrument.
At first, this feature seems excessive as it adds no musical or aesthetical value to the instrument, but it’s still appealing as it may draw new players to the piano.
The control panel on the left is simple, which has pros and cons. When interacting with the instrument, the user will either be choosing sounds, which are clearly marked in front of the keys, or editing sounds, which requires the Casio Music Space app. It’s unrealistic to think that all of the functionality related to the recorder, the acoustic simulator, and the audio and MIDI playback will be easily accessed using keyboard shortcut commands. The app is free and runs on iOS and Android.
Sound
The AP-S450 has an updated Hamburg and New York Steinway 5-layer sample set, which is a deep, rich experience for this price point. This stands out when playing with headphones, and is reminiscent of the SK-EX competition grands that are on Kawai’s CA and Nova series pianos.
Both sample sets are great to play, but there is a more rounded, even acoustic envelope around all of the different velocity layers on the Hamburg, with a more refined sense of nuance in the tone.
Speakers
As more entry-level acoustic customers are changing to digital customers, the standards and nuance have increased; thus, the industry meeting demand. Unique to Casio, the main lower speakers are positioned up into the cabinet while exposing the back of the speaker cone underneath the panel with a grill so that all of the indirect sound goes down towards the floor, and all of the direct sound comes up through the cabinet where it resonates against the wood surfaces as well as through tone ports.
There are also two forward-facing tweeters positioned at the far left and right of the cabinet that provide extra top-end resonance as well as mechanical sounds from the acoustic simulator. Distinct from the most recent PS-X models that have a ton of direct high-end detail, the AP-S540 has a more dispersed sound resulting in the absence of top-end harshness without losing detail.
The relatively small cabinet has a 40-watt speaker system.
Action
The AP-S540 has a solid wooden key, similar to the mid-range and upper-mid-range Yamaha pianos, which gives a much more authentic sense of the dynamic inertia of the key because as much as counterweights help, there is a certain feel from striking a solid key. Not only does it reduce the mechanical noise, but the motion feels more authentic.
It may be a minor detail, but the keys will feel more natural with five to ten hours of playing because the key surface texture will absorb hand oil quickly to get to a nice blend of glide and stickiness.
Aside from the Casio GP-510, this is the most satisfying action on a Casio piano.
Specs
The AP-S450 has a 256-note polyphony, two dozen onboard tones, and a myriad of other features and editability through the Casio Music Space app. There is also Bluetooth audio and MIDI, allowing the user to feed external audio through the keyboard's speakers, as well as a pair of headphone jacks.
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Casio wants to be a Champion in e-piano industry....a real warrior!
This piano is concert hall ready.
Absolutely! They have really drawn a line in the sand with their latest offerings. :)
No mention of separate line-outs. Meanwhile, the speakers are only 40 watts total, which is great for home use and restaurant use, but still a bit mean for public performance. So I wouldn't call it concert hall ready. Stage hands/roadies would take a dim view of requiring a Y cable and then maybe muting the internal speakers in the process.
I guess you referred more to the sound quality. I agree that it seems impressive from here. Hope to find one and try it, but I'm guessing that the next model up will be a lot more useful for music venues.
@@Zoco101 I was just referring to the tone quality as it sounds on my tiny computer monitor speakers. I would like to a see a true stage version of the instrument. I have no doubt your concerns are valid.
One of the best sounding instruments I've ever heard you play.
The new AP-S and AP models from Casio really do sound fantastic! :)
Casio actually made a really interesting product. I'm enjoying the sound so much Stu (and your beautiful playing as well😅)
Casio's latest offerings are very impressive in every respect! They also make some of the most attractive pianos on the market in my opinion - very slick and very modern! :)
I don't now (and I don't really think) that I can choose those products over the competition (Yamaha, Kawaii, Roland) but if we buy one of these right now it will be a complete goal considering the quality and the price Casio can offer over the vaue❤
Soft,clear,sweet and gentle piano sound❤
Absolutely! It is a very impressive sounding and playing instrument. :)
I find a use for that light. It's actually a visual feedback on pressing the keys for dynamics. So the player can check his ability to control his finger strength more exactly.
For sure! It is actually quite helpful in providing a visual to represent various musical elements, such as dynamics like you mentioned. :)
That is one good looking DP. So stylist! Will fit in well with modern furniture in the living room.
I totally agree! Casio have been making some very sleek instruments with a lot of aesthetic quality as of late. :)
I got the opportunity to try this piano together with multiple acoustic upward and grand pianos ranging up to 60k Euro. I was really surprised how well the Casio feels. They really managed the playability.
Absolutely! The new Casio AP series actions are really rewarding to play. They're quite impressive! :)
You can count on Stu for the best and most helpful reviews! I really appreciate the discussion on the key action since the other reviews so far have not mentioned any comparisons. Stu gives us a way better understanding of where this new action stands. Are there issues with short black keys as in the PX-S series?
Thank you kindly! I will be sure to pass on the kind words to Stu on your behalf! I personally didn't find issue with the black keys of the PX-S models (nor do I find that to be the case with the new AP-S and AP models), but touch preferences are a very subjective matter of course.
Commenting to support Stu
Thanks so much for tuning in and supporting! :)
Thanks for this enjoyable review of a promising digital piano.
I would have liked to see the piano from more angles, particularly from the back, because such instruments should be attractive from virtually all angles - they are not always pushed up against a wall.
Presumably, we heard the instrument via microphones picking up the built-in speakers. They seem rather good.
You're very welcome! Thank you for tuning in! :)
I will be sure to pass on the feedback to our production team. I can attest to the fact that the AP-S450 is a really stunning instrument aesthetically.
Fantastic first look at this piano. It sounds great and looks great. I would like to see a comparison between the 450 and the 550. it looks like the only upgrades for an extra $1000 is a larger cabinet and better pedal system. The upgrade from the 550 to the 750 seems more worthwhile giving you the Berlin and Vienna piano voices and lose the NY You also get eight speakers instead of four and ten classical tones. It seems like a no brainer at $400.
Thanks for taking the time to tune in! We are planning on covering the AP550 and AP750 models and I imagine Stu will touch on the key differences between the various models. All the best and happy playing! :)
I am ready for your 750 review. Waiting!❤❤😅
You can certainly expect that to be coming your way shortly. :)
@@MerriamPianos - YES! Thanks!
Hi, Stu, thank u for this review! I thought that there is the same action as PX-S5000/6000/7000 (short wood keys), but at the new product launch in Taiwan, the official confirmed that there is Smart Hybrid Hammer Action Keyboard for CELVIANO Edition which is completely new design. The newly AP750 and S450 are longer keyboard, and different from the PX-S keyboard system.
And second that I know about new AP-S460. You can find videos about Casio AP-S5000GP, this is = Casio AP-S450 black color for Japan sales.
Hi! Brent here! Thank you so much for tuning in and sharing your insights! Yes - the actions in the new AP-S and AP models are different than those featured in the PX-S pianos. :)
@@MerriamPianosIs there an escapement with this new action?
I'd love to try a Casio digital piano (of any price range). I've played with Casio arrangers before but never any of their weighted keybeds. Having said that I liked even the keybeds on their cheap arrangers, much better (for me) than the cheap Yamahas.
Casio is making wonderful digital pianos these days! I would certainly encourage you to test out some of these new models if you have the opportunity to do so. :)
If there's anything I could wish for in the realm of music, it would be to play as well as Stu.
I know Stu appreciates the kind words! Thank you for tuning in! :)
Don't covet another person's musical skills, just work on your own.
Great review as allways 😊Can you do a review of the Nord Stage 4?😊👌🏻
Thank you so much! We are not Nord dealers, so it is a bit difficult for us to tackle reviews of their models. With that said, we will do our best to do so in the case that we have one come through our inventory on trade. :)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I find this to be a much better offer than the px-s7000 in terms of sound (and maybe also keybed?). This is around 400 Euros cheaper than the PX-S7000 over here in Germany ands sounds absolutely incredible!
While there is definitely some overlap, the musical experience the AP-S450 and PX-S7000 models offer is slightly different. For me, they are both excellent instruments that will attract different customers based on their different aesthetics/form factors. It is tough to choose a favourite amongst the two! ;)
@MerriamPianos aesthetically I totally get what you're saying. but do you think there is a significant difference in terms of the keybed and the sound selection
Hi Stu, I really love all the review videos and it has really helped my journey of hunting a DP :) which would you say has a more realistic key action between Kawai CN201 and Casio APS450? :) I’m leaning more towards classical
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for the question! While both pianos are incredible instruments that offer amazing musical experiences. The RHIII action of the CN201 is a heavier touch, which is a bit more authentic feeling and more aligned with classical playing in my opinion.
This vs the cn201 would be a great video!!
Cn201 has better action and sound
This is nicer than cn kawai.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that as soon as we can for you. :)
When you doing Roland lx5, lx6 and lx9?
Reviews for the new Roland LX models are coming very soon! ;)
Let's hope the price comes down drammatically soon. Here in Europe, the AP-s450 is much more expensive than the older AP-470 and even the AP-710. The 710 has more power. and features proper line-outs. Indeed, it may be one of the best offers going right now.
Hopefully, the price comes down as the AP-S450 is a meaningful upgrade from the AP470.The price gap isn't too pronounced here in Canada, but it is a bit more expensive than the AP470 of course.
@@MerriamPianos Yes, I daresay you are right, but in the UK, for instance, the
AP-S450 is currently almost twice the price of the AP-470. The AP-710 is in the middle.
I like Stu's playing here. I think this is what a good review needs. It's different than his usual stuff, which, I must say, is good, but doesn't let me assess the sound of the instrument well.
I thing the video could use some more introduction and specs. I play the video and don't really know its positioning and anything.
Thanks for tuning in and sharing your feedback! I will be sure to pass it along to Stu and our production team. I know they are always experimenting with the video format in an attempt to make them as good as possible. :)
Excellent review and nice instrument . I would very interested to know if the action is actually different from the privia line . I have read everything and it’s contrary on various boards .
For sure the keys are made of plastic and wood like the PX-S7000 and Stu was under the impression that were wooden made . That tells you a lot as Stu is quite a serious performer and he cannot actually feel the difference ! I would never buy again a digital piano with wooden made keys . They have a tendency to change with humidity levels and in acoustic , you can call you favourite tuner to fix it , but nobody will fix on your DP.
I like the new trend with touch based controls that could become invisible. The same feature has been i
implemented in the new Roland LX updated pianos .
Thank you kindly! The new AP and APS models are quite attractive and offer a fantastic musical experience! While I can understand your concerns with wooden key digital actions, issues related to swelling from humidity fluctuations are quite uncommon. The literature from Casio is not exactly clear as to what the differences in the "Celviano version" of the actions are, but I imagine there are some legitimate differences if Casio has specifically noted a difference in the action's name. I do agree with your sentiments about the disappearing touch screens though! They allow for a super clean look and aesthetic. :)
Hello! Would love to know your thoughts on the sound (when played via the speakers) and action on this model compared to the Kawai CN201!
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! The APS450 action is lighter than the CN201's action. The CN201's action also has let-off simulation, whereas the APS450 does not. Both pianos have a wonderful sound and speaker system, but they are quite a bit different in terms of tonal profile. The APS450 has a brighter, more brilliant sound versus the CN201's warmer, lush tone.
@@MerriamPianos Brent, this is amazingly helpful, thank you! Do the wood keys of the S450 lend any appreciable tactile realism that the CN201 does not compensate for by having the let-off simulation? Thank you again!
Good review ! Regarding the action, from what you say and from the transcript, you say that the keys are made of wood whereby the Casio website indicates in the AP450 specs that the action is hybrid ie made of wood and resine so similar to the Privia series . Although Casio calls this action Celviano editions , so I wonder what the differences are with the standard Privia ´ series are . ? Triple sensor instead of 2 ? Different key weighting ? Unclear to me .
Hi! Brent here! You are correct in that the key is a hybrid of wood and resin. Casio has not released much literature yet that outline the differences between the new Celviano version of the action. Based on feel, it appears that the pivot lengths have been extended. I was also recently told at a Casio training seminar that the PX-S6000 and PX-S7000 Smart Hybrid Hammer Action use a triple sensor system. There seems to be a bit of mystery as to whether these new Casio actions are dual or triple sensors. Perhaps, we will need to do a video where we pull the action and investigate more thoroughly. ;)
@@MerriamPianos thanks Brent . Indeed a deep dive on Casio Actions would be fantastic, like the ones Stu has done on the Roland and Kawai actions .
@@MerriamPianos hello Brent , I manage to find the following information from the Casio Australian web site( regarding PX-S7000)
« Product Features. Equipped with New Smart Hybrid Action Keyboard with counterweights on all keys. Greater dynamic expression is achieved through Casio's dual sensor & digital processing technology. Spruce hybrid key construction. »
So it is a double sensor and given the excellent repetition speed the first sensor is probably positioned relatively low . It is fair to say that it is very difficult to get very detailed information in general .
Stu, Please can you do a commentary on acoustic pedals by brand. I originally understood that the left was the soft pedal “Una Corda”, middle pedal being a practice (quieter) “Celeste” pedal and the right being a sustain “dampner” pedal. However, I have come across a few major differences between brands moving away from this such as Steinway and Yamaha. This is important to know because I am looking to buy my first acoustic upright piano and I would like to buy one with a Sostenuto pedal but most retail outlets simply say “3 pedals” which is not that helpful. Thanks
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Upright pianos with the middle pedal being a sostenuto are not super common. Some manufacturers offer one or two models that have this feature. In this regard, these pianos are kind of like "upright grands." The sostenuto pedal uprights are usually the tallest models of a given line (such as the K800). Most manufacturers will state that the middle pedal is a sostenuto pedal when that is the case. Usually, if the spec sheets just show "3 pedals," it means that it is a standard soft, practice, and damper pedal configuration.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for the reply.
which has better action between this and the much cheaper Roland RP-107? is it worth the extra $$$
It is a matter of personal preference. Both pianos play and sound great, but they offer very different experiences. The APS450 has a brighter voice and a lighter action (though still fully-weighted), whereas the RP107 has a more neutral voice and a heavier action with escapement. Personally, I would give the sonic and aesthetic edge to the APS450, but I believe the RP107 has a more authentic feel thanks to Roland's PHA4 action.
Uhhh, why place a tweeter on the base end of a piano? Or a bass/mid/full range speaker on the treble end? Not sure why manufacturers don't place five or six speakers across the piano, each designed to handle the frequency range of the fifteen to eighteen keys located in front and to either side of them, and each with low/high pass filters that are complementary to those of the adjacent speaker(s). I think that would provide a more realistic and immersive experience.
It is an interesting concept, but manufacturers do have their reasoning. Part of it is about controlling the stereo imaging and field. Having an equally spaced stereo pair of speakers that are the same dimensions, specs, and voicing is useful in doing this from my understanding. :)
yeah and ups the price quite a bit.
Hi is the key action fully weighted? Is this good for classical player?
The action is a fully-weighted touch, but it does play a bit on the lighter side. For serious classical playing, I would advise considering a heavier touch. The GP310 and GP510 models from the Casio line have a fantastic action in that regard, which is meaningfully heavier and more authentic feeling.
How does the compare to the Korg G1b air?
Hi! Brent here! Unfortunately, I have not yet played the G1B Air, so I can't comment directly on how it stacks up against the APS450. With that said, I'll be happy to make a note to our production team. Perhaps, if the opportunity presents itself, Stu can tackle a review/comparison of the G1B Air model.
Does this piano have a more realistic key action compared to the PX-S7000?
They are quite comparable to be honest! While the actions are technically slight variations, the overall feel is quite comparable in my opinion.
Hal 9000😅
Haha it definitely has that vibe! ;)
Have Casio abandoned the colaboration with C. Bechstein?
They have not abandoned the collaboration, but the new APS and AP models do not feature the Natural Grand Hammer Action like the GP310 and GP510 models.
(I don't think I would like a talking piano, personally;).
It is a matter of personal preference of course!
But the GP 310 510 are definetly higher end than this one
Yes - the GP310 and GP510 are still more advanced instruments. Their action in particular puts them in a higher tier.
Stu, do you sing also???
His wife is a professional singer.
I am not sure if Stu has formally done any vocal performance, but he is an extremely musical guy. I'm quite confident he can sing as well. ;)
So when they kill the app support after a few years time this instrument will be severely limited.
I doubt that would happen to be honest. I imagine that the next few generations of the company's apps will be backwards compatible with these models.
I'm honestly believing that Casio have realized that classical players never buy their Pianos. And are exploiting those less... Knowledgeable consumers.
That being said, it's not a bad instrument at all. But that slim (really short) action, is a no go for any serious musicians.
I don't know if that is necessarily true. Casio's GP310 and GP510 models are incredibly popular options with high level classical players. It is also important to note that the new AP-S and AP models' actions are not the same as the PX-S models' actions (which, personally, I don't mind at all).
@@MerriamPianos I don't think it's a bad instrument at all, seems pretty alright. Experienced players will know how to 'go around' short pivot lengths... Not something beginners like me know how to do. And I do think I'm more sensitive to the difference in weight in the length of a key than most... Learning more advanced pieces and polishing dynamics, is substantially harder in an action like that.
Cateen plays Casios and I consider him to be a very "serious" musician.
sorry , but that is just not true
Listen to Stu and read what Tim .P wrote, that's the way it is.
:)
все таки есть какое то недоверие к этому производителю... Хотя первый касио я купил 33 года назад, для работы в ресторане... По тем временам у него был вид небольшой игрушки...но звуки давал он интересные...И все таки Роланд и Ямаха и конечно Кавай...мои предпочтения.
I think the perception of Casio as a piano manufacturer is starting to shift purely on the merit of their musical offerings! Their latest pianos play, sound, and look great, which is winning a lot of people over. :)
@@MerriamPianos Well, if they can surprise the consumer with good mechanics like the best instruments from Roland and Yamaha, and of course a large set of samples and various innovations... What Roland offers in the top price position, for example, is what Casio offers in the middle. Everything will be decided by the fight for the consumer’s wallet and preferences.
Flashy lights and app dominance tells me Casio is losing focus on the music.
It's a great sounding piano. That's hardly losing focus. Music is changing. Computer assistance is a big part of the 21st Century.
@knives6683: One does not exclude the other.
Wait till they put AI into piano to make everyone sounds like a pro. 😅
I would recommend testing the piano out in person if possible. The core piano experience on the new AP models is very impressive. They sound wonderful and the new hybrid wood/resin actions are quite rewarding to play. :)
The "Information bar" light is an educational tool, it can be turned off if you don't like it or need it.