this makes me feel better, we just bought one used, but in brand new condition for $125, which included the seat, case, stand, and pedal. now I can tell the wife it was a great deal! 😀 I'm excited to play with my new toy, thanks for the video!
I'm sure you will enjoy it. I paid under $700 for everything new. The case, stand, seat and pedal will cost at least what you paid so even if you upgrade to a different digital, you got a good deal
ZootSuitWolf Glad to be of help. It's really nice for what it is. I've been bouncing back and forth for the past few weeks so I can get used to it over my grand. I'm liking the touch more and more. I still prefer the sound of the real thing, but that Privia sounds pretty darn good.
Just bought the Casio PX-160! I've never played piano before but I want to learn and it looks like a great one for beginners. I also bought it for my grandmother who never took classes and plays by ear. She's really good so I know she's going to enjoy it and I'm looking forward to using the output jacks and MIDI features to record her performances.
I take lessons on one of those. I got a yamaha for the smae reason. Very portable. I wanted to get the Roland FP (Sounds Great but too heavy to be practical). Sounds really good on the amp.
Great review Rob, your comparison vs. a real piano makes too much sense and contrast very well the idea on how much "good" is a electric piano for begginers and how much we can get for the money, your thoughts just clarify seamlessly. I will buy this for my daughter and after this review i have no doubt about it. Thx & salutes from México.
Marco Hernández The PX-150 has been replaced by the PX-160. It's the same price if you can find it. It has headphones jacks on the front instead of the back and it has a proper line out for an amplifier. It also is supposed to have a little better built in speakers. Your daughter should be happy. If you don't buy the wooden stand, make sure you buy a proper pedal. The one that comes with it is very flimsy.
Xiofang The Yamaha P105 would be comparable. From what I read on the YPG 535 is that it's touch is light. If you want a lot of extra instrument sounds then that may be acceptable to you. Casio uses the same Keyboard across the whole Privia line so if you like the touch of one, then you'll like them all. Yamaha has several different keyboards, each with a different touch and weight. Also the Casio is lighter at about 24 pounds. Your best bet would be to play all three and see which you prefer. I had a Clavinova back in the 1990s and the longer I had it, the less I liked it. The touch just wasn't right and I wore myself out playing it. I will say one thing about the Privia, the key depth is deeper than my acoustic piano. It takes a little adjustment going back and forth between the two.
+thomas grim I had the same question and I bought the Casio PX160 last month since it was part of a deal and came with a wooden stand, bench and 3 pedal unit for the same price as just the Yamaha P115. I did try out both pianos and the weight difference is not apparent, at least to me (the sales person said the weight difference is 5% and Casio privia is 5% from being 100%); so it was hard for me to have a preference so I went with price as my decision factor. So far, I'm happy with it, but I am having a hard time trying to get software to communicate with my piano, because I'm not that tech savvy. I can move recordings out of the piano but it's in a proprietary format that won't play on anything except the casio. And I think I need an audio cable to record the piano directly to Audacity. I would like to get the piano to work with Perfect Piano (an android app) except my tablet doesn't support OTG so I have been trying to use an Android Emulator but it doesn't recognize the Casio. This is harder than I thought. The only program that it works automatically with is Synthesia with no fuss.
Thanks a lot, that was a great demonstration, and it's great to hear the opinion of someone who compares the acoustic and the digital on the spot. This really has to be the best budget digital piano in the market. Do you know of any differences there are between this PX-150 and the newer PX-160?
+maximumsid They improved the speakers on the PX-160 and added line out. I would go with the PX-160 for those reasons. The built in speakers on the PX-150 aren't the best but are fine for a smaller room
Very informative. May i ask the type of cable you’re connecting to the computer? Im trying to find the righr type but I cannot cause im not sure if the the same as usb printer cable. Thx for sharing btw
Thanks! I bought mine 6 months ago and have been struggling because I could not find the software to save my music directly into the computer. :) Let`s see how it goes with that software it looks simple! It seems that for a correct use of Digital Audio Workstations once should study musical engineering and I am just a classical pianist :)
Any trouble le withr the metronome or prerecorded songs. Ith stopped working suddenly on my px 150, I don't know if they are recordings that deleted, somehow
definitely like it amplified....on the bass notes yes!!! a much fuller sound. Do you still have this keyboard? If not, what made you get rid of it? I really appreciate this extensive review. Great to know that you can upload from it via the computer. Thank you! I am seriously considering buying one.
I recently moved and have it in my bedroom. It's great for late night practice sessions. If I had it to do over, I'd probably go with the next model up with true MIDI and extra instruments.
Hi, I have casio px160, bought it in used condition. Now, my question is: is there a way in which I can record what I am playing on the piano, transfer it to computer and then send that audio file to my friend? I can record the sound with microphone with it naturally adds noise. So is there a way to get cleaner audio? I am new to piano so I do not understand MIDI. My simple mind is looking for a posibility of transferring the whatever I am playing on piano to computer in a digital format and then may be use so software to convert it back to an audio. I am using Windows PC.
Good question. The USB port only sends MIDI data not sound. If you have a great sound card with a good piano sound font you can use that to record with something like power tracks then export to mp3. If you have an aux input then you can use the headphone out jack to the aux in on the pc and use sound recorder to record a wav or mp3. Audacity is great and free software for that. Note that you will need to use you computers speakers or plug a headphone into the other headphone jack to hear your playing while recording.
Underneath the keyboard is a row of solenoids connected to a MIDI controller. The solenoids push up on the back of the keys playing then exactly as recorded by the laptop.
I have a PX 150. Do you think the Yamaha P155, now P255, with it's GH action is really that much better than the PX150 concerning the heavyness or acoustic like resistance of the keys ? I can't test any out because there aren't any on display i stores.
+no coat I didn't try any of the current Yamaha's. I had a Yamaha CLP 132 back in the 1990s and the action made my fingers hurt after playing an hour or so. I didn't play the Casio before buying either. I watched a lot of reviews on touch comparisons and overall sample sound. If you are satisfied with the touch of your Casio, then be happy. Decide how many years it should last for you, then start the process again, maybe with a Yamaha next time. The differences between them will be subtle.
I agree with you. I really only get it out when I'm playing away from home or needing a MIDI controller. It's close, very close but not the same as the real thing.
Rob Hoffman A few days ago I went out and tried a few digital pianos. I was disappointed, went home and got on my piano and even though it's a little on the way out it just is so easy. I would still love to get something for recording though (with camera). Recording my piano is hard because of the twangy sound on the resulting file.
Thanks alot for the great review. I'm debating this and the Yamaha P-115, but the latter cost over $300 more where I live and I'm really just looking for a practice instrument. I read some comments that the speakers on Casio could be better, but watching your video I think I can live with it. By the way, what songs are you playing (or just improvising)? :)
***** The song was The Old Piano Roll Blues. Check out the PX-160, it just came out, same price, and is supposed to have improved sound. It looks a little nicer too. I bought mine through Kraft Music, they had a little better price on the bundles and free shipping.
Rob Hoffman Oh really? Sadly I'm in Norway so I can't order from Kraft, but I'll message my local store and ask if theyre getting it. Thanks for the tip!
Apart from the USB-MIDI, does the PX-160 also have a line out that can be connected to a sound interface to record sound from this keyboard directly onto a Digital Audio Workstation (a recording software like pro-tools or logic). If yes, is the same feature also available in the casio celviano series?? Please let me know asap !!! Cheers :)
Thanks Rob. It really does. Although I'm getting back into it after 2.5 years, but just practising scales on it feels amazing too! Cheers and god bless :)
Nice review sir , I own a basic Casio CTK 4400 , keys are plastic that's why it is making noise. I was hearing some key noises with Privia as ou played . it has hammer action keys . Is the noise normal ? can you please throw some light on MIDI playback you did , I'm a beginner (Self taught) I was surprised to see the keys pressing by itself. Thank you .
+krishnan srinivasan The key noise is normal. It's not the plastic keys you're hearing. There is a mechanism connected to the keys that uses weights that is making the noise. The microphone picks it up very well. Personally, it's not normally loud enough to bother me. The MIDI playback is definitely cool. The piano has what is called Pianomation installed. Yamaha has their own called Diskclavier and a third company is PIanodisc. Underneath the keys on the piano are solenoids. One for each key and the control unit takes the MIDI info (Note and velocity) and controls each solenoid. The solenoid pushes up from the back of the key making it press down.
@@RobHoffman83 I always had a 61. Even now, but I'm currently looking for a 88 key Digital Piano because I want, of course, more, but also weighted keys. Thank you for the video by the way.
i dont know about whether this keyboard is good for practice hand though.I play hanon and im a complete newbie,dont know if the weight is as heavy as a real one.
Keyboard weight varies between brands and models. This one falls within what I would consider decent. It is very responsive. That said, the key dip is a little deeper than my acoustic. There is a slight adjustment switching back and forth. That's true though with any piano. Your best bet is to go to a piano dealer that carries both digital and acoustic and sit down to each. A piano is like underwear, you have to get what fits you best.
Thanks for the video. It is very solid coming from someone who had both, acoustic and electronic and knows all the pros and cons. I am quite amazed on the MIDI system you have installed in the gran piano. Is that something you added to the grand piano, or did it came with that system? thanks
QRS music makes a retrofit (Pianomation) and a company called PianoDisc also makes kits. There are a few others if you do a search. The beauty of the solenoid systems is that they play standard MIDI files along with specially coded audio cds.
I've listened to a lot of online demos for the PX-160, but this is the first one where I hear a clicking noise. Is this more pronounced on the PX-150 or are the two comparable with regard to this or do you know? I'm trying to figure out if it's how you've recorded this or the acoustics in the room or another factor. BTW I'm planning on purchasing a PX-160. Thanks for any information!
The audio was picked up by the camcorder (a Zoom Q2). Most of the videos posted have the audio directly from the keyboard outputs. The noise is more pronounced in the video that you actually will hear. Here is a recent video where I recorded directly from the output and you won't hear the keyboard noise at all. ruclips.net/video/PkrlDXOPOE4/видео.html
Thanks a lot for the details. What I can't figure out is that one video I watched on here, where someone is comparing a casio and a yamaha in a music store, it's obvious the sound is being recorded through the camera (as opposed to direct from keyboard) and there isn't any of this clicking. I'm going to try one out in person and see how pronounced it is.
It's all in the microphone. The Zoom is very sensitive to a wide dynamic range. I quit using it on my videos because of that. You will hear the key noise when you play soft. It's not terrible but it's noticeable. I'm glad you'll be trying it out in person. That's really the best way. Any of the Privias will be the same as they have the same keyboard.
Rob Hoffman I tried the Privia 770BK yesterday and there was no key noise at all. But the PX160 next to it was noisy but a far brighter sound which suits me. The 770 was very mellow and even though the manual said it had 4 levels of Touch Sensitivity to brighten things, the option was not in the piano itself, sadly. I do have a "real" piano whose sound isn't as good as it used to be so I want something to record on via camera. But keyboard sound would put me right off so I'll keep looking.
How did you record what you were playing in the initial part of the video? Was it using a VST or microphone caught directly from piano speakers? Asking as I have PX 160 and don't get the same softness that I heard in your video - mine is generally harsh. If it's directly through speakers then it just means I have to improve my playing, and my purchase was not a bad decision! BTW, I am an adult beginner. Thanks.
I recorded the video using a Zoom Q2HD which is a great microphone that also does video. I have the Privia plugged into a Behringer 45 Watt Keyboard amp that I bought used. You're hearing the audio from that. The built in speakers are harsher in tone. If I had it to do again, I'd look at just getting an amplified speaker and not an amplifier. You'll have the same end result for less cost. Also if you're a beginner you are probably playing to hard. Work on your technique by turning the volume on full (internal speakers) and playing as softly as possible. Then once you have that consistent, turn the volume about 3/4 and play varying your touch. You'll hear an immediate improvement. Back in the 60s and 70s, spinet pianos were all the rage because of cost. They had a drop action that worked by leverage making them very difficult to play softly. I practiced on my grandparents to learn to play soft.
@@RobHoffman83 thanks a lot for your response, specially on your suggestions on how I can improve my playing. I will follow that. And after posting the comment, I also realised that the headphones I was listening through made the tone harsher. Piano speakers sounded better than headphones.
The microphone picked the key noise up louder than it really is but that is the complaint with the Casio Privia line. If you ever want to buy a portable digital, you probably want to look at Yamaha. I didn't think the sample sound was as good but no key clicks. I've been playing since I was 6 and have practiced a lot to get smooth. You should hear the first 50 tries at something new.....
I have the px150 and the clicking isn't as bad as the audio in this vid makes it sound. Have had it for 3 years now as an intermediate player and I still love it! Very versatile for the price.
Do you still use your PX-150? How is it holding up after all these years? I was considering getting the PX-160, but one reviewer said a couple of the keys loosened up after a couple months. You didn't have any problems like that, did you?
I've since built a house and the Privia resides in my bedroom where I play it a few times at night using the headphones. The action has gotten a little louder but I haven't had the key loosening issue. Casio has released a new top stage keyboard PX-S3000 which features a new and quieter keyboard. If time is not of the essence, you might want to wait until that keyboard finds its way into a future PX-170 or whatever they'll call it. If not, then if you are OK with the keyboard sound you hear in my video, you'll be happy with the PX-160. There was one small issue I had with the Privia that I don't think I discussed. The key dip was shorter (distance pressing the key down) than on my Wurlitzer and moving back and forth was a slight adjustment. However I just upgraded to a Hallet Davis 6'2" which is a true grand and there really isn't a difference in the key dip now. So, I'm thinking my problem was the small entry level baby grand I was comparing it to. The simulated ivory keys is a little difference as well but I like the feel of it and it's not really an issue going from the acoustic to the digital and back. Good luck with your purchase!
@@RobHoffman83 Thanks for the reply! Since commenting on here, I found the keyboard I really want. I tried it out at Guitar Center last night. It's a Roland FP-10. It normally costs $499.00, but I got a deal on it. It feels and sounds so much like the old baby grand my grandfather had in his living room. It comes with 4 piano sounds, and several other nice voices, as well as, bluetooth, so you can link it up to a tablet. There is free Roland software, Roland's Piano Partner 2, that you can download that you can use along with the keyboard that is extremely useful. You should check it out. ruclips.net/video/N8oa7FbLvS0/видео.html
MajorMovieDeal Glad to hear you found one you like. Sitting down and playing one is really the best test. If you have the capability do a review on RUclips and please share the link.
@@RobHoffman83 Wish I could, but I am not an experienced pianist like yourself. Not quite ready to play in front of a global audience just yet. Hopefully, some day soon.
nice video dude, I have one question, the px150 have the installer software on the keyboard or I have to download from internet or u used a external program for record? thanks!!
It has it's own software installer, so there is nothing to download. Just plug it in and your PC will install it. I should add, it really feels like a real piano. The texture on the keys is different, but feels good to the fingers.
+Rob Hoffman I just purchased the PX 160, I haven't even played a privia before. Yamaha, kawai korg, you name it. Based on the price and reviews, I know i'll like it. I too am a piano guy and stage pianos(true stage pianos cost at least 1500 dollars. You are helping the validation process for me,lol
Hi Rob it seem from my side that the Px-150 keys sound really noisy. Like typing on a keyboard with long nails. Does my impression is true or is it the video that give it to me ? thank you
+sauros The microphone I used was very sensitive. Yes, the keys make noise, but unless you're playing really soft, it's not loud enough to notice. It has a mechanism that simulates the feel of the hammers like an acoustic. That's what is making that noise. If possible, play one at a store to make sure it's not too loud for you.
can anyone help me? I tried to connect this piano to my mac type C, It doesn't work, I don't know why? The cable I use is USB type C => USB type B MIDI Thank you so so much,
Standard midi allows 16 channels and each can have multiple tones. There are "Sound Banks" that you can get with any sequencer for voice choices with 128 General Midi being standard.
Calvin Jacob Stevenson The acoustic is labeled Wurlitzer with a Baldwin Concert Master installed. The piano was manufactured by Samick and the player system is actually the QRS Pianomation system. Yes, the piano plays by itself. It can play from it's hard drive, floppy disk, or CDs. The new systems blow mine away. They play from Flash Roms and even the Internet with your phone or tablet as the controller.
+colbalt95 No I haven't but that's one thing I would invest in if I used it all the time. The problem with the X stand is that it isn't as stable as I like and my legs feel cramped sitting at it.
roj30001 I saw that when I bought mine. I didn't want the extra weight or assembly time. I bought my PX-150 to toss in the car and take to jam sessions. If you're buying it for home use, then definitely get the wooded stand. It's easy to remove to take on the road.
+xXTurtleLordXx They feel very real. It has a heavy action compared to a spinet but very close to the touch of my baby grand. They have a new model PX-160 out now for the same price. It has the same keyboard but better sound and a couple of other minor improvements.
Last time I touched a piano was in 1986. The economy is going down the drain. I think the 392$ PX-135 on Amazon is as good as one can get to come back to piano learning. I'd prefer the PX-160 but its in the 600 range. Too much for me at this point in time.
I try to live by Alan Watts philosophy of life when he says we should live our life as we listen music. Its not about getting somewhere. Its about what we do on the way. No matter how bad things are and how bad the economy is, we have to take/make time for things we care about. Because if we dont, one day we realise we arrived to the end and its too late. I wont ever be a great musician but I know I'll enjoy learning and practicing every once in a while.
No, I haven't. I had a Clavinova back in the 1990s and I didn't care for the touch after a while, so I didn't look at a Yamaha before buying the CASIO, I believe the P115 will be comparable from the reviews I've read.
Maybe. Or it probably is not the keys but rather your nails hitting the plastic keys? I didn't seem to hear this on your Grand. It must me common if you're a piano player. I may be buying this for my 6 year old, so I don't think it will be an issue.
Ok I'm dafuq just happened there? How did your Digital Device make Mechanical Keys jump? Something else to research lol.. wow, I feel like this old dinosaur got some catching up to do
+Rustedblade LOL. There are solenoids under the keyboard and it's all computer controlled. PianoDisc is one manufacturer and QRS Music is another. They can be added to virtually any acoustic piano. The player system I have is the Baldwin Concert Master which under the covers is a QRS Music System.
Very many problems with this keyboard. All of the keys make noises when the keys come up after depressing them. This noise is very annoying. An actual piano does not have any such noise when key rises after being depressed. So sorry that I purchased this keyboard. The noise is so bad that it can be heard across a room.
Then it's not the digital for you. The entire line of Privia's use the same keyboard so you would be best returning it and looking at a Yamaha P115. It's a comparable digital with an entirely different keyboard.
BJ This happened to me this week. The PX160 keys are noisy but has a bright sound which suits me (unlike the Privia 770 which is too mellow but has no noise). I do have a "real" piano whose sound isn't as good as it used to be so I want something to record on via camera. But keyboard noise would put me right off so I'll keep looking. Did you end up buying something to suit?
The key noise didn't bother me, but I play acoustic and there's noise in the keys. I also keep the volume about 3/4 which is close to the volume level of my acoustic. I am guessing you play with a heavy touch and keep the volume lower. The key noise would be distracting then.
Thanks for your personal opinion, Im saying because in your video is realy audible the keys noise, but I also play in some acoustic and dont notice any noise, even yours in the video is not too loud has the privia, by the way sine you have acoustic what do you thing about the keys feeling comparing to the piano, more heavy more light, etc?
WarriorOfMetal RoadOfKings I'm glad you heard it then. It might be slightly exaggerated than what you'll hear. My microphone is pretty darn sensitive and I wanted you to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. To my 50 year old ears, it's just background noise. When I was researching, I read a lot of reviews from younger people complaining about the key noise so you're not alone. I used a microphone because practically every review I saw on RUclips used audio wired directly in and hiding the key noise. The keys feel like you are moving hammers and dampers in a grand piano. Personally, I like the touch better than the Yamaha Clavinova I had years ago. It's close to acoustic in feel but a little lighter than mine. Others say a little heavier, so it's close enough to real to have different opinions based on the acoustics we play. The simulated ivory may feel like the real thing but here in the good ole USA, genuine Ivory is rare and the keys feel nothing like the smooth key tops on a piano. However, they feel great to the fingers. One other thing that may be a negative is the throw of the key. It's a little deeper (key presses further down) than on my piano and it feels a little weird going back to the acoustic. This is probably something like 1/16th of an inch or less difference. The Casio is very enjoyable to play for me, but if the key noise bothers you, then you probably will want to look at the Yamaha or buy from somewhere that you could exchange it after playing it a few days.. They feel a little stiff to me, but there isn't much of a key sound. The Privia family of Casio all use the same keyboard so you'll have the same experience with any of them. I purchased mine from Kraft Music and they do have a nice return policy and great bundles. I was pleased overall with their service. Any other questions feel free to ask. This isn't an expensive purchase but 500 bucks is 500 bucks, you want to get your money's worth. Oh I should add it has 128 note polyphony. I play lots of keys and haven't hear it clip. My old Clav had 32 note polyphony and it clipped regularly when I played it.
Rob Hoffman Thanks for your wise and experimented opinion, you are right many users complain about the noisy keys, many says at the beggining they are quieter then star to make some noise over time, speaking about the texture of the keys all people says well, I never tested the feeling of ivory and ebony touch, and you are right real ebony are rare because in many countries is forbiden (animals rigths, price and stuff like that) by the way you are once right the most videos are with the piano wired directly so people dont ear the keys noise, Im very picky about noises and Im a perfecionist and the main reson is that I distract a lot with noises and cant concentret in the performance, but I tried the yamaha p-105 and I didnt like the keys they were to soft comparing to a piano so I puted aside I will try the privia lets see I do not regret, I like very much the sound quality and the riviews about the keybed, lets see what future tells, unfortunly didnt had the chance to tested because where I live is very hard to buy casio, only yamaha, korg roland, but all them for the same price do less, less connectivity, less sounds, less recording options, etc (Im speaking about other privias a litle better then the 150).
Truth be known, a few years ago, I would have purchased the 350 for all the bells and whistles and may still do that in a year or so. Good luck and post a video to help others after you choose.
this makes me feel better, we just bought one used, but in brand new condition for $125, which included the seat, case, stand, and pedal. now I can tell the wife it was a great deal! 😀 I'm excited to play with my new toy, thanks for the video!
I'm sure you will enjoy it. I paid under $700 for everything new. The case, stand, seat and pedal will cost at least what you paid so even if you upgrade to a different digital, you got a good deal
Thanks for taking the time to do this very enjoyable and revealing review Rob.
Very nice and informative demo. Thanks, Rob!!! You helped me to make up my mind in getting this e-piano!!! Great job.
ZootSuitWolf Glad to be of help. It's really nice for what it is. I've been bouncing back and forth for the past few weeks so I can get used to it over my grand. I'm liking the touch more and more. I still prefer the sound of the real thing, but that Privia sounds pretty darn good.
I love mine, and came here to learn about the midi ability.
Just bought the Casio PX-160! I've never played piano before but I want to learn and it looks like a great one for beginners. I also bought it for my grandmother who never took classes and plays by ear. She's really good so I know she's going to enjoy it and I'm looking forward to using the output jacks and MIDI features to record her performances.
It's a great little digital. If you are on Windows, I always liked PowerTracks. It's very simple for recording and editing MIDI files.
I take lessons on one of those. I got a yamaha for the smae reason. Very portable. I wanted to get the Roland FP (Sounds Great but too heavy to be practical). Sounds really good on the amp.
Thanks. The Yamaha and Casio are very comparable.
thanks for that video! Really nice that you showed the Midi-USB too.
You're welcome.
Great review Rob, your comparison vs. a real piano makes too much sense and contrast very well the idea on how much "good" is a electric piano for begginers and how much we can get for the money, your thoughts just clarify seamlessly.
I will buy this for my daughter and after this review i have no doubt about it.
Thx & salutes from México.
Marco Hernández The PX-150 has been replaced by the PX-160. It's the same price if you can find it. It has headphones jacks on the front instead of the back and it has a proper line out for an amplifier. It also is supposed to have a little better built in speakers. Your daughter should be happy. If you don't buy the wooden stand, make sure you buy a proper pedal. The one that comes with it is very flimsy.
Rob Hoffman Would you recommend the px150 over, say, the Yamaha YPG 535 or the Yamaha p105?
Xiofang The Yamaha P105 would be comparable. From what I read on the YPG 535 is that it's touch is light. If you want a lot of extra instrument sounds then that may be acceptable to you. Casio uses the same Keyboard across the whole Privia line so if you like the touch of one, then you'll like them all. Yamaha has several different keyboards, each with a different touch and weight. Also the Casio is lighter at about 24 pounds. Your best bet would be to play all three and see which you prefer. I had a Clavinova back in the 1990s and the longer I had it, the less I liked it. The touch just wasn't right and I wore myself out playing it. I will say one thing about the Privia, the key depth is deeper than my acoustic piano. It takes a little adjustment going back and forth between the two.
+Xiofang great question, I was thinking the same thing(p115 vs px 160 now)
+thomas grim I had the same question and I bought the Casio PX160 last month since it was part of a deal and came with a wooden stand, bench and 3 pedal unit for the same price as just the Yamaha P115. I did try out both pianos and the weight difference is not apparent, at least to me (the sales person said the weight difference is 5% and Casio privia is 5% from being 100%); so it was hard for me to have a preference so I went with price as my decision factor.
So far, I'm happy with it, but I am having a hard time trying to get software to communicate with my piano, because I'm not that tech savvy. I can move recordings out of the piano but it's in a proprietary format that won't play on anything except the casio. And I think I need an audio cable to record the piano directly to Audacity. I would like to get the piano to work with Perfect Piano (an android app) except my tablet doesn't support OTG so I have been trying to use an Android Emulator but it doesn't recognize the Casio. This is harder than I thought. The only program that it works automatically with is Synthesia with no fuss.
Thanks a lot, that was a great demonstration, and it's great to hear the opinion of someone who compares the acoustic and the digital on the spot. This really has to be the best budget digital piano in the market.
Do you know of any differences there are between this PX-150 and the newer PX-160?
+maximumsid They improved the speakers on the PX-160 and added line out. I would go with the PX-160 for those reasons. The built in speakers on the PX-150 aren't the best but are fine for a smaller room
I love the way you play.
+bluegrassbaby86 Well thank you! That comes from years and years of practice.
i thought i could play the piano. then i saw you. lol thanks for the video
I'll bet you play just fine. We're all our own worst critics.
WOW I was struck by the keys playing alone! It seems magic !! As it did ? It's very complicated ?
There is nothing like a solenoid MIDI equipped acoustic piano.
Very informative. May i ask the type of cable you’re connecting to the computer? Im trying to find the righr type but I cannot cause im not sure if the the same as usb printer cable. Thx for sharing btw
It is a printer cable. Weird right?
@@RobHoffman83 Ahh I got it. Yes, kinda strange. Thanks for the answer! ;)
Thanks! I bought mine 6 months ago and have been struggling because I could not find the software to save my music directly into the computer. :) Let`s see how it goes with that software it looks simple! It seems that for a correct use of Digital Audio Workstations once should study musical engineering and I am just a classical pianist :)
My favorite PC program for MIDI is PowerTracks Pro if you're running Windows. It's simple to use and very inexpensive.
Thanks a lot.
Any trouble le withr the metronome or prerecorded songs. Ith stopped working suddenly on my px 150, I don't know if they are recordings that deleted, somehow
I’ve not had a problem with mine. The only thing is mechanical sound of the keys has gotten a little louder over the years.
Thank you so much for sharing!
definitely like it amplified....on the bass notes yes!!! a much fuller sound. Do you still have this keyboard? If not, what made you get rid of it? I really appreciate this extensive review. Great to know that you can upload from it via the computer. Thank you! I am seriously considering buying one.
I recently moved and have it in my bedroom. It's great for late night practice sessions. If I had it to do over, I'd probably go with the next model up with true MIDI and extra instruments.
Hi Should i get this or Yamaha p45 or Yamaha Arius 103 or Casio px700?
Hi, I have casio px160, bought it in used condition. Now, my question is: is there a way in which I can record what I am playing on the piano, transfer it to computer and then send that audio file to my friend? I can record the sound with microphone with it naturally adds noise. So is there a way to get cleaner audio? I am new to piano so I do not understand MIDI. My simple mind is looking for a posibility of transferring the whatever I am playing on piano to computer in a digital format and then may be use so software to convert it back to an audio. I am using Windows PC.
Good question. The USB port only sends MIDI data not sound. If you have a great sound card with a good piano sound font you can use that to record with something like power tracks then export to mp3. If you have an aux input then you can use the headphone out jack to the aux in on the pc and use sound recorder to record a wav or mp3. Audacity is great and free software for that. Note that you will need to use you computers speakers or plug a headphone into the other headphone jack to hear your playing while recording.
10:20 wth how are all the keys playing automatically???
Underneath the keyboard is a row of solenoids connected to a MIDI controller. The solenoids push up on the back of the keys playing then exactly as recorded by the laptop.
I have a PX 150. Do you think the Yamaha P155, now P255, with it's GH action is really that much better than the PX150 concerning the heavyness or acoustic like resistance of the keys ? I can't test any out because there aren't any on display i stores.
+no coat I didn't try any of the current Yamaha's. I had a Yamaha CLP 132 back in the 1990s and the action made my fingers hurt after playing an hour or so. I didn't play the Casio before buying either. I watched a lot of reviews on touch comparisons and overall sample sound. If you are satisfied with the touch of your Casio, then be happy. Decide how many years it should last for you, then start the process again, maybe with a Yamaha next time. The differences between them will be subtle.
Nothing like a piano, and a grand at that. After having tried so many digitals, I'm still a purist.
I agree with you. I really only get it out when I'm playing away from home or needing a MIDI controller. It's close, very close but not the same as the real thing.
Rob Hoffman
A few days ago I went out and tried a few digital pianos. I was disappointed, went home and got on my piano and even though it's a little on the way out it just is so easy. I would still love to get something for recording though (with camera). Recording my piano is hard because of the twangy sound on the resulting file.
Thanks alot for the great review. I'm debating this and the Yamaha P-115, but the latter cost over $300 more where I live and I'm really just looking for a practice instrument. I read some comments that the speakers on Casio could be better, but watching your video I think I can live with it.
By the way, what songs are you playing (or just improvising)? :)
***** The song was The Old Piano Roll Blues. Check out the PX-160, it just came out, same price, and is supposed to have improved sound. It looks a little nicer too. I bought mine through Kraft Music, they had a little better price on the bundles and free shipping.
Rob Hoffman Oh really? Sadly I'm in Norway so I can't order from Kraft, but I'll message my local store and ask if theyre getting it. Thanks for the tip!
Apart from the USB-MIDI, does the PX-160 also have a line out that can be connected to a sound interface to record sound from this keyboard directly onto a Digital Audio Workstation (a recording software like pro-tools or logic). If yes, is the same feature also available in the casio celviano series?? Please let me know asap !!! Cheers :)
Yes, the PX-160 has a Line Out Left/Right in the back. That was one of the improvements over the PX-150.
Thanks a ton for replying, Rob. I just bought the PX-160. Currently setting up the stand that came with it and what have you !! Psyched!!! :)
I'm excited for you. The keyboard feels really good after you play it a few minutes!
Thanks Rob. It really does. Although I'm getting back into it after 2.5 years, but just practising scales on it feels amazing too! Cheers and god bless :)
Enjoyed the review I than you .
Nice review sir ,
I own a basic Casio CTK 4400 , keys are plastic that's why it is making noise. I was hearing some key noises with Privia as ou played . it has hammer action keys . Is the noise normal ? can you please throw some light on MIDI playback you did , I'm a beginner (Self taught) I was surprised to see the keys pressing by itself.
Thank you .
+krishnan srinivasan The key noise is normal. It's not the plastic keys you're hearing. There is a mechanism connected to the keys that uses weights that is making the noise. The microphone picks it up very well. Personally, it's not normally loud enough to bother me. The MIDI playback is definitely cool. The piano has what is called Pianomation installed. Yamaha has their own called Diskclavier and a third company is PIanodisc. Underneath the keys on the piano are solenoids. One for each key and the control unit takes the MIDI info (Note and velocity) and controls each solenoid. The solenoid pushes up from the back of the key making it press down.
Thank you sir. It is new to me and Pianomation is really cool 😃 Have a great day and good luck playing 😃
I wish I had that many key on my controller. I think I have 4 octaves
It does make a difference. I started wit a 61 key so I can relate. You're limited.
@@RobHoffman83 I always had a 61. Even now, but I'm currently looking for a 88 key Digital Piano because I want, of course, more, but also weighted keys.
Thank you for the video by the way.
@@RobHoffman83 I did as well I just got this thank you
i dont know about whether this keyboard is good for practice hand though.I play hanon and im a complete newbie,dont know if the weight is as heavy as a real one.
Keyboard weight varies between brands and models. This one falls within what I would consider decent. It is very responsive. That said, the key dip is a little deeper than my acoustic. There is a slight adjustment switching back and forth. That's true though with any piano. Your best bet is to go to a piano dealer that carries both digital and acoustic and sit down to each. A piano is like underwear, you have to get what fits you best.
@@RobHoffman83 thanks for the info man
Thanks for the video. It is very solid coming from someone who had both, acoustic and electronic and knows all the pros and cons. I am quite amazed on the MIDI system you have installed in the gran piano. Is that something you added to the grand piano, or did it came with that system? thanks
It's a Baldwin branded QRS Pianomation System. I believe the run around $5,000 installed. It was factory installed on mine when I bought it.
Thanks for your reply. I did not know about this system until now. Amazing.
QRS music makes a retrofit (Pianomation) and a company called PianoDisc also makes kits. There are a few others if you do a search. The beauty of the solenoid systems is that they play standard MIDI files along with specially coded audio cds.
I've listened to a lot of online demos for the PX-160, but this is the first one where I hear a clicking noise. Is this more pronounced on the PX-150 or are the two comparable with regard to this or do you know? I'm trying to figure out if it's how you've recorded this or the acoustics in the room or another factor. BTW I'm planning on purchasing a PX-160. Thanks for any information!
The audio was picked up by the camcorder (a Zoom Q2). Most of the videos posted have the audio directly from the keyboard outputs. The noise is more pronounced in the video that you actually will hear. Here is a recent video where I recorded directly from the output and you won't hear the keyboard noise at all. ruclips.net/video/PkrlDXOPOE4/видео.html
The PX-160 uses the same keyboard so it will be about the same noise wise.
Thanks a lot for the details. What I can't figure out is that one video I watched on here, where someone is comparing a casio and a yamaha in a music store, it's obvious the sound is being recorded through the camera (as opposed to direct from keyboard) and there isn't any of this clicking. I'm going to try one out in person and see how pronounced it is.
It's all in the microphone. The Zoom is very sensitive to a wide dynamic range. I quit using it on my videos because of that. You will hear the key noise when you play soft. It's not terrible but it's noticeable. I'm glad you'll be trying it out in person. That's really the best way. Any of the Privias will be the same as they have the same keyboard.
Rob Hoffman
I tried the Privia 770BK yesterday and there was no key noise at all. But the PX160 next to it was noisy but a far brighter sound which suits me. The 770 was very mellow and even though the manual said it had 4 levels of Touch Sensitivity to brighten things, the option was not in the piano itself, sadly. I do have a "real" piano whose sound isn't as good as it used to be so I want something to record on via camera. But keyboard sound would put me right off so I'll keep looking.
How did you record what you were playing in the initial part of the video? Was it using a VST or microphone caught directly from piano speakers? Asking as I have PX 160 and don't get the same softness that I heard in your video - mine is generally harsh. If it's directly through speakers then it just means I have to improve my playing, and my purchase was not a bad decision! BTW, I am an adult beginner. Thanks.
I recorded the video using a Zoom Q2HD which is a great microphone that also does video. I have the Privia plugged into a Behringer 45 Watt Keyboard amp that I bought used. You're hearing the audio from that. The built in speakers are harsher in tone. If I had it to do again, I'd look at just getting an amplified speaker and not an amplifier. You'll have the same end result for less cost.
Also if you're a beginner you are probably playing to hard. Work on your technique by turning the volume on full (internal speakers) and playing as softly as possible. Then once you have that consistent, turn the volume about 3/4 and play varying your touch. You'll hear an immediate improvement.
Back in the 60s and 70s, spinet pianos were all the rage because of cost. They had a drop action that worked by leverage making them very difficult to play softly. I practiced on my grandparents to learn to play soft.
@@RobHoffman83 thanks a lot for your response, specially on your suggestions on how I can improve my playing. I will follow that. And after posting the comment, I also realised that the headphones I was listening through made the tone harsher. Piano speakers sounded better than headphones.
Excellent. The Privia is definitely a good piano to start with.
10:01 holyshe
It sounds great but those keys would drive me up the wall. I wish I could play with the ease that you do.
The microphone picked the key noise up louder than it really is but that is the complaint with the Casio Privia line. If you ever want to buy a portable digital, you probably want to look at Yamaha. I didn't think the sample sound was as good but no key clicks. I've been playing since I was 6 and have practiced a lot to get smooth. You should hear the first 50 tries at something new.....
I have the px150 and the clicking isn't as bad as the audio in this vid makes it sound. Have had it for 3 years now as an intermediate player and I still love it! Very versatile for the price.
Do you still use your PX-150? How is it holding up after all these years? I was considering getting the PX-160, but one reviewer said a couple of the keys loosened up after a couple months. You didn't have any problems like that, did you?
I've since built a house and the Privia resides in my bedroom where I play it a few times at night using the headphones. The action has gotten a little louder but I haven't had the key loosening issue. Casio has released a new top stage keyboard PX-S3000 which features a new and quieter keyboard. If time is not of the essence, you might want to wait until that keyboard finds its way into a future PX-170 or whatever they'll call it. If not, then if you are OK with the keyboard sound you hear in my video, you'll be happy with the PX-160.
There was one small issue I had with the Privia that I don't think I discussed. The key dip was shorter (distance pressing the key down) than on my Wurlitzer and moving back and forth was a slight adjustment. However I just upgraded to a Hallet Davis 6'2" which is a true grand and there really isn't a difference in the key dip now. So, I'm thinking my problem was the small entry level baby grand I was comparing it to. The simulated ivory keys is a little difference as well but I like the feel of it and it's not really an issue going from the acoustic to the digital and back.
Good luck with your purchase!
@@RobHoffman83 Thanks for the reply! Since commenting on here, I found the keyboard I really want. I tried it out at Guitar Center last night.
It's a Roland FP-10. It normally costs $499.00, but I got a deal on it.
It feels and sounds so much like the old baby grand my grandfather had in his living room. It comes with 4 piano sounds, and several other nice voices, as well as, bluetooth, so you can link it up to a tablet. There is free Roland software, Roland's Piano Partner 2, that you can download that you can use along with the keyboard that is extremely useful. You should check it out.
ruclips.net/video/N8oa7FbLvS0/видео.html
MajorMovieDeal Glad to hear you found one you like. Sitting down and playing one is really the best test. If you have the capability do a review on RUclips and please share the link.
@@RobHoffman83 Wish I could, but I am not an experienced pianist like yourself.
Not quite ready to play in front of a global audience just yet. Hopefully, some day soon.
nice video dude, I have one question, the px150 have the installer software on the keyboard or I have to download from internet or u used a external program for record? thanks!!
It has it's own software installer, so there is nothing to download. Just plug it in and your PC will install it. I should add, it really feels like a real piano. The texture on the keys is different, but feels good to the fingers.
+Rob Hoffman I just purchased the PX 160, I haven't even played a privia before. Yamaha, kawai korg, you name it. Based on the price and reviews, I know i'll like it. I too am a piano guy and stage pianos(true stage pianos cost at least 1500 dollars. You are helping the validation process for me,lol
+thomas grim meaning, I have played all the others...
+thomas grim Can you compare the PX 160 to the Yamaha P155, now P255?
This is great
Hi Rob it seem from my side that the Px-150 keys sound really noisy. Like typing on a keyboard with long nails.
Does my impression is true or is it the video that give it to me ?
thank you
+sauros The microphone I used was very sensitive. Yes, the keys make noise, but unless you're playing really soft, it's not loud enough to notice. It has a mechanism that simulates the feel of the hammers like an acoustic. That's what is making that noise. If possible, play one at a store to make sure it's not too loud for you.
+Rob Hoffman Thank you for your quick answer.
With the black Friday 150$ discount (stand included), I jump on the deal ;-)
I think you'll be pleased. Of course, you will be listening for the key noise at first. ;)
+sauros get over it
+no coat I finally bought the PX-150 and the key noise is not that bad. I'm really please of it
can anyone help me?
I tried to connect this piano to my mac type C, It doesn't work, I don't know why?
The cable I use is USB type C => USB type B MIDI
Thank you so so much,
I used a regular USB printer ( A to B) cable and had no issues. Sorry I can't help with your problem.
Can I increase number of tones using midi
Standard midi allows 16 channels and each can have multiple tones. There are "Sound Banks" that you can get with any sequencer for voice choices with 128 General Midi being standard.
how do you make your piano play the midi file?
I plug a midi cable into the midi in port.
Can I use privia 160 as my midi controller
As long as your software accepts USB midi you can. I've done a couple of videos using it as a controller in Logic Pro,
What's the name of that real acoustic piano? Can it play by itself?
Calvin Jacob Stevenson The acoustic is labeled Wurlitzer with a Baldwin Concert Master installed. The piano was manufactured by Samick and the player system is actually the QRS Pianomation system. Yes, the piano plays by itself. It can play from it's hard drive, floppy disk, or CDs. The new systems blow mine away. They play from Flash Roms and even the Internet with your phone or tablet as the controller.
Rob Hoffman Oh that's great! It is totally new. Thankyou so much for the information.
I guess I should have added that I bought it in 1999, so it's about 16 years old. I wouldn't exactly call it new. ;)
Hi have you tried it with a rack?
+colbalt95 No I haven't but that's one thing I would invest in if I used it all the time. The problem with the X stand is that it isn't as stable as I like and my legs feel cramped sitting at it.
+Rob Hoffman they have and actual wooden stand you can buy for it
roj30001 I saw that when I bought mine. I didn't want the extra weight or assembly time. I bought my PX-150 to toss in the car and take to jam sessions. If you're buying it for home use, then definitely get the wooded stand. It's easy to remove to take on the road.
What software did you use?
On that laptop it would have been Anvi Studio www.anvilstudio.com/
I also have PowerTracks (really old version) that I've used for years.
+Rob Hoffman Thanks :)
Are the keys heavy like a real piano?
+xXTurtleLordXx They feel very real. It has a heavy action compared to a spinet but very close to the touch of my baby grand. They have a new model PX-160 out now for the same price. It has the same keyboard but better sound and a couple of other minor improvements.
+Rob Hoffman Thanks. This is the best reveiw I have seen!
+xXTurtleLordXx They are great and the weight is real
+colbalt95 real what?
no coat Hammer action weight. The keys have a wood feel. Not the best for my style, with a lot of grace notes, jazz gospel though
In this video I do hear that key clicking people complain about.
+Daniel Lelievre Then you definitely want to play it before you'd buy it or go with the Yamaha.
Last time I touched a piano was in 1986. The economy is going down the drain. I think the 392$ PX-135 on Amazon is as good as one can get to come back to piano learning. I'd prefer the PX-160 but its in the 600 range. Too much for me at this point in time.
At least you're getting something. Playing music is good for the soul.
I try to live by Alan Watts philosophy of life when he says we should live our life as we listen music. Its not about getting somewhere. Its about what we do on the way. No matter how bad things are and how bad the economy is, we have to take/make time for things we care about. Because if we dont, one day we realise we arrived to the end and its too late. I wont ever be a great musician but I know I'll enjoy learning and practicing every once in a while.
Perhaps "clicking noise" comes from finger nails slamming on the key surface?
have you tried the yamaha p115?
No, I haven't. I had a Clavinova back in the 1990s and I didn't care for the touch after a while, so I didn't look at a Yamaha before buying the CASIO, I believe the P115 will be comparable from the reviews I've read.
I did play a NU1 a few months ago and was very impressed. I have no idea what those cost but it was impressive.
Nice video. I can hear the keys clicking. A little annoying.
The mic is really sensitive. It's not as loud to my ear as it sounds in the video but it does click.
Maybe. Or it probably is not the keys but rather your nails hitting the plastic keys? I didn't seem to hear this on your Grand. It must me common if you're a piano player. I may be buying this for my 6 year old, so I don't think it will be an issue.
Ok I'm dafuq just happened there? How did your Digital Device make Mechanical Keys jump? Something else to research lol.. wow, I feel like this old dinosaur got some catching up to do
+Rustedblade LOL. There are solenoids under the keyboard and it's all computer controlled. PianoDisc is one manufacturer and QRS Music is another. They can be added to virtually any acoustic piano. The player system I have is the Baldwin Concert Master which under the covers is a QRS Music System.
我想知道他连接电脑用的什么软件？谁英文好帮我翻译一下？？
I used Anvil Studio in the video.
Rob Hoffman Thank you very much!!Thank you give me the help!!
Rob Hoffman Why isn't Fl studio?
10:+ this is how you scare someone who doesn't know that this piano can play alone. They think its the ghost doint it. Lmao 😂
Very many problems with this keyboard. All of the keys make noises when the keys come up after depressing them. This noise is very annoying. An actual piano does not have any such noise when key rises after being depressed. So sorry that I purchased this keyboard. The noise is so bad that it can be heard across a room.
Then it's not the digital for you. The entire line of Privia's use the same keyboard so you would be best returning it and looking at a Yamaha P115. It's a comparable digital with an entirely different keyboard.
BJ
This happened to me this week. The PX160 keys are noisy but has a bright sound which suits me (unlike the Privia 770 which is too mellow but has no noise). I do have a "real" piano whose sound isn't as good as it used to be so I want something to record on via camera. But keyboard noise would put me right off so I'll keep looking. Did you end up buying something to suit?
Im realy a bit desapointed because of the anoying noises of the keys, the other brands dont have that noise, it distracts a lot.
The key noise didn't bother me, but I play acoustic and there's noise in the keys. I also keep the volume about 3/4 which is close to the volume level of my acoustic. I am guessing you play with a heavy touch and keep the volume lower. The key noise would be distracting then.
Thanks for your personal opinion, Im saying because in your video is realy audible the keys noise, but I also play in some acoustic and dont notice any noise, even yours in the video is not too loud has the privia, by the way sine you have acoustic what do you thing about the keys feeling comparing to the piano, more heavy more light, etc?
WarriorOfMetal RoadOfKings I'm glad you heard it then. It might be slightly exaggerated than what you'll hear. My microphone is pretty darn sensitive and I wanted you to hear the good, the bad, and the ugly. To my 50 year old ears, it's just background noise. When I was researching, I read a lot of reviews from younger people complaining about the key noise so you're not alone. I used a microphone because practically every review I saw on RUclips used audio wired directly in and hiding the key noise. The keys feel like you are moving hammers and dampers in a grand piano. Personally, I like the touch better than the Yamaha Clavinova I had years ago. It's close to acoustic in feel but a little lighter than mine. Others say a little heavier, so it's close enough to real to have different opinions based on the acoustics we play. The simulated ivory may feel like the real thing but here in the good ole USA, genuine Ivory is rare and the keys feel nothing like the smooth key tops on a piano. However, they feel great to the fingers. One other thing that may be a negative is the throw of the key. It's a little deeper (key presses further down) than on my piano and it feels a little weird going back to the acoustic. This is probably something like 1/16th of an inch or less difference. The Casio is very enjoyable to play for me, but if the key noise bothers you, then you probably will want to look at the Yamaha or buy from somewhere that you could exchange it after playing it a few days.. They feel a little stiff to me, but there isn't much of a key sound. The Privia family of Casio all use the same keyboard so you'll have the same experience with any of them. I purchased mine from Kraft Music and they do have a nice return policy and great bundles. I was pleased overall with their service. Any other questions feel free to ask. This isn't an expensive purchase but 500 bucks is 500 bucks, you want to get your money's worth. Oh I should add it has 128 note polyphony. I play lots of keys and haven't hear it clip. My old Clav had 32 note polyphony and it clipped regularly when I played it.
Rob Hoffman Thanks for your wise and experimented opinion, you are right many users complain about the noisy keys, many says at the beggining they are quieter then star to make some noise over time, speaking about the texture of the keys all people says well, I never tested the feeling of ivory and ebony touch, and you are right real ebony are rare because in many countries is forbiden (animals rigths, price and stuff like that) by the way you are once right the most videos are with the piano wired directly so people dont ear the keys noise, Im very picky about noises and Im a perfecionist and the main reson is that I distract a lot with noises and cant concentret in the performance, but I tried the yamaha p-105 and I didnt like the keys they were to soft comparing to a piano so I puted aside I will try the privia lets see I do not regret, I like very much the sound quality and the riviews about the keybed, lets see what future tells, unfortunly didnt had the chance to tested because where I live is very hard to buy casio, only yamaha, korg roland, but all them for the same price do less, less connectivity, less sounds, less recording options, etc (Im speaking about other privias a litle better then the 150).
Truth be known, a few years ago, I would have purchased the 350 for all the bells and whistles and may still do that in a year or so. Good luck and post a video to help others after you choose.
Real piano sucks
Then I suggest you don't buy one.
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