Best review of this keyboard I've seen. After seeing this, I ordered one. I have an 88-key Casio that I use mostly as a controller on a bigger rig and plan to use this as a super-portable keyboard with a tablet.
Love how you overlayed the text graphic and features over the video. Really helped me catch everything. Appreciated the discussion on the Chordana app too.
I've been diving for the past few hours and this is the video that sold me. I have a full home studio and primarily use an Arturia 61 key controller for my artistic production. I need a digital with speakers so I can practice wherever I am. thank you
Terrific review, far the best of several that I have watched on this keyboard. Friendly, casual, and pleasant to listen too and, yet, disciplined and focused on what is most important. I especially liked that the playing to illustrate the various voices and such was limited to what was needed and did not indulge in needless recital playing. Thanks, Piano Tone, good job! EDIT: I just posted my interview before looking at any others. Great to see that I am far from alone in elevating this review as one that moved along -- without self-indulgence -- from one to another to another need-to-know topic.
Hey, After burning for the Liano, In saw this one and tested it yesterday. Its more portable The keys are have a good feeling and the sound is good. The bulid in speakers could have a bit more bass. Thanks for this review. Now thats mine. Bought it directly after testing.
This was really helpful thank you! I've been considering finally getting a keyboard as a sort of beginner and having this thorough video explain so much about keyboards in general has been really enlightening!
Wow what a thorough and comprehensive review, you hit everything in such depth. I just ordered this and then found your review. I play jazz and light pop gigs and I'm just done with hauling around my big Yamaha 88 key behemoth. They don't pay musicians enough to do all that hauling. :-) I will be referring to your review when the keyboard arrives when I start exploring it. Thanks again!
Congrats on your new keyboard! And yeah I can relate - I used to play bass in bands and had a 100 lb amp to drag around lol. The CT-S1 is an awesome portable option - I have a review on my channel on my Bose S1 portable PA where I demo it with my CTS1 if you want to check that out Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I really appreciate this video! It was very well organized and helpful! Currently I own a few vintage electric keyboards (1974 Hammond Series R124 and a 1977 Kustom 88; mimics a Rhodes) as well as a RockJam RJ88DP. I’ve always wanted a portable, high quality keyboard that looks stylish and has really good with, because of my interest in organs and EPs. I’ve always disliked the screens of digital pianos too, and was always drawn to the ‘red Nord’ look. Although I could never find one within my budget. After watching this video, and reading a bunch of reviews and comparisons, I’ve decided to upgrade and buy the Casiotone CT-S1! I am looking forward to the different tones and sound quality of them, and the sleek, smart design. It’ll be great for bringing to school to practice in jazz band, and gigging with my band. Thanks for the video! Gained a subscriber because of it :)
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the review! Your Hammond and Kustom 88 sound super cool. Hope you like your CT-S1 (it is an awesome keyboard). And thanks for subcribing!
I like the Casiotone CT-S1, but it's not a full-size keyboard and I often make mistakes. I hope Casio will update to a full size keyboard (12key=165mm). Does anyone know how to adapt the keyboard to different sizes?
I had a Wurlitzer upright a dozen years ago...gave it away. This looks like my piano now. If I can stick to it, maybe a better one later. But for now, WOW!😁
I really need to try an actual Wurly and Rhodes one day . . . The CTS-1 is pretty amazing value though, hope you enjoy it if you decide to get one! Thanks for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe
I was looking at this keyboard and the E373 and ended up purchasing the 373 as I play the organ and use keyboard for additional voices and what really made the decision that I did was I wanted the rhythm unit of which the 373 has a great one. I don't need the 600 voices of which many are duplicates and can be overwhelming and so much is available on the function key that is not easy or fast to use. Overall I like the keyboard. This Casio is a very nice keyboard with a great sound, too. Also, I have external speakers.
I also only use a small number of the voices 99% of the time. Pianos, e pianos and organs almost exclusively. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone I would like to add I had a much older Casio ----not a bad piano but one of the draws of the newer keyboards besides piano that has blown me away are the lush strings! Also I love the combination piano and strings!!
Great review! I just ordered this keyboard because I am trying to make my busking setup lighter. I also have a grand piano, an old Nord Electro 73 and a Yamaha Genos that I have taken out to gigs and busking, but it’s pretty big and also expensive so am fearful of taking it out. Having an inexpensive keyboard is good in that regard. The problem with the Nord is that the keybed bothers me - literally makes my hands ache, plus it is noisy/clacky. Looking forward to finding out if I like this action better.
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! Oh and if you need a bag for the CT-S1, the bag I just got for my Yamaha CK61 fits it beautifully (all the generic bags I tried are wayyy too big, and Casios custom bag is almost the same price as the keyboard). th-cam.com/video/QTbU0F9oXzI/w-d-xo.html Hope your keyboard arrives soon and congrats on the purchase; thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe.
LOL yeah. Haven't seen one in person yet, but hoping to soon so I can test the new speakers. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to describe
Thanks so much! It's an error and also isn't lol. I actually talk about that in some other reviews; almost all synth action keyboards (like the CT-S1) are marketed as "full-size keys" but have a slightly narrower octave width (159-160mm vs 165 mm). I'm still just a beginner but I definitely have found that challenging (moving back and forth between full size keys on my piano and the narrower width). I just reviewed the Alesis Recital 61 which does have "true full size keys" (I may have coined that term myself) and I talk about the differences with the key sizes in that review if you want to check it out: th-cam.com/video/jb9kRdayQ9c/w-d-xo.html Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe!
HI I bought one after checking this .Though the Piano tones all are not the way I wanted ,but its way better than the other Yamaha , Casio models where you are forced to use unwanted tones of various other instruments . I would like to enhance the sound with better layering and sustain timing . Please do a review with MIDI input , if I can have back ground accompaniment of generic music like pop, jazz, rock , country etc .
Hi there; there is no MIDI in on the CT-S1, so you can send MIDI OUT to a MIDI app on a device (and then listen through that device's speakers/headphones). You can stream audio in using the aux in port, but not MIDI. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
An app for all the settings that connects to the keyboard via Bluetooth or usb would be a good idea. It’s a lot of work memorizing key switches or having to use the manual.
Definitely would be nice - I printed out the two guides from the manual (one with all 61 voices and another with the functions) onto thick stiff paper that I keep handy and it’s been working fine for me (and I’m starting to memorize how to do a lot of common things). I was thinking of making a template for printing out clear labels that could be attached for some common functions… Thanks for visiting the channel!
@@bssomzqx5768 Any audio interface will work with any keyboard or piano that has an audio output (so either L/R line outs or at least a headphone port; the line outs are preferred and better quality signal, but the headphone port works). The CT-S1 only has a headphone out so you would have to use that, but it will work with any audio interface
Hello, thanks demonstration as always. I am between this one, the korg liano and the NP 35. I mainly use it to learn to play gospel songs and later I want to learn to play easy classical music. Which one would fit my needs and which one has beautiful sounds and feel more comfortable when playing. Sorry for my long question. Thank you for your time and for such meaningful insights
I would definitely recommend the Korg Liano over the Casio CT-S1 especially for classical music; not as many sounds, but beautiful piano, 88 keys, and the keys are much more "piano-like" than the CT-S1 (and the Korg keys are true full size which is also nice). I haven't reviewed the NP35 yet but plan to in the next couple of months. Hope that helps!
If you’re wanting the arranger features then that one will definitely be a strong competitor for the Yamaha PSR E373; I didn’t need arranger features and love the voices and the button interface on the CTS-1 so it was perfect for me. Keep in mind not all the voices on the CTS-1 are on the 400 (if you go to the Casio website and look at the manuals for each keyboard and compare the voice list you can check that out)
I bought the Casio CT-X800, but as I have never played the keyboard, I found the interface extremely complex. I don't intend to use accompaniments, effects, or anything beyond the traditional piano sound. In this case, is the CTS1 superior to the CTX800 and CTS300? I ask this because I returned the CTX800 and am looking for a replacement.
The CTS1 is super simple for selecting the MAIN sounds, and you can “memorize” a few setups for quick recall, but doing things like layering, transposing, adjusting relative volumes or selecting “extra” sounds all requires key combinations (there is no menu) so … answer is yes it’s awesome and easy if you just want to use the main sounds, and no if you want to do advanced stuff, so since you said you only tend to use the main sounds etc? You’ll probably love it. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Hi Tony, great review! Interested in this as a beginner piano but have to travel often - is this an appropriate choice to learn on and gauge interest before transitioning to an 88? Thanks!
Thanks! And it would be a great travel option because it’s so light, small and runs on batteries. Has full size keys and touch sensitivity which is also important - it will be an adjustment going to fully weighted but these are heavier feeling than most synth actions and non weighted means portable so yes I think it’s a great choice!
Are there violin, viola, celllo, harp sounds also? I like this keyboard, but this keyboard doesn't have an audio interface integrated right? did I understand right? with the auto/sustein, is it true that i don-t neeed essentially a pedal and that i can enable or disable the lenght of a note or a chord?
Hi there! Here is a copy of the voice list: pianotone.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CTS1-Voices.png No there is no USB audio interface (Casio never seems to include those). And the auto sustain adds configurable sustain time (but for piano you will always be better off with a pedal for more control). Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
They’re synth keys (so not weighted or semi weighted) but they are on the heavy side for synth keys. They’re heavier feeling (and I like them better than) the keys on the Casiotone 300 or the Yamaha PSR E373; I’d describe them as feeling almost semi-weighted. Thanks for visiting the channel!
The USB to host port (uses a Micro-B USB to USB A cable) to connect to a device (pc,tablet,iPad/phone etc - for a phone or tablet you will need an adapter like a lightning adapter for an iPad). This cable will send MIDI data to MIDI compatible software/apps on your device (GarageBand or other DAW recording apps, or to a learning app like Simply Piano, etc). Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Comprehensive and thorough review, thanks. I'm a beginner and want to teach myself. Was pretty much set on the Roland Go Piano till I saw your review and was steered here instead. TBH portability isn't top of my list of priorities but it just feels more apt to me as beginner to have a smaller keyboard? the 88 versions all look like absolute beasts. Reckon I'd really miss those extra keys? Most songs don't use them, right? Want to play a mixture of classical/pop. Guess I don't wanna pay the outlay for a larger unit. The prices seem to jump exponentially for a full sized one.
61 keys for a beginner are fine in my opinion - depending on the classical stuff you want to play that could be limiting at some stage but for modern music 61 is fine. And yes I would definitely recommend the CT-S1 over the GOPiano. And since the CT-S1 isn’t crazy $$$$ you can always get an 88 key piano later on if you feel the need. Thanks for visiting the channel and for the kind words; feel feee to subscribe
From your experience, if I start with a 61 keys to learn piano and become good at playing the piano, will the transition to a 88 key piano be smooth or a hard learning curve all over again? I want to start with a 61 key because I don’t know if I will commit to a new skill. So at least if I don’t end up committing, it was only $200 spent rather than $500 for a 88 key piano.
It would be a totally smooth transition going to more keys from fewer keys! Going from 88 to 61 to would be challenging, but not the other way around. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thanks for your reply. I most likely will buy one this week. There’s two songs I want to master by December for Christmas family party. Owen Pallett - Photograph and Song on the beach. Hopefully 4 months is enough time lol if not, I’ll continue to push to master those two songs on the piano. Instead of spending my free time on endless gaming, I rather spend that time learning a new skill.
@@WidePhotographs You should! I got started playing piano when I broke my ankle and was laid up for a couple months in 2019 - I almost also jumped into endless video gaming but decided to learn something new instead, and now I'm hooked! I have reviews on some online courses I took that I highly recommend if you want to check into any of those: th-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html
Tony, you mentioned some features on this CTS1 that I'm particularly interested in. Layering especially. Can you confirm the following.... I don't own a CTS1 yet, and am not very familiar technically with some of the terminology. Does the layering you refer to mean that you can select a voice (a preset like pipe organ), then add one or more presets that will play along with the pipe organ simultaneously, like strings and piano, and you can adjust the volume of each additional layer you add, then store that in the CTS1, so it will load automatically whenever you turn on the unit ? I only play keyboard with the right hand on stage and use my left hand and feet for other things, so I'm interested in applying sustain that I want to any presets or layers without using the foot pedal. From what you know about the CTS1, are you able to control the sustain without using the foot pedal, and set the sustain level of the original preset and any presets that you layer ? BTW, your video is the first of many I've watched demoing the CTS1 that covers the layering in the most detail. Thanks . Another demo mentioned in reference to layering on the CTS1 that no other keyboard has this feature. I wish he had given more details, but hopefully you can provide that information.
Hey there! Thanks for checking out the channel! Yes you are correct that layering means you can select any preset voice and then add another to it so they play at the same time. You can only layer one voice though (so a total of 2). You can adjust the relative volumes of each voice, and if you WERE using a sustain pedal you could specify whether each voice sustains or not with the pedal (this is useful for piano centric players who have a common piano strings combination set up and only want the pedal to sustain the piano and not the strings). The CTS-1 also has a panel sustain (so have all voices automatically sustain for a set time (which you can set separately for voice 1 and voice 2 - so voice 1 sustains longer etc) so with that setting you don't need the pedal (so this is the setting you would be interested in from your message). So you are able to "control" the sustain without the pedal, but not "on the fly" (you need to set a sustain time for each voice ahead of time). As far as saving your settings the registrations section of the video (starts around the 25 minute mark) goes over the registrations and "My Setup" feature (the My Setup I think is the feature you're after). Basically there are 7 registration memory banks where you can load a configuration you have, but the "My Setup" registration bank can be set to load its settings whenever you turn the keyboard on. Hope that helps! Thanks again for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Dear PT, Many thanks for your concise reply. The features you just informed me about really set this keyboard apart from the rest. From what you just explained, I will definitely get a CTS1. A couple of examples of the CTS1 compared to my current Casio CTK 500, while the CTK 500 only has 2 quality organ presets, the pipe organ setting has a lot of built in reverb, great for a cathedral sound, but not out front enough for a lot of songs. The second organ sound has a little too much percussion built in, OK for some songs but too plunky sounding for other songs. The CTS1 seems to have more organ voices, plus you can add strings or piano voice to the desired volume and sustain to accompany the organ voice you select, etc. using the layering feature. It might make a great demo video, just showing some of the combinations you can create using the layering and "My Settings" feature. There's also the possibilities of using the CTS1 with a keyboard you already have, or even using two CTS1's on stage. For example, playing "Whiter Shade of Pale", I could have strings accompany the organ to get more of a full orchestra sound that Procul Harem does playing live. Another problem with the CTK 500 is that it automatically shuts off after about 2 minutes if you don't play it. This happens under either battery or A/C power, and that's a big problem. I tried laying something on the keys and turning down the volume till I'm ready to use the keyboard in a set, but it still shuts off. The only way I can figure out how to bypass that is to turn the volume down and hit a key every minute till I'm ready to use the keyboard.
I would like to ask if this keyboard ct-s1 have the ability to registered my performance from inside my own iphone to get more pure sound than my iPhone mic 🎤?
@@PianoTone I’m sorry. My question is when I record my playing piano by my mic mobile the sound is very bad and noisy i would like to record my playing piano from inside the piano to avoid the noise around me and get pure sound do u have any methods for this? How can i make this ?
@@bssomzqx5768 Oh ok. With the CT-S1, you will need a Y splitter cable (1/8" stereo to 2x1/4" mono) and an external audio interface box of some sort (like a Focusrite Scarlett) - the audio interface converts the analog audio coming from the piano into digital audio - then you connect the interface to a tablet, phone or pc with some recording software running. I did a basic video on all of this here: th-cam.com/video/wwa6_Kelbws/w-d-xo.html And there are lots of cheaper audio interfaces available on Amazon as well - make sure you get one with 2 ports (not just 1) Hope that helps!
***CASIO READ THIS !!!*** I agree with your "future product" suggestion.. a 76 Key version with 1/4" line outs WOULD sell like hot-cakes (as would a 36 key version) and I ALSO would buy one immediately. (+since the focus of this model is on portable+small) it could even be a 73 key piano (instead of 76) AND it could be made even a smidgon more compact by using the 159cm per octave "synth sized" keys that Yamaha has on the PSR-E373) which are just SLIGHTLY smaller than standard 164mm octave actual piano keys, (or even 160mm per octave keys that some other digital pianos use) or [I'm dreaming now cuz it would require molding+producing an entirely new key-size but] if they were to make a custom key that is 162mm per octave (then no one would EVER notice that the keys were too small, +there would be the added benefit that people with small hands (like myself) would probably prefer it that way as it would likely be "mysteriously easier to play" +just a LITTLE easier to reach octaves, while still being so similar that there would not be a problem shifting back and forth between that and a real piano. -That is a separate idea that I wish someone would run with.. (offering pianos in different key SIZES, rather than in different "key quantities"..) In the future such keyboards would probably be in demand the same way that people buy clothing in different sizes.. People could order their pianos (based on their hand size) in "large"=standard 164cm octave.. "extra-large"=165 cm octave,, "medium"=163mm octave,, "small"=162mm octave.. "extra-small"=161cm octave.. this would be a revolutionary new feature for the most high-end digital pianos of the future as it would actually be an IMPROVEMENT over an acoustic piano.. unless someone was crazy enough to offer the same thing in acoustic piano sizes as well, which could also be quite cool actually :)
@@PianoTone Nice!! +Does the CTS500 (OR the CT-S1) support half dampening with a sustain pedal or is it only an on and off switch? =the ONE million dollar unanswered question...
@@greendrinkguy1882 Hard NO on the CT-S1, and while I haven't actually seen or touched a CT-S500 I would have to say 99% chance no as well on the half pedaling
@@PianoTone SO SAD about the lack of 1/2 sustain ability! (even the Yamaha Reface CP with only 36 keys +hidden piano sound) has 1/2 sustain function. They really missed the boat on that critical detail.. -but THANKS for the info! (+all the great review videos..)
Thanks so much! To be honest I prefer the Casio quite a bit over the Roland; the Roland isn't bad, but I think it's a bit overpriced for what you get, and I really like the simplicity of the Casio interface. If you're looking for a "piano-like" super portable option, also check out the Korg Liano, it's my favorite in that category (88 keys, true full size, and a nicer feel than any of the competition): th-cam.com/video/tXKu-gwwXuo/w-d-xo.html Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Hey thanks for the quick response...I did subscribe.... and you are right, the Liano would make the most sense. Trouble is I'm in the Philippines...best I can find here is the Korg D1, I could order from Amazon and have is shipped, might be worth it..... I'm truly a minimalist when it comes to music... I'm a child of the 60's... I want, an Upright Piano for Honky Tonk and Rag, a clean Rhodes, a Wurli with a Leslie effect, and Vox Continental, and I'd be really pleased. More interested in playing then making....bad ears. Maybe add an effects loop, less hassle then hunt and peck....
Hey Tony, I was hoping to get your feedback on the keys of the CT-S1. I currently have a second-hand WK 6600 and while there is a little bit of side-to-side movement, they feel pretty solid. I was testing out a CT-S1 and while the up and down action of the keys is (just) okay, it felt like even THINKING of attempting a glissando would rip all of the keys off of the keyboard. Was I testing out a bad floor model or do the keys truly feel that unsturdy? Would really appreciate your feedback as I am currently lusting after the new CT-S500 and they are supposed to use the same keys. Cheers.
Hi there! Key action (especially on non weighted keys) is super personal and not easy to describe. I’ve never tried a 6600 before so I can’t compare it to that; I mostly play weighted keys (my preference is on the light side - I like the action on my new PX-S1100) and I find at least with my playing style that I’m way more comfortable and can transition easier to the CT-S1 than the key action on Yamaha’s PSR series for example (which some people love, I’m not a fan - they’re too “synthy” for me). I don’t find the keys on my CT-S1 to be “weak” or fragile feeling in any way (I can do poorly executed glissandos with ease ;) but they are definitely less solid than my PX-S1100 (it’s also 1/3 of the price). That being said, it is different for everyone so if you tried the action in a store and didn’t like it you might want to try another one somewhere else if possible to rule out the “bad demo unit” issue - the CT-S500 does look SUPER cool, but it will have the same key action. Not really a definitive answer, but hope it helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe. And let me know how you make out and what you get!
Hello, first of all, the review was great, but I live in Turkey and the Yamaha Piaggerro NP-12 model is more expensive than the Casio CT-S1 in our country, which one should I buy? Also, is the fabric structure on it solid or can it be used for a long time? thanks again
Hi there! I would buy the CT-S1 over the NP-12 if the CT-S1 was more expensive (the sounds are significantly better on the Casio). I don’t think the fabric is anything to worry about - I would highly recommend the Casio over the Piagerro. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Thanks so much! And yes the CT-S1 is usable as a MIDI controller so you can connect it to any DAW on whatever device to send MIDI through the appropriate cable. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Very neatly expected But couldn’t understand can I record from piano to fl studio? And use the piano as a drum kit with vst plugins? Can we directly connect the keyboard to pc via aux or do we need an audio interface
Hi there! You can use the CTS1 as a midi controller with just the correct usb cable; to record audio you would need an external audio interface (Casio never builds audio interfaces into their keyboards - Yamaha does). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
You only need an audio interface to record audio tracks from your keyboard (the sounds built into the CTS1). To just record midi sounds from your DAW you don’t need an audio interface
Great review. I just got this model yesterday and I love it. However, I think mine has a problem. You know how you’re supposed to hear a tone sound, low, high or multiple tones depending upon which setting you pick while holding down the function button and a key? Mine only clicks. No tone at all. Replacement on the way. Does yours give different tones rather than clicks, for example when setting Touch Response?
Hi there! You hear a tone when using the keys to select a voice (as opposed to using the buttons). For making settings changes it’s more of a click sound that can sound “bright”/higher or “dull”/lower. It’s a subtle sound and you may need headphones to be able to tell the lower one from the higher one (I’m always using headphones) but you get used to it. Hope that helps, and glad you like the keyboard (it is awesome). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Oh…I’m going to check it again to see if I can tell the differences in the clicks. Maybe that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Thanks for the speedy reply! Best! Subscribed! Now that I checked again, with headphones, I do detect the subtle differences in clicks higher and lower. Thanks again!
Thanks a bunch! That’s a tough one, both of those piano voices are amazing especially for the price! My personal preference is the CTS-1; to me it is a bit fuller sounding whereas the Yamaha is brighter. That could also be partly due to one of my favourite features of the CTS-1: Casio has pre-applied DSP effects to the voices on the CTS-1 (which is why the piano voice on the CTS-1 sounds better to me than the piano on the CTS-400 even though it’s the same sound chip). There are many DSP effects available to you on the Yamaha as well but you would have to set those up yourself. Hope that helps; again the piano sounds on both are fantastic for the price. Thanks for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe
Thanks! Good question too - they’re pretty similar both kind of a semi weighted feel and both closer to a weighted keyboard that most synth action keys are. The NP32 has a waterfall action which is actually kind of nice - the keys are slightly harder to press on the left than on the right, so that actually also is a BIT closer to actual piano action. Both are good to play. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I have 2 sustain pedals, both work with this keyboard: On-Stage KSP100: amzn.to/3Du7cMD M-Audio SP2: amzn.to/3ysVSNk They're both good, the M-Audio is a bit "heavier" to press, and it is also a bit bulkier and heavier to carry around (so I'm using that one with my Yamaha P125 which I don't move around as much, and using the On-Stage with my CTS-1). Any generic pedal with a 1/4" port will work, as long as it has a polarity switch (NEVER buy a pedal without a switch they won't work on everything) Thanks for checking out the channel!
Actually you can hear for yourself - in my review of the Bose S1 pro battery operated PA I demo the CTS1 from headphone port to different ports on the Bose (aux in, mic port etc) Bose S1 Pro Review th-cam.com/video/cdLwh0hk5uk/w-d-xo.html I think it sounds awesome (that’s a nice speaker too btw); only big drawback is you lose the onboard speakers when the headphone is engaged so you don’t have them as a monitor facing you.
@@PianoTone Ok, thanks, will check out that review. Btw, I agree with your wishlist item for something like the CT-S1 to be available in 76 keys. I rarely need 88 but 61 is a little skimpy sometimes.
On that note, you might also want to check out my new keyboard the Yamaha PSR-EW425; it’s 76 keys and it’s spectacular - I also have a video on my channel comparing the main piano on it to the CTS1 Yamaha PSR-E473 Review (& Yamaha PSR-EW425 Review) th-cam.com/video/uDN0uMncuWc/w-d-xo.html
@@PianoTone Thanks it was definitely a thorough review on your part. I’ve had my white Casio CTS-1 for about half a year now and being an owner of numerous keyboards (Roland, Yamaha, Casio) and two superb Yamaha 88 key digital pianos (P125 & P515) this Casio CTS-1 is my favorite portable keyboard. The AIX sound chip puts it above all the previous Casiotones and the minimalist look without wide real estate taken up by synthesizers and modules that I don’t need or care for, this keyboard is all I need for travel.
Thanks! Glad you liked the review! Yeah you can’t beat the portability combined with sound quality of the CTS-1. My main keyboard is a P125 which I love, but for some recent 2 person casual jam sessions I’m using the CTS1 instead - so easy to move around! The speakers aren’t super powerful, but I’ve just acquired a Bose S1 battery PA speaker that’s awesome and the CTS-1 sounds amazing through that
I've recently came across your channel. Thanks for this great in depth video. I was planning on buying keyboard, and I can't decide between Casio's CTS-1 and Yamaha's E373. I feel like CTS-1 is more elegant and that it offers quality over quantiny when it comes to voices, but since I'm a beginner, I feel like Rhythm Accompaniment is something I would be missing a lot when it comes to learning, was wondering what is your opinion? Those are the only two purchase options here in my country. So which one would you recommend more?
Hi there; thanks, glad you liked the review! Short answer: they are both great keyboards, either one is a good choice for a beginner. And I agree with your comments; the voices on the CT-S1 are amazing for the price, and I personally prefer the key action on the CT-S1; it isn't weighted, but it almost feels semi-weighted which is nice for me; the key action on the Yamaha is a synth action (and this is very personal; many people will prefer the Yamaha key action). And while the main piano voice on the Yamaha is spectacular, I find that keyboards with hundreds and hundreds of voices can be distracting. As far as rhythms go, I totally agree with you - it is way more fun and engaging to practice with a drumbeat than with a metronome. One thing to consider is: are you interested in the rhythms just as a drumbeat to keep you in time? or are you interested in the accompaniment as well (where you play a chord in your left hand and the "band" plays along with you)? If you are interested in the accompaniment style of playing keyboards, then the Yamaha would be a better choice. If you are like me and just want a drumbeat to play along with, you can use apps on your phone or tablet to do that with the CT-S1. I actually own a CT-S1 - I chose it as a portable option over the E373 because of the voices, the simplicity, and the key action, and I use it all the time with apps like Drumbeats by Ninebuzz, which provide basic drumbeats to practice with (you can connect an iPad to the CT-S1 through the audio in port and hear the drums out of the speakers/headphones). So once again, either one is going to be a great keyboard for you; the Yamaha has the rhythms built in so it might be a simpler solution for you, but there are apps out there that can provide rhythms for the CT-S1. Hope that helps! Let me know what you decide!
Yes the CTS-1 sends midi data over its USB micro B port (not from the USB type A port) so you need the correct cable (micro B to USB) - I have never owned a Mac, so I have no idea if there are built in drivers that will work or if you will have to download any so you might want to research that. Hope that helps, thanks for visiting the channel and feel free to subscribe!
I actually recently reviewed the Go piano here: Roland GO:Piano 61 Review th-cam.com/video/tXoj-gbBohw/w-d-xo.html It’s not a direct comparison to the CT-S1, but at the end I do talk about the CT-S1 as one of the competing options. Thanks for the kind words and for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thank you for your kind reply! I found your Roland review just after I posted my comment :D! But thank you anyway for posting the link! Keep up with your great videos! Really helpful, well structured and to the point.
That will depend on the audio interface and how you connect it (I connect using a stereo splitter cable so 1/8” stereo into the keyboard splits to 2x1/4” mono and I use 2 ports on my audio interface and I get stereo - it’s how I recorded the video)
@@PianoTone oh gosh, I just have aa focusrite scarlett solo... I think I made a terrible investment it has only one imput for line instruments, not two...
@@DarkVanities Just took another look at the specs and it looks like to record in stereo you would need the 2 input version, looks like the solo only outputs a mono signal. You could duplicate that mono signal in a DAW on both sides, but that's not really stereo though. The solo I think is intended more for vocals and a guitar/bass. But you also might want to test out your keyboard first just to see how the mono version comes through (unless it's a voice with auto panning L/R it may be ok as is)
@@PianoTone thank you for the explanation. but you know, i'm starting to realize that this could be the wrong keyboard for my needs. I'd like to play more instruments like harp, cello, iolin, viola in a keyboard and this one doesn't offer them unfortunately. at the same time i'm not interested in compllicated stuff such as the Yamaha 373, cause i'm not interested into arrangement or learning functions. i'd like to have something to compose music, or soundtracks. i don't know what to look at, probably because for sure i don't even know how much i'm really going to spend. i thought that 200 dollars would have been enough, but maybe that's not tue consindering my expectaions...
@@DarkVanities Well if you're looking for a lot of voices arranger keyboards like the Yamaha PSR-E series have that (you don't have to use the arranger features to access the big voice list). And the 373 has a USB audio interface which is nice for recording audio, and you can also use it to connect to more MIDI sounds on an app or software on a device if the sounds you want aren't available on the 373. I would look at the voice list for that keyboard and see if it looks like it has what you want.
Hi there! Yes you can connect it to your iPad with USB and lightning cable to send MIDI to the tablet and use apps (Chordana play, Casio music space, GarageBand, flowkey etc) If you want to stream audio from the iPad to the keyboard then connect the headphone out from the iPad to the Aux In on the keyboard (if you have a newer iPad without the 1/8” headphone port then you will need an adapter). Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
excellent review,🙏 so it is possible to disable the sustain in single-voice layer mode, i.e. piano/string, leave sustain only on the piano and deactivate it on the string. Maybe leaving a bit of release on the string would be a perfect layer.I saw another review where this possibility was denied for Cts1, it's a very good information , thanks
I now have a Casio CT-S1. I would call it decent for an adult beginner who has some external guidance or a good sense of direction. I don't think the industry makes a good keyboard for child and youth beginners. The CT-S1 would be except that the tones if produce are very mature, suitable for adults ears but not for kids. My general idea about these 61-key keyboards is that they are useful for people who have had some musical experience whatever that may be, even the limited experience I have had. For the rank beginner. someone with no experience whatsoever, I don't think that any of them are fully suitable. But the Casios with the AiX tone engine are the closest. I do think the industry needs to be called out for marketing these instruments as beginner instruments for kids when they are more likely to ruin somebody than they are to get someone started and moving in the right direction. I'm not an influencer, but I am a good researcher and a good critic, and I am trying to influence the influencers to speak out.
Before anything else, a keyboard of this type should be assessed as a beginner keyboard and as a type of -arranger- workstation keyboard. If the Casio CT-S1 improves on the sound and tone of the Casio CT-S200, that will make it acceptable as a beginner keyboard. I have a Casio CT-S200 in addition to an 88-key keyboard. The sound of the Casio CT-S200 is pretty bad. It is acceptable as -an arranger- a workstation for the features that it has. I would not want to see any beginner stuck with it. If Casio has made the tone acceptable in the CT-S1, then they have hit the sweet spot with an entry level keyboard that is acceptable for beginners, as -an arranger- a workstation and as a player as far as it goes. This a nice review, but it doesn't really cover the bases. I use the term arranger loosely. By arranger, I mean a small keyboard (sorry, arranger has a specific technical meaning that escaped me earlier) which can be used at least for song composition and which has MIDI output. I don't use MIDI and I doubt I ever will, but that's part of the general definition of any -arranger- workstation. My level as an instrumentalist is low, but I understand chord progression and do songwriting. I like the Casio CT-S200 for its form factor, action, keys and portability. The sound needs some help.
As I mentioned in your other comment on the channel, a keyboard like the CT-S1 is a great option for a beginner, but I also know gigging musicians who use it for busking or on stage with a band for its portability, so it’s not JUST a “beginner” keyboard. And FYI, the CT-S1 is not an arranger, it has no built in rhythms or arranger functionality (“arranger”=having built in rhythms and accompaniment that follow you as you play; it has nothing to do with being used as a MIDI keyboard, which pretty every keyboard in the market now can do)
@@PianoTone Point taken, and I did look up the definition. "Workstation" might be a better term then, but "workstation" probably connotes in people's minds some expensive piece of equipment loaded with features. What I was getting at is that these 61-key instruments are useful for people who have some capabilities already, even my minimal capabilities, but are not good beginner instruments. The Casio CT-S200 has good keys and action but poor sound. The Yamaha PSR-E263 has good sound, but the action, although good, is distinctly less piano like and the overload of features would not be good for a rank beginner either. My thought is that the Casio CT-S1 hits the sweet spot for functionality as a minimalist workstation, a beginner keyboard and a player's instrument. I may be able to preview one, or another Casio model with the same sound chip, in a couple of days. If the sound passes the sniff test, I will get one and sell my other two 61-key keyboards. Another issue is that the industry is selling these keyboards as beginner instruments when they do not have the features a beginner instrument should have. Another thing is that the industry has not, as far as I know, made enough of an effort to develop instructional materials unique to 61-key keyboards. Casio and Yamaha are international conglomerates. They can afford to commission the development of materials and put them in public domain. The various people who review digital keyboards on their TH-cam channels qualify as influencers. What I am trying to do is influence the influencers to speak out on the issue of the failure of the industry so far to produce actual beginner keyboards and the instructional materials to go with them. Hopefully, the influencers can wake up the industry. One size does not fit all. Apparently, the Casio CT-S1 meets the requirements of a good, economical small-form beginner keyboard. If it does, and I will soon know, it might be the first.
OK, so now that I've figured out that Casio doesn't even sell a single foot-pedal (other than their triple-pedal) that has 1/2 sustain function,, I've lost interest in Casio because this means that all of their portable piano's ALSO likely do not support 1/2 sustain function, so IDEA FOR FUTURE VIDEO = How about making a video that covers what are the portable battery powered digital pianos (made by ANYONE) that DO support 1/2 damper (1/2 sustain) function? (There are a thousand digital keyboard videos on youtube, but NONE of them cover this topic or even answer this question at all. It would make for a good video and a good comparison video is there are several to choose from.. Cheers !!
The Casio digital pianos (so not the Casiotone "keyboard line") for the most part support half pedaling (the PX-S series 1000/1100/3000/3100 do for sure) and I even the CDP series (cheaper ones) do as well (CDP-S160/S360). Casio actually makes a portable triple pedal unit that supports half pedaling (SP-34) - that's one thing that Yamaha doesn't do that I wish they did (a portable triple pedal); all of theirs have to be attached to their stand. I know the SP34 works with the PX-S series for sure (I assume it would work with the CDP as well but I don't know that for sure; or whether those ones need a stand with built in pedals).
@@PianoTone Thank you very much for the detailed information. I'm guessing that the cheaper ones CDP-S160/S360 don't have as good of a "sound" as the CT-S1?.. but I will find out..
@@PianoTone also my own (perhaps incomplete) investigation led me to the understanding that Casio did not even make a 1/2 damper SINGLE pedal so that if you actually wanted 1/2 damper you'd have to buy the triple, which largely defeats the purpose of "portable" battery powered keyboards because a triple pedal is a bit much to take outdoors, but I suppose I could use a Korg 1/2 damper pedal with one of those Casios instead.
61 voices on a 61 key keyboard... I feel like there was a huge missed opportunity to switch between the voices with each one being assigned to a different key on the keyboard. Oh well. The way Casio set it up is fine, too.
Hi there! Actually you can do that on the CTS-1. Hold down “tone variation” and each key will select one of the 61 tones (and gives you a preview of the tone when you hit it which is awesome). 28 of those 61 can also be selected using the panel buttons. Thanks for visiting the channel!
That's awesome! Without a screen, that's the design that would make the most sense to me for switching between the different voices. Thank you for the reply!
That bluetooth adapter is very very overpriced. Plus that it was very possible to integrate that little piece of hardware into the keyboard. So that little adapter costs a third of the whole keyboard 🤒 I googled on the internet and couldn't find if somebody already found a solution with a more affordable bluetooth adapter. Can you shine a light on this if probably a standard USB bluetooth adapter will work?
I totally agree the adapter isn’t worth the cost in my opinion either. I’d be very surprised if a standard adapter would work, but I’ve never tried one though. Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Most thorough view of all. This reviewer is a pro of some sort
Thanks alot, very appreciated - glad you enjoyed the review! And thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
This is the best demonstration of the Casio CT-S1. Clear and complete. Thank you.
Thanks so much glad you liked the review! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
This review was SO thorough, so organized, +so above average !! you're the type of guy that any company would want to hire.. THANK YOU !!
Hey thanks so much glad you liked the review! And thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
I'm so glad there are people like you on TH-cam that gives us very well in depth reviews
Hey thanks so much for the kind words, much appreciated! Feel free to subscribe!
Best review of this keyboard I've seen. After seeing this, I ordered one. I have an 88-key Casio that I use mostly as a controller on a bigger rig and plan to use this as a super-portable keyboard with a tablet.
Thanks so much glad you liked the review! What 88 key do you have?
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It would be perfect if Casiotone CT-S1 was a full size keyboard (12 key=165mm), maybe we should make a suggestion to Casio🥰@@PianoTone
@@flower-z6m That would be a good idea :)
They have it now, they do listen.
Love how you overlayed the text graphic and features over the video. Really helped me catch everything. Appreciated the discussion on the Chordana app too.
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I've been diving for the past few hours and this is the video that sold me. I have a full home studio and primarily use an Arturia 61 key controller for my artistic production. I need a digital with speakers so I can practice wherever I am. thank you
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Terrific review, far the best of several that I have watched on this keyboard. Friendly, casual, and pleasant to listen too and, yet, disciplined and focused on what is most important. I especially liked that the playing to illustrate the various voices and such was limited to what was needed and did not indulge in needless recital playing. Thanks, Piano Tone, good job!
EDIT: I just posted my interview before looking at any others. Great to see that I am far from alone in elevating this review as one that moved along -- without self-indulgence -- from one to another to another need-to-know topic.
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@@PianoTone
Thank you, this review was insanely informative, and an insanely useful reference with you breaking it up into chapters. This should be ranked higher
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Hey,
After burning for the Liano, In saw this one and tested it yesterday. Its more portable
The keys are have a good feeling and the sound is good. The bulid in speakers could have a bit more bass. Thanks for this review. Now thats mine. Bought it directly after testing.
That's awesome congrats! It is an awesome keyboard, hope you enjoy it. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
This was really helpful thank you! I've been considering finally getting a keyboard as a sort of beginner and having this thorough video explain so much about keyboards in general has been really enlightening!
Glad you found the video useful! This is a great keyboard option for a beginner as well. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Wow what a thorough and comprehensive review, you hit everything in such depth. I just ordered this and then found your review. I play jazz and light pop gigs and I'm just done with hauling around my big Yamaha 88 key behemoth. They don't pay musicians enough to do all that hauling. :-) I will be referring to your review when the keyboard arrives when I start exploring it. Thanks again!
Congrats on your new keyboard! And yeah I can relate - I used to play bass in bands and had a 100 lb amp to drag around lol. The CT-S1 is an awesome portable option - I have a review on my channel on my Bose S1 portable PA where I demo it with my CTS1 if you want to check that out
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Bose S1 Pro Review
th-cam.com/video/cdLwh0hk5uk/w-d-xo.html
Exactly the comparison I was looking for. helped me decide.. thank you.
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I really appreciate this video! It was very well organized and helpful! Currently I own a few vintage electric keyboards (1974 Hammond Series R124 and a 1977 Kustom 88; mimics a Rhodes) as well as a RockJam RJ88DP. I’ve always wanted a portable, high quality keyboard that looks stylish and has really good with, because of my interest in organs and EPs. I’ve always disliked the screens of digital pianos too, and was always drawn to the ‘red Nord’ look. Although I could never find one within my budget. After watching this video, and reading a bunch of reviews and comparisons, I’ve decided to upgrade and buy the Casiotone CT-S1! I am looking forward to the different tones and sound quality of them, and the sleek, smart design. It’ll be great for bringing to school to practice in jazz band, and gigging with my band. Thanks for the video! Gained a subscriber because of it :)
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the review! Your Hammond and Kustom 88 sound super cool. Hope you like your CT-S1 (it is an awesome keyboard).
And thanks for subcribing!
I like the Casiotone CT-S1, but it's not a full-size keyboard and I often make mistakes. I hope Casio will update to a full size keyboard (12key=165mm). Does anyone know how to adapt the keyboard to different sizes?
You'd just need to buy a different keyboard. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
Superb in depth review, think you have helped me to decide on trying this model with a view to purchasing, cheers 👍
Thanks so much glad the video was helpful- and thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone
I have done ✅
Very good review, thank you! I appreciate the detail and sound samples.
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Just the thing I wanted to watch right now ❤️
I knew you were waiting so I thought I should post it ASAP! ;). Thanks for checking it out!
Haha, and a fun fact, I ordered a Yamaha psrE373 and it arrives tomorrow 😍. Been wanting to buy it since months and finally tomorrow is the day.
@@averagesquares9140 Congrats that's awesome! You're going to love it, it is an awesome keyboard.
Very helpful, thank you!
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Great, thorough review Tony!!🎹❤️
Thanks so much!
Brilliant comprehensive review 😊❤
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Super good review! It covers a lot. And does it right to the point.
Thanks a lot!
Thanks so much, glad you liked the review!
Great review! Thanks for the info and demonstration!
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I had a Wurlitzer upright a dozen years ago...gave it away. This looks like my piano now. If I can stick to it, maybe a better one later. But for now, WOW!😁
I really need to try an actual Wurly and Rhodes one day . . . The CTS-1 is pretty amazing value though, hope you enjoy it if you decide to get one! Thanks for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe
Awesome review, very detailed. Thanks so much
Thanks a bunch glad you liked the review!
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Really good review video.
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Very good. So much depth
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Excellent review. Very comprehensive. Thanks.
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love my cts1 🎹😍
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Excellent review
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I was looking at this keyboard and the E373 and ended up purchasing the 373 as I play the organ and use keyboard for additional voices and what really made the decision that I did was I wanted the rhythm unit of which the 373 has a great one. I don't need the 600 voices of which many are duplicates and can be overwhelming and so much is available on the function key that is not easy or fast to use. Overall I like the keyboard. This Casio is a very nice keyboard with a great sound, too. Also, I have external speakers.
I also only use a small number of the voices 99% of the time. Pianos, e pianos and organs almost exclusively.
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@@PianoTone I would like to add I had a much older Casio ----not a bad piano but one of the draws of the newer keyboards besides piano that has blown me away are the lush strings! Also I love the combination piano and strings!!
Great review! I just ordered this keyboard because I am trying to make my busking setup lighter. I also have a grand piano, an old Nord Electro 73 and a Yamaha Genos that I have taken out to gigs and busking, but it’s pretty big and also expensive so am fearful of taking it out. Having an inexpensive keyboard is good in that regard. The problem with the Nord is that the keybed bothers me - literally makes my hands ache, plus it is noisy/clacky. Looking forward to finding out if I like this action better.
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed the review! Oh and if you need a bag for the CT-S1, the bag I just got for my Yamaha CK61 fits it beautifully (all the generic bags I tried are wayyy too big, and Casios custom bag is almost the same price as the keyboard).
th-cam.com/video/QTbU0F9oXzI/w-d-xo.html
Hope your keyboard arrives soon and congrats on the purchase; thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe.
They might have listened to this review, I'm seeing a CT-S1 76 version online these days. 🙂
LE: Oh, you have it in the description lol.
LOL yeah. Haven't seen one in person yet, but hoping to soon so I can test the new speakers. Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to describe
waiting the cts 400 review! very deteailed reviews😊
Thanks so much! Hopefully my local music store will have the CTS400 available for rent soon
Great review, many thanks. One error, maybe, in the final chapter? I don't think the keys are /quite/ full size.
Thanks so much! It's an error and also isn't lol. I actually talk about that in some other reviews; almost all synth action keyboards (like the CT-S1) are marketed as "full-size keys" but have a slightly narrower octave width (159-160mm vs 165 mm). I'm still just a beginner but I definitely have found that challenging (moving back and forth between full size keys on my piano and the narrower width). I just reviewed the Alesis Recital 61 which does have "true full size keys" (I may have coined that term myself) and I talk about the differences with the key sizes in that review if you want to check it out: th-cam.com/video/jb9kRdayQ9c/w-d-xo.html
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HI I bought one after checking this .Though the Piano tones all are not the way I wanted ,but its way better than the other Yamaha , Casio models where you are forced to use unwanted tones of various other instruments . I would like to enhance the sound with better layering and sustain timing . Please do a review with MIDI input , if I can have back ground accompaniment of generic music like pop, jazz, rock , country etc .
Hi there; there is no MIDI in on the CT-S1, so you can send MIDI OUT to a MIDI app on a device (and then listen through that device's speakers/headphones). You can stream audio in using the aux in port, but not MIDI.
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An app for all the settings that connects to the keyboard via Bluetooth or usb would be a good idea. It’s a lot of work memorizing key switches or having to use the manual.
Definitely would be nice - I printed out the two guides from the manual (one with all 61 voices and another with the functions) onto thick stiff paper that I keep handy and it’s been working fine for me (and I’m starting to memorize how to do a lot of common things). I was thinking of making a template for printing out clear labels that could be attached for some common functions…
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Thank u so much for this
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@@PianoTone hello. I have question about the audio interface. Is behringer um2 works with Casio Ct s1 for recording?
@@bssomzqx5768 Any audio interface will work with any keyboard or piano that has an audio output (so either L/R line outs or at least a headphone port; the line outs are preferred and better quality signal, but the headphone port works). The CT-S1 only has a headphone out so you would have to use that, but it will work with any audio interface
Hello, thanks demonstration as always. I am between this one, the korg liano and the NP 35. I mainly use it to learn to play gospel songs and later I want to learn to play easy classical music. Which one would fit my needs and which one has beautiful sounds and feel more comfortable when playing. Sorry for my long question. Thank you for your time and for such meaningful insights
I would definitely recommend the Korg Liano over the Casio CT-S1 especially for classical music; not as many sounds, but beautiful piano, 88 keys, and the keys are much more "piano-like" than the CT-S1 (and the Korg keys are true full size which is also nice). I haven't reviewed the NP35 yet but plan to in the next couple of months.
Hope that helps!
Thank you for your help
Guess I'll be going with this OR the arranger version of this, the CT-S400
If you’re wanting the arranger features then that one will definitely be a strong competitor for the Yamaha PSR E373; I didn’t need arranger features and love the voices and the button interface on the CTS-1 so it was perfect for me. Keep in mind not all the voices on the CTS-1 are on the 400 (if you go to the Casio website and look at the manuals for each keyboard and compare the voice list you can check that out)
@@PianoTone yeah, I remembered that the CT-S400 doesn't have some of the CT-S1's sounds, so I just picked the CT-S1
Plus I knew that the CT-S1 has a bit more durable materials on it than the CT-S400
@@jamesivanmarionrosete5191 Congrats that's awesome! Enjoy your CTS-1 (I just finished playing mine for 2 hours straight ;)
I bought the Casio CT-X800, but as I have never played the keyboard, I found the interface extremely complex. I don't intend to use accompaniments, effects, or anything beyond the traditional piano sound. In this case, is the CTS1 superior to the CTX800 and CTS300?
I ask this because I returned the CTX800 and am looking for a replacement.
The CTS1 is super simple for selecting the MAIN sounds, and you can “memorize” a few setups for quick recall, but doing things like layering, transposing, adjusting relative volumes or selecting “extra” sounds all requires key combinations (there is no menu) so … answer is yes it’s awesome and easy if you just want to use the main sounds, and no if you want to do advanced stuff, so since you said you only tend to use the main sounds etc? You’ll probably love it.
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Hi Tony, great review! Interested in this as a beginner piano but have to travel often - is this an appropriate choice to learn on and gauge interest before transitioning to an 88? Thanks!
Thanks! And it would be a great travel option because it’s so light, small and runs on batteries. Has full size keys and touch sensitivity which is also important - it will be an adjustment going to fully weighted but these are heavier feeling than most synth actions and non weighted means portable so yes I think it’s a great choice!
If the cts1 and go piano were the same price, which would you say are better value for a beginner?
CT-S1 by far is the better choice in my opinion (I’m not a huge fan of the GO piano).
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Are there violin, viola, celllo, harp sounds also? I like this keyboard, but this keyboard doesn't have an audio interface integrated right? did I understand right? with the auto/sustein, is it true that i don-t neeed essentially a pedal and that i can enable or disable the lenght of a note or a chord?
Hi there! Here is a copy of the voice list: pianotone.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CTS1-Voices.png
No there is no USB audio interface (Casio never seems to include those). And the auto sustain adds configurable sustain time (but for piano you will always be better off with a pedal for more control).
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How do the keys feel ?
They’re synth keys (so not weighted or semi weighted) but they are on the heavy side for synth keys. They’re heavier feeling (and I like them better than) the keys on the Casiotone 300 or the Yamaha PSR E373; I’d describe them as feeling almost semi-weighted.
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Can you explain the CT-S1 cable to host function and what kind of cable does it use ?
The USB to host port (uses a Micro-B USB to USB A cable) to connect to a device (pc,tablet,iPad/phone etc - for a phone or tablet you will need an adapter like a lightning adapter for an iPad). This cable will send MIDI data to MIDI compatible software/apps on your device (GarageBand or other DAW recording apps, or to a learning app like Simply Piano, etc).
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Comprehensive and thorough review, thanks. I'm a beginner and want to teach myself. Was pretty much set on the Roland Go Piano till I saw your review and was steered here instead. TBH portability isn't top of my list of priorities but it just feels more apt to me as beginner to have a smaller keyboard? the 88 versions all look like absolute beasts. Reckon I'd really miss those extra keys? Most songs don't use them, right? Want to play a mixture of classical/pop. Guess I don't wanna pay the outlay for a larger unit. The prices seem to jump exponentially for a full sized one.
61 keys for a beginner are fine in my opinion - depending on the classical stuff you want to play that could be limiting at some stage but for modern music 61 is fine. And yes I would definitely recommend the CT-S1 over the GOPiano.
And since the CT-S1 isn’t crazy $$$$ you can always get an 88 key piano later on if you feel the need.
Thanks for visiting the channel and for the kind words; feel feee to subscribe
@@PianoTone thanks for the advice
From your experience, if I start with a 61 keys to learn piano and become good at playing the piano, will the transition to a 88 key piano be smooth or a hard learning curve all over again?
I want to start with a 61 key because I don’t know if I will commit to a new skill. So at least if I don’t end up committing, it was only $200 spent rather than $500 for a 88 key piano.
It would be a totally smooth transition going to more keys from fewer keys! Going from 88 to 61 to would be challenging, but not the other way around.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thanks for your reply. I most likely will buy one this week. There’s two songs I want to master by December for Christmas family party. Owen Pallett - Photograph and Song on the beach.
Hopefully 4 months is enough time lol if not, I’ll continue to push to master those two songs on the piano.
Instead of spending my free time on endless gaming, I rather spend that time learning a new skill.
@@WidePhotographs You should! I got started playing piano when I broke my ankle and was laid up for a couple months in 2019 - I almost also jumped into endless video gaming but decided to learn something new instead, and now I'm hooked!
I have reviews on some online courses I took that I highly recommend if you want to check into any of those: th-cam.com/play/PL_W0EMCT9oNb7OQ7TiB0WHZv7K4k1bScA.html
Tony, you mentioned some features on this CTS1 that I'm particularly interested in.
Layering especially. Can you confirm the following.... I don't own a CTS1 yet, and am not very familiar technically with some of the terminology. Does the layering you refer to mean that you can select a voice (a preset like pipe organ), then add one or more presets that will play along with the pipe organ simultaneously, like strings and piano, and you can adjust the volume of each additional layer you add, then store that in the CTS1, so it will load automatically whenever you turn on the unit ? I only play keyboard with the right hand on stage and use my left hand and feet for other things, so I'm interested in applying sustain that I want to any presets or layers without using the foot pedal. From what you know about the CTS1, are you able to control the sustain without using the foot pedal, and set the sustain level of the original preset and any presets that you layer ? BTW, your video is the first of many I've watched demoing the CTS1 that covers the layering in the most detail. Thanks . Another demo mentioned in reference to layering on the CTS1 that no other keyboard has this feature.
I wish he had given more details, but hopefully you can provide that information.
Hey there! Thanks for checking out the channel! Yes you are correct that layering means you can select any preset voice and then add another to it so they play at the same time. You can only layer one voice though (so a total of 2). You can adjust the relative volumes of each voice, and if you WERE using a sustain pedal you could specify whether each voice sustains or not with the pedal (this is useful for piano centric players who have a common piano strings combination set up and only want the pedal to sustain the piano and not the strings). The CTS-1 also has a panel sustain (so have all voices automatically sustain for a set time (which you can set separately for voice 1 and voice 2 - so voice 1 sustains longer etc) so with that setting you don't need the pedal (so this is the setting you would be interested in from your message). So you are able to "control" the sustain without the pedal, but not "on the fly" (you need to set a sustain time for each voice ahead of time).
As far as saving your settings the registrations section of the video (starts around the 25 minute mark) goes over the registrations and "My Setup" feature (the My Setup I think is the feature you're after). Basically there are 7 registration memory banks where you can load a configuration you have, but the "My Setup" registration bank can be set to load its settings whenever you turn the keyboard on.
Hope that helps! Thanks again for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Dear PT, Many thanks for your concise reply. The features you just informed me about really set this keyboard apart from the rest.
From what you just explained, I will definitely get a CTS1.
A couple of examples of the CTS1 compared to my current Casio CTK 500, while the CTK 500 only has 2 quality organ presets, the pipe organ setting has a lot of built in reverb, great for a cathedral sound, but not out front enough for a lot of songs. The second organ sound has a little too much percussion built in, OK for some songs but too plunky sounding for other songs.
The CTS1 seems to have more organ voices, plus you can add strings or piano voice to the desired volume and sustain to accompany the organ voice you select, etc. using the layering feature.
It might make a great demo video, just showing some of the combinations you can create using the layering and "My Settings" feature.
There's also the possibilities of using the CTS1 with a keyboard you already have, or even using two CTS1's on stage. For example, playing "Whiter Shade of Pale", I could have strings accompany the organ to get more of a full orchestra sound that Procul Harem does playing live.
Another problem with the CTK 500 is that it automatically shuts off after about 2 minutes if you don't play it. This happens under either battery or A/C power, and that's a big problem. I tried laying something on the keys and turning down the volume till I'm ready to use the keyboard in a set, but it still shuts off. The only way I can figure out how to bypass that is to turn the volume down and hit a key every minute till I'm ready to use the keyboard.
I would like to ask if this keyboard ct-s1 have the ability to registered my performance from inside my own iphone to get more pure sound than my iPhone mic 🎤?
Hi I don't understand what you are asking; are you asking if the CTS1 has a mic input? If so, no it does not.
@@PianoTone I’m sorry. My question is when I record my playing piano by my mic mobile the sound is very bad and noisy i would like to record my playing piano from inside the piano to avoid the noise around me and get pure sound do u have any methods for this? How can i make this ?
@@bssomzqx5768 Oh ok. With the CT-S1, you will need a Y splitter cable (1/8" stereo to 2x1/4" mono) and an external audio interface box of some sort (like a Focusrite Scarlett) - the audio interface converts the analog audio coming from the piano into digital audio - then you connect the interface to a tablet, phone or pc with some recording software running.
I did a basic video on all of this here: th-cam.com/video/wwa6_Kelbws/w-d-xo.html
And there are lots of cheaper audio interfaces available on Amazon as well - make sure you get one with 2 ports (not just 1)
Hope that helps!
@@PianoTone I don’t know how can i thank u for this explanation. U r a good man thank u so much 🤍
***CASIO READ THIS !!!*** I agree with your "future product" suggestion.. a 76 Key version with 1/4" line outs WOULD sell like hot-cakes (as would a 36 key version) and I ALSO would buy one immediately. (+since the focus of this model is on portable+small) it could even be a 73 key piano (instead of 76) AND it could be made even a smidgon more compact by using the 159cm per octave "synth sized" keys that Yamaha has on the PSR-E373) which are just SLIGHTLY smaller than standard 164mm octave actual piano keys, (or even 160mm per octave keys that some other digital pianos use) or [I'm dreaming now cuz it would require molding+producing an entirely new key-size but] if they were to make a custom key that is 162mm per octave (then no one would EVER notice that the keys were too small, +there would be the added benefit that people with small hands (like myself) would probably prefer it that way as it would likely be "mysteriously easier to play" +just a LITTLE easier to reach octaves, while still being so similar that there would not be a problem shifting back and forth between that and a real piano. -That is a separate idea that I wish someone would run with.. (offering pianos in different key SIZES, rather than in different "key quantities"..) In the future such keyboards would probably be in demand the same way that people buy clothing in different sizes.. People could order their pianos (based on their hand size) in "large"=standard 164cm octave.. "extra-large"=165 cm octave,, "medium"=163mm octave,, "small"=162mm octave.. "extra-small"=161cm octave.. this would be a revolutionary new feature for the most high-end digital pianos of the future as it would actually be an IMPROVEMENT over an acoustic piano.. unless someone was crazy enough to offer the same thing in acoustic piano sizes as well, which could also be quite cool actually :)
They do have new ones with line outs (CT-S500); not 76 keys though :(
@@PianoTone Nice!! +Does the CTS500 (OR the CT-S1) support half dampening with a sustain pedal or is it only an on and off switch? =the ONE million dollar unanswered question...
@@greendrinkguy1882 Hard NO on the CT-S1, and while I haven't actually seen or touched a CT-S500 I would have to say 99% chance no as well on the half pedaling
@@PianoTone SO SAD about the lack of 1/2 sustain ability! (even the Yamaha Reface CP with only 36 keys +hidden piano sound) has 1/2 sustain function. They really missed the boat on that critical detail.. -but THANKS for the info! (+all the great review videos..)
Excellent review, how would you compare this to Roland's Go Keys?
Thanks so much! To be honest I prefer the Casio quite a bit over the Roland; the Roland isn't bad, but I think it's a bit overpriced for what you get, and I really like the simplicity of the Casio interface. If you're looking for a "piano-like" super portable option, also check out the Korg Liano, it's my favorite in that category (88 keys, true full size, and a nicer feel than any of the competition): th-cam.com/video/tXKu-gwwXuo/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Hey thanks for the quick response...I did subscribe.... and you are right, the Liano would make the most sense. Trouble is I'm in the Philippines...best I can find here is the Korg D1, I could order from Amazon and have is shipped, might be worth it..... I'm truly a minimalist when it comes to music... I'm a child of the 60's... I want, an Upright Piano for Honky Tonk and Rag, a clean Rhodes, a Wurli with a Leslie effect, and Vox Continental, and I'd be really pleased. More interested in playing then making....bad ears. Maybe add an effects loop, less hassle then hunt and peck....
Oh hell yes! And a harpsichord, too! My wallet and I are very happy!😁
There are some great sounds on this keyboard; even a mellotron (Strawberry Fields) - super cool!
Hey Tony, I was hoping to get your feedback on the keys of the CT-S1. I currently have a second-hand WK 6600 and while there is a little bit of side-to-side movement, they feel pretty solid. I was testing out a CT-S1 and while the up and down action of the keys is (just) okay, it felt like even THINKING of attempting a glissando would rip all of the keys off of the keyboard. Was I testing out a bad floor model or do the keys truly feel that unsturdy? Would really appreciate your feedback as I am currently lusting after the new CT-S500 and they are supposed to use the same keys. Cheers.
Hi there! Key action (especially on non weighted keys) is super personal and not easy to describe. I’ve never tried a 6600 before so I can’t compare it to that; I mostly play weighted keys (my preference is on the light side - I like the action on my new PX-S1100) and I find at least with my playing style that I’m way more comfortable and can transition easier to the CT-S1 than the key action on Yamaha’s PSR series for example (which some people love, I’m not a fan - they’re too “synthy” for me). I don’t find the keys on my CT-S1 to be “weak” or fragile feeling in any way (I can do poorly executed glissandos with ease ;) but they are definitely less solid than my PX-S1100 (it’s also 1/3 of the price).
That being said, it is different for everyone so if you tried the action in a store and didn’t like it you might want to try another one somewhere else if possible to rule out the “bad demo unit” issue - the CT-S500 does look SUPER cool, but it will have the same key action.
Not really a definitive answer, but hope it helps! Thanks for checking out the channel, feel free to subscribe.
And let me know how you make out and what you get!
@@PianoTone Thanks for the quick reply. Hopefully one day soon I can find a demo unit of the CT S500 and feel for myself. I'll keep you posted.
Hello, first of all, the review was great, but I live in Turkey and the Yamaha Piaggerro NP-12 model is more expensive than the Casio CT-S1 in our country, which one should I buy? Also, is the fabric structure on it solid or can it be used for a long time? thanks again
Hi there! I would buy the CT-S1 over the NP-12 if the CT-S1 was more expensive (the sounds are significantly better on the Casio). I don’t think the fabric is anything to worry about - I would highly recommend the Casio over the Piagerro.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
First of all, I would like to thank you for your comment and interest. I will choose Casio CTS-1, thank you again.
I even subscribed
@@imalper1865 No problem, and congrats! I hope you enjoy your CT-S1! And thanks for subscribing!
Great review! Does it work on daws like Logic Pro?
Thanks so much! And yes the CT-S1 is usable as a MIDI controller so you can connect it to any DAW on whatever device to send MIDI through the appropriate cable.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Very neatly expected
But couldn’t understand can I record from piano to fl studio? And use the piano as a drum kit with vst plugins? Can we directly connect the keyboard to pc via aux or do we need an audio interface
Hi there! You can use the CTS1 as a midi controller with just the correct usb cable; to record audio you would need an external audio interface (Casio never builds audio interfaces into their keyboards - Yamaha does).
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone so I can program any instrument in the apps but if I need to record my keyboard sounds I need an audio interface. Am I right?
You only need an audio interface to record audio tracks from your keyboard (the sounds built into the CTS1). To just record midi sounds from your DAW you don’t need an audio interface
Great review. I just got this model yesterday and I love it. However, I think mine has a problem. You know how you’re supposed to hear a tone sound, low, high or multiple tones depending upon which setting you pick while holding down the function button and a key? Mine only clicks. No tone at all. Replacement on the way. Does yours give different tones rather than clicks, for example when setting Touch Response?
Hi there! You hear a tone when using the keys to select a voice (as opposed to using the buttons). For making settings changes it’s more of a click sound that can sound “bright”/higher or “dull”/lower. It’s a subtle sound and you may need headphones to be able to tell the lower one from the higher one (I’m always using headphones) but you get used to it.
Hope that helps, and glad you like the keyboard (it is awesome). Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Oh…I’m going to check it again to see if I can tell the differences in the clicks. Maybe that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Thanks for the speedy reply! Best! Subscribed!
Now that I checked again, with headphones, I do detect the subtle differences in clicks higher and lower. Thanks again!
Thanks for the detailed review. When it comes to piano sounds which sounds better - CT S1 or E373? Which one do you prefer?
Thanks a bunch! That’s a tough one, both of those piano voices are amazing especially for the price! My personal preference is the CTS-1; to me it is a bit fuller sounding whereas the Yamaha is brighter. That could also be partly due to one of my favourite features of the CTS-1: Casio has pre-applied DSP effects to the voices on the CTS-1 (which is why the piano voice on the CTS-1 sounds better to me than the piano on the CTS-400 even though it’s the same sound chip). There are many DSP effects available to you on the Yamaha as well but you would have to set those up yourself.
Hope that helps; again the piano sounds on both are fantastic for the price. Thanks for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thanks a lot for such a comprehensive answer. Subscribed!
Nice review. How would you compare the key action on the CT-S1 to the NP-32?
Thanks! Good question too - they’re pretty similar both kind of a semi weighted feel and both closer to a weighted keyboard that most synth action keys are. The NP32 has a waterfall action which is actually kind of nice - the keys are slightly harder to press on the left than on the right, so that actually also is a BIT closer to actual piano action. Both are good to play.
Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
Can you recommend the best 1 sustain pedal to use with the keyboard?
I have 2 sustain pedals, both work with this keyboard:
On-Stage KSP100: amzn.to/3Du7cMD
M-Audio SP2: amzn.to/3ysVSNk
They're both good, the M-Audio is a bit "heavier" to press, and it is also a bit bulkier and heavier to carry around (so I'm using that one with my Yamaha P125 which I don't move around as much, and using the On-Stage with my CTS-1).
Any generic pedal with a 1/4" port will work, as long as it has a polarity switch (NEVER buy a pedal without a switch they won't work on everything)
Thanks for checking out the channel!
I like that you even found a good use for the goofy "Wah clavinet" voice
Lol :)
How is the sound quality on the CT-S1 when you run it to an amp via the microphone jack? Does the sound lose anything or pickup any background noise?
Actually you can hear for yourself - in my review of the Bose S1 pro battery operated PA I demo the CTS1 from headphone port to different ports on the Bose (aux in, mic port etc)
Bose S1 Pro Review
th-cam.com/video/cdLwh0hk5uk/w-d-xo.html
I think it sounds awesome (that’s a nice speaker too btw); only big drawback is you lose the onboard speakers when the headphone is engaged so you don’t have them as a monitor facing you.
@@PianoTone Ok, thanks, will check out that review. Btw, I agree with your wishlist item for something like the CT-S1 to be available in 76 keys. I rarely need 88 but 61 is a little skimpy sometimes.
On that note, you might also want to check out my new keyboard the Yamaha PSR-EW425; it’s 76 keys and it’s spectacular - I also have a video on my channel comparing the main piano on it to the CTS1
Yamaha PSR-E473 Review (& Yamaha PSR-EW425 Review)
th-cam.com/video/uDN0uMncuWc/w-d-xo.html
Will this 61 keyboard be accepted on a plane as a carry on? Because of it’s measurements being beyond the accepted for carry-ons I’m wondering.
To be honest I have no idea - you’d have to ask your airline that question. Thanks for checking out the review!
@@PianoTone Thanks it was definitely a thorough review on your part. I’ve had my white Casio CTS-1 for about half a year now and being an owner of numerous keyboards (Roland, Yamaha, Casio) and two superb Yamaha 88 key digital pianos
(P125 & P515) this Casio CTS-1 is my favorite portable keyboard. The AIX sound chip puts it above all the previous Casiotones and the minimalist look without wide real estate taken up by synthesizers and modules that I don’t need or care for, this keyboard is all I need for travel.
Thanks! Glad you liked the review! Yeah you can’t beat the portability combined with sound quality of the CTS-1. My main keyboard is a P125 which I love, but for some recent 2 person casual jam sessions I’m using the CTS1 instead - so easy to move around! The speakers aren’t super powerful, but I’ve just acquired a Bose S1 battery PA speaker that’s awesome and the CTS-1 sounds amazing through that
@@PianoTone Agree about using Bose speaker amp. Happen to have same!
I've recently came across your channel. Thanks for this great in depth video. I was planning on buying keyboard, and I can't decide between Casio's CTS-1 and Yamaha's E373. I feel like CTS-1 is more elegant and that it offers quality over quantiny when it comes to voices, but since I'm a beginner, I feel like Rhythm Accompaniment is something I would be missing a lot when it comes to learning, was wondering what is your opinion? Those are the only two purchase options here in my country. So which one would you recommend more?
Hi there; thanks, glad you liked the review! Short answer: they are both great keyboards, either one is a good choice for a beginner. And I agree with your comments; the voices on the CT-S1 are amazing for the price, and I personally prefer the key action on the CT-S1; it isn't weighted, but it almost feels semi-weighted which is nice for me; the key action on the Yamaha is a synth action (and this is very personal; many people will prefer the Yamaha key action). And while the main piano voice on the Yamaha is spectacular, I find that keyboards with hundreds and hundreds of voices can be distracting. As far as rhythms go, I totally agree with you - it is way more fun and engaging to practice with a drumbeat than with a metronome.
One thing to consider is: are you interested in the rhythms just as a drumbeat to keep you in time? or are you interested in the accompaniment as well (where you play a chord in your left hand and the "band" plays along with you)? If you are interested in the accompaniment style of playing keyboards, then the Yamaha would be a better choice. If you are like me and just want a drumbeat to play along with, you can use apps on your phone or tablet to do that with the CT-S1.
I actually own a CT-S1 - I chose it as a portable option over the E373 because of the voices, the simplicity, and the key action, and I use it all the time with apps like Drumbeats by Ninebuzz, which provide basic drumbeats to practice with (you can connect an iPad to the CT-S1 through the audio in port and hear the drums out of the speakers/headphones).
So once again, either one is going to be a great keyboard for you; the Yamaha has the rhythms built in so it might be a simpler solution for you, but there are apps out there that can provide rhythms for the CT-S1.
Hope that helps! Let me know what you decide!
@@PianoTone this is a great reply! The only concrete answer in choosing yamaha psr-e373 or casiotone ct-s1.
@@rmcf3972 Thanks!
If we connect the USB port on the CT-S1 to the USB port on a Mac, could the CT-S1 serve as a controller for Virtual Instruments??
Yes the CTS-1 sends midi data over its USB micro B port (not from the USB type A port) so you need the correct cable (micro B to USB) - I have never owned a Mac, so I have no idea if there are built in drivers that will work or if you will have to download any so you might want to research that.
Hope that helps, thanks for visiting the channel and feel free to subscribe!
Needs the Ct-S1 be powered (plug or batteries) when connected midi to an iPad? not sure, but it would be interesting to forget batteries and power
Thank you for this great review! Could you please do a comparison with the Roland Go Piano 61??
I actually recently reviewed the Go piano here: Roland GO:Piano 61 Review
th-cam.com/video/tXoj-gbBohw/w-d-xo.html
It’s not a direct comparison to the CT-S1, but at the end I do talk about the CT-S1 as one of the competing options.
Thanks for the kind words and for visiting the channel, feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone Thank you for your kind reply! I found your Roland review just after I posted my comment :D! But thank you anyway for posting the link!
Keep up with your great videos! Really helpful, well structured and to the point.
I use an irigpro 37 with a module can take on bus and play on my lap
Cool! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
does it record in stereo or mono if i connect it to the audio interface trough the headphone jack output?
That will depend on the audio interface and how you connect it (I connect using a stereo splitter cable so 1/8” stereo into the keyboard splits to 2x1/4” mono and I use 2 ports on my audio interface and I get stereo - it’s how I recorded the video)
@@PianoTone oh gosh, I just have aa focusrite scarlett solo... I think I made a terrible investment it has only one imput for line instruments, not two...
@@DarkVanities Just took another look at the specs and it looks like to record in stereo you would need the 2 input version, looks like the solo only outputs a mono signal. You could duplicate that mono signal in a DAW on both sides, but that's not really stereo though. The solo I think is intended more for vocals and a guitar/bass. But you also might want to test out your keyboard first just to see how the mono version comes through (unless it's a voice with auto panning L/R it may be ok as is)
@@PianoTone thank you for the explanation. but you know, i'm starting to realize that this could be the wrong keyboard for my needs. I'd like to play more instruments like harp, cello, iolin, viola in a keyboard and this one doesn't offer them unfortunately. at the same time i'm not interested in compllicated stuff such as the Yamaha 373, cause i'm not interested into arrangement or learning functions. i'd like to have something to compose music, or soundtracks. i don't know what to look at, probably because for sure i don't even know how much i'm really going to spend. i thought that 200 dollars would have been enough, but maybe that's not tue consindering my expectaions...
@@DarkVanities Well if you're looking for a lot of voices arranger keyboards like the Yamaha PSR-E series have that (you don't have to use the arranger features to access the big voice list). And the 373 has a USB audio interface which is nice for recording audio, and you can also use it to connect to more MIDI sounds on an app or software on a device if the sounds you want aren't available on the 373. I would look at the voice list for that keyboard and see if it looks like it has what you want.
Hey I have a question does the keyboard allow plug ins? thanks
If you’re asking if it can be used as a MIDI controller with a device that has audio plugins/VST etc then yes it can! Thanks for visiting the channel!
Can I connect the keyboard to my iPad using an USB to lightning cable?
Or can I connect it to my iPad in any other way than the Midi bluetooth attachment?
Hi there! Yes you can connect it to your iPad with USB and lightning cable to send MIDI to the tablet and use apps (Chordana play, Casio music space, GarageBand, flowkey etc)
If you want to stream audio from the iPad to the keyboard then connect the headphone out from the iPad to the Aux In on the keyboard (if you have a newer iPad without the 1/8” headphone port then you will need an adapter).
Hope that helps! Thanks for checking out the channel feel free to subscribe
@@PianoTone thank you so much for the reply this helps a lot ❤️❤️❤️
excellent review,🙏 so it is possible to disable the sustain in single-voice layer mode, i.e. piano/string, leave sustain only on the piano and deactivate it on the string. Maybe leaving a bit of release on the string would be a perfect layer.I saw another review where this possibility was denied for Cts1, it's a very good information , thanks
Thanks
Thanks for checking out the review
I now have a Casio CT-S1. I would call it decent for an adult beginner who has some external guidance or a good sense of direction. I don't think the industry makes a good keyboard for child and youth beginners. The CT-S1 would be except that the tones if produce are very mature, suitable for adults ears but not for kids.
My general idea about these 61-key keyboards is that they are useful for people who have had some musical experience whatever that may be, even the limited experience I have had. For the rank beginner. someone with no experience whatsoever, I don't think that any of them are fully suitable. But the Casios with the AiX tone engine are the closest.
I do think the industry needs to be called out for marketing these instruments as beginner instruments for kids when they are more likely to ruin somebody than they are to get someone started and moving in the right direction. I'm not an influencer, but I am a good researcher and a good critic, and I am trying to influence the influencers to speak out.
Thanks for sharing that - interesting opinion!
Octave shift.... I guess that compensates for not having 88 Keys. Very interesting...
I play mostly pop/rock/blues so for most songs I shift down one octave and it’s fine
Before anything else, a keyboard of this type should be assessed as a beginner keyboard and as a type of -arranger- workstation keyboard. If the Casio CT-S1 improves on the sound and tone of the Casio CT-S200, that will make it acceptable as a beginner keyboard. I have a Casio CT-S200 in addition to an 88-key keyboard. The sound of the Casio CT-S200 is pretty bad. It is acceptable as -an arranger- a workstation for the features that it has. I would not want to see any beginner stuck with it. If Casio has made the tone acceptable in the CT-S1, then they have hit the sweet spot with an entry level keyboard that is acceptable for beginners, as -an arranger- a workstation and as a player as far as it goes.
This a nice review, but it doesn't really cover the bases. I use the term arranger loosely. By arranger, I mean a small keyboard (sorry, arranger has a specific technical meaning that escaped me earlier) which can be used at least for song composition and which has MIDI output. I don't use MIDI and I doubt I ever will, but that's part of the general definition of any -arranger- workstation. My level as an instrumentalist is low, but I understand chord progression and do songwriting. I like the Casio CT-S200 for its form factor, action, keys and portability. The sound needs some help.
As I mentioned in your other comment on the channel, a keyboard like the CT-S1 is a great option for a beginner, but I also know gigging musicians who use it for busking or on stage with a band for its portability, so it’s not JUST a “beginner” keyboard. And FYI, the CT-S1 is not an arranger, it has no built in rhythms or arranger functionality (“arranger”=having built in rhythms and accompaniment that follow you as you play; it has nothing to do with being used as a MIDI keyboard, which pretty every keyboard in the market now can do)
@@PianoTone Point taken, and I did look up the definition. "Workstation" might be a better term then, but "workstation" probably connotes in people's minds some expensive piece of equipment loaded with features.
What I was getting at is that these 61-key instruments are useful for people who have some capabilities already, even my minimal capabilities, but are not good beginner instruments. The Casio CT-S200 has good keys and action but poor sound. The Yamaha PSR-E263 has good sound, but the action, although good, is distinctly less piano like and the overload of features would not be good for a rank beginner either.
My thought is that the Casio CT-S1 hits the sweet spot for functionality as a minimalist workstation, a beginner keyboard and a player's instrument. I may be able to preview one, or another Casio model with the same sound chip, in a couple of days. If the sound passes the sniff test, I will get one and sell my other two 61-key keyboards.
Another issue is that the industry is selling these keyboards as beginner instruments when they do not have the features a beginner instrument should have. Another thing is that the industry has not, as far as I know, made enough of an effort to develop instructional materials unique to 61-key keyboards. Casio and Yamaha are international conglomerates. They can afford to commission the development of materials and put them in public domain.
The various people who review digital keyboards on their TH-cam channels qualify as influencers. What I am trying to do is influence the influencers to speak out on the issue of the failure of the industry so far to produce actual beginner keyboards and the instructional materials to go with them. Hopefully, the influencers can wake up the industry.
One size does not fit all. Apparently, the Casio CT-S1 meets the requirements of a good, economical small-form beginner keyboard. If it does, and I will soon know, it might be the first.
OK, so now that I've figured out that Casio doesn't even sell a single foot-pedal (other than their triple-pedal) that has 1/2 sustain function,, I've lost interest in Casio because this means that all of their portable piano's ALSO likely do not support 1/2 sustain function, so IDEA FOR FUTURE VIDEO = How about making a video that covers what are the portable battery powered digital pianos (made by ANYONE) that DO support 1/2 damper (1/2 sustain) function? (There are a thousand digital keyboard videos on youtube, but NONE of them cover this topic or even answer this question at all. It would make for a good video and a good comparison video is there are several to choose from.. Cheers !!
The Casio digital pianos (so not the Casiotone "keyboard line") for the most part support half pedaling (the PX-S series 1000/1100/3000/3100 do for sure) and I even the CDP series (cheaper ones) do as well (CDP-S160/S360).
Casio actually makes a portable triple pedal unit that supports half pedaling (SP-34) - that's one thing that Yamaha doesn't do that I wish they did (a portable triple pedal); all of theirs have to be attached to their stand. I know the SP34 works with the PX-S series for sure (I assume it would work with the CDP as well but I don't know that for sure; or whether those ones need a stand with built in pedals).
@@PianoTone Thank you very much for the detailed information. I'm guessing that the cheaper ones CDP-S160/S360 don't have as good of a "sound" as the CT-S1?.. but I will find out..
@@PianoTone also my own (perhaps incomplete) investigation led me to the understanding that Casio did not even make a 1/2 damper SINGLE pedal so that if you actually wanted 1/2 damper you'd have to buy the triple, which largely defeats the purpose of "portable" battery powered keyboards because a triple pedal is a bit much to take outdoors, but I suppose I could use a Korg 1/2 damper pedal with one of those Casios instead.
61 voices on a 61 key keyboard... I feel like there was a huge missed opportunity to switch between the voices with each one being assigned to a different key on the keyboard. Oh well. The way Casio set it up is fine, too.
Hi there! Actually you can do that on the CTS-1. Hold down “tone variation” and each key will select one of the 61 tones (and gives you a preview of the tone when you hit it which is awesome). 28 of those 61 can also be selected using the panel buttons. Thanks for visiting the channel!
That's awesome! Without a screen, that's the design that would make the most sense to me for switching between the different voices. Thank you for the reply!
That bluetooth adapter is very very overpriced. Plus that it was very possible to integrate that little piece of hardware into the keyboard. So that little adapter costs a third of the whole keyboard 🤒
I googled on the internet and couldn't find if somebody already found a solution with a more affordable bluetooth adapter. Can you shine a light on this if probably a standard USB bluetooth adapter will work?
I totally agree the adapter isn’t worth the cost in my opinion either. I’d be very surprised if a standard adapter would work, but I’ve never tried one though.
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Please let a skilful person to do the review, not a beginner. You are wasting my time
Sorry you didn’t enjoy the review - have a great day!