Wonderful review.. i got all the answers i was looking for.. Thank you!

Dear Sanjay,

I cannot recommend between Yamaha & Casio because that would be like buying a shoe for my feet and expecting you to wear them.
What I have done in the article is to bring out the salient features of both the keyboards. I suggest that you check both out and buy the one that works for you.

HTH

Hi Rohit,

Sorry for the late reply. If the teen tal is available on your keyboard as a style (on the Casio it’s Dadra rhythm), you can set the tone as Harmonium and play them both simultaneously.

Does this answer your question?

Please reply fast I am really very confused after reading this comparison. I also read somewhere that you can’t change instrument without changing style in bot the keyboards…Is it true??

You can definitely change the tones and styles quite independently. This has been a feature of practically all keyboards since 1980s!
In new keyboards, you can infact configure the parts of each style (bass, drum, backing) to different instruments than the default ones. Imagine tweaking the basic Waltz style to play using Techno instruments like Synth Bass and Synth-Leads!!

Hi Tina,

If you are considering the CTK-810, for a few thousand rupees more, the CTK-5000 is a better choice.

What the keyboards will do:
- Connect to computer over USB and output MIDI data so that a software like Cakewalk/Cubase can capture MIDI data.
- Receive MIDI data from the computer and play it back on the keyboard.
- Output keyboard sounds over headphone/line-out so that this can be captured on the Computer using the ‘Line-in’ socket on the computer.

What the keyboards will NOT do:
- Connect Guitar to keyboard and either provide power, amplification or effects to guitar sound
- Record Guitar sounds into keyboard.

Most Yamaha models feature USB input/output just like the Casio, only they cost a lot more.

HTH

Other than Yamaha & Casio is there any good keyboard in the budget of 20K? I mean to say Roland or Korg?
Can you suggest a reliable shops in Mumbai or Navi Mumbai Where I can get both of the above keyboards.
Please let me know address & phone numbers also if you have it.
Thanks
Regards,
Manish

Hi Tina,

The CTK-5000 is an excellent keyboard. The closest Yamaha product is PSR-i425. Both are very good products, but it is up-to you to make the decision and take the plunge.

Regards

Hey thanks for reply,
Which keyboard of Roland is Just above 20K I can extend my budget little bit if the keyboard worth it.
Thank you for your help.
Regards,
Manish

Hi Manish,

The Roland E-09 is priced around 25K in India.
See: http://rajmusicals.in/product_info.php?products_id=137

HTH

Hi Manish,

The Roland E-09 features MIDI Input/Output using DIN connectors. This is the original connector used by the MIDI standard including a feature called Pass-Through which allowed multiple keyboards to be chained in a sequence.

You can find the MIDI DIN interface on many hi-grade Amps & Mixers such as M-Audio. Roland/Yamaha also sell MIDI DIN to USB convertors.

HTH

Hi Manish,

Between the Yamaha PSR E-413 and I-425, the I-425 is the clear winner. It’s an improved model featuring Indian tones and some unique sound modification functionality.

HTH

Hi Rajib Da,

I have a great confussion bitween korg x5d and yamaha psri425. Plz tell me which one is best in indian tones effect? Which one should I choose.

Rgds
Karan

Hey thanks Rajib Da,

You defined such a great things of those, It’s realy makes me
feel nice & better now.

many many thanks once again.

Rgds

Karan

Hi Ram,

The Stranger and Marshall are equally good stage amps made in India and are great for impromptu jams and concerts.
You will need a special Stereo to Mono cable or Stereo to Monox2 cable to run into the Amp.

Basically, the Casio outputs stereo signal over 6.3mm Stereo jack. The inputs in the Stranger Amp or any other mixer is generally Mono.
If you directly connect the Casio using Stereo pins at both end, only the left channel is actually input into the amp you will notice the lack of richness in the sound.

Your choices are:
- Use a 6.3mm Stereo EP to RCA x 2 cable. You can plug this (the RCA jacks) into the Mixer’s/Amp’s Line-In port to achieve very high sound fidelity.
For ex: http://astore.amazon.com/rajsblo01-20/detail/B00004Z5CP
Example shows a 3.5mm to RCA cable. You will need a 6.3mm to 3.5mm Adaptor like: http://astore.amazon.com/rajsblo01-20/detail/B00009UVPN
For greater lenghts, you will have to make one yourself using high-quality cable.

- Use a 6.3mm Stereo EP to 6.3mm Mono x 2 cable. You can plug the Mono jacks into Two ports on the Mixer/Amp and achieve individual Pan/Volume/Eq on the Keyboard Left & Right outputs.
I have a feeling that you will not find this cable in a store and will have to make one of the required length yourself.

- In a cinch, you can convert the Casio’s Stereo signal into a mono by combining the Left & Right audio outputs. You can use a converter like http://astore.amazon.com/rajsblo01-20/detail/B000O7F0PO
This is not a good approach because blindly joining left & right channels can actually result in the audio waveforms canceling each other and the resulting sound is hollow.

HTH

hi rajib,

i am confused between yamaha i425 and casio ctk 5000 bcoz yamaha has got midi in and out ports but casio doesnt and i am very keen on buying a casio bcoz of its huge price difference….

is there any way by which the USB port on casio ctk 5000 can be used as midi in and out ports using a converter or so ???

hi Rajib,

Thanks a lot for ur prompt and accurate reply…
Now, I think I have made my decision and thats Casio CTK-5000.

and 1 more thing, u have put up a great post for those lyk me, who are confused between these two keyboards….

Hi Karan,

I think you are looking for the 6 track recorder.
The Yamaha can records lots of compositions, each composition can contain 6 tracks. Once recorded, you can play your compositions at the touch of a button and control the playback of individual tracks of a composition. It may not be so easy to switch between compositions though; just switch on/off the playback of tracks in each composition.

The Yamaha also stores your keyboard’s configuration in ‘Registration Memory’. You can use this feature to quickly configure the settings of the keyboard with the touch of a button.

The buttons used for these are common and present just below the selector dial.

Look in the manual about details on how to use the ‘Track Recorder’ and ‘Registration Memory’. For the brief period when I was tinkering with the Yamaha keyboard, I could figure out the Yamaha’s functions all by myself by just pressing (sometimes pressing longer than 3 seconds) the various buttons.

HTH

Hi Pooja,

I feel that your child is too young to own a higher end PSR. For him, a Yamaha PSR loaded with features just might become a play-toy.
Please dis-regard the previous statement completely if your child happens to be inclined towards music and is gifted.

If this will be your child’s first keyboard and you are unsure if your child will take up learning music in a structured way, I will recommend the entry level Casio CTK-700. This keyboard features full size keys and a 4 octave keyboard. It contains basic tones & rhythms and due to it’s economic pricing, forms a good starter keyboard.

For children without any background/inclination in music but interested in learning formally by attending basic music course, I would suggest the Casio CTK-2100/CTK-3000 or the Yamaha PSR E-213/E313. These keyboards are priced between 6.5K – 12K. They feature full-sized keys on a 5 Octave keyboard and have enough tones & rhythms to keep a child busy.

For children who display a natural inclination towards music or who have been practicing playing Piano/Keyboard for a while and attending formal music course, I would recommend the Casio CTK-4000/CTK-5000 or Yamaha PSR E-413/I-425. These keyboards cost between 10K – 16.5K. The keyboards contain functions oriented towards recordings/stage performance and are ideal for the budding keyboard player.

Once your child reaches levels where he can read notes and play music and wants to start formal Piano lessons, you may consider getting a Digital Piano (Casio Privia series) or Semi-Weighted/Weighted Keyboards from Yamaha/Roland. These instruments start at 21K and go all the way up-to 55K.

HTH
- Rajib

Dear Mr. Subba Rao,

The Yamaha PSR I-425 is an excellent choice that is feature packed and suited for playing Indian music.

Yamaha offers keyboards in the PSR series that are priced up-to 55K (there are more expensive keyboards too). Such keyboards build greatly on the styles, arpeggio, buttons & sliders for real-time control of music etc. The Yamaha PSR 550 and the Tyros series offer sounds & control that is suitable for production of music for Indian cinema!

I would suggest that you go in for the keyboard based on your existing and proposed skill level and not purely price-point or features.

HTH

Hi Pooja,

I think Raj Musicals has a shop in Delhi and they stock both Yamaha & Casio keyboards.
I am not a resident of Delhi and hence don’t have much idea about the musical shops.
My strategy would be:
- Ask a musical teacher. In your colony, your kid’s school, music school nearby
- Search the Yellow pages.

HTH

Hi Rajib,

Finally I have gifted a CTK 5000 to my son. He is on cloud 9 these days. I have also finalised a music teacher for him who shall begin the classes in a week’s time.

Hi Jeba,

Personally I like the Yamaha i425 rhythms better. They feel modern, accented and more human performer like.
But the Casio CTK-5000 has more number of rhythms, allows customisation and recording of audio clips for use a rhythm.

I suggest that you get a feel of both the keyboards before you buy. Youtube videos for comparison help, but nothing like a real hands-on experience.

HTH

D/Rajib da,

I am looking for yamaha’s entry level keyboard which have at least 4 or 5 sond banking mode. kindly suggest me the right one.

many many rgds

Sahitya

D/Rajib da,

My budget is arround 18000-20000k. and I m looking for the keyboard which have altleast 5 or 6 track sequencer ( voice banking )

Rgds
sahitya

Do you have any idea Roland E-09 have arpeggio function like CASIO 5000 and Yamaha 425?

Hi Rajib, after reading your review I still can’t made up my mind, many people told me that Yamaha PIANO sounds beat Casio, but you say otherwise…or perhaps I don’t understand cuz I’m really new and willing to learn.

If you could tell me which one could ressemble to this sound:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuH3S18tlfw
you would be a lot of help.
Thanks

Hello, thanks for asking…yeah I know I shouldn’t listen what people say unless I try right? But I’m on internship and can’t go out, there aren’t too many stores here that let me try the keyboards either :S, I’m afraid neither korg or digital pianos are on my budget. So what do you say about this piano sound:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4aczvH5RCg
I’m trusting in your ear tho

Thx for the help

Hi Maxer,

The Casio keyboards feature a USB Midi port. By connecting the keyboard to the computer over USB (no drivers required for WinXP above), you can use the keyboard as a MIDI controller in Frooty Loops. You can input notes into frooty loops, including the status of the Pitch Bend wheel. Frooty Loops will use the Virtual Instrument assigned to the track and play the sound through your computer’s audio output.

You can also set up the device as MIDI-Out so that supported applications (such as Cakewalk, F.Loops) etc. can send the MIDI data to the casio playback using the Casio’s sound generator.

The Casio CTK 5000 model (also Casio CTK 810IN) feature a SD Card slot, where you can store your compositions. On the lower models, you need to keep the keyboard loaded with batteries.

Another option would be to use the keyboard as a MIDI controller. This way, notes you play on the keyboard will be recorded in the computer as MIDI data. MIDI data from the computer can be outputted to the keyboard at any time in future.

HTH

Thanks again for the anwers Rajib, I was just looking out some prices, I found that Casio WK 200, Casio CTK 5000 and Yamaha psr e 413 are within my price range. I just loved the WK 200, do you think the wk 200 comes with the stereo grand tone?

Regards.

@Bruno: Thanks for visiting the site and leaving your feedback.

@Carlos: The Casio WK-200 is identical in specs to the Casio CTK-4000. The WK-200 features 76 keys, while the CTK-4000 features 61 keys. The WK-500 is identical in specs to the CTK-5000. All these 4 products carry a rich assortment of Piano sounds.

HTH

Hi Maxer,

The Yamaha I-425 in fact has slightly better controller features than the Casio keyboards. Like the Casio keyboards, the Yamaha I-425 features a USB In/Out and USB Pen Drive compatibility.

The PSR 740 is a very dated keyboard. First released in 1999, it was Yamaha’s flagship model in the prosumer range. A friend of mine owns one and it produces some very wonderful sounds. It does not feature USB in/out though; it features MIDI DIN in/out instead.

Though I think the PSR 740 is a great keyboard, Rs. 15K is a overkill for it. For 1K more you can get a new I-425 with Yamaha adaptor and Keyboard stand.

HTH

Hi Suthars,

Thanks for your feedback. Finally some one who dares to agree that Casio Piano sound quality maybe better than Yamaha PSR I425.

Regards

Hi Maxer,

You got a bit of it incorrect. Practically all keyboards (except the baby ones) feature some sort of MIDI connectivity. Either using 5-pin DIN cables or USB. When connected and recognized by the computer, the keyboard appears to the recording software as a MIDI Input/Output device.

MIDI in/out actually consists of Controller commands rather than the actual sound/tone. What this means is that if you instruct the computer to send the MIDI command to Play C5 to the Yamaha & Casio, both will play the C5 note, but the sound will be produced by the respective sound generators present on both keyboards. Hence, though the note will be the same, the sound will be different.

Similarly, the recording software on the computer can receive MIDI commands from the keyboards and save them as a MIDI file. But what is saved is a pure sequence of instructions. Upon playback, the sound itself will be generated by the Sound Generator selected in the MIDI recording program.

For ex: on my setup, the Casio primarily servers as MIDI input. Notes I play are received into the computer and saved. While playing (recording on computer), the Casio makes the sound. But if I click Play on the software, my notes are produced by the Creative Sound Blaster MIDI Output. On the SoundBlaster card, I can load different Sound banks (each having a different mix of sound quality) and thus, though the notes are the same, the played song sounds very different from the Casio. Note that, in my MIDI software (Cakewalk Sonar), I can assign the Casio MIDI Out device as the default playback device. In this scenario, when I click Play in software, the MIDI notes are sent to the Casio instead of the SoundBlaster card and thus I hear the Casio engine generate the sounds.

In Fruity Loops, you can set your keyboard as the MIDI Control Surface and Sound Card Wave-Out as Playback device. Thus, you can play notes on the keyboard. Your notes will be processed by the Virtual Instruments in Fruity Loops and the sound will be produced by the sound card. Fruity Loops ofcourse features an immense variety of sounds and due to possible tweaking, you can access almost an infinite range of sounds.

Ironically, pure MIDI controllers (just keyboard and knobs, no sound generator) are more expensive than the Casio & Yamaha (which feature keys, knobs and sound generator). Though some will say that a dedicated MIDI controller sending MIDI commands to a dedicated Sound Generator (just sound generator, no keys) is a combination that is the pinnacle of music.

HTH

Hi Hemesh,

Refer to this article: Wikipedia

HTH

Hi Ambika,

The range you are looking at is way beyond my domain. However, based on the Youtube videos I have been checking out, I think you can consider the Yamaha PSR S900, Yamha Motif XS, Korg M3 and Roland G series workstations.

HTH

Hi Baldev,

For a learner’s keyboard the CTK-2100 is a very good choice. Another keyboard which is slightly cheaper but suitable for young learners too is the CTK 496.

HTH

Dear Mr. Baldev,

Raj Musicals in Delhi stocks Casio & Yamaha products.
Reliance Digital and Tata Chroma stores stock Casio products comprehensively and at these stores not only you can buy the keyboards at a good price but try them out to your heart’s content too.

HTH

vey helpful seems to me a very knowledgeable person.

Dear Samuel,

You are most welcome to post your query here. The owner and readers of this blog will assist you in any way they can.

Regards

Dear Friends,

i have gone through my comments on this blog & came across to that many people have great confusion on purchasing keyboard casio ckt 5000 or yamaha psr i425 now, i want to add my views to it that if you want a keyboard with in budget+power packed then casio is for you and if you want brand image+good packed then yamaha is for you as recently i have purchased roland e09 which is very good earlier i am also in confusion but i came across it and buy it

Dear Dr. Shailesh Sharma,

The Casio Privia PX 330 is an excellent choice for it’s budget. Very few keyboards at this price-point either feature 88 keys or semi weighted action or budled peddle action.
For students of piano, there is no option today but to buy a Digital Piano.

HTH

Hi Sushan,

For that price, you can easily afford a Casio CTK-5000 or the Yamaha PSR-I425.
These two keyboards currently appear to be at the top of the chain in affordable keyboards in your budget.

HTH

Dear Dr. Shailesh,

While Raj Musicals at Delhi claims to stock Casio products, I have found that Reliance Digital Stores and Tata Chroma stores at Hyderabad are very well stocked with Casio products. Perhaps the same is true in Delhi.

HTH

Dear Sushan,

IMHO, the Casio CTK-5000 is strong when it comes to classical instruments like Piano, Strings & Horns. But the Yamaha PSR I-425 is better when it comes to synth sounds, lively rhythms and sound tweaking.

Another factor to consider is that many feel that the Yamaha keyboard is more responsive and the Casio keys are soft and slow. While I did not find it so, only your playback style will determine the suitability of the keyboard.

If you want a keyboard that features weighted keys (for real piano feel), you can also consider the Casio Privia series of keyboards.

HTH

thanx rajib…

will let u know the progress…

ur blog has been very valuable….

dr shailesh

hello sir,

i am a 26 years old music learner (absolute begineer),
who is learning vocals
and need an support instrument.

i prefer sufi and ghazal singing in indian,
and european classical instruments based music in english
like can you feel the love tonight, sacrifice
and my heart will go on ( as these are more popular examples which feature classical instruments like piano , violin, flute more prominently )

my budget is also stretched out around 10k,
i consider between
yamaha psr e323 and casio ctk 4000,

however i can somehow strecth my budget to
ctk 5000 as well,

please suggest me out of these three

what upgrades exactly i will get in ctk 5000 over ctk 4000?,
and is psr e 323 a nice choice….?

which keyboard will suit more to my singing style?

as i need mostly
harmonium, flute, sarangi, grand piano, violin, bass , harp sounds,

sorry i forgot to ask one more thing,

psr e 323 features dual and split mode
which i found very useful

do these ctk 4000 and ctk 5000
have dual instrument and split keyboard mode?
and can casio ctk 4000/5000 play 4 instruments together
with both dual and split mode on?

thanks a lot for quick reply

so i eliminate psr e 323 out of my choices

now choice is really between,
both ctk models

price here in delhi including taxes for pack of keyboard, stand, original adapter and bag

is 11,500 for ctk5000
and 9,500 for ctk4000

now please tell me are features in 5000 are worth
paying those 2k extra……………….

and
please tell me about accessories too
what i need along with my keyboard?

i know of a sustain pedal and amplifier
is there is anything else?

and how necessary are these two as well?
(as i donot have to perfrom anywhere for atleast a year to come)

thanks ,
i actually read that

but i donot know yet
what is use of pitch blender
so, thats why i did asked,

whether it is worth or not,

thanks for reply again,

and if possible please reply to second part of question as well
about accesories,

thanks a lot for help

Hello , rajib i have a ctk-3000 with a usb i was wondering what software can i use for this keyboard cubase, reason , or garageband to make beats and will these programs allow my keyboard if not what program is availble to work with this keyboard

Dear Shivam,

Frankly all the 3 keyboards are priced slightly higher than 10K. But I am assuming a little bit extra spending is not going to be an issue.
Between the CTK-810IN and CTK-5000, the CTK-5000 is the clear winner. For 2.5K more, the CTK-5000 delivers a far expanded sound-set and feature set. The PSR-I425 is a keyboard comparable to the CTK-5000 but costs 16.5K+.

HTH

Thanks a lot Mr. rajib

that explains all
and thanks again for being so helpful……………………..

i now will buy casio ctk 5000

Hello Mr. Rajib,

I have been searching for a keyboard for my son (8 yr) for the past month – & i was confused between CTK 2100, CTK 3000, CTK 4000, CTK 810 in or CTK 5000.

I can spend upto 11,000.

He plays well on SA 45 & has a good sense & appreciation of music, specially indian.

Would u suggest CTK 5000?

Arvind

Hi Rajib,

I want to know if required can I switch off touch responce in CTK5000 like Yamaha?
I couldn’t find that button on CTK5000.

Dear Arvind,

Glad I could help. If you are considering buying the CTK-5000, be sure to teach your child to not abuse the Pitch Bend wheel. Like on all budget keyboards that feature the wheel, it is a delicate piece of hardware and will not take concentrated abuse.

IMHO = In My Humble Opinion.

HTH (Hope this helps)
- Rajib

hi, manish you have asked about rolande 09 i purchased it from delhi for rupees 24600 including adapter stand and bag extra worth rs 900 so over all for rs 25000 from rajmusical,patel nager,oppositepillarno.224,new delhi. it is great choice go for it

I just purchased casio CTK 5000 yesterday

thanks Mr. Rajib , your bog entry
helped me a lot in making up my mind,

I bought it for 12,000/- rs in delhi

for keyboard,
+ high end keyboard stand ,
+ data cable
+ audio cables
and a sturdy bag

Also bought a Monitoring headphone
philips SHp8500
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-SHP8500-27-Stereo-Headphones/dp/B000W49NQQ

for rs 1699 /-

i now also want to buy a sustain pedal and microphone

can you please guide me for a sustain pedal
under 1000 – 1500 rs

and a decent ametruer microphone under 1000 rs

Hi Murali,

You can check out the free version of ‘Reaper’ here.
Reaper supports recording data from MIDI devices. It also supports recording audio from Line/Headphone out ports of audio devices, mixing many such recordings into track and outputting the final mix into a CD Writer compatible audio file.

HTH

Dear Manish,

I have no idea about the products you are asking about and commenting on them is beyond the scope of this blog-article.

I hope other readers of this blog will be able to help you out.

Regards

Dear rajib
On paper casio CTK5000 scores over Psr i425 both in features and price but in terms professional quality of sound output(voice as well as rhythm) which one is better? which one is suitable for hindi song playing?
if i can strech my budget which is next best best model? what is your opinion on wk3300 model?

Dear Rajaram,

If on paper, the Casio scores clearly over the Yamaha, then the only way to prove superiority is by subjective tests. This is essentially what you feel after trying out both keyboards.

HTH

I have found your forum most informative!

Hi I have a Yamaha PSR-740 with which I am quite happy. Since my PSR740 is 5 years old and I want to sell it & buy a new one before its value further diminishes.

Since they dont make it anymore I want to get a keyboard which has the same features (not more – not less).

1. What is the cheapest model which can compare with Yamaha PSR740 for replacement.

2. What is price can I expect to sell the old PSR 740 (it is in good working condition – however 2-3 of black keys may need replacement).

Thanks again Rajib,

So far he has learnt all his songs noted as “sa re ga ma pa dha ni sa” in different combinations & styles of play, instead of English notations as C,D,E,F,G etc with finger numbers.

And yes, I have got some very good reviews about the new tutor – she is creative & creates keyboard magicians I have been told.

Eshaan loves going to his music class & abhors the idea of having to leave his class.

It will be tough to pull him away, logic has never been easy to implement.

Arvind

Hi Rajaram,

I have a clear preference for the Casio CTK series (as is evident in my articles) because I believe they may not be outstanding keyboards but deliver the most ‘bang for the buck’.

HTH

Hi Rajib,
I have made a comparitive chart between the old PSR-740 and the New S-550B. I have uploaded it for you on the link given below:

http://ipem.org/compare.htm

I request you to check it out and let me know if the S550B will be able to do all the stuff the PSR-740 can do. Actually I dont play the keyboard (I know how to play the guitar). This is a purchase for our school (The old PSR is quite worn out now – but it is a really great keyboard – our kids have won several music competitions with it). SO I want them to have something which is as good as their existing keyboard.

In the info about the S550B a couple of things are not given (which are present in the 740 – and in the specs of the 550B it does not specifically mention about these feature) – I would like to know if they are of any significance (I am not sure if they exist on the 550B)
1. Digital Sound processor ?
2. Harmony / Echo
3. Modulation Wheel

what is scale editor ?

Dear Sumit,

The PSR 550B is in many ways superior to the PSR-740. Only, the 550 does not support microphone input for real-time reverb/echo effect (DSP) processing through the keyboard.
The 550 offers a superior sound engine, enormous control over the sound quality and features USB connectivity.
The PSR 550B also does not feature a Modulation wheel, but features a Pitch Bend Wheel.

HTH

Dear Kanav,

The sounds in a musical octave do not always have increasing pitch in regular simple arithmetic pattern. Some cultures such as Arabic, use sound pitches that are not used on the english octave.
In such cases, the concept of scales kicks in where the exact pitch of sound emitted by the keyboard for different keys is changed very slightly.

The scale editor helps tune the keyboard’s pitch to instruments such as Harmonium whose pitch does not match that of the keyboard.

HTH

Thank you so much sir. :p

Sir i have sd card. i put songs on it but my keyboard was saying error no file.

how to use smf converter

Dear Kanav,

Try the following links:
http://www.jadierose.com/midicollection.html
http://www.free-midi.org/
http://www.acousticfingerstyle.com/midifils.htm
http://www.classicalmidiconnection.com/
http://www.autrey.org/midi/index.html
http://www.google.co.in/search?q=midi+file

HTH