Quick Comparison of Casio WK-7500, CTK-7000, WK-6500 and CTK-6000
Casio’s latest product line-up includes 4 new models – the WK-7500, WK-6500, CTK-7000 and CTK-6000.
Functionally the WK-7500 is similar to CTK-7000 and WK-6500 is similar to CTK-6000. The WK series features 76 keys while the CTK series features 61 keys.
The table below provides a quick overview of features of these keyboards and compares them using the specification sheets published by Casio.
[table “1” not found /]
Also Read:
- Side by Side Comparison of Casio CTK-5000 & Yamaha PSR-I425
- Comparison between Yamaha PSR I425 and Casio CTK 5000
Latest Casio Keyboards
- Casio CTK7500: [amazonproduct=B004KJPVYW]
- Casio CTK7000: [amazonproduct=B004KJQQZ0]
- Casio CTK6500: [amazonproduct=B004KJWQXQ]
- Casio CTK6000: [amazonproduct=B004KJPTCG]
- Casio CTK5000: [amazonproduct=B001FSJC28]
Latest Yamaha Keyboards
- Yamaha PSR-E423: [amazonproduct=B003JMEUD4]
- Yamaha PSR-E333: [amazonproduct=B004WV29Q6]
- Yamaha PSR-S910: [amazonproduct=B00305AG42]
- Yamaha PSR-S710: [amazonproduct=B002ZJ505O]
- Yamaha PSR-S550B: [amazonproduct=B001QVHW2Q]
Hi Rajib, came to ur blog while randomly searching for some help..
I have a Casio CTK810 IN, just 2 months old.. i am a self taught guitarist and keyboard player. till date i was using Audacity for mixing my recording, but now i have got a MIDI supporting Keyboard, i want to use it with CUBASE 5.
Is it possible to use it as a MIDI Controller without using an Audio interface?? Do i need to buy external Sound card?? (Currently i am using DELL Inspiron 1525)
if possible also suggest some good sound card under 10 K..
thanks
Dear Nishant,
The Casio CTK-810IN features a USB port which makes it very easy for you to connect it to a computer. Once connected, open ‘Device Manager’ (in Control Panel) in Windows to see if the keyboard shows up under Sound & Audio devices. If the keyboard shows up, you can now start Cubase and configure the MIDI devices in Cubase to send and receive data to the keyboard. Note that MIDI data is sent/received as notes and controller information (events) and not as audio sample. So after you are done composing, you may want to take the keyboard’s headphone-out/line-out and put it in the line-in socket of your sound card to record the audio (waveform) in Audacity. You can then convert it into MP3 and share it.
Because of the USB port on the Casio, you do not need any sound card to do MIDI based recording. The earlier generation keyboards (and most current professional keyboards) come with 5-pin DIN connectors that allow you to chain MIDI keyboards but also require a Sound card supporting MIDI connectors or MIDI adapters such as MIDI to Game port or MIDI to USB to connect these keyboards to a computer. I recently let go of a Korg PA50 only because it did not have the USB port while the kind of tinkering I do requires a USB port. I am still learning the basics and the Korg would have been an overkill.
While you do not need a high-end sound card for most home-studio applications, I highly recommend Creative Sound cards for home studios. Buy any Creative sound card (Audigy to X-Fi) and you are guaranteed to achieve very good sound recording and playback at home. Most Creative sound cards also support loading of ‘Sound Fonts’ in card memory that expand upon the sounds that you can generate using a MIDI controller (think of it as another Keyboard with user configurable instruments). If you are dabbling in Virtual Instruments using software like Reason/Fruity-Loops, then your sound-card’s MIDI tone generator and your keyboard’s tone-generator chips don’t matter at all. They just act as MIDI devices while the sound-card’s audio chip does the job of synthesizing the sounds.
HTH
Hey,
I’m currently a student in Hyderabad. I’m looking to buy a keyboard. I have a budget of 15k INR. From my research it seems like the CTK 6000 is the best I can get for that money from Casio. Is there anything better from Yamaha? What’s your opinion on the CTK 6000?
Also, where should I buy it in Hyderabad and how do I contact you by email?
Hi ssj4Gogeta,
Yamaha has not launched any new products in the budget keyboards range in recent times. Their I425 is now a dated but powerful alternative. The I425 is available for approx Rs. 16.5K from many music stores. Yamaha does not seem to have any product in the 20 – 40K range and it’s next product S550 is priced at almost 50K!
The main difference between CTK-6000 and CTK-7000 is in the absence of Drawbar sliders (not a killer feature unless you are into playing organs, the sliders also double-up as mixer faders) and option to record audio. The main difference between the CTK-5000 and the CTK-6000 is the slightly higher number of tones/styles and new visual styling of the keyboard. In some ways, the CTK-5000 is superior to the CTK-6000 (more polyphony). Perhaps I need to do a comparison between the CTK-5000 and CTK-6000 too.
To purchase the keyboard at Hyderabad – Secunderabad, you can contact Servo Tronics (Mr. Savio Powell, Mobile: 9393315418) or Scorpious (Mr. Raju, Mobile: 9849837421). Other stores stocking Casio products are – Saregama Musicals (Mr. Riyaz, Mobile: 9676542611), Natraj Musicals (Mr. Sridhar, Mobile: 9392474726). These vendors promptly reverted to me when I inquired at JustDial and gave me very competitive offers. Eventually I purchased the keyboard from Scorpious since it is closest to my home.
Other stores like Ashok Digitronics, Reliance Digital and Tata Chroma also stock Casio products but they did not have the CTK-7000 when I called them up.
HTH
I’d really like a detailed comparison between the 5000 and the 6000. 🙂
The Casio site says both have 48-note polyphony. The difference seems to be the sampling ability and song bank as the Casio site mentions both only for the 5000. The latter shouldn’t be an issue. But can you sample using a computer on the 6000? Also, does the jog dial mean the 6000 doesn’t have a 1-9 keypad? It will be really difficult to jump between tones with numbers far apart without a keypad.
Also, how much did you get the 7000 for? Though I doubt I can convince my parents for much more than 15k.
IMO the keyboards should just be MIDI devices with buttons for standard stuff (changing tempo, tones, etc.). All the processing should be done on an attached computer. Those extra buttons for tempo, etc. should also be made a part of the MIDI specification, so that the keyboard can communicate those button presses to the computer. Why use the keyboard to process sounds when you already have a much more powerful processor in your computer? And doing everything in software means infinite flexibility.
Anyways, thanks for your answer. But finally which should I buy?
According to me,
What 5000 has over 6000:
-Sampling
-Song bank
-Around 4000 lower price
What 6000 has over 5000:
-DSP
-SDHC (but I don’t think I’ll be reaching the 2GB limit of standard SD)
-Dual-element waveform (Better sound quality than the 5000?)
Please do point them out if there are other differences. I’m confused.
Thanks again. 🙂
Hi SSJ4GoGeta,
You do get keyboards which are only a collection of keys, buttons, knobs and sliders. These keyboards are known as ‘MIDI controllers’.
You can buy quality MIDI controllers from M-Audio, Roland (Ediroll) and Korg. CME is another company that makes cheap MIDI controllers.
When coupled with Fruity Loops/Reason/any software capable of handling VST files, such keyboards provide musical power that just cannot be beaten by stand-alone keyboards (at-least in terms of audio quality).
HTH
I checked the raj musicals website for MIDI keyboards, and they have 4 octave keyboards for 20k? What gives? Shouldn’t they be cheaper as they don’t have to implement a sound engine?
http://rajmusicals.in/index.php?cPath=68
Hi SSJ4Gogeta,
The reason MIDI controllers are so expensive is because manufacturers tend to make them feature packed. Most quality MIDI controllers come with Semi-weighted/Full-weighted keys for a true piano keys feeling.
A pitch-wheel and modulation-wheel is almost standard on MIDI controllers. Even small sized MIDI controllers feature a plethora of knobs, sliders and buttons which send real-time data to the computer.
MIDI controllers also tend to be heavy due to higher quality manufacturing (metal components used inside instead of plastic).
If you just want a device to input notes data, most Casio keyboards feature MIDI out (even cheap ones like MA-150). You can use a Korg Nano-controller to input slider/knob data. M-Audio makes good controllers at reasonable prices. CME makes cheap controllers that work well but don’t last if handled carelessly or roughly.
HTH
Dear Mr. Rajib/ Dear ssj4Gogeta,
First of all, let me tell you that after PSR-E423 (I bought at Rs. 16,000) keyboard next available product is Yamaha PSR-S550B arranger keyboard MRP Rs. 36,140.00. So I believe, that is beyond our budget of Rs. 15,000.. That’s why I myself bought E423. But I am happier with E423 compared to CTK 5000 which I bought at Rs. 11,700.
Dear ssj4Gogeta,
if you want to learn fingered keyboard play (based on Piano) then you can go for any one of these two model..Please understand CTK 6000/ CTK 7000 is not only plain vanilla keyboard. It has synthesiser function also (Digital Signal Processor) for modifying tonal quality or variety. Do not consider SAMPLER/ DSP/ SDHC/ Song Bank facilities as these would not help you in normal learning purpose. So CTK 6000/ 7000 or S550B is ideal for performance (both accompany or solo)…Moreover learning kit (YES in Yamaha) is available for both E423 and CTK 5000 but not in CTK 6000 or 7000. After thorough analysis and playing I am sure that both CTK 5000 and 6000 have same double element AHL sound source but in my opinion AWM sound source of Yamaha is better…..General MIDI support is very good in both E423 and CTK5000. So you need not worry.
In case of plain MIDI keyboard (at Rs. 22,500 range) you would not get MUSIC STYLE Selection/ Various Accompaniment option (like single fingered chord/ Full range chord/ intro/ SYNC Start/ Stop/ Variation/ Fill-In). They are basically for composing and music editing purpose and ideal for the professional. But unless and until you are into the thing it won’t make your life easy….
Dear Mr. Rajib,
Please advise.
Hi Dear Roy!
A very good analytical point of view. As usual 🙂
I agree with you that for most learners, the Yamaha PSR E423/I425 or Casio CTK 4000/5000 is ideal. Both these keyboards have features geared towards students.
The Casio 6000/7000 or Yamaha PSR 550 and greater are excellent performance and composing tools. Investing in them should be considered by people intending to learn music to a professional level or people intending to get into music performance / composing.
Of course, if you make pot loads of money, you can give a hoot to reason and buy pretty much anything. The world is your apple. 😉
Regards
I have forgotten to mention that E423 can offer you very simple but very little option of synthesiser function through two control knobs…….
@Roy
Thank you for your advise. I certainly do want to learn fingered keyboard play, but I’m also interested in the “synthesizer” part. I’m not looking to buy a MIDI controller, it’s just that I was curious why they’re so costly. 🙂
So if I had to choose between the 423 and the 6000, which should I?
Thank you both for your help, it’s very much appreciated. 🙂
Hi SSJ4GoGeta,
From a learners point of view, between CTK 6000 and E423, my vote would go for the E423. The E423 features Yamaha Education Suite which allows you to download MIDI files from Yamaha/Internet and play them on the keyboard; all the while watching the fingering on the keyboard’s LCD.
From a synthesizer point of view, based on technical aptitude you have displayed in your comments on my blog, my vote would again go for the E423. The twin knobs on the E423 lend for some exciting real-time controller effects; a far cry from the predetermined method of operation on the CTK 6000.
Since you are interested in Synth sounds, the quality of synth sounds on Yamaha keyboards far exceeds those on Casio keyboards. Even Casio CTK-7000 is not a patch on the Korg PA50 or Roland E06 when it comes to Synth sounds. Though for it’s pricing, it should have come at-least halfway.
HTH
Hi rajib,
If you would compare the piano and guitar sounds of the yamaha psr e423 with th casio ctk 6000 which one is better ?
Best regards.
Dear Suri,
Quality of Piano tones on keyboards are highly subjective in nature and I don’t want to start/get in the middle of 3rd world war on this topic.
There are people who prefer the Yamaha tone and others who prefer the Casio tone. There are others who don’t prefer either too. They would rather stick to Roland/Korg or a VST.
Since both keyboards are available for preview, I suggest that you try them out at your convenience and take your pick.
HTH
Rajib,
Excellent blog. Keep up the good work. I am learning harmonium on keyboard. Your recommendation between CTK-6000 and E423 or any other keyboard.
Thanks.
Dear Kartik,
You will find the Indian sounds on the CTK-6000 to be superior to the E-423. If you are Yamaha fan, then you should consider the I-425 instead of the E-423.
HTH
Hi Rajib,
I’m planning on buying a keyboard, and your blog seems to be much more helpful than anything else I can find on the internet – thank you!
I’d love it if you could answer a couple of questions I had. I’m an amateur musician, and want to be able to record and mix stuff at a basic level, either through my computer, or directly on the keyboard. I’m debating between the CTK 5000 and 6000. Obviously, one factor in favour of the 5000 is the lower price.
I don’t care much about the learning modules, but recording is important. Is there much of a difference between the 5000 and 6000 as far as these features are concerned? Also, is the MIDI sequencer really useful, or should I just always default to mixing and recording on the computer? Also, I want to be able to plug in my guitar and use that as an additional input while recording tracks – is that possible on either of these?
Thanks for any and all info!
Vineet
Hi all ^^
Wonderful share of information….i am a beginner…but do not wish to buy a really basic model such as the ctk 2100…instead i was very attracted by the model ctk 5000 as it has the feature of step up lesson and slong with sd etc….notice that ctk 5000 is currently replace by ctk 6000. Does anyone know if ctk 6000 has that same feature which is impt for me?
Please help me as i need to confirm my order with online agent.
Cheers and thanks in advance.
Joey
hi, is there any difference in the sound quality between the wk 7500 and the wk 6500? thx
Hi Leo,
The sound-chip in use on the WK-6500 and the WK-7500 is exactly the same. The only difference seems to be in the number of tones that have been enabled.
HTH
i want to buy casio ctk 6000/7000.my budget is around 17000. So plz tell me which is the better b/w these too.
Dear Edward,
The Casio CTK-7000 is better than the CTK-6000 because it has many additional features. Casio has dropped the price of the CTK-7000 internationally and it should come within your 17K limit if you can get someone to buy it for you and carry it in.
In India though, at your budget you should be able to buy the Casio CTK-6000.
HTH
Dear Rajib
I intend to buy a new keyboard. I have a Yamaha PSS-51 currently which does not have touch sensitive keys. Please suggest between the Casio CTK-6000 and the Yamaha I-425. Since they are both in the same price bracket. Although I must admit that I am a Yamaha fan. But going through your blog and tech specs of CASIO keyboards, I am very confused.
Your valuable comments will help me finalize. Thanks & best regards
Rajesh
Hi Rajesh,
Are you sure you want to buy a Casio 6000 or Yamaha I425? The PSS 51 is way superior to both of them in terms of features.
But you are keen on a touch-sensitive keyboard, I will ask you to consider the Roland E09 or Korg PA-50SD Synths (26k/38k respectively).
If budget constraints apply, then you should opt for a Yamaha PSR-I425. The Yamaha keyboard has real-time sound features that you will love and the interactivity is only a little less than the PSS 51. The Casio CTK-6000 on the other hand features superb sounds but not much stage-tweakability.
HTH
Hi Rajib,
This is a great blog, and i really appreciate you effors to reach out to other musicians.
I am a violinist, and now moving into music composition.
I had a similar doubt to “Vineet” posted on May 11. It would be great if u would answer that.
I have few questions of my own.
Is CTK 6000 good for recording on keyboard itself using song sequencer? I am using Sonar for recording. Should i go for CTK 6000 or 7000? How good is CTK 6000 as a MIDI keyboard?
Thanks for all the previous information….
Dear Prabhu,
The CTK-6000 is pretty responsive as a MIDI keyboard but lacks the controllers such as pitch wheel, modulation wheel, volume sliders and knobs for tweaking sound. You may use it to enter notes, but will have to insert modifier events manually in software.
While the CTK-6000 offers song sequencing, for a person armed with a computer, a computer is far far more flexible device for song recording and editing.
HTH
Hi Rajib,
I know somewhat playing keyboard,but i just want to perform in my church with my little skill, for that purpose which keyboard is better casio ctk6000 or psr e423/i425
your advice will really help me so please…………………
Dear Jibin,
You should know that the CTK-7000 has terrific Organ sounds and ‘drawbars’ to customize the organ sounds to fit the mood of the songs you are playing. The keyboard maybe a little out of your budget though.
Next my preference will be for the CTK-6000. Sounds wise, the CTK-6000 exceeds the Yamaha PSR I-425 in number and quality. A reader of my blog has commented that the sounds from him new Casio matches the sound from his professional keyboard which costs many times more.
The PSR I-424/E423 is a very hardy keyboard with a very good feature set and I have seen it being used extensively by musicians who play at religious gatherings at Hyderabad.
HTH
I have a wk 3800 and I want to upgrade to the wk 7500, I like to play
with a beat so I use the rythms alot. Can the rythms be used in a
similar way? Like using an intro, variations in the middle, and an
ending? I thought myself how to use the wk 3800, will the wk 7500
will be as easy?
Dear Cilton,
The WK-7500 does have an extensive array of rhythms. For each rhythm One Intro, Normal + Fill-in, Variation + Fill-in, Ending is available.
These options are available using dedicated buttons so it should be easy to access these while playing the keyboard.
HTH
Hello Rajib,
I have a ctk-6000 and I was wondering if there’s a way to turn off the built in speakers when using an amp. It’s just annoying me especially when I run it through effects pedals to the amp.
Thank You,
Ryan
Dear Ryan,
On my CTK-7000, to my horror I discovered that:
– Line-out audio levels are actually controlled by the volume level knob. Hence if I turn down the volume control knob to turn-off the speakers, line-out to Amp is killed too!
– A hack would be connect a headphone to the headphone socket. Thus the main speakers are muted (now through headphones) and line-out is maintained. You can also connect a dummy stereo 6.3mm pin to the headphone-out socket on the keyboard to kill the onboard speakers.
– In case your Amp support headphone-level input current, you can also connect the Amp to the headphone socket on the keyboard instead of the line-out.
Another way to turn off the internal speakers is through ‘Functions’. For this,
– Press Function button
– Navigate to Page 2 (by pressing right arrow)
– Go to General menu (use down arrow keys and press Enter button)
– You should see and option called ‘Speaker [On]’
– Press the minus/No button to turn this setting to [Off]
– Press Exit button to activate this setting and exit the menu
HTH
Hey Rajib,
Is it possible to upgrade the Song/Style/Tone bank of CASIO CTK 6000? if yes then how I can do it?
ANAND
Dear Anand,
Keyboards such as the Casio CTK series and Yamaha PSR series do not feature provisions for expandable tone/style memory.
That said, the CTK-4000/5000 featured limited sampling which could be used to produce toy sounds. The CTK-6000/7000 do not feature sampling.
However both these keyboards allow you to edit the styles to some extent (change instrumentation of style components, turn on/off parts of style) and apply DSP effects to onboard tones making them sound quite different.
Don’t forget that these keyboards also act as excellent MIDI controllers and you can control virtual-synths in programs such as Propellerhead Reason with these keyboards and have access to playing thousands of sounds available on the computer.
HTH
Hello
Could you please tell me whether i can download some extra tones (patches) for my wk-7500 ? And also i tried to put *.mid and *.smf and other formats songs on my sd card but wk-7500 keeps saying “no file”
im clueless
Please help 🙂
thanks so much
Dear Miro,
The Casio keyboards are not tone upgradable. While most of them allow you to customize the style a bit, customizing the tones is limited to applying DSP effects (on selected models only).
The new Casio keyboards should pick up MIDI and SMF files present on a SDCard and offer it for Sequence Playback. I will have to investigate your issue and get back to you. Since I am currently out of time, this R&D is going to be delayed by 10 days from my side.
HTH
hey rajib, this is a great blog for every keyboard enthusiast. Bt after reading all these reviews i’m getting more confused..
Actually i am a beginner having no knowledge of keyboards or music & want to start with keyboard. Which one should i buy, to learn, ctk 5000 or 6000?? Where can i get best deal in mumbai?? Budget Rs.14000.. Waiting for your valuable help!!!!
Hi Jay,
For your budget, I would ask you to stretch it to 16K and buy yourself a CTK-6000. It features much more improved sound quality over the CTK-5000 and has all the features of CTK-5000 and more.
HTH
Hey Rajib, thanks for your suggestion. You are doing a great job by helping keyboard enthusiasts like us. thanks again! 🙂
Thanks Rajib, I just bought a WK 7500, and it sounds great. I also have Yamaha, Korg and Alesis. When I plugged in my regular Sustain Pedal I get reverse modularity. In otherwords sustain is on, unless you press the pedal. Any pianoplayer knows this will not work.
Any ideas how to solve this, on Korg you go to Menu, Pedal, Reverse Modularity to plus or minus, this solves the problem. Yamaha just works out of the box.
Dear Mr. Rajib/ Mr. Einar,
Please remove your sustain pedal at first and then switch off your keyboard from the Main Power Supply. Now plug your sustain pedal. DON’T PRESS THE PEDAL.. Now switch the keyboard on. Now try playing..Hope this will solve the problem…
Let me know the result…
Rgds,
Deborshi
hey i want to buy a workstation and narrowed down to Casio wk6500 for its price . Now can you elaborate the difference between a workstation and other keyboards. Also is casio workstation worth buying because i do not want to compromise with the quality.
Dear Prasad,
There’s little difference between the WK-6500 and the CTK-6000. The difference in only in the number of keys.
Workstation keyboards typically allow a musician to compose music. This is different from stage oriented keyboards. Stage keyboards have loads of realtime controls while workstation keyboards have extensive features in the menu to modify the sounds and recording.
Is the Casio worth buying? I can tell you that it’s not a crappy product. But if it does not match up to your needs and expectations, then it will be considered as crap.
I suggest that you first list your requirements and then evaluate keyboards which satisfy your music requirements and fit in your budget.
Some workstation keyboards similar to the Casio WK-6500 are the Yamaha PSR-I425, Roland E-06, Korg PA-50D, Yamaha PSR-550/900. Fully featured workstation keyboards from Roland / Korg / Kurzweil / Novation etc. costs upwards of $3000.
HTH
Rajib ji thanx a lot ,
basically i’m a percussionist and also compose music using software but now I’m looking at making some real music. To be honest i have zero knowledge about the keyboards used in the industry but i’ve heard loads about workstations being used.i’m a student and my budget is limited to Rs.20000 and that is why i chose casio wk-6500.i was lucky to come across your blog. Hats off to your detailed answers.well can you further detail the features of a workstation and its positives over other keyboards and i’m not looking at playing keys on stage its just for composing but some serious composing :). is CTK series a workstation since i’m not able to take this “workstation Tag” out of my mind and whats the best buy for these keys ( i checked a few sites and they quoted around 19-20k)
Dear Prasad,
At times, the various questions my readers ask me, seem repetitive. At times, readers like you ask the questions with so much sweetness that I have no choice but to answer! 🙂
Thanks for the compliments.
As I see it, The Casio WK-6500 may have the workstation tag, but it is not a true workstation class keyboard. I would have to consider the Korg PA-50D (costing about 38-42K) a nice entry level workstation keyboard.
That said, IMHO, your requirements will be better served by the Casio CTK-7000. When compared to the WK-6500, it lacks the additional octave (only 61 keys versus 76 keys) but features much more advanced workstation capabilities and I bought my CTK-7000 for Rs.21750/- at Hyderabad (marginal increase on your 20K budget). You may/may not miss the octave on the CTK-7000 with your style of playing, but will certainly enjoy the more advanced features.
Take for ex:
1) The Organ sliders in CTK-7000, they not only allow you to customize organ sounds, but more importantly serve as the sliders for the keyboard’s in-built mixer.
2) The CTK-7000 also features enhanced song (notes) recording capacity and features on-board editing of notes.
3) A killer feature of the keyboard is the pattern sequencer which allows you to create completely new rhythms from scratch. See the demo here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVdFRBmNID4
4) Another killer feature of the keyboard is the ability to record audio onto the SD Card and mix it with keyboard composition. You could record your percussion into the keyboard and export it as CD-Quality audio. See the demo here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkdbjCoYHGs
Some Casio CTK-7000 demos that describe the keyboard:
Casio WK-7500 – Summer NAMM 2011 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0ZJUN8EFmQ&feature=related
Promo Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xq9i-l6JsGw
Rapid keyboard playback – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFoODXzNjz0&feature=related
Another approach to music making for you would be to use a computer extensively. In such case, a keyboard will only serve the purpose of inputting notes and controller values. The actual tones will be generated by the software on your computer. For computer music studio, you can use software like Fruity Loops, Reason, Nuendo, Samplitude etc.
The keyboard in such case need not have a sound-chip in it but must be rich in controller knobs/wheels/sliders and feature robust keys. MIDI controllers like M-Audio Keyrig are examples of good quality midi input devices. Other manufacturers are Korg, Alesus, Roland, CME.
Dear Roy’s suggestion is a valid one too. It is particularly applicable if you are gonna use a computer to make music. All you need is a keyboard that features MIDI input/output and convenient (USB) MIDI connectivity to the computer.
HTH
Dear Mr. Prasad,
A keyboard workstation is more than a synthesizer or digital piano. It offers a range of music-making functions to serve as a complete production device. Different models may vary, but most keyboard workstations include the following:
Sound engine
This is the “synthesizer” part of the workstation. Most instruments utilize some form of sample playback design with supporting architecture so you can edit the onboard sounds or create entirely new ones. A few workstations, such as Korg’s OASYS, provide a number of different sound engines in one unit, each with unique timbral characteristics.
Effects
Applying effects to a MIDI or audio track can turn an ordinary sound into something special. All keyboard workstations include onboard effects processors. Some feature effects that can be applied to individual tracks (insert effects) as well as to the total mix (master effects). In addition, workstations that include audio recording capability usually provide important sound shaping tools such as EQ and dynamics processing.
Drum machine
All keyboard workstations include drum sounds as part of their presets, but many go farther to make creating beats easier. The Roland Fantom-X series includes velocity-sensitive pads and a grid-style pattern editor to provide an authentic drum-machine environment.
Sequencer/recorder
One of the most important elements that defines a keyboard workstation is the presence of an onboard MIDI sequencer. It’s what allows you to record, edit, and play back your songs without having to shift back and forth between the instrument and a computer. Most workstations, including the value-priced Yamaha MO Series, feature 16-track MIDI recording with a capacity of up to 200,000 notes.
Audio (sampling)
This is one area in which available features are related to price. The high-end OASYS provides 16-track audio recording. The Alesis Fusion Series includes 8-track audio recording, as does the Roland Fantom-X Series, while the lower-priced Korg TR Series offers sampling as an optional upgrade. The Yamaha MO Series does not offer sampling.
The Extras
Depending on the model, keyboard workstations offer even more to make composing and recording your music easier. Some include built-in CD burners so you can literally complete your session with a disc. Others include phantom-powered mic preamps to facilitate recording voices and acoustic instruments. For live performance, workstations provide real-time controllers for bending and shaping sounds.
BUT WHEN CONSIDERING YOUR REQUIREMENT I PERSONALLY FEEL ANY STANDARD KEYBOARD WITH MIDI SUPPORT WILL SOLVE YOUR PURPOSE. For these CTK-5000 (Rs. 12,000) and PSR-E423 (Rs. 16,000) are more than enough.
Mr. Rajib, please advise.
Rgds,
@ROY AND RAJIB ji : thank you very much 🙂 your service is needed to many !!! please continue helping us. I will surely stay in touch and update you .thank you.
Rajib,
I’m considering buying the Casio WK7500. It’s what I’m looking for … an affordable workstation and great live performing instrument. It does not, however, have MIDI capability ?
Is this a fatal flaw and should I look for another model ? Enjoy your blog !
Thanks,
Chris
Dear Chris,
The Casio WK7500 does feature MIDI implementation. Only via the USB ports, not the older 5-pin DIN style connectors.
While this makes it easy to connect to computers, MIDI chaining with other devices or connecting to Samplers etc. becomes very difficult.
Also note that the WK7500 does not transfer information from the Master volume control knob since it is an analog component on the keyboard.
HTH
Dear rajib
I’m currently planning to buy casio wk6500 I saw somw previews on you tube and I also read reviews from amazon it looks fine and nice features however I’m replacing a yamaha psr E-413 my question is if I will be happy with it or I should move to the wk7500 what are the differences are there between the 6500 and the 7500 ?
Dear Red29,
If you compare the keyboards in the table, you will notice that the WK versions of the keyboards are simply 76-key versions of the CTK series (61 keys).
Functionally, the WK-7500 allows for live recording and playback of audio from a SD Card. The WK-7500 also includes a Pattern sequencer so that you can create entirely new Rhythms/Styles with matching Bass and Chord patterns.
While the WK-6500 maybe a close tie with the Yamaha PSR E-413/423 (particularly if you prefer the Yamaha brand), the WK-7500 wins big-time if compared to the now dated E-413.
HTH
So overall should I go for the Casio WK7500 or the yamaha PSR E-423 the price difference doesn’t matter
Dear Red29,
I would be putting myself in harms way if I were to recommend any brand over another. 😉
There are Yamaha fans and there are Casio fans and there are people who evaluate deeply before buying – brand be damned.
HTH
I am planning to buy a keyboard. My budget is around Rs 20000. I am confused between yamaha psr i425 and casio wk 6500. Which one do you suggest ? How is the build quality of the casio?
Dear Ethesham,
Both the Yamaha PSR-I425 and Casio WK-6500 are made of plastic and will not survive a drop. That said, with careful use both keyboards should provide years of fun. If you are looking for a stage-performance type keyboard, go for the Yamaha. If you are looking for a home-studio type of keyboard, go for the Casio.
HTH
hi.. i was looking at wk 7500. are there any other good keyboard with 76 keys? around same price of 25000-30000 ?
i have 61 keys ctk 6000.. it is damn good.. but i need a longer keyboard.. ..
any suggestion ?
i want somethin in 76 keys or above with similar functionality..as casio….
please reply to bevinabraham@yahoo.com
Hi Bevin,
There are hardly any alternatives to the Casio WK-7500. The sound quality + budget pricing is unmatched by keyboards of any other brand.
HTH
sir, please suggest me a good keyboard with good sound quality ..budget around 20000 to 25000….
Dear Veer,
For your budget you can easily buy the Casio CTK-7000! The Yamaha PSR I-425 is also an excellent alternative. If you can stretch your budget by a few more thousand, you can try for the Roland E09.
HTH
sir ,how yamaha i425 is batter for stage performers while ctk 7000 is in other hand…..please suggest..
Dear Soumya,
The Yamaha has quite a few buttons that allow you to control stage performance better.
HTH
whether to buy yamaha I425 or Roland Cakewalk A-800 PRO ?
Or you suggest another alternative below 20000/-
Dear Shivansh,
The Roland A-800 is a MIDI controller and does not have a sound generator module in it. You will need to either connect it to another keyboard or a computer (running a Soft-synth) for the tones.
While the Roland will give you more creative freedom, it probably will be ideally suited for studio based performance. For stage performance, stick to the Yamaha PSR I-425.
HTH
hi…i’ve been learning piano(keyboard) frm last 1 yr…still not that gud,but i can play songs by ear(struggle a lot for that)…nyway i hav been learning on a cheap casio model i.e ctk 120…..n nw struggling to select a new keyboard in my budget(20-25k)..can u please suggest me the best one…i mean the bestest onee…i dont know much about technical stuff so…n yeah heard dat yamaha has good quality sound dan casio,is it so?..suggest me the best keeping everything into consideration….thanks…waiting
Dear Chirag,
Which brand has superior sound quality will always be up for discussion and remain undecided. I used to be pretty happy with Yamaha & Casio sound quality until I heard a Korg! And when I heard Soft-synths like ‘Omnisphere’ (see this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ_7dgSvcL8) one really starts questioning the sound quality of highest-end keyboards.
Frankly, purchasing a medium-end keyboard in the 20-30K range is more about your comfort factor. Ask yourself a simple question. If you were forced to buy a Casio keyboard, will you ever ask yourself if the Yamaha may have been better? In that case, seriously evaluate the Yamaha models.
For your budget, you should be able to buy the Casio CTK-7000, Yamaha PSR-I425 or maybe even a Roland E-09. The Roland E-09 is a superior and more expensive keyboard but it does not have too many Indian sounds.
I suggest that you goto a music store and checkout the keyboards. You can also see their demo videos on Youtube.
HTH
I have read your comparisons between Yamaha and Casio keyboards. I have a son who is considered gifted by all who have heard him play. My uncle gave him an old Casio keyboard which has all western instruments. However, he likes to play old Hindi film melodies. Hence I am looking for a keyboard with best sounding Indian instruments….can you guide me through this decision? I saw two new releases…casio CTK6300IN and Yamaha PSR-I455. Which one is better?
Hi Sachin,
Its great to hear that your child is so talented and I congratulate you on your efforts to sustain his interest.
The Casio CTK-6300IN appears to be so close to CTK-7000 in features, that they are probably the same. The PSR-I455 is also marginally improved model of the I425.
Sound-wise, I like the Casio natural instrument sounds and the synthetic sounds of the Yamaha. I have a musician friend who likes them exactly the opposite way!
I will actually recommend the Yamaha over the Casio for your kid. Not because of the sound, rather because of the extensive real-time controls of the Yamaha which make it very suitable for stage performance.
Sound-wise, both keyboards feature very mature sound engines and they are simply unbelievable when compared to keyboards manufactured just a few years back. Hence, I must again emphasize on the ability to control the keyboard during a performance; and hence a Yamaha recommendation.
HTH
Thanks….your inputs will certainly help me make decision.
thanxx for your reply sir,your comment was of gr8 help..but i m still confused..i am actually looking for a good keyboard that i can play and practise at home..so my 1st question is, is it worth giving 10k extra for yamaha psri455 if i m gettin psr i425 at 17k…what are the differences between these two????..ok nw if i consider buying casio product which one is ideal for me…if i m nt wrong dan there is around 6 to 7k differnce in the price of ctk7000 and ctk7500 wk..which would u go for among these two if you were me?? and u also mention roland e09,wich i was unaware about…so if i buy roland e09 will i regret for all the other keyboards and my desicion to go for roland!!!…as i dont have to play in band or perform on stage for now,i just need a good keyboard with killer features and cool tonal quality that will help me build my skills..i just have to practise hard for a year or two at home… please help sir..
Dear Chirag,
The Casio CTK-5000, Yamaha PSR-I425, Roland E-09 etc. are quite powerful and intended for recording/state performance artists.
IMHO, if you want a keyboard for home practice, you should opt for a beginner keyboard like Casio CTK-2000 / 3000 / 4000. Note that in each of these base models, Casio has made improvements had released keyboards with higher numbers (For ex: Casio CTK-4200).
The Yamaha PSR-I455 is an improved version of the I425. While it features a slightly greater number of tones etc., a 10K difference is probably quite a bit and that makes it not worth the price.
The Casio WK-7500 is a 76-key version of the CTK-7000. I personally own a CTK-7000 and I am quite happy with sounds and features. However, it lacks real-time controllers and features that may make it suitable for stage performance. FYI, I started out with a CTK-4000.
Don’t get too carried away with keyboard features because quite often the premium you are paying for additional features are not even used 10% of the time!. My suggestion is that you start with a simple keyboard and acquire a more sophisticated one later.
HTH
Thanx once again for enlightening me..can you tell me how much did you gave for ctk 7000?..and do u knw any good store in mumbai giving keyboard at the best rate?
Dear Chirag,
I purchased the CTK-7000 for 22K.
I suggest you call JustDial / Yellowpage of your city to check availability of the keyboard and compare the pricing.
Make sure that you receive a sealed package and the Casio India Warranty Card is included in the package.
HTH
hey i m getting yamaha i455 at 26500 & casio ctk 7000 at 21000 …which keyboard u wud suggest??? i am lookin 4 a gud tonal quality keyboard and shud have lots of features…if u were me and u didnt had ny budget restriction then wich wud u choose….
Dear Milan,
In all honestly, this is a question I cannot answer. The reason is simple – I have not experienced the Yamaha PSR-i455.
While, it appears to be very similar to the i425 in features and appears to be loaded with a few additional Indian tones and styles, at 26.5K it is pushing the price bracket a bit for a portable keyboard that is meant to be used at home or by amateurs on the stage.
If I did not have budget restrictions (or at-least a budget of 50K), I would head over to Roland / Korg straight away. I have experienced these keyboards and their sounds are a class apart. On the flip side, many of these keyboards are not customized for India and as a result do not feature as many Indian tones and styles as the Casio/Yamaha home keyboards have.
The CTK-7000 has some nice sounds; but their richness is subjective. While I like the Piano tones and strings on the Casio, the ‘Musette’ sound on the Yamaha has no Casio equivalent. The Synth sounds on the Yamaha are way richer than the Casio too!
For stage performance, the Yamaha keyboards win outright but for studio-recording, the Casio may prove to be more feature packed.
HTH
Hi Rajib,
How would you rate Casio WK 7500 vs Yamaha PSR-I455 Portable Keyboard. I am planning to buy a keyboard. It would be my first keyboard. The reason I want to buy a keyboard in a somewhat higher range ( approx 30k) is that I do not want to buy another keyboard too soon in the future.
I have learnt instrumental hindustani classical music, although I do not plan to play classical stuff on the keyboard.
Kindly advise.
Thanks,
Apurva
Dear Rajib,
How would you suggest Casio CTK6300IN or Yahmaha PSRI425 portable key board? it would be my 1st keyboard and i have learnt indian classical music only, ( Also required some your own product quality compairsion of both the companies)
kindly suggest
Thanks
Shashimouli Subhedar
Dear Rajib,
I’ve just purchased the Casio WK 7500. However, I’m a little perplexed as to what headphones would go with this workstation as it comes with the non-standard 6.3 mm headphone port! Can you please suggest me a good pair of monitor headphones/ear cans which I can use with my keyboard? I would also like the monitor headphones to be used for general music listening/monitoring/audiophile purposes! I’m thinking of considering the Sennheiser HD 202 ii headphones as it’s one of the few which comes with a 3.5/6.3 mm adapter jack, but, I would like your thoughts/suggestions 1st! Regards!
Sourav
Dear Sourav,
In fact it is the 6.3mm jack that is considered the standard headphone jack. It also happens to the standard size of microphone / line inputs/outputs of instruments to be plugged into a mixer.
The 3.5mm jack became popular after the invention of the Sony Walkman which necessitated a smaller jack.
Please note that you can buy a 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm (and vice-versa) adapter jack to use your headphone on a device with a different jack size. Such adapters are typically priced at Rs. 50/-. Try purchasing the gold-plated ones as they don’t rust (the nickel plated jacks rust).
Your choice of headphone will be decided purely by your budget. If you have the moolah, audiophile grade headphones are available for approx. $100. Good quality headphones from Creative / Altec-Lansing cost approx. $20 – $50. Headphones costing less than Rs. 300/- are likely to be low on output (due to 8 ohms circuitry) and low on bass (due to absence of large bass driver).
HTH
Dear Rajib,
thank you so much for your informative response. I do realize the thicker 6.3 mm jacks are probably used for higher O/P devices. However, it would be great if in the near future we had an universal standard 3.5 mm jack on all audio devices delivering the same audio quality, irrespective of other parameters!
My budget is around the $ 100 mark and I’m aware I can probably get some pretty decent headphones in this price range! However, there are a few considerations that I would like to make – 1stly, comfort is an imperative for me and I would prefer the headphone I buy to have a collapsible headband as many of the monitor headphones I’ve come across seem to have the rigid headband and might not fit my head and ears properly! Also, I’m concerned that if I do buy a separate 3.5-6.3 mm gold-plated adapter jack from the market it might be of inferior quality to the 3.5 mm jack provided by the manufacturer and thus the sound reproduction might not be very good! Essentially, I would like to buy something which gives me the same audio quality and range be it through the 3.5 mm or 6.3 mm jacks on any device I use it with! I would very much like your thoughts on this and any possible models which you can suggest based on my requirements would be a great help! Thank you and warm regards!
Sourav
Dear Sourav,
In general, the resistance increases with reduction in diameter of cables / jacks etc. This is the reason that professional audio-cables are thick-gauge and well shielded.
The 6.3mm diameter for Phono jacks is an established standard and it will remain so. It will probably only be superseded by digital interconnects. 3.5mm is the standard for personal audio.
Because of the extremely short lengths of conductors involved when using a adapter jack to fit 3.5mm headphones to 6.3mm socket, the loss if any of audio signal is not measurable; far less perceptible. The connector will have to be made of really bad quality metal to have any effect. So go ahead, do not worry about signal loss and enjoy the music with whatever adapter jack you can lay your hands on.
As far as recommending a headphone is concerned, I am unable to do so since I do not own a $100+ headphone. However from my limited exposure to audio recording, I would prefer that you acquire headphones that are balanced and do not enhance the sound in anyway. Its a huge mistake to record and mix audio based on headphone / monitor output. If that output is even slightly coloured by extra bass or treble, the final mix can sound very over-driven on consumer grade equipment.
HTH
Dear Rajib,
thank you once again for your wonderfully informative and helpful response. I’m much indebted to you for your technical insight. I’ve already made up my mind on getting the most balanced headphones, as I do not want extra punched bass or treble or any other acoustic artifacts which’ll distort the original sound! I’ve considered two Sennheiser models – HD 202 II and HD 280/380, although they’re at very different price points, but, will take a final call pending further research! You’ve already become a mentor to me in all things related to audio and recording and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Shuvo Poila Baisakh/ Nobo Borsho in advance. Thank You!
Sourav
Hi Rajib,
I had recently purchased ctk 7200 new model . I liked the piano sounds much and even the keyboard.Previously i owned yamaha psr E403 .This one is better one comparing to it.The main problem i am facing is the acomplisment in casio when i hold the left hand side em it shows em7.Is it in casio like that , in yamaha it was confertable.but i cheked the manul i need to change to casio chords in finger holding options.butevery time itis not possible when i change the tone.Please suggets
as u are having 7000 series.
Thanks
Dear Robert,
Casio’s default Chord holding pattern is Casio’s Chords pattern, where single key is the major chord, key+white (next) is seventh and key+black (next) is minor and Key + black + white is Minor seventh.
You can change it to Fingered 1 / Fingered 2 / Full Range Chord. Full Range Chord is particularly interesting as you can hold the chord combination normally anywhere on the keyboard, and the auto-accompaniment changes the chord (not limited to the first octave on the left side anymore).
Casio CTK-7000 does allow you to set this behavior as the standard at start-up. I on the other hand am using the Registration Bank feature for this.
I have set the combination of tones, individual volume levels for tones (in mixer), a 4-beat rhythm, rhythm tempo, split-point for chords, chord fingering type, touch response, pitch bend range etc. and saved them as Bank-1-Registration-1.
Everytime I start the keyboard, I simply press the Registration 1 key and the keyboard is setup the way I like it.
HTH
Hi Rajib,
I am looking for a Keyboard with Some basic Indian tones and Tabla beats. Would Casio WK7500 or CTK 7000 solve the purpose , if I buy one here in US. Or Do I have to buy from India to have the Indian tones on these.
Thanks, Ram
Hi Ram,
The CTK-7000 / WK-7500 would definitely solve the purpose. Note that these models have been superseded by CTK-7200 / WK-7600 which add to the number of tones.
Fortunately, Casio’s world-wide sale policy is same and the CTK-7×00 keyboards are sold worldwide and are exactly same.
You can check out some samples of the Indian Rhythms present on the Casio CTK-7000 here: http://www.rajib.com/review-of-casio-ctk-7000/616/
HTH
Hi Rajib Sir,
How would you rate Roland E 09 IN as compared to Yamaha PSR-I455 . Is it true that Roland e09 IN does not have a USB port. Do you think that should be one of the deciding factors?
Thanks and Regards
Arun
Dear Arun,
As I mentioned in another comment, I have not pesonally tested the devices but the Yamaha appears moe feature packed.
The Roland features the DIN type MIDI connectors which is great for connecting to other MIDI devices.
To connect it to computer, you will need to buy a MDI to USB interface or a sound card with DIN interface.
Hth
who isthe bestt Casio wk7600 vs Roland E09IN better dephth sounds on the stag