At the recent Frankfurt Musikmesse, Casio introduced 3 arranger keyboards that may be of interest to some readers. They all use the ZPI sound source technology that was used in the MZ-2000 and with their expanded
feature set, look like they could potentially dominate the low to mid-end arranger keyboard market. Would love to
see someone out there give Yamaha a run for their money!

Casio Wk-3500 Specifications:

76 keys with touch response (initial/after)

ZPI Sound Source (Zygotech Polynomial Interpolation with Stereo Sampling)

32 note polyphony (max.)

790 tones (566 normal Presets, which include 300 Advanced tones, 128 GM, 72 Various,
16 Drum sets, 50 Drawbar organs) + 224 programmable user Presets (which include 4 Drumsets and 100 user

Drawbar organs)

Split and Layer

Modulation Wheel

Piano Setting key (direct switching to piano mode with Stereo Piano sound)

232 digital effects (100 DSP + 16 Reverb + 16 Chorus +100 user)

Equalizer (10 levels, 4 volumes)

Auto Harmonize

Full Chord

140 rhythm patterns (includes 16 user + 20 Piano)

Auto-accompaniment (Intro/Ending 1 + 2, Variation/Fill 1 + 2, Synchro/Fill)

One Touch Presets

Registration Memory (4 x 8 banks)

Expanded Flash ROM (Wave, SMF, tone settings, Auto-accompaniment patterns, DSP, Songs, One Touch

Presets, Registrations, etc)

Data Expansion via Internet

Floppy Disk Drive

SmartMedia Slot (that offers SMF Directplay and storage of other settings; up to128MB capacity; for example, a

64MB card offers access to over 250 MIDI files

3 Demosongs

Synthesizer (Built-in synthesizer capabilities for sound creation)

Song sequencer (5 Songs, 6 Tracks, real-time recording, step recording, quantization and Punch-in, 10,000 notes

max.)

Mixer Function

LCD display (blue backlit)

On-Screen Help

General MIDI

Connections (Headphone/audio output, pedal input, MIDI in/out with allocatable function)

2-Way Bass-reflex Speaker System (12 cm x 2.5 cm x 2, 2 x 6 W)

Power Supply (Mains or 6 batteries)

Size in mm (1223 x 423 x 160)

Weight (approx. 10 kg)

List Price: 699 Euros

Availability: September, 2003

The WK-3000 has virtually the same specs without the floppy drive and will be available in July for a list price of 549

Euros.

The CTK-691 is based on the current CTK-671, but has increased the number of tones to 790 (same as WK-3500),

more DSP fx, a larger sized Flash Rom with SMF DirectPlay, drawbar Organ settings, blue backlit LCD, etc...

Basically the same specs of the WK-3500, with just 61 keys, no Smartmedia and no Floppy Drive (and still no pitch

-bend or modulation wheels). Its list price will be 329 Euros and it will be available in July.

Sound like the new models to replace the WK-1600/1800. It's nice to see all the newer features, but if they're not going to release a next generation MZ-2000 I don't see why they didn't just go ahead and add a 16 track sequencer to the newer models. Are they going to bring out anything newer than the MZ-2000? It's a shame for them to stop there.. That was a nice board..

Squeak

Lots of exciting news:
New Casio arranger, new Korg PA-1X, Yamaha PSR2100, and a possible new entry from Roland.
Squeak,
Not sure what you mean, wouldn't the WK3500 replace the MZ-2000? Only 6 track sequencer? Sigh!!
Starkeeper

Actually no. The MZ-2000 had 16 track sequencer that held 40,000 notes and a separate pattern sequencer that in itself held an additional 22,000 notes. It had extensive voice editing, digital drawbars with sliders on the face of the instrument, 15 watt speakers. Granted the newer Casio line has a few things the MZ didn't, but in terms of song writing power, the MZ would have the edge.. I know they're two differnt boards, but if Casio isn't going to continue that line, they should at least up the tracks for the new line up..

Squeak

Thanks for clarifying that Squeak. I do remember it having 15 watt speakers, now that you mention it. Looks like the're unwilling to compete with the big boys in the top end. That's ok, I can't afford a top end arranger anyways.
Starkeeper

Let's all get to Wal-Mart before they're all sold out Will the CTK come with lighted keys and strobes too?


I apologize for the sarcasm. Those of you who like Casio should definitely check out these new boards. I have one of the original mini CT100's and still find uses for it.

[This message has been edited by cassp (edited 05-29-2003).]

A couple of days ago at my local Guitar Center, I happened to notice that they still had a MZ-2000 on display for around 600 dollars. I just happened to be there doing a comparison between the Korg Triton LE & Studio series, and the Yamaha Motif. All nice boards with loads of great features but I just don't have the inclination to devote the money or the time to learn a whole new setup. Looks like I'll be sticking with an arranger keyboard and a simple digital multitrack. One thing I like about the new Casio keyboards is they are more open-ended than the Yamaha offerings, with lots of possibilities for expansion and sound creation...especially considering the price!

Michael

Anyone know where we can see a pic of these new models?

Squeak

Doesn't have XG. Not much use without that. And only 32 note polyphony. Only 32 registration memories.

Isn't this "new" model just a rehash of existing technology: Let's downgrade the amp and speakers, reduce the number of tracks, increase the voices. There you go, a new keyboard.
Still; 76 keys, 50 drawbar organs, hmm!
My calculations says $821 U.S., $1128 Cdn. That's less than a PSR2100.
Starkeeper

Not much to brag about on these new ones. Same 6 watt speakers as the WK-1800. Same 32 note Polyphony. Same 6 track Sequencer. If I remember correctly the WK-1800 had a stereo sampled Piano too. Smart Media is a plus and there is Aftertouch too which is nice. I think this would be a good beginners Keyboard for starting out. But beyond that it just doesn't cut the mustard imo.

Best regards,
Mike

PS: I think Casio's marketing rationale is in targeting beginners and children (music students, etc.) for the upcoming Fall school year and the upcoming 2003 Holiday shopping season. Apart from that I'm sure they would love to sucker any unsuspecting, ignorant- "in regards to understanding the ins and outs of Keyboard advancement technology in general and the application of it in real world settings, ie., Gigging, Recording, Mixing, Sound department, etc." I mean for few hundred dollars more a person could get an excellent Arranger in the Yamaha PSR 2000/2100 which I am sure will blow that WK-3500 out of the water. No offense Casio but you are still producing just toys when comparing to other Arranger Keyboard Manufacturers. The MZ-2000 was your best offering to date and even that couldn't stand up to the Big Boys. So apparently you decided to stick to what you do best, ie., manufacturing sub-quality, sub-standard Arranger Keyboards. Oh well, I think kids and beginners would enjoy these new offerings if for no other reason than it's low price, light weight, 76 Keys and it makes for such a nice spectacle gift wrapped underneath that Christmas tree! , payed for out of someone else's pocket which is the best feature of all of course. Sorry for being so livid. I am not really angry though just venting my thoughts and hoping Casio will see this and in the process make them livid (angry) enough to do something about it, ie., (start producing good quality advanced Arranger Keyboards that will compete with the best of them.

I'm outta here! Have a nice day everybody.

I totally agree with you Idatrod. The new Casio will miss the Summer Namm Show, that professional arranger musicians will be watching , but will be ontime for the September, back to school crowd.
Starkeeper

I don't think the MZ did as well as it could have because Casio already shot themselves in the foot at least 1000 times before they released the MZ. Everyone knows Casio as the toy department for keyboards.. You see them everywhere from Radio Shack, K-Mart, WalMart, and other big chain stores. When they released the MZ I don't think anyone really took them seriously on it.. They had been making toys for years (their last real pro line was the CZ series.. remember those...????). People just couldn't seem to justify paying $1,000 for a Casio. I thought the MZ was a really good step foward for Casio.. They didn't market it as well as they should have though. This new line up of theirs would be great if they just added the recording power of the MZ-2000. Given it the same sequencer, and pattern sequencer (that allowed you to loop and overdub).. If I remember correctly the style recorder on the current WK series does't allow looping or overdubbing.... Casio could easily enter and compete with the big dogs if they wanted to.. They have the money and the resources to do this. I think they're happy where they are.

Squeak

I have pictures and prices at my store.The WK-3000 will list for $449.00 and have a MAP price of $299.00. the WK-3500 will have a list price of $549.00 and a MAP price of $399.00.
George Kaye
Kaye's Music Scene
Reseda, California

I've never owned a Casio myself and maybe
Casio keyboards don't come up to serious (whatever that is) arranger players' expectations. Casio obviously sees a niche market in targetting those folks who just see a lot of buttons and stuff and are eager to buy a keyboard for little Johnny; they're free to spend their hard-earned money where they want. At least it gets little Johnny's hands on a keyboard and, with a bit of luck and perseverance, he could grow up to be a pretty fine musician who can play with the best of them on a top line board. We all had to sit at a keyboard for the first time and, unless Poppa was flush enough to bring home a 2100 or Pa-80, we probably started out on something pretty ordinary and we developed from there.

As a parent, not knowing whether or not that little moptop stuffing his face with Cheerios at the breakfast table was a musical genius, I don't know that I'd want to be shelling out a bundle on something that may just sit in the corner gathering dust after the initial enthusiasm had worn off, so Casio would seem to be a reasonable starting point, and they're good enough for George to sell at his store.

George, how many Casios do you sell? More than a few, I'd bet.

I'm with Big Red on this one...I think it's definitely a good thing for every family to be able and afford a musical instrument, no matter how humble its origins or how little it costs. If everyone in the world was involved in making music instead of all the other crazy things we do, wouldn't this planet be a better place? I honestly don't understand how some people can cast such dispersion upon Casio because their product just doesn't meet their own personal high standards or isn't perceived to be in the same league as the competition. Casio isn't trying to fool anyone into thinking they are buying a professional keyboard and they appear to be making a real effort to improve the quality and capabilities of their keyboards, while keeping their prices affordable for consumers. I applaud them for this and sincerely wish them well in their endeavors. I hope that thousands (no, millions) of more people will be introduced to the joys of making music...and if Casio makes a shitload of money in the process by selling lots of "plunkers", God bless 'em!

Go, Casio, go!!!

Michael

Looking just at the price, it probably won't be an upgrade to my Yamaha PSR550.
Starkeeper

Yamaha needs to bring out a 76 note keyboard with the voice set of either the PSR550/PSR1000 or ultimately PSR2100.
They could introduce it as a new model.
Starkeeper

Yamaha has the solution for that 76 key version you're looking for... It's called the 9000 Pro.. I agree it would be nice to see a 76 key version of the 550, or even the 1000/2000.... It wouldn't be hard either.. They already make a 76 keybed that's used on the DGX models.

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 06-02-2003).]