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