WOW! Casio ABSOLUTELY has a direct contender to the Yamaha YPG, and the newer Yamaha DGX series--(there are newer DGX models called the DGX-520, and DGX-620).

Casio's new Privia PX-575R is a "head on contender" to the YPG-625. When you inlarge the picture you'll see that this new Privia shares (much) of the WK layout, and functions--even 6 track recording, drawbars, voice editing, and so on. Here's a link. Scroll to the bottom.
http://www.casio.com/news/content/36B69A74-C16D-4FC7-BCA3-D0C2E1C2191D/

If the new WK-8000 model doesn't have weighted keys it will compete directly against the new Yamaha DGX-520, and DGX 620.

Here's the new DGX models:
http://yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/List/ModelSeriesListLE/0,,CTID%253D205200%2526 CNTYP%253D,00.html

Squeak



[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-16-2006).]

Oh oh, it looks like Yamaha is in serious trouble....

Ian

Either way..., Casio needs to be given a pat on the pack with these new models--and Yamaha a pat on their backs as well. Sure the Casio's have 32 note poly (a bit limited), but last time I check the entire DGX line and the YPG's have 32 note poly as well.

What will really set a definitive line between the Casio's and Yamaha's (in my opinion) is if Casio included midi in/out jacks on the WK-8000, and Privia 575R. The 575R already has a few ups on the YPG. The 575R will allow voice editing, if the 6 track recorder is identical to the WK's it will allow post song editing, and the new Privia even has the WK drawbars

I already told the wife, to expect me to clear a space in the living room for the Privia 575R. I'm willing to bet the Privia model will sell for less than the YPG or right at the same price

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-16-2006).]

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-16-2006).]

Mmmmmm....I wonder if Casio are looking for demonstrators?

Perhaps it's time to make a change?

Ian

They need to change their name to make it a respected unit again.....
too much old baggage from years ago....the minute people hear Casio its associated with low end if at all....

Agree with you DNJ, before Casio it used to be Bontempi down at the bottom of the pile.
Casio have come on these past few years though and do offer some competition at the lower/budget end of the home user arranger/piano market.

Yeah I agree that their past does haunt them a bit, but Casio has (since the release of the MZ-2000) up their game quite a bit.

It's not going to happen overnight, but Casio "is" changing their (not so well known) reputation. They're doing this by releasing models worthy of competition with Yamaha and the likes. If they continue to do this, Casio can change that negative image. Who knows maybe we'll see a new MZ model down the line.

Funny thing is more people own Casio's and just don't admit it I wouldn't be ashamed of sporting a WK-3800, or 8000, or PX 575R.

Squeak

[This message has been edited by squeak_D (edited 07-16-2006).]

Last time I checked...when I owned a Previa, It dropped to 16 note polyphony as soon as you selected the stereo piano sound. As far as I know my portable Yamaha does not do this. So, as far as 32 note polyphony goes, Yamaha is twice as good as Casio. Really no two ways about it. Casio needs to redevelope their sound engine. They need better polyphony. They have made great strides in their products and truly are contenders. However, at 32 note (16 note) polyphony they are not in the same class. IMO

Regards,

Dennis L. Almond
aka...TwoNuts

That's it....

I'm cancelling my application for demonstrator.LOL

Ian

Bontempi....heheheheh