Hello,
I've run a search on the forum, and I read an interesting things about WK-8000:

- It's semi-weighted, but the feel actually is heavier than other semi-weighted keyboards.

- It's exactly the same as WK-3300 except for the 88-keys, and the weighting.

How true are those statements? Can you confirm them?

Also, I'm a real beginner. I'm going to teach myself the Piano, but I can't afford an acoustic one that's why I want to buy a keyboard instead.

Note that I'm from a 3rd world country, and I will buy the keyboard from the U.S. so I need a keyboard that would live on! for at least 10 years!

Some may suggest buying a digital Piano instead, but I think it's nice having extra instruments/features beside Piano.

What do you think about the Piano sound quality of the WK-8000? can you provide me with a demo?

Thanks in advance!

Oh, 32 Polyphony won't be a problem for the next 10 years right?

[This message has been edited by Deejah (edited 02-07-2008).]

Don't know about the specific board, but if you are using styles 32 polyphony is a huge problem. My KORG iS40 has the same poly and it is dropping notes on elaborate styles (mostly on VARs 3-4) or when I use harmony or even when long sustain effect is running. Not much of a problem if you will use it as piano or lead solo.

Let me chime in since I had the WK-3000 for over a year which is essentially same as the newer WK-3X00 keyboards. I also demoed the WK-8000 several times which is like the WK-3800 with 88 keys and stand.
My answer to you is that Casio makes very good value instruments, i.e. you get a lot for your money. Unfortunately, because the price is so low (comparatively speaking), there are many compromises. The keys on the WK-8000 are piano keys (i.e. are full vs. synth-style) but I do not think they are weighted. Consequently, the action is not close to a real piano or a good weighted instrument (such as Yamaha Clavinova). If you plan to use the instrument for general-purpose play, I would say it would be fine but if you are trying to use it as a piano substitute I would say think about it as you will not build strength in your fingers and generally form bad habits.
The polyphony is probably not a limitation for piano playing (you only have 10 fingers after all) but that limits the use if you are thinking about MIDI work and doing some elaborate arrangements.
To sum up, I think the WK series offer excellent bang for the buck but, alas, you get what you pay for. I would say for amateur playing it is often more then sufficient. A lot of on this board gig for living, so Casio WK would not cut it but for home play it is great.

Take a good look at this Casio Privia unit....

http://www.casio.com/products/Musical_Instruments/Privia_Digital_Pianos/PX-320/

PX-320 isn't available for international shipping, only the PX-110 is.

So, I'll buy the WK-8000 tomorrow. Let's hope I won't be kicking myself for not buying a different keyboard. If you have any reason why I shouldn't buy the WK-8000 please say it now!

"I would say think about it as you will not build strength in your fingers and generally form bad habits."

but WK-8000 is semi-weighted right?

George Kaye said:
"Even though it is not a weighted action like the other Privias, when you play it, you think it's weighted. It has something to do with the way they "loaded" the keys and I keep going to a weighted action and then back to the WK-8000 and although it feels different, it feels more like a weighted action then like a non weighted action."

I bought the WK-8000 a year ago from George Kaye. It gets daily use when I work on film scores. At $499.00 is is a bargain, I think. Don't use any of the arranger functions, but it's a really good "beater" for the office.


I'd go for it!


Russ

Ok, I just bought it. They will ship it soon!

Is there any tip on how to make the Piano sounds as good as possible?

or anything I need to do, like, certain configuration or download something online?

Oh forget it guys...

They wanted to charge me 300 U.S. dollars for the shipping while the shipping cost is actually less than 60$.. So, I canceled it.

I know I'll end up buying the expensive Roland FP-4 or FP-7 Digital Piano from a local store >.>

I know they have a floor model WK800 available at Palmdale California GUITAR CENTER for $399.....

I was gonna walk out with it a month ago but decided to save my money for a better board...up to $850 and counting...

It's still there as of yesterday...

However I personally didn't like ANY of the boards in this price range...so I decided to wait...I have a "used" Triton Extreme 76 key on layaway for $900 ($850 in already YIPEE!!!)but might get an arranger still instead...

One thing about the WK8000 is it is just recorder playback not a sampled piano sound...

I would and did just save my money for a better unit...just a thought

[This message has been edited by Steve A (edited 02-09-2008).]

[This message has been edited by Steve A (edited 02-09-2008).]

Thank god I didn't buy the WK-8000!

Yeah, I think I'll save up more money and buy a Roland FP-4 from a local store

I'll search the forum for a review on the FP-4