Still, your little ones will get up to 10 hours of continuous use from 6 AA rechargeable batteries. Sound output is stereo, and although the speakers are closely spaced the quality is remarkably good for the price - a godsend for long-suffering parents! The only downside is that the mains power adapter is an optional extra. One hundred tones with shortcuts to piano, trumpet and drums, 50 built-in rhythms and 32 note polyphony make it an intriguing learning tool for young minds, plus they’ll get access to free lessons at Casio’s Music Academy. Weighing in at less than a kilo, measuring just 44.6cm across and equipped with 32 mini keys, it’s the perfect size for little hands.ĭespite its toy-like looks, it’s more than just a plaything. If Casio’s SA-7x range of children’s keyboards is still somewhat grown-up for your little darlings, then consider the even more elementary SA-51. You treasure those quiet moments at home… Let’s be honest, if we had the money we’d opt for the CT-X5000, but the CT-X3000 is almost certainly better value for the majority of users. Unlike the CT-X5000 it can also be powered using batteries alone. However, the ‘lowly’ CT-X3000 still bristles with 800 instrument tones, 260 accompaniment styles, superb bass reflex speakers and Casio’s premium AiX sound engine.

Secondly, if that’s not enough power then you can plug the stereo line outs into an external speaker system or PA.īeyond those significant (for some) differences, the CT-X5000 features a few extra buttons for slicker performance, more onboard effects, and a programmable EQ. Firstly, while the CT-X3000 ships with a perfectly adequate 13W amplification system, the CT-X5000 can pump out a room-filling 30 watts (15W x 2). So, other than the hefty price tag, what else is it missing? Essentially, it lacks only two major features, which are only really of interest to gigging musicians.

It’s slightly less feature rich, but does trump its better endowed brother in one respect.

If you have a little less cash and no desire to perform beyond your living room, then the almost identical CT-X300 makes a lot of sense. Casio’s flagship CT-X5000 is a superb keyboard - after all, it’s made this guide - but it comes with a hefty price tag and a feature set aimed squarely at performers.

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