Casio CDP-S100 88-Keys Compact Digital Piano Black

One search that brings browsers to this page is “least expensive weighted-key piano.” That makes sense, because the Casio CDP-S100 is one of the most affordable 88-key home pianos. There are 76-key instruments with synth-action available for less, but for full keyboards with weighted, blocked-end keys in this exact price range, there really isn’t much. The Musician’s Friend musical keyboard experts see the Casio CDP-S100 as a tremendous value. The starter piano in Casio’s line, it offers a lot to the new beginner or hobbyist piano player.

The Sound of the CDP-S100

Besides its grand piano, the CDP-S100 has nine other sounds. There are two other piano voicings, three electric pianos, two organs, strings and a harpsichord. Its dual 8-watt power amps are matched perfectly to its 4-1/2” x 2-1/4-inch oval full-range speakers. The CDP-S100’s sound system handles the samples in the sound bank easily, and produces satisfying tones for practice or home recitals. It is 64-note polyphonic. Any two sounds can be layered.

Built to be Loved

Casio has designed this instrument for the enthusiastic beginner. It doesn’t have a left hand accompaniment feature. Instead, it provides a quality weighted keyboard for developing dexterity and strength. One feature that turns up the CDP-S100’s fun factor is its portability. Its casing is just inches wider than the keys. It weighs only 23 lb., and can operate on AA batteries.

The DCP-S100 as a MIDI Controller

Like most inexpensive weighted-key digital pianos, the Casio CDP-S100 has basic MIDI functions. It sends MIDI information over USB, so you can plug into your computer without any additional interface. When you first plug in your CDP-S100, the driver software your computer needs for your piano will be installed. It can be effectively used as a MIDI controller in a studio or live environment.

The CDP-S100 App

Casio has developed an app that works with the CDP and other Casio keyboards. Chordana Play for Piano controls the functions available from the buttons interface, including transposition, metronome, response and more. It can display 60 songs in the built-in music library, and even turns the optional 3-pedal controller into a page-turner. Speed up and slow down the playback to enhance your own practicing. You can play along with preset songs and even cancel the melody part of the playback.

Comes with Essential Accessories

You can use six AA batteries to run the CDP-S100 for up to 13 hours, but for everyday use, it comes with its own AC adaptor. It also ships with a small sustain pedal, a music rest and an owner’s manual. It is equipped with everything a beginning keyboard player will need: a weighted action that translates well to acoustic piano, satisfying sounds to work with, and a good-looking instrument that will instill pride of ownership.