Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Casio Privia or Celviano?

I recently wrote a thread about a new Celviano ap450 I`d love to purchase.
I did realize however, that the 450 Did not include everything I wanted, (I know I don`t *need* these functions, I`d still love to have them), but a rhythm bank, and a diverse set of tones. I also wanted, more imporatantly, a split function (that does not exclude bass tones- which is what the Celviano ap450 does.

I came across Privia pianos that offer what I`d like. But, is there a difference in sound quality?
If it really comes to it, I can ditch the Privia because of the sound quality, regardless of it`s features.
My goal is to get something as similar as a Clavinova; but because my price range is tight, I can only afford either a Casio Privia (760 or 780) or Celviano (450).

Thanks.

Usually, "split" is used when you want a bass tone ("acoustic bass", "pick bass", etc) in the LH, and something else (piano, electric piano, organ) in the RH.

. . . The AP450 will do that, with the BASS 1 and BASS 2 tones in the LH.

What you _can't_ do, on the AP450, is choose _any_ tone for the LH -- it's just BASS 1 or BASS 2. And you can't change the "split point" (F# below middle C).

There is an AP450 restriction on _layering_:



I think the PX-350 has the same restriction -- you can layer tones in the RH, and split the keyboard, but only _one_ tone can play in the LH. However, with the PX350, you can put _any_ single tone into the LH, and you choose the "split point".


I think what Casio has done, is to divide the buying public into two parts:

. . . People who want a _piano_, with a limited number of tones (PX-150 / PX-160 / etc)

. . . People who want a _stage piano_ or "arranger piano" (auto-accompaniment, rhythms), with a full gamut of tones and adjustable "split point" (PX-350 / PX-360 etc, and their cabinet equivalents).

There may be some "crossover" models -- I don't know the whole line.


If you want "stage piano" or "arranger" capabilities, a PX-350/ PX-360 or a PX-780 (= PX-350 in a cabinet, bigger amps, same speakers) are good choices. One of the Yamaha "DGX" series will also work -- I tried one, didn't like it as much as the Casio. But people on this forum are happy with them.

The Privia PX5-S is pretty good...Great key action with Ivory feel keys...260 tones 4 zones that can be layered with 6 different tones each...built in arpeggiator...hex layer synth...can be used as a midi master controller...live to usb recording...only 26 pounds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4acahS0yU68

Swain: I agree with you on the merits of the Casio PX-5S. However:

(1) It has a small LCD screen and a steep learning curve. Once you learn the ins and outs of the PX-5S, it's peerless at its price point IMO, but it ain't easy to get to that stage.

(2) For new buyers, I suggest you check out the PX-560, with its large color touchscreen and most (but not all) of the features of the PX-5S.

I'm pretty sure the AP-650 does everything you want it to do, but it costs more than the AP-450. It does occasionally go on sale at costco.ca, though. That's how I got mine -- it was on sale for $1099 in November 2015.

Actually using the Stage settings is very easy. The PC App makes doing all of the hard stuff easy. I bought a refurb with factory 3 year warranty 3 years ago for $650 and think I got the deal of the century.

I don't gig (which is what the PX-5s was designed for) but I use it in a home studio where you use a combination of the PX-5s sounds and the midi controller it is a beast, and in stead of a same screen I use a 4K TV and 4K monitor for music display with programs I can use the pedal to turn pages.

I run mine through a set of studio speakers and of course good head phones. It has a very good USB hookup for computer as well as real midi in/outs plus 1/4" in/out and two sets rca head phones (use mini with adapter).

I currently use mine with Samplitude and the GPO for orchestration. Unless you can find a refurb, I'd go new because most of these are used by gigging guys and gals and might have had a hard life.

I agree the new PX560 while more expensive is probably a better buy if you just want to play and not use the synth, I think the USB is the same. Both are instruments you won't outgrow soon IMHO.

I am now thinking about adding a software piano as I really like the sound of the Steinway D that is included in the GPO, but I like the sounds of the various pianos I the PX-5s (but what do I know?).

The fact that is DP is soooo light is also a big deal if you have to move it or take it down for a while. I might be a fan boy YMMV.

If I had a car I may would have considered something like the Korg Kronos or the Yamaha Montage\Motif(or whatever is the Yamaha flagship model).

It's not such a big deal to take from home to the car, from the car to a rehearsal room, etc...

But since I'm relying on public transportation, and not always have the fortune to get a ride from a band member, the Casio PX-5S is my goto instrument for any band situation.

It is really an issue to lug around with something so heavy, when sometimes I have to walk a mile or two to get to the bus\train station and back.
In fact, the PX-5S is heavy enough to make me feel unpleasent when walking with it a long way, but at least it is tolerable.

Overpriced ($145) but in your situation maybe worth considering is the Gator GK88SLIM keyboard case, which has wheels and a tow handle.

Yeah, it has a learning curve...but learning is fun, right? :p