Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Casio AP-400

Hi guys, anyone have experience with the Casio AP-400? I see a ton of folks here who love the Privia line but far fewer who seem to go with the AP-45/AP-400. I personally don't need the portability of a stage DP; in fact, my wife prefers that our DP fit into the room's decor and serve as an attractive piece of furniture. I also don't want to route the sound to a computer or external sound system - I just want to play it as-is.

So based on what's important to me (and with a budget of $1,000), it seemed that the AP-400 is a solid choice. From what I can tell it's functionally similar to the Privia line but for some extra cost you get a very solid console with the pedals mounted solidly and sufficient stock speakers. I also am not concerned with voices beyond piano, and don't need portability.

Any thoughts on this? Given what I find important is the AP-400 a solid choice or is there a reason to prefer the Privia line? Anyone have experience with the AP-400? Thanks!

This model was displayed in our local Casio showroom before the newer models came out. The AP-400 is from the last generation, which puts it in the league of PX-720, 320, 120, and 800. So basically any review about the touch and tone of the Privias should apply to the AP-400. The only thing that differentiates the Celvianos from the Privias are the sturdier and better (larger) stand, music rest, and pedals. The speakers are better 20Wx2 (the only Privia with this specification are the PX-8xx models). But it doesn't have any SD card slot. It seems Casio has further differentiated the Celvianos from the Privias in the current generation (AP-420), but in the last generation, the package and features were more or less the same.

I've had an AP-45 for two years and still love it. Although I use it exclusively with headphones.

Not to suggest you change you mind, but you did ask if there is a reason.

The only reason, given your preferences, to prefer the Privia is that the Privia lineup was more recently refreshed with new technology. The other Casios are all a year or two behind.

The other Casios (I'm thinking you're referring to the Celvianos here) aren't actually behind. They were refreshed more or less at the same time as the Privias . The newer Celviano models are AP-220, AP-420, and AP-620. I like the newer Celvianos for the nicer keytops and the adjustable piano bench(!) and the salesguy nearly steered me into getting the AP-420, but it was over my budget. However, these particular models may not yet be available depending on the country.

Hi guys, thanks for your help! I didn't realize that the AP-400 was a generation behind the PX-x30 series. That does explain why most folks here are ooohing and ahhhing over the PX-x30s... they're newer! I haven't seen the AP-420 available yet (and I'm guessing it's a few hundred bucks more than the AP-400, anyway) so I think in the end I am going to go with my original decision. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing a glaring deficiency.

Thanks again; everyone was a big help!

I had to look at Casio's Europe site to see this. Yes you are right.

But locally the Privia line is the most up to date. They don't list the same selection of instruments here in the US. So it seems that wetter the Privia is a few years ahead of the rest of the Casio lineup or not depends on where you live.