Forgotten but amazing: Casio WK-3000 synth keyboard

[@Am71919]

Forgotten?? These pop up on the used instrument market all the time(at least here in Texas), this was definitely one of casio's best instruments

[@KingTitain]

hey how do i setup the usb drivers

[@hcb3636]

Released 2003, touch sensitive 76-key, and 300US? Not bad at all. Never heard of this thing before!

[@MartinVisser]

I bought one for my family not long after they came out. (My biggest online purchase - bought from US store and shipped to Australia). Kids have grown up and now married, but my piano playing wife still would go to it when she didn't want to be so loud on the old school Yamaha U-3. Anyway it was frustrating for her for a few years as it wouldn't reliably power on. I thought it might be the power supply (the factory one failed early on and I used I think an old printer one) or the internal power circuitry. Anyway I got the gumption over Christmas to pull out apartment (found the WK7000N service manual online) and with my son started going through the power circuits. After some time we narrowed down the issue to the actual power switch. I was contemplating bypassing it, but with a little convincing from my son, we pulled the back of the button circuit board away so we could get to the switch. A good clean of the membrane switch with some isopropyl alcohol and it was good as gold. Put it back together and now have a happy wife. Anyway it's given me some incentive to explore the sounds it can create again. (I'm a very poor player, gave up on organ lessons as a kid, but enjoy mucking with synth and sounds when I can).

[@gearfacts]

It sounds like we are leading similar lives!

[@discatte]

Finally I understand how you know the best get to find. What a team of experts you've assembled.

[@gearfacts]

haha, yeah I just had to break out of my old routine. In that last bit I couldn't even bear to listen to myself drone on and on so I just edited some soft toys over my babble.

[@amentia666]

I have one that I bought back in 2004. Still using it, but I only know about 2 % of all the options I'm having. Need to learn more. Basically mainly using the 000 Piano with the 146 Wide Strings as a layer. Great sound for my use. Absolutely have to learn more about it. Thanks for the video!

[@johnnyonline]

I picked up a couple of these over a decade ago for $50 but they didn't work. I finally got around to fixing them today. A couple of $2.50 plug connectors from Jaycar, some light soldering and I'm in business! 😂 Can't believe I've been sitting on them for so long. They're fantastic keyboards.

[@gearfacts]

The era of the soldering iron is not over yet! Nice work!

[@UserMW14]

Is it relatively easy to open and repair?

[@johnnyonline]

@@UserMW14 it was about 50 screws but thankfully they were all the same. I had to replace the power jack so nice and simple. But plenty of room in there if you needed to access other components.

[@EBTheOriginalMaster]

Another keyboard from Casio that uses the Zpi sound source. The MZ-2000, CTK-671, and CTK-900 are other examples that also uses the sound source.

[@gearfacts]

Ah the 671 is one of my long-held favorites :) I didn't know they resurrected ZPI for the MZ2000, that's pretty cool

[@sssyntax]

The mz 2000 is a beast. These silver wk models were all based on the mz 2000. The mz has way better synth section and layering. The dsp is excellent BUT very few parameters can be modified. It can sound massive.

[@luhhricofr]

Yeah I’ve officially decided that I’m gonna just collect these keyboards for my own satisfaction someday because I’ve watched like 3 of your videos on some of these keyboards and I want them all😭

[@gearfacts]

Good choice!

[@sssyntax]

Your frankencasio was how I first found your channel hahaha. The wk series with the blue dsp button are sooooo cool!

[@gearfacts]

Haha that old video is a bit embarrassing but kinda fun :)

[@NorthEastEntertainmentChannel]

Had the 3500 and found it's organ patches really cut through not to mention some of the ep's, currently own the 7600 which fits the bill and looks smart.

[@PCFROMVCS]

I usually avoid these new looking Casios but these actually sound surprisingly nice. Might have to pick on up sometime

[@gearfacts]

New-ish looking these days I guess. Casio has moved on to slim profiles with round edges.

[@brijmohannig9474]

Wanted to ask that if a looper pedal says 38 seconds looper(or 38 seconds looping) then what happens after 38 seconds ? Does it stop looping? Or does it take a break and then start looping again? And can we connect Zoom G1x 4 with piano Keyboard?(am having Roland go keys 61 and yamaha psr e363)

[@gearfacts]

I don’t know the answer for the first question, but the second question is a definite yes :)

[@brijmohannig9474]

@@gearfacts alright, thank you so much 😀🙏🏻😍 so it does connect with keyboard right..

[@djtechnoP]

Is it possible to create your own custom accompainment rhythm on this keyboard? (Like how korg pa models can). Or is there a software that can load custom rhythms we make into this piano?

[@gearfacts]

No you can't create custom styles on this board as far as I know.

[@djtechnoP]

@gearfacts hey i did some searching, you can. Using the IDES 2.0 software, you can load a midi file, and put midi notes on channels 10-15, then save as cfk, and load into keyboard memory. There are instructions online if you google it

[@lifein626]

It's the Best electronic Piano at all. Simple and Nice.

[@jasonandsarahlieberman1916]

Do you know how to easily connect this keyboard to a PC? I see it uses MIDI cables and does not have a USB

[@gearfacts]

You need a MIDI to USB adapter cable, they're about $20 from online stores.

[@marcinszyrszen3952]

I have bought this Keyboard last week and I'm infatuated.

[@gearfacts]

Yeah it’s great!

[@KikiAelita]

Could you do more tutorials about how to use this keyboard's various functionalities? I recently got one of these as my first keyboard/piano and am struggling to find resources outside of the manual on how to use it. Specifically, I'd like to know how the editing of the sounds it produces works. I am not super interested (yet) in recording different tracks and playing them back, but the amount of instrument sounds and the way they can be altered to match someone's sound preferences/interests is really intriguing to me. Right now I just set it to Grand Piano and practice scales or simple songs I enjoy like Lugia's Song. I'd love to consume more content that is about enjoying what I already have rather than having to resort to watching endless reviews for new products I could also buy when I want keyboard/piano content, too!

[@gearfacts]

Sure, take a look at this video, it's not the same model but it has a VERY similar method: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m33IiKWlgpaig5Y

[@KikiAelita]

@@gearfacts Appreciate the reply! I did see in another response after writing the above you had sold this one, but this tutorial should still help! Thanks!

[@sssyntax]

Just jump straight in to the synth section or dsp section and play around. They are really simple to use and edit.

[@2010mattyg]

Its not covered in the manual?

[@azyu1502]

i have casio wk3200. so dificult to get the smartmedia card to store midi files. can wk3200 install the multicard reader in the available slot of wk3200?

[@gearfacts]

I guess it’s possible. Would be difficult though

[@dawnr8511]

Great info on it. Nice!

[@GaryR55]

Makes you wonder why some of these sounds aren't still around now.

[@WillsJazzLoft]

You mentioned that you're an EP guy. I bought a WK-200 (used) because of its EPs (Fender - Rhodes, Wurlitzer, DX-7); they would typically be called Dyno EP, 60s EP and FM EP - respectively.

[@gearfacts]

Yes I especially love the Rhodes, it’s always interesting to hear the other brands re-inventing it.

[@WillsJazzLoft]

@@gearfacts and it's absolutely astounding just how close Casio is able to approximate those vintage keyboards. And they do it at a price point that makes it affordable for consumers. Folks just don't know

[@markjbowman71]

I see one of these locally for under $300AUD and looking for a keyboard with fun sounds for my 6 year old who is loving synths etc - would you recommend that or something newer to learn on?

[@gearfacts]

I'd recommend the WK-3000 but I think that price is a bit high. I sold the one seen in this video for $125AUD, and that took a while. Maybe they'll take $200? Still, it's way cheaper than the lowest models in the shops now, and it has more keys and is more versatile. All of Casio's WK models are great, I really can't think of a single bad one :) ps There is a Gearfacts buy and sell page on Facebook.

[@markjbowman71]

@@gearfacts i did not know that, I'd be very happy with $125 - thought $280 was way high for an old bit of kit.

[@gearfacts]

@@markjbowman71 It is, but it's a question of how much you like it and what else is available. I've made a video about effective buying of music gear: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZ6xZnRto811nJo

[@FreshTrooperXBL]

Would anyone be willing to dig into the organ menu and test out some sounds? These can apparently create some very combo organ type organs (leave the Leslie effect off …I’m sure someone would use an external pedal to the Leslie effect).

[@dawnr8511]

Not sure if you still have the one you demoed, but the Casio XW P1/G1's have appreciated in value quite a bit, like double the average used price of around $350 USD. I'd say if ya have one, keep it for a while more before you sell it.

[@madness8556]

My music teacher had a WK3500. It was a great keyboard for the price.

[@gearfacts]

Yeah, the WKs aren't pro material but they're heaps of fun, and really that's what matters for most situations :)

[@nikhilna3294]

Hello sir,Can you please tell that in casio ctx 870in ,what is the use of USB-device port and what does it transmit?

[@gearfacts]

There are actually 2 USB ports I think - one for USB stick and one for connection to PC or Mac so it can be used as a midi controller.

[@nikhilna3294]

@@gearfacts yes sir i asked about the one for usb stick,what's the use of it?

[@gearfacts]

@@nikhilna3294 there is not much use. It can play mp3 songs, and you can also backup the sounds and songs you have created

[@nikhilna3294]

@@gearfacts ok Thankyou sir☺

[@jonos138]

I still use this keyboard. Bought it new in 2003. Just goes to show how long it's lasted. Has touch sensitive keys. I was thinking of getting a new hammer action keyboard, but after reviewing loads for weeks, I've come to this conclusion. The sounds and action are awesome on new models today with sampled piano sounds, but the longevity is total crap. You can pay anything up to 3k and the key action sensor or velocity sensor will let you down. Resulting in repair over and over. I've seen reports of failures from new from 3 months to 4 years max. I think it's shameful that manufacturers are pushing the narrative of 'It's the normal to expect only 3-4 years before you need to buy another keyboard' B.S. No guitarist, myself included, would put up with that time limit on a guitar! When you think how old this classic keyboard is, and all you need to do is midi it up to get more realistic modern sounds, it's a no brainer. OK you won't have that realistic piano feeling keyboard, but do I really care? Since I midi my wk3000 into my daw it's like a new keyboard, a new lease of life for old Faithfull. My advice for musicians on a budget, If you see one...grab it! If nothing else it's a great midi controller keyboard. 😉👍

[@gearfacts]

Dude I agree with every comment you've made there!!

[@UserMW14]

I am considering buying a used keyboard of the wk 3000 series, not sure if it’s 3200 or 3000 due to low image quality. What should I check on the keyboard to make sure it’s not a scam?

[@angeljorgeofficial]

i saw a guy play this keyboard outside of a Marshalls store

[@josephkeck4752]

Still have my 3000 and 3500...my main boards for years, good useful mixer interface and very powerful eq capability, keybeds, however are weak, subsequently moved to yamaha ew410

[@pianokeyjoe]

Well sir, I am kicking myself.. I have seen these types of keyboards at the flea markets in Florida when I visit like I have stated before, but wow, I look at them, see that they are not classic Casiotone, and would pass them up.. No more!! If I get the chance to visit again, and I see these cheap, I am buying all the ones I can!

[@gearfacts]

It's that ZPI processor, man! Forgot to mention that in the video.

[@pianokeyjoe]

@@gearfacts uh?! I ad a feeling there was something different! LOL! Well happy hunting for me I guess :-P

[@glenesis]

Nice find, G!

[@ToddLuethjohann-u1c]

Are the keys weighted?

[@gearfacts]

No.

[@Tobi_David]

How do u do EP

[@gearfacts]

Select sounds 10-20, you should hear a few EP tones.

[@fliguy41]

I still have one but it could use new speakers

[@melodiesmusic4028]

How can i factory reset my wk3000

[@gearfacts]

Not sure, but you can google it, there'll be an easy way :)

[@LourenceJantjies]

Hi where can i find one

[@gearfacts]

Best place to look is facebook marketplace

[@TheMichaelseymour]

do casio have an equivalent today ? thnx

[@gearfacts]

Good question, and now that you mention it - no. The closest I can think of is something like the WK-240 from around 2010.

[@madness8556]

The CTK5000 is probably today's equivalent but it's only 61 keys, not 76.

[@user-re3yk8lh9w]

👍👍👍

[@coolkidllama1483]

i have the wk-3300

[@gearfacts]

Cool, I didn't know there was a 3300.

[@keyswithkam]

I have this one but it's the 691

[@gearfacts]

Oh yeah I love the 691, it's an underrated classic :)

[@keyswithkam]

@@gearfacts I be carrying my keyboard around is that good

[@keyswithkam]

@@gearfacts do you have the ctk 691

[@gearfacts]

@@keyswithkam Several times in my life. The last one I had a couple of years ago and made a couple of videos about it. Good effects capabilities :)

[@arseniyyashkin743]

Let them not produce such anymore, but I would use it as an instrument station or as a sound module like from Roland and Yamaha.

[@LourenceJantjies]

Hi

[@gearfacts]

Hello :)

[@user-re3yk8lh9w]

Hello.Has anyone connected it to a computer using a Midi cable?Please unsubscribe Thank you