*Mind Blown* ...The Casio CTK-900 is totally different.

[@valterpsicofelicita9631]

Man! You didn't even show how great the main piano sound is! I just bought a newer Casio CT-X3000 (and I really like it), but in some ways my CTK-900's piano sound still feels better :-o Anyway, good video and fantastic keyboard :-)

[@gearfacts]

Yeah I rushed straight into the synth end of things. Thanks for being forgiving about that, it was a pretty big omission :)

[@dugthefreshest]

I had this when I was in high school, once I dug into it, I couldn't believe how incredible it was. I still miss it.

[@gearfacts]

Any Casio with the ZPI logo on it will sounds much the same. They're casio's best :)

[@maloche_events]

Got a used CTK 900 for christmas recently. I use a lot of external hardware, sequencer, grooveboxes and stuff. I expected a very basic midi implementation in the CTK 900. But what i got is far more advanced and exciting then i would ever expected, it can listen to all 16 Midi channels simultaneously. Different Presets / Effects / Filters / Settings for every single channel MIDI CC implementation. What a beast, lot of wild stuff going on under the hood in this keyboard, still scratching the surface.

[@gearfacts]

A real classic imho :) :)

[@damienmaymdien6367]

I was ecstatic to see someone still cared about these things. Found mine going for 100$ at a yard sale and I was able to talk the seller down to 25.

[@gearfacts]

haha, if you'd offered me 25 I would NOT have been impressed! Dude must have either been desperate or had no interest in it I guess.

[@holyred7]

lol

[@Am71919]

@@gearfacts no, it's just a ctk 900 is a 500-year-old keyboard and it's not worth $100

[@Snarkapotamus]

@@Am71919 - And yet they sell on eBay for $200+

[@MrTomb789]

@@Am71919 Yes it is...

[@KevStevens-Music-Drums-Art]

You are absolutely right! I love mine. I have 2 Yamahas (one is a full size digital piano), a Roland, a Jen SX100 synth and four Casio synths but this is my 'go-to' flagship model. It's incredibly powerful and loaded with voices and features just not available on other models. You can just explore the sounds for days before making any real music. Personally, as a fan of prog rock, I love the very accurately recreated MELLOTRON sounds with '170 - Old Strings Ensemble' and '074 - Tape Organ'. They are great, faithful reproductions anyway, but when layered with the Choirs and Brass voices sound and the touch sensitivity turned off and also sticking to the same range of notes as the Melloron, it sounds exactly the same.

[@gearfacts]

Cool summary there, Kev. Glad you liked the video :) #Gearfacts

[@KevStevens-Music-Drums-Art]

@@gearfacts Thank you. I also like how every time it is switched on it reloads where it was when it was switched off. So if you have a favourite setting, it's easy to pick up where you left off without it defaulting to piano.

[@Aikisbest]

Ooh, yes, the Organ features~

[@doordedeur]

The effects really enhance the otherwise weak samples. Just like the Hex-layer does on later models.

[@sssyntax]

The samples are really good, just very different. Ive loaded samples in to my wh3700 and it def colours the sound in a very unique way. Also the body of the keyboard is essentially a boom box so the sounds from the speakers is tremendous.

[@EBTheOriginalMaster]

I own a CTK-2000. Really nice keyboard a good collection of demo songs and high quality sounding instruments.

[@gearfacts]

Yep I agree :) #gearfacts

[@henrymatanoharrison4281]

This is the best keyboard Casio has ever produced been looking for one like forever would trade a lot of expensive keyboards for this

[@gearfacts]

I don't blame you. I can see why people wouldn't take it seriously, being a Casio home keyboard and all. But in a blindfold test I think most of them would rate it pretty highly :)

[@hard.to.define]

My grandfather's neighbours gifted it to us though I don't know if it was totally free but this keyboard reminds me of 80's music, the sounds really have the 80's effects and it's just really cool.

[@gearfacts]

Oh I think it still completes with modern home keyboards. It's the DSP that makes all the difference!

[@Usedpaperbag]

Man your videos are dope!! It’s always exiting to find out about musical gems that people missed out on. Subscribed!

[@gearfacts]

I appreciate the feedback, thanks for subscribing :) #gearfacts

[@granreversa]

completely underrated

[@gearfacts]

Yep!

[@alexanderwilliams1731]

I heard about this one!!! I really love the demo’s on here great keyboard 🎹!!!!

[@gearfacts]

Thanks AW. This one stands right out from the crowd imho :)

[@darrelldixon8056]

I just bought one last night at Goodwill for $11.60, it had a piece of plastic under one of the keys which I removed, and needed some cleaning. Had some paint applied to some of the keys and buttons which I removed. Now looks as good as new! I have owned many Yamaha keyboards, digital pianos, and 2 Electone organs. Bought this as a way to get back into playing. I have been exploring the sounds and rhythms for many hours and very pleased with the sound. Especially routed through my Mixer and Stereo Monitor Speakers. I'm impressed!

[@gearfacts]

Yep, one of my fave Casios. Weird that the shop chose a price of $11.60 but ok!

[@darrelldixon8056]

@@gearfacts it was $14.49 had a 20% off coupon which made it $11.60

[@darrelldixon8056]

@@gearfacts I downloaded the Casio Music Software, Avid Drivers last night and setup a Digidesign Mbox-2 Audio Interface. Only had one MIDI Cable so couldn't get files from the Casio Music Site to transfer to the Keyboard. Also want to use it with my Cakewalk DAW software.

[@gearfacts]

@@darrelldixon8056 ahhh nice)

[@darrelldixon8056]

@@gearfacts got a pair of MIDI Cables today, and managed to get the Casio Music Transfer Software to download files into the Keyboard.. just need to see how to transfer other non Casio midi files into it next.

[@freddy3190]

Love playing the organ feature in Deep Purple Sweet Child in Time... This machine blows me out the of water in Value...Sound

[@gearfacts]

Yep it's a total aberration in the home keyboard landscape.

[@KhmoshR]

I’ve had this keyboard since 2009, it was given to me by a mate.. I’ve been playing it on n off without macking around with effects etc since.. time yo get back to it and play it with the new stuff I learned from your post.. thanks mate 🙏🏻

[@gearfacts]

I'm glad the video provided some inspiration. It's a great keyboard :)

[@kimthompson5871]

Nice keyboard . On all these keyboards the sounds are always enhanced by effects . That’s why it’s fine to own a less expensive one as you can manipulative the sounds with effects and get pretty close to higher end synth sounds .

[@gearfacts]

Absolutely agreed - and have more fun along the way :) #gearfacts

[@mcmike89]

I own one of these still to this day, love it very much!🎹❤

[@gearfacts]

Yep it’s much more than just an average home keyboard :-)

[@mcmike89]

@@gearfacts Casio has never developed another improved version of the same keyboard again even with more sounds, rhythms and other features.

[@ER-bg9bo]

Seems to be the predecessor considering the dsp list/modules for the ctx series... Great, ordered today😅👍😎

[@gearfacts]

Good choice!

[@racecar06]

You can also adjust parameters on the WK-3800. It's quiet the behemoth. Another good video. Thx

[@gearfacts]

Yeah I like every model in the WK line.

[@jadenpina5420]

Nice display too!

[@gearfacts]

Indeed

[@patrickarend8707]

Great video. That ole CASIO sounds fantastic. It has a somewhat unique sound.

[@gearfacts]

Yep I've got to do another video about this one. I'll also be doing a comparison with the CTK-591 which is quite similar :) #gearfacts

[@Aikisbest]

CTK-900 is the first and only real keyboard Ive ever had, and I like it a lot, though I doubt Ive even come close to experiencing all it has to offer. Ive one key where the sensor is kind of broken (or the touch sensitive thingie thinks all touches are really hard), but the worst part is that the plus and minus buttons (or forward/back) barely work anymore, and the number buttons are starting to get quirky as well, which kind of cripples the whole functionality, I wish I was handy like the 8-bit Guy or something and could just take it apart and see what is wrong. ;__; As for the sounds, yea, some of the built-in sounds are kinda toy tier with no effects or tinkering, but the whole DSP system and the things you can do with it is pretty damn cool, holy crap. (I also was rather young when I got this one, I dont remember exactly, but Im 28 now in any case, but at the time I had no idea if the CTK-900 was advanced or not, I barely even knew that there where so many different tiers of keyboards, I thought there was like toy tier, music-making tier, and maybe a Over-the-top-luxury tier, and nothing in-between, lol, but as the years have gone by my gratefulness to the music store clerk that convinced me to wait a few days for this model instead of buying a more primitive one has only grown as Ive come to realize how crafty of a machine this really is). ...as you can probably guess by my wall-of-text nostalgic blabbering, I really have a history with my CTK-900. PS. Ive never ever connected mine to a computer in all these years -gasp-. I really oughta. XD

[@jesusalejandrocortezfermin34]

x2

[@sssyntax]

Great vids as always. Any of the big silver casio keyboards with the light up dsp button have that same magic inside. I use the wk3700 and wk8000 wich are related to ths. You get great sounds from it!

[@gearfacts]

Yep, it's another keeper :) #gearfacts

[@Simon-ui6db]

Wk8000 very jealous.

[@beach_hike9006]

I also think it was a mistake Casio made such a nice keyboard. It sounded proffesional. Gave mine away to my son and regreted it ever since. Looking for a mint CTK 900 guys.

[@funkiEst]

I have the chance to buy a cheap ck-691, they are appatently very similar... but i'm not quite sure about the real differences appart from the 4mb of tones (wavetable/samples) storage the ctk900 has and It REALLY makes a difference for me since i'm 100% interested in this feature.... thanks for your ubique videos and yours charisma :)

[@gearfacts]

Full specifications is still available in case he has website for both keyboards. The really important thing is to check that it has the ZPI logo on the front. If it has ZPI you’ll be happy with the sounds :-)

[@funkiEst]

@@gearfacts cool, thank you ! I'll finally get a WK3300 :D and i Will look for your video about it haha... 1 wheel only... well anyway this IS the top WK engine (same as 3800), It Will be great :D

[@trinidadblue]

This keyboard is great!

[@adhumanrobot51791]

Nice going!

[@hellitastenfan]

Hi,..this thing is awesome,..sound editing and the drums are absolutely top. I'm waiting for him and I'm happy like a little kid. best regards

[@gearfacts]

Yeah man it's go incredible power for those who are willing to go in deep and find it. Lots of fun for general play and lots of power for serious composing :) #Gearfacts

[@rockhead11]

Honestly, I like the drum sounds on this more than my $1300 Roland FA06

[@gearfacts]

Wow that's quite a statement! I am so going to dig deeper into this keyboard and post another video :) #gearfacts

[@soundsfortoday3623]

Was doing some research on this keyboard and came across your video. Have owned mine since 2009, since it was my very first keyboard. Never had a clue what it could really do. Added to the mix WK-500, WK 6600 and WK 7600 thru the years. Prior to finding this video decided to get the manual out and finally see what it can do. Imagine that I ended up with something that unique 13 years ago and never knew it. Thanks for taking the time to talk about it. Are you familiar with the XW-P1? Acquired mine in 2021. Another one to have to explore. Think I need to subscribe as I am acquiring other gear from other companies.

[@gearfacts]

Yes I've reviewed the XW-P1 but I have to admit it's not one of my better videos as I didn't have it for long enough to really understand it. If I ever get one in the studio again I'll take more time because I think it's got a lot of potential. Here's the video anyway: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGitlpaohq1qeaM

[@aliensexfien]

this is extremely hard to find and I want it bad

[@aliensexfien]

is there another keyboard that’s just like this ?? please let me know if you do

[@gearfacts]

Any Casio with the ZPI chip will sound like this 👍 Maybe just search online for “Casio ZPI”

[@aliensexfien]

@@gearfacts thank uuu

[@lascausasocultas]

Can you recommend a 2023 state of the art, reliable stage keyboard with a built-in drum machine and sampler pads for less than 500 $? I have a CTK 691 but its age makes it umpredictable at times. The speakers sound comes and goes too. And some keys just lose the sound at times. I acquired it 2 years ago and I still have the feeling the machine could deliver much more features that I am actually aware of. Anyway I would like to buy a more modern machine with a solid drum machine integrated. Any hint? Thanks.

[@gearfacts]

My thoughts go straight to the Yamaha PSR-E473, there are several reviews of it on my channel.

[@lascausasocultas]

@@gearfacts thanks so much

[@webingerphoto49]

Great Video! I have a Casio CTK 691…are the piano/organ sounds the same?

[@gearfacts]

Yes they are!

[@BujorFlorinLucian]

Hello, is it possible to combine all Drawbars from 16' to 1' as a singe voice register like a Hammond?

[@Am71919]

Why is there a pitch wheel on the ctk 551 but there's no pitch wheel on the ctk 900 😳😳

[@hazel_moonshine]

When the CTK-900 was released ? What is difference with the CTK-691 ? They looks very similar

[@stevewebb7126]

Some of these old models equal new models in sound in my opinion ,this is an example of that.

[@gearfacts]

I agree :) #gearfacts

[@lascausasocultas]

I would like to know how to program the drums. Is that possible? Thanks

[@gearfacts]

Not really, you can only record them as a normal track, so it's far from being a real drum machine.

[@uwu9272]

i have a ctk 691, does anyone know what the main differences would be between the two?

[@gearfacts]

They are very similar, I think the CTK900 has just a few more sounds but the overall vibe is basically identical.

[@Some_Cat_]

I've had two of these. Well a 691 and a 900. As far as I can tell the only difference is the 691 has Jamiroquai's "Virtual Insanity" as a demo song. My 900 stopped working after years but I definitely want another. Tried a Yamaha. Didn't like it. This is THE keyboard for me.

[@gearfacts]

It's great eh :)

[@ChristopherHillman]

If you can find a 671 it also has the effects (not sure about the drawbar adjustments) (AND yeaH they'r getting rare ...i got 3 but only onE is working) (my big WK that has the effects AND leslie effect on/off button is still going strong)

[@gearfacts]

@@ChristopherHillman Yeah I had a 671 with blown speakers, I modified it and made a video called "the Frankencasio" which I'm sure looks VERY dated now!

[@pianokeyjoe]

As a long time Casio lover and collector, I love this keyboard but the look totally throws me off for the sounds and features. This board looks so crappy and cheap, yet.. electronically, so very lovely! The ONE Casio I never seen of Heard before.. wow.

[@gearfacts]

Yep there's no denying that aesthetics make a difference. This board passes the minimum standard for me personally, only just :) #gearfacts

[@MonrayMollas-uh8sf]

Hi do you got a Casio ctk 900 for sale

[@gearfacts]

Yes I do actually. Where are you located?

[@lydiavanniekerk8708]

Hi I picked up a problem my Casio CTK-900 bass clef range changed 3 octaves, how can I change it back to where middle C is. Or if you can tell me how to delete/initialize my keyboard parameters to their initial factory default settings. Thank you

[@gearfacts]

There might be an 'octave' or 'transpose' option in the main menu (I can't quite remember). Not sure about reset but there's a bit of info here: www.manualslib.com/manual/355955/Casio-Ctk-900.html?page=70#manual

[@rmshahable]

Fantastic vid; I have this device. Is there a way to download harmonium or sitar for this device?

[@gearfacts]

Thanks man. This link shows you everything you can get for the CTK900 via download: music.casio.com/e/data_ex2/ As for whether you should upgrade... tough call. The CTK900 is unlike any other Casio which the exception of the CTK-591 which is similar but not as extensive. The never CT-s keyboards sound great but they don't give you anywhere near as much freedom to create. They are great for just getting straight into the music and jamming though :) #gearfacts

[@miguelmonforte]

I have the keyboard from 2001. Really awesome sounds, better than nowadays. Can you switch diferent voices while performing somehow? I have to manually change instrument voice within playing..

[@gearfacts]

I suggest saving the voices in the registration buttons.

[@miguelmonforte]

@@gearfacts Done! But there is a little stop of the rhythm when changing.. I guess It is not posible to make a clear switch..

[@ygp3460]

Where can i get a ctk 900? Im jenovin from south africa a blind musician

[@gearfacts]

Hmm, all I can suggest is ebay. I don't know what local markets are available over there. Some ebay sellers will offer international postage at prices that are surprisingly rasonable. If you're on Facebook, I'd also suggest posting on public groups about your interest in finding this model. You never know who's got one in the basement :)

[@vito_keys]

Too bad the "Voice Set" beatbox-like drum kit was omitted in all the newer casio models I like that kit, it last appeared in CTK-574

[@gearfacts]

Yeah I remember that one! It was cool

[@vito_keys]

@@gearfacts The kit was well known for its use on the built in song "Long-Long Ago" on older Casios. In the newer one, the song is still included, but uses a completely different style

[@nsjatti]

How do I play the percussion sound list instruments that are above the keys?

[@immajake489]

nsjatti input or hold plus til you’re at 600. Drum pads from there up

[@eltonallenmusic]

My first keyboard 🎹

[@gearfacts]

Wow what a great start ...I hope your second keyboard wasn't disappointing after the CTK-900! :) #gearfacts

[@sugamusic6477]

@@gearfacts my first keyboard is FAR worst than Allen’s XD

[@ninehundredping]

Do the keys press like a real piano?

[@gearfacts]

They're not weighted like a piano, but they are touch-sensitive.

[@ninehundredping]

@@gearfacts Thank you for telling me

[@FIXTREME]

It's like the WK3500's identical but slightly underacheiving twin

[@gearfacts]

haha well put!

[@AslanaWellnessShaman]

Just got one at good will for 14.99

[@gearfacts]

Superb! I love hearing bargain stories from viewers :)

[@sharmgutierrez3023]

hi gearfacts i love watching your videos. coz i love keyboard piano i want to learn how to play it.. but i dont have one that is one of my dream.. do you have any extra digital keyboard like roland korg or yamaha on a budget price do you have roland eo9 or yamaha mm6? even if second-hand ..tnx

[@gearfacts]

I buy and sell gear all the time, Gearfacts has a Facebook group called "Gearfacts music gear buy and sell" :) #gearfacts

[@Aikisbest]

@Gearfacts If I wanted to buy a keyboard with a lot of features to just play around with sound effects and DSP thingies and overall something akin to the CTK-900, do you have any reccommendations of synths that can be more readily found in 2020? Im also thinking of getting some sort of keyboard that is meant to be connected to a computer and a workstation of some sorts also, so I can experiment and really properly play all the cool software synths etc that I come across on the internet, and dont have to use my mouse so much but rather control as much as possible with the keyboard itself, but Im having a rough time finding something, and I dont really have the funds to buy something I end up not liking (although, isnt that everyone? >.

[@gearfacts]

Yep I sure do. The Yamaha PSR-E453 and 463 both have really fun effects, and the CT-X3000/5000 both have similar effects systems to the one in this review. More recent obsolete Casio models with good effects include the CTK-6250 :) #gearfacts

[@chowdachops736]

How turn on sustain on this keyboard

[@gearfacts]

You can use the synth parameters to increase sustain, but the easiest way is just to attach a sustain pedal to the 'pedal' socket at the back :) #Gearfacts

[@chowdachops736]

Ohh I don't have the pedal with me but I'll try the other way

[@mollies13]

These ols modwl haa no sustain optioj accption you can plug in a pwdal

[@luhhricofr]

No way they labeled THIS as a godamn CTK😭😭 This is more of a WK

[@gearfacts]

The ZPI processor is the key difference, it sounds great!

[@ababababeebababa]

if you look at those release years, casio would release 2-3 wk models and a ctk model and they were all very similar and would even share the same manual. then a few features would be added for each higher model

[@joeblow593]

Dude, when you demo the rhythm , ya gotta play the chords. Your missing out on all the musical stuff.

[@gearfacts]

More will follow :) #gearfacts

[@kidnickles101]

I don’t have “145 distorted organ” why is that ? Mine is “pizza cat”

[@gearfacts]

No idea, but now I want to try pizza cat...

[@TheRealSasquatch]

Don't forget the Casio Internet Data Expansion System - software available here:- music.casio.com/e/data_ex2/

[@gearfacts]

Cool, thanks for that link. I may even make a video about it :) #gearfacts