Under $240.00 Comparison: Casio's Casiotone CT-S1 vs. Casiotone CT-S400

A while ago I reviewed the highly affordable Casiotone CT-S1, which is an interesting, fun, and unique instrument for its price point. The Ct-S400 is a surprisingly similar instrument, at a very similar price point, and I thought it would be cool to do a review of the CT-S400 both by itself, and as compared to the CT-S1, to see what you get and what you don't get for just a few dollars more.
Milan Recording Studios / @milanrecordingstudios...

[@ThePianoforever]

Milan Recording Studios studio.kzbin.info/door/u1LrpmWwK1ztTvIayRar9w

[@patagualianmostly7437]

Thank you so much. I learned a lot there. Still undecided what to go for..... I am 70 and have decided to have another go at learning a keyboard.... a dream since childhood! Had a keyboard once and started to get to grips with the basics....only to have to "let it go" as I fell on hard times....... Anyway...I am assured it is never too late to learn, so here I go. Thumbs up?

[@michaelnancyamsden7410]

For poorer families, this is hope. Yes, James, you could make anything( not way out of tune) sound good. Love your test piece. Glad to hear your college is going well. You have put so much into piano. I hope you never leave it.

[@llawliet1834]

I'm a rock/metal bassist, but I am a little experienced with keyboard and can't wait to replace my Yamaha PSRE-243. Not having key action is terribly frustrating. I don't have so much money, so these are really good options for me. CT-S1 sounds terrific; enough for adding some colour to my songs. Thanks for the comparison and happy new year!

[@adamyohan]

The CT-S1 has 61 sounds. If you hold the function button and hit one of the 61 keys, you'll get a different sound.

[@ThePianoforever]

Ahhh I remember that now!

[@kitd56]

Excellent (as always!). I have both of these keyboards and love them! For my needs, they both deliver extremely well. Obviously, if you want more voices, you'll go with the 400. If you are more interested in choice in colors and more polyphony, you'd want the 1. However, to my ears, there is also a difference in sound. The volume of the 1 seems to be a little louder, but the overall tone of the 400 is more mellow and feels better on my ears. This difference isn't as noticeable with headphones, so I'm guessing it has to do with the speakers on my two keyboards. Nonetheless, both instruments are remarkable, and at this price point? Yeah - they are both huge contenders!

[@jasonsoo6138]

It's a pity that CTS400 cost 390usd in my country...while a CTS100 cost 140 USD it's crazy

[@maxime7382]

GM stands for General MIDI

[@thomaswiklund5904]

Thanks for the great comparison. In my taste the CT-S1 sounds way better(better sound engine and better speakers that can play pretty loud) A nice variation with the surround button aswell. Just a few notes. The octave down(or up) is very simple to activate, so I do not feel that I'm running out of notes that often(I do not play a lot of classical music or prog-runs though). The keyboard do actually have more sounds if you hold in the variation button and press any key. 61 tones that can be combined. As you said, I wish it had a pitch wheel especially for the synth sounds. It sounds surprisingly well through an amplifier - way better than for example the yamaha np-32.

[@johnyoungquist6540]

Too bad it doesn't come with all the skill it takes to make it sound so good. Cant' get it all for $240.

[@JS-tb9sn]

Can't get it with a $2400 digital piano either unfortunately

[@BK-km8ny]

Hey James! Very informative video, as always. I thoroughly enjoy your unbiased opinions, and it's helping me to make my decisions around keyboard purchasing. I have a recommendation for you for future videos! Could you add chapters, or time stamps that articulate in more detail which topics you cover? I think you'll find mass market appeal a little easier, since the videos length will be easier to navigate. Keep up the great work!

[@shaninjun]

Came across your channel doing research on the CT-S1, very informative video, this made the decision easy for me to order one. Keep up the great videos!

[@davidcrumpler5714]

I really enjoy your reviews of inexpensive keyboards and pianos. I’ve never had the passion or drive to reach your level but that’s never stopped me from touching every set of keys I see. I bought a first for me at a thrift store yesterday. A nice condition Magnus chord organ $20. I remember seeing them as a kid on the toy shelves. I’ll probably use it to entertain the grands when they come over. My question, have you ever seen or played a upscale or pro level chord organ. They’re quirky I know, but……….

[@musicmangled165]

What a fun 🤩 video and excellent comparison. The music box, "Minecraft OST - Mice on Venus" was quite cool also, and one other Minecraft tune (piano + pad), not sure the name of the tune though haha. I hope your Holiday was nice 👍 and ready for a Happy New Year 🎆

[@jamelporter6974]

I love how much fun you have when playing piano.‼️💯😁✊🏿

[@ricardodeleon7169]

you can make even a cheap keyboard sound great!

[@ThePianoforever]

Very kind.

[@casachezdoom2588]

10:15 and 14:45 for some Minecraft goodness

[@felixs2378]

Hi James! Have you planned to make a review on the Dexibell Vivo S7 Pro M?

[@rikspector]

James, Yes, please don't continue "Stairway to Heaven", the trolls are waiting. I laughed when you said you weren't going to continue that one :) I thought the piano sound of the CT-S1was thinner than the CT-S400 in that mode ,but overall they are quite similar. It just shows that with the CT-S1 having a smaller variety, the manufacturers had to try to pick the best sound in each category mode. A case where less can be more. I'm so happy your education is going well. Happy New Year to you and your family, I enjoyed your road trip vlogs. Cheers, Rik Spector

[@ThePianoforever]

Thanks so much for watching! :D Happy New Year to you too!

[@midinotes]

Well a $200 Casio keyboard has certainly come a long way! Whilst the CT-S1 definitely has a ‘nicer’ tone to it (particularly on piano), both keyboards are amazing value for money. Cheaper than a half decent controller keyboard of the same size, but some really nice patches and sounds that actually change timbre when played harder. Great review!

[@ThePianoforever]

There's not a lot out there right now at this low price point, and I agree that these are pretty fun for the price! :)

[@MrPietro81]

Dear James! What is the title of the song from 4:46 and who composed that?

[@amascia8327]

Had to come looking for you! Merry Christmas you-all ! ! !

[@leilad9721]

sir i hope you could do a review on kurzweil ka90 digital piano.hope you notice thanks

[@MrTallwilly]

You should throw people off and wear a hoodie in one of these videos and not the leather jacket for fun.

[@dvdblo]

Please, do a review of the Casio CDP-s350, in no one of the reviews I had saw they said the quality of the weight of the keys.

[@Nina_user]

7:06 what is the title of this song? Thank you!

[@toza1657]

It is his Treble test piece.

[@mymicah.]

its an original piece by James :)

[@pizzadave1208]

Are these semi-weighted or light synth-action?

[@JAnx01]

Review the new CDP-S360 please.

[@adamyohan]

You forgot to link the 2nd channel lol In any case I'm always hyped for cheaper piano reviews because the economy is some countries, particularly 3rd world countries, 600$ is insanely expensive for the average person. The 200$ range is a lot more reasonable. In fact, thanks to your reviews I bought the YAMAHA YTP255 for 100$ two months ago and it's been fun. Please keep the unbiased reviews coming. I see certain flawed instruments heavily praised in many other places except this channel which is just fantastic.

[@ThePianoforever]

Thank you for the reminder about the link.

[@navispictures]

Spain!

[@TuhinTulsyan]

My aim is just to learn to play by hear. What do I need? A digital piano? midi controller? Weighted keys? Semi weighted keys? Keyboard? 88 keys? Hans Zimmer inspires me, I just want to play his music. Please suggest a model 🙏 Thanks & regards

[@DragonTHEwayITis12]

23:50

[@chebhasni-rj9ut]

How much it's cost to get one and where can get it plz ?

[@lifeismusic5529]

Can you make vids on pianos that are built with different materials other than wood? Like the acrylic pianos or those that have the non wood soundboard.

[@ninos4686]

Should i buy a yamaha ydp 164 or yamaha dgx 670?

[@bummed3848]

hey man, i was wondering if you own a celesta ?

[@grat_2116]

Check the schaffer&co electric piano pls

[@RC_Cola2020]

11:30 nice chick!

[@kmcsathish]

From India 🇮🇳

[@ThePianoforever]

Welcome.

[@miguelmonforte]

👏👏I suggest doing a video on powerbanks (rechargeable batteries) for keyboards and electronic keyboards. I'm trying to use my 5V powerbank with some adaptors and doesn't work un my ctk-900. It would be nice. I have a powerbank attached onto my new Yamaha pss (which includes micro-usb) and is cool. You can charge It and take It anywhere withoit worries. But with 9v and 12v keyboards depend on electricity or traditional batteries.

[@charlottelieuwen788]

Thanks!

[@kanan5467]

how would you describe ct-s400's action compared to other synth-action keys?

[@ThePianoforever]

Both of these keyboard use the same action, which is considerably more springy IMO than other synth-action keys, and they seem to have a shorter fulcrum than other synth keybeds I've played. For the price it's pretty playable, but it's not my favorite keybed to play on.

[@Erick-il9df]

Hi, James! I loved this review! It was very informative. I would like to make a request if I may. Can you please review the Korg B2. I'm thinking of buying a new digital piano and I'm a little torn between the Korg and Alesis Recital Pro. I know the Alesis isn't your favourite lol, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the Korg.

[@quinndon]

You should review the Kurzweil MPS120. It's hard to find solid reviews about that one

[@nonesuch27]

Happy New Year! Any chance we could get a review of the new, feature-packed, affordable Alesis Prestige Artist?

[@ashleyserrano58]

Which one would you recommend for a beginner? That's into classical ish music?

[@fahimabegum2040]

What do you think about the Casio CDP-S100? I wanna get it but I’m not sure if it’s a good one and your advice on it would be great!

[@nyaokehsilphanoh9364]

Thanks for the analysis and demonstration. Is it having concert grand tone or just portable grand tone?

[@johnhaji2953]

I hope your studies are going well James!

[@lukakoprivica]

You never use wide angles for close ups 😳 ever!

[@moldenburg909]

Good to see you back at the piano! It’s good that you mentioned the videos on your studio channel because I didn’t know they were there. I simply didn’t got a notification. Normally I watch them as soon as possible. The only thing is that I don’t know why I didn’t receive a message. Strange. Alright back to this video. Nice comparison. You could do a review of three hours on de 400 I assume. But the sound quality. Hmmm that’s not really the best. But for that price it’s alright I think. I like the 1 a little bit more because of the quality of the sounds. Thank you for sharing and playing and tomorrow I am going to watch right away your studio channel. And good luck with the study.

[@ThePianoforever]

My studio channel: Milan Recording Studios studio.kzbin.info/door/u1LrpmWwK1ztTvIayRar9w

[@BAMAJiPS]

ETSU, wow - Hello fellow Johnson City person

[@michaelmccasland]

This is bothering me so much, but what song are you playing at 13:30. You play it pretty commonly on marimba or other percussion settings. It sounds so familiar, like an anime intro, but I'm drawing a blank.

[@dingdong7562]

Hi James, Another really nice and informative video! I'm always amazed that you, as a professional pianist, have the same views and impressions of the various instruments as I do. (Yamaha PSS A50, F30 and these Casio's etc.) I've been playing around with all sorts of instruments for 40 years, just for fun and without any Education... ;-) After some Years with only virtual Software Instruments i was looking again for a lightweight handsome Keyboard for smaller Concerts with Looper and so... I had looked at the Roland Go Keys first, but wasn't really convinced, my search then brought me to the Casio CTX-700, which is very similar to the CT-S 400. however, the operation there is even more cumbersome than with the CT-S400, which I actually find very successful! Unfortunately, the CT-S1 only has 61 sounds and no split and layer functions, so I would certainly get bored of it more quickly...! the CT-S400 has these functions in a still very manageable housing, but I also miss a Modulation wheel too! It's a shame that such Keyboards often only have the senseless pitch bend built in! It's especially terrible when someone "bends" the piano sounds ;-) I have to try again whether you can also change the sounds with the CT-S400 via MIDI, the MIDI functions list "filter cut off" and "resonance" and an small Envelope! Anyway, I'm very happy with the keyboard, I think it's much better than the Roland Go Keys and some similar models from Yamaha etc! Have a nice time and best regards Tom

[@yazars]

I'm still waiting for the first delivery out of 3 digital pianos I ordered in November and wasn't able to try store: Yamaha P515, Kawaii ES920, Roland FP90X. No updates about ETA. Who knows if they'll ever arrive?

[@yazars]

Update: received the Yamaha P-515 first and am happy with it. Still no ETA for the Roland or Kawai.

[@sandorszegedi6125]

Very good comparison.

[@douglasw.7864]

Good to have you back James. What are you majoring in college?

[@ThePianoforever]

I have a scholarship in piano performance.

[@MarcoMugnatto]

We miss your videos

[@islandtony5009]

Your marimba at 13:30 was eerily fun to listen to :)