Why Did I Buy This Thing? | Is The Casio CT-S200 A Decent Choice For Beginners?

💥 In this video I'll explain why a professional musician would buy an entry level Casio keyboard. Am I crazy, or is this thing kind of cool??
💥[e-mail] for inquiries.
‼️ New tutorials are coming EVERY WEEK! Comment down below and let me know what you would like to learn!
💥 pierrepiscitelli.com
📘 Books I’ve authored /co-authored:
📙www.amazon.com/Music-Lyle-May...
📙www.amazon.com/Eberhard-Lyle-...
Chapters:
00:00 Intro/Why I Purchased the Casio Ct-S200
01:54 Unboxing
02:22 Setup and First Impressions
04:32 Sound Demos
09:05 Built-in Rhythm Accompaniments
10:15 Should I Keep It
12:34 Other Keyboard Recommendations!
📷Gear that I used in this video:
Yamaha CP40
Yamaha MG12XU
Yamaha HS5 (S2)
MacBook Pro (Running LPX and FCP X)
Garritan CFX Piano VST
Sony ZV-E10
iPhone 14 Pro
Sennheiser MKE600 Shotgun Microphone
Neewer NL660 Lights (X2)
#casio #cts200 #synth #yamaha #gear #musicgear #keyboard #synthesizer #electricpiano #learnpiano #pianolessons #pianotutorials #pianosongs #easypianosongs #beginnerspiano #howtoplaypiano #easypianotutorial #pianocovers #chords #song #songwriter #popmusic #musictheory #harmony #melody #rhythm #musician #music

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Hey all! I just wanted to point out that this keyboard does in fact have *61* Keys! I misspoke at some point in the video and made a claim that it had 49 keys. Thanks to a few vigilant viewers for pointing that out! 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@russ254]

was looking for this comment

[@bluegroove777]

I really appreciate your non-snobby take. I've seen reddit commenters that wouldn't touch something like this with a 10 foot pole and shame others who do. The truth is you can make music on anything if you need to. I learned to play on a $100 Yamaha with only 37 keys while laying in bed because I'm a paraplegic and can't sit at a piano for extended periods of time. You don't need 88 keys and hammer action to learn the basics. Eventually I worked up to that and have one in my studio now (although I still play that little 37 key just as much!), but a full piano is not always an option for every beginner depending on their budget, space, health, etc. so we shouldn't be snobby about it.

[@Simon-qn5wm]

I know that feeling. I bought a Yamaha DX21 synth and walked 3 miles home with it on my shoulder. I was in pain for several days after

[@wttw4942]

Hey, do what I did! Buy an iPad with enough capacity, a good MIDI interface for the iPad, install all the VST instruments you think are necessary on the iPad and use a MIDI controller of the size you need. A good case, you keep everything in it, that's all! I recommend that you install a good cover for your iPad too, I bought a military approved one for mine.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Great idea. I have an iPad rig as well as a laptop rig from my MainStage years!

[@marktubeie07]

08:16 _"Not bad, yeah I can live with that - but I'll never use it!"_ so true BUT the best line of the video 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

🤣

[@drbekken]

I got a Casiotone CT-S100 and a CT-S300…the latter has touch sensitivity. Being a professional pianist, I usually play acoustic or high end digital pianos. However, I absolutely LOVE these cheap entry-level Casios. They definitely have a certain charm, and I actually prefer the S100 due to the lack of touch sensitivity…lovely for harpsichord sound for instance.

[@arindamdas936]

I bought a S400 for my daughter and it sounds surprisingly good, for the price. Only two key limitations I feel. One is lack of sustain as you have already pointed out. Most pianos and epianos just drop dead once key is released. Second is limited polyphony. Playing single tones is fine, but layering Pianos with strings or pad quickly eats up the polyphony resulting in note stealing. But again, at this price, I can't complain.

[@dougtravins9624]

Nice presentation. Fun and informative at the same time!!

[@russ254]

incredible value - great vid

[@vincerusso5619]

Your videos are a pleasure to watch… and I’m not even a keyboard player :)

[@geocosmicvalentine]

I have a Casio that I bought in 2006 on sale for $300 at RADIO SHACK, just a few years before the shack went extinct. I call it my “Nerf Keyboard” because I could play it Central Park under a tree and not worry about birds sh%tting on it, leaves and seeds falling between the keys, etc. It still sounds incredible, has great drum sounds, bass, all the great instruments that’s good enough for the park. It has speakers so it can be heard decently and in a pinch you can play frisbee with it because it’s so light weight (exaggerating the frisbee but you know what I mean). Every keyboardist should have one for an emergency. Great idea!

[@FirstLast-nr6gf]

For $100 more I highly recommend Casio CT-S1 or CT-S400. They have very good and quiet keybed. Sometimes I use CT-S1 as a MIDI controller. I have Yamaha MODX 7+ too, and honestly I prefer Casio keybed. Yamaha's clicking keys annoy me when I play at home.

[@ironingmike]

Thanks for the thoughtful review. As a gigging pianist I have the Roland Go Piano as a standby. Funny thing, despite having great sounds it’s this little feature I find so handy: the music stand has a groove in it to keep a tablet from slipping around! So what? To me it says attend to detail. Also use a Casio Privia so I can leave my Nord Piano at home. (I have it fully tricked out with Nord speakers, music stand and legs so I prefer to use this a home-use-only.). The Privia is very affordable, sounds great, and takes the bumps. I can even open doors with it!

[@BailenTheBand]

Love it!

[@Ozzcaddy]

I have the Casio S300 with 61 keys which I bought at the beginning of Covid. In one of your earlier videos this year, I mentioned that I now felt restricted with the 61 keys and wanted to progress to either 76 or 88 keys. It was good to hear you talk about what 88 keyboards and mentioning the Yamaha 'P Series'. As we have EOFY sales beginning in Australia this month, I may be able to purchase a Yamaha at a good price than normal. Enjoyed the video.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

You wont be disappointed. 88 Keys+Yamaha is almost always a winner for me :)

[@joesamm1190]

You play to good for this, you should go a little higher end for your back up keys. Just a thought

[@j0pj0p]

For sure

[@gavinmacaulay5742]

If u put Keith Jarrett on that thing he might just produce another Koln concert!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

🤣

[@crz1990]

This brings me back to my first 61 key Casio in ‘97 same patches…workable and effects in this model, but you got to learn the voices and limitations in order to make magic happen.

[@csikora5150]

This video was a fun diversion! With your new lightweight gear you didn't mention your amp. DI?

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

No amp! I plug into house systems and use in-ear monitors. If I had to use an amp, I love the QSC Stuff, and always in stereo.

[@danielberhane2690]

I have a Yamaha Arius, weighted keys, 88 keys... glad u approve of it...I am an older beginner, works well for me...Btw: u r my new musical hero :-)

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

❤️🙏🏻

[@DomLeFlaive]

Got a Donner DEP 20 w 88 weighted keys, adapter and sustain Xmas 23’. Under $300, Lots of features. I’m an older beginner so just wanted the cheapest “quality” option. I love it actually and now they have a folding portable version for less. I wonder how it would stack up to this unit.

[@Mabbio01]

At 39 I got a Casio CTS200RD Casiotone 61 Keys which is slightly cheaper. Haven't even played it yet even after a year haha. I didn't even think about the weighted keys when researching my first piano. Dang.

[@ryan-heath]

But even with a back trunk keyboard burner I would want to have some realistic patch sounds 😅

[@RidingwithStymie]

I've only been playing piano a month, but I can't imagine gigging with that. Lol!

[@franklacey5054]

As for “lugging heavy gear,” I remember laughing out loud listening to a guy on the radio describing having to help his dad loading in and out his Hammond B-3 organ (a total BEAST!). He just sighed and said, “Man, that thing chased us down more stairs…” 🤣🤣🤣

[@Evergreen64]

Hey. If you are ever doing a gig in the Washington DC area please let me know. I'll come say hello!

[@acoustic61]

The way you play? You definitely could get through a gig with that. The sound quality of the cheap stuff has gotten way better than it used to be. I have a Roland FP-30X. I'd like to get another keyboard with synth style keys. Maybe a MIDI keyboard. BTW, Do you have a tutorial for "Ain't Nobody"? I love 80's pop, R&B.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Thanks! I'll make an "Ain't Nobody" tutorial one of these days. Promise.

[@ArthurGomesZah]

Perhaps you could tell us about your other jobs: do you have a band? Do you play with famous musicians? Do you go on tour? Do you play in studio? What's more financially viable in the long run? What pays well but doesn't bring fulfillment as a virtuoso musician? Thanks!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

That is a great idea for a video! I would love to talk about all of those things. I will absolutely do that 🙏🏻

[@mysurf66]

Sometimes the 61 keys are not enough, so I bought the Yamaha PSR-EW310 with 76 keys, It is very lightweight and perfect when I'm on the road

[@krafts4christ]

Do you take song requests? Could you do (Primavera) by: Ludovico Einaudi. Love youre vids!

[@bodhibeats8257]

Fun video! Even if you never use it, $150 is probably worth the piece of mind of just knowing you’re not gonna be screwed entirely one day. Does this little guy have MIDI? While it seems like it will totally serve your purpose, I wonder if an inexpensive MIDI controller and a piano library living on an iPad or even your phone would give you access to much better sounds for a similar cost?

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

It has a USB out-- great point about having something loaded on an iPad! I wanted an all in one emergency backup so that I don't have to bring an interface, iPad, power cables etc...thanks for watching!

[@MTGR]

This is 61 keys / 5 octaves 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹. Also I think it has MIDI connectivity thus making it a really affordable MIDI controller with full size 61 keys and less of a toy ... if you dont need the "velocity sensitive" function.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

You’re totally right I realized after the fact that I said 49 keys 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@mccypr]

Thanks! I’m not a keyboard player. I’m am interested in keyboards as a future recording tool…aka with six to 12 months of lessons I can fake it on recordings. What’s the best modern keyboard that sounds like a Yamaha DX-7? I’ll be after those 80’s sounds. 🎻✌️🙂😎

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Yamaha MODX. They invented the technology to begin with, and it uses true FM synthesis but in a modern workstation board. I love my MODX6. Also, the DEXED plugin is a free DX7 VST.

[@mccypr]

@@pierrejpiscitelli Thanks much! 🎻✌️🙂😎

[@ghflcity]

I get that you wanted the cheapest but why not spend about $50 more to get the velocity sensitive keys? Does it sound better going through a keyboard amp, pa or computer interface rather than the cheap speakers on the keyboard? Enjoying your videos & new subber here!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Stay tuned, I might do just that :)

[@DTmaster]

great 😊 the brass sounds killer... but have you heard of the Yamaha MX61? it's kind of the same size same weight and has sounds from the MOTIF range. I have the Blue one in my living room and yes it is a bit more expensive but i love to know what your thoughts are on the MX61 ☺️

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

I have! I had a Motif 7 ages ago, which has the same guts. I'm a big Yamaha fan, I think it's great! Thanks for watching!

[@DTmaster]

@@pierrejpiscitelli nice 😊

[@jimewing6359]

Pierre, that keyboard is 61 keys …. Five octaves!

[@j0pj0p]

Exactly!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

You’re right 😂 I was thinking of the other 49 key midi controller I was checking out 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@russ254]

no one ever uses the black keys

[@thepianoplayer416]

When I was growing up, a toy piano had 2 octaves & only 1 default sound. Wouldn't even call it a piano sound. Piano sound sampling wasn't available then. People would play a real piano for serious learning. Otherwise a toy keyboard was nothing but a toy. Don't think they had weighted keys 40 years ago. Today people are fussy what a "learning" keyboard needs to have.

[@maxmeier532]

I would think, something like the Kawai ES-110 is probably 10 times better and costs about 3 times more (in very good used condition) than the Casio. Even the 120 would be around 600 bucks new. I dont know if a very cheap new keyboard isnt gonna turn off a beginner, especially with no key velocity and mediocre sound (which isnt great even in the more expensive keyboards a lot of times). I started on a Roland fp30x and even that I wouldnt buy a second time probably. The samples/sound engine for the most part I dont like (give me 2 good piano sounds, rather than 15 ok to bad ones) and while the keys are sometimes praised in reviews, I find the variance of necessary pressure differs so much depending on where you hit the key, it leaves little room for imperfection and to me often seems unpredictable. The keys dont seem long enough, so the leverage differs a lot of an individual key's length.

[@000dr0g]

you mention buying a sustain pedal, but you don't show if it helps to have one to counter the lack of sustain on some of the presets?

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

I was pushing the pedal, believe it or not! Wish I had a camera to show the foot.

[@000dr0g]

@@pierrejpiscitelliOK, fair enough; I only mention it because I keep using my DAW's reverb effect plug-ins to add a default sustain, rather than taking the time to find and plug in my sustain pedal, and have dynamic control, and not needing effects.

[@chriscastellon6970]

Dude, you could make a Fisher Price toy piano sound good

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

❤️🙏🏻

[@Faithful_Watchman]

Also, no one will want to steal it.

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

😂

[@krissanaphuttachat1027]

😀

[@gavinmacaulay5742]

What? No Lyle patch?

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

None whatsoever!

[@Frontdesk99]

08:20 Yeah I can live with that. I'll never use it. 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@jimh1487]

But Dude, that thing is 61 keys! 61 keys! FIVE OCTAVES!! You can't do squat with 61 keys!!

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

I gigged with 88 religiously for years, but I've gotten totally used to the 61. It's really not bad, and everything feels better not lugging around heavy stuff. In a band with lots of other players, it's great. If I were playing a solo piano show, then yeah absolutely 88!

[@jimh1487]

I definitely can see your point. For me 76 keys do the trick, but then I solo.

[@musacman57]

Your skills make it sound better than what it is. I’m primarily a guitar player and have been playing keyboards for the last 5 years and I splurged and bought the Yamaha MODX8 and I LOVE IT. Just saying

[@pierrejpiscitelli]

Thanks! I have a MODX6 and absolutely love it.

[@rebekka9845]

Im thinking of buying this casio for my 7 year old son because he wants to play in a band 😅 I would like for him to start piano lessons, but I can’t tell even after your good review to buy this or if I should upgrade already a little regarding more keys and touch sensitivity ect🫣 Shouldn’t this be good enough for a 7 year old?? 😂