This keyboard happens to be the CTK-491 model. That didn't mean squat to me, because as I mentioned earlier, it had been years since I was around anything with black and white keys. Since these were on clearance, I imagine there are new, more exciting models now available, but I just wanted something to play around with.

The last couple of keyboards I had were small and had miniature, practically useless keys. This Casio CTK-491 has 61 full size keys and is loaded with features. There are more features on this keyboard than I would ever know what to do with, but at the same time, any idiot could use it.

Getting Started

This keyboard is portable, so it uses 6 AA-size batteries. I use the keyboard exclusively at home, so I opted for an adapter which can be purchased separately for about $15. After providing the juice, there is a power switch located near the left side. Surrounding the power switch are the volume buttons as well as the SYNCHRO/FILL-IN buttons. The LCD screen is directly in the middle with number buttons to the left just below the complete song bank. Speakers fill the ends of the keyboard.

There are 100 tones available on this keyboard from orchestral sounds, synthesized sounds, to basic piano. When I'm playing, I typically use the piano or organ tone, but it's fun to occasionally switch over to some brass horn, guitar, or other instrument. There are also 100 rhythms offered with this particular model, such as rock or pop. I'm not an accomplished keyboardist, so I don't really have much use for these rhythmic features but it's fun to try to create some unique stuff.

Usage

My favorite feature of this keyboard is the LCD screen. It graphically shows the tones, song bank numbers and name, the tempo, treble and bass clefs, a graphic metronome, and the ENTIRE KEYBOARD. That's right. As you play, it shows you the exact note you hit. It also shows the notes of every song in the song bank. The keyboard comes with a Song Book with the written music of 99 songs. The songs are labeled from level A to level E depending on difficulty. It's been a long time since I've read music, so I have a hard time with the tougher stuff. The LCD screen shows me exactly where my fingers should go on the keyboard and exactly which finger I should be using where. Sometimes I feel like I'm cheating, but I know I'll never read music like that.

MIDI

I don't know much about MIDI, as I am not only an amateur on the keyboard, but I'm practically computer illiterate. I know that MIDI stands for Music Instrument Digital Interface, which has something to do with exchanging music between instruments and computers or other machines by different manufacturers. This instrument offers the MIDI compatibility. Obviously I have never used this feature, and am not sure if I could ever walk my way through it, but the user's guide does have a special MIDI section to help the electronically-challenged folks like myself.

Overall

All of the features of this keyboard are easy to use even if you aren't a seasoned pro. Rhythms, accompaniments, and the song bank are at the quick touch of a button and will be displayed right on the LCD screen. The keys are easy to play and the song bank makes it easy to learn new songs. I would highly recommend this product to anyone who is interested in playing the keyboard, regardless of skill.




Recommended:
Yes