Casio CDP 130: reviews of the piano

Digital pianos differ from synthesizers in the first place precisely by the mechanics of the keyboard. Engineers strive to make it so that the performer does not feel any difference with the acoustic instrument, therefore, as a rule, digital pianos are more expensive than synthesizers, although they are much inferior to them in terms of functionality. One of the great budget options is the Casio CDP 130.

Reviews about mechanics

The first thing that you pay attention to when buying a digital piano is the keyboard mechanics. By rigidity, they are divided into weighted, unweighted and semi-weighted. Unweighted keyboards are very soft - such, as a rule, are installed on the synthesizers. The weighted ones are the closest to their acoustic analogue, and it is this keyboard that is installed in the Casio CDP 130 piano. Many owners note that the sensations in the game are really very realistic. This is especially important for concert musicians who constantly play acoustic pianos.

It is quite convenient to control the sensitivity of the keys, which can be set to one of three levels or turned off at all. However, for many owners, an unpleasant surprise was the poor lateral stability of the keys, due to which the game can cause extraneous noise. This is especially noticeable with sharp jumps and transitions, as well as with a large technique of play, but with the school program the tool does an excellent job. When playing fast, fingers can slide.

The keys are full-sized, their number also corresponds to a full piano keyboard (88 keys). Users note its lack of such a brilliant plastic. On the glossy surface of the keyboard there are traces of fingers, so it must be regularly wiped with alcohol or a damp cloth.

Specifications

For some voices, polyphony is 24 voices. Digital effects are represented by reverb (parameters - from 1 to 10, it is also possible to completely turn off) and chorus (from 1 to 5 or off). There are 5 compositions in the instrument memory for demonstrating the possibilities of the timbres. The transpose function allows you to lower or increase the system by 12 semitones. For a comfortable game with folk musical instruments and wind instruments, there is a possibility of adjustment ranging from 415.5 to 465.9 hertz. The default is the standard 440 Hz.

There is a USB port for connecting to a computer, so the piano can be used as a MIDI keyboard, and the capabilities of the instrument are dramatically increased. Weighs Casio CDP 130 about 11 kilograms, which is quite a bit for such a tool. Oval speakers allowed to reduce the total length to 132 cm, so it will fit in almost any car and is relatively easy to transport. However, it is better to install it on the stand, because the body is made of plastic and quite fragile.

When ordering on the Internet, it is worth considering that the instrument is supplied in two colors: black and silver. The black model has the designation VC in the name, and the silver one - SR.

Sound

Digital piano Casio CDP 130 has two built-in oval speakers 12x6 cm with a total power of 16 watts. Users unanimously admit that this is a lot for the built-in acoustics. The instrument is perfectly audible when playing in the ensemble, without additional sound can cover even a fairly spacious room (but not a concert hall). However, if the middle and top are excellent, then the bass does not hold out, especially when selecting a timbre "String".

The instruments nevertheless sound realistic due to the improved signal processor based on AHL technology. The artist is offered ten different timbres and 48-voice polyphony, as well as the ability to superimpose two timbres on each other. Users note that using this feature to its fullest does not give a limit of 48 notes: Casio CDP 130 does not cope with the load if you play on two timbres a fast arpeggio with the pedal of sustain pressed.

About functions

In their reviews, the owners note the pleasant sound of timbres. There is practically no "midi flavor" in the strings, and if you listen to them separately, you can hear synthetic sound in the sound, but when you play in a band, this shortcoming disappears. A separate word requires an electric piano. Performers speak about this timbre as soft and "tube", it fits almost any style of modern music, which is also important for ensemble playing. In addition to all the timbres, there is an organ and a harpsichord, often used by many performers.

Connection of household headphones, suitable for phone or computer, is possible only with the purchase of a special adapter from the jack connector to the mini jack. Buy it for a price of less than a hundred rubles in each store of musical instruments or radio electronics. There are they in many computer stores.

By connecting headphones, the performer gets an additional advantage: you can play at any time of the day, without disturbing neighbors.

Equipment

It is the kit that determines the final price for the Casio CDP 130. The customer feedback is ambiguous: someone thinks that you can save on a branded stand and not pay about four thousand rubles for it, and someone found it necessary and purchased right away. Instead of a brand stand, you can use a similar one from any synthesizer, which will reduce costs. The X-shaped rack is more compact than the original one, but the tool is not kept tightly on it, so you will have to attend to the self-development of the fasteners.

The downside is the lack of the ability to connect the unit with a triple pedal. Due to the lack of polyphony, the possibilities of such a pedal will not be as good as in the apparatus with 128 votes.

The price of this piano in the minimum configuration is no more than 25 thousand rubles, and this is a significant advantage. Together with the instrument, a power supply, a music stand and a sustain pedal are usually supplied. Everything else can be bought separately.

Conclusion

Casio CDP 130 is not devoid of shortcomings, but provides for its money maximum opportunities. Yes, the manufacturer saved on the quality of plastic, lateral stability and a bit - on the speaker system, but buyers were able to purchase for a reasonable amount a good compact tool for classes.