If you are looking to leverage Casio’s long-standing expertise of building excellent digital pianos that give you a substantial bang for your buck, you have come to the right place. Whether you are a gigging musician, a recording artist, an instructor, or a music enthusiast looking to improve your skills on the keys, the Casio PX-860 is most probably what you need.
In this review of the Casio PX-860, we will cover all factors that you need to consider before buying or not buying this piano, which is next in line to the much-revered PX-850. We will be exploring its features, its aesthetics, sound quality, other features, and a summarized pros and cons list, also we doubt that the cons would be enough to deter most prospective buyers.
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Features of Casio PX-850:
As the successor to the PX-850, the PX-860 had big shoes to fill; it does that and more, as for approximately the same price, you get improved sound quality, more streamlined controls, and more reliable and natural key functionality.
To compare and explore other options, you might want to take a look at PX-850 and PX-870 as well, to compare the PX-860 and see if it garners the value that you are in the market for. So without further ado lets dive right in.
Aesthetics
The PX-860 is a sleek and angular-looking keyboard, which oozes class and finesse from its looks. The wooden keyboard stand and the build make it look like it would look right at home in a finely planned apartment or an expensive living room, but with smart planning, it would not look out of place in a small apartment, either.
The dimensions for this elegant keyboard are 58 x 15 x 16, and it weighs roughly 79 pounds (35 kg). The heaviness and the elaborate wooden infrastructure of the PX-860 would require help while moving it, as is the case with pianos in a similar class. It should, however, be noted that it is not as heavy as most pianos.
The model is available in three colors: black, brown, and white. Its solid wooden base gives it a sturdy and sleek look. Due to its furniture stand and design, it could easily be mistaken as an acoustic piano.
It follows Casio’s mantra of having their digital keyboards look modern but have that classic and sophisticated aura about them. The buttons and the panel on display make it very easy for the performer to manage the sounds and tonality with a streamlined interface for buttons, while making it clear for the onlooker that it is, indeed, a fully equipped digital piano.
Sound quality
One may argue that the sound quality is the most important element in a digital piano, as its emulation of a grand/acoustic piano is what it is usually sought for. The PX-860 most certainly does not disappoint in this regard and delivers outstanding sound quality that mimics an acoustic to a very close degree. One would require to have very finely-tuned ears with a lot of exposure to the “real deal” to be able to conclude that the sounds from the PX-860 are not those of an acoustic piano, which can be considered a success of Casio’s modeling.
The piano is also feature-rich when it comes to tones and sounds. The “hall simulation” feature, for example, allows the piano to emulate a huge concert hall, a stadium, or a cathedral-like venue. Casio also claims that the sound engine has been improved and augmented with the “air sound technology”. There are three degrees of sensor which allow the player to integrate dynamic control to their performance, giving the music a “live” feel.
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Key Sensitivity
The keys of this 88-key model are made out of synthesized ivory and ebony, which frees the piano of the “plastic” kind of keys that digital pianos are often retailed with. The keys of the PX-860 are weighted and graded, which for us experts is one of the most crucial features in a keyboard.
They are also sweat-resistant/absorbing and weight-sensitive; the higher notes would require a lighter touch, and the lower notes would require a heavier, more forceful touch. This calibration of the keys is a big plus for the PX-860.
Key sensitivity can also be adjusted/changed in order to comply with the player’s speed, style, and preference. Such flexibility only goes to add to the playability and manageability of this model.
Other features
The piano is loud, and the speakers that come with have the ability to pack a powerful punch in a small to medium-sized room without losing any articulation or detail in the sound, and without requiring additional speakers.
The speaker sound can be modulated as well, with a whole host of Casio-made pianos and their sounds readily available in the piano.
The controls are easily manageable, so that minimal hassle has to be faced by the performer while performing. USB connectivity is also provided so that long sessions can be recorded, and so that piano tracks could directly be uploaded onto a computer.
The diverse range of available functions also includes splitting, and layering, as well as tuning and metronome additions.
Casio PX-860 Overview:
Pros and Cons Of Casio PX-860:
Pros
- Sleek and elegant body
- Ivory and ebony based keys
- Close-to-acoustic sound quality
- A multitude of sounds and modulations
- Hall simulation feature
- Hood for covering the piano keys and enhancing acoustics
- Built-in pedals
- Air sound technology
- Lighter than pianos in the similar category
- Upgraded features in the same price of the previous model (PX-850)
Cons
- Build quality may not be able to take regular beatings
- The music stand for sheet music cannot be adjusted
Conclusion
The PX-860 is bound to satisfy players, composers, instructors, and performers alike, which its playability and ease of use. Delivering close-to-acoustic sound in this (or any) price range for digital pianos is a tall order, but it seems like Casio, with their intelligent modeling, has hit the sweet spot with the PX-860.
If you are in the market for a piano that has the attributes discussed in this PX-860 review, then what are you waiting for? Compare it with other models of this category and if it stands out which we think it will, then get your hands on this keyboard as soon as you can.