Review
First there is the fairly realistic stereo grand keyboard sound which for the price is pretty outstanding. Next up is the weighted hammer action which makes the Casio CDP-100 feel like a real grand piano.
As well as fairly true keyboard sound and great action, the Casio CDP-100 is included with:
* 5 different tunes consisting of a stereo grand piano I and 2, electric keyboard, harpsichord and strings
* 32-note polyphony (this means that that you would be able to play up to 32 notes simultaneously)
* 8 digital effects consisting of variations of reverb and chorus
* The layer and transpose functionality
* On board speaker system
* MIDI input/output (impressive for employing together with your home computer)
* headphone and sustain pedal jacks.
The CDP-100 digital keyboard also is included with a sustain foot switch - more on this later within the review.
The Splendid Features
The standout feature of this digital piano is basically the realistic grand piano action. Since it actually feels like you could be playing a genuine keyboard you're going to truly be capable of exhibit yourself with more finesse and sensitivity; the result being a far optimal performance and sound.
Another are where the CDP-100 scores top marks could be the issue of portability. Because of the slim and compact design this digital piano may be very portable and can be carried around easily. In conjunction with the headphone feature plus the simple pedal set-up, you are able to definitely play the 100 anywhere and anytime you want.
The headphone feature from the Casio CDP 100 is extremely handy for both beginner and superior users as it allows them to practice anytime without bothering others.
Affordability is a big plus with this model. No company comes near to providing the features and value that Casio does using the CDP-100 . This enables practically anyone to own an authentic sounding keyboard for only a couple of hundred dollars.
The Poor Features:
A good number users of this CDP-100 may perhaps not be happy with the standard of the sound coming from the built-in speakers. The sound every now and then seems slightly masked and dull rather then sounding smooth and crisp such as you would expect. The usage of headsets is one way to remedy this sound problem because you bypass those internal speakers wholly.
Another potential matter is that the little 1/8 inch jack output is often a somewhat of an disappointment -- they truly must have included a 1/4 inch jack for two reasons. To make sure you can:
1. Hook up the output to dependable mixer and amplifiers for live performances
2. Use professional quality headphones
Obviously a model that is this low-budget is for a reason: it's constructed of inexpensive plastic. Hence this model also ought to be handled well with care when carrying it around with you since it is fragile and it could be easily broken when carried around often. I'd suggest you to purchase a protective piano case and avoid any undesirable dent.
Optional Accessories
Because the sustain foot switch will not be very beneficial and is actually an on/off switch - you actually need a true sustain pedal. I like to recommend spending several dollars and upgrading to some thing just like the M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal.
Another optional accessory that you simply will really need to have may be the Casio GSDX Deluxe Grand piano Stand. This will make certain that you position your digital piano at the ideal height which is critical for comfortable access to the keyboard for the pianist.
My Final Verdict
By and large, the Casio CDP 100 88-note weighted hammer action digital piano is a perfect buy should you choose to own a transportable and extremely reasonably-priced digital keyboard which you can carry around with you or just play at home. This keyboard is perfect for someone on the cheap like a learner or someone just commencing to learn how to play the piano.
However, when you are truly occupied with owning a great piano and can afford to spend a just a bit more I wholeheartedly recommend that you get the Casio CDP 100 keyboard!
Author Resource:
For a far better reviews and ratings on the Casio CDP-100 and other admired digital keyboards, have a look at pianist Alex Pattersons' blog at casio cdp 100 reviews, or his partners at cdp-100 and casio cdp-100 review respectively.