To be fair, the build quality of keyboards in this price range is typically pretty similar. So, in that sense, there are no red flags or major complaints. It’s a big thumbs-up from us, then - it may have been around for more than 40 years, but with products like this coming to market, the Casiotone brand seems stronger than ever. Another decent option if you're looking for a piano-style entry-level keyboard, the NP-12 is lightweight and portable, and sounds great. In 1980, the original Casiotone CT-201 allowed anyone to make music, regardless of skill level or budget. With the CT-S1, its spiritual successor, we've raised our own bar. The Casiotone CT-S1 is a great-sounding, stylish, ultra-portable keyboard designed for anyone to enjoy playing. Its incredible sound quality makes it an ideal musical partner for beginners and seasoned players alike, and its sleek, portable design makes it fun to play anytime, anywhere. What sets it apart from most beginner keyboards is the design. It’s very sleek and smooth-looking, especially with the full-length speaker bar. Connectivity 4.5

The Casio CT-S1 comes with two 5.1″ speakers, each powered by a 2.5 W amplifier. So, on the size and power of the speaker system, it’s about average for the price point, perhaps slightly ahead. It’s at its best as a practice keyboard at home, and it’s very light, so moving it around the house won’t be a problem, even for younger kids. As I said above, it can be battery-powered, so you can easily take it anywhere with you.It’s the same story with the vintage keyboards, organs, synths, strings and other sounds - you even get some classics from Casio’s older VL-Tone, CT, CZ and VZ synths.

You do get one 1/4″ connection for a sustain pedal. Beyond that, you have two types of USB: type A and Micro-B. Compared to other keyboards It features powerful built-in speakers that are perfect for showing off what you’ve learned to friends and family. When friends and family have heard enough, you can always use headphones. Connect seamlessly to your tablet, computer or smartphone to improve your technique with an app, or play along to your favourite tunes via USB.In fact, the more time you spend with the CT-S1, the more you realise what a well-thought-out keyboard it is. Need a metronome? You’ve got one. Want to record yourself playing? One button press is all it takes. You even get a music stand, though not one that looks particularly attractive or feels like it could take an awful amount of weight. The app makes learning fun and easy with notation and piano rolls. You can even use the app to loop audio or change key. It’s an ideal practice companion. Built-in effects Our nominated carrier is Parcel Force. Deliveries are made Monday – Friday between 9.00am – 6.00pm (excluding Bank Holidays). The CT-S1's AiX Sound Source delivers sound quality that you'd expect from a keyboard costing hundreds, if not thousands more. Power on the CT-S1, and you'll be presented with a dynamic, expressive German concert grand piano placed in a virtual concert hall. You'll also find essentials like electric pianos, organs, strings, synths, and more, with Advanced Tones adding complex layers that react to your playing. A collection of vintage keyboard sounds is also included, featuring recreations of timeless, sought-after keyboard instruments. We've even included classic Casio sounds from our VL, VZ and CZ series. Small Size, Huge Sound A combination of oval ear cups and a comfortable headband ensure that you can use the HPM1000 headphones for extended sessions, without encountering listening fatigue! Each cup features crystal clear capsules too, which really helps to project every single detail of your sound. Features

Casio's CT-S1 electronic keyboard is an ideal option if you're looking for a reliable instrument to start learning on. With 61-touch sensitive textured keys, a quality AiX sound source, brilliant performance, and a suite of free online lessons included, the CT-S1 is a beginners dream. Key Features I like it for beginners because it has a graded hammer-action keyboard, which helps students prepare for the weight of a real piano. It also has one of the best acoustic piano tones in its class, Casio’s flagship German concert grand tone. It’s the slimmest stage piano in the world, which makes the weighted keyboard even more impressive. It’s also one of the lightest, so practicing anywhere you like won’t be a struggle.The HPM1000 headphones from Behringer are ultra-affordable, offering high resolution sound at an amazing price point. Audio Versatility