🎹 CASIO AP-750 Unboxed: From Classic Feel to Modern Tech! 🎹
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- Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
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#casio#casioap750#casiodigitalpiano
Introduction
The new Casio AP-750 is one of the most expensive digital pianos Casio has ever produced and boasts some of the top piano technology they have ever released, but is it the highest value digital piano Casio has ever come out with? At over USD3,000 and over CDN4,000, this piano has an eight-speaker system, four discrete amplifiers, and three multi-layered stereo-sampled pianos from Bechstein, Hamburg Steinway, and Bosendorfer.
For my money, go find another digital piano with eight speakers and three fully diverse beautifully captured concert grand pianos and you’ll come up short because to get those kinds of specs you would need to move up to the $6,000 to $8,000 territory from any of the other digital piano manufacturers; such as Kawai, Yamaha, or Roland.
Piano Sounds
Each of the sampled pianos provides a unique experience in terms of their responsiveness, sound stage, and tonal qualities, with the mid to upper-mid range of the EQ being hyper-detailed. This is clearly a result of the multi-channel wide speaker array as well as the lid which is directing the upper details and artifacts towards the player’s ears.
Perhaps it is a good sign that one sound does not stand out over another. A full acoustic simulator adds in all of the acoustic resonances and secondary tones that can be manipulated by the user which provides an incredibly wide palette.
The Bechstein sample is the same as on the AP-550 and AP-S450, but the speaker array’s ability to deliver more of that sound, along with the addition of the other two, puts this piano in a different league.
In comparison to other much more expensive eight-speaker systems, such as Roland’s LX-9 or Kawai’s Novus NV5S, does the AP-750 stack up as far as frequency response and sonic experience? The answer is no, but the real question is how does this piano compare to a Kawai CA401 or a Roland HP704? If the variety and detail of piano tones are important, the market should be impressed with what the AP-750 has to offer.
Action
The AP-750 uses the new Smart Hybrid Hammer action; a solid wood key with a shorter pivot length. For almost all repertoire, this action feels very natural and responsive, except for some of the more advanced Romantic and Classical music where the shorter pivot length starts to become apparent.
That being said, digital piano manufacturers are realizing that the majority of users are more interested in the electronic and sonic experience versus trying to imitate the touch and feel of a grand piano.
Editing
As with the other models in the AP series, the Casio Music Space app is vital for editing the sounds and exploring the other features of the instrument. It has a very stable connection, and considering the limited number of buttons on the piano’s user interface, it is a much better option than the user manual with multiple overlays of shortcut commands.
Extras
The AP-750 is the only model of this new series that has a ¼” output, and unlike the 450 and 550 only comes in a satin black finish with the visualizer bar
Final Thoughts
It’s always so much fun when a manufacturer throws a super-disruptive element into a marketplace and a four-amplifier eight-speaker system at this price point throws a monkey wrench into the whole party. It will be interesting to see how customers respond.
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I came here for a piano review... and ended up listening to the best music I could have heard today. Thank you Stu !
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for watching! I know Stu appreciates those incredibly kind words. :)
It’s amazing what Casio has done with digital pianos in the last 30 years… I’m very impressed .
Absolutely! They have really drawn a line in the sand with these new AP and PXS models. :)
Totally agree! And for me also is the brand who better understood how to maximize the advantages of use and interaction of digital pianos with mobile devices, their apps are extremely complete, usefull, dydactics and user friendly everything at the same time.
Stu's playing is an absolute delight. ☝️😌👌
This really is an exciting time for digital pianos!
Hi! Brent here! I agree with both comments! Thank you for tuning in! :)
The sound is incredible. It really sounds like an acoustic
It really does! It is a very impressive instrument! :)
Just a brilliant digital piano. Amazing how far they have progressed over the years....❤
Absolutely! I definitely agree with the sentiment. This is a really nice playing, sounding, and looking piano. :)
4:29 - 4:35 Sweet passage. Love the F E-flat A --> F B-flat E-flat --> A9 --> rootless B-flat Maj.13 in the LH.! The figure at 4:45 also very nice. 😎👍 Keyboard sounds awesome, too.
I'll be happy to pass on the kind words to Stu! :)
Thanks so much for tuning in! We appreciate it.
Been waiting for this review
We're glad to be able to release it finally! :)
I’ve toiled over the audio of all the top brands, and now Casio is stepping up with the big boys. I just can’t help but feel that the bass notes sound very “electronic “ - almost like it’s a bass guitar string being plucked.
The new Casio AP models are fantastic and represent a meaningful step up in terms of piano sound. The piano sounds, including the bass register, are real recorded piano samples, but tonal preferences are deeply subjective of course. :)
@@MerriamPianos perhaps that’s why my ear prefers modeling.
Loved the first tune Stu. So warm and yearning. What was it please?
Hi! Brent here! I would have to ask Stu as to what piece he is playing, but, perhaps, one of our community members here will know the answer. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thank you.
What a joy. The keyboard industry has been selling shitty keyboard actions for decades, doing nothing to develop the hand or give us control of the keys. Now quality action is popping up all over: Nord Grand (Kawai licencensed), Kawai, Roland ..... and now Casio. Bravo, on overtime!
It is quite interesting that many manufacturers have finally come around to really taking the core piano playing experience seriously. I think the vast majority of players would rather have a great touch and core piano sound than 5000 built-in sounds and other additional features. With that said, there are a place for those types of instruments too! It all depends on context of use.
Although I just bought a piano, fully expect to have outgrown it in the next 3-4 years so I am still interested in watching these new product videos. So far, the only thing I don't like about my Yamaha P225 is how the keys get harder to play as you move up along the key. I knew that when I bought it and it is not a big deal. It's a great low-to-mid end piano and a steal at that price. I'll get used to it. But as I get better and work my way further into the Circle of Fifths, I'll be hanging around up there more often to deal with all of those sharps and flats. I expect it will be an issue and it will be nice to be knowledgeable about what is available for an upgrade. So keep those videos coming!
Next year there will be an even better one.
Well said. You may find that you adapt to the P-225 keyboard, even when you are playing a bit deeper into the keys, but yes if you need to go very deep and can't compensate, it may be a problem. If you're into modern music, a perfectly classic hand posture may not be necessary, indeed it can be restricting, since modern music requires extra effects such as intentional slipping on and off the keys.
But a few years is a long time in the dp world. As someone said, new models will emerge before you need to upgrade.
It's a huge jump from the P-225 to the piano reviewed here. Don't dismiss the assorted models around $1500.
@@Zoco101What do you exactly mean by “modern music”?
@@Zoco101 Right now, I am focused on classical and expect to stay there. But I am also a big fan of jazz piano and intend to move into that area too.
Many of these digital pianos seem to be aimed at professionals who delve deep into the connectivity, voice options, and so many things I don't understand and probably won't be needing. So I could find myself looking for a good acoustic for an upgrade. At my age (70), getting back into piano seriously is about expanding my appreciation for top pianists. My record collection is suddenly growing again.
Congrats on your new piano! Thanks so much for the support. We really appreciate it. And we're glad to hear that you have found the videos helpful and informative through your piano journey. :)
would be great to see a comparison of all the best in class digital upright models..
ie based on the actions.. so GF3/CA701.. Grand Touch CLP885..Grand Hybrid III GP310.. PHA100 LX6
Can’t actually find any videos on that.. I get the feeling they all get to the same “realism” per se but are going to have different flavours ie light heavy etc so it would be good to know what that is!
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll pass it along to our production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle a high-end action shootout video. It is a great idea. :)
Stu is by far the best and most versatile piano reviewer and performer!
Thank you, Stu.
Michael
Ps. Since digital piano action is what really matters to me when buying a piano, Casio will not be my choice regardless of speakers etc. The sounds can come from piano VSTs
Hi there! I will be sure to pass on the compliments to Stu!
You should check out the Casio GP-510 before you diss Casio as a brand. 😉
The tone engine is awesome, the speakers and amps might be great, but too short pivot length is the deal breaker to me, unfortunately...
I would recommend testing the piano out in person if you haven't already done so. The new AP series actions are a bit different than the newer PXS models. The AP750 is a very impressive instrument overall in my opinion.
I’ve tried it and I can confirm that the action is even worse than the PSX models (extremely light and unreal). Good piano design, quite good sound, bad action …considering this there are better options in the market in this price range
@@giovacks everyting is personal, i have a sx6000 and love the action, np at all
Based on what I'm hearing there, it seems a good instrument. 7:14 is interesting. If I were choosing a piano, personally I'd care about those details. Digital.pianos bring us different ideas of what a piano is... the market has diverse answers. Thanks Stu.
Hi! Brent here! Thanks for tuning in and sharing your thoughts! The AP750 is quite impressive to say the least. It is also a very attractive looking piano as well. And you are right that a digital piano offers a completely different realm of musical possibilities. :)
@@MerriamPianos Thanks Brent! Always fun to learn more about the possibilities out there.
Excellent value for money, no question about it. Too bad they didn't upgrade the GP-510 so they can have something to compete with the Roland LX-9, the Kawai NV5S, and the Yamaha NU1XA.
The AP750 is an excellent upper-mid tier option, but it will be interesting to see if Casio updates the flagship GP line. :)
I am reading that as a secret hint a GP update is coming soon! 😅
Hi Stu, thanks for your nice videos.
I'm playing on a FEURICH upright.
I'm looking to buy an electronic piano to play when kids are sleeping.
My priority is an action with realistic feeling, but not too high price.
What's your opinion between this CASIO AP-750 and YAMAHA P525 in term of action. Or listening to any other models recommendation.
Best regards.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for watching and writing in with your question. The AP750 and P525 are very different offerings (console versus portable) at different price points. The AP750 has a wonderful action with a composite wood/resin keyboard. But, it does play a little lighter than the P525's action. If you're looking for the optimal action authenticity at an affordable price point, the Kawai CN201, CA401, and ES920, as well as the Roland DP603, HP704, and FP90X are all excellent options to consider. :)
Looks like a very nice instruments . Regarding the action, it would be great to have an official explanation from Casio about what Smart hybrid Celviano edition really means . As far as I can read on their website , the keys are composite , plastic + wood side , there is no indication of triple sensor and there is also no mention of Pivot length being greater than. I don’t understand why theses features are not public , as this is not about revealing specific ´know how’ or innovative feature , but just basic information that anyone can actually measure and document one they open the keyboard . So to to cut a long comment short :
What is specific in the Celviano edition ?
Is it double sensor or triple sensor?
Is the same pivot length or not compare to PX-S5000,6000,7000 pivot serie.
Very good questions. Casio loves a very non descriptive (and flowery) names for their actions
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for the questions! We just received our first shipment of the new APS and AP models, so we haven't had a chance to open one up and examine the action. It would be interesting to do so given that there are not a lot of details provided by the manufacturer in terms of the differences. Also, based on what I have been told by some of our reps and Casio service team members, the new Smart Hybrid Action is a triple sensor action. However, I also came across a resource that described it as an "advanced dual sensor" action. In any case, I think a deep dive to into the Casio actions might be in order. ;)
@@MerriamPianos thank you Brent . That would be much appreciated ✅
@@PPJ9274 What is a “captor”?
@@MerriamPianos Any Update on the key action? I am still thinking whether the AP750 is the rigght one. Thanks
Stu great harmonically rich informed improvisations ! You serve the community best when you strictly do your thing. Alow yourself to follow your inclinations brother. As I tell those folks it might concern I can hardly listen to the majority of piano demonstraters out there. But it's not worth it to compromise. Believe me most folks with any ears at all are intrigued including the strictly classical cats.
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Thanks for tuning in! I'll be sure to pass along those very kind notes to Stu for you. Thanks so much once again! :)
Nice curveball from Casio with this AP750 and a great job from Stu as always. I keep being dismayed that manufactures skimp on the key stick length.
The AP750 is quite impressive to say the least! Thanks for tuning in! While a lot of people have questions about the reduced key stick length, the overall action is designed in a way to still perform very well despite that detail. I would certainly recommend trying them out. Their touch is quite rewarding! :)
I hope you can compare a GP-310 to this. I would like to know how much one would get for the 26% premium in price. I suspect GP-310 has better value for the money. (S$4,322 vs S$3,420)
Thanks for the suggestion! I will pass it along to our production team. I'm sure they will do their best to tackle it if possible. :)
May I know where the AP750 sits within the range of Kawai CA701, Casio GP310 and the Yamaha CLP 745? Can you also do a comparison video between some of the models that I've mentioned? Thank you!
Hi there! Thanks for the suggestion! We will do our best to tackle that comparison for you. All of the pianos you've listed sit roughly in the same price and quality tier. They simply offer something a bit different musically. We will try to tackle those differences as soon as we can for you! :)
I have some experience by playing at Casio GP510 and my favorite sample is Bechstein. I really sad that there isn’t in Casio AP-s450 and 550… 750 so expensive and so big for my room
You could also look at the Casio PXS6000 and PXS7000 models. They are more compact, more affordable, and offer the Bechstein sample that you resonated with. :)
FYI. The PXS6000 does not have the Bechstein sample. You have to buy the PXS7000 to get that. @@MerriamPianos
Casio seems to beat other brands in providing a mock up replica acoustic piano feal playing experience at the various price levels this would be my only reason though for wanting one.
Casio has certainly drawn a line in the sand with their new AP models. They play, sound, and look great! :)
Oh! New movie....)))
The AP750 is a really impressive instrument! Thanks for tuning in! :)
Very good video! Is the Casio AP-750 also suitable for piano lessons? I'm a beginner and would like to take lessons, but I'm not sure about the smooth keyboard and the lack of pressure point simulation (escapement).
Thank you kindly! I would say that it is certainly an appropriate instrument to study/learn on. Escapement simulation is something that imitates the feel of a grand piano. To that point, I find that the AP750's action is more comparable to an upright piano. In any case, it all comes down to a matter of preference. Some players prefer a heavier action, while others connect more with the responsiveness of a lighter touch.
Thank you very much for the answer! Was very helpful! :)
Stu, you are wrong 6:02 750 has Bechstein’s sample, but s450 and 550 haven’t and you can play only two Steinway samples
Thank you for catching that! We appreciate it. :)
Thank you Stu and Staff
1 question why was the casio compared with Kawai CA 401
Hi! Brent here! Thank you kindly! We appreciate that. The AP750 and CA401 are both excellent pianos! The choice comes down to one's musical preferences. The AP750's core piano sound is more brilliant, whereas the CA401's sound is warmer. In terms of action, the AP750 offers a composite wood/resin key and lighter touch, whereas the CA401 offers an all-wood key and a heavier touch.
I’m not sure, but I noticed that Vienna Grand tone sounds different than “Bosendorfer” in Yamaha CLP and Korg’s “Austrian piano”🤔
While these various digital pianos may sample the same piano model, it is important to note that they are not the same sample sets. Different recordings of the same piano will have differences. The room the piano is recorded in, the microphones used, and the post-production processing of the samples will all colour and influence the final sound.
I want one!! Monthly payments eh?!
They are very nice instruments! The AP750 has a remarkable tone and touch! Many dealers will offer some type of financing plan that allows for monthly payments. We offer a variety of financing options to our customers for instance. :)
Roland dp603 or this 750? Which one is better?
It is not a matter of which one is "better" as tone/touch preferences are very subjective. The DP603 has a heavier touch and a warmer sound in comparison the AP750, which has a lighter touch and a brighter tonal profile. My recommendation would be to test both out in person to see which one you resonate with more. :)
basicaly what Casio did they put tne new keys from the pxs series in a furniture piano.Thas okay but iMHO you are better off with the GP series.The keys in the GP are a unique and impressive Bechstein mechanism that basicaly competes with the hybrids from Yamaha And Kawai at a much lower price.What Casio should have done is make a real digital baby grand with the same GP action,a baby grand body and a real soundboard with transducers and they would have made real history.
It is important to note that the Casio Smart Hybrid actions in the AP line instruments are not the same as those in the PXS series. However, they are similar of course. With that said, part of the equation is the price point that Casio is looking to sell these pianos for.
@@MerriamPianos the keys are described exactly the same as the pxs 7000 smart hybrid hammer action,spruce wood and resin.What is the difference?
Casios get better and better, keeping the big three manufacturers of DPs on their toes.
Addressing the issue of speakers is very important. Many of the criticisms of dps (by "real piano" fanatics) are connected with the final sound. But good piano samples, resonance and modelling are all at the mercy of amplification, including the speakers.
Yes and no. The action that Casio uses in recent models is a regression (considering acoustic piano action to be a reference).
@@mfurmanThanks for mentioning it. I was referring to tone engines and amplification, but yes, the new compact actions on some models (Casio and Yamaha) are controversial. So do you refer to the compact actions on the PX range?
I do think that Yamaha and Casio are using the wrong solutions to acheive light, diminutive and portable. The bit of weight saved is not worth it if this means having an inferior action, and these slimline pianos still don't fit into the width of most automobiles anyway.
This is why I favour a not-so-slim 73-key piano for light gigging. The slimline effect actually makes the new portable models look a bit silly on gigs, particularly when placed on a large X stand, which sticks out so much front and back.
Stu says that the many players are fine with compact actions. I hope he is right.
@@Zoco101 I believe that this action is different that the one used in PX-5000 (PX-S 6000 and 7000 as well) but it is, I think, more about the weighing than the design principles. The action of PX-S 5000) seemed a bit “unnatural” to me. I believe that Roland PHA-4 (21cm pivot length) is closer to the feel of acoustic pianos.
I definitely agree with the sentiment! Casio has come leaps and bounds in recent years The new AP line is definitely a testament to that. :)
In responsive to a few of the comments here, I would recommend testing out these new pianos in person opposed to establishing opinions based on a spec sheet. When new innovations or design changes are implemented, it is natural for there to be some resistance from the piano community. The same was the case with Kawai's use of carbon fibre in their actions. While it took some time, that new technology is widely regarded as being superior to traditional wood actions due to the extreme durability of the material and its resistance to temperature/humidity fluctuation.
@@Zoco101You are very much right.
Imperial sound nicer than yamaha D piano imperial sound.👍👍👍
It is a very impressive sample set - that is for sure! :)
Can audio pass into it through the USB MIDI cable? Latency with Pianoteq?
I may be wrong in this case but Casio does not usually have Digital Audio Interface (I think it is what you are asking about - this is not, to be precise, an “USB MIDI cable”).
Michael
Hi there! The AP750 does not have a USB audio interface, so you would not be able to play VST sounds through the onboard speakers.
Hi guys , I love the reviews. I’m really undecided between this Casio and a kawai ca-701 it’s a $1500 dollar difference to the kawai , do you guys think is worth specially on the action side, I would really love some guidance. Unfortunately I don’t have access to the pianos to test them.
Hi! Brent here! It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. They are both fantastic instruments. For me, the Kawai CA701's GFIII action is far more authentic in terms of its touch/feel. In that regard, I would give a slight edge to that model.
@@MerriamPianos hi Brent , thank you for your reply , I had to drive for a minute but was able to find the kawai models and also the Roland lx6 and lx9 , I decided for the Roland it sounds nicer than anything else I tried even all the uprights except the really big ones, but I was surprised I liked the kawai ca-701 better than the 901 , I really appreciate your videos they were of huge help to notice the differences in the instruments , I have only played for 3 months now and I never had an instrument before , thanks again guys.
I just got them in my store..how does Stu get this sound recorded ? Line out?
Hi! Brent from Merriam Music here! Unless otherwise noted in the video, we capture the audio via line out feeds directly from the instrument.
So in terms of pivot length, what would this compare to?
Good question. I would also like to know especially for the price it is asking for🎹🎶
We haven't actually opened up one of these Casio AP models yet to actually measure the pivot length. It is apparently a different action than the PXS models, but we will have to do more investigation into the key differences. Perhaps, that is an excellent topic for us to tackle in a video. ;)
Dear Stu, please tell us in more detail about the action.
Hi! Brent here! The action of the AP750 is quite nice in my opinion. It is a composite wood/resin action with an advanced sensor system that does an excellent job of tracking and rendering the performance nuances of the player. :)
@@MerriamPianos how does it compare to the ap710 or s7000? I own both and I don’t like the one on the 7000. I do like the ap710! Tks brent
How good is the key action compare with the acoustic piano?
It is quite a rewarding action, but it is quite a bit lighter than acoustic upright and grand pianos.
Does this have the moving hammers on the inside like the GP series?
Hi! Brent here! I have not had a chance to actually investigate the new Celviano Edition of the Smart Hybrid Action. Perhaps, we can cover this in a future video. :)
what would you choose between this, the ap550, or the kawai ca501, or a equivalent clavinova ? im so conflicted! lol
It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. The AP550 has a bright-but-authentic sounding piano tone and a lighter touch, where as the CA501 has beautiful warm tone and a slightly heavier touch. The CLP775 will have a brighter tone, which is more akin to the AP550, but a heavier touch that is more akin to the CA501. In my opinion, the CA501 is the most authentic sounding and feeling piano in this category, but that is my subjective opinion of course. :)
@@MerriamPianos thanks for the reply! between the casio ap750 vs kawai ca501, which would you choose?
It's only a 40w speaker amplifier system though.
Perceived volume and wattage are not directly correlated. There are a plethora of elements at play. With that said, the AP750 has a very impressive onboard speaker sound. :)
What is the difference between 710 and 750?
There are a number of significant updates, which include the action, speaker system, control interface, and tone engine. Virtually everything has been updated and improved on the new AP models. :)
USB interface?
The Casio AP750 does not have a USB Audio Interface.
How does it compare to the Casio GP 310?
While the AP750 has a comparable - if not better - sound than the GP310, the GP310's action is heavier and offer a more authentic playing experience.
@@MerriamPianos Thanks for getting back to me , and for the great reviews and playing!
Hello. I apologize for the off-topic question. Has anyone had any experience with Backer pab 72?
What is it?
Бекер bap-72? Если откроете его инструкцию, то обнаружите интересную деталь - сделано в Корее там же, где Курцвейл. Предполагаю, в Бекер не сильно заморачивались и перебрендировали курц. Так же как Рокдейл это сделал с Перл Ривер, Антарес с Vangoa
Hi! Brent here! I am not familiar with that product unfortunately, so I cannot offer any insights.
@@ev_kosmokot Я тоже обратил внимание что сделано в Корее.
What is that??🎹🎶
this is 1500$ brand new in japan 😢
Thanks for sharing! Some product's price points can be quite different in different markets.