Great video. A very balanced overview and at this late date for a keyboard over six years old, entirely unexpected. I would like to point out a great resource for anyone who owns or is considering owning the XW-P1: the Casio Music Forums. Lots of additional patches, links to all the video tutorials, free user-generated documents that go way beyond the user's guide and, of course, online help from other owners.
Thanks much, and yeah, I contemplated mentioning the Casio Music forums, 'cause as you say, there's a lot of great info on them. In fact, I used to be signed up, but couldn't find my info to log back on. Might sign up again just for info on the PX-5S that I have, which similar to the XW-P1 is forward thinking in some ways and unfortunately as dense as the XW-P1 in other ways.
A real strength with this synth is the sequencers available, those being, phrase builder, arpeggiator and step sequencer. Solo synth is really in your face synth sounds. Hex Layer is a combination of up to six sounds so like pads and stuff and the organ set is really quite good. The real strength however is the ability to make your own sounds from the 2600 sounds on board but this is all in the menu system; good for techoes but less friendly for the shy. There is an iPad controller that looks quite good. Personally I prefer the directness of menu diving and assigning parameter numbers. I’d say this is a great all round beginner synth. The chain facility is also terrific to make whole songs and something a lot of synths don’t have. For its price it gives an unbeatable array of synth facilities. I love mine because when you really get into it, it really gives a lot.
Yeah, those were all features I wish I could have highlighted a bit more. Hopefully folks got the idea that it's more capable than most people suspect.
So, I've been using the XWP1 exclusively as a midi controller for so long, but yesterday I decided to scroll through the sounds I made a couple of years ago. There was this simple hex layer patch with 6 PCM saw osc detuned at the slightest possible amount. It sounded so interesting, I turned off the internal effects and put chorus, reverb and, most importantly, a resonant LP filter from the DAW. Super lush string machine. I think it's worth buying an external analog LP filter like a Waldorf 2-pole and it would warm up the pad sounds a lot ... I'll probably buy a Behringer monosynth in a couple of months so I'll try to use the external audio input to filter it, and hear if it's worth it.
Yeah, adding a decent sounding analog filter can do a LOT to warm and animate a digital synth. I ran a Casio CZ-1 through a Dreadbox Erebus filter, and it sounded GREAT. I was seriously surprised. For me, the XWP1's hex layer with 6 saws detuned is one of the best sounds it can produce. Running it through a filter as it's opening and closing has to sound even better.
For anyone with years of synthesizing, this is a really cool board. Though some do not use it for synth, I use it for synth more than most other needs. Ppl are always flip'n out over the monster thick synth sounds and multilayered sounds. Over the years I have realized some ppl can make this thing a beast and others never get much of anything out of it. It takes time and a fair bit of real synth knowledge to "crank" it, but it will do it if you have what it takes. It's uses are obviously limited, but what it does, it does great. I have had 3 to 5 grand boards before and have sold and traded them off for similar synths, but this little rat will always stay in my rig as it has it's own characteristics that I will alway like. To each his own.
That was really the intent of the video...to let folks know this IS a viable option and fairly capable synth/keyboard, especially for the price. They did a great job designing it. With falling synth/keyboard prices over the last few years, it's not quite the bargain it was when it was released, but it's still plenty capable.
I purchased one of these when they first came out and still have it. It does have alot of good features but it is also has a huge learning curve for beginners, even with the manual. It's not laid out too well and I found myself leafing through it from one section to another? I'll probably never sell it because I have alot more to explore with it and really dig it. Thanks for the Video!
Yeah, you're highlighting everything I liked and didn't like about it. Love some of the stuff Casio has done, but their ability to explain their own gadgets and gear is a bit lacking at times. With a really well-written manual, I think this would have sold even more. The forums and videos out there help quite a bit, but they still fall short.
Yeah, I had to throw that in there. I'm a big Phil Collins fan, but mostly for his drumming and vox with Genesis. Once he ventured into more obvious pop, uh...yeah...well, I just didn't enjoy it as much.
Yeah, the PX-5S is really sort of the 2nd generation of the XW-P1...beefed up and more capable in some areas (more polyphony, more programming parameters for the Hex Layer synth), though unfortunately less capable in other areas (the step sequencer, drawbar organ, solo synth, etc).
Great video about the XW-P1's capability. I was just about to sell it because I couldn't get satisfied with its sounds. It was my first and only keyboard, but then I repaired my mother's old Oberheim Matrix 6... Being looking for the classic analog sound, the xwp1 started to sound like a toy in comparison. But then I realized how much I would regret for selling it! I don't mind carrying a full size digital piano on gigs yet - so the not that awesome PCM piano sound comes in handy - and there are certain patches that I'm affectioned with. I like the PS1 videogame OST kind of vibe of the Choir and orchestral sounds... And even if I won't be using none of it's internal sounds, as a Midi controller, it rocks! Just for the fact that it can split and layer 4 zones and easily control 4 synth modules... I've paid it 300 euros brand new on Thomann, so it was a bargain. I guess it's superior to midi controllers in that price range... Most of them don't even have the arpeggiator, as far as I know. And last but not least, how fun it is to jam with it!
Grazie! Wow...I wish my mother had an old Oberheim Matrix 6 I could get repaired. : ) Yeah, you're listing all the reasons why I think it's a pretty decent keyboard for the money, and hopefully I highlighted some of those same points well enough in the video. I really thought it was fine for gigging. It was light, easy to set up, and easy enough to configure/program for using live.
Five years late . . . but thanks for the video. I just picked up one of these in essentially unused condition (the plastic film was still on the display!) after watching Florian over at AudioPilz do a "Bad Gear" review of the CZ101. I'll try it out for a couple of weeks, and return it to Guitar Center if I don't like it. I do believe that there are a lot of good sounds hiding in this machine, and the UI is very interesting. This should be fun! 😉
Hell, it's never too late for a synth, if you enjoy playing it or making sounds with it! I did end up selling this, but then I got what is almost the "big brother" of the XW-P1, the Casio PX-5S. It's a bit more programmable and has a similar enough OS/UI that it felt semi-familiar to use. Unfortunately it ALSO has a not-so-thorough user guide PDF, much like the XW-P1. Yeah, I watched the Bad Gear review of the CZ-101. As a longtime CZ fan, I was happy to see it. My first gigging synth was a CZ-1000, basically a CZ-101 but with full size keys.
@@ProckGnosis That XW-P1 user guide makes me grateful for UA-cam tutorials, but I'm loving the sliders on this wacky machine! Casio synths seem to be hidden gems . . . who knew? 🤔
It's a shame Casio just let it kind of die. It sort of lives on in the Casio Privia Pro PX-5S (the user interface is VERY similar), but even that could use an upgrade.
XW-P1 has been discontinued, but I hope Casio is working on something new based on that concept, improving at least some of its shortcomings, including the build quality itself. I love that synth! I know it's relatively cheap, but it has some magic in it. Thanks for the review! It's fun to watch, even for the owners of that instrument.
Yeah, it's weird that Casio has some great ideas for a synth like this, and then instead of building on the ideas, improving them, it's like they get scared, and they go back to focusing on just safer products like home keyboards with speakers.
@@ProckGnosis Even slightly improved version (with real-time filter control) and professional build quality (heavier, more solid case and keybed) would've been enough for many people to buy it. You're right. Casio's strategy is weird, almost like they are sometimes afraid of being more successful among demanding users.
@@ProckGnosis I haven't done much music-wise lately, although I did pick up two IK Multimedia UNO's just recently, waiting for some time to use em. The XW-PD1 sequencer is very similar, although you can also punch in the sequence without the sequencer running. The pads serve up the functionality to select the pitch like your sliders have, however, you can also edit each pad and set it to any note. The PD1's sequencer also has 8 patterns with 'song' mode, so you can arrange the sequence of the patterns as well. It's a useful little bugger I don't think I'd ever sell considering I got it for $100 new :D
Hello, between this XW-P1 and the Roland Juno series before the DS (D/Di etc), which got the better sounds (especially the PCM sounds) ? And which one would you recommend for keyboardist in band usage? Thanks!
Hey Ariel. I'm not super familiar with the Juno series (I've played one once or twice in a store), though from what I've read and what I've heard, the Juno should offer 2 things over the XW-P1: 1) a better selection of sampled/PCM sounds and 2) more extensive programming options for shaping/sculpting sounds. As for which is better in a band, I would say the Juno likely offers better sounds, but I can't comment on how easy it is to use live.
I gifted this to my girlfriend to play around with - she never touched it lol. I have "better" synths, but I recently undusted the Casio to use for classic rock. I usually play bass in the band, so I had to make some patches that had bass layers and splits with other sounds. The Casio is a bit of a pain in the butt to find sounds in hex mode and to modify on board. But in the end I managed to create decent sounds/layouts for Harlequin's "Innocence", Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill", or Huey Lewis' "Power of Love". Much better than using presets and very passable for a live band. Easy to modify volume/balancing sounds on the fly too. With a little work, I can foresee getting any keyboard sounds/layouts configured for the band - leave the pricey stuff in the studio 😉. Thanks for the video!
If you mean "can you individually tune the oscillators in the mono synth to form chords?", then yes, but it's not really polyphonic in this case. It's still a mono synth allowing you to "play" or transpose whatever chord you form by tuning each oscillator.
I dont play in bands or rock music, but this is perfectly fine for studio use. Just record sounds through line ins then put some preamp emulations, tape, analog filter vsts, saturation etc. theres a lot of them free nowdays. I can make this thing sound like a vintage synth
Heck yeah...it's very usable in a recording set up, which was kind of what I was trying to show by playing just the individual tracks of the theme music at the end of the video. I would have been WAY happy with something like this when I was in college and couldn't afford any half-decent sounding synth
But they were both cool synths...especially for the money. Just wish Casio had come out with something that maybe improved things a bit...like an XW-P2 and XW-G2.
Thanks for a great video... from a 55 yo fellow East coaster lol. I am getting one of these, used as a way to intro myself to synth work to add to my music training... saw some videos from one of those people who are the problem... as you say... lol. Like your balanced view. Any idea what to search to find mikes videos?
Thanks! Yeah "Mike" is Mike Martin, who used to work for Casio (not sure if he still does), so you'll find most of their video tutorials from about 7 years ago under the channel name "Casio Music Gear". Good luck diving into it. It does require some patience. In some ways it's a great "starter" synth because of the cost and capability, but in other ways, it's not as easy to learn as some other synths. The Casio videos will DEFINITELY help explain concepts that the manual doesn't so well.
Hi Ivannet Bahasa saya sangat buruk. Saya akan menggunakan google translate. Maaf tolong-tapi- saya akan mencoba menjawab. Saya pikir itu mungkin tergantung di mana Anda berada di Indonesia. Saya tidak tinggal di sana, tapi saya tahu banyak orang berbakat di sana yang memiliki instrumen seperti ini. XW-P1 tidak lagi diproduksi. Ada beberapa yang baru yang mungkin Anda sukai. Jika Anda pergi ke saluran saya dan terhubung dengan saya di sana- mungkin saya dapat membantu Anda berbelanja :) Terima kasih!
What?? You haven't been previously smitten by the Casio XW-P1 charms before? Yeah, they had a little more real estate to fill when they removed the usual Casio speakers, so I guess they got a little creative...
@@ProckGnosis honestly sir, casio keyboard instrument was labeled as a toy everywhere, but seing this video and hear your play use this instrument now i want to play this keyboard because it has low price than other brand
Yeah, the lack of real time filter control (other than for the monosynth) was a reason why I moved on to the Roland FA-06. It really was an interesting design though.
hello sir i just loved your video. i learned a lot for your teachings. well i have a band and there i play keyboards. we are mainly a rock band. at this moment i am using a yamaha psr e433 as my one and only gear for the gigs. and i am learning about music and sounds from youtube since rock music is not that huge in Bangladesh. so can u suggest me a novice keyboard player a pro level keyboard which is cheap for me since i am a college student and i have no real job yet so far. i will for ever be greatful to u for your kind and valuable works of advice. love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩 . p.s. sorry for my bad english and if u ever visit dhaka bangladesh ill cook for u some biriyani sir ☺
Hey Mr. Kranty. Thank-you very much. Your English is fine! It's much better than my Bengali (which is non-existent). Hopefully you are studying IT (information technology) in college, because then it will be easier to find a good job to pay for a good keyboard. If you are mostly playing rock, then there are several good, cheaper keyboards you could use. The XW-P1 in this video is a very good choice. If you buy a used one, it can be pretty cheap. Also some other good and very capable beginner synths would be the Yamaha MX61 or the Roland Juno-D. They are a little more expensive, but it should really depend on what you need the keyboard to do (organs, pianos, electronic sounds, etc) before you select one. Hopefully there are some options in Bangladesh to buy used keyboards as well.
@@ProckGnosis thank you sir your your great advises i am studying business administration. sadly casio doesn't sell here and if i buy from other countries i have to pay 340% extra tax since the product was made in a different country. yea bangladesh has some crazy import tax laws. if the products are electronics. i have to manage something in india since they don't have that crazy pricing and i have relatives in india they can just carry it by hand. but i need to save some money 1st. but i have a savings of $166.49 now i can manage around 300-350 in next year. and sir u are more than welcome to check my channel i normally make eastern instrumental musics but i also sing and play keyboards. i have a old dynamic mic and use my psr as a midi for recording.
I did check your channel. Good work. I'm happy to see anybody getting into and enjoying music. That Yamaha PSR seems good for a starting keyboard. I'm very sorry Casio doesn't sell in Bangladesh. I'm surprised by that. I thought Casio sold everywhere. Hopefully you can find something in India that isn't too expensive.
@@Krantykeys Lol...thanks, but I'm not a pro. This is just a hobby. My day job is in information technology, and I'm just a guy who loves synths and music...and the occasional beer. : )
Yeah, it's a true statement that the average music fan listening to a band in a bar couldn't tell the difference between this (XW-P1), a Roland FA06, a Korg Kronos, and a Nord Stage 2.
Yeah, would have loved if the P1 had sampling, but for what I was needing, the organ and hex-layers got used more from the P1. I'm surprised they didn't come out with a "Mark II" by now that increased/combined both the G1 and P1 capabilities a little more. I get the feeling Casio won't be exploring the synth market so much in the future, but I hope I'm wrong.
I know this video is old but how the hell did you play this with a band? Any time I tried it, this thing either wouldn't cut or was an abrasive ear sore.
Well, for me it was all in the mix and EQ, and I was pushy about getting the levels right. Depended on the type of song as well. Mostly used it for organ and piano (acoustic/electric), and only very little synthy stuff (which is not its strength). I've seen a couple different guys use it quite nicely in jazz or jazz-rock bar bands, but these guys could also REALLY play. The one guy I talked with (a poor college kid) admitted he bought it (used no less) because he needed a second keyboard, and he had spent most his cash on a Moog Sub 37. He, like me, wasn't crazy about the organ or the keybed feel, but it worked well enough for what he needed. But this was also before the "Age of Behringer" started driving down synth prices...now a poor college kid (or whoever) has quite a few awesome sounding choices within reach for the $1500 he spent on his Sub 37.
Its seems that many of its strengths you did not need or explore. It was probably the right decision to sell it. This entry level key board still offers more than any other entry level boards. I will keep mine in my collection for hex and sequencer
Yeah...unfairly Casio doesn't have a great reputation for being a "cool synth", so I wanted to point out that the XW-P1 can do a lot of cool stuff, and it still doesn't cost a lot of money. Fully agree it's one of the best entry-level keyboards.
Great video. A very balanced overview and at this late date for a keyboard over six years old, entirely unexpected. I would like to point out a great resource for anyone who owns or is considering owning the XW-P1: the Casio Music Forums. Lots of additional patches, links to all the video tutorials, free user-generated documents that go way beyond the user's guide and, of course, online help from other owners.
Thanks much, and yeah, I contemplated mentioning the Casio Music forums, 'cause as you say, there's a lot of great info on them. In fact, I used to be signed up, but couldn't find my info to log back on. Might sign up again just for info on the PX-5S that I have, which similar to the XW-P1 is forward thinking in some ways and unfortunately as dense as the XW-P1 in other ways.
A real strength with this synth is the sequencers available, those being, phrase builder, arpeggiator and step sequencer. Solo synth is really in your face synth sounds. Hex Layer is a combination of up to six sounds so like pads and stuff and the organ set is really quite good. The real strength however is the ability to make your own sounds from the 2600 sounds on board but this is all in the menu system; good for techoes but less friendly for the shy. There is an iPad controller that looks quite good. Personally I prefer the directness of menu diving and assigning parameter numbers. I’d say this is a great all round beginner synth. The chain facility is also terrific to make whole songs and something a lot of synths don’t have. For its price it gives an unbeatable array of synth facilities. I love mine because when you really get into it, it really gives a lot.
Yeah, those were all features I wish I could have highlighted a bit more. Hopefully folks got the idea that it's more capable than most people suspect.
So, I've been using the XWP1 exclusively as a midi controller for so long, but yesterday I decided to scroll through the sounds I made a couple of years ago. There was this simple hex layer patch with 6 PCM saw osc detuned at the slightest possible amount. It sounded so interesting, I turned off the internal effects and put chorus, reverb and, most importantly, a resonant LP filter from the DAW. Super lush string machine. I think it's worth buying an external analog LP filter like a Waldorf 2-pole and it would warm up the pad sounds a lot
... I'll probably buy a Behringer monosynth in a couple of months so I'll try to use the external audio input to filter it, and hear if it's worth it.
Yeah, adding a decent sounding analog filter can do a LOT to warm and animate a digital synth. I ran a Casio CZ-1 through a Dreadbox Erebus filter, and it sounded GREAT. I was seriously surprised. For me, the XWP1's hex layer with 6 saws detuned is one of the best sounds it can produce. Running it through a filter as it's opening and closing has to sound even better.
For anyone with years of synthesizing, this is a really cool board. Though some do not use it for synth, I use it for synth more than most other needs. Ppl are always flip'n out over the monster thick synth sounds and multilayered sounds. Over the years I have realized some ppl can make this thing a beast and others never get much of anything out of it. It takes time and a fair bit of real synth knowledge to "crank" it, but it will do it if you have what it takes. It's uses are obviously limited, but what it does, it does great. I have had 3 to 5 grand boards before and have sold and traded them off for similar synths, but this little rat will always stay in my rig as it has it's own characteristics that I will alway like. To each his own.
That was really the intent of the video...to let folks know this IS a viable option and fairly capable synth/keyboard, especially for the price. They did a great job designing it. With falling synth/keyboard prices over the last few years, it's not quite the bargain it was when it was released, but it's still plenty capable.
I purchased one of these when they first came out and still have it. It does have alot of good features but it is also has a huge learning curve for beginners, even with the manual. It's not laid out too well and I found myself leafing through it from one section to another? I'll probably never sell it because I have alot more to explore with it and really dig it. Thanks for the Video!
Yeah, you're highlighting everything I liked and didn't like about it. Love some of the stuff Casio has done, but their ability to explain their own gadgets and gear is a bit lacking at times. With a really well-written manual, I think this would have sold even more. The forums and videos out there help quite a bit, but they still fall short.
Casio appreciators unite! Nice video and nice keyboard
Vielen Dank! Hopefully it helps some folks realize that Casio can make some interesting and cool instruments.
Wow, some surprisingly good sounds! That chord sound in your sequencing demo is awesome, as are the organ sounds. Great demo!
Bedankt Marc. This thing is capable of some big, lush sounds...more than I think most people expect from Casio. Prettige Kerstdagen!
ProckGnosis : dank je, jij ook!
Lol. Love the subtle Collins shade.
Yeah, I had to throw that in there. I'm a big Phil Collins fan, but mostly for his drumming and vox with Genesis. Once he ventured into more obvious pop, uh...yeah...well, I just didn't enjoy it as much.
Thanks for the look under the hood. I wasn't aware how much of the PX-5S is packed into this unit.
Yeah, the PX-5S is really sort of the 2nd generation of the XW-P1...beefed up and more capable in some areas (more polyphony, more programming parameters for the Hex Layer synth), though unfortunately less capable in other areas (the step sequencer, drawbar organ, solo synth, etc).
Great video about the XW-P1's capability. I was just about to sell it because I couldn't get satisfied with its sounds. It was my first and only keyboard, but then I repaired my mother's old Oberheim Matrix 6... Being looking for the classic analog sound, the xwp1 started to sound like a toy in comparison. But then I realized how much I would regret for selling it! I don't mind carrying a full size digital piano on gigs yet - so the not that awesome PCM piano sound comes in handy - and there are certain patches that I'm affectioned with. I like the PS1 videogame OST kind of vibe of the Choir and orchestral sounds... And even if I won't be using none of it's internal sounds, as a Midi controller, it rocks! Just for the fact that it can split and layer 4 zones and easily control 4 synth modules... I've paid it 300 euros brand new on Thomann, so it was a bargain. I guess it's superior to midi controllers in that price range... Most of them don't even have the arpeggiator, as far as I know. And last but not least, how fun it is to jam with it!
Grazie! Wow...I wish my mother had an old Oberheim Matrix 6 I could get repaired. : ) Yeah, you're listing all the reasons why I think it's a pretty decent keyboard for the money, and hopefully I highlighted some of those same points well enough in the video. I really thought it was fine for gigging. It was light, easy to set up, and easy enough to configure/program for using live.
Five years late . . . but thanks for the video. I just picked up one of these in essentially unused condition (the plastic film was still on the display!) after watching Florian over at AudioPilz do a "Bad Gear" review of the CZ101. I'll try it out for a couple of weeks, and return it to Guitar Center if I don't like it. I do believe that there are a lot of good sounds hiding in this machine, and the UI is very interesting. This should be fun! 😉
Hell, it's never too late for a synth, if you enjoy playing it or making sounds with it! I did end up selling this, but then I got what is almost the "big brother" of the XW-P1, the Casio PX-5S. It's a bit more programmable and has a similar enough OS/UI that it felt semi-familiar to use. Unfortunately it ALSO has a not-so-thorough user guide PDF, much like the XW-P1.
Yeah, I watched the Bad Gear review of the CZ-101. As a longtime CZ fan, I was happy to see it. My first gigging synth was a CZ-1000, basically a CZ-101 but with full size keys.
@@ProckGnosis That XW-P1 user guide makes me grateful for UA-cam tutorials, but I'm loving the sliders on this wacky machine! Casio synths seem to be hidden gems . . . who knew? 🤔
I Have one like that and love all the Sounds in this thing Great Synth
It's a shame Casio just let it kind of die. It sort of lives on in the Casio Privia Pro PX-5S (the user interface is VERY similar), but even that could use an upgrade.
I like the prog rock sounds. A very good choice for touring with a rock band
Yeah, it really worked well enough. It sounded decent, it was light, inexpensive, and I didn't really care if it got banged around so much.
XW-P1 has been discontinued, but I hope Casio is working on something new based on that concept, improving at least some of its shortcomings, including the build quality itself.
I love that synth! I know it's relatively cheap, but it has some magic in it. Thanks for the review! It's fun to watch, even for the owners of that instrument.
Yeah, it's weird that Casio has some great ideas for a synth like this, and then instead of building on the ideas, improving them, it's like they get scared, and they go back to focusing on just safer products like home keyboards with speakers.
@@ProckGnosis Even slightly improved version (with real-time filter control) and professional build quality (heavier, more solid case and keybed) would've been enough for many people to buy it. You're right. Casio's strategy is weird, almost like they are sometimes afraid of being more successful among demanding users.
I have one honestly great synth by the cost
Yes it is!
paco rivera peralta u have? I just got one I need help with the drumming sounds can you help me out.
paco rivera peralta also when I click piano it’s making weird noises.
17:30. Cool vibey little patch.
Yeah, this thing has some nice and usable tones on board.
The XW P1 for the money is good enough, it's not a Roland, Yamaha, or Korg, but neither is the price Thanks for the video.
Thanks. Hopefully more folks will watch this and realize exactly what you said.
I have the gold colored edition and it's a highly versatile keyboard.
That was a cool looking synth!
Doppelbock, lol, a german word for headache next morning :-), but a nice Video, merry XMAS, from Germany!
Danke! Das stimmt aber das Doppelbock schmeckt so gut! Mann muss nur ein bisschen vorsichtig sein. Frohe Weinachten!
dang, the organ sounds good! (Leslie, not so much...) Nice chops! :D
Thanks much...still playing with your XW-PD1? I would be curious if any of the sequencing concepts are common between that and this keyboard...
@@ProckGnosis I haven't done much music-wise lately, although I did pick up two IK Multimedia UNO's just recently, waiting for some time to use em. The XW-PD1 sequencer is very similar, although you can also punch in the sequence without the sequencer running. The pads serve up the functionality to select the pitch like your sliders have, however, you can also edit each pad and set it to any note. The PD1's sequencer also has 8 patterns with 'song' mode, so you can arrange the sequence of the patterns as well. It's a useful little bugger I don't think I'd ever sell considering I got it for $100 new :D
Hello, between this XW-P1 and the Roland Juno series before the DS (D/Di etc), which got the better sounds (especially the PCM sounds) ? And which one would you recommend for keyboardist in band usage? Thanks!
Hey Ariel. I'm not super familiar with the Juno series (I've played one once or twice in a store), though from what I've read and what I've heard, the Juno should offer 2 things over the XW-P1: 1) a better selection of sampled/PCM sounds and 2) more extensive programming options for shaping/sculpting sounds. As for which is better in a band, I would say the Juno likely offers better sounds, but I can't comment on how easy it is to use live.
I gifted this to my girlfriend to play around with - she never touched it lol. I have "better" synths, but I recently undusted the Casio to use for classic rock. I usually play bass in the band, so I had to make some patches that had bass layers and splits with other sounds. The Casio is a bit of a pain in the butt to find sounds in hex mode and to modify on board. But in the end I managed to create decent sounds/layouts for Harlequin's "Innocence", Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill", or Huey Lewis' "Power of Love". Much better than using presets and very passable for a live band. Easy to modify volume/balancing sounds on the fly too. With a little work, I can foresee getting any keyboard sounds/layouts configured for the band - leave the pricey stuff in the studio 😉. Thanks for the video!
Thanks. And I fully get what you mean. This would easily cover a lot of what's needed for a cover band, with a little tweaking and set up.
Thank you
You're welcome!
Can mono synth edited to be polyphonic sound?
If you mean "can you individually tune the oscillators in the mono synth to form chords?", then yes, but it's not really polyphonic in this case. It's still a mono synth allowing you to "play" or transpose whatever chord you form by tuning each oscillator.
10:10 A flock of seagulls' 'Wishing (if i had a photograph of you)'
Not intentional, but it does kind of sound like it, eh?
I dont play in bands or rock music, but this is perfectly fine for studio use. Just record sounds through line ins then put some preamp emulations, tape, analog filter vsts, saturation etc. theres a lot of them free nowdays. I can make this thing sound like a vintage synth
Heck yeah...it's very usable in a recording set up, which was kind of what I was trying to show by playing just the individual tracks of the theme music at the end of the video. I would have been WAY happy with something like this when I was in college and couldn't afford any half-decent sounding synth
very impressive
wish you a Merry Christmas
friendly regards Frank
Gleichfalls Frank! Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch!
Dig your channel. A cs5 tune brought me here. Good stuff!
Thanks...appreciate the feedback
MUITO BOM.
Obrigada!
I have the XW G1 sampling keyboard it has it's limitations too.
But they were both cool synths...especially for the money. Just wish Casio had come out with something that maybe improved things a bit...like an XW-P2 and XW-G2.
Thanks for a great video... from a 55 yo fellow East coaster lol. I am getting one of these, used as a way to intro myself to synth work to add to my music training... saw some videos from one of those people who are the problem... as you say... lol. Like your balanced view. Any idea what to search to find mikes videos?
Thanks! Yeah "Mike" is Mike Martin, who used to work for Casio (not sure if he still does), so you'll find most of their video tutorials from about 7 years ago under the channel name "Casio Music Gear".
Good luck diving into it. It does require some patience. In some ways it's a great "starter" synth because of the cost and capability, but in other ways, it's not as easy to learn as some other synths. The Casio videos will DEFINITELY help explain concepts that the manual doesn't so well.
bagaimana caranya saya bisa membeli produk ini. Di Indonesia benar2 sudah tidak ada barangnya
Hi Ivannet Bahasa saya sangat buruk. Saya akan menggunakan google translate. Maaf tolong-tapi- saya akan mencoba menjawab. Saya pikir itu mungkin tergantung di mana Anda berada di Indonesia. Saya tidak tinggal di sana, tapi saya tahu banyak orang berbakat di sana yang memiliki instrumen seperti ini. XW-P1 tidak lagi diproduksi. Ada beberapa yang baru yang mungkin Anda sukai. Jika Anda pergi ke saluran saya dan terhubung dengan saya di sana- mungkin saya dapat membantu Anda berbelanja :) Terima kasih!
I got one yesterday for 200e cool for beginners
Awesome...let us know what you think of it...
how did you do it can you share with me , thank you
Sorry...I'm not sure what you're asking.
Wow, that is the fanciest-looking Casio keyboard I have ever seen.
What?? You haven't been previously smitten by the Casio XW-P1 charms before? Yeah, they had a little more real estate to fill when they removed the usual Casio speakers, so I guess they got a little creative...
Now im curious....
Yeah, I think a lot of folks are surprised when they find out what this thing can do, especially for the price and because it's a Casio.
@@ProckGnosis honestly sir, casio keyboard instrument was labeled as a toy everywhere, but seing this video and hear your play use this instrument now i want to play this keyboard because it has low price than other brand
Great video, interesting synth, but once I saw 21min in that the controls (and in particular filter/cutoff) aren't realtime... yeargh! Ouchiewauva! :-
Yeah, the lack of real time filter control (other than for the monosynth) was a reason why I moved on to the Roland FA-06. It really was an interesting design though.
hello sir i just loved your video. i learned a lot for your teachings. well i have a band and there i play keyboards. we are mainly a rock band. at this moment i am using a yamaha psr e433 as my one and only gear for the gigs. and i am learning about music and sounds from youtube since rock music is not that huge in Bangladesh. so can u suggest me a novice keyboard player a pro level keyboard which is cheap for me since i am a college student and i have no real job yet so far. i will for ever be greatful to u for your kind and valuable works of advice. love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩 .
p.s. sorry for my bad english and if u ever visit dhaka bangladesh ill cook for u some biriyani sir
☺
Hey Mr. Kranty. Thank-you very much. Your English is fine! It's much better than my Bengali (which is non-existent). Hopefully you are studying IT (information technology) in college, because then it will be easier to find a good job to pay for a good keyboard. If you are mostly playing rock, then there are several good, cheaper keyboards you could use. The XW-P1 in this video is a very good choice. If you buy a used one, it can be pretty cheap. Also some other good and very capable beginner synths would be the Yamaha MX61 or the Roland Juno-D. They are a little more expensive, but it should really depend on what you need the keyboard to do (organs, pianos, electronic sounds, etc) before you select one. Hopefully there are some options in Bangladesh to buy used keyboards as well.
@@ProckGnosis
thank you sir your your great advises i am studying business administration. sadly casio doesn't sell here and if i buy from other countries i have to pay 340% extra tax since the product was made in a different country. yea bangladesh has some crazy import tax laws. if the products are electronics. i have to manage something in india since they don't have that crazy pricing and i have relatives in india they can just carry it by hand. but i need to save some money 1st. but i have a savings of $166.49 now i can manage around 300-350 in next year. and sir u are more than welcome to check my channel i normally make eastern instrumental musics but i also sing and play keyboards. i have a old dynamic mic and use my psr as a midi for recording.
I did check your channel. Good work. I'm happy to see anybody getting into and enjoying music. That Yamaha PSR seems good for a starting keyboard. I'm very sorry Casio doesn't sell in Bangladesh. I'm surprised by that. I thought Casio sold everywhere. Hopefully you can find something in India that isn't too expensive.
@@ProckGnosis
Thank u sir for visiting my channel. It means a lot me that a pro musician like u listened to a novice like me.
@@Krantykeys Lol...thanks, but I'm not a pro. This is just a hobby. My day job is in information technology, and I'm just a guy who loves synths and music...and the occasional beer. : )
If you were to MIDI this off screen and use a Roland as a controller, I bet few people would know the difference!
Yeah, it's a true statement that the average music fan listening to a band in a bar couldn't tell the difference between this (XW-P1), a Roland FA06, a Korg Kronos, and a Nord Stage 2.
@@ProckGnosis I feel it is somewhat influenced by late 90's Roland Groovebox in the sound.
Great bônus
Thanks!
Wanting me a XW-G1.
Yeah, would have loved if the P1 had sampling, but for what I was needing, the organ and hex-layers got used more from the P1. I'm surprised they didn't come out with a "Mark II" by now that increased/combined both the G1 and P1 capabilities a little more. I get the feeling Casio won't be exploring the synth market so much in the future, but I hope I'm wrong.
The review starts at 3:10
It's fun but the work flow is not user friendly, to say the least. sold mine but i did like the fun i had with it.
Definitely not a bad synth/keyboard for the price and capability. Just a little stiff to get around
selling for a friend......... i bought it........
not half bad
Yeah, it's pretty decent, and for the price, it's even better than decent.
I know this video is old but how the hell did you play this with a band? Any time I tried it, this thing either wouldn't cut or was an abrasive ear sore.
Well, for me it was all in the mix and EQ, and I was pushy about getting the levels right. Depended on the type of song as well. Mostly used it for organ and piano (acoustic/electric), and only very little synthy stuff (which is not its strength). I've seen a couple different guys use it quite nicely in jazz or jazz-rock bar bands, but these guys could also REALLY play. The one guy I talked with (a poor college kid) admitted he bought it (used no less) because he needed a second keyboard, and he had spent most his cash on a Moog Sub 37. He, like me, wasn't crazy about the organ or the keybed feel, but it worked well enough for what he needed.
But this was also before the "Age of Behringer" started driving down synth prices...now a poor college kid (or whoever) has quite a few awesome sounding choices within reach for the $1500 he spent on his Sub 37.
im only buying one to produce tobacco music thanks
I think it will probably work for that...
you could play Michael Jackson - Billie Jean or something green onions
Oh yeah...lots of options
Its seems that many of its strengths you did not need or explore. It was probably the right decision to sell it. This entry level key board still offers more than any other entry level boards. I will keep mine in my collection for hex and sequencer
Yeah...unfairly Casio doesn't have a great reputation for being a "cool synth", so I wanted to point out that the XW-P1 can do a lot of cool stuff, and it still doesn't cost a lot of money. Fully agree it's one of the best entry-level keyboards.