Kawai Piano Prices: Casio CTK-4000 ersonal Keyboard, 61-Key, with MP3 Connection, 10 Second Sampling, and Digital Effects Review

If you want to bang keys for a few days and then put this into the corner of your darkest closet this keyboard is probably fine.But, if you were planning on using this as a tool to learn to play a keyboard I would advise against it.After less than 4 months (Less than 40 hours total use) the keys are all starting to squeak and bend oddly.

If you're like me (and want something that is at least reliable and feels right even though you aren't a pro) I'd advise spending a bit more to get something that isn't so flimsy, as this is just annoying and I'll have to go replace it now.I have no idea what better products exist (I'm not a pro, as I stated), but I will seek one out.

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Product Description:
The Casio CTK-4000 is an affordable instrument with a 61 Key Piano Style Touch Sensitive Keyboard, 570 total onboard Tones, 180 Rhythms and Reverb plus Chorus Digital Effects. Packed with great features such as Casio's famous Step-up Lesson System, audio inputs for a MP3 player and a USB port for MIDI. All this makes CTK-4000 more realistic and expressive than ever before at this price range.

A truly feature-packed portable. Click to enlarge.
Standard-Size Keys with Touch Response
The CTK-4000 features 61 standard-size keys and two sensitivity levels for a more piano-like experience, along with 48-note polyphony (24-note for certain tones).
570 Built-In Tones
Find just the right sound with 570 built-in tones, from strings to woodwinds and plenty more. You can layer two different tones (such as piano and strings) or split the keyboard down the middle for an ensemble approach.
Reverb and Chorus Effects
Select from ten different reverb and five different chorus effects to add depth and shimmer to your performance.
USB Port
For many musicians, the computer has become a music-making center. Connect the CTK-4000 to a computer using a USB cable and exchange MIDI data between the two devices. Send play data from the keyboard to music software running on your computer, or send MIDI data from your computer to the keyboard for playback.
Built-In Sampling
You can use the CTK-4000 to sample a sound from a portable audio player or other device, and then play the sound with keyboard keys. Sample up to ten seconds, and store up to five sampled sounds to keyboard memory.
You can also loop sampled sounds so they continue to play, or replace individual sounds on drum patches.
Internal speakers and battery-powering option for full portability. Click to enlarge.
Intuitive editing and controls.
152 Built-In Songs and Ten User Songs
The CTK-4000 comes with a bank of songs for your learning and enjoyment, from classics like "Greensleeves" or "Auld Lang Syne" to holiday tunes like "Jingle Bells."
You can also record your own performances, using up to six tracks of different instruments.
Step Up Lessons
To master a song, it is best to break it up into shorter parts (phrases), master the phrases, and then put everything together. The CTK-4000 features a "Step Up Lesson" feature that helps you to do just that. The built-in songs are pre-divided into phrases to help you master keyboard play. Step Up Lesson takes you through practice of the right hand part, left hand part, and both hand parts for each phrase of a song. Master all of the phrases and you master the song.
Music Challenge Keyboard Game
Music Challenge is a game that measures your reaction speed as you press keys in response to on-screen keyboard indicators and fingering guide indications.
Auto Accompaniment
With Auto Accompaniment, simply select an accompaniment pattern. Each time you play a chord with your left hand the appropriate accompaniment will play automatically. It's like having a personal backup group along with you wherever you go.
You can also edit and save up to 10 of your own auto accompaniment patterns.
Auto Harmonize
Auto Harmonize automatically adds harmony to notes you play with your right hand, which adds rich depth to the melody of your performances. You can select from among 12 types of Auto Harmonize to suit the type of music you are playing.
Arpeggiator
The Arpeggiator makes it possible to play an arpeggio pattern automatically. There are 90 different arpeggio patterns from which to choose in order to match the music you are playing.
Transpose Function
An easy operation instantly changes the key of the keyboard.
Audio Input
Play along with MP3 or CD players or other devices by plugging them into the stereo mini input jack.
Battery or AC Power
Power the CTK-4000 with six D-sized batteries or purchase the AD-5 AC adapter separately to power from your electrical outlets. Built-in speakers make the keyboard entirely portable.
An Auto Power Off feature turns off the device six minutes after the last key is touched, helping you save batteries.
What's in the Box
CTK-4000 Keyboard, Music Stand, Song Book, Safety Precautions, Appendix, Warranty