New Casio PX-S1100 and PX-S3100 Now Available In The UK
As mentioned back in June this year (2021), Casio has launched two new keyboards in the form of the PX-S1100 and PX-S3100. And you can read more about them here. However for several reasons these new keyboards were not yet available to purchase in the UK. The wait is over! As of today, you will be able to buy one of these fantastic new keyboards and experience a full-size, 88 note, weighted, hammer-action piano in what is the slimmest, lightest, sleek-looking packages out there.
The compact and minimalistic design of the PX-S1100 and PX-S3100 complements any kind of interior space while delivering even more of the feel of playing a grand piano thanks to its improved sound expression and audio system. The enhancements enable players to offer an even greater dynamic range when performing, from gentle and expressive to bold and powerful tones.
The compact Privia range was introduced to the world by Casio in 2019 and its popularity grew significantly with people spending more time at home. This growth was driven by its ease of use and clean design, which meant users could enjoy playing the piano without it having to take up too much space. The new PX-S1100 is available in a choice of three striking colours – red, black and white – making it the perfect companion for your living space. Both models also feature a mirror-like, flat panel for the console with touch buttons for handling all settings with ease. Whilst the design remains similar to its predecessor, the refined gold-coloured lettering on the body and other subtle touches lend a higher grade of elegance to its appearance.
Features
The new PX-S1100 and PX-S3100 inherit the playing comfort of the previous models while further improving expression across the entire pitch range. Most notably, the speakers’ internal structures have been revised, adding a greater sense of airiness, localisation and clarity for an altogether richer sound. In the range, the PX-S3100 is a more advanced option as it boasts 700 tones covering a wide range of musical genres, 200 rhythms, an auto-accompaniment feature, a pitch bend wheel and live controllers for manipulating sound whilst performing. The model offers limitless musical possibilities, and navigating the full feature set is effortless thanks to its LCD screen.
Keyboard
The PX-S1100 and the PX-S3100 feature a smart scaled hammer action keyboard which combines their compact profiles with a natural playing feel. With the meticulous hammer weight and size differences across the 88 keys, the new models deliver the feeling of playing a grand piano thanks to the subtle differences in touch. Furthermore, with the Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source, the piano tone reflects changes in both volume and timbre together with string resonance modelling for exception realism.
Wireless MIDI
Both of the new models include a Wireless MIDI & Audio Adaptor. This enables the user to use the instrument as a Bluetooth® speaker and stream audio from their phone, tablet or computer. In addition, compatible devices can also be connected to the new Privia range wirelessly via Bluetooth MIDI, offering a far simpler way of connecting computers and tablets for use with music learning apps or recording software. Both digital pianos can be connected to Casio’s ‘Chordana Play for Piano’ app, enabling players to learn new pieces at their own pace and control the functions of the piano remotely from their iOS or Android device.
Portability
Portability is another key feature of the new Privia range, as they were designed to meet the needs of players who want all the sound and touch of an acoustic grand piano but in an easy to carry format. At just over 11kg, both instruments are some of the lightest 88-note digital pianos available and also have built-in battery power support. Casio offers an optional carrying case (sold separately) which makes it easier than ever to play anywhere.
Neil Evans, Head of Casio EMI, commented: “Thanks to our continued innovation in developing cutting-edge digital pianos, we are delighted to present two new models as part of our state-of-the-art Privia range – the PX-S1100 and PX-S3100. Both benefit from new advanced functionalities which deliver a much more expressive playing style and are designed to an unrivalled, modern aesthetic. Boasting the world’s slimmest depth, we have achieved two sophisticated pianos which truly offer any musician the best in performance.”
Conclusions
This sector of the market is becoming quite crowded of late which was obviously helped along by the introduction of the Casio PX-S1000 back in 2019. The question is, once you have created something so successful, how do you improve on it? In the case of the PX-S1100, the updates have been subtle but important.
The Enhanced Grand Piano tone allows for even more expression. We now have Bluetooth Audio and wireless MIDI for easy connectivity. There is a new USB Audio record and playback feature. And a new Speaker system for greater dynamic range.
There is also now a wider range of colours available along with some subtle changes to the lettering.
The inclusion of a Wireless MIDI dongle is a very welcome addition although I would have preferred it to be built into the keyboard rather than something you “plugin” to the rear USB port.
If you already own a Casio PX-S1000 or PX-S3000 I would say that you probably do not need to rush out and update to the new models right now. However, if you are currently in the market for a portable 88 note, weighted, hammer-action keyboard then I have to say, they don’t come much better than this. Casio has maintained the high standards they set with the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000 and It will be interesting to see if the competition can rise to the challenge!
Price & Availability
The PX-S1100 is available to purchase for RRP £615, and the PX-S3100 has a price of RRP £839. Both models are available now. To find out more information, please visit casio.co.uk/emi.
Links
https://www.casiomusicgear.com/products/privia-series/px-s1100
https://www.casio-intl.com/asia/en/emi/products/pxs3100/
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