Best
Overall Beginner Digital Piano
Digital Piano YAMAHA'S ARIUS SERIES
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Overall: The 88-key, graded hammer-action keyboard perfectly captures the expression and control of a real grand piano
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Best Feature: Beautiful design with realistic tone escapement
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Alternative to
Roland FP10
Stage Piano REDESIGNED INTRODUCTORY STAGE PIANO
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Overall: Bluetooth audio allows for streaming device audio through piano speakers
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Best Feature: Improved action with new Responsive Hammer Compact action
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Budget-Pick for Beginners
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Overall: Natural Weighted Hammer Action keybed for responsive playing
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Best Feature: Includes software bundle for enhanced tuition and creativity
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TedScore™: 9/10
Looking for a digital piano that balances affordability, portability, and quality can be a challenge, especially for beginners or those on a tight budget. The Casio CDP S100 is one such instrument that promises to deliver on all these fronts with its compact design, weighted keys, and realistic sound.
But does it live up to the hype? In this review, I’ll examine the Casio CDP S100 digital piano, examining its features, performance, user experience, and overall value for money.
Whether you’re a student, teacher, performer, or hobbyist, this review will help you decide whether the Casio CDP S100 is the right digital piano for you!
Overview of Casio CDP-S100
The Casio CDP-S100 is a portable digital piano with 88 keys and a scaled hammer action keyboard. It has ten built-in sounds and offers a variety of features such as a metronome, transpose, and recording capabilities.
The piano is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and store.
Design
The CDP-S100 has a sleek and modern design, with a standard black chassis with a matte texture to reduce fingerprints. The surface is adorned with only three buttons and a knob, making it easy to navigate. The music rest is also included, a great addition for those who need to read sheet music while playing.
Portability
One of the standout features of the CDP-S100 is its portability. It weighs approximately 10.5 Kg, making it one of the lightest weighted-key pianos on the market. It’s also compact, so it doesn’t take up much space in your home or studio. The battery life is impressive, so you can play for hours without worrying about running out of power.
Sound Quality
The CDP-S100 uses the AHL sound engine from previous keyboards, delivering up to 4x higher-res stereo audio than the previous sound engine. With 64-note polyphony, you can play complex pieces without worrying about notes dropping out. The CDP-S100 comes with ten instrument voices, including grand, electric, organs, and harpsichord. The quality of the sound is impressive, especially considering the price point.
PRICE
The Casio CDP-100 price is often praised for being affordable while offering essential features for beginners and casual players. It is known for providing good value for its price, making it an accessible option for those seeking an entry-level digital piano.
PERFECT FOR: beginners and intermediate players
FEATURES: Scaled hammer action keyboard with 88 keys
OTHER INFO: 10 built-in sounds, including grand piano, electric piano, and strings
Casio CDP-S100 Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
- Realistic feel and sound quality for an affordable price
- Wide range of features, including metronome, transpose, and recording capabilities
- Limited sound options compared to other digital pianos in its price range
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Key Features of
Casio CDP-S100
88 Keys
The Casio cdp-100 has a full 88-key keyboard, the standard for most pianos. This means you’ll have access to the full range of notes and can play any music you want. The keys are also simulated with ivory and ebony, giving you a subtle grip that reduces the risk of slipping during play.
Weighted Key Action
The Casio CDP S100 has a scaled hammer action Keyboard, which means the keys are weighted and feel like those on an acoustic piano. This makes it easier to play with expression and allows you to develop proper finger strength and technique.
Touch Response
The CDP S100 also has three types of touch sensitivity, which means you can adjust how the keys respond to your touch. This is particularly useful for beginners who are still developing their playing style and want to experiment with different levels and key combinations of touch sensitivity.
Polyphony
The CDP S100 has a 64-note Polyphony Action, which means you can play up to 64 notes at the same time without any notes dropping out. This is particularly useful for more complex pieces of music where you may need to play multiple notes at once.
Sound Samples
The CDP S100 comes with ten instrument sounds, including three acoustic pianos. The sound samples are of high quality and accurately replicate the sound of an acoustic piano. This means you can experiment with different sounds and find the one that suits your playing style.
Chordana Play for Piano App
The CDP S100 is also compatible with the Chordana Play for Piano App, which allows you to connect your piano to your smartphone or tablet. This app provides a range of features, including sheet music display, audio playback, and practice functions. It’s a great tool for anyone who wants to improve their playing skills and learn new pieces of music.
Battery Life
The CDP S100 can run on 6 AA Batteries, giving you enough power supply and the freedom to play where you want. The battery life is around 13 hours, so you can take your piano with you on the go without worrying about running out of power.
Design
When it comes to the design of the Casio CDP-S100, it’s all about slimness and simplicity. The piano has a slim body, measuring just 232mm in depth. The chassis is made of plastic, which helps to keep the weight down to a very manageable 10.5kg.
Chassis Material and Texture
The chassis of the CDP-S100 is made of plastic, a common material for digital pianos in this price range. While plastic may not be as luxurious as wood, it does have some advantages. It’s lightweight, which makes the piano easy to move around, and it’s also more affordable than other materials.
In terms of texture, the CDP-S100 has a matte finish that gives it a sleek and modern look. The matte texture also helps to reduce fingerprints and smudges, which is a nice touch.
Portability
Weight
The CDP-S100 weighs only 23.1 pounds, making it one of the lightest digital pianos in its class. This means you can easily carry it to gigs, rehearsals, or even to your music lessons without straining your back. Moving around your house or apartment is easy, so you can practice in any room you like.
Battery Operation
One of the most convenient features of the CDP-S100 is its ability to run on batteries. This means you can play it anywhere, even if no power outlet is nearby. It requires six AA batteries, providing up to 13 hours of continuous playtime.
However, it’s worth noting that the batteries are not included in the package, so you’ll need to buy them separately.
Music Rest
The CDP-S100 has a detachable music rest that can be easily attached and removed. It’s a handy accessory that allows you to place your sheet, music stand or tablet in front of you while you play. The music rest is also adjustable so you can set it at the perfect height and angle for your comfort.
Sound Quality
When it comes to digital pianos, sound quality is of paramount importance. The Casio CDP-S100 doesn’t disappoint in this regard, thanks to its AHL sound engine, which delivers high-res stereo audio that’s four times better than the previous sound engine.
The CDP-S100 also got all these different sounds like the standard piano. It’s the perfect all-arounder and can handle songs from any genre with its clean, neutral tone. The mellow piano, however, has a preset ideal for ballads and backing accompaniments, and lastly, the bright piano covers your jazz and blues needs.
AHL Sound Engine
The AHL sound engine is the heart of the CDP-S100’s sound quality and is responsible for the piano’s authentic tone. This sound engine uses advanced technology to produce a rich, dynamic sound similar to an acoustic piano.
Grand Pianos
The CDP-S100 comes with three grand piano sounds, each with a unique character and tonal quality. The grand piano sounds are rich and full-bodied and have a natural decay similar to an acoustic piano.
Electric Pianos
In addition to grand pianos, the CDP-S100 also has three electric piano sounds. These sounds are perfect for playing jazz, rock, and other genres that require a more contemporary sound. The electric piano sounds are bright and punchy and have a distinctive character that sets them apart from acoustic piano sounds.
Organs
The CDP-S100 has two organ sounds, perfect for playing church music and other genres requiring an organ sound. The organ sounds are rich and full-bodied, with a distinctive character that sets them apart.
Harpsichord
The CDP-S100 also has a harpsichord sound, perfect for playing Baroque music. The harpsichord sound is bright and crisp and has a distinctive character that sets it apart from other sounds.
String Orchestra
The CDP-S100 has a string orchestra sound, perfect for classical music. The string orchestra sound is rich and full-bodied and has a natural decay similar to that of an acoustic string orchestra.
Accessories
When it comes to digital pianos, accessories are essential to enhance your playing experience. The Casio CDP S100 is no exception. In this section, we’ll look at two accessories that can take your piano playing to the next level.
Sustain Pedal
The sustain pedal is an essential accessory for any good digital piano player. It allows you to hold notes for longer, creating a more expressive and dynamic sound. The Casio SP-20 Upgraded Piano-Style Sustain Pedal is a great option for the CDP S100. It features a piano-style design, meaning it feels like a traditional sustain pedal. The SP-20 is also compatible with other Casio digital pianos, making it a versatile accessory in your collection.
3-Pedal Controller
The Casio SP-34 3-Pedal Unit is a fantastic accessory for the CDP S100. It adds a realistic piano-playing experience by providing three pedals: soft, sostenuto, and sustain. The SP-34 is designed for the CDP-S360, PX-S1100, and PX-S3100.
It’s easy to install and provides a sturdy and stable base for your piano playing. With new model of the SP-34, you can easily play more complex pieces, making your playing sound more authentic.
Mini-Jack
The CDP-S100 also has a 3.5mm (1/8″) mini-jack, where you can plug in your headphone to it. Not just that, the CDP-S100 also has a USB type B included, where you can connect your smartphone or your computer and use it as a MIDI keyboard.
5 Similar Digital Pianos to Casio CDP S100
PERFECT FOR: beginners to intermediate players
FEATURES: The keyboard features Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) with matte keytops for a realistic playing experience
OTHER INFO: The built-in voices include the Yamaha CFX concert grand piano sound, perfect for a concert-like experience.
Yamaha YDP 145 Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- The 88 weighted keys allow for expressive playing and dynamic control.
- Offers an authentic sound and playing experience
- Comes with a user-friendly interface and design
- No Bluetooth connection available
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: beginner and intermediate players
FEATURES: With 88 fully weighted keys with a hammer action for a realistic playing experience
OTHER INFO: The SuperNATURAL sound engine delivers rich, authentic piano tones
Roland FP 10 Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability and storage
- Ideal for learning and practice
- Affordable price point compared to other digital pianos with similar features
- High-quality sound and touch response that mimics a traditional acoustic piano
- Multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, MIDI, and USB
- Limited sound selection compared to other digital pianos in the same price range
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: both beginners and more advanced players
FEATURES: Powerful 15W speakers amplify your performance
OTHER INFO: Natural Weighted Hammer Action keybed for responsive playing
Korg B2 Digital Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- 12 high-quality sounds including five acoustic pianos
- Comes with dedicated music rest and quality damper pedal
- Includes software bundle for enhanced tuition and creativity
- No sustain pedal included
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: beginners
FEATURES: Has 88 keys with hammer action, mimicking the feel of an acoustic piano
OTHER INFO: Comes with educational features that are practical and helpful for learners
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Allows you to customize layers and voices according to your preference
- You can play with headphones or through speakers
- Has adjustable settings that enhance your playing experience and comfort
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
PERFECT FOR: home and for gigging musicians
FEATURES: Has Bluetooth connectivity, and you can use dedicated smartphone apps with it
OTHER INFO: Uses Harmonic Image technology, providing a full tonal range
Kawai ES110 Digital Stage Piano
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has a weighted hammer action, which gives an authentic feel while playing
- Has a realistic sound and feel of a piano
- Lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport
- Can only play a certain number of notes at the same time
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Casio CDP S100
Summary
The CDP S100 is a slim, lightweight, and portable digital piano perfect for beginners or those with limited space. It’s also affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
It has a range of features that make it a versatile instrument. The CDP S100 has ten built-in sounds, including grand piano, strings, and organs, and it also has a range of effects, such as reverb and chorus.
Lastly, the CDP S100 is easy to use, with a simple interface allowing you to access all the features easily. It also has an app that helps you learn to play and manage the keyboard.
Did I like it? Well, yes, I suppose I did. Look – I’m never going to play Beethoven on it in a concert, but for a fairly cheap and cheerful instrument, it ticks a lot of boxes.
Overall, the Casio CDP S100 is a fantastic digital piano that offers great value for money. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the CDP-S100 is a great choice for anyone looking for a portable and high-quality digital piano!
Wait, there’s more!
Do you have quite a hard time learning the piano? Check out this next article to help you speed up your piano-playing skills!
hey, anyone thinks this piano is good for someone just starting? not sure if i need all those features or if they’re too much for a beginner. seems cool but kinda don’t wanna waste money if it’s too advanced. anyone started with this model and can share some thoughts?
One point that wasn’t fully covered in the comparison segment was the polyphony count of the Casio CDP-S100 vs. the alternatives. Is it leading in this aspect, or do the others have an edge? I’m torn between a couple of options and this could be a deciding factor. Great article though, really clears up a lot of the confusion around digital pianos.
i was wondering about that too, need all the help i can get choosing. sound like a big deal for playing complex pieces.
Loved the deep dive into the Casio CDP-S100! I’m on the market for a new keyboard, and the emphasis on its portability and sound quality really sells it for me. It’s super helpful to understand how it compares to others, especially with the detailed breakdown of its features like the 88 keys and sound samples. The Chordana Play for Piano App seems like a game changer for practice sessions. Thanks for rounding up such a comprehensive overview, Robert Emery!
Glad you liked the review.