Casio 711EX

VERY easy to use with a manual - a little confusing at first with some features without the manual. My first 2 weeks with the unit was without a manual and although I figured out how to use most features I did find myself calling CASIO and requesting the manual! This is currently my main keyboard and with this one I'll defend Casio against the argument that Casio sounds like Junk. There is no software and there is no way of editing the preset tones, but there the sounds you can create with the synth editor are really cool. In fact, as a slight correction to what I just said, you can create new sounds by editing the preset tones it comes with, but the new sound is stored as a custom patch and the original preset remains un-edited. The manual is fairly comprehensive. Since I bought it used I had to call Casio and request it, but within 2-weeks of my call I received not only one, but two photo-copied and staple in the upper left-hand corner, b&w manuals. Not pretty, but the information was the same as the orginal and thorough enough to understand all the features and limitations of the unit.

I belive the unit has 32-note polyphony. I'd have to consult my manual to be sure, but I know it is at least 32. It does have 10 built-in DSP effects like reverb, chorus, flanger, phase shifter etc. There are no expansion capabilities that I know off. It is a GENERAL MIDI synth and I found it excepts and performs most MIDI effects written for other synths. It does have an on-board sequencer, although I'm not too familiar with it because I almost exclusively use my computer and CAKEWALK HOME STUDIO 9.0 as my sequencer.

I'd say MOST of the instruments sound realistic, some more than others. The ones I use the most, Piano, Strings, Bass, Brass, Steel & Nylon Guitar, Percussion etc. sound great. Other sounds like the banjo and harmonica could use some work. The onboard effects are good, I have used them a little, but I control the keyboards effects capabilties using CAKEWALK and so I'm not too familiar with using the effects interface on the unit itself. It does react to my playing expressively and when using it with CAKEWALK there is little expressiveness that I desire that it cannot perform well. It IS velocity sensitive, but it has no aftertouch. However, I achieve the aftertouch effect with MIDI tricks and effects.

Absolutely dependable. I've used mine almost daily for the last 3 years and I am only now finding the midi inputs (DIN plugs) are getting a little loose and if the MIDI cables are jiggled or moved someway playback &/or recording may be interupted. I would, I do and will likely for a long time in the future use it in a gig as THE PRIMARY instrument! I've demonstrated it's features and abilities to many people and most recently to a band that has no synth and is now begging me to join them! The unit is very solid and very reliable, although I would never risk dropping it and there are ways to damage it's functionability by misusing it. For example, if you are holding the pitch bender in a postion or pressing the modulation button during power-up you can damage the internal operation of the unit! With care and normal intended use I've found it very reliable. I bought it used and in excellent condition, and because of my previous experience with Casio keyboards I had no qualms about it's reliability at all when deciding to make the purchase. If it would power-up I knew everything else would work too!

I have had to seek help with customer support, but only to request a manual. I had the requested manual within 2 weeks of asking for it!

If it were lost or stolen I'd be very upset. However when looking for a replacement I might be tempted to buy one of the new model Casio's or at least the 811-EX so I could have the benefit of a disk drive and a little more memory. I love almost everything about it. I don't hate anything, but I'm a little frustrated that I can't seem to find instrument definition files for CAKEWALK that are specific to this keyboard. I have compared this unit to makes and models like Yamaha, etc. within it's price range AND others like Roland, Korg, Akai, Kurzweil and other like it in MUCH higher price ranges and I STILL prefer my Casio. Only the upper end Korg's performed to my standards better than my Casio, but the price difference isn't worth the slightly better quality I found. YES this helps me make music and I am in the process of recording a professional album with this unit in a professional recording studio now. Almost 100% of all the instruments and sounds used on the album are from the keyboard and I challenge anyone to challenge the realistic and warm quality of music I have produced with this machine! About the Casio 711-EX, I am prepared to BOAST LOUDLY to all the world when my CD is finally complete. I will make mention of the use of this keyboard in the CD cover. I encourage anyone who doesn't have a lot of money to consider any of the upper end Casio keyboards. They'll save a lot of money without too much of a noticeable difference in quality!