Casio CT-670

Getting used to the way the tones and rhythms are selected is pretty easy. Many sound very good. Lots of control over what part of the auto-accompaniment is played. Tones are easy to edit and while there aren't very many controls for this function you can still get some interesting variations on the basic sounds. The manual is easy to follow with detailed step-by-step instructions.

It's a 12 note polyphonic keyboard. Predates general MIDI. Keys aren't touch sensitive. Keyboard action is smooth. Nothing really fancy here... definitely not for the professional player but certainly good for the beginner or intermediate player.

Some instruments are good, some are bad. On the other hand, many of the rhythms available are excellent, but there are a few that seem like they could have been better.

I don't think I'd "gig" with it... definitely a home keyboard. Can say that after 11 years it's still going strong.

Never tried dealing with Casio.

Sure, I'd replace it. I've had it a long time (11 years or so) and it's still one of my favorites.

Can someone send me a manual? Can I get one online? Mine was missing.

not an expert on all the qualities, yet have been able to figure out many even without the manual

I am a classical musician so I can't help but not hearing the instrument I choose to sound like what I have been hearing and playing with for 30 years. Very fun onboard effects, easy for me to create and compose funky/fun stuff. It gets me laughing and happy and can't stop playing!

I would use it in a gig as the backup, with me playing various other instruments. I can see it also being used without a backup very easily, yet I love to play my oboe and flutes.

I have not got an upgrade nor dealt with the company. So, I hope they are reading this and will let me know how to get a manual. I also teach music and this is the type people love to learn on.

I don't remember what I paid, yet I trust Casio and know they make excellent products. If I were to get another keyboard it would be a Casio and I am sure there would be technological upgrades of which I have no idea right now. I have been a musician (playing/studing/performing/teaching) for ~33 years, professional on oboe, yet play many other instruments.

Very easy to use... this unit predates General Midi, however, so I use it as a "standalone" unit!

Only 12-note polyphony, but it came out in 1990, and that was probably normal then.
"One-song" sequencer, maximum of (I think) 1250 events.
It has a *very* fine tone editor, which can do wonders for the sounds. For example, you can, in increments, de-tune the right side, giving unlimited celeste tunings. Or add almost unlimited sustain...
MIDI in and out.
Non-velocity sensitive keyboard, sorry to say.

If you are a "serious music" person, and can find a used one, grab it! The harpsichords are fabulous- I used them on semi-pro performances of MESSIAH. The organ sounds are fantastic- a couple sound exactly like a pipe organ, when played through a good sound system. The guitars, pianos, etc. are decent. The strings are fair. The electric pianos and Hammond organ sounds (no Le**ie effect) are very good- I use them for Contemporary Christian Music accompaniment.

I've had mine for 8 years: I'm a church musician. In spite of being dropped a time or two (not the keyboard end, luckily), and accidentally left in a very cold or hot car trunk, it has never needed repair.

I wrote twice to Casio for info on how to disconnect the "power off after 6 minutes" feature...never got a reply...gave up.

For it's time, a great unit. If it only had better strings, it would be an unbeatable unit for church/formal music use.
If mine were stolen, I'd be *very* unhappy...even though a new model would have more polyphony.