The Casio CTK 4400 Review At A Glance#
Ease of Use
Very beginner friendly
Price
Affordable at less than $200!
Rating
Highly recommended!
We like:
*Touch sensitive keys
*600 AHL voices
*152 songs
*Concert hall reverb effect
*Step up learning system
*Light at less than 10 pounds
We don't like:
*Non-weighted keys
*Lack of ultra wide audio speakers
Summary of our Casio CTK 4400 review: This versatile keyboard from Casio certainly offers a lot of value for the price it's being sold at in major retailers. Anyone from beginner piano students, to intermediate and advanced level learners, will find something to love about this keyboard as it offers a host of features commonly found in more expensive keyboards. Truly, this is one of the best Casio keyboards for beginners!
A Short Introduction#
If there is any brand that can give you motivation to try out something new and succeed, it is Casio. For quite a long time, they have had a reputation of being the manufacturer of "toy" pianos, however, they have recently revamped their music products and have been begun being catching up with their main competitor, Yamaha.
They have managed to make their keyboard piano affordable by the masses and making sure they offer supreme value in the process especially for beginner and intermediate players. So, let take take a look at the Casio CTK-4400 and discover if this keyboard is perfect for your needs.
An Overview of Casio CTK-4400 Features#
- 61 piano-style and touch-sensitive keys
- 600 AHL keyboard voices
- 180 rhythms
- 152 songs in song bank
- 48-note polyphony
- 25 step transposition (-12 to +12 semitones)
- Sampling function via audio in jack
- USB/MIDI connectivity
- Step Up Learning System
- 5 song recorder
Click here if you would like to read the complete Technical Specifications of the Casio CTK-4400
| Keyboard | 61 standard-size keys |
|---|---|
| Touch Response | 2 types, Off |
| Sound Source | AHL |
| Maximum Polyphony | 48 |
| Tones | Built-in Tones: 600 |
| Layer/Split | Layer, Split |
| Digital Effects | Virtual Hall (1 type), Reverb (10 types), Chorus (5 types) |
| Rhythms/Patterns | 180 built-in rhythms (10 user rhythms) |
| Auto Accompaniment | Modes: CASIO Chord, Fingered 1, Fingered 2 (6th off), Fingered 3 (on bass), Full Range ChordControllers: Start/Stop, Intro, Normal/Fill-in, Variation/Fill-in, Synchro/Ending |
| Song Bank | Built-in Songs: 152 |
| Song Expansion | 10 songs maximum (up to 320KB total) |
| Lesson Function | Step Up LessonPhrasesLesson Part selectPerformance evaluationVoice fingering guide (Lesson part : right hand, left hand, both hands) |
| Metronome | Beats: 0, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (Tempo range: quarter note = 30 to 255) |
| Recorder | 6 tracks x 5 songs (performance recording), 1 song (lesson recording), approximately 12,000 notes total, real-time recording/playback |
| Sampling Function | Maximum sampling capacity: Up to 8 soundsMaximum total sampling time: Up to 10 secondsSampling sound input: AUDIO IN jack |
| Other Functions | Rhythm Editor (10 user rhythms)Registration: 32 setups (4 sets x 8 banks)Music Preset: 305 presetsOne Touch Preset: 180 setsAuto Harmonize: 12 typesArpeggiator: 90 typesPreset Scale: Equal temperament + 16 typesOctave Shift: ±2 octavesMusic ChallengeRhythm/Song controllerPiano/Organ ButtonChord Book |
| Key Transpose | 25 steps (-12 to +12 semitones) |
| Tuning Control | A4 = 415.5 to 465.9 Hz (Initial Default: 440.0 Hz) |
| Pedals | Standard jack (sustain, sostenuto, soft, rhythm) |
| Display Screen | LCD with backlight |
| MIDI | GM Compatibility: Level1Terminals: USB |
| Speakers | 12cm x 2 |
| Amp Output | 2.5W + 2.5W |
| Input/Output Terminals | HEADPHONES/OUTPUT (standard stereo jack)SUSTAIN/DAMPERAUDIO INUSB: type BEXTERNAL POWER (9.5V DC) USB cable (A-B type) required to use USB terminal for computer connection. |
| Power Requirements | AC adaptor: AD-E95100L |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 948 x 350 x 103 mm |
| Weight | 4.3kg (9.46 lbs) without batteries |
| Body Color/Finish | Silver × Black |
| Included Accessories | Music stand, song book |
S ource: Casio.com
Advantages of Casio CTK-4400#
Check out this short video highlighting some of the main features of the Casio CTK 4400:
1) Truly Portable
One of the reasons why you should buy a keyboard piano is to take advantage of its portability. This is especially true for beginner and intermediate piano players, as you might need to bring your own keyboard during piano lessons. Having a portable keyboard is also important as you can easily move or carry it when you want to practice someplace (this is not easy to do with a digital or acoustic piano!).
The CTK 4400 is truly portable thanks to its compact design and lightweight keyboard body (it weighs less than 10 pounds), so you can easily bring it when you travel.
2) 61 Full-sized and Touch Sensitive Keys
The CTK 4400's full sized keys are very useful if you intend to proceed playing on a real piano as it helps build up proper fingering and learning techniques. With regard to touch sensitivity, this keyboard has 2 sensitivity levels with an additional option to turn it off. This is important in a beginner's lessons because it will help you control the movements of your fingers, since heavy pressing of the keys would emit a louder sound. If you want to play softly, you would then have to press the keys softly as well.
3) 600 AHL Voices
Voices refers to the built-in instrumental sounds within the keyboard. Casio CTK-4400 has 600 AHL voices that would add flavor to your lessons and keep your playing time fun!
After all, playing for long hours, no matter how much you enjoy music and piano, can take a toll on anyone and may even bore you to death, leading to loss of focus and interest.
The hundreds of voice options are there to back you up, stir your creative side, and help you create more dynamic music at just the touch of a few buttons.
4) 180 rhythms and 152 songs
The more the merrier! Casio probably believes in this saying because the CTK 4400 features 180 rhythms that you can play along with, as if you have a live band playing with you. It makes you feel as though you are onstage and these styles add up together with the voices. These features alone will make you feel like a musician in a short amount of time!
The 152 song bank will also help you play along with many songs from a variety of genres, and develop your ear for music.
5) Hall Effect
The Casio CTK-4400 boasts of its virtual hall effect, which is a crowd favorite by the way, because with just a few button presses, you can adjust the sound of your keyboard and make the sounds deeper, allowing for a resonance just like in the symphony.
The Hall Effect creates a nice reverb in order to simulate you being in a concert hall, playing like a professional musician, and lets you have the spotlight! It stimulates your creative side and gives motivation. You can also adjust the chorus and other reverb effects for a better music tone, depending on your needs and mood.
6) 48-note Polyphony
The Casio CTK 4400 would not allow you to drop those precious notes! You can be assured of a smooth performance, one you can even record and send to your loved ones, because this keyboard has a maximum of 48-note polyphony.
7) Step-up Learning System
Exclusive to Casio, the built-in step-up learning system of CTK-4400 allows for self-learning, so that you do not need to give up your cash for piano lessons.
Just a few minutes of your time in the comfort of your own home and you can start learning how to play the piano. It is comprehensive so you don't need to be afraid of not understanding the lessons. It understands perfectly the needs of beginners, so all basics are covered.
Luckily, you can choose to just practice with left hand, right hand, or both, until you are already knowledgeable to play on your own.
8) Audio Jack and MIDI connectivity
You can connect your MP3 player so you can play along with your favorite songs using the audio jack, and the MIDI connectivity allows application access via iOS devices. This is important if you want to pull up music or tones from the internet.
Disadvantages of Casio CTK-4400#
Despite all of these awesome features, Casio CTK 4400 still has some set-backs and for its relatively low price range, it does not come as a total surprise that it would lack a few features that advanced (and more expensive) keyboards possess.
1) Non-weighted Keys
It does not have weighted-keys, or the ability of the keys to provide resistance just like a real piano. Most electronic keyboards do not have this feature, but Casio CTK-4400 makes it up by having velocity sensitive keys. The faster you push a key down, the louder the tone for all instrument sound imitations and the longer it sounds if you are in piano mode.
2) Not Ultra Wide Audio Speakers
Yes, you love the hall effect, but sometimes without an ultra-wide audio speaker, the sound can appear muffled, especially at certain voices or rhythms, which takes away some of the fun and experience from it, but then the six-track recording kind of makes up for this shortcoming, since you are allowed to record up to five songs at a time.
A Few Casio CTK-4400 User Reviews#
We have summarized a few reviews from other happy owners of the Casio CTK-4400 to show you we are not alone in saying this is a great keyboard for beginners!
A lady buyer who also owns a theater organ said she loves this keyboard because it is portable and can she play anywhere in her house, unlike the organ. She said it has more sound effects than her organ and she can even make it sound like she has a whole orchestra playing with her. She loves that the keyboard is very affordable and that it offers a great value to buyers. She recommends the keyboard to anyone who seriously wants to play piano.
A father bought this keyboard for his son who has started taking piano lessons as he wanted the boy to able to practice at home. He finds the keyboard to be of good quality and the sounds it generates are great. Though he thinks the keyboard is a bit on the big side, he finds it equally surprising that it is actually light.
Another buyer said this keyboard is fantastic and he plays it all the time. He said the external keyboards sounds are good but when he puts on his headphones it sounds even better. He finds it awesome that Casio has produced such an excellent keyboard for such a cheap price.
A piano student who is studying music theory said the CTK 4400 has met or exceeded all of his expectations. He finds the sound to be really great and he loves that it's lightweight and he can move it around easily. He also appreciates he can use his old headphones and plug it into the keyboard.
Another buyer said the keyboard is wonderful with plenty of features while at the same time it's friendly enough to beginners. The built-in recording and song practice features allow a user to improve one's playing skills even if they practice alone. He was also pleasantly surprised that that his Windows 10 pc recognized the keyboard as a USB-MIDI device; it also worked well with his music applications.
Frequently Asked Questions#
- Are the keys weighted?
No, they're not but unlike other non-weighted keyboards (which is usual in this price range) the CTK-4400 has digitally sensitive keys so it sounds according to how the keyboard interprets your touch. Of course, a digital interpretation is different from the sound and feel of an actual weighted key.
- What cables can you use to connect the keyboard to your computer?
You can use a standard full-size USB cable (A-B type) which is cheap and widely available.
- Can you record any songs that you play on the keyboard?
Yes, the keyboard has a built in recorder which will allow you to record the following:
*Performance recording: 6 tracks x 5 songs
*Lesson recording: 1 song
The total real-time notes you can record is approximately 12,000 notes total.
- Is this keyboard heavy to carry?
No, this is a highly portable keyboard as it weighs less than 10 pounds without batteries.
- Can you connect your headphones?
Yes, there is a standard stereo jack at the back where you can connect your keyboard.
- Can you record your songs on an SD card?
No, the CTK 4400 does not offer SD card support but it does have USB capability.
- Can you transpose the keys?
Yes, you can transpose from -12 to +12 semitones.
- Can you play using only batteries?
Yes, you just need 6 AA batteries to power up your keyboard and you can play for several hours.
- Does it include a sheet music stand?
Yes, even the most basic package from any retailer includes a free sheet music holder or stand.
Should you buy the Casio CTK-4400?#
Definitely, a big yes!
Casio CTK-4400 is best for beginners and intermediate players, but advanced players can still play this keyboard because it possesses higher-level features and its simplicity calls for some love.
Like many of Casio's keyboard piano, CTK-4400 has exceptional keys, especially with the digital effects that contradicts the non-weightiness of the keys.
You can definitely try this one out because of its affordability and packed features. Low price but high quality, what else are you looking for?
Click the link below and grab one of the best Casio keyboards for beginners, the Casio CTK-4400.
Looking for the Casio CTK 4400 manual?#
Download it here.
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