The Casio CTK 2400 Review At A Glance#
Ease of Use
Very beginner friendly
Price
Affordable at less than $100!
Rating
Highly recommended!
We like:
*Hundreds of voices, rhythms, preset songs
*Sampling function with microphone input
*USB midi capability
*Auto power off function
*Weighs only 8 pounds
We don't like:
*Non-weighted keys
*Non-touch sensitive keys
*LCD quality is not so great
Quick Navigation The Casio CTK 2400 Review At A Glance A Short Introduction An Overview of Casio CTK-2400 Features Advantages of Casio CTK-2400 Disadvantages of Casio CTK-2400 A Few Casio CTK-2400 User Reviews Frequently Asked Questions Should you buy the Casio CTK-2400? Looking for the Casio CTK 2400 manual?
A Short Introduction#
The Casio CTK-2400 keyboard is one of the best keyboards for beginners and seasoned pianists alike. After all, Casio is a leading brand when it comes to producing excellent quality keyboards with a fantastic sound system, a variety of advanced functions, as well as tested sturdiness all for an affordable price!
Writing this Casio CTK 2400 review was fun to do because there is so much to recommend about this keyboard piano, and you will definitely get what is advertised at an affordable price.
In fact, the Casio CTK-2400 is garnering attention for a number of features such as its 400 AHL keyboard "voices", voice percussion function, sampling proficiency and much more!
An Overview of Casio CTK-2400 Features#
- 61 standard-size keys with maximum polyphony of 48 notes
- 400-built in AHL keyboard voices, 150 rhythms, 110 songs and 10 digital effects
- Improved Sampling Function with microphone and audio input
- Runs on 6 AA-size batteries which lasts for up to 3 hours
- Step-up learning system
- LCD display
- USB Midi capability
Click here if you would like to read the complete Technical Specifications of the Casio CTK-2400
| Keyboard | 61 standard-size keys |
|---|---|
| Touch Response | No |
| Maximum Polyphony | 48 notes |
| Tones | Built-in Tones: 400Sampling tones: 1Sampling time: 1 second (fixed)Effects: 10 types (for Full Sampling samples) |
| Key Light System | No |
| Reverb | 10 |
| Metronome | Beats per Measure: 0, 2 to 6Tempo Range: 30 to 255 |
| Sampling Function | Maxium Sampling Time 2 Sec. (Long Sampling Mode) 1 (Long Sampling) or 5 (Short Sampling) tones/ Data Back upSampling sound: Built-in Mic/ Mic InVariety: 26 (1 Long Sampling, 5 Short Sampling, 10 Effects for Long Sampling and 10 Effects for Short Sampling) |
| Song Bank | Built-in Songs: 110 |
| Music Challenge | 20 notes |
| Auto Accompaniment | Rhythm Patterns: 150 |
| Other Functions | Transpose: +/-1 octaves (12 semitones)Tuning: A4 = approx. 440 Hz +/- 100 cents |
| MIDI | 16 multi-tune received, GM Level 1 standard |
| Musical Information Function | Tone, Rhythm, Song Bank, numbers and names; staff notation, fingering, pedal operation, tempo, measure and beat number, chord name, etc. |
| Terminals | USB Port: Yes (To Host)Sustain jack: Standard jack (sustain, sostenuto, soft, rhythm start/stop)Phones/Output jack: Stereo standard jack / Output Impedance: 40 kOhm, Input Sensitivity: 200 mVMIC In jack: Standard jack / Input Impedance: 3 kOhm, Input Sensitivity: 10 mV |
| Power Jack | 9V DC |
| Power Supply | Batteries: 6 AA-size zinc-carbon batteries or alkaline batteriesBattery Life: Approximately 3 hours continuous operation on alkaline batteriesAC Adaptor: AD-E95100LAuto Power Off: Approximately 6 minutes after last key operation (Operates during battery use only) |
| Speakers | 10cm X 2 |
| Speaker Output | 2W + 2W |
| Power Consumption | 9V - 7.7W |
| Dimensions | 94.6 x 30.7 x 9.2 cm (37 1/4 x 12 1/16 x 3 5/8 inch) |
| Weight | 7.94 lbs (without batteries) |
S ource: Casio.com
Advantages of Casio CTK-2400#
Check out this short video highlighting some of the main features of the Casio CTK 2400:
1) Piano-style keys
The CTK-2400 has piano-style keys that are responsive to touch (this is different from being touch-sensitive which this keyboard is not – please see in the next section for more detail) while its 48-note polyphony is so on-point, bringing a true musical experience, and so you need not worry about note dropping.
2) Hundreds of tones and effects
Casio provides an AHL (Acoustic & Highly-compressed Large-waveform) which brings 400 tones, from stereo pianos to organs, wind and brass instruments, drums/percussion, synths, sound effects and more. In addition, the built-in reverb also enhances sound effects.
3) Control at your fingertips
The LCD screen helps in keeping you informed about the current patch and several other parameters. The reliable and easy-to-use control panels of the keyboard piano will guide you through all the tweaks you have in mind while playing so you can set it up without a need for technical assistance.
4) Record and playback your music!
You can record using the built-in microphone and recorded samples can even be edited with various special effects . There are 110-built in songs that you could listen to and try to learn and 150 rhythms are integrated which can be used to edit your samples.
With an auto-accompaniment function this is like having a virtual band with you which definitely creates an exciting experience, fun learning, and productive time.
5) The Step-Up Lesson System
For a true beginner, the CTK-2400's best feature is its Step-up Lesson System which acts as a virtual teacher by using the LCD screen to show you which keys to press for a particular song that you want to play.
Learning to play is like a walk in the park because together with the Step-up Lesson System, you are also given features like music sheet notes while repeating phrases and slowing its tempo.
This is an incredible way for newbies to learn how to play keyboard piano!
6) USB Midi Port and Aux Input
The USB port feature is reliable for the transmission and receiving of MIDI data with a computer and works for both MAC and windows computers.
This keyboard already includes a headphone/output jack and an audio in for connecting external audio equipment, however, you can buy additional accessories such as a jack for a sustain pedal for the rear-panel connections.
Plugging in your favorite headphone is a must if you do not want to wake up your neighbors in the middle of the night with your music!
7) Lightweight and Portable
This keyboard is powered by an AC adapter, however, it will also run on six AA batteries for true portability. Lastly, it is lightweight and uses little floor space, which again, contributes to its portability.
8) Auto Off Feature
This is an ultra useful feature to have on any keyboard especially if you are running on batteries as it saves precious power. The CTK-2400 will automatically switch off after 6 minutes of inactivity.
Disadvantages of Casio CTK-2400#
1) Lack of touch sensitivity
Unfortunately, this keyboard lacks touch sensitivity like the usual and more pricey digital keyboard piano. A piano is usually counter-weighted, which means that the harder you press on a key, the louder it sounds, which helps in acoustic performances.
The CTK-2400 is merely semi-weighted, and mostly works as a non-weighted, but the high-quality sound system and wide-ranging tones is usually enough for beginners.
2) Not so great LCD display
Its lack of advanced composing abilities and the LCD quality could be bothersome for some users as it could get blurry in some lighting conditions due to reflections.
A Few Casio CTK-2400 User Reviews#
We have summarized a few reviews from other happy owners of the Casio CTK-2400 to show you we are not alone in saying this is a wonderful starter keyboard for learning piano!
A mother of two boys said she is very happy with her purchase as her sons have shown a lot of interest in the keyboard. Even though they've spent a few weeks with the keyboard, they continue to discover a lot of features. Her favorite feature is the USB MIDI connection which allows her to connect the keyboard to her iPad and computer. As for her sons, they love the 110 built-in songs and the Step Up lesson system as they can easily press the keys that's shown on the screen. If the lesson is too fast, they can slow it down so they can catch up with the notes. They also love to play around with the microphone - they say silly things and listen to it being played back in silly tones. A female buyer said her friends recommended this keyboard to her and as a beginner piano player she loved all the features. She is happy with the hundreds of tones that came with the piano as well as the free sheet music booklet. She also found the song bank and sampling system to be very useful, as well as the USB port, since she can connect her keyboard to her iPod or computer. Another buyer said she found the sounds and the range of tones on the keyboard to be incredibly awesome. Since she can assign a different 'voice' to each key, she said it was easy to fool her neighbors into thinking she's got a full band in her house. The lessons system was useful for her as well as she was able to play songs within minutes! The voice guide teaches her which finger to use for a particular note and the LCD display shows her where the note is on the keyboard; it then waits until she presses the right key before moving on to the next note. Because of this system, she now knows how to play Beethoven's Fur Elise.
A gentleman who purchased the keyboard for around $100 said he loves how it easy it is to transpose the key with just a few button clicks. He also likes that the keyboard is portable enough to be carried around and played anywhere but wishes the batteries would last longer. Like other buyers, he also commented about how effective the built-in songs are for learning, especially for beginners. Another buyer raved about how fantastic this keyboard is with so many features at such an affordable price. He likes the responsive keys, the sampling feature where he can record his voice and then use it as keyboard 'voice', the learning system, the built-in song library, and the loud speakers. Additionally, he loved how he can connect his smartphone to his keyboard just by using an auxilliary cable and then playing his mp3's through the speakers. A mother bought this keyboard for her teenage daughter at a little more than a hundred dollars. Her daughter had since played the keyboard every single day. They love the excellent sounds from the keyboard, the hundreds of music choices, as well as the song book that came with it. She also likes that the keyboard is portable as her daughter will be going away to study in college and it will be very easy to pack and transport the keyboard!
Frequently Asked Questions#
- Is the keyboard touch sensitive?
Unfortunately, this keyboard is not touch sensitive.
- I live in a small apartment, can I use headphones?
Yes, you can. When you plug in the headphones, your neighbors won't ever hear you play even if you set the volume to max level.
- Can you connect this to a Mac computer?
Yes, there is a USB port; you just need the proper USB 2.0 cable.
- Are the keys weighted like a real piano?
No, they're not. And you won't find any keyboard at this price range to have weighted keys.
- Is there sheet music for the built-in songs?
Yes, the sheet music is included for free.
- Will this keyboard teach me how to play songs?
Yes, the Step Up Lesson System is very helpful and will teach you basic exercises and you can even slow down the tempo while practicing any of the 110 built-in songs.
- Can you connect this to a keyboard amplifier?
Yes, there is a jack at the back for you to plug in your amp or PA system.
- Can you record?
Yes, there's a built-in microphone which allows you to record any sound (even your singing) and you can even edit these recorded samples with various special effects.
- Does it have a sheet music stand?
Yes, the sheet music stand is shipped along with the keyboard.
- Does it work on batteries? What kind?
Yes, the keyboard will run on 6 AA batteries and should last you several hours of practice.
Should you buy the Casio CTK-2400?#
A definite yes!
If you have never tried a Casio keyboard before, then this particular keyboard model would make an excellent first Casio for you! The price range of Casio CTK-2400 is perfect for a starter keyboard because it is simple yet reliable in its functions.
It is good for a person who wants to focus on listening to songs to follow its rhythms, study instrument tones, and schooling fingers on the keys while listening to the demo.
Thank you for reading this detailed Casio CTK 2400 review. If you would like to know more about this wonderful keyboard, please click on the red button below.
Looking for the Casio CTK 2400 manual?#
Download it here.
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- If you're looking for a good enough keyboard that costs well under $200, then check out our review of the best 61-key keyboards for beginners under $200.
- If you need more than 61 keys, but less than 88 keys, then you're looking at 76-key keyboards. Check out our review of the top 76-key portable electronic keyboards that cost under $300!
- If you're looking for keyboards for a young child, then a 49-key keyboard will be fine for them. You won't be breaking the bank and you won't feel so bad if your kid decides that music isn't for him or her. Check out the best electronic keyboard for beginners (under $100) that's best for kids and children!