Pros and Cons
After Casio introduced the PX-S1000 – a completely redesigned portable piano from the Privia series – in 2019, the company released its successor, the PX-S1100, two and a half years later. The Casio PX-S1100 offers a modest upgrade over its predecessor.
There was no need for Casio to drastically alter the appearance of the PX-S1000, especially since the previous model had already received both the Red Dot and International Forum (IF) design awards. The PX-S1100 maintains a similar sleek and modern design, looking almost like a twin of its predecessor.
The new model is available in black, white, or red. It retains the glossy surface finish and features an illuminated touch control panel, with only the power button and volume knob as conventional controls.
The included power adapter, SP-3 sustain pedal, and music stand let you get started right away. Additionally, the instrument comes with the Bluetooth adapter WU-BT10, usually sold separately for 74 Euros. The list price remains 689 Euros, the same as its predecessor. It’s worth considering purchasing a higher-quality sustain pedal, such as the optional SP-20, or the three-pedal unit SP-34.
Also available as original accessories are the CS-68 stand, which matches the design, and the SC-800P transport bag. Investing in six AA rechargeable batteries will allow the piano to operate for three to four hours without an external power source.
The success of the Casio PX-S1000 is not only due to its chic design but also its impressive keyboard. It is one of the best in the entry-level class. With graded key weights – from heavy in the bass to lighter in the treble – and a hammer-action mechanism, it offers a very realistic feel and responsive repetition. This design ensures immediate playing comfort. In addition, the grippy coating on the top layers enhances the tactile experience. Five dynamic curves are available to adjust the touch sensitivity from light to heavy.
Compared to older Privia models like the Casio PX-160, the ‘Smart Scaled Hammer Action’ keyboard action has been reduced by about 20%. This adjustment has allowed for a more compact case design and a lighter weight, which is a great advantage for those who need to transport their digital piano.
The S1100 retains the high polyphony of 192 voices and the 18 selected sounds of the S1000. The emphasis here is clearly on acoustic grand pianos, electric pianos, and organs.
While the lack of a display is typical for this price range, this still leads to some compromises in operation. For example, you need to hold down the Grand Piano button and press one of the lower 18 keys on the keyboard to select different sounds. With a little practice and memorizing key combinations for Layer, Split, Brilliance, or Volume settings, you can get by with the limited sound selection in everyday use. It’s worth noting, however, that the S1100 lacks the second direct selection key for “e-piano” that was available on the S1000.
Additionally, the S1100 offers numerous functions that may challenge users, such as changing the reverb program, transposing sounds, adjusting time signatures for the built-in metronome, and configuring the ‘Duet’ function. To keep track of the various control panels and key combinations, the included ‘Keyboard Function List’ is essential.
Casio has made cost-cutting adjustments compared to the predecessor, including the removal of the mini jack input for audio players. This has been offset by the inclusion of a Bluetooth adapter, which plugs into the newly added USB-to-Device port. The adapter supports both Bluetooth audio and MIDI. The rear panel includes a standard stereo jack output, USB-to-Host port, pedal connections, and a power supply socket. On the front left, there are two headphone jacks (stereo mini jack).
The main sound, ‘Grand Piano Concert’, is a well-balanced, dynamic grand piano with clearly audible details such as sampled key noises and string resonances. The decay of the multisamples can be a bit fast in the loop phase, but this is acceptable considering the price. The grand piano sound has two variations: ‘Bright’ for more assertiveness and ‘Mellow’ for a more subtle tone. There are also two simpler piano samples called ‘Rock’ and ‘Jazz Piano’.
Sounds from the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and DX7 add some great vintage keyboards to the mix. Complementing these are church organ and Hammond organ variants, two realistic string ensembles, a vibraphone, a harpsichord, and a double bass. All of these sounds are of good to high quality. While a double bass remains the only split sound, you are free to layer all other sounds. The system includes a reverb and a chorus effect, each with four variations, to further enhance the sounds.
Casio has slightly improved the technology of the built-in oval speakers (16 x 8 cm, 2 x 8 watts). This includes the integration between the speakers and the three grand piano sounds. Despite the technical specifications, the speakers deliver more powerful sound and project it both toward the player and outward. The switchable virtual surround effect carried over from the predecessor adds to the experience. With its line outputs, the piano also works well within an external keyboard system.
While you can start player and recorder functions using the control panel of the S1100, this is more fun with the app “Chordana Play*” (Android & iOS). The S1000 already supported Bluetooth audio, the S1100 adds Bluetooth MIDI thanks to the WU-BT10 adapter and the USB-to-device jack. This allows instant remote control of the S1100 with a tablet or smartphone and the app, whereas the previous model required a cable.
Use the “Piano Remote Controller” menu in the app to adjust layer sounds, sound and song volumes, transpositions, effects, and more. This works much more conveniently than on the instrument itself, as the workflow on the piano is much more susceptible to operating errors without a display.
A special feature is the parameters of the “Acoustic Simulator” menu: This lets you virtually adjust the intensity of string and damper resonances as well as mechanical playing noises in the three main grand piano sounds. For comparison: On the S1100 itself, you change these settings by holding down the “Sound Mode” key and pressing a total of 30 (!) specific piano keys. This example alone makes it clear how valuable the app is.
*Chordana Play was later replaced by the new app CASIO MUSIC SPACE with a quiet similar functionality.
Chordana Play allows you to practice 60 MIDI piano pieces stored in the S1100 by separating the left and right voices. The app’s audio player uses songs from the connected mobile device, which are then played through the piano’s speakers. Pitch and tempo can be adjusted independently within the app, making it ideal for jamming along with playbacks. The Cancel Melody feature, which eliminates the central signal (typically lead vocals or melodies), can be fun but doesn’t always produce reliable results.
There is still only one global backup storage for individual settings. Registration memories would be another app feature to wish for.
In addition to the familiar two-track MIDI recorder from the previous model, which can store up to 10 songs, the Casio PX-S1100 now allows you to record your own playing as an audio file. This feature works only with a USB stick – due to the lack of a second jack, you then cannot use the Bluetooth adapter simultaneously. However, the piano can at least play audio files in WAV format directly from the USB stick.
For an additional 250 Euros, you can opt for the PX-S3100, which was released alongside the PX-S1100. With 700 sounds and an automatic accompaniment feature offering 200 styles, the PX-S3100 caters to fans of arranger pianos. In addition to providing the same excellent digital piano capabilities as the S1100, the PX-S3100 includes enhancements such as an LC display and extra touch keys, which facilitate a smoother workflow.
A sleek, trendy look in three color variants and solid piano qualities in sound and keyboard don’t have to exclude each other. Casio proves this once again with a model from the PX-S series, this time with a small upgrade: The PX-S1100 takes and builds on the strengths of its already convincing predecessor. In addition to improvements in overall sound, it features wireless app connectivity for MIDI and an onboard audio recorder/player via USB stick. All of these features at this price point – that’s extremely attractive.
Pros and Cons
Henrik Bruns
The Casio PX-S1100 takes and builds on the strengths of its already convincing predecessor. In addition to improvements in overall sound, it features wireless app connectivity for MIDI and an onboard audio recorder/player via USB stick. All of these features at this price point - that's extremely attractive.
PX-S1100BK : 520,00 €
TO THE OFFERCS-68 PBK Privia Stand : 125,00 €
TO THE OFFERSP-34 Sustain Pedal Unit : 69,00 €
TO THE OFFER
PX-S1100BK : 520,00 €
TO THE OFFERCS-68 PBK Privia Stand : 125,00 €
TO THE OFFERSP-34 Sustain Pedal Unit : 69,00 €
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