Casio Privia Series: PX-S5000, PX-S6000 & PX-S7000

Casio Privia: In the entry-level category, the portable pianos of this successful series not only impress with their feel and sound but also with their modern design. Now, Casio is targeting the higher-end market with the introduction of three new models: the PX-S7000, PX-S6000, and PX-S5000.

The new flagship model, the Casio PX-S7000, immediately grabs attention with its impressive “must-have” appeal. Its modern, minimalist design, complemented by an elegant stand, combines high-gloss polished plastic, acrylic, wood, and felt for a stylish look. Particularly eye-catching: the Harmonious Mustard color scheme.

We had the opportunity to test the three new Privia models at Casio’s headquarters in Norderstedt, Germany. Although the operating system software was still being finalized, we were able to thoroughly test the various sounds. As always, we will provide detailed reviews once the instruments are released.

Casio Privia: Smart & Chic

The three new models are clearly designed for those who prefer a stylish, modern digital piano over a traditional home piano look. Accordingly, the new PX-S models make a strong visual statement and make it clear that the name “Casio Privia” stands for smart and chic design, setting them apart from the competition.

Like the well-known PX-S1100 and PX-S3100 models, these are portable pianos. However, the PX-S7000 gives the impression of a modern home piano, even though I can easily envision it on stage. The stand in a wooden look not only appears to be very solid, but it actually provides a secure base for the instrument. Surprisingly, it is much heavier than the lightweight construction might suggest.

The pedal lyre has a distinct industrial charm that contrasts nicely with the warmer tones of the fabric covering the back. The thick, gray felt keyboard cover adds to the appeal. In my opinion, this is the first digital piano that looks exceptionally stylish even when the keyboard is covered.

Many Model Variants

For those who prefer a more understated look, the top-of-the-line PX-S7000 is available in black and white in addition to its distinctive mustard color. Although the PX-S7000 lacks a polished finish, these two colors still make a stylish statement in today’s digital piano market.

The Casio Privia series offers a comprehensive range to suit every budget. The PX-S1100, priced at around $730, is an affordable entry-level model available in black, white, and red. The next step up is the PX-S3100, featuring an arranger function and a broader range of sounds, priced at approximately $1,000. This model is available in black only. The PX-S5000, priced around $1,300, shares a similar design as the smaller models but boasts new hybrid wooden keys, offering a noticeable difference in feel. Like the larger PX-S6000, it is only available in black.

Smart Hybrid Hammer Action

This is the name of the keyboard that comes with the three new Casio Privia digital pianos. It combines materials in an ingenious way: As a result, it offers a noticeably higher quality playing experience while retaining the conventional hammer action of the smaller models. The ivory key surfaces are more refined, and the wooden elements on the sides of the keys add an authentic touch.

The new “Smart Hybrid” keyboard also offers an improved playing feel compared to the smaller PX-S1100 and PX-S3100 models. The PX-S5000 strikes a good balance if you’re looking for a premium playing experience at a lower price than the top-of-the-line PX-S6000 and PX-S7000. However, the larger models have the edge when it comes to sound quality.

Best-Hit Piano Sounds

There are indeed significant differences between the models, both in terms of sound generation and selection. Naturally, the top-of-the-line Casio Privia PX-S7000 offers the most extensive range of sounds. But it’s not just the 400 sounds that stand out; it’s the entire sound design concept that makes it so much fun to play.

Casio calls this concept “Best Hit Pianos”. Inspired by the musical genres of the Grand Hybrid models, the PX-S7000 offers a selection of piano sounds tailored to iconic pop and rock hits. Whether it’s Adele’s ballads or classic piano pieces by Elton John or The Beatles, the PX-S7000 provides the perfect settings, effects, and layered sounds to match the style and mood of each song.

The Casio Privia PX-S7000 is simply in a class of its own, offering the most extensive selection of piano sounds compared to the PX-S6000 and PX-S5000. At their core, however, all three feature the same three meticulously sampled grand pianos: the Berlin Grand, Hamburg Grand, and New York Grand, each inspired by legendary originals such as Bechstein and Steinway & Sons. These pianos produce brilliant, full-bodied sounds, so the new Casio Privia models will also impress you with their warm, rich sound.

Pianos Above All!

The majority of sounds are found in the PX-S7000 (around 400) and PX-S6000 (around 350) models. These include 128 GM sounds for playing standard MIDI files, as well as a wide variety of sounds from categories like strings, pads, organs, brass, and synthesizers. However, the main focus is on the piano presets, with numerous acoustic piano variations and a wide array of electric pianos.

The PX-S7000 truly shines with its collection of vintage keyboards, including iconic sounds like the Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer, FM pianos, and the Hohner Clavinet. There’s even a digital version of the Hohner Pianet T, a rarity both in the real and digital worlds. Additionally, sounds reminiscent of classic string ensembles are included, all meticulously crafted for a modern digital piano experience. Simply outstanding!

Acoustic Simulation

This feature is approached from two angles. First, the Acoustic Simulator allows you to fine-tune the nuanced sound characteristics of the acoustic pianos. This includes features such as string resonance, damper resonance, open string resonance including aliquot resonance, key-off, and damper noise. These advanced sound shaping options are exclusive to the top two models, although the smaller models, the PX-S1100 and PX-S3100, also incorporate some of these sound details.

In addition, the PX-S7000 and PX-S6000 feature Piano Position, another form of acoustic simulation that optimizes speaker output based on the placement of the instrument. With preset options such as Standard, Wall, Center, and Table, you can customize the sound of the speakers based on where the piano is placed in the room. The smaller models, such as the PX-S1100 and PX-S3100, offer a similar feature: A 3D function that enhances the spatial depth of the sound.

Well-Equipped with Effects

The sound presets in the Casio Privia models come packed with high-quality effects. Many sound combinations take advantage of these effects to add an authentic feel, incorporating tremolo, chorus, phaser, or flanger to enhance the digital piano experience.

Additionally, there is a dedicated effects section for the microphone input. Both the PX-S7000 and PX-S6000 feature inputs for dynamic microphones, though they do not supply phantom power. Therefore, you cannot use condenser microphones without an external power source.

Smart User Interface

As mentioned earlier, the sleek design of the Casio Privia models emphasizes simplicity. The control panels are clean and minimalist, featuring a touch panel with illuminated labels and a blue-glowing touch wheel next to the display—definitely a cool, modern touch.

Of course, this minimalist design is paired with smart operation via mobile devices. With the free Casio Music Space app, available for both Android and iOS, you can intuitively control all of the instrument’s functions right from your mobile device.

Casio Privia: From Entry-Level to High-End

The Casio Privia series has traditionally catered to entry-level players, but with the introduction of three new models, Casio is making a strong move into the upper mid-range market. Known for its trend-setting design, Casio has already set the bar high with its PX-S1100 and PX-S3100 models. Both have won the prestigious Red Dot Award.

While the PX-S5000 builds on this success, it’s the PX-S7000 and PX-S6000 that truly showcase what modern digital piano design can achieve in the upper mid-range segment. However, stylish design is only part of the story—these new models also excel in key areas like touch and sound quality, offering a complete performance package.

Overview of the New Casio Privia PX-S Models

Release date: October 2022
Keyboard: Smart Hybrid Hammer Action, graded hammer action, ivory feel
Polyphony: 256 (S7000/S6000), 192 (S5000)
Sounds: 400 (S7000), 350 (S6000), 23 (S5000)
Piano app: Casio Music Space, free for Android & iOS
Prices: PX-S7000 – $3,200 (HM version incl. stand and keyboard cover), PX-S7000 B/WE – approx. $3,000, PX-S6000 – approx. $2,000, PX-S5000 – approx. $1,300
Manufacturer/Distributor: Casio

Casio Privia PX-S7000 – Review

Casio Privia Entry-Level Models

The PX-S1100 and PX-S3100 are excellent choices for beginners and fall within the affordable price range of $700 to $1,000. Both models feature a sleek, compact design paired with solid functionality. The main difference between the two is that the PX-S3100 offers a much larger selection of sounds and includes an arranger function. Otherwise, the core piano sounds and keyboard mechanics are largely the same on both models.

Casio Privia PX-S1100

The PX-S1100 is the most compact digital piano in the Privia series, featuring a high-quality, entry-level keyboard with a Smart Scaled Hammer Action and ivory feel keytops. Its lightweight and slim design makes it easy to transport, making it a great choice for mobile use or smaller spaces where a full acoustic piano isn’t feasible.

However, the included sustain footswitch feels a bit lacking. It works, of course, but it doesn’t provide the tactile feedback you’d expect from a real piano pedal. For a more authentic playing experience, we recommend investing in a proper sustain pedal, such as Casio’s optional SP-34 triple pedal. Style-wise, the PX-S1100 is available in bold red, classic black, or white.

Casio Privia PX-S3100

It also features the Smart Scaled Hammer Action keyboard—one of the best in the entry-level category. Like the PX-S1100, it is a portable digital piano that comes with a basic footswitch for sustain, although upgrading to a proper sustain pedal is recommended. A matching Casio stand is available as an optional accessory to complete the setup.

The key difference between the PX-S3100 and the smaller PX-S1100 is that the PX-S3100 offers more sounds, expanded memory, and an arranger function with accompaniment styles. This makes the PX-S3100 a hybrid between a digital piano and a portable keyboard. Overall, you get solid sound quality at an affordable price.