Casio CT-680 Review

Casio CT-680 is my current keyboard. This full-size stereo keyboard is one of the TONE BANK variety, meaning that it stores more than the standard 127 MIDI complement of sounds, it stores 220!
It is not touch sensitive but the overall sound is pretty crystal and has some varieties among the usual draft of pianos, brasses, guitars, basses, woodwind, strings and percussion. This Casio also has the ability to memorize one complete recording.
The keyboard utilization is pretty basic. I'd say it's pretty self explanatory without the manual but you should be prepared for some exploring. The number pads are easy to use but you have to get used to the way they work.
About the features, CT-680 has no sequencer and no expansion, but it does have one memory space but the song is only saved until the unit is unplugged. I only take it on the road sometimes. It does have MIDI in and out so that's helpful. And it also has an assignable jack, headphone jack, and a pedal jack. All of the mentioned before come in very handy. It does have a good amount of sound effects. I particulary like Strings, Elec Piano and Acous Guitar. It's not very fitting for the studio but it is suits me.

The keyboard can be split at the lower half, as is usual on Casio keyboard by selection of one of the two modes for chord accompaniment. Once selected the various parts of the backing can be switched on or off as desired - only the bass has not got a switch to remove it from the accompaniment.

There is a video is Youtube in wich the music “A Whither Shade of Pale” is played in E. The link is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fblX9o6WSh8. I know how to play it in A.

Performed by: Jorge Borbinha

Posted by: Rui Cóias