Casio PX-S1000 review: Newer, Slimmer Privia Piano

Casio has been making their Privia pianos since 2003, when they debuted the Casio PX-100.  Since then, they’ve launched many successful pianos in this line, from portable instruments like the Casio PX-160 to more robust offerings like the Casio PX-870.

Now, Casio is ready to step their game up even further with the Casio PX-S1000.  Clocking in at just 9 inches deep, the PX-S1000 is the slimmest digital piano on the market (as of this publication) that features weighted keys.

The big question is, is the PX-S1000 also one of the best digital pianos on the market?  And does it offer enough features to make a purchase of it worth your time and money?

Well, in this Casio PX-S1000 review, I’m going to help you make this determination. We will break down all of the Casio PX-S1000 specs and features, discuss all connectivity and interactivity app options, and even compare this piano to other notable digital pianos in its price range (namely, the Casio PX-S3000, the Yamaha P-125, the Roland FP-30 and the Casio PX-160).  

And to better help you, please use the interactive guide below to see how well the PX-S1000 compares to other popular digital pianos on the market.

Photo	Model
	Yamaha YDP-145
	Yamaha YDP-165
	Casio PX-870
	Casio AP-470
	Yamaha YDP-184

Casio PX-S1000 Price

The PX-S1000 is a feature-rich digital piano at an incredibly affordable price.  Aimed at being a digital piano capable of being used both in the home and on the go, this is an instrument that’s ideal for those that are digital piano beginners, as well as those who feel their skill level is maturing into more of the intermediate  skill level range.

First, let’s discuss price.  The PX-S1000 costs approximately $649.  And not only can you get this piano in traditional black and white colors, but there is also a Casio PX-S1000 red variant that’s quite stunning.  

In fact, on the surface, its red color might make you immediately recall the look of the many Nord keyboards, like the Nord Piano 4, for example).

Casio PX-S1000 Specs

Now let’s jump into specs for the PX-S1000, because this piano offers more than a few great features.  

Here are a handful of some of the most important and noteworthy specifications for the PX-S1000:

• Number of Keys: 88
• Key Action: Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
• Touch Response: 5 Sensitivity Levels, Off
• Hammer Response: Yes
• Key Off Response: Yes
• Polyphony: 192 
• Built in Tones: 18
• Music Library: 60
• Bluetooth Audio: Yes
• Speakers: 2
• Amplifiers: 8W + 8W
• Dimensions: 52” x 9” x 4”
• Weight: 25.1 lbs (with batteries)
• Included Accessories: SP-3 Pedal, Music Rest, AC Adaptor

Below, please take a moment to view some of the best selling digital pianos currently available for sale online, and see how well they stack up to the Casio PX-S1000.

BEST SELLERS
1) Casio PX-770
2) Yamaha YDP-145
3) Roland RP-701
4) Yamaha YDP-165
5) Casio PX-870

Impressive Design

One of the things I think is most impressive about the PX-S1000 is its simple but very elegant design.  

As mentioned before, this is an incredibly slim piano.  And because of that, it’s also a very light piano.  

Coming it at just about 25 lbs., this is a very portable digital piano that can be taken to and from school, or to and from your live stage performances without a problem.  

When we get to the accessories section of this review, I’ll discuss an optional carrying bag you can get that will store this piano (along with a three pedal unit) easily for quick and reliably transport.

But let’s get to the actual design of the PX-S1000.  What I first noticed and really appreciated about this particular piano is that—especially for its price point—is that it’s a bit unlike anything you’ve seen in the Privia line.

First, the front panel has a minimalist design, as you don’t see any buttons outside of the power and volume knob.  It’s not until you turn on the piano that you’ll noticed more buttons on the front panel illuminate.

And that’s when you realize it—Casio has implemented touch sensor buttons for the PX-S1000.  In many ways, these buttons operate in a similar fashion to what you see on smartphones today, especially Android ones. 

So when your piano is turned on, flat front panel buttons illuminate.  These buttons are as follows:

• Function
• Sound Mode
• Metronome
• Play/Stop
• Record
• Grand Piano
• Electric Piano
• Phones (headphone)

Do note that these touch buttons will not respond to your touch if you happen to be wearing gloves.

The second thing that’s impressive about the display is that the front panel has a very glossy black aesthetic.  It really seems to be going to a grand piano appearance in that end, invoking a more higher end piano look here.  

I think it’s really nice.  

Outside of that, the keyboard features a lot of what you expect. You get simulated ebony and ivory keys here, as well as a fully weighted keyboard (specifically, you get a new key action here called Smart Scaled Hammer Action, which feels quite good to play).

Connectivity and Operation

Let’s now move onto a variety of different connectivity and overall operating functions for the PX-S1000.  

First, let’s talk about the connection options located on the back of the PX-S1000. 

On the far left, you’ll see a USB port.  To the right of that is the Damper Pedal jack, followed by a Pedal Unit jack, an Audio In jack, a Line Out R, L/Mono jack and a DC 12V terminal jack.

The piano also comes with a music stand, too, which can hold your sheet music.

Connecting Your PX-S1000

The Casio PX-S1000 does indeed use an AC adaptor for power.  The supplied AC adapter you get is the AD-A12150LW.  

Insert one end of the AC adaptor’s cord into the DC 12V terminal located on the back of the PX-S1000, while plugging the power cord into the AC adaptor on one end and a household power outlet on the other.

As an alternative, you can use batteries to operate the PX-S1000.  To do so, turn off the power to the instrument.  Open the battery cover on the bottom of the piano.  Insert six AA batteries and place the battery cover back onto the piano.

Using the SP-3 Pedal

If you want to use the supplied SP-3 pedal, simply connect the pedal to the Damper Pedal jack on the back of the PX-S1000.  

This pedal will of course function as a Damper pedal by default, but if you ever want change its function to something else (like soft or sostenuto, etc), you have to make the following changes:

Hold down the Function button

Press the E6 keyboard key (each time this key is pressed, it cycles to a different setting and you’ll hear a notification tone to confirm the change has been made).

1) Notification Sound 1 is the Damper setting (sustain notes played while the pedal is depressed)

2) Notification Sound 2 is Sostenuto (this setting means that only the notes of the keys that are depressed when the pedal is pressed will be sustained)

3) Notification Sound 3 is Soft (this will slightly lower and soften the notes that are played when the pedal is depressed)

4) Notification Sound 4 is Metronome (essentially, your Damper pedal accessory turns into a metronome that can be turned on and off with a foot press)

5) Notification Sound 5 is the Tempo setting (here, pressing the pedal button several times will cause the tempo value to change to match the timing of the presses of the pedal).

Changing the Touch Response Sensitivity

One of the great things about digital pianos is you can alter them to your liking, and the PX-S1000 is no different.

Now the Touch Response within this keyboard essentially alters the tone volume along with keyboard pressure or keyboard speed.  This will give you the same expressiveness you’d find if you were playing an acoustic piano.

Another way of saying it is, if you press a key fast, it produces louder notes.  If you press a key slowly, it produces softer notes. Please take a look at the photo (from Casio’s PX-S1000 manual) to learn more:

Still you can always change the touch response sensitivity on the PX-S1000.  And here’s how you do it.

First, while you hold down the Grand Piano button, press any keyboard key from F#7 through B7 (this is on the far right side of the keyboard).  

Here are all of the Touch Response sensitivity settings that correspond to each assigned key on the keyboard:

F#7:  Will disable Touch Response.  This means that, regardless of the speed of a key press, all sound volume will be fixed.

G7: This is the lightest sensitivity setting.  Touch will feel lighter than what’s considered to be “Normal.”

A♭7: This is medium light sensitivity.  This will make production of a lower sound easier, which, just like G7, will make touch feel lighter.

A7: This is normal sensitivity.  Overall, this setting specifies normal sensitivity.

B♭7: This is medium heavy sensitivity.  This makes production of a louder sound more difficult.

B7: This is heavy sensitivity.  This makes touch feel heavier than what’s considered to be “Normal.”

Operating the PX-S1000

The Casio PX-S1000 comes with 17 tones you can use, including three grand piano tones (can be assigned to the entire keyboard range) and one bass tone (can be assigned to the lower range only).

You can also layer two different tones on top of one another, along with splitting the left and the right side of the keyboard—allowing you to play one sound with your left hand and an entirely different sound with your right hand.

I want to show you exactly how you can operate all of these important functions, especially since there is no digital display that’s on the front panel of the PX-S1000.

So, let’s first begin with how you can select and change tones.

Selecting a Single Tone

There are two ways you can select a sound using the PX-S1000.  One is using the keyboard keys, and the other is by using the touch sensor buttons.  Below, I’m going to show you how to choose a tone using the keyboard keys.

The first thing you need to do here is hold the Grand Piano button, while pressing a key from A0 through C#2.  

Each keyboard key is assigned to a different tone name.  So far example, if you wanted the Vibraphone tone, you would press down on the G1 key to select that tone.  And to know you’ve selected the Vibraphone tone, you will hear the sound of a Vibraphone as confirmation.

Below is a complete list of all of the keys you can select, and what sound each key corresponds with.  

• Grand Piano Concert – A0 keyboard key
• Grand Piano Bright – B♭0
• Grand Piano Mellow – B0
• Rock Piano – C1
• Jazz Piano – C#1
• Electric Piano – D1
• Digital Electric Piano 1 – E♭1
• Digital Electric Piano 2 – E1
• 60s Electric Piano – F1
• Harpsichord – F#1
• Vibraphone – G1
• Strings 1 – A♭1
• Strings 2 – A1
• Pipe Organ – B♭1
• Jazz Organ – B1
• Electric Organ 1 – C2
• Electric Organ 2 – C#2
• Bass – D2 (can only be assigned to the low range of keyboard)

Below, take a look at a keyboard functions list image from Casio (click the image to enhance it) that shows off the you all of the tones you can select by pressing the Grand Piano button and then choosing your sound by pressing a key from A0 through C#2:

Grand Piano Tones

As mentioned before, there are three grand piano sounds that come with the PX-S1000:

1. Concert
2. Bright
3. Mellow

The Concert Grand Piano tone is something you’d select if you’re looking for a natural tone. 

The Bright Grand Piano tone is for pianists looking for a more upbeat and clear piano sound.

And a Mellow Grand Piano tone is going to be much more of a laid back, subdued, but very warm sounding tone.

Layering Two Tones

If you ever desire to play two different sounds at the exact same time, this can be accomplished through the the Layering functionality within the PX-S1000.

What this means is, if you want to be able to play the piano and hear both the Vibraphone and Strings come out of the speakers a the same time (or any other two instruments, for that matter), then this is something that can be easily accomplished.

To do so, all you have to do is the following:

First, make sure you recall the complete list of available tones in the PX-S1000, and how each keyboard key corresponds with a different tone (if not, please scroll up to find that list).

Second, it’s important to note how this layering process will occur.  Now, the tone that is actually layered onto another tone is referred to as the “Upper2 part tone.”  And the tone upon which the Upper 2 tone is altered is the Upper 1 part tone.

So, in order to select our Upper1 tone (our base tone, if you will), all you need to do is follow the exact same instructions I outlined above in the section entitled “Selecting a Tone.”

Now, selecting the Upper2 tone is a similar process, but requires selecting a different button to initiate.  Here, you need to hold down the Electric Piano button while also pressing down on any key from A0 to C#2.

Please use the same list I outlined above that shows which keyboard keys correspond to which piano sounds (for example, the Jazz Organ tone requires you pressing the B1 key).

Now, the last step is all about enabling the layering process to occur.  To do so, simply hold down the Electric Piano button and press the C7 key on the keyboard.  Each time you press C7 enables or disables the layering process.  

And to further help you know if you’ve properly enabled layering, you’ll hear a confirmation tone each time you’ve either enabled or disabled layering.  

Splitting the Keyboard

Splitting the keyboard is always a nice feature, because it allows you a lot of unique flexibility.  It can allow for you to have a Duet Mode of sorts (available on the PX-S1000, where two people could sit at the same piano and each play a different sound.  I’ll cover that in the next section).

It also can be a good teaching tool, where a student could sit on one side and play a tone while their instructor could sit on the right side a play a different tone.  This can be a helpful tool in the learning process for some students.

When you split the keyboard on the PX-S1000, you can use the lower range of the keyboard for the bass tone.  In fact, when the keyboard is split between the left side and the right side, the tone that gets assigned to the lower range or the left side of the keyboard is “Lower part tone.”  And the tone that gets assigned to the right side of the keyboard is the Upper1 part tone.

So, to set the Upper1 part tone, follow the exact same instructions you did in the section called “Selecting a Tone” above.  

You have now selected the sound for the right side of the keyboard.

Now, while holding down the Electric Piano button, press down on the D2 key on the keyboard.  Doing this will assign the bass tone to the lower range (or left side of the keyboard).

Once you release the Electric Piano button, the keyboard has now been split.

Splitting the Keyboard for Duet Mode

When you split the keyboard in general, as we did in the previous section, it doesn’t evenly split the keyboard.  

In fact, the Split Keyboard features simply provides more keyboard real estate for the right side of the keyboard, leaving the lower range with less keys.

That’s not the case with Duet Play or Duet Mode on the PX-S1000, however.  Here, when you split the keyboard in Duet Mode, it splits the keyboard evenly down the middle.  This is the perfect way for instructors to conduct piano lessons with their students, as the teacher can sit on one side and play a given song, and the student can sit on the other side mimicking and learning what they’ve been taught.

Keep in mind that, if you plan to use the supplied SP-3 pedal when you’ve split the keyboard in Duet Mode, you’ll have to connect that pedal into the Damper Pedal jack in the back of the PX-S1000 in order for it to be used as a true damper pedal.  

Setting up Duet Mode is easy, as you simply hold down the Function button while pressing down on the C4 keyboard key.  

Each time you press the C4 keyboard key, a notification tone will sound to indicate whether Duet Mode has been entered, exited, or whether you selected the “Pan” setting, which means left side keyboard notes come out of the left speaker, while right side keyboard notes come out of the right speaker.

Changing Octaves of Duet Keyboards

You can also very easily use the keyboard keys of the PX-S1000 to change the octaves on both the left and right hand sides.

To do this, hold down the Function button, then press down on keyboard keys from C#4 to E4:

C#4: Lowers the left side keyboard one octave

D4: Raises the left side keyboard one octave

C#4 + D4: Returns the range of the left side keyboard to the initial default setting. 

E♭4: Lowers the right side keyboard one octave.

E4: Raises the right side of the keyboard one octave.

E♭4 + E4: Returns the range of the right side keyboard to initial default setting.

Using Hall Simulator Sound Mode

The PX-S1000 has a few different Sound Mode-related tricks up its sleeve, and the Hall Simulator might just be one of the best.What Hall Simulator does is it simulates the clarity and memorable sound of world famous concert halls and venues. This feature allows the everyday piano player to feel like he or she is playing music in prestigious music hall.  

To activate the Hall Simulator, please do the following:

Hold down the Sound Mode button and press any of the following keys:

A0: This will select the Standard Concert Hall sound effect.

B♭0: This will select the Opera Hall sound effect (specifically, the Sydney Concert Hall).

B0: This will select the Berlin Hall sound effect (specifically, a Berlin arena-type classic concert hall).

C1: This will select the British Stadium sound effect (barge, outdoor stadium, inside the the suburbs of London).

On top of that, this piano comes with a Surround effect too.  In short, it creates acoustics that will make the sound from the speakers appear much more alive (as it sounds like its coming at you from different directions).  

Using Acoustic Simulator

The tones of the PX-S1000 have built in elements that allow them to have reverberation characteristics that resemble what you’d get in an acoustic piano.

This means that, on the PX-S1000, you can adjust string resonance, damper resonance, damper noise, and even key on action noise and key off action noise.  Hearing all kinds of sounds and noises you’d hear on an acoustic piano really help sell the illusion that the PX-S1000 is a much more dynamic and expensive piano.

To adjust these acoustic piano sound characteristics, first hold down the Sound Mode button.  Then, while still holding this button down, use the following keys to turn on (and increase the value of) the acoustic sound characteristics below:

1) String Resonance: To turn on, press C3.  To turn off, press C#3.  To increase the value or strength of the string resonance from 1-4, press D3 (for 1), E♭3 (for 2), E3 (for 3) and F4 (for 4).

2) Damper Resonance: To turn on, press F#3.  To turn off, press G3.  To increase the value or strength of the string resonance from 1-4, press A♭3 (for 1), A3 (for 2), B♭3 (for 3) and B3 (for 4).

3) Damper Noise: To turn on, press C4.  To turn off, press C#4.  To increase the value or strength of the string resonance from 1-4, press D4 (for 1), E♭4 (for 2), E4 (for 3) and F4 (for 4).

4) Key On Action Noise: To turn on, press F#4.  To turn off, press G4.  To increase the value or strength of the string resonance from 1-4, press A♭4 (for 1), A4 (for 2), B♭4 (for 3) and B4 (for 4).

5) Key Off Action Noise: To turn on, press C5.  To turn off, press C#5.  To increase the value or strength of the string resonance from 1-4, press D5 (for 1), E♭5 (for 2), E5 (for 3) and F5 (for 4).

I also briefly wanted to touch on what each of these acoustic piano characteristics actually mean.  So let’s begin by breaking down the concept of String Resonance.  

1) String Resonance: When you play on an acoustic piano, it causes the strings that are harmonics of the played strings to resonate.

2) Damper Resonance: Whenever you press the damper pedal on an acoustic piano, it opens all 88 of the strings.  This then causes all of the strings that are harmonics of the strings that are played to resonate.

3) Damper Noise: What does damper noise sound like, you might ask?  Well, it’s the slight metallic lining sound that you hear caused by the damper of an acoustic piano separating from the wires pedal whenever the damper pedal is pressed.

4) Key On Action Noise: Whenever the keys of an acoustic piano get touched with very light pressure, a piano mechanism operation noise is produced without the hammers touching the strings. 

5) Key Off Action Noise: When you release the keys of an acoustic piano, it generates a piano mechanism operation noise.

Now, we have talked a lot about the notable features the PX-S1000 has.  But I think it’s time to go into depth about not only the included accessories you can expect to get inside the box of the PX-S1000, but a few optional accessories you can purchase that will enhance your piano playing experience, as well.

Casio PX-S1000 Accessories

The PX-S1000 comes with the SP-3 Damper Pedal (along with a Music Rest for your sheet music and an AC adaptor to power the instrument itself), but there are a lot more accessories you can get for this portable piano that just might enhance your playing experience.  

The first optional accessory is the Casio SP-34 Pedal Unit.  This three pedal unit not only works for the PX-S1000, but also the Casio PX-S3000 and CDP-S350 (keep in mind that it’s not going to be compatible with older digital pianos).

To use this 3-Pedal Unit, you’ll need to plug it into the Pedal Unit jack on the back of the PX-S1000.

Here are the pedal functions for the SP-34:

1) Damper Pedal – When you pressed the damper pedal while playing, it will cause the notes that you play to reverberate.  The SP-34 also supports half pedal operation, as well.

2) Soft Pedal: Pressing down on this pedal will actually suppress the notes that are played on the keyboard after the pedal was pressed.  In turn, this makes the notes sound softer.

3) Sostenuto Pedal: The only notes that are sustained here are the actual keys that are depressed (until the pedal is released).

I also wanted to mention one thing when it comes to the SP-34 Pedal.  Earlier, we talked about splitting the keyboard down the middle for Duet Mode.  

Well, if you plan to use the SP-34 pedal while playing the piano in Duet Mode, you should know that the left outer pedal serves as the left keyboard damper pedal, while the right outer pedal serves as the right keyboard damper pedal.  

And, if you’re wondering about half-pedal operation in this particular scenario, know that only the right side damper pedal supports this feature, not the left.

Let’s now talk about possible stands you can use with the PX-S1000.

Casio PX-S1000 Stand

Unless you’re planning on using a table to serve as your steady foundation for the PX-S1000, you’re going to need a really great stand.  And, of course, Casio has you covered here.

You can purchase the Casio CS-68, which is available in either black or white and costs about $140.  Compatible with both the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000, as well as the CDP-100 and CDP-S350, this wooden stand provides a strong, stable base for your new musical investment.

Casio SC-800 Case

The Casio SC-800 black carrying case is meant to protect and haul around not just the PX-S1000 or PX-S3000, but also the CDP-100 and CDP-350 as well.

What’s nice about this case, though, is that it comes equipped with loads of space for things beyond the actual piano itself.  In fact, this carrying case is meant to hold a music rest, power supply, and even the SP-34 Pedal Unit that I mentioned earlier.

On top of that, if you’re worried about how you’ll transport your piano inside this case day after day,  you should know that the SC-800 carrying bag comes with backpack and should straps.

MIDI Recorder to Record Performances

The PX-S1000 uses a MIDI recorder to record your musical performances.  What it really does, to be specific, is it records your performance (information like touch pressure or your keyboard presses) as MIDI data.

Keep in mind that only one recorded song can be stored in memory at one time.  Starting a new recording deletes any previously recorded data.

Up to 10,000 notes can be recorded for a single song, and what’s nice (and fun) is that the left hand track and the right hand track can actually be recorded individually and then combined into a single song.

Bluetooth Audio

Let’s face it—we all listen to streaming music these days.  Oftentimes its via our phones, but occasionally it can be through other devices. 

The problem with this, however, lies in the quality (or lack thereof) of the sound.  In short, listening to your favorite song through your relatively weak smart phone speakers just doesn’t sound particularly all that great. 

Well, Casio aims to change that with the PX-S1000.  Because now, you can listen to your music library that’s on any of your smart devices via the speakers built into the PX-S1000.  

Just connect your cell phone to your PX-S1000 via bluetooth, and you can stream music through the piano’s speakers.  This will allow you to actually play the piano right alongside your favorite song, and you can even apply surround sound effects to the music, making the playback of your favorite tune feel even more like a live concert event.

Use the Chordana App

Now, a lot of this review has focused on the features of the PX-S1000 and how you can initiate a lot of these features via certain keys on the keyboard.

But what if you could actually use a screen on a smart device to help you control all of these settings?

Well, thanks to the Chordana app, you can do exactly that.  This app will allow you to connect your smart device (phone or tablet) to your PX-S1000 via a USB cable. 

Once you do this, you can essentially control virtually everything you need through the app.

For example, you can select tones or play songs right form the app.  You can manipulate the Touch Response settings, or turn on and off Duet Mode or adjust the Split Keyboard settings right from the app.

Want to display sheet music of 60 songs located in the Music Library?  No problem.  

Want to read descriptions of the built-in songs in the app, or curious about the history of certain composers?  The app has you covered.

There’s even a built in scoring system that makes practice sessions both fun and challenging.

The Chordana app offers pianists a bunch of great features.  And considering the app is free, it’s hard to figure out why someone wouldn’t give it a try.

Casio PX-S1000 vs Casio PX-S3000

I wanted to dedicate a little portion of this review to comparing the PX-S1000 to other notable digital pianos.  And I figured there might be no better one to compare it to than the PX-S1000’s big brother—the Casio PX-S3000 (NOTE: be sure to also read my Casio PX-S3000 review).

Let’s first take a look at the Casio PX-S3000 specs, and see how it compares to the specs of the PX-S1000.

Casio PX-S3000 Specifications:

• Number of Keys: 88
• Key Action: Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
• Touch Response: 5 Sensitivity Levels, Off
• Hammer Response: Yes
• Key Off Response: Yes
• Polyphony: 192 
• Built in Tones: 700
• Rhythms: 200
• Music Library: 60
• Bluetooth Audio: Yes
• Speakers: 2
• Amplifiers: 8W + 8W
• Dimensions: 52” x 9” x 4”
• Weight: 25.1 lbs (with batteries)
• Included Accessories: SP-3 Pedal, Music Rest, AC Adaptor
• Backlit LCD display: Yes
• Pitch Bend Wheel: Yes
• Controller Knobs: Yes

Casio PX-S1000 Specifications:

• Number of Keys: 88
• Key Action: Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
• Touch Response: 5 Sensitivity Levels, Off
• Hammer Response: Yes
• Key Off Response: Yes
• Polyphony: 192 
• Built in Tones: 18
• Music Library: 60
• Bluetooth Audio: Yes
• Speakers: 2
• Amplifiers: 8W + 8W
• Dimensions: 52” x 9” x 4”
• Weight: 25.1 lbs (with batteries)
• Included Accessories: SP-3 Pedal, Music Rest, AC Adaptor
• Backlit LCD display: No
• Pitch Bend Wheel: No
• Controller Knobs: No

The PX-S1000 and PX-S3000 do share a lot of things in common, but there are indeed a few key differences between both instruments.  

The most notable difference is that the PX-S3000 costs about $200 more than the PX-S1000.  So, while the S1000 can be had for about $649, the PX-S3000 costs about $849.

Next, the PX-S3000 has 700 tones, while the PX-S1000 only has 18, which is of course a massive difference.  The PX-S3000 also has 200 Rhythms, as well.

On top of that, the PX-S3000 also has a full dot LCD with backlight for its display, while the PX-S1000 has no LCD display.

The PX-S3000 also gives you a pitch bend wheel, and two control knobs that provide you with control over powerful DSP effects.

So, if any of these kind of features truly matter to you, it might be worth it to pay a little bit more money to get the PX-S3000.

Casio PX-S1000 vs Yamaha P-125

Probably one of the most common comparisons for the PX-S1000 is the Yamaha P-125.  Long considered one of the most affordable and best value digital pianos on the market, the Yamaha P-125 finally has some serious competition. 

First, let’s compare the specs of both of these digital pianos:

Yamaha P-125 Specs:

• Number of Keys: 88
• Key Action: Graded Hammer Standard (GHS)
• Touch Sensitivity: Hard/medium/soft/fixed
• Piano Sound: Pure CF Sound Engine
• Polyphony: 192 
• Number of Voices: 24
• Pre-Set Songs: 21 demo songs, 50 piano songs
• Speakers: 2
• Amplifiers: 7W x 2
• Dimensions: 52.20” x 11.61” x 6.54”
• Weight: 26.01 lbs
• Included Accessories: Pedal, Music Rest, AC Adaptor

Casio PX-S1000 Specifications:

• Number of Keys: 88
• Key Action: Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
• Touch Response: 5 Sensitivity Levels, Off
• Hammer Response: Yes
• Key Off Response: Yes
• Polyphony: 192 
• Built in Tones: 18
• Music Library: 60
• Bluetooth Audio: Yes
• Speakers: 2
• Amplifiers: 8W + 8W
• Dimensions: 52” x 9” x 4”
• Weight: 25.1 lbs (with batteries)
• Included Accessories: SP-3 Pedal, Music Rest, AC Adaptor

The first thing you’re going to notice is that, considering that these digital pianos have the same price, the PX-S1000 is a much more beautiful looking digital piano (in my opinion, of course).  

While the Yamaha P-125 has a matte finish to its front panel and body, the PX-S1000 has a glossy glass-looking finish to it.  It just looks much more high end to the naked eye, and you can tell that Casio’s goal was to give you the sense that you’re getting a premium, almost grand piano-like feel from a visual standpoint.

But what’s really going to make the difference is the front panel’s look and layout.  In short, the PX-S1000 has a minimalist design to it, as there are no visible buttons or knobs outside of “power” and “volume.”  The rest of the buttons are touch sensor buttons that only illuminate when the machine itself turns on.  The buttons, by design, are essentially embedded below the front panel’s surface.

This is so much nicer than the Yamaha P-125, which has pretty traditional looking buttons on the front panel for Piano or Electric Piano or Organ or Strings.

I should probably mention that I don’t think the Yamaha P-125 looks bad, just that it looks outdated compared to what the PX-S1000 is offering.

There are, however, a few more sounds housed inside the Yamaha P-125, as it comes with 24 voices compared to the 18 sounds you get with the PX-S1000.

Both pianos are very portable and lightweight, so they are good for gigging musicians, as well as those that are just buying this instrument to use inside a dorm room or apartment.

And interactivity isn’t a problem with either piano either, as the Casio PX-S1000 works well with the Chordana App, while the Yamaha P-125 works fine with the Smart Pianist app.  Both allow you to control each respective piano from the app on your phone or tablet.  And both apps work with Apple as well as Android devices.

Both the PX-S1000 and Yamaha P-125 have their pros and cons, but both sound great and are worthy of your consideration.  

Casio PX-S1000 vs Roland FP-30

Lastly, I’d like to compare the Casio PX-S1000 to the Roland FP-30 because not only do they both work as competent digital stage pianos, but they are in a similar price range too (the FP-30 costs about $50 more at approximately $699 overall).

Quickly, let’s compare specs of both pianos:

Roland FP-30 Specs:

• Number of Keys: 88
• Keyboard: PHA-4 Standard Keyboard
• Touch Response: 5 types, fixed touch
• Piano Sound: SuperNATURAL Piano Sound
• MIDI Format: Conforms to GM2, GS
• Polyphony: 128 
• Built in Tones: 6 Piano, 7 Electric Piano, 22 Other
• Effects: Ambience (Off, 1–4), Brilliance (Mellow, Normal, Bright)
• Bluetooth Support: Yes
• Speakers: 2
• Amplifiers: 11 W x 2
• Dimensions: 51” x 12” x 6”
• Weight: 31 lbs
• Included Accessories: Manual, Music Rest, AC Adaptor, Power Cord, Damper Pedal

Casio PX-S1000 Specifications:

• Number of Keys: 88
• Key Action: Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
• Touch Response: 5 Sensitivity Levels, Off
• Hammer Response: Yes
• Key Off Response: Yes
• Polyphony: 192 
• Built in Tones: 18
• Music Library: 60
• Bluetooth Audio: Yes
• Speakers: 2
• Amplifiers: 8W + 8W
• Dimensions: 52” x 9” x 4”
• Weight: 25.1 lbs (with batteries)
• Included Accessories: SP-3 Pedal, Music Rest, AC Adaptor

While the Casio PX-S1000 was probably most created to give the Yamaha P-125 some strong competition, the digital piano that best matches up with the PX-S1000 just might be the Roland FP-30.  

And the winner isn’t quite so clear.

The first thing I noticed right off the bat with the Roland FP-30 is that, when compared to the PX-S1000—it’s a very robust digital piano.  It’s a bit bigger (in depth and height in particular) than the PX-S1000, and it weighs a few pounds more, as well.

But it’s also a bit more full-bodied in sound, too.  While both pianos have two speakers, the PX-S1000 is rocking two speakers at 8W amps each, while the Roland FP-30 is sporting two speakers at 11W amps each.  That means that the Roland FP-30 is going to give you a little bit more power. 

Will that make a major difference?  It depends.  But you’ll have a better chance of your music being heard in a bigger, more wide open living space space if you go with the Roland FP-30 over the PX-S1000.

Casio PX-S1000 vs Casio PX-160

Lastly, I quickly wanted to compare the PX-S1000 to the Casio PX-160, which has namely been the chief competition to the Yamaha P-125 for a long time now.

Casio PX-160 specs:

• Number of Keys: 88
• Key Action: Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II
• Touch Response: 3 sensitivity levels, off
• Sound Source: AiR Sound Source
• Polyphony: 128 
• Built in Tones: 18
• Music Library: 60
• Speakers: 2
• Amplifiers: 8W + 8W
• Dimensions: 52” x 11.5” x 5.6”
• Weight: 25.1 lbs (with batteries)
• Included Accessories: SP-3 Pedal, Music Rest, AC Adaptor

Casio PX-S1000 specs:

• Number of Keys: 88
• Key Action: Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
• Touch Response: 5 Sensitivity Levels, Off
• Hammer Response: Yes
• Key Off Response: Yes
• Polyphony: 192 
• Built in Tones: 18
• Music Library: 60
• Bluetooth Audio: Yes
• Speakers: 2
• Amplifiers: 8W + 8W
• Dimensions: 52” x 9” x 4”
• Weight: 25.1 lbs (with batteries)
• Included Accessories: SP-3 Pedal, Music Rest, AC Adaptor

The Casio PX-S1000 is the latest addition to the Privia line, and many people are wondering whether the PX-S1000 is the best affordable Privia on the market, or if the Casio PX-160 has it beat.

Well, it’s important to note that the PX-S1000 does indeed come with a new hammer action—the Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard. 

How does it compare to the Tri-Sensor hammer action that’s inside of the PX-160 (and other Privia digital pianos, for that matter).  Well, the first thing I noticed is that the PX-S1000’s action feels softer to the touch.  To me, the sound comes across as less “harsh” than the PX-160.  

That’s not to bash the PX-160 at all, but I do think that the action (and sound) is a nice addition to the Privia line.  Whether or not the action is “better” is of course personal preference, but I think it’s quite nice and it shouldn’t make you yearn for the days of the Tri-Sensor action hammer action technology that’s present in previous Privia models.

Another notable difference between these two pianos is in the touch response.  The Casio PX-160 only has three levels of touch sensitivity, while the PX-S1000 has five.

But other than that, these two pianos are extremely similar.  Although the PX-160 is a bigger digital piano (depth-wise) than the PX-S1000, they both share the same amplifier power, weight, included accessories, tones, and music library.

Conclusion

The Casio PX-S1000 is a fabulous digital piano for the money.  It’s got a sleek design, great features and sound, and an affordable price.  

Whether you’re seeking a great beginner digital piano or you want something portable to take with you on stage, the PX-S1000 offers potential buyers a ton in the way of value and features.  

Lastly, if you’re looking to download the Casio PX-S1000 manual, you can do so here.

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You might also like:

1) Casio PX-160 review

2) Roland FP-30 review

3) Yamaha P-125 review