AP-6

PX-3

PX-7

TOKYO, March 16, 2010 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd., announced today the release of three limited-edition digital pianos designed to commemorate the launch of its first electronic musical instrument 30 years ago in January 1980. The new AP-6 limited-edition model joins the CELVIANO^® lineup of digital pianos featuring refined cabinet designs, and the new PX-3 and PX-7 limited-edition models represent the latest additions to the Privia^® family of stylish digital pianos.

In December 2009, Casio passed the milestone of 70 million digital keyboards, pianos and other keyboard instruments sold, just 30 years after entering the electronic musical instrument market with the release of the Casiotone 201 keyboard. Using Casio’s original digital technology, the Casiotone 201 could replicate the tones of a variety of instruments. Since then, Casio has expanded its business in line with the concept of sharing the joy of music with as many people as possible. Along the way, Casio contributed to an expansion in the number of music lovers by releasing a variety of digital instruments that enabled more and more people to easily and conveniently enjoy natural, beautiful sound.

To commemorate the 30 years since the release of the Casiotone 201, Casio has equipped these new digital pianos with special design features such as a “Limited Edition” inscription. Casio has paid utmost attention to the designs and specifications of these instruments. The new models of course also make the most of Casio’s highly acclaimed technologies for basic performance, including the company’s original Linear Morphing AIF Sound Source technology, which realistically reproduces the fine nuances of a grand piano, from lilting pianissimos to powerful fortissimos, and the Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard for exceptional playability. The company will carry out a limited release worldwide of 2,000 AP-6 models, 3,000 PX-3 models, and 5,000 PX-7 models to celebrate this momentous occasion.

• The CELVIANO AP-6 — a top-end model finished in a black polish akin to a grand piano

  Based on the AP-620, the top-of-the-line piano in the CELVIANO series, the AP-6 has been beautifully finished in a black polish even more befitting a grand piano. Equipped with a high-output amplifier and four 2-way speakers, a damper pedal with continuous half-pedal operation, 250 various instrument tones, and an SD memory card slot, the AP-6 inherits the high specs of the AP-620 flagship model.

• The Privia PX-3 — a professional stage piano with all the sounds and various functions for playing live in a band

  With a slim body like every Privia piano, the newly developed PX-3 is a genuine stage piano packed with functions that set it apart from standard models. The powerful master control functions enable a total of eight banks of tones—four internal banks and four external banks—to be separately controlled by four zones. Players can assign two tones to each of the low and high registers of the keyboard. With the high-performance Digital Signal Processor (DSP), 64 effects can be applied to two tones, and with two assignable buttons for allocating effects such as modulation, the PX-3 can be freely programmed for practically any kind of performance. The internal tone banks offer a wealth of various instrument sounds, including highly realistic pianos and electric pianos that are often used in live performances.

• The Privia PX-7 — a stylish digital piano with a white wooden finish

  Based on the popular PX-730, the standard model in the Privia lineup, the PX-7 boasts a white wooden-like finish, with both the body and stand matching in color. The piano's refined matte keyboard provides a comfortable surface for the fingertips, while its overall look and feel project a high-class image befitting a special model.

Common specifications:

• Linear Morphing AIF Sound Source technology realistically reproduces the fine nuances of a grand piano, from lilting pianissimos to powerful fortissimos.
• Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard uses three sensors to detect fine keystroke movement, so the same note can be played again without fully releasing the key.
• Acoustic Resonance System reproduces the resonant effect of a damper pedal.
• Refined matte keyboard provides a comfortable surface for fingertips.
• Inscribed with “Limited Edition”.

CELVIANO AP-6:

• The body is finished in glossy black using a higher than usual grade of polish.
• Fitted with a high-output stereo amplifier (30W × 2) for powerful sound, and a 2-way 4-speaker system (16cm × 2 and 5cm × 2) to recreate rich tones across the sound spectrum.
• Continuous half-pedal operation enables a finely controlled damper resonance effect with the damper pedal.
• Equipped with an SD memory card slot, convenient for tune data storage and moving data to and from a computer.
• Features 250 tones, including GM tones, for a variety of instruments such as strings, guitar, bass and others.
• 60-tune Music Library for listening enjoyment or lessons.
• Duet mode allows two people to play within the same range on the left and right sides of the keyboard.
• 180 rhythms including pop, jazz, Latin, and ballads, with an auto-accompaniment feature.

Privia PX-3:

• While offering the feel of a real piano keyboard, it is compact and lightweight (28.6cm deep and 10.8kg) for conveniently carrying to the stage or studio.
• Features a complete range of instrument sounds required from a stage piano, including 16 piano sounds, 20 electric piano sounds, 18 organ sounds, 8 clavinet and vibraphone sounds, and 20 string and ensemble pads.
• Internal tones can be edited using the synthesizer function, which includes attack and release time, filtering, and vibrato.
• Applying the keyboard split and layer functions allows control of four zones of sounds simultaneously, assignable to four different internal tones as well as external MIDI instruments via four designated MIDI channels.
• 64 types of DSP effects, including phaser, flanger, wah, tremolo, rotary simulation, and distortion, can be applied to two tones simultaneously.
• Four-band equalizer allows sound to be freely adjusted according to one’s taste across four frequency ranges.
• Registration function enables user to save settings for tones, MIDI, DSP, etc., for immediate call up when performing.
• In Card Player mode, MIDI files (in SMF type 0 or 1 and other formats) can be played back during a performance.
• The pitch bend wheel smoothly changes note pitch to reproduce note-bending on guitar and other performance techniques.
• Two assignable buttons can be set to select modulation, and the speed of the rotary effect, change the portamento, etc.
• Convenient SD memory card slot allows registration and playback of MIDI files.
• Fitted with various connection ports including line-in and line-out, MIDI in and out, and a USB terminal.
• Compatible with stand and 3-pedal unit (sold separately).

Privia PX-7:

• Integrated stand and metal 3-pedal unit optimal for piano playability.
• White, compact, lightweight body with a narrow profile matches décor of almost any room in the home.
• Slide-type keyboard cover protects keys from dust and maintains a stylish look when open.
• 60-tune Music Library for listening enjoyment or lessons.
• Duet mode allows two people to play within the same range on the left and right sides of the keyboard.
• Half pedal operation for a light damper effect when the damper pedal is pressed part way.

In 1980 Casio released the Casiotone 201, its first electronic keyboard. As a compact and attractively priced unit that could play sounds from various instruments, this new product drew acclaim from music lovers around the world. Casio subsequently developed numerous features that were only possible using digital instrument technology, including one-touch auto-accompaniment, memory capacity to record and playback songs, auto-play, a melody guide function that guides users through a song by lighting up the keys, and sampling technology for recording any sound for use as a sound source. Casio also broadened into other instruments for people who enjoy creating music, releasing digital drum kits, digital guitars and digital wind instruments. In addition to electronic keyboards, in recent years Casio has been stepping up efforts to expand the popularity of digital pianos.