It’s no wonder that you are looking for an honest Casio CTK-2550 Review. Casio as a company enjoys a well-earned reputation for producing quality products.
You want to learn if the CTK-2550 holds true to that reputation.
But how to learn?
By reading a review like this one of course! We know what musicians value in an instrument. Our goal is always to make sure that the instruments we look at check your boxes.
That is the exact approach that we took when looking at the Casio CTK-2550. We found the highs, we found the lows, and we have listed them here. Read on!
Contents
Important Features
Here we list the things that Casio really nailed when they made the CTK-2550. Read on to find out what you will love about this piano!
Price
One of the first things that you will notice is the price of this keyboard. Technically price is not a feature. It is, however, this unit’s strongest attribute. Simply put, you will not find a keyboard out there that is cheaper than this. At least not one that you would want to buy.
Casio actually usually makes products that are pretty pricey. The affordable cost that you get here should appeal deeply to buyers on a budget.
No, you won’t pick this up if you are an experienced musician. You might think about giving it a go if you are just starting out with lessons though.
The low price tag makes it a low-risk option for people just starting out.
Hundreds Of Tones
While the main function of this instrument is to be a piano, it does feature lots and lots of different sound options. Four hundred, actually. With that number of options, you can have fun, get creative, and even produce unique music that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible.
The different tones include many different piano options so that you can have more control over your sound.
Realistically, you won’t come close to using all the options. Still, they can be lots of fun to have on hand.
Easy To Transport
Last, but certainly not least, this keyboard is also going to be very easy to transport. While you probably won’t be having any gigs with this instrument, you may want to move it around the house. Or, perhaps you might need to take it to your lessons.
In either case, it won’t be an issue. The keyboard itself weighs under ten pounds and features dimensions that are very compact.
Now, all of this said, there is a stipulation to consider. Yes, it is compact and lightweight, but this is because it lacks the features of many other boards. As you may have seen by now, this is a very basic option.
You don’t even get a full eighty-eight keys here, which does contribute to the short length.
Still, if you do need to move this board around, you won’t have any trouble doing so. This is especially handy when you factor in that it doesn’t come with a stand. That being the case, you may need to practice on a table or desk.
If your practice space has another purpose, you will probably be moving the board on a daily basis.
Issues
The issues that come with this keyboard pretty much all stem from its price. You really won’t find a more affordable board out there. Especially not from a company like Casio. But small budgets garner smaller ranges of features.
It is an unfortunate fact of life.
The first issue is that the keyboard size is quite reduced. A full-sized piano features eighty-eight keys. Beginners won’t use even close to all of them, but experienced musicians certainly will.
You get sixty one keys here. While that might be sufficient for the start of your playing, you will outgrow it.
There isn’t necessarily anything wrong with that. If you, or someone in your family has just started with lessons, it is reasonable to buy with a budget in mind. Just understand that if you really take to your lessons, you will need to replace this board.
Another issue is the keys themselves. They aren’t weighted, which means that they won’t produce a resistance similar to that of an acoustic.
This is actually somewhat unfortunate for the beginner. While you may not be willing to add an acoustic piano to your home, you should learn to be comfortable playing one.
The difference between weighted and unweighted keys makes it hard to transition from one instrument to the other. Is the challenge insurmountable? Certainly not but it can lead to unnecessary errors.
Also, note that the sound quality is not outstanding. You will certainly notice that it does not sound very much like an acoustic.
Nuanced sound is another feature that comes with a significant price tag.
All in all, the problems aren’t anything out of the ordinary for a product of this price. Still, you should be aware of the problems.
Pros And Cons
For your convenience, we have distilled our review down to the fine points. If you are feeling a little bit overwhelmed by all of the information you just learned, it’s no sweat! Just read on for a list of some pros and cons that will help inform your decision.
Pros Of Casio CTK-2550
- Affordable
- Hundreds of tones
- Easy to transport
Cons Of Casio CTK-2550
- Unweighted keys
- Mediocre sound quality
- Not full board
Also see: Casio CDP-130 Review
Conclusion
You now know everything you need to make a good buying decision. Only you can decide whether or not this instrument is for you.
For the record though, we feel that it makes a very good showing. Is it for everyone? Of course not, but show us the keyboard that is.
This is a beginners instruement. There is no question about that. It has an affordable price tag and decent features that will help you learn the instrument.
The price tag is about as low as you will ever find, which may be enough of a reason to give it a hard look.
Realistically, this is not a long-term keyboard. You will outgrow it. Still, if you are just starting out, this is a good, low risk option.
I am an experienced pianist, but I am studying Theory and I needed a keyboard in the room I use as a study (some distance from the piano). I just got the CTK2550 to help me study scales & tones, and work on compositions. Then I can take my composing to the piano. So it’s to work as an intermediate tool, almost a toy.
I am about to start learning piano, Which Keyboard you recommend which is good for beginner to intermediate level. With the reviews of Casio CTK 2550, I am now considering to buy a keyboard one level up which covers the Cons of CTK 2550.