"When it comes to performance and playability, Casio goes to great lengths to recreate the grand piano experience, achieving impressive results": Casio AP-S200 digital piano review

Casio AP-S200 review: What is it?

The Casio AP-S200 digital piano is the latest addition to the Celviano home range, positioned as an accessible entry-level model following higher-end favourites like the flagship AP-750. The sleek, compact design makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while the AP-S200 offers much of the quality and precision found in its premium counterparts. It features three pedals - sustain, soft, and sostenuto - and is available in three finishes: black, white, and rosewood.

The AP-S200’s minimalist design includes an elegant on/off switch and volume knob, with a concealed control panel on the left side that illuminates upon touch, enabling navigation through sounds, functions, and settings. The piano provides 19 built-in sounds: three concert grand pianos, three modern pianos, electric pianos, harpsichord, vibraphone, various organs, and a double bass. Players can also choose from four hall simulations, four reverb and chorus effects, a Surround mode, a metronome, and a split function. The Surround mode expands the sound field for a more immersive listening experience, giving the impression that sound is emanating from multiple directions.

The AP-S200 keyboard features 88 weighted keys with Casio’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action and digital scaling technology, offering an authentic touch and a remarkable range of expression. This design mimics the nuanced response of a grand piano, where a horizontal hammer mechanism strikes the strings from below, allowing finer dynamic control and a fuller sound thanks to its larger soundboard and longer strings. With headphones, players can enjoy delicate string resonance, rich damper depth, and key-off noise, enhancing immersion.

The instrument includes two Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR speakers that replicate acoustic qualities similar to a real piano, with subtle variations that emulate natural string resonance. Speaker placement is intended to produce a broad, acoustically rich soundstage.

Additional features include recording capabilities, allowing performances to be saved either directly on the piano or to an external drive. It also includes a wireless MIDI and audio adapter, enabling easy, cable-free connection to music-learning apps and third-party MIDI software.

Casio AP-S200 review: Performance & verdict

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When it comes to performance and playability, Casio goes to great lengths to recreate the grand piano experience, achieving impressive results. The key action feels remarkably organic, allowing for immersive nuances that make for an unexpectedly inspiring digital piano experience. We had a fantastic time exploring the AP-S200. 

However, to fully appreciate the immersive sound quality, we had to wear headphones, as our biggest disappointment stemmed from the sound produced by the otherwise promising speakers; mids sounded boxy, lows were a little muffled, impacting our playing, while highs were surprisingly crisp and percussive. Digital pianos are designed for small spaces at low volumes or with headphones, so if you plan to play at louder volumes utilising room acoustics, we recommend higher-end models like the AP-300 or AP-550.

The AP-S200’s compact design is a major asset for small spaces, adding discreet elegance to any room. The pedals, although compact, are easy to use, and the rosewood finish particularly stands out. The keys are a pleasure to play, crafted from resin with a wood-grain texture that feels satisfying under your fingers. Casio’s craftsmanship ensures the piano is sturdy and easy to assemble.

As for acoustic piano sounds, the AP-S200 offers a gorgeous and impressive reproduction of a concert grand piano, featuring a classic, a bright, and a mellow tone. Using headphones and enabling Surround Mode provides an immersive experience with stunning harmonic details. We loved holding down the sustain pedal and listening to the superb interaction of harmonics with each note; it’s truly impressive! 

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The other three modern pianos deliver lovely tones, but they lack variation. We’d like to see more contemporary options, especially given the success of artists like Ólafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm, who often use felted pianos. While the classic sounds are executed well, especially the vibraphone, the double bass, playable on a split keyboard, was disappointing.

Navigating the numerous settings can be challenging. The illuminated left panel allows for sound browsing, metronome programming, and exploration of customisable settings. While this sleek design enhances the piano's aesthetics, it can make it difficult to remember where everything is and which combinations yield specific results. Keeping the manual handy or using the Bluetooth app may be necessary. Casio’s minimalist aesthetic is a deliberate choice that, while not the most practical, helps keep the piano exceptionally compact.

This piano fits seamlessly into modern digital lifestyles, easily connecting to phones or tablets via the included Wireless MIDI & AUDIO Adaptor or a USB cable. When paired with the free Casio Music Space app, the possibilities expand significantly. Users can access various settings, play along with their favourite music, and learn through the piano roll and score viewer. 

The piano roll is especially beneficial for beginners, offering varying song difficulties in an interactive format where notes align with the keys. The playback settings enhance the learning experience, while the score viewer provides a broad range of music for advanced players. Overall, the app is well-designed and packed with useful tools.

Casio AP-S200 review: Final verdict

This piano feels great! Overall, the AP-S200 is a solid choice for those seeking a compact, stylish piano that delivers a superb and inspiring playing experience. It is easily a contender for one of the best digital pianos for beginners when it comes to playability. 

This instrument excels in performance, effectively recreating the essence of a grand piano. Its key action is impressively organic, allowing for nuanced expression that sparks creativity. The compact design and elegant aesthetics enhance its overall appeal for small rooms.

Unfortunately, to truly enjoy its immersive sound quality, headphones are essential, as the built-in speakers fall short in delivering balanced audio across all frequencies. If you have room for a slightly larger model, consider other options in the Celviano range. 

The AP-300 is like the AP-S200 but with a larger body, designed to disperse sound through its cabinet for a more immersive acoustic effect, while the AP-750 provides an even more advanced playing experience.

Casio AP-S200 review: Hands-on demos

CASIO Music Global 

CELVIANO AP-S200 Demo Performance｜CASIO - YouTube

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Casio AP-S200 review: Specifications

• Keyboard: 88 Keys - Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard
• Touch Response: 5 sensitivity levels, off
• Sound Source: Multi-Dimensional Morphing AiR
• Maximum Polyphony: 192
• Number of Tones: 19, including 3 Grand Piano tones and 3 modern Piano presets
• Built-in Songs: 60
• Lesson Function: Part ON/OFF (Part Select: right hand, left hand, both hands)
• Pedal: 3 built-in pedals - damper (2 levels, off), soft, sostenuto with half-Damper Pedal Operation.
• Speaker: Size 12cm x 2, 2-channel/2-speaker
• Amplifiers: 20W+20W (maximum output) 
• Power Supply: [AC Adaptor] AD-E24250LW 
• Power Consumption: 20W
• Dimensions: 1,393ｘ299ｘ802 mm (w/o music stand)
• Weight: 34Kg
• Colour: Black, white and rosewood
• Included Accessories: Wireless MIDI & AUDIO Adaptor (WU-BT10), Music Stand, AC Adaptor (AD-E24250LW)
• Contact: Casio