Casio LK270 61-Key Lighted Keyboard with USB

Feature:
This keyboard came with a microphone, AC adapter, simple x-stand and bench. The bench at its max height is too low and the stand at its lowest height setting is too high for correct playing position. The height of the bench and stand is best for anyone over 6'. The mic I haven't used. One feature I use frequently is the music challenge keyboard game. It has helped me to learn and remember the names of the keys/notes and to travel easily/quickly over the keyboard.

Quality:
so far, so good. Have owned it for 6 months and use it daily upwards of 2 hours. It has no loose parts and the finish or touch has not changed. The worst part are the shiny, slippery keys. A matte finish would have been better.

Value:
Since I did not pay full retail price for it, and it came as a kit with bench and stand, the value was okay.

Desirability:
Bought this to see If piano lessons were the thing for me. Answer if a resounding YES. so the LK-270 is a stop gap while I'm shopping/testing digital pianos.

Sound:
As the saying goes "you get what you pay for". As an adult with zero musical experience, I purchased this over 6 months ago to see if I could teach myself, since the LK-270 comes with lighted keys that guide you through. In other words, keyboard version of Music for Dummies. The lesson function works best in manual mode where you decide when to progress to the next phrase. In auto mode it is very hard to get to the next phrase, as the machine demands almost a perfect score to move on. Thankfully one can override this "tyrant". The voice-guide is pleasant and tells which key to play next if you forget. There are far to many sounds/tones and some sound far too similar. Kids will really enjoy all the "bells and whistles". The many sounds might get some kids to play/practice more especially the sounds of the more exotic instruments such as the sitar or pi pa . This keyboard is an inexpensive way to find out if your child is really serious about wanting music lessons. Sound is not the best. There is a problem with the sound "dying" or "choking" and when chords need to be held over to the next phrase the notes fade so there is no accompaniment for the R-hand.

Ease of Use:
The manuals Casio includes are 2 song books, a tone list, and a multi-lingual user's guide. There should be a crash course guide in basic music notation and finger placement but isn't. Once you figure out Casio's method of how to change sounds etc. the user's guide becomes user friendly.

Support:
I contacted Casio re what I call "gasping or fading" note sounds -in any piano mode, also with use of sustain pedal (an add on extra)-; plus the fact on several occasions the sound of individual keys may vary in tone when playing the keyboard for and extended time. I was told that this could happen and to simply stop playing, turn it off for awhile. This is not an acceptable answer.

Overall:
Since purchasing this keyboard I have begun weekly piano lessons. I expect to replace the LK-270 within the next 12 months. I will have out grown it music wise for my needs. All the extra "bells and whistles" tone wise it comes with I do not need. In most cases many of the tones -piano, guitar, voice- are not that different. I bought this because of its lighted keys which are supposed to help non players learn. The keys and the lesson functions do help, but you still need to have basic music knowledge as to why your fingers go where they do and how to finger the black keys etc. This info is not provided anywhere in the user manuals or song books.

Support:
I am up grading my support score due to several recent telephone conversations I have had with Casio support in my area (Canada). I had several questions about a DP model I was thinking of up grading to and the Casio tech people were more than willing to help me. BUT, the Casio web "support"? leaves alot to be desired. I've sent 2 e-mails over the past month, with no reply's to date.

Overall:
I have owned the LK-800 for just over 8 months and have actively been testing/searching for an 88 key DP. I have out grown this keyboard musically. BUT as I stated before; it is a very good one for children to start lessons on. I am giving mine to one of my grand children, who spends hours on it when she comes over. With the lighted key feature she has taught herself several pieces and this is a child who does not take music lessons. The lighted keys and the music challenge function have helped her learn to sight read notes. I have just bought the Casio Privia PX-800. So far all I can say is WOW! I will be reviewing it shortly