Sound:
Overall, the tones are rich and realistic. Even the synth tones are super-fat and not casio-like at all. The tones will definitely shock all of those who are familiar with casio's older or lower-priced keyboards. There are lots of excellent acoustic and electric piano tones. The stereo grand and different rhodes pianos really stand out. I wanted something with realistic rhodes and wurlitzer electric piano tones and this thing delivers both with velocity sensitivity on the keys which gives a realistic sound and playing experience. The hammond tones are excellent--especially the "jazz organ" tones. Some of the organ tones have leslie simulation but your best bet is to run the keyboard through an effects processor so that you can adjust the depth and speed yourself. I use a digitech rp255 amp-modelling processor which works wonders. The percussive quality of the organ tones on this keyboard really makes them sound realistic. The other stand-out tones are the acoustic bass tones. They are very realistic in the lower register. The strings, brass, pads and synths are great too but I haven't used them much. Funny enough, this keyboard includes a bank of casio tones from lower-priced keyboards and so it's possible to compare them to the tones on the wk500. The difference is astounding. Just know that many of the tones on this keyboard are only on the wk-500 and the wk-3800. If you get a wk-110 or a wk-200, you're just cheating yourself out of all the best tones.
If you're wondering why I rated sound at 9 instead of 10, it's because the wurlitzer electric piano tone (called "60s e.p." on the casio) isn't exact. I mean, it's damn close but I'm very particular. Also, the jazz rhythms are very limited and not very good. I'm not big user of the rhythm function anyway though.
Feature:
This thing is loaded with features and I haven't used many of them. For example, there is an extensive learning program built in that I haven't used (although I probably should). Below, I will go over some of the features that I know and use.
INPUT/OUTPUT options: USB, SD card slot, 1/8" audio IN, 1/4" mic IN, 1/4" stereo lines OUT, 1/4" headphones OUT (you will need an adapter for most headphones). There is also a 1/4" jack for a pedal (not included) which can be assigned for sustain, sostenuto, soft, and rhythm start/stop functions.
Stereo Speakers: These are really excellent with only a tiny bit of distortion when cranked all the way. These speakers are fantastic.
Keys: Unweighted but very comfortable to play. They do not feel cheap and have a bit more resistance than other casio and yamaha boards I've played. The velocity sensitivity is the best I've used and actually makes playing this keyboard very expressive For pianists, the keys will feel very light but after a few minutes, they will feel right at home due to the velocity sensitivity. Also, the keys are "waterfall" style and look sharp. Also, with 76 keys, you are getting a very versatile machine. I should also mention here that the entire keyboard can be detuned in any manner you like.
Display: Large and nicely back-lit in a cool blue color. The text on the screen is very large. At the bottom of the screen, there is a keyboard which shows which notes are being played as you play them. At the top right of the screen there is a staff which shows which notes are being played as you play them. This is a great way to begin recognizing chords on sheet music. There is also a visible metronome at the top right of the screen. Contrast for the screen is adjustable.
Pitch-bend Wheel: Smooth and usable.
The reason that I didn't rate it a 10 is because without batteries in the machine, all your user settings are erased when you turn it off. What the heck?!
Ease of Use:
You will definitely want to keep the user manual on hand in order to use all the features but you can begin playing and enjoying your keyboard before you ever read it.
Quality:
The build quality is acceptable but you might not want to be loading this thing into your car every night without a case. It's made entirely of plastic so it can be damaged. For home or studio use, it is fine as long as you don't spill your coffee into it. This thing is definitely no "road warrior" though. An occasional open-mic night would be okay.
Value:
This keyboard is an outstanding value. The tones are worth the price all by themselves but when you factor in the connect-ability of the keyboard as well as its many features, you are getting one hell of a deal for just over $300.00.
Manufacturer Support:
Never had to use customer support.
The Wow Factor:
The features are numerous and the tones are exceptional. The price is right. Who wouldn't want one of these? Also, it's a damn nice-looking keyboard. The only thing that would make it look sexier and sleeker would be reverse-colored keys (like on an old Vox Continental) but that's asking a bit much I suppose!
Overall:
Overall, this thing is a winner.
82 of 87 people
(94.25%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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Sound:
Admittedly I don't have much experience to compare it with others but I was impressed with how it sounds and plays exactly like a piano or different types of organs. I was also surprised at the sound of the headphones. This was an important accessory to me because I don't want to drive my wife crazy with it.They don't look like particularly good quality but I was pleasantly surprised at the sound....couldn't really tell if I was hearing the actual keyboard or the headphones.
Feature:
I like the stand except the keyboard just sits on it with no actual attachment. I guess it's no more likely to fall off either way. It seems plenty stable. Headphones sound surprisingly good but it uses an adapter to fit the keyboard which seems kind of a clumsy way to do it.
Ease of Use:
It would be a bit presumptuous of me to try to rate ease of use as a total beginner. I like the feel of the keys and the sound is rich. There is plenty of room for improvement with the instruction manual. You can readily tell it was written by the Chinese. For instance...they assigned a number to every button and in the instructions they tell you to press 21 or 19 or whatever and you have to go to the page showing the references to see what button it is. It's quite difficult (for me at least)to follow the line of thought; especially for the lesson feature.
Quality:
It seems to be made well. Mine survived the trip from NV to NY in perfect shape shipped in the factory carton.I would like to see the markings more legible especially in low light. Too bad they aren't all back lit. Keeping in mind the price though , no real complaint.
Value:
In my opinion it is worth the price considering the sound and features. I didn't want to pay over a Grand for a keyboard just for caual playing. This more than fills the bill for me.
Manufacturer Support:
So far I have not needed their assistance with the keyboard. They notified me by email confirming my order and supplied a tracking number allowing me to check the progress of the shipping. It did take a week to arrive but with free shipping that's not a complaint. I don't anticipate any problems based on their service so far. Did as promised.
The Wow Factor:
I'm 67 yrs old so sex appeal isn't a big factor with me.It looks fairly professional and a person with ability could get some really impressive sounds out of it, I'm sure.
Overall:
Considering price,features and sound quality I doubt there is anything available that's comparable without spending a real chunk of change.
10 of 11 people
(90.91%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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Overall:
Transaction with ZZounds was smooth. As for the WK500 keyboard, it's not quite as I expected from reading the review of it. The speakers are not as strong as I read, but they are adequate. The features are nice though. Plenty of those. Keys feel a little squeshy though, but guess have to get use to them more. Sounds and rhythms are about like any keyboard of this type, nothing special, but adequate to get the job done. Overall opinion of this keyboard is that it functions well and is average. I was expecting more I guess because of the reviews I read. Bottom line, it gets the job done with some nice features.
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Sound:
none
Feature:
none
Ease of Use:
no problems learning to use it
Quality:
excellent for the money
Manufacturer Support:
questions answered promptly
Overall:
will keep eye on market
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