Next up in our series covering commonly asked questions regarding specific digital piano models, we present to you: the Casio PX-S1100 FAQ – examining features, performance and overall value.
The Privia PX-S1100 is a fairly recent release from Casio. A highly portable, 88-key weighted action digital piano that serves as the follow-up to the innovative and very successful PX-S1000, we’ve been getting bombarded with questions about the S1100 since it hit store shelves.
For a deeper dive into the PX-S1100 check out the full digital piano review on our YouTube channel, but for those interested in the most common questions about the S1100 according to Google, you’ll find all of the questions and answers right here.
Casio PX-S1100 FAQ – 11 Most Commonly Asked Questions
FAQ #1: Does the Casio PX-S1100 Have Weighted Keys?
It’s not a shock to see this question at number one as it happens to be number one for many digital piano models.
The PX-S1100BK does most certainly have weighted keys with Casio’s Smart Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard being the action used here. This is a dual-sensor action with textured white and black keys that are paired very nicely with the S1100’s AiR sound engine.
Due to the S1100’s extremely slim cabinet, this key action is purposely more compact than most others, but the keys themselves are still weighted nonetheless.
FAQ #2: Does the Casio PX-S1100 Have a Music Stand?
The answer here is another simple ‘Yes’. Casio includes a highly usable music stand with the PX-S1100 in the box at no extra charge.
FAQ #3: Does the Casio PX-S1100 Have MIDI?
The PX-S1100 is most certainly outfitted with MIDI connectivity, and there are actually two different ways you can go about connecting to external devices via MIDI.
For a wired connection to a computer or Smart device, the S1100 is outfitted with a USB MIDI port, which also means you can use it as a controller.
The S1100 also comes with a free Bluetooth adapter in the box which gives the S1100 wireless MIDI Bluetooth connectivity, and even Bluetooth Audio. Casio’s Chordana app is excellent, so we’d definitely recommend checking that out.
FAQ #4: Can you Record on the Casio PX-S1100?
The PX-S1100 has fairly limited onboard recording functionality, but there is an audio recorder nonetheless. While the onboard recorder can be helpful for isolating left-hand parts or critiquing your own playing with playback, you’ll get a lot more mileage connecting to a computer or mobile device for recording.
Like the Yamaha P125, Roland FP-30X and Kawai ES110, the S1100 has 1/4” line outs (L/R, MONO) so you can capture audio into a USB audio interface or stream MIDI into a computer running a sound source like a VST plugin.
FAQ #5: Does the Casio PX-S1100 Have Bluetooth?
As indicated by some of the answers to previous questions, the PX-S1100 has both Bluetooth MIDI and Audio functionality courtesy of the free adapter Casio includes in the box. Simply plug the adapter into the back output of your S1100, and you’re good to go.
The PX-S1000 has Bluetooth Audio, but oddly, no MIDI, so it’s nice that Casio has added Bluetooth MIDI here.
FAQ #6: What is the Newest Casio Privia Model?
At the time our companion video was filmed, the newest Casio Privia models were the PX-S1100 and the PX-S3100, which replaced the PX-S1000 and PX-S3000.
That said, Casio recently announced a huge expansion of the Privia PX-S line by expanding it to include the new PX-S5000, PX-S6000 and PX-S7000 full-on stage pianos, making these the newest Privia models.
FAQ #7: Can you use the Casio PX-S1100 as a MIDI controller?
The PX-S1100 has a USB MIDI jack which means it can definitely be used as a MIDI controller. This is the case with most Casio digital pianos, including even the super affordable CDP-S350 portable digital piano.
FAQ #8: How do you connect your Bluetooth Headphones to a PX-S1100?
We’re sorry to be the bearers of bad news, but no digital piano is currently compatible with any Bluetooth headphones at this point in time. Unfortunately, there are lag issues with Bluetooth audio at this point in time that derail the playing experience and thus nullify the compatibility between Bluetooth headphones and digital pianos.
There are engineers out there working on this problem right now, so hopefully, this issue will be resolved in the not-too-distant future and any digital piano outfitted with Bluetooth Audio will be compatible with Bluetooth headphones.
FAQ #9: What is the Chordana App?
The Chordana Play app is a free app from Casio for iOS and Android that happens to be one of the most functional of all piano apps currently out there from any manufacturer.
This app essentially allows you to control the PX-S1100 remotely from a smart device with a super intuitive user interface.
You can set up and save various presets for quick recall later, and control all of the features of the S1100 including the piano sounds like acoustic pianos and electric pianos, effects like reverbs and hall simulators, the metronome and built-in songs.
FAQ #10: Where are Casio Pianos Made?
Casio digital pianos are manufactured in China, as are many digital pianos these days such as most Korg products and some Yamaha’s. The design occurs in Japan, but the manufacturing process itself takes place entirely in China.
FAQ #11: Which Casio Digital Piano is Best for Beginners?
Casio has a ton of options available beyond strictly 88-key weighted action digital pianos, including smaller keyboards that can even be had for under $100.
If piano lessons are the focus, or the aim is to one day own an upright or grand piano, we always recommend starting with an 88-key fully weighted option. This will create the proper foundation for advancing in your piano studies.
The PX-S1100 is a great option for this purpose due to its great sound and solid action. It also has a very strong 192 notes of polyphony, a powerful speaker system (16-watt amplifier), and can operate via battery power (6x AA batteries instead of a cabled power supply.)
The basic sustain pedal that comes with it should be upgraded by intermediate players to Casio’s SP-20 damper pedal, but there’s also the option to upgrade to the SP-34 3-pedal unit as well.
Now, if you’re buying for a really young beginner or simply looking to introduce someone to music for the first time without making a huge investment, a smaller Casio keyboard, such as one from the CT series, will be just fine.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks very much for checking out our Casio PX-S1100 FAQ – be sure to out our YouTube channel for more high-quality content!
