Casio Slays The Competition!

Product: Casio WK-1800	Class: Sound Equipment	Rating: 10
http://www.casio.com	Category: Portable Keyboards

Casio's WK-1800 Slays the Competition
NAMM 2002 - Anaheim Convention Center

by James G.W. Fisher

The Casio WK-1800 is the first 76-key CASIO portable keyboard with Floppy Disk Drive for song storage and play. Word amongst many musicians and dealers at NAMM 2002 is that Yamaha has always been a frontrunner with keyboards but in name only. Casio on the other hand has always been the one to create the new product that simply is copied by the competitors. Casio is setting the pace yet again with the WK-1800.

Casio's New Wk-1800 with Floppy Disk drive to save your midi compilations.

Check out the features in this powerhouse of a portable keyboard..

76 full-size keys
Touch Sensitive with On/Off switch
32-note polyphonic
232 tones
128 General MIDI + 64 preset synth tones + 8 drums sets
Synthesizer function lets you create and store your own sounds
10 Digital Effects (Reverb, Chorus, Tremolo, Organ Sp. etc)
Split & Layer function
130 rhythm patterns (includes new "Piano" patterns)
120 Free Sessions (automatic chord progressions)
CASIO CHORD/Fingered Chord/Full-Range Chord auto-accompaniment systems
Pattern Program - create and store 10 user patterns
Auto-Harmonize
Disk Drive - Internal 3.5" floppy disk drive for SMF playback (quick play capability): data load/save for song and pattern sequencer, registration memory, and synth parameters
Compatabile with Standard MIDI File (SMF) song arrangements (available commercially or over the Internet)
QUICK PLAY function allow instantaneous play of files without loading
Other Features: Backlit LCD Window (156x42mm) displays selections and status of Tone, Thythm, Mixer, Tempo and keyboard functions
On-screen keyboard and music staff icons display notes and chords played, and metromone icon indicates the beat
Mixer function allows control over each MIDI channel and accompaniment part
One-Touch Preset configures keyboard for each individual rhythm with proper tone and tempo
2-song/6-track memory (8000 notes)
Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels
MIDI In/Out jacks; 16-part Multi-Timbral
Transpose and Tuning control
Registration Memory stores 20 performance setups for easy access
Assignable Pedal Jack (Sustain, Soft, Sostenuto, Rhythm Start/Stop)
Bass Reflex audio system with 4 speakers plus 2 ports for added bass response
1/4" stereo lineout/head phone jack; 5W+5W output
Operates on D batteries or AC adapter (included)

The keyboard is very user friendly, yet sophisticated enough for professionals to use and enjoy. With an abundance of Rhythms, Sounds, and effects, there is virtually nothing impossible to accomplish with this keyboard. Competitors will have duplicates of chords and other features, mimicking the WK-1800's vast number of chords, etc., but the Casio WK-1800 is 100% real and useable. No illusions.

The WK-1800 is the first 76-key CASIO portable keyboard with Floppy Disk Drive for song play and storage! It will astound you with it’s Pro Quality Touch Sensitive Keyboard, Backlit LCD, General MIDI, and so much more! Without question, we are proud to recommend the Casio WK-1800 to all dealers and distributors alike. It's a rock hard investment you can depend upon.

For further information, please visit http://www.casio.com.