Good morning chaps,

Casio Japan has recently announced two updated Privia models, the PX-135 and PX-735:

http://casio.jp/emi/products/privia/px135/
http://casio.jp/emi/products/privia/px735/

My initial impression is that these updated models represent an evolution of the existing range, with improved (i.e. more stable) keyboard actions and build quality.

The PX-135/PX-735 will launch in Japan from August - I expect the PX-335/PX-835 will follow later in the year.

Cheers,
James
x

Any other information? I've done a Google search and all I find is in Japanese.

Is this only a change on the keyboard?

What about the sound?

Straight from Google translate:

Key Features
Sound and expressive power in pursuit of a beautiful grand piano sound
Representation that allows smooth, natural dynamics, "Linear Morphing sound AIF"
Grand piano is the instrument of change is very rich in sound intensity. Stronger and harder you play the sound brighter, softer sound softly softly you play, allowing a unique grand piano playing and expressive sound of a change in this intensity.

Casio digital piano, a full concert grand piano from the original manufacturer's world-renowned, multi-sampled sounds of the best strength. In order to change continuously without seams that sound, computer graphics technology "morphing" as applied to sound the "linear morphing sound AIF" has been developed. In addition, the innovative combination of filters to control the circuit and changes in tone, delicate pianissimo (Pianisshisshimo), the strong powerful (Folder Tisshi Shimo Tsu) to achieve a step change in the tone-free. Digital piano in the past was difficult, can be expressive representation close to playing a grand piano.

Rich built-in piano
"Modern" is a bright tone with ornate grand piano. "Classic" is a feature of the natural-sounding piano. Plump and warm in the "mellow", a bright and clear, "bright", easy to hear sound even smaller, suitable for practicing at home, such as "variations" and the acoustic piano sound rich built-in. Depending on the genre, the music, so choose the best types of sounds, it is possible to express nuances of the song is also brilliant.

More realistic-sounding speakers
The wide design of the speaker has realized the extent and dynamic sound of the unique beauty of a grand piano.

Pursue the comfort of a grand piano playing
Excellent roll "sensor Scaled Hammer Action 3 keyboard"
The combined action of a grand piano keyboard
with the three sensors

Like the spring without any grand piano equipped with only the weight of the hammer action mechanism, both the sense of touch and smooth playing solid answer. In addition, a total of three sensors placed on the side of the keyboard with hammer action grand piano according to the "Keyboard Scaled Hammer Action 3 sensor" chip. The same note roll unleash their outstanding performances. The sensor system, since continuous sound can be returned without turning off the keyboard, playing piano in a sense very close to the ground.

Of course, much heavier bass to reproduce well the characteristics of a grand piano lighter than the treble.

Stylish and compact design, color choice of two colors
Scene corresponding to a wide range of lightweight, compact

You can play freely in such a favorite place on the table is a compact model is convenient to move and store. The sophisticated design worthy of Purivia unique, stylish color scheme. Two-tone colors to choose from cool white pearl and black tone.
Pedal unit support stand / 3 for a full-fledged music (optional)

Stand: CS-67PWE (PX-135WE) / CS-67PBK (PX-135BK)
Pedal Unit 3: SP-32
※ The photo shows optional stand CS-67PBK, three-pedal unit when using the SP 32.

And enhanced features to help piano lessons
Set the same frequencies in the middle of the keyboard from the left and right, two people including parents and teachers and students, useful when practicing the piano, "Duet"

You can also change the tempo and time signature, metronome piano lessons to help
You can record / playback your playing, composing and recording capabilities can be utilized, such as checking the outcomes of the lesson
Lock button operation and prevent incorrect settings change "Panel Lock"
Additional color features piano music
Immediately beginner's fun to hear you play 60 songs, "Music Library" Internal (with music book ※ )
※ copyright reasons, may not be posted some songs in the score.
Off the melody of the song right or left internal parts, part features on / off you can play your own lessons
Features two layers can mix sounds, split function is divided by the tone in the bass and treble, compatible with a variety of playing styles
Essential piano, × 1 pin for use pedal pedal (damper) / pedal (SP-3) supplied with × 1
Digital sound effect that the spread and depth (Reverb, Chorus, Brilliance, DSP)
With such a convenient headphone jack for playing at night
(as played by two people listen to, comes with two headphone jack.)

All your base are belong to us!

Sounds like some very welcome improvements to the components, but it's not really clear if they improved the sounds or not. I suspect not, given that the "5" designation sounds like an incremental improvement to the existing package rather than new internal sounds. But, of course, that's just speculation.

James, is there any clue in these promos that makes you think the keys and build are any better than what Casio currently offers? I haven't looked terribly closely, but I can't find anything new and exciting here.

dewster, yes the keyboard has definitely been improved.

Of course, I've yet to try it for myself, however judging from the scanned print-outs that I have here, action quality was one of the principal upgrades.

The number of instrument sounds and piano variations has also been increased, along with a handful of other improvements.

In my opinion, this refresh should address any criticisms regarding keyboard stability, and will therefore make the entry-level PX-135 an even closer competitor against the Yamaha P95 and Korg SP-170.

Cheers,
James
x

Hi James,

Your first link (above) looks to be okay, however:

I need to point out two things about the 2nd link, here.

1) Shouldn't it be "px735" instead of "px175"(?)
2) Your link shows no picture of any kind.*

*As I see Japanese text, nothing else.

Hope that this helps...

pv88

Just follow the first link - on the left of the page is a button to take you to the 735 (with pictures).

@voxpops,

Yes, you are right about the first link, but what about the 2nd one?
(It does not show any pictures at all, just has Japanese text.)

And, the number was incorrect, should have been "px735."
(Not "px175." As for the number in the link, itself.)

Thought that James could make the corrections.

pv88

pv88, thank you for noticing this error - the '175' link should indeed read '735' (as per the subject and body text).

I'll edit my initial post now.

By the way, text on the '175' url simply explains that the page cannot be found.

Cheers,
James
x

[Edited]

For perfection, you need to omit the "and" before "etc." as it is redundant. The "et" from et cetera means "and".

[Edited]

Only kidding with you, pv88. I'm always making mistakes. Perfection, for me, is an ever-receding dream - particularly when it comes to music!!!

My wife's first language... Seems they have used linear morphing or interpolation plus a variable filter to remove the jumps between sample levels so the timbre changes continously with key velocity. I think this feature is new The rest of the page seems to talk about things that Casio already does

Wetter this actually sounds good, we will have to wait and see.

ChrisA, I believe the 'linear morphing' technology was also present on the previous PX-x30 series.

It's interesting to read that your wife is Japanese - perhaps she can also assist with proof-checking your English?

James
x

Yes, the PX-330 and PX-3 (and PX-130 I assume) have fully blended layers.

Yes... it is frustrating that, in some important respects, the current models sound inferior to the older ZPI based Casio models. I do like some of the new sounds, some of the strings and organs for example are quite nice on the PX3, so the AIF chip is capable of some nice stuff, but the EPs and honky tonk pianos are still way better on the older generation. The old electric piano patches felt like you were playing instruments, and somehow, the new ones feel "fake." Even the acoustic piano, while in some ways less "authentic," simply seemed to play more "musically" to me on the old models. And the 32-note polyphony never bothered me!

I agree with all that. The only issue I had with my old PX-310 was slight latency when playing full chords in rapid succession. Other than that, I would still be happy playing it today, particularly for the EPs.

Since there is the new model out there (px135), does anyone have a chance to play it along with the Yamaha p95 and confirm that whether it could get anywhere better with this upgrade in term of touch and tone? Or the Yamaha is still more preferable?

Cheer,
Ed.

This new model hasn't surfaced elsewhere yet with no immediate plans to release in the US (not sure where you are located). In our experience selling them side by side, I find people more evenly divided between the PX-130 and P95 than here on the forum.

Thanks Sam, I am writing this from Melbourne. As you mentioned, couldn't find any store in Mel selling this model but Sydney. Also, there is ebay store here selling this. So just curious about the model as my wish of purchasing one of either. Having heard that new model px 135 has nothing different but two additional sounds added.

So just asked. Anyway, thanks again for clarification.

Ed.

I went for purchasing Casio PX-130 a few days ago and got the updated model (PX-135). I did a lot of research on PX-130 before purchasing. To me there is no significant changes made, at least in the action of the keys and the sound. It may be more stable than the previous one. Although the key-action is excellent, I'm not quite satisfied with the grand piano sound (I mainly interested in grand piano, not the E.Piano or other tones; they may be even worse) with its built-in speaker. But it sounds OK with headphones. I mainly use it as a midi controller with some good VST.

Not surprised to hear you don't like the sound through the on board speakers. Since this model came out, the speakers are one of the weak links. But then again, most slab pianos share this weakness in the speakers. The older Privias had better sound and also better speakers but they were bigger and heavier.

Which earlier model sounded best via headphones? The PX-320 with AIF synthesis? The PX-310 with ZIF synthesis?

Personally, I'd pick the 310 for greater musicality/playability, despite some aspects of the sound which may be more authentic on the newer PX330/PX3. And the 310 is only about 1.5 lbs more than a PX-330.

Hey, little boy, ya' want a DPBSD file of the PX-310?

I have a feeling it won't test impressively, but it plays nicely...

OK, but my mommy said I should be careful around musicians.

FWIW, I own both a Casio Privia PX-130 and a Casio Privia PX-135.

The PX-130 is an awesome digital piano; but, the PX-135 is definitely the better piano.

The PX-135 has...
better key action,
better key weight,
better soft-playing response,
better grand piano sounds (improved Modern and new Mellow),
...and that has been my experience with them.

Again, the PX-130 is very good in these areas already; but, there is a very noticeable difference (and improvement) in the PX-135.

(BTW, the PX-150 is even better still; but, I only played and do not yet own one of those.)

I have played a lot of digital pianos and still I like the Casio Privia line for the combination of value-for-the-price, key action, and portability-- just a really good deal all-around.

(Also, what is really cool in the Privia line, though a big jump in cost, is the Casio PX-5s... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZzGzDzhE8E ...which is more-or-less a full-blown synth PLUS and awesome piano, it seems.)

HTH.

Thanks.

-- Mark Kamoski