Finding a good beginner keyboard is not that hard these days. Every large brand has a variety of models that fit this description. What you as a customer need to pay attention to are the features these keyboards offer.
Let’s be real here for a moment, boards in this range won’t have the best sound quality, nor will they come with some advanced options. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to settle for just about anything. A good entry level keyboard absolutely needs to heave some learning features these days.
One great example of what Casio has to offer in this regard is the Casio LK-43 Keyboard. This model brings everything a beginner might need, and none of the stuff that is simply not important but ramps up the price.
Compared to other Casio models and what the competition has to offer, Casio LK-43 brings a decent balance of performance and features. Today we are going to take a closer look at this board, and talk about what makes it a great choice for new players.
An Overview
Until not so long ago, learning how to play a keyboard required lessons and a lot of reading. These days the things have changed considerably. The keyboards we have available today come packed with all kinds of learning features which can replace the need for attending private lessons, at least in the beginning.
Because of that, modern entry level keyboards are usually ranked with relation to these learning features. Most of them offer similar performance in every other aspect, so their ability to help you learn how to play comes into focus a lot more. As you are about to find out Casio LK 43 has a lot to offer in this regard.
Features
If you have seen one entry level keyboard, you have seem them all. The body comes in that standard gray format which has become a signature sign of entry level boards. There are 61 keys in total while the polyphony is limited to 12 notes.
Casio LK-43 comes with 100 PCM notes and equally as many on board rhythms. On the back you will find a MIDI input/output and a TRS out.
The section above the keys is where you will find two large speakers on either end of the keyboard. There is one LCD display which sits right in the middle of control panel, and it is surrounded by various buttons. All of these features put Casio LK-43 somewhere among the most basic entry level models.
Learning tools that are available on this keyboard come in form of 3-step lesson system, illuminated keys which tell you the exact notes you need to play, and voice fingering guide. When activated, this guide will tell you which notes to play using pre recorded audio samples. Overall, the learning suite is quite extensive.
Performance
Like we have mentioned just shortly, the features Casio LK-43 offers are basic. This is the entry level category of entry level keyboards. As such, it won’t be the best sounding board you will ever hear. On the contrary.
However, the price is very well matched to the performance, making Casio LK-43 a great choice for beginners on a budget. Everything about this keyboard is intuitive and easy to find. Keys feel decent, although not too great.
What we like
Great learning suite is probably the best thing about this keyboard. It can really help you advance your skill to a new level, especially if you have no prior experience with playing keyboards.
What we don’t like
The quality of sound could have been a bit better, even for the entry level model such as this one. Ultimately it won’t matter much to beginner players, but some more experienced ones will definitely notices.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, Casio LK-43 keyboard is a great choice for those who are on a really tight budget. Learning features it offers are among the best on the market, and the quality of sound is more than acceptable.
For the price you are asked to pay, you will rarely find something as good as this Casio. It’s a great first keyboard, especially for kids.