Product Reviews

Casio PX860 BK Privia Digital Piano Review

April 3, 2018

In this Casio PX860 BK Privia review, we will take you through the features that make this digital piano one of the best models in the PRIVIA line.

The Casio PX-860 is a replacement or an upgrade from PRIVIA’S previous similar discontinued model. This new model has a striking resemblance to the said discontinued model, but does it offer what it says it does? Let us jump right into the review and find out.

“Before you move on, please take a look at some other best digital pianos and how their features compare here: Best Digital Pianos Review”.

CASIO PX860 BK PRIVIA DIGITAL HOME PIANO SPECIFICATIONS

53.43 x 11.77 x 32.80 Inches in size
69.45 Pounds in weight

Keyboard

88 Keys
Scaled Hammer Action II ” Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II “
Simulated ebony and ivory keys
3 sensitivity levels, off
Stabilizer – Yes
Off Velocity – Yes

Sound

Sound source – AiR (Acoustic & intelligent Resonator) ” Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source “
Polyphony (maximum) – 256
18 improved built-in tones
Number of direct tone select buttons – 3

Effects

Layer – Yes
Split – Yes
Duet Mode – yes
Hammer Response – Yes
Damper Resonance – Yes (four levels)
String Resonance – Yes (4 levels)
Sustain Samples – Yes (4 levels)
Lid Simulator – Yes (Preset for piano tones)
Key Off Simulator – Yes (Preset for piano tones)
Hall Simulator – 4 Types
Chorus – 4 Types
Brilliance – -3 ~ 0 ~ +3
DSP – Yes (Preset for some tones)
Key Transpose – 25 steps (-12 semitones ~ 0 ~ +12 semitones)

Songs

Built-in songs – 60
Song expansion (user songs) – 10 songs
Concert Play – Yes, 10 Songs

Functions

Lesson function – Part on/off
Metronome – Yes
Beats per Measure – 0~9
Tempo setting – 20 ~ 255BPM

Recorder

Real Time Recording
2 Tracks, 1 song
Audio Recording/Playback – Yes (44.1 kHz WAV Format / max. 25 min.)
Audio Recorder Volume

Pedals

3 built-in pedals
Half-damper pedal operation – Yes (seamless recognition)

Connectivity

USB port (to Host) – Yes
USB flash drive port – Yes
Phones / Output – 2 (Stereo Standard)
Line Out – Yes
Speakers – Size 4.7″ x 2 + 2.0″ x 2 (12cm x 2 + 5cm x 2)
2 way / 4 speakers – Yes
Amplifiers – 20W x 2

Power

Source – DC 24 V
Power Supply – AC Adapter: AD-E24250LW
Auto Power off – Yes
Consumption – 20 W

Accessories

Score Stand – Yes
Score Book – Score Book of Concert Play Songs
Pedal – Yes (three pedals)
AC Adapter – Yes (AD-E24250LW)

CASIO PX860 BK PRIVIA REVIEW – FEATURES

Casio Privia PX860 is a replacement to an older Casio model, which previously was a best seller and a very popular digital piano. This piano has a striking resemblance to the said older model. Below, let us look if there has been any change in features that come with this new model.

The sound quality

The Casio PX860 boasts of improved sound engine with its perfect sound quality. It comes with Air sound technology where an opening lid provides additional sound projection to give an acoustic piano feel.

This piano’s sound samples are from Casio’s own Privia Stage Piano, the PX-5S. A digital piano renowned for its rich and excellent sounds.

The PX860 also features a special reverb setting called the hall simulation. This feature adds more weight and presence to the piano sound, attempting to imitate a large concert hall play.

There are 18 built-in sounds with layer, split and duet mode functions to bring more variation to your performance. There are other on-board digital effects included such as integrated 2-track recorder, metronome and more to give your performances more character.

Additionally, the Casio PX860 digital piano comes with 256-notes polyphony. This will enable clear and audible performances when playing complex chords.

The keyboard

Casio Privia PX860 comes with 88-key Weighted Grade Hammer Action. This means that the keys have the same size and action as those of an acoustic piano. Here, lower keys have a heavier touch and become lighter as the keys progress.

The keyboard’s Tri-Sensor technology gives a fine response when playing and allows the pianists to feel even the smallest change in responsiveness.

To keep you playing for extended time, the piano’s keys come in exceptional material of ivory and ebony.

Speaker Quality

There are four built-in speakers, which gives you enough volume to project the high-quality sound from the PX860. The speakers also offer clear quality sound and you do not have to make extra investments in this area.

Controls and Connectivity

The controls have been thoughtfully kept to a minimum to allow ease of use while performing on stage. You will find that they have been efficiently simplified to a single dial and a couple of buttons allowing access to the variety of voices and other piano settings.

The PX860 offers the standard connectivity features like USB and headphone jack. The USB support allows you to interface with all kinds of additional software as well as music instruments that are supported by the piano.

Pros

It is compact to fit in small spaces
Comes in superior quality wood build
features hammer weighted key action mechanism
The lid enhances the overall music quality
The model offers USB and headphone connectivity
The keys come with Ivory and Ebony finish for sweat absorption when playing for longer duration
Enhanced sound engine imitating that of grand piano
10 classic pre-programmed songs for “concert play” and “orchestra lesson function”

Cons

The piano is quite heavy
Music stand for holding music cannot be adjusted
The base of the piano is quite shaky.

As we have seen in the review, despite having problems with the baseboard, this piano is an excellent instrument with an overall quality build and a combination of great features and amazing sounds. Indeed this is a piano that piano students and advanced players will find useful. We hope this Casio PX860 BK Privia review has helped you decide on whether this piano is for you or not.

Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section.