At a glance, you can easily fall in love with the Casio Privia PX-160BK digital piano. It is an affordable and portable digital piano that comes with top of the line features. The keyboard is a successor to the popular PX-150, and it still bears some of its predecessor’s attributes.
So, the PX-160 also utilizes Casio’s famous AiR Sound Source and its remarkable Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard.
Furthermore, the company added several enhancements in the sounds and features of this digital piano. Therefore, the PX-160 comes with world-class features and styles at an astonishing price. So, is the PX-160 worth your money?
To find out, let’s explore this musical instrument in our in-depth review.
Features of the Casio Privia PX-160BK Digital Piano
Here, we’ll discuss the piano’s specs, sound, keyboard, design, and connectivity features.
Specifications
- 88 weighted keys with Scaled Hammer Action keyboard, and three sensitivity levels.
- The sound features Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR Sound Source with Stereo Sampled Piano tones.
- Maximum of 128-Polyphony notes.
- 18 Built-in tones including Grand Piano ( Modern, Concert, Classic, Bright, Mellow), Electric Piano 1, Electric Piano 2, FM Electric Piano, 60’s Electric Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, Vibraphone, Strings 1 and 2, Jazz, Pipe Organ, Jazz Organ, Electric Organ 1 and 2, and Lower Bass.
- Simulators include Hammer Response, Damper Resonance, and Damper Noise.
- Digital Effects- Reverb/Hall Simulator of four (4) types, Chorus- 4 Brilliance – -3 ~ 0 ~ +3DPS is available for certain tones.
- Accompaniment of 60 Preset Songs with a ten-song expansion capability.
- MIDI Recorder allows 2 Tracks/ 1 song.
- Approximately 5,000 notes of MIDI Data Capacity.
- Transpose, Fine-Tuning, Metronome, and Octave Shift.
- 17 types of Temperament.
- Speakers: 4.7†x 2, Amplifiers: 8 W + 8 W
- Dimensions measure: 52″ x 11.5″ x 5.6″ without the music stand.
- Weight: 25.5 lbs without the music stand and 46.5 lbs with the optional keyboard stand
- USB to Host connectivity, 2 Headphone jacks, Line Out, Sustain Pedal Jack.
- Accessories: Pedal (SP-3), AC Adaptor (AD-A12150), and a Music Stand.
ALSO READ: Casio PX-780 In-Depth Review
Casio Privia PX-160BK Digital Piano Design
The Casio Privia PX-160BK is a lightweight and compact digital piano that only weighs 25.5 lbs. In measurements, this piano’s dimensions are 52″ x 11.5″ x 5.6″, respectively. It has a standard design, especially since it’s a full-size digital piano.
The piano can, therefore, fit in any reasonable space that you have. All thanks to its Depth, which makes the PX-160 one of the slimmest full-size digital pianos. If you are an on-the-go musician with plenty of gigs to perform, then the piano’s portable nature allows you to carry it with you easily.
However, you should know that the Casio Privia PX-160BK doesn’t come with a stand. Although the piano is made entirely of plastic, it has a fantastic build quality.
The only issue is that you have to be extra careful in transportation because the plastic might not hold up very well. On the piano’s finishing, it comes in 3 different colors: the traditional Black and White, and Champagne Gold.
When it comes to the control panel, you get dedicated buttons for the main functions and settings of the piano. As for the other functions and sound settings, you’ll have to use the Casio Privia PX-160BK digital piano manual.
There, you can learn and memorize key combinations for a better understanding of the settings. One advantage is that you have labels above the keys to help you simplify this process.
Keyboard
The Casio Privia PX-160-BK is an 88-key fully-weighted digital piano, which means that all the keys have a standard size in measurements. The keyboard also features the Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II that ensures you get an authentic response of the keys.
Due to this, the piano has a dynamic range from the softest fortissimo to the loudest pianissimo available. Furthermore, this piano’s keyboard utilizes actual hammers to simulate the response of the hammer, striking the springs when you play a key.
Therefore, the Casio Privia PX-160BK 88-key full-size digital piano feels as realistic as an acoustic piano. Just like the piano’s body, the keys are made of plastic, but their finishing comprises a material that simulates the Ebony and Ivory feel.
With such finishing, you won’t have to worry about slipping your fingers when they are moist. Since it has a velocity-sensitive keyboard, the piano’s triple-sensor system detects the velocity of how you press the keys. Hence, it changes the timbre and volume accordingly.
You can as well change the level of sensitivity on the Casio Privia PX-160BK thanks to the three levels of sensitivity onboard. But, if you prefer a uniform volume regardless of how soft or hard you press the keys, you can turn off the touch-sensitivity.
Under $1000, the Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II stands out as one of the best keyboard actions on the market. The action beats the likes of Yamaha’s GHS action that only uses 2-sensor technology, and lacks the “Ivory and Ebony†feel keys.
Sound Quality
As mentioned earlier, the Casio Privia PX-160BK uses the company’s proprietary sound source, the AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator). The sound source is responsible for the five (5) grand piano sounds in the PX-160. For this to be possible, Casio meticulously recorded the sound of a 9-foot concert grand at four dynamic levels.
Therefore, the AiR engine delivers seamless dynamics for a remarkably expressive and powerful performance. When you use the Damper Pedal, the Damper Resonance is simulated by the AiR for uncanny authenticity.
As advancement from its predecessor, the PX-160’s chassis doesn’t only have a more elegant look but also accommodates a new 8W x 8W speaker system. What we love about this new design is that the speakers are open to the front but ported to the back of the piano.
So, when you place the PX-160 against a wall, it gives you remarkable sounds. The keyboard also features newly created string ensemble sounds. You can layer these sounds with the PX-160’s grand pianos, but they even sound the same by themselves.
Casio updated the electric pianos on the PX-160 with sounds derived from the brand’s award-winning PX-5S stage piano.
Additionally, the PX-160 has Split and Layer capability, which allows you to play bass in your left hand and layer two different tones on your right side. The piano also comes with a Duet Mode that splits the keyboard into two parallel octaves, so a student and the instructor can use the PX-160 simultaneously.
Finally, you get a two-track recorder that you can use to record and playback your performances and practice.
Connectivity
For quiet practice or listening, the PX-160 comes with two (2) headphone jacks, which you can find on the front panel of the instrument. In case you want to perform with external amplifiers or speakers, the piano has ¼” left and right Line Outputs on the rear panel.
As a tradition of Casio’s digital keyboard, the Casio Privia PX-160 also provides “class compliant” USB connectivity that allows the piano to connect to Windows or Mac computers. Furthermore, the piano also features Class Compliant USB MIDI, which allows Apple iPad to use the PX-160 as a controller.
Since the PX-160 comes with a supplied SP-3 pedal, it has a Sustain Pedal jack that can be used to plug it in or any other sustain pedal that has ¼†plug. Additionally, if you wish to connect the PX-160 with a 3-pedal unit (Casio SP-33), then there is a pedal connector on the bottom of the piano.
Extra Features of the Casio Privia PX-160BK Digital Piano
Some of the additional features on this digital piano include a Metronome that you can use to practice a steady tempo, as well as timing. Also, this piano allows you to adjust the metronome’s volume, and the beats per measure to suit your preferences.
The piano also has an Auto Power-Off function that turns the PX-160 off, after 4 hours of no operation. It is a fantastic addition that prevents unnecessary power consumption.
Another useful feature that the Casio Privia PX-160BK has is the Operation Lock, which protects against unintentional button operation. The feature acts well, especially when performing on stage, it prevents embarrassing mistakes.
Benefits of Owning the Casio Privia PX-160BK
Affordability is one of the highlighting factors about the PX-160 digital piano. It is one of the best instruments that one can ask for, especially in a shoestring budget. The design of this digital piano is also something to admire a lot.
It has a simple finish and an elegant design that can complement the décor in your house or studio. The best part is its portable and lightweight nature, which makes it easy to transport for on-the-road musicians.
When it comes to the piano’s keyboard, you are getting world-class features as well. You get to enjoy an acoustic feel with the Casio Privia PX-160BK 88-key full-size digital piano. The 88-keys come with a Tri-Sensor Hammer Action keyboard that takes you close to an acoustic feel.
It is, according to us, the best keyboard action we’ve reviewed under $1000. When your fingers get moist, the keys have an Ebony and Ivory finish to prevent them from slipping. Therefore, you can play for long hours without any distractions.
If you are a beginner also, this piano comes with 60 Preset songs that you can use to grow your passion for the instrument. Additionally, the keyboard features the keyboard Split mode that allows a teacher and the student to play simultaneously together.
The sound is, without a doubt, this piano’s greatest achievement. It features some of the sounds available in its predecessor, the PX-150, but comes with new additions and more advancement. There are plenty of new sound effects, which allow you to be more creative with your playability.
Sounds here are sampled from Casio’s famous 9 foot grand piano, thanks to the AiR Sound Source. This means that you are only getting nothing but the best when it comes to the PX -160’s sound capabilities.
Finally, you get multiple connectivity functions that allow you to utilize the PX-160 as a controller and explore the many features it has. Also, the piano comes with a Pedal (SP-3), an AC Adaptor, and a CS-67 keyboard stand.
Reasons You Should Buy the Casio Privia PX-160BK
Affordable- the PX- 160 is one very affordable instrument, and it offers features that are rare in instruments of the same price range.
Standard design- although it may appear cheap, Casio made sure that this piano can compete in looks with other high-end instruments on the market. It looks simple, but the PX-160 has a standard design just like any other piano.
Fantastic keyboard action- according to us, the Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard featured here is the best among pianos in the same price bracket. Add to it three levels of sensitivity and fully graded 88-keys, and you’ll understand why this piano is selling fast.
Sound- of course, this is the piano selling point. If you want a piano that won’t disappoint at any level when it comes to sound, then the PX-160 is your pick. Samples here come from Casio’s renowned 9-foot concert grand piano. If you think that’s all, the generation is even better with powerfully built speaker systems.
Who is the Casio Privia PX-160BK For?
Honestly speaking, the PX-160BK satisfies the needs of serious beginners. Now, we are not dismissing it for pros or intermediate players at all. It has high-end features that any professional would find intuitive and very useful.
Therefore, pro pianists can use it during practice sessions or travel with it for gigs. However, we strongly feel that Casio tailored the PX-160 to suit more of the beginners’ needs.
Buyers Guide
Before buying a digital piano, analyze its value first. And since we know it can be quite tiresome, we’ve done that for you. Whether you are a beginner or not, it’s always good to buy a piano that has close attributes to an acoustic.
The sensitivity of the keys matters a lot, and you’ve seen that the PX-160BK is already aware of that. It has a fantastic touch-sensitivity of three different levels, which is enough proof that it’s an excellent keyboard.
The piano’s sound is also fundamental, and Casio seems to understand this very well. Without the high quality of sounds, even pianos with the most advanced keyboard actions fail to perform as expected. But not to worry, as you have seen, Casio did a splendid job on the PX-160’s sound capabilities.
How to Clean the Casio Privia PX-160BK
Here are some the steps you should follow to keep the PX-160 always sparkling:
- Prepare a solution for cleaning- Add some warm water to a small container with 1-2 drops of any light dish/cloth washing liquid.
- Take a damp soft, and lint-free cloth then dip it slightly in the solution you prepared.
- Wipe the keys gently with the soft fabric – this will remove any clouds of dust or fingerprints on top of the keys. Use another soft dry fabric to wipe any moisture left on the PX-160.
- Take another soft damp fabric and dip it slightly in the solution; this will be for cleaning the black keys. Use the same steps as those of the white keys.
Pros
- Multiple connectivity options
- Affordable
- Compact lightweight design
- High-Quality keyboard
- High-Quality sound engine
Cons
- Lacks accessories
- Keys are a little bit squeaky
Conclusion
Just like any other piano on the market, the PX-160 has its fair share of flaws. But generally, its advantages outweigh the minor flaws of this digital piano. So, is the Casio Privia PX-160BK for you? Well, we’ve shown you all the reasons to believe so.
In conclusion, make sure you understand what you need in a digital piano and how much you can afford to pay. When you know where you stand in both your preferences and finances, then it gets easy to find a digital piano of your choice.
