Casio CDP 130 Review: Is It The Best Digital Piano?

Today, we will talk about a Casio CDP 130 review, an impressive and high-quality digital piano from Casio brand by far!

As an upgrade to the CDP 120, the CDP 130 now provides all the features of the older model. Moreover, it adds new fantastic options, doubles the number of sounds, and even comes at a lower price than its predecessor.

What a great instrument!

If you are going to buy this product, let’s throw a knowing look to this review here to know more!

Here we are!

Your First Gander

The main interface of the CDP 130 includes:

Additionally, the multi-utilize Function catch controls the Transpose, the Metronome Tempo/Beat, the Touch Response, and the implicit DSP.

The top board integrates an opening for placing the music stand and two full Force sound speakers. Meanwhile, the backboard incorporates the sustain jack, the power supply jack, the headphones, and a USB port for MIDI.

What’s In The Box?

When ordering this product, you will receive:

Is The Casio CDP 130 Idea For Practice And Performance?

This instrument is MIDI compatible that can be connected to a computer/laptop via the integrated USB port. Relying on that, you can use with different music software.

A typical jack output permits you to plug your headphones in and then practice privately. Or avail two Full Force Sound Speakers or connect to an external speaker system if you are in the performance.

Five demo songs will offer and inspire fun backing tracks to play along while a conveniently built-in metronome allows rehearsals. And don’t miss a music stand to place the sheet music or tablet to support your rehearsals or recitals. Of course, you easily remove it when not needed.

Thanks to a damper pedal, you also connect it to the keyboard via a standard jack, giving pedal features like playing on a real grand piano.

Watch this video below to get a close look:

What Makes The Casio CDP 130 Special?

Although the CDP 130 is still an entry-level instrument, it does have more advanced features that attract more pro players to enjoy.

As stated above, this instrument is very similar to the CDP 120. However, they are different when it comes to internal features.

Why don’t you take a look at some main points before deciding to buy it?

Authentic Feel

As playing the Casio CDP 130, you will recognize that it feels like you’re playing an authentic acoustic piano.

The 88-key scaled hammer-action keyboard is perfect to start learning the piano on the digital piano. And thanks to a spring-less hammer system, you will notice a firm resistance to the note.

That means the lower notes require more pressure to make a sound. Meanwhile, the higher notes need a little pressure as they are more sensitive. And this is similar to playing the real grand piano.

Touch Sensitivity

This instrument’s keys are velocity/touch sensitive that can react to the intensity of your hits on the keyboard. And there are three sensitivity options.

For instance, if you hit hard, they will play loud. On the contrary, they will play gently if you hit softly.

In case you don’t need any touch sensitivity, it’s okay to turn off all of them. Although the keyboard will be fixed, the keys still deliver the same volume of sound while you play.

Sound

The Casio CDP 130 boasts about the amazing AHL Sound Source engine that smoothly offers 10 unique sounds.

Thanks to these different sounds, you are able to try out a range of tones to suit your mood. Even, you can make things better by layering two sounds instantly like strings and piano for an everlasting expression and creativity.

With 48 notes of polyphony, you can perform sophisticated musical phrases such as arpeggios and scales with ease. It also allows you to play larger chords in the Layer function without dropping the notes.

And the appearance of the sustain pedal also plays an important role to make sound better.

Portability

This digital piano measures at 57.5 which is a standard size for most of the full-sized keyboard. Plus, it’s 8.25 inches in height, another common parameter for standard sized keyboards.

But, when it comes to the depth, this instrument measures at 14.5 inches. And this is naturally not as heavy as regular keyboards.

Indeed, 31.6 pounds makes a perfect weight for a portable keyboard.

Once again, the Casio brand has launched another excellent digital piano that is super convenient for any players.

Overall, if you need something for home use or want something from gig to practice, the Casio CDP 130 will be a great choice. It’s lightweight enough to move by yourself. Importantly, it can be set down anywhere with or without a stand thanks to its compact nature.

Other Things To Consider In The Casio CDP 130 Review

Design And Layout

Depending on your preference, you can select either of two finishes including the CDP 130BK (Black) and the CDP 130SR (Silver). Since this product sells the stand separately, you need to pay an extra price to buy it if you want.

Then continue viewing the interface of the CDP 130, guys!

It is rather intuitive with all the controls that are straightforward. Additionally, these controls come with clear labels so that you can approach them easily and instantly.

When it comes to design, this instrument looks very similar to its predecessor as the CDP 120. Both are made from the same components that offer a sleek yet sturdy look.

Digital Effects

Aside from offering an authentic feel like the acoustic piano, the digital pianos boast about their fantastic digital effects.

The CDP 130 also delivers awesome effects so that you can avail to improve the sounds. For instance,

Interface

Manufacturers from Casio mainly make the entry-level keyboards less complicated because newbies rarely need more sophisticated features.

As outlined above, the main interface of the CDP 130 is simple and straightforward. All the buttons are designed to control with ease.

For example, you want to transpose. Or you need to turn off the touch sensitivity. Or you might alter the intensity of the depth of your chorus.

Just adjust them by hitting the required buttons you want on the interface.

Top And Back Panels

Like the control interface, the top and back panels of this Casio is simple to use.

The top panel offers two powerful speakers and a place for the music stand.

Meanwhile, the back panel is where you catch all the connectivity options including a jack for power supply, headphones, and sustain pedal. It comes with a USB port for MIDI that permits you to record MIDI as well.

Learning Options

As beginners, you soon gain your confidence and improve your piano skills with this instrument.

Thanks to the Metronome Tempo/Beat function, you can enhance your timing and your sense of rhythm. The keys with the adjustable touch sensitivity are ideal for children to learn.

Wonderfully, the Casio Music Academy provides a series of online piano lessons with an affordable price. So, if you want a perfect way to start on the CDP 130, try it now.

Connectivity

The Casio CDP 130 digital piano comes with a USB port for MIDI to connect the instrument with a compatible device easily. It also permits for external recording if you want to share your music or find online music program to edit.

Pros And Cons Of The Casio CDP 130

The Casio CDP 130 And Its Competitors

Casio CDP 130 vs. CDP 120

If you follow our Casio CDP 130 review from the beginning, you know which version to choose, right?

Instead of paying a similar amount of money for the old product, you can opt for the CDP 130. It’s because this instrument doesn’t only offer all the specs from the CDP 120 but also add new features.

Compare With Casio PX 130

If the CDP 130 is an ideal choice for beginners, the PX 130 is a better solution for intermediate and pro players.

It provides

Of course, it offers a higher price than the CDP 130. And in case you want a complete package, please prepare yourself to spend more than you expect.

Casio CDP 130 vs. Yamaha P45

Similar to the CDP 130, the Yamaha P45 has evolved from its predecessor by adding some innovations.

But which one is the best entry-level digital piano?

Thanks to its AWM Stereo Sampling engine, the P45 might deliver more than the Casio CDP 130. It also provides a 64-note polyphony that has soon become a standard in this industry.

In case you consider the quality of the keyboard action, the CDP 130 works better. And with the 88-key scaled hammer-action keyboard, you can get a real feel like playing an authentic piano than the P45.

However, the Casio CDP 130 doesn’t offer any feature such as the Duo (separates the keyboard in two) and the Half-Pedal support (imitate all the mechanical noises of a real piano).

So, if you’re willing to pay more $100 to get these features, the P45 will be the best choice.

For anyone who consider between the CDP 130 and the CDP 100, we made the Casio CDP 100 review for you. Check it out and let us know which model you think better.

Is The Casio CDP 130 Worth Buying?

With all of the features above, the CDP 130 is actually a great digital piano. And even it’s an ideal choice for advanced practitioners since there are multiple functions to experience.

As compared to its predecessor, the CDP 120, this instrument has a significant advancement over the speakers. That’s why its sound quality is indeed enjoyable.

In general, buying the CDP 130 is not a bad idea. With all the capacities and an affordable price, this keyboard is indeed an excellent investment.

Did you learn from our Casio CDP 130 review? What do you think about this product?

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