General
With regards to sound, functionality and playing comfort, the Casio Celviano AP-260BN and the Privia PX-760BN are virtually identical. However, the AP-260 features a housing that is considerably less slim, which makes it look more like an acoustic piano. This digital piano's sound is of indisputable quality, as its Acoustic & intelligent Resonator (AiR) sound generator has been designed to imitate the tonal characteristics of a grand piano in minute detail. A Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II - which realistically reproduces the response of a hammer mechanism and consists of keys that feel like genuine ebony and ivory - completes the piano experience. A full set of three pedals and a stand are included with this Casio digital piano.
AP-260BN: Music Library and recordings
One particularly inspiring feature of the dark brown AP-260BN is the aptly named Concert Play, which offers ten piano pieces, complete with sheet music and orchestral accompaniment. Additionally, the piano's built-in Music Library offers another sixty piano compositions with sheet music that allow you to practise by switching the left or right-hand part off. You can even use the AP-260's built-in recorder to evaluate your own performance, or to transmit its MIDI information to your computer via the piano's USB port. Of course, this Casio won't limit you to merely playing the piano - if you're looking for a different sound, you can simply select one of the other instruments, such as electric piano or organ.
Sound and playing experience
To precisely register the force of your key strokes, the PX-260BN is equipped with a tri-sensor mechanism. Quick repeats are accurately reproduced, and this Casio is even capable of simulating the tiny differences in timing that occur due to different playing styles and keys. The lower keys feel much heavier than the higher ones, just like those of a real grand piano. To make the sound really authentic, factors like attack, sustain and decay have been taken into account, and you can clearly hear the difference in timbre between softly played passages and more vehement parts. Damper Resonance, finally, convincingly mimics the rich resonance you hear when you press down a sustain pedal.
