General
The black Casio AP-460BK is one of the most comprehensive digital pianos from Casio's Celviano series. It's quite similar to the Privia PX-860BK, but has a larger cabinet. As such, you'd easily mistake it for an acoustic piano - a look that matches its natural sound and comfortable keyboard. The latter - an accurate Tri-sensor sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard II - consists of keys that feel like genuine ebony and ivory and have the same hammer-like response as a grand piano. Meanwhile, an Acoustic and intelligent Resonator (AiR) sound source ensures realistic sound, aided by features like String Resonance, Damper Resonance, Key Off Resonance, a Lid Simulator and a Hall Simulator. For a complete piano experience, the AP-460BK comes with a stand and three pedals.
AP-460BK: recording, practising and other instruments
Would you like to play back your own performance for evaluation? The AP-460BK is equipped with a built-in audio recorder that lets you do just that. Connect a USB stick and you're able to make up to 99 recordings in WAV format. It's even possible to have the piano play back WAV files. This digital piano features a Music Library that offers 60 compositions (including sheet music). To allow for easy practice sessions, you can switch the left or right-hand part off. As a bonus, there are also ten piano pieces that come with complete orchestral backing. With regards to sound, the AP-460BK offers a choice of 18 different tones and instruments - including several classic grands, jazzy organs, funky electric pianos and a pipe organ - so there's plenty to explore.
Sound and playing experience
To precisely register the force of your key strokes, the AP-460BK 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. 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 effectively simulates the rich resonance that's audible when you press down a sustain pedal, while the equally impressive String Resonance reproduces the sound of strings resonating along with a lower note. Finally, it's possible to influence the overall timbre of the Celviano AP-460BK by opening the lid that covers the speakers.
