88Keys

I'm not sure if this is your issue, but I own multiple mio interfaces. They were giving me headaches until I upgraded the firmware on them. The manufacturer of mio has a special software that you need to analyze your mio device and check if it has the latest firmware, and then automatically upgrades it. I can tell you that none of the mio were communicating SYSEX messages properly until I did this.

Well I turned on my trusty WK-3000 yesterday, and all I got was a screen that lit up blue (admittedly the normal color), but no response from the keys, speakers, or even text to read on the display. At first I figured the power supply had gone, so I went out to buy 6 D-batteries. But alas, the result on batteries is the same. Does anyone have any ideas at this point? I was wondering if some key combination on power up might be like a "hard reset" of the synth. Otherwise it looks like I'll have to open her up and look for cold solder joints or blown capacitors around the power board. Anyone with experience working on these boards that could give some insight? Thanks.

Yes Alan, I would argue that all of the latest Casio keyboards with touch screen share the exact same CPU/mainboard and probably most of the chips are exactly the same. Even though one board has more sounds or features than the other, it would be more cost effective for Casio to mass produce a single mainboard for all devices, and turn features on and off by firmware for each unit. It also allows Casio to charge wildly different prices for a very similar product. (Cgp700 vs px560m as an example) On a side note, I've owned some Casio workstations in the past where the value for dollar spent was incredible. I think my WK-3000 was under $300. And it's still such a good sounding board. The MZ-X500 on the other hand is priced basically the same as other low cost workstations. $1100. So the value proposition is a lot harder to swallow this time around.

It was my understanding from reading the manual that the "pattern sequencer" is really just a way to make your own styles. It looks quite limited. It doesn't seem to be a true pattern sequencer where you string together your patterns in any order you like similar to the way ableton live arrange view might work. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The px560m has a similar style creator.

You might consider this is an odd comparison to make. But other than the obvious physical differences, are there software differences between these two keyboards? Both seem to have have the exact same software operating system: with sounds and rhythms, MIDI recorder, pattern/style sequencer, hex editor, music presets, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if the sounds/patches and sequencer files were even compatible between the two. Price is very close as well. That was kind of surprising to me.

What's the difference between "preset rhythms" and "music presets"?

Well there are plenty of options with no screen for those that don't want it. The PX-780 has all the sounds and features (including screen) of the px-350, yet still looks like a professional piano. So I guess I'm just asking if the same treatment will be given to the PX-360. I sure hope so. Maybe Mike Martin will read this and consider it a request.

I'm absolutely torn between the beautiful style (upright piano look) of the PX-780 piano, and the awesome touch screen (ease of use) of the latest models like CGP-700, PX-360, etc. Do you think Casio will be putting the touch screen on future models that actually look more like an upright piano? i.e Like on the "next version" of the PX-780?