Casio is one company that's dedicated to bringing the piano experience and education to the mass market. From the lighted keys of their educational arranger keyboards up to their attempts to bring accurate grand piano realism to their line of Privia and Celviano digital pianos, Casio is striving to bring excellent quality whilst keeping prices at bay. As an example of a continued thrust towards digital piano excellence, the Casio Privia PX-730, PX-330, and PX-130 have been released bearing new technologies.

The Privia PX-730, PX-330, and PX-130 are the latest pianos to have emerged out of the Casio Privia line. What would make these pianos so distinct are two new technological breakthroughs from Casio. For one thing, Casio has had the reputation of creating exclusive synthesis methods for their instruments (Does anyone remember phase distortion synthesis here?); for these new digital piano models, Casio has developed the Linear Morphing AIF Sound Source. What Linear Morphing AIF Sound Source does is allow for graded changes in velocity and tone of the piano sound. In the past, multisamples derived from recorded piano sounds (weak, moderate, strong) had to be put through filters to simulate the gradated change of timbral quality in response to key velocity. While somewhat doing a good simulation, there are still instances of abrupt changes in timbre which does not necessarily correspond to the dynamics of an actual acoustic grand piano. The Linear Morphing AIF Sound Source puts filter processing out of the equation by using an original algorithm that allows individual sound creation across the note spectrum, the result of which is a fully natural sound as well as reproduction of the smooth timbral changes with varying levels of key velocity, just like a real grand piano. This makes it possible for these new Privia pianos to tackle gradual timbre-change technique for the acoustic piano ranging from Debussy's drowned-out tones in La Cathedral Engloutieto the hammering ferocity of Franz Liszt's Dante: Fantasia quasi Sonata

The second featured technology is their new Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard. Three sensors detect all movement in the keys to allow replication of a grand piano's action as well as response. Just as if it had hammers, these new Privias can detect subtle changes in pressure/velocity so much so that it's possible that when a key is not fully released and then pressed again, the same note continues to be played without breaking. The keys are not fitted with springs but instead have their own hammer weights. As with all graded keyboard action digital pianos, the keys at higher octaves are lighter while those going towards the bass become heavier and heavier.

FEATURES (All Three Pianos):

• New Linear Morphing AIF Sound Source technology enables natural reproduction of rich, grand piano tones from pianissimo to fortissimo
• Tri-sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard uses three sensors to detect fine keystroke movement, so the same note can be played again without fully releasing the key
• Compact, lightweight body with a narrow profile matches décor of almost any room in the home
• Sophisticated design boasts red felt behind the keyboard, just like an acoustic piano
• New speaker arranged so the sound emanates from the piano body, just like a grand piano
• Acoustic Resonance System reproduces the resonant effect of a grand piano damper pedal
• Duet mode allows two people to play within the same range on the left and right sides of the keyboard

The Privia PX-730 is ideal for the home, recording, or that concert performance where an acoustic piano is unavailable. If you need a digital piano that can deliver performance that's closest to acoustic authenticity, then this piano is for you. The PX-730's price and availability is still TBA and specs are as follows:

• Integrated stand and metal 3-pedal unit optimal for piano playability
• Slide-type keyboard cover protects keys from dust and maintains a stylish look when open
• Available in chic black wood or casual dark cherry finishes, to match almost any room in the home
• 60-tune Music Library for listening enjoyment or lessons
• Half pedal operation for a light damper effect when the damper pedal is pressed part way

If versatility is what you want then the Privia PX-330 will suit you well either at home, the studio or the stage. It has a price of 799.99 USD and will be available around late August. It sports the following features listed below:

• Compact, lightweight body, convenient to carry to performances and studios
• Features 250 tones, including GM tones, for a variety of instruments such as strings, guitar, bass and others
• 16-track recording feature for music composition
• Equipped with an SD memory card slot, convenient for tune data storage and moving data to and from a computer
• Multiple jacks including Line IN / OUT for expanded connectivity
• Pitch Bend Wheel smoothly changes note pitch to reproduce note-bending on guitar and other techniques
• Registration feature to record tone and rhythm settings for instant recall during play
• 180 rhythms including pop, jazz, Latin, and ballads, with an auto-accompaniment feature
• Rhythm Editor to edit internal rhythms
• Full dot LCD screen with backlight for easy viewing during stage performances
• Compatible with stand and 3-pedal unit (sold separately)

If you prefer a simple and lightweight 88-key alternative, the PX-130 will suit you well. Availability and pricing is still TBA with specs as follows:

• Compact, lightweight body with a simple, high-quality design
• Available in elegant pearl white and urban black metallic finishes, to match almost any room in the home
• 60-tune Music Library for listening enjoyment or lessons
• Compatible with stand and 3-pedal unit (sold separately)