🛒 Get the Casio AP550 HERE ▸ www.merriammusic.com/product/... 
🛒 See More Casio Digital Pianos HERE▸geni.us/Casio-Digital-Pianos
💕 Subscribe to Merriam Pianos HERE ▸ bit.ly/SubscribeMerriam
🔔 Click the 🔔 bell to be notified of all videos! ▸ bit.ly/SubscribeMerriam
Comparable Alternatives
🛒Casio RD-88▸geni.us/Roland-RD88
🛒Kurzweil Forte SE▸geni.us/Kurzweil-Forte-SE
🛒Yamaha YDP-164▸geni.us/Yamaha-YDP164
🛒Roland F-140R▸geni.us/Roland-F140R
#casio#casioap550#casiodigitalpianos
Introduction
We’ll be continuing our look at the new Casio Celviano series with the AP-550. Based on specs and capabilities, this appears to be the same as the AP-S450, so is it just a preference in cabinet style or is there more to it?
The musical experience is quite different because of the speaker placement, speaker type, the size of the cabinet, which affects the acoustic properties, and the included bench.
Speakers
Like the 450, the 550 has a stereo four-speaker 40-watt sound system with two downward-facing and two upward-facing speakers that help deliver more high-end detail. Most of the sound from the resonance engines will be coming from the top speakers, and these are greatly affected by the piano lid. With it closed, the detail is attenuated while it becomes more present with it open.
Visual Information Bar
Both instruments have touch screens and high-gloss finishes, with the most notable part of the 450 being the highly reflective piece of cabinetry above the keys that also functions as a visual information bar. This is a new feature that Casio is using to create visual interest while playing the piano. It can be assigned various values, including inbound Blue-tooth audio which makes it function as a visualizer. Bechstein has tried the same approach with their Vario system where an iPad provides a bubble visualizer on its screen while you play.
4 Key Features
Cabinet
Within the cabinet of the AP-550, the changed speaker configuration and increased volume of the cabinet give a lot more warmth and contour to the lower-mid response with fewer jagged edges, even in an acoustically live space, than the 450. The AP-550 gives a warmer and more refined speaker experience.
Action
Casio’s Smart Hybrid Hammer Action provides an enjoyable action that is reminiscent of Kawai’s RHIII action. While the RHIII has a softer cushion at the bottom of the keystroke, the mechanical sensation of playing the AP-550 is not far off that of the RHIII.
Of course, the user can choose from various settings for the touch response to replicate the ideal feel when playing. As with many of today’s digital piano models, the key pivot length is slightly shortened when compared to Roland’s grand hybrid action or Kawai’s all-wooden actions as seen in their CA series. Choosing the right touch response setting can alleviate any issues.
Sound
The updated Hamburg Steinway sample set has greater fidelity and intimacy and is one of the best sample sets in the current marketplace. The AP-550 also uses the New York Steinway sample that comes in previous Casio models.
Navigation
Although the touchscreen is appealing visually, it has limited functionality. The best way to access and edit all of the detailed settings is via the Casio Music Space app, which is remarkably stable for a Bluetooth connection.
A new feature in the app with the Celviano release is Instant Replayer. This functions as a live recorder that allows you to playback from any point in your performance with a 4’ 30” recording time. This is very useful for songwriters who prefer to compose as they play versus writing music on paper. Rather than having to stop and record something, Instant Replayer gives you the chance to go back and listen to what you just played.
Colors
The instrument comes in three different colors; white, black, and rosewood.
Final Thoughts
The Celviano series is directed at home users looking for a premium visual and audio experience as well as beginner and intermediate players who will appreciate the quality of the key action and the overall feel.
Connect with Merriam Music:
● Website ▸ www.merriammusic.com/
● Contact Us ▸ www.merriammusic.com/contact/
● Instagram ▸ / merriammusic
● Facebook ▸ / merriammusic
● Twitter ▸ / merriammusicinc