Tinkling the Invories (Casio LK-45 AD)

Member Name: Tamarind

Product:	Casio LK-45 AD
Date:	13/10/08 (113 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to master

Disadvantages: Can't think of any

When I was 6 my parents decided I was in need of piano lessons and I was duly despatched for lessons. My love of music continued into adulthood but when I eventually left home I never had a place big enough to house a full piano. I always hankered after being able to tinkle the ivories and last year my husband bought me a surprise birthday present namely a Casio LK-45AD keyboard with stand.

At first I thought that I wouldn't be able to work out how to use a keyboard, but I need not have worried. Whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced player, it is very easy to understand the instruction booklet. The keyboard has a built in bank of 100 tunes which is great for practising.

There is a 3 step lesson system for beginners or those needing some extra practice. Firstly you select one of the tunes from the 100 on offer and become familiar with the timing of the notes by following the keys as they light up while the tune plays. The second step in the learning process involves playing the notes at a pace that's comfortable for you. Finally, in Step 3 (when you are more confident) you play along at the normal tempo of the tune. In Steps 1 and 2 a simulated voice calls out the correct fingers you should use to play the notes. Luckily the voice can be switched off if as it can become irritating after a while. The fingers you should be using are also shown on a small built-in display, so you can use that if you prefer.

The keyboard can either be plugged into the mains or powered by 6 AA batteries, At the rear of the keyboard there are jacks for a sustain pedal (which causes notes to linger, much like a piano's damper pedal), a microphone and headphones. The latter is especially useful if you don't want anyone to hear what you are playing or, in my case, attempting to play!

There are a variety of other useful functions which include being able to change key, allowing you match someone's voice or eliminate sharps and flats making it easier to play. You can also tune the keyboard to another musical instrument which is handy if you are playing along with someone else. By selecting the Tone button you can change the keyboard from sounding like a piano to a large number of other musical instruments. Be aware though that some sound more realistic than others!

Once you have mastered the basics the world's your oyster as far as the sounds you can produce. There is a list of 49 different rhythms you can introduce, from waltz to rock - the choice is yours.

All in all this Casio is a really easy keyboard to master and should give hours of pleasure to beginner and expert alike.

Summary: Good for beginner or expert player