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Average Price: $422
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Discover the Casio Casiotone 405, a vintage gem in the world of synthesizers that brings a touch of nostalgia to modern music-making. Originally released in the early 1980s, this synth continues to captivate musicians with its unique charm and versatile sound palette. Designed to be accessible to both beginners and seasoned players, the Casiotone 405 offers an engaging and user-friendly experience, blending the feel of classic analog with practical digital control.
The Casiotone 405 is characterized by its 49 full-sized keys, providing a comfortable playing range that caters to various musical styles. This synth is equipped with a range of presets, including organ, flute, and string sounds, allowing users to explore diverse sonic landscapes. The built-in rhythm section offers a selection of patterns that can inspire creativity and enhance compositions. Additionally, the vibrato and sustain controls provide further expressive possibilities, making this instrument a versatile addition to any setup.
With its intuitive layout and retro design, the Casiotone 405 stands out as a delightful tool for both live performances and studio sessions. Whether you're looking to recreate the sound of a bygone era or infuse your music with unique textures, this synthesizer is an excellent choice for bringing your musical ideas to life.
Key Features:
- 49 full-sized keys for comprehensive playability
- Variety of preset sounds, including organ, flute, and strings
- Built-in rhythm section with multiple patterns
- Vibrato and sustain controls for expressive sound shaping
- User-friendly interface for easy operation
Product specs
| Brand | Casio |
| Model | CT-405 49-Key Synthesizer |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Casio Casiotone 405 use?
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The Casio Casiotone 405 is a digital synthesizer, which uses digital technology to produce its sounds, typical of the early 1980s era.
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How many keys does the Casio Casiotone 405 have, and what is their size?
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The Casio Casiotone 405 features 49 full-size keys, providing a comfortable playing experience similar to that of a traditional piano.
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Is the Casio Casiotone 405 suitable for polyphonic playing?
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Yes, the Casio Casiotone 405 offers 8-voice polyphony, allowing you to play up to eight notes simultaneously, which is ideal for chords and complex melodies.
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What kind of action does the Casio Casiotone 405 keyboard have?
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The Casio Casiotone 405 has a synth action keyboard, which provides a lighter and faster response suitable for synthesizer playing styles.
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Is the Casio Casiotone 405 a good choice for vintage synth enthusiasts?
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Yes, the Casio Casiotone 405 is a classic digital synthesizer from the 1980s, appealing to vintage synth enthusiasts seeking nostalgic sounds and design.
Videos
solidstatecollective
Casio Synthesizer - Casiotone 405 - Presets and Modulation Effects
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio Casiotone 405.
Setup and maintenance
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Owners recommend using contact cleaner and air dusters to maintain knobs and switches, emphasizing the importance of cleaning to improve functionality.
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Early 80's models often have loud, clacky keys; adding thin rubber over hardened felt can significantly quiet key action.
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Owners suggest checking and possibly replacing capacitors periodically, ensuring they're not leaking, especially in models from the early 80s.
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Mods and upgrades
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Replacement knobs and slider tops can be sourced from aftermarket suppliers like Syntaur or eBay; ensure the posts are intact for compatibility.
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Features and functionality
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The Casiotone 405 employs Vowel-Consonant synthesis, utilizing digitally generated multipulse waves with a digital volume envelope, offering unique sound characteristics.
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The "Funny" preset of the Casiotone 405 is characterized by a transient sound followed by a quiet sustain with mild vibrato.
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The Casiotone 405 synthesizes sound using Casio’s Consonant-Vowel synthesis, involving two multipulse waves processed by envelope-controlled filters.
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Comparisons
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Considered a desirable model due to its early use of auto-accompaniment, with the 405 being preferred over the 410v for its amp envelope switches.
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User experience
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Despite age-related issues, owners find the Casiotone 405 delivers surprisingly robust and interesting sounds, especially when paired with effects like the Nanoverb.
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After thorough cleaning of keys and bed, users report significantly improved playability, with sticky keys resolved.
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Some users find humor in playing simple melodies with dissonant intervals, such as combining a melody note with a semitone below, inspired by Thelonious Monk.
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Build quality
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Some Casiotone 405 units have components dated to 1982, indicating the specific production period for these models.
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2.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings
363
wooden, almost
bonus points for the wood grain pattern on the body! I love the piano sound, so warm and cozy. At the end of the day, it's got some nice sounds but I appreciate the looks more than the sound or functionality. It's a great piece of home furniture with the ability to entertain you as well!
133
fun and beautiful - limited sounds
Very good looking Casiotone - a few great sounds but very limited.
Artist usage
Add artist
Archy uses this in a recording of him performing "cementality" in his house in 2013
In this Podcast deconstructing Alt J's song the keyboardis Gus says he used this Casiotone keyboard on the song
Album Usage
The Casio Casiotone 405 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Casio Casiotone 405, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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