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Average Price: $422

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$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

What type of synthesis does the Casio Casiotone 405 use?

The Casio Casiotone 405 is a digital synthesizer, which uses digital technology to produce its sounds, typical of the early 1980s era.

How many keys does the Casio Casiotone 405 have, and what is their size?

The Casio Casiotone 405 features 49 full-size keys, providing a comfortable playing experience similar to that of a traditional piano.

Is the Casio Casiotone 405 suitable for polyphonic playing?

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.

What kind of action does the Casio Casiotone 405 keyboard have?

The Casio Casiotone 405 has a synth action keyboard, which provides a lighter and faster response suitable for synthesizer playing styles.

Is the Casio Casiotone 405 a good choice for vintage synth enthusiasts?

Yes, the Casio Casiotone 405 is a classic digital synthesizer from the 1980s, appealing to vintage synth enthusiasts seeking nostalgic sounds and design.

solidstatecollective

solidstatecollective

Casio Synthesizer - Casiotone 405 - Presets and Modulation Effects

Video thumbnail for Casio Synthesizer - Casiotone 405 - Presets and Modulation Effects by solidstatecollective

Casio Synthesizer - Casiotone 405 - Presets and Modulation Effects

solidstatecollective

solidstatecollective

Video thumbnail for Casio, Casiotone 405, CT405, Analogue Vintage Keyboard by M. Schmied (Mike Vintagemusic)

Casio, Casiotone 405, CT405, Analogue Vintage Keyboard

M. Schmied (Mike Vintagemusic)

M. Schmied (Mike Vintagemusic)

Video thumbnail for Casio Synthesizer - Casiotone 405 - Just the Beats by solidstatecollective

Casio Synthesizer - Casiotone 405 - Just the Beats

solidstatecollective

solidstatecollective

Video thumbnail for Casiotone 405 + Strymon Big Sky Chorale by sternrekorder

Casiotone 405 + Strymon Big Sky Chorale

sternrekorder

sternrekorder

Video thumbnail for Oxygene by Casiotone 405 by CoronaSmith

Oxygene by Casiotone 405

CoronaSmith

CoronaSmith

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

  • Owners recommend using contact cleaner and air dusters to maintain knobs and switches, emphasizing the importance of cleaning to improve functionality.

    Source
  • Early 80's models often have loud, clacky keys; adding thin rubber over hardened felt can significantly quiet key action.

    Source
  • Owners suggest checking and possibly replacing capacitors periodically, ensuring they're not leaking, especially in models from the early 80s.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacement knobs and slider tops can be sourced from aftermarket suppliers like Syntaur or eBay; ensure the posts are intact for compatibility.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Casiotone 405 employs Vowel-Consonant synthesis, utilizing digitally generated multipulse waves with a digital volume envelope, offering unique sound characteristics.

    Source
  • The "Funny" preset of the Casiotone 405 is characterized by a transient sound followed by a quiet sustain with mild vibrato.

    Source
  • The Casiotone 405 synthesizes sound using Casio’s Consonant-Vowel synthesis, involving two multipulse waves processed by envelope-controlled filters.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite age-related issues, owners find the Casiotone 405 delivers surprisingly robust and interesting sounds, especially when paired with effects like the Nanoverb.

    Source
  • After thorough cleaning of keys and bed, users report significantly improved playability, with sticky keys resolved.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some Casiotone 405 units have components dated to 1982, indicating the specific production period for these models.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The "Funny" preset can evoke nostalgia, reminiscent of the soundtracks from 16-bit video games like "Ghouls and Ghosts."

    Source
Add

2.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
k_g_b_

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!

thomashaahr

fun and beautiful - limited sounds

Very good looking Casiotone - a few great sounds but very limited.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how King Krule uses Casio Casiotone 405

King Krule

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Archy uses this in a recording of him performing "cementality" in his house in 2013

See how Gus Unger-Hamilton uses Casio Casiotone 405

Gus Unger-Hamilton

Keyboardist

Alt-J

...
Verified via Songexploder

In this Podcast deconstructing Alt J's song the keyboardis Gus says he used this Casiotone keyboard on the song

See how Brian D'Addario uses Casio Casiotone 405

Brian D'Addario

Guitarist, Bassist

The Lemon Twigs

...
Verified via Turnupthevolume

Double stacked triton and casio being played by Brian in this photo.

See how Justin Moyle uses Casio Casiotone 405

Justin Moyle

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Justin uses this mostly for lead lines. It features heavily on Hello Universe

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.

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Akai Professional MPC Live Keyboards, Synthesizers & MIDI
1
Shure SM58
Shure SM58 Dynamic Microphones
1
Roland SE-02
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1
Alesis Midiverb II
Alesis Midiverb II Effects Processors
1
Presonus ACP88
Presonus ACP88 Effects Processors
1
Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73
Fender Rhodes Mark II Stage Piano 73 Vintage & Electric Pianos
1
Roland Boutique TB-03
Roland Boutique TB-03 Tabletop Synthesizers
1

Community setups

Show yours
dandydust

dandydust

Gear IQ 180

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