Casio CK-500

$444.98 Price Tier: Budget

2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jun 19, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 19, 2026.

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$444.98 2 available Used

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Average Price: $445

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Casio CK-500 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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The Casio CK-500 synthesizer is an impressive blend of classic and modern technology, offering musicians a versatile tool for both stage and studio. This synthesizer is equipped with a 61-key touch-sensitive keyboard, allowing for expressive play that captures the nuances of your performance. The CK-500 stands out with its user-friendly interface, providing seamless access to its diverse range of sounds and effects. From vintage tones to cutting-edge digital synth sounds, this instrument is designed for musicians who want to explore a wide sonic palette.

The synthesizer features a built-in sequencer and arpeggiator, perfect for crafting complex musical arrangements with ease. Its connectivity options include MIDI and USB, ensuring compatibility with a variety of music production setups. The CK-500 also offers a selection of on-board effects such as reverb, chorus, and delay, enabling you to enhance your sound further. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Casio CK-500 is a reliable choice that adapts to your creative needs.

Key Features:

61-key touch-sensitive keyboard
Built-in sequencer and arpeggiator
Wide range of sounds from vintage to modern digital
On-board effects including reverb, chorus, and delay
MIDI and USB connectivity for seamless integration with other devices
User-friendly interface for easy navigation and sound customization

Product specs

Brand	Casio
Model	CK-500 Radio / Synthesizer
Finish	Silver
Year	1980s
Made In	Japan
Categories	Portable Keyboards
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Mini
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
Number of Keys	49 Keys
Polyphony	1 Voice

FAQs

Is the Casio CK-500 suitable for live performances?: The Casio CK-500, with its portable size and built-in radio, is more suited for casual play and home use rather than professional live performances due to its limited polyphony and mini keys.
How many sounds or tones does the Casio CK-500 offer?: The Casio CK-500 is primarily a digital synthesizer with a focus on simplicity, offering a limited range of preset sounds typical of its era.
Can the Casio CK-500 be used with external amplifiers or sound systems?: Yes, the Casio CK-500 can be connected to external amplifiers or sound systems through its audio output, enhancing its sound for larger spaces or group play.
What type of power supply does the Casio CK-500 require?: The Casio CK-500 operates on standard AC power, but it may also have the capability to run on batteries for increased portability, typical of many portable keyboards from the 1980s.
Is the Casio CK-500 beginner-friendly?: The Casio CK-500 is beginner-friendly due to its straightforward interface and limited sound options, making it easy for new players to explore basic synthesis and keyboard playing.

Videos

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Simon The Magpie

The Worlds Only Double Cassette Player Keyboard | Casio CK-500

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio CK-500.

Features and functionality

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The Casio CK-500 integrates a keyboard with AM/FM radio and dual cassette tape decks, allowing recording from the keyboard, radio, or mic input onto cassette.
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The CK-500 allows for simultaneous playback of the keyboard over one cassette while recording both to the other cassette.
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It includes a Shortwave radio receiver, adding to its versatility beyond standard AM/FM.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's been noted that issues with the tape deck might be due to oxidized switches or bad capacitors near the amplifier after the tape head.
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User experience

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Owners appreciate the CK-500 for its classic early Casio synth tones, despite challenges with tape deck functionality.
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Some owners report missing original speakers, which affects overall sound quality and functionality.
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Other

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The CK-500's unique combination of features has been compared to 1980s devices like TV/Turntable boomboxes for its retro appeal and versatility.
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Build quality

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The CK-500 is noted for being surprisingly thin for its era but also quite heavy, which is a consideration for portability.
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Value and pricing

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The CK-500 is considered overpriced at five times its value, with a typical antique store price being around $550.
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Use cases and applications

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The dual cassette decks serve as a poor man's multitrack recorder, appealing to those interested in retro recording techniques.
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Comparisons

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The CK-500 is contrasted with the Casio KX-101, with some preferring the latter's aesthetic but acknowledging the CK-500's superior functionality in recording capabilities.
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Critic Reviews

Casio CK500 (IT Jun 85)

muzines.co.uk

Described as a "ghetto blaster with keys," the Casio CK-500 falls short of expectations for serious musicians. Its 12 preset sounds are criticized as excruciating, with a drum machine offering uninspiring rhythms. The effects, particularly the reverb, are marred by distortion, and the sound quality is only manageable using internal speakers. While the dual cassette decks provide some functional recording capabilities, the lack of noise reduction limits their usefulness. At around £350, the CK-500 is deemed an overpriced toy, albeit with a decent radio. Ultimately, this keyboard fails to compete with professional instruments, making it a poor choice for musicians seeking quality and versatility.

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Full Review

Casio CK-500 Keyboard (1985) | Wolf Review

wolfarchitects.design

The Casio CK-500, with its dual cassettes and radio, is a charming relic of 1985 that appeals more as a collectible than a functional instrument. While its design is praised for novelty and balance, the mini keys and clunky side profile detract from practical use. Constructed from durable 80s plastic, it's light but prone to scratches. Functionality-wise, it's a straightforward gadget mashup rather than a serious music tool. As a piece of 80s nostalgia, it offers good value, especially for those seeking a quirky, vintage conversation starter rather than a workhorse keyboard.

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Legowelt

Music Producer

Verified via Legowelt

On this page, found on the "Synthesizers" section of Legowelt's official website (which lists a lot of the gear he has or had at some point), there is his own opinion about this particular piece: "I recently acquired this in a shady deal behind the Rijswijk central station. The Casio CK500 “Electronic Musical Instrument” is a 1980s casio keyboard with a double tapedeck and a SW/FM radio build in and one of the few keyboards with an antenna!"