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Average Price: $300

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$500

$1501+

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Description

Unlock a world of musical creativity with the Casio CT-201, a versatile synthesizer designed for both budding musicians and seasoned performers. This synthesizer combines a user-friendly interface with 61 full-size keys, allowing you to explore a wide range of sounds and compositions effortlessly. Whether you're crafting the next big hit or experimenting in your home studio, the CT-201 is equipped to meet your needs.

The CT-201 features a wide selection of 232 built-in tones, offering everything from classic piano and organ sounds to contemporary synth leads and basses. With its 100 rhythm patterns, you can easily lay down tracks or practice your chops with backing tracks that suit a variety of genres. The intuitive LCD display and simple control panel make navigation and sound customization straightforward, giving you more time to focus on what really matters—making music.

Connectivity options include a headphone jack for silent practice and a MIDI output for seamless integration with your digital audio workstation. The CT-201 also offers dual speakers for rich, full-bodied sound right out of the box, perfect for impromptu jam sessions or small gigs.

Key Features:

  • 61 full-size keys for a realistic playing experience
  • 232 built-in tones to explore a wide range of sounds
  • 100 rhythm patterns for versatile accompaniment
  • Intuitive LCD display for easy navigation
  • Headphone jack for private practice
  • MIDI output for DAW integration
  • Dual speakers for enhanced sound output

Product specs

Brand Casio
Model Casio CT-201 49-Key Synthesizer Early 1980s
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

Is the Casio CT-201 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Casio CT-201 is suitable for beginners due to its simple interface and 49 full-size keys, making it easy to learn and play.

What type of synthesis does the Casio CT-201 use?

The Casio CT-201 uses digital synthesis, which was innovative for its time in the early 1980s, providing a variety of sounds and tones.

How many voices of polyphony does the Casio CT-201 offer?

The Casio CT-201 offers 8-voice polyphony, allowing you to play up to eight notes simultaneously.

Does the Casio CT-201 have full-size keys?

Yes, the Casio CT-201 features full-size keys, which provide a more traditional playing experience similar to an acoustic piano.

Can the Casio CT-201 be used for live performances?

While the Casio CT-201 is primarily designed for home use and practice, its portability and range of sounds make it a viable option for small live performances.

Simon The Magpie

Simon The Magpie

The FIRST Casio Keyboard | Casiotone 201

Video thumbnail for The FIRST Casio Keyboard | Casiotone 201 by Simon The Magpie

The FIRST Casio Keyboard | Casiotone 201

Simon The Magpie

Simon The Magpie

Video thumbnail for Casiotone-201(1980) Preset Sounds Demo(high quality) by js kawa

Casiotone-201(1980) Preset Sounds Demo(high quality)

js kawa

js kawa

Video thumbnail for Casiotone CT-201, Casio Music 40ème anniversaire by KR home-studio

Casiotone CT-201, Casio Music 40ème anniversaire

KR home-studio

KR home-studio

Video thumbnail for 1980 Casiotone CT-201 & 2021 CT-S300 Tone Comparison (HQ Audio) by Casio Chaos Theory

1980 Casiotone CT-201 & 2021 CT-S300 Tone Comparison (HQ Audio)

Casio Chaos Theory

Casio Chaos Theory

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio CT-201.

Features and functionality

  • The Casio CT-201 uses consonant-vowel synthesis, offering a unique vintage sound characteristic of early Casiotones, distinct from later PCM models.

    Source
  • The CT-201 and CT-202 models were also available in woodgrain versions, while the CT-8000 was only available in silver.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Circuit bending is popular with later sample-based Casios, but older models like the CT-201 aren't as responsive to such modifications.

    Source
  • Some owners are exploring the potential of using Arduino to modify the CT-201 for more tweakable sound options, enhancing its consonant-vowel synthesis capabilities.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The CT-201 is part of a group including models like the MT-40 and MT-68, which share a similar synthesis approach but vary in features and desirability.

    Source
  • The CT-701 is focused more on additive sine wave organ sounds, contrasting with the consonant-vowel synthesis of the CT-201, providing different tonal characteristics.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of various vintage Casios often appreciate their nostalgic value and characteristic sounds, making them more than just instruments but also collectibles.

    Source
  • Owners find the CT-201's lack of interpolation results in more distorted bass notes at lower octaves, adding character to its sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The CT-201's unique synthesis method can potentially be reverse-engineered to create VST emulations, offering a modern twist on its classic sounds.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how The BBC Radiophonic Workshop uses Casio CT-201

The BBC Radiophonic Workshop

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Whitefiles

In a 1985 synthesizer list from Whitefiles, the BBC Radiophonic Workshop is documented as using the Casio CT-201.

See how Malcolm Clarke uses Casio CT-201

Malcolm Clarke

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Muzines

"The Prophet 5 which is quite an old model now suffers from tuning problems both in relative pitch and in span, and the Casio 201 is stable in pitch but tuned to A442 which means everything has to be tuned up to that pitch."

Malcolm talks about using the Casio CT-201 in terms of pitch tuning.

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 CT-201, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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