Casio DG-20

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$285.35 Price Tier: Budget

4.0 (12)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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27 wishlisted

54 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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4.0 (4)

$285.35 18 available Used

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Average Price: $285

Budget/Beginner

$599

$1000+

Price Tier

In the Digital Modeling Guitars category, Casio DG-20 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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Step into the future of guitar playing with the Casio DG-20, a revolutionary digital modeling guitar designed for versatile musicians. This unique instrument bridges the gap between traditional guitar and modern technology, offering a dynamic blend of guitar and synth functionalities. Perfect for both electric guitar enthusiasts and keyboard aficionados looking to explore new sonic territories, the DG-20 stands out with its innovative features.

The DG-20 features a full 22-fret fingerboard, allowing for a wide range of playability, from soothing melodies to shredding solos. Its digital interface lets you experiment with various sound settings, providing a palette of tones that can mimic acoustic, electric, and even synth-like sounds. The onboard synthesizer module opens a world of exploration, catering to those who enjoy crafting their unique soundscapes.

What truly sets the DG-20 apart is its advanced MIDI output, enabling seamless integration with other digital instruments and MIDI-capable devices. This makes it an excellent choice for studio musicians and live performers who want to incorporate a broader range of sounds into their set. Whether you're recording in the studio or performing on stage, the Casio DG-20 offers an unparalleled level of flexibility and creativity.

Key Features:

Full 22-fret fingerboard for diverse playability
Digital modeling capabilities with multiple sound settings
Onboard synthesizer module for expanded sound creation
Advanced MIDI output for integration with other digital instruments
Versatile sound palette, from acoustic to electric and synth tones

Product specs

Brand	Casio
Model	DG-20 Digital Guitar Synth
Finish	Gray
Year	1980s
Body Shape	Non Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Top-Load
Color Family	Grey
Fretboard Material	Composite
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What kind of sounds can the Casio DG-20 produce?: The Casio DG-20 features a range of PCM sounds, including guitar, bass, and synthesizer tones, allowing for a variety of musical styles and experimentation.
Does the Casio DG-20 have onboard rhythm patterns?: Yes, the Casio DG-20 includes built-in rhythm patterns, providing a convenient way to practice or perform with a backing track.
How is the Casio DG-20 powered?: The Casio DG-20 can be powered using batteries or a power adapter, making it versatile for both portable and stationary use.
Is the Casio DG-20 suitable for beginners?: The Casio DG-20 is user-friendly, making it a good choice for beginners interested in exploring digital guitar synthesis and learning basic guitar skills.
Can the Casio DG-20 connect to external amplifiers or speakers?: Yes, the Casio DG-20 features a line-out option, allowing it to be connected to external amplifiers or speakers for enhanced sound output.

Videos

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LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

#CASIO DG-20 Guitar Synth, Midi with modular synth DG20

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

CASIO Digital Guitar DG 20

Surin Vintage

1983 Casio DG-20 Digital Guitar MIDI Review By Scott Grove

Groovy Music Lessons

Casio DG-20 Digital Guitar 1987 // How Does It Sound?

JAde Wii

1987 Casio DG 20 Midi Controller with light up strings

Parish Ruth

Casio DG-20 midi Гитара

Musicnectar

Reviews

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PROS

Unique retro design reminiscent of 1980s nostalgia
Functions as a guitar synth with over 20 retro sounds
Can be used as a MIDI controller for versatile sound options
Self-contained speaker is convenient for on-the-go play
Includes rhythm backgrounds with drums and special effects
Affordable classic instrument for experimenting with synth sounds

CONS

Requires 6 D-batteries or a special power cord for operation
Synthesizer sounds may not meet high expectations for accuracy
Strings are non-functional; played via rubber-like pad
Pickup sensitivity may require maintenance and adjustment
Not suitable for traditional guitar playing experience

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio DG-20.

Features and functionality

0 0

The Casio DG-20 lacks dynamics and string sensitivity is high, making it easy to accidentally hit strings loudly if using a pick.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Ideal for studio settings where digital corrections are possible; not suitable for live performances due to hardware limitations and lack of flexibility.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners note that slides sound good, but vibrato and bends are not possible, limiting its use for blues or flamenco styles.
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0 0

Some owners find it fun as a retro novelty but acknowledge its sound samples as cheesy, requiring fingerpicking to avoid accidental string hits.
Source

Comparisons

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Described as akin to a keyboard playing guitar sounds, with Muse using a similar guitar for "Supermassive Black Hole," though the DG-20 lacks the custom features.
Source

Critic Reviews

Casio Guitar Synth (MM Sep 87)

muzines.co.uk

Casio's DG-20 digital guitar surprises with its professional MIDI capabilities at a budget price. While it can't replace a real guitar due to limitations like non-bendable notes, its lack of tracking delay and responsiveness to playing techniques make it user-friendly. The sound selection is versatile, though missing a piano preset, with convincing organ and brass/woodwind tones. Built-in rhythms and drum pads add fun, albeit slightly gimmicky. Overall, the DG-20 is a cost-effective, portable option for accessing keyboard and MIDI sounds, proving it's not just a toy.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 12 Ratings

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cathyklysmik

299

about 5 years ago

Fun Retro Axe

It's a guitar synth from the 80s, like a guitar version of a portable Casio keyboard. There are loads of instruments on board to try out. But not everyone digs its shape.

Roles:

Guitarist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Blues Stage & Screen Indie rock

giack_bazz

over 8 years ago

Deliciously Retro

I love this one. i got it at an auction for a steal and i'm basically writing an album with it. it's packed with 20+ retro sounds and can be a midi controller, meaning that you can actually make it sound like anything. only downside: it runs on 6 huge batteries, i believe C2s; but it can also be used with a power supply so its cool.