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Average Price: $286

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Description

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.

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

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

Video thumbnail for #CASIO DG-20 Guitar Synth, Midi with modular synth DG20 by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

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

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

Video thumbnail for CASIO Digital Guitar DG 20 by Surin Vintage

CASIO Digital Guitar DG 20

Surin Vintage

Surin Vintage

Video thumbnail for 1983 Casio DG-20 Digital Guitar MIDI Review By Scott Grove by Groovy Music Lessons

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

Groovy Music Lessons

Groovy Music Lessons

Video thumbnail for Casio DG-20 Digital Guitar 1987 // How Does It Sound? by JAde Wii

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

JAde Wii

JAde Wii

Video thumbnail for 1987 Casio DG 20 Midi Controller with light up strings by Parish Ruth

1987 Casio DG 20 Midi Controller with light up strings

Parish Ruth

Parish Ruth

Video thumbnail for Casio DG-20 midi Гитара by Musicnectar

Casio DG-20 midi Гитара

Musicnectar

Musicnectar

Reviews

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

  • 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

  • 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

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

    Source
  • 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

  • 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

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.

giack_bazz

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.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bret McKenzie uses Casio DG-20

Bret McKenzie

Singer, Guitarist

Flight of the Conchords

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:08 seconds in the video, Bret McKenzie states, "I think I need a 1983 Casio DG-20 electric guitar" and then is subsequently handed one. In the song, he utilizes the guitar. He uses the guitar for the remained of the song.

M

Michael Balch

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Front Line Assembly

...
Verified via YouTube

Camera zooms in on Casio DG-20 during Lethal Compound

See how Aharon Emery uses Casio DG-20

Aharon Emery

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

in this YouTube video i uploaded, Aharon can be seen jamming with his Casio DG-20 Digital Guitar

See how David Dewaele uses Casio DG-20

David Dewaele

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Soulwax

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you see David with a Casio DG20 guitar (for the song pop life)

Live on pinkpop (and guitar in action): https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x69ed0

See how Renato Pernett uses Casio DG-20

Renato Pernett

Bassist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Bandcamp
Color/Finish: Black

Renato Pernett confirmed the use of the Casio DG-20 on the track "A Paco" as listed on Bandcamp.

See how Hisham Farouq uses Casio DG-20

Hisham Farouq

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Instagram

Hisham Farouq is seen using the Casio DG-20 digital modeling guitar to experiment with musical ideas, as shown on his Instagram.

See how Jer Coons uses Casio DG-20

Jer Coons

Singer, Guitarist

Madaila

...
Verified via YouTube

Listed among the instruments played by Coons in this live performance of Madaila's "I Know."

Album Usage

The Casio DG-20 has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Casio DG-20, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Siel Cruise
Siel Cruise Synthesizers
1
Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Epiphone Les Paul Custom Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
1
Shure SM57
Shure SM57 Dynamic Microphones
1
Casio SK-1
Casio SK-1 Audio Samplers
1
Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo
Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo Effects Processors
1
Roland JX-3P
Roland JX-3P Synthesizers
1
Boss CE-3 Chorus
Boss CE-3 Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1
KEF Reference 104/2
KEF Reference 104/2 Active & Passive Monitors
1
Uher Report Stereo Monitor 4400
Uher Report Stereo Monitor 4400 Studio Recording Gear
1

1 alternative for Casio DG-20, curated by the Equipboard community.

Roland GR-700 Guitar Synthesizer

 

Vintage or Discontinued high-end alternative

They are both guitar synths from the same era but the Roland costs more and you could gig with it.

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