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Average Price: $950
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Description
The 1987 Casio PG-380 MIDI Guitar represents a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology from its era. This innovative instrument combines the versatility of an electric guitar with the advanced features of a digital synthesizer, offering musicians an expansive range of creative possibilities. The PG-380 was one of the first guitars to integrate MIDI capabilities, allowing players to interact seamlessly with synthesizers and other digital audio equipment. Its proprietary synthesizer engine gives it the ability to generate a wide variety of sounds, from classic guitar tones to electronic synth textures. The PG-380 is equipped with an onboard synthesizer module, which includes 64 preset tones that can be easily accessed and manipulated using the guitar's controls.
The ergonomic design of the PG-380 ensures comfortable playability, while its robust build provides durability for both studio and stage performances. The guitar's distinctive sound palette is further enhanced by its high-quality pickups, which capture every nuance of your playing. Additionally, the PG-380 features a sleek control interface, allowing for intuitive navigation through its various functions and sounds. This guitar stands as a testament to Casio's innovative spirit and commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
Key Features:
- Integrated MIDI capabilities for versatile digital connectivity
- Built-in synthesizer module with 64 preset tones
- High-quality pickups for exceptional sound clarity
- Ergonomic design for comfortable playability
- Sleek control interface for easy sound manipulation
Product specs
| Brand | Casio |
| Model | PG-380 |
| Finish | Black, White |
| Year | 1987 - 1989 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder |
| Body Shape | S-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Locking Tremolo Bridge |
| Color Family | Black, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | HSS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque |
FAQs
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What kind of MIDI capabilities does the Casio PG-380 guitar offer?
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The Casio PG-380 features built-in MIDI capabilities, allowing it to control external synthesizers and sound modules. This makes it ideal for guitarists looking to integrate digital sounds into their performances or recordings.
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How does the Casio PG-380's pickup configuration affect its sound?
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The Casio PG-380 has an HSS (Humbucker-Single-Single) pickup configuration, offering a versatile range of tones. The humbucker provides a thicker, more powerful sound, while the single-coils deliver brighter and more articulate tones, suitable for various music genres.
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Is the Casio PG-380 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Casio PG-380 is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its MIDI capabilities and versatile pickup configuration. Its locking tremolo bridge also helps maintain tuning stability during dynamic playing.
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What type of bridge does the Casio PG-380 have?
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The Casio PG-380 is equipped with a locking tremolo bridge, which allows for pitch bending and vibrato effects while maintaining tuning stability, making it a great choice for expressive playing styles.
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How does the Casio PG-380's body material affect its tone?
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The Casio PG-380 is made with an alder body, which is known for its balanced tone with a slight emphasis on midrange frequencies. This contributes to the guitar's overall versatility and suitability for various musical styles.
Videos
simonsezproduction
Casio Midi Guitar PG 380 for sale
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio PG-380 MIDI Guitar.
Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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The PG-380 includes on/off toggles for each pickup and MIDI blending, enhancing control over sound output.
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The PG-380 features a built-in synthesizer with 77 presets, offering a wide array of sound options directly from the guitar.
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The guitar has two outputs; one for traditional guitar tones and another for MIDI/synth signals, allowing for versatile sound routing setups.
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Build quality
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Some Modulus necks on these guitars might have been seconds, identifiable by filled-in tuner holes and missing branding.
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Use cases and applications
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The synth patch "Emerald Blue" on the PG-380 is noted for achieving a unique, treble-heavy Bobby Weir sound, suitable for replicating his subtle style.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
193
Fun Guitar
Got this on a trade a few years back when I was hoping for a mim strat. The MIDI unit on my guitar does not work, but it is still very fun to play. Pickups are not top notch, but the bridge and neck are very high quality.
Artist usage
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Eric Clapton's use of the 1987 Casio PG-380 MIDI Guitar can be traced back to his interest in guitar synthesizers for creative inspiration. In a 1985 interview with Dan Forte, Clapton discussed how switching guitars helped him overcome creative blocks, specifically mentioning his use of a Roland guitar synthesizer during the recording of his album Behind the Sun. This approach underscores his openness to incorporating innovative technology, such as the Casio PG-380, into his music.
In the photo provided by Babelxxi, J.J. Cale is seen playing his 1987 Casio PG-380 MIDI Guitar.
In a photo from Vandergraafgenerator, Peter Hammill is shown with his 1987 Casio PG-380 MIDI Guitar, highlighting his use of this digital modeling instrument.
Used specifically during the Ex:El album. Can be seen played by Graham during the live performances of Cubik.
But near the end of her career, as she was establishing her own style and playing with the new technology of the times, she did begin to venture into the electronic side of jazz music and her instrument of choice was the Casio PG-380 Synth Guitar.
Album Usage
The Casio PG-380 MIDI Guitar 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 PG-380 MIDI Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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