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Description
The Casio SA-21 is a compact and versatile 32-key portable keyboard designed for both beginners and enthusiasts seeking a reliable and fun music-making companion. This keyboard is perfect for those who want to experiment with different sounds without the complexity of larger, more expensive models. The SA-21 features a range of tones and rhythms, providing a broad palette for spontaneous creativity or practice sessions. Its lightweight design makes it easy to take on the go, whether you're heading to a jam session or a music class.
The SA-21 packs a punch with its easy-to-use interface, allowing players to switch seamlessly between sounds and rhythms. With built-in speakers and a headphone jack, it accommodates both public performances and private practice. The addition of a song bank function helps users learn and play along with pre-recorded tracks, enhancing the learning experience. Whether you're a budding musician or a seasoned player looking for a portable option, the Casio SA-21 brings music to your fingertips.
Key Features:
- 32 mini-sized keys for easy playability
- 100 high-quality tones to explore different sounds
- 50 versatile rhythms to accompany your melodies
- Built-in speakers for immediate sound output
- Headphone jack for silent practice
- Song bank function with 10 demo songs for interactive learning
- Battery-powered option for ultimate portability
- User-friendly interface for quick and easy navigation
Videos
JayB
JayB and his Casio SA-21
Reviews
PROS
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Unique thick, creamy digital sound adds character
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Can be used with pedals for expanded musical creativity
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Fun and inspirational for experimental music and recording
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Affordable and accessible for beginners or as a secondary instrument
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Portable, ready for on-the-go creativity
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Headphone jack for easy recording via an interface
CONS
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Not suitable for professional touring
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Requires EQ to suppress noise in sound output
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Limited functionality compared to more advanced keyboards
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Sound quality may not meet all musical production standards
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio SA-21.
Mods and upgrades
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The Casio SA-21 can benefit from a crystal mod for pitch bending, though it's tricky to achieve consistent results without altering the existing sound diversity.
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Owners have discovered a unique voltage starve mod that alters loops by slowly choking the signal without causing distortion.
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Some users implement a clock crash technique via push buttons, creating polyrhythms and multi-textured sounds by shorting or grounding clock pins.
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Overdrive effects and feedback loops can be achieved by modifying the amplifier IC, but caution is needed to avoid damaging the main chip.
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Adding a hard reset switch between the power source and the board helps manage frequent lock-ups when experimenting with clock signal modifications.
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Adding an analogue volume control is recommended to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, potentially reducing the persistent background hiss.
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Owners suggest the AN8053 Matushita IC is an average spec, implying potential improvements with a higher-quality alternative for noise reduction.
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Features and functionality
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The AN8053 is both the output amplifier and a 5V regulator, essential for modding with an LTC1799 for clock manipulation.
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The SA series uses the OKI M6387 chip, offering uniform sound but with reduced features in smaller models, such as polyphony and input buttons.
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Additional push buttons can be added to access hidden features usually not available due to the stripped-down design of the SA-21.
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The loud and noisy output is common due to the low sample resolution and digital volume control adjusting attack/decay rather than attenuating the waveform.
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User experience
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Frequent lock-ups and crashes occur while manipulating the clock signal, but removing and reinserting the batteries usually resolves these issues.
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Use cases and applications
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The SA-21 is noted for its chance music capabilities, with the crystal oscillator enabling random sound generation when interacted with human contact points.
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3.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings
5454
Okay, here goes nothin'
WAY bigger 1's & 0's for that thick, creamy digital sound. Much bigger 1's & 0's than anything else out there.
Yeeaaahh, nah.
Grabbed it at a Goodwill ages ago cuz $7 bucks. Life, funny as it is- We had our regular keyboard crap out on us & played about 15 more shows on that tour with the Casio...and ya know? It did kinda sorta ok? We definitely had to play to what the Casio can do & included a few pedals & embrace the campy nature of the Casio.
After a late night drinking session & with my wife asleep I recorded a song with guitar, bass, the Casio, and a LOT of pedals all going direct & I still love that song. I used the crazy campy drums on the Casio as well as a few keyboard patches. Super fun.
Do I plan on touring with it again? NO WAY. It was & is fun to play with but even in the "toy" keyboard arena I have a few others that are just way more fun. So this guy really doesn't see a lot of action anymore but it'll likely stick around anyway. If you find it cheap? Yeah, why not I guess.
2079
Good.
If you make to supress the noise behind the sounds with EQ, you´ve got a great ready-to-go, ready for the road, fun and useful toy/game/inspirational tool/sketch tool.
But If you put some effort in this, and to the math and record on tape. Well, then you can start having fun. I guess, Faceless.-
138
Nice keyboard with some quirky lo-fi sounds
I really like the sound these toy keyboards make, it uses low quality PCM samples, which means there is some noise present in them, but they can really add an interesting flavour to your productions.
The SA-21 is cheap and has a headphone jack so you can record it using an interface.
Artist usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Casio SA-21, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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