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Average Price: $225

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$601+

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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Casio SK-5, a classic gem in the world of portable keyboards that has captured the hearts of musicians and enthusiasts alike. Originally launched in the late 1980s, this compact keyboard is renowned for its ability to combine simplicity with engaging features. The SK-5 is equipped with 32 mini-sized keys, making it incredibly accessible for both budding musicians and seasoned players looking for a nostalgic touch.

One of the standout features of the SK-5 is its onboard sampling capability, which allows you to record short sounds and play them back with ease. This feature, combined with its 8-note polyphony, offers endless possibilities for experimentation and creativity. With 13 built-in sounds ranging from piano to organ, and 10 drum patterns, the SK-5 provides a versatile platform for composing and performing.

The Casio SK-5 also includes a built-in speaker, ensuring you can enjoy your music wherever you go without the need for external amplification. Its lightweight and portable design make it perfect for musicians on the move, while its intuitive layout ensures that you can jump right into making music without a steep learning curve.

Whether you're revisiting the sounds of your youth or exploring the unique capabilities of vintage gear, the Casio SK-5 offers a charming and practical solution for any musician's toolkit.

Key Features:

  • 32 mini-sized keys
  • Onboard sampling capability
  • 8-note polyphony
  • 13 built-in sounds and 10 drum patterns
  • Built-in speaker for portable play
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Intuitive controls for seamless use

Product specs

Brand Casio
Model SK-5 Sampling Keyboard
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Portable Keyboards, Samplers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Mini
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 32 Keys
Number of Pads 8 Pads
Polyphony 4 Voices

FAQs

How do you sample sounds on the Casio SK-5?

To sample on the Casio SK-5, select one of the four sample buttons and press either sample button 1 or 3 for long sampling. Ensure the keyboard is in "play" mode for sampling.

How many keys does the Casio SK-5 have and what size are they?

The Casio SK-5 features 32 mini keys with a synth action, making it compact and portable for easy playability.

What is the polyphony capability of the Casio SK-5?

The Casio SK-5 has a polyphony of 4 voices, allowing you to play up to four notes simultaneously.

Can the Casio SK-5 store multiple samples at once?

Yes, the Casio SK-5 can store up to four short low-resolution samples, providing flexibility in sound experimentation.

Are the pads on the Casio SK-5 velocity-sensitive?

No, the 8 pads on the Casio SK-5 are not velocity-sensitive, which means they respond the same regardless of how hard they are pressed.

Cubilas

Cubilas

Casio SK 5 Demonstration avi

Video thumbnail for Casio SK 5 Demonstration avi by Cubilas

Casio SK 5 Demonstration avi

Cubilas

Cubilas

Video thumbnail for Casio SK-5 Early sampling keyboard by Gearfacts

Casio SK-5 Early sampling keyboard

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for The Casio SK-5 is a piece of *bleep* by Lazy Posy

The Casio SK-5 is a piece of *bleep*

Lazy Posy

Lazy Posy

Video thumbnail for Casio Sk-5 Mini Sampling Keyboard (1985) - The Art of Making Noise by J B Tech Deck

Casio Sk-5 Mini Sampling Keyboard (1985) - The Art of Making Noise

J B Tech Deck

J B Tech Deck

Video thumbnail for Casio SK-5 Sampling Digital Keyboard Synthesizer Review - Vintage Electric Keyboard by theotherchannel

Casio SK-5 Sampling Digital Keyboard Synthesizer Review - Vintage Electric Keyboard

theotherchannel

theotherchannel

Reviews

PROS

  • Can hold samples with power off, enhancing usability

  • Simple to use compared to older samplers

  • Fun and playful for casual sampling

  • Modifiable for interesting lo-fi sounds

  • Unique 8-bit sound appeals to niche musicians

  • Handy recording function for creative layering

CONS

  • Limited to short sample lengths

  • Cannot save patches when powered down

  • Not suitable for professional studio quality work

  • Initially considered a toy, potentially undermining its credibility

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio SK-5.

Value and pricing

  • Owners note that the Casio SK-5's collector value fluctuates with trends, recently seeing a decline in price, making it less viable for profit-driven resale.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Replacing the SK-5's keybed and battery cover can cost approximately $25 each, potentially outweighing the resale value if retro demand is low.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners express disappointment in the sound quality, describing it as more of a novelty or conversation piece rather than a serious instrument.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite its limitations, the Casio SK-5 serves as a nostalgic piece or collectible, particularly appealing to those interested in retro aesthetics or electronic music history.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SK-5 includes unique sounds like Surf Sound and Dog barks, differing from the SK-1's Human Voice and Synth Drums.

    Source
  • The SK-5 and SK-8 support longer sample times and can handle four different samples simultaneously, enhancing their sampling capabilities compared to other models.

    Source
  • The SK-10 lacks envelope shapes, portamento, and offers fewer sounds (6 instead of 8) and rhythms (6 instead of 11) compared to the SK-1.

    Source

Comparisons

  • SK-5's PCM sounds like laser gun and lion roar differentiate it from the SK-1's analog "ping pong drums."

    Source
  • While the SK-5 has additional features, some users find the Yamaha VSS offers superior sound due to its FM synthesis.

    Source
  • The SK-200 is considered superior in the SK line due to its line input, four sample slots, and built-in sequencer, offering more advanced features.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Modifying the SK-5 for external output instead of relying on onboard speakers is straightforward, facilitating integration with external gear like FX pedals and amps.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Casio SK-5 review | Synthvibrations

wordpress.com

The Casio SK-5, initially seen as a mere toy, has secured its place in music history due to its unique lo-fi sound and circuit-bending potential. While the sampler's technical specs are limited with low bitrates and minimal memory, its charm lies in its simplicity and affordability, making it a staple for experimental artists and circuit benders. Despite its rudimentary features, such as a basic sequencer and envelope editing, the SK-5 has been embraced by influential musicians like Bjork and Nine Inch Nails for its distinctive audio character. However, it’s not without its flaws, including poor sound quality by professional standards and limited functionality. Overall, the SK-5 is a quirky piece of gear for those seeking a nostalgic or experimental sound, but it won't replace a professional sampler.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
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allanlegemaate

Fun in its own way

This keyboard is of course, a low end keyboard not to mention it is from the late '80's. It was introduced into the world as being the 'second cheapest sampler' only beat by the earlier model, the SK-1. Most musicians saw it as a toy, initially, but after a number of artists used it in their own professional compositions, it was raised up from that status. Now, these keyboards are a fun addition to any setup due to the low-fi 8bit sound that is often sought after. Also includes a handy recording function for layering!

TL;DR Its old and has low sound quality, but this instrument is a hella good time

bushreagannotadoppel

beautiful, cheap, moddable to all ends.

The keyboard was a beauty when I first got it, though it especially shines (in an amazingly lofi way) after being modded and circuit bent a bit. Playing with the pitch of the percussion, modifying recorded samples in weird ways and such. Definitely more than just the toy keyboard my parents thought it was when they were cleaning out the garage and were about to throw it out.

cillitbanggang

Pretty good sampler to play around with

It’s a kids toy so don’t expect studio quality stuff out of this by any means but it’s a fun sampler to play around with. It can’t save patches when turned off though which is kind of annoying.

Roles:
Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Stu Mackenzie uses Casio SK-5

Stu Mackenzie

Singer, Guitarist

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

...
Verified via Photo

In this collection of images from King Gizzard's instagram, you can see Stu attending to his keyboard stack with an SK-5 on the second level of the keyboard stand.

See how Autechre uses Casio SK-5

Autechre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Sean from Autechre said in an interview with Sound on Sound, "the first stuff we had was a [Roland TR] 606, a [Casio] SK1 and SK5..."

See how Nick Reinhart uses Casio SK-5

Nick Reinhart

Singer, Guitarist

Death Grips

...
Verified via Photo

Nick posted a video on Instagram playing a Roland System-1 synthesizer along with a Casio SK-5 on 6/22/2021.

See how Ambrose Kenny Smith uses Casio SK-5

Ambrose Kenny Smith

Singer, Guitarist

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

...
Verified via YouTube

the sk-5 is shown in ambrose’s space at 0:08

See how San Holo uses Casio SK-5

San Holo

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Featured in this June 14, 2021 Amoeba “What’s In My Bag [Home Edition]” interview.

I actually got really obsessed with this keyboards. They’re called, like, sample keyboards. You can literally sing in the on-board mic. [records sample of himself singing a note] Now, you can like, play that sample. [plays sample on keyboard] And this is, like, the sound of Sigur Rós that they used a lot on the untitled album [shows his copy of ( )].

See how Glass Animals uses Casio SK-5

Glass Animals

Singer, Guitarist

Glass Animals

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Glass Animals - Gooey, Your Love (Déjà Vu) & Heat Waves (Stripped Back) | FIFA 21 World Premiere" at 0:17 seconds, you can see the Casio SK-5 vintage sampler keyboard in the background.

See how David Bryant uses Casio SK-5

David Bryant

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Godspeed You! Black Emperor

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance video of "Asunder, Sweet And Other Distress," David Bryant of Godspeed You! Black Emperor is seen using the Casio SK-5 keyboard.

See how Laurent Brancowitz uses Casio SK-5

Laurent Brancowitz

Guitarist

Phoenix

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:11, Laurent is playing the Casio SK-5 with another keyboard. He remarks how he played both Keyboards at the same time as a joke and it inspired him to write something similar in Lisztomania.

See how De La Soul uses Casio SK-5

De La Soul

Composer, Music Producer

Native Tongues Posse

...
Verified via YouTube

The Sk-5 can be seen at 3:59 in the "3 Feet High and Rising" press kit video. Prince Paul also mentions using it with De La Soul in this interview: https://medium.com/micro-chop/make-those-records-you-make-prince-paul-reacalls-the-making-of-de-la-soul-is-dead-d72af2ddeaf6 From that interview:

Gino: I’m amazed that you guys were utilizing an SK-5. I know that’s a very limited sampler. Did you just use the external mic device to sample?

Prince Paul: I honestly don’t remember. I still have that sampler, but it’s in my attic. I think there was a mic input and it also had mic built in on top of it that you could speak into. I think we just plugged into the mic input and sped samples up. Obviously the sound was kind of jacked up, but nobody was concerned about quality back then. We were just impressed by the novelty of sampling. Everyone was like, “Ooh, I can take a piece of something and play it on a keyboard.”

See how Mike Krol uses Casio SK-5

Mike Krol

Guitarist, Drummer

Mac Krol

...
Verified via Twitter

in this X/twitter post by merge records you can see this keyboard which was used on mikes album I hate jazz

See how Hot Sugar uses Casio SK-5

Hot Sugar

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Hot Sugar is shown using a Casio SK-5 in a photo posted on their official Facebook page.

See how Prince Paul uses Casio SK-5

Prince Paul

Rapper, Music Producer

Gravediggaz

...
Verified via Medium

In an interview on the making of "De La Soul is Dead", Prince Paul comments on the equipment used for the album:

"Gino: I know in talking to you for an earlier interview that you guys were using an Akai S-900, an Emu SP-12, and a Casio SK-5 on 3 Feet High and Rising. Did you use the same equipment for De La Soul is Dead?

Prince Paul: Yeah, we used all of the same stuff. We were at the same studio, Calliope. I think we mixed the album at Island Media in New York. We basically used the same format.

...

Gino: I’m amazed that you guys were utilizing an SK-5. I know that’s a very limited sampler. Did you just use the external mic device to sample?

Prince Paul: I honestly don’t remember. I still have that sampler, but it’s in my attic. I think there was a mic input and it also had mic built in on top of it that you could speak into. I think we just plugged into the mic input and sped samples up. Obviously the sound was kind of jacked up, but nobody was concerned about quality back then. We were just impressed by the novelty of sampling. Everyone was like, 'Ooh, I can take a piece of something and play it on a keyboard.'"

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 SK-5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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