Casio WK-1630 = Radio Shack MD-1700 Cat.#: 42-4046

[GeorgeG3]

For anyone researching a decent cheap midi keyboard with 76 keys, a pitch bender wheel and a modulation wheel, take a look at the Casio WK-1630. It is on sale now (in December) at Guitar Center I think for about $279, and it includes a power adapter.

 

casio wk-1630

 

I discovered this keyboard is very similar, and possibly exactly the same to a Radio Shack keyboard MD-1700, Cat.#: 42-4046

 

Radio Shack MIDI Keyboard MD-1700, Catalog Number 42-4046

 

 

I think the only difference between the two is the brand name printed on them (and possibly the Radio Shack version doesn't include the power adapter).

 

The Radio Shack version is more expensive ($349.99). However, Radio Shack has a PDF manual online for their keyboard which you can download for free:

 

page with manual and parts info for Radio Shack MD-1700

 

I couldn't find a downloadable manual at the Casio web site at all, so the Radio Shack manual link is really helpful.

 

Direct Link to PDF Manual for Radio Shack MD-1700

 

Just thought any budget-minded keyboard people might want to know about this deal, and the downloadable manual.

 

Best Regards,

GeorgeG3

 

[ 12-06-2001: Message edited by: GeorgeG3 ]

[jimbyjoe]

george,

 

you are exactly right about the radio shack keyboard being the same as the casio - exactly. i used to work in music retail so i am (was) familiar with the range of casio's (not necessarily a good thing). directly opposite the keyboard store i managed was a tandy (aussie radio shack). it stocked some of the EXACT keyboards i did, except the name on their's was OPTUMUS or something like that instead of CASIO.

 

they are just casio's but with a different coloured frame. the upper end casio's have come a long way, but personally they should stick to making beginner's keylight keyboards and calculators.

 

pray for peace,

kendall

[Bobro]

Originally posted by jimbyjoe:

george,

 

you are exactly right about the radio shack keyboard being the same as the casio - exactly. i used to work in music retail so i am (was) familiar with the range of casio's (not necessarily a good thing). directly opposite the keyboard store i managed was a tandy (aussie radio shack). it stocked some of the EXACT keyboards i did, except the name on their's was OPTUMUS or something like that instead of CASIO.

 

they are just casio's but with a different coloured frame. the upper end casio's have come a long way, but personally they should stick to making beginner's keylight keyboards and calculators.

 

pray for peace,

kendall

 

Casio used to make some cool real synthesizers, the CZ + VZ synths. They used Phase Distortion synthesis and can make some great sounds. They're pretty hip these days and prices for used have gone up. Like Tandy/Radio Shack today, Hohner sold a couple of repackaged Casios- the CZ and FZ, the HS 1 + 2 in stylish white.

 

-CB

[Dave Bryce]

Originally posted by Bobro:

 

Casio used to make some cool real synthesizers, the CZ + VZ synths. They used Phase Distortion synthesis and can make some great sounds.

 

Fully agreed. I still have a VZ-10M - I love the thing. It's FM on steroids.

 

dB