Casio: The secrets behind making keyboards sound, and feel like the real thing!

“It is different, it is unique, and people are not used to seeing a piano in this harmonious mustard colour.” Since the launch of the Casiotone keyboard in 1980, the electronic keyboard has become a popular addition to our homes. A more affordable and portable option to the classic piano, it opened up an exciting new era of musical expression to a generation of consumers. Although they started out making calculators and watches, they have since sold over 100 million musical instruments. Their latest model, the PX-S7000 in “harmonious mustard” from the Casio Privia range, is not only going down a storm with musicians but it’s also a thing of beauty winning design awards for its unusual look. Neil Evans is the Electronic Music Division of Casio in the UK and Ireland. He tells us about the cultural impact and evolution of the casio keyboard… and also plays us some tunes. Find out from Neil how the sound samples have evolved over the years, how their dedication to detail makes playing the keyboard a truly sensory experience, and why that sleek and lightweight design is so important.We also hear from Brian Thompson, who heads up PTC’s CAD division. He explains how Casio uses Creo to further develop its Privia range in terms of ECAD-MCAD collaboration, and how the software helps the company to balance the electronic and mechanical aspects of the design. This is especially important with customers placing more and more emphasis on aesthetics.Find out more about Casio here.Find out more about CREO here.Your host is Paul Haimes from industrial software company PTC. Episodes are released bi-weekly. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter for updates.Third Angle is an 18Sixty production for PTC. Executive producer is Jacqui Cook. Sound design and editing by Ollie Guillou and Clarissa Maycock. Location recording by Hannah Dean. And music by Rowan Bishop.