Casio has long been a leader in producing affordable, high-quality digital pianos. Two of their most popular lines are the Celviano and Privia series.
As premium instruments, the Celviano and Privia offer excellent sound quality, realistic key actions, and useful features for pianists. But how do these two models compare? This in-depth guide examines the differences between Casio Celviano and Privia digital pianos.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Celviano | Privia |
| Sound Quality | Superb grand piano tones with seamless dynamics via AiR engine. Warm and rich sound. | Excellent piano tones via AiR. Crisp and clear, but slightly less warm than Celviano. |
| Key Action | Graded hammer action with 3 sensors for excellent response. Very realistic piano feel. | Graded hammer action with 2 sensors. Great feel but not quite as responsive as Celviano. |
| Features | Abundant options like Hall Simulator, 18 tones, Virtual Technician settings. Highly customizable. | Core features like split/layer, 16 tones, metronome. Less parameters to tweak than Celviano. |
| Styling | Traditional upright piano cabinet with handsome wood textures. | Sleek, slim, and modern aesthetics. Contemporary design. |
| Price | Mid-range models $1,500-$2,500. Flagship line carries higher price tag. | Flagship models $700-$1,200. Much more affordable than Celviano. |
Overview Of Celviano Digital Pianos
The Celviano line represents Casio’s finest digital pianos. These instruments aim to provide an outstanding grand piano experience in a digital form factor.
Celvianos feature Casio’s proprietary AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator) Sound Source for remarkably detailed piano tones.
Beyond realistic sound, Celvianos offer piano-like actions and a refined cabinet design.
There are several models in the Celviano line spanning from entry-level to advanced instruments. In general, Celvianos offer more realistic piano simulation than Privia models. The tradeoff is the Celviano line carries a higher price tag.
Still, Celvianos deliver tremendous value by packing premium features into relatively affordable digital pianos.
Overview Of Privia Digital Pianos
Casio Privia digital pianos occupy the middle ground of Casio’s digital piano lineup. The Privia series aims to deliver refined piano playing in compact, furniture-style cabinets. Most Privia models utilize Casio’s AiR sound engine for impressive piano realism.
Privia instruments also tend to have slightly less robust actions compared to Celvianos. However, Privias offer excellent playability and sound quality at moderate prices.
These sleek, stylish digital pianos provide versatile features for home, studio, stage, and classroom use. So Privias strike an ideal balance for pianists seeking premium performance without paying top dollar.
Sound Quality
When evaluating digital pianos, sound quality is paramount. Both the Celviano and Privia lines offer superb grand piano sounds courtesy of Casio’s detailed AiR processor. However, Celvianos tend to have a slight sonic edge over their Privia counterparts.
Celviano instruments produce warm, refined piano tones comparable to a fine acoustic grand.
Some Celviano models also include special morphing piano tones that transition smoothly across dynamics for ultra-realistic performance.
In terms of sound nuance and expression, Celvianos are tough to beat.
That said, Privia pianos sound fantastic in their own right. The crisp piano tones let you hear subtle resonances, overtones, and hall ambience. Privias use Casio’s Linear Morphing System for piano samples. This helps ensure smooth tonal transitions between piano dynamics.
In fact, the AiR engine makes Privias sound better than some digital pianos costing much more. But discerning ears may notice Celvianos have a warmer, richer piano character. This gives Celvianos the edge in terms of pure piano realism.
Key Actions
The keyboard action largely determines how a digital piano feels to play. For smooth, responsive performance, you want an action that simulates the subtle resistance of an acoustic grand piano. Both Celviano and Privia instruments offer graded hammer actions that get progressively heavier from left to right across the keyboard. This graded resistance properly translates the feel of real hammers striking strings.
However, Celviano actions utilize a three-sensor configuration for enhanced responsiveness. The three sensors under each key better track a player’s moving fingertips. This allows for excellent nuance and control during phrasing and dynamics. Celviano actions offer a pleasingly weighted movement with realistic let-off. Advanced players will appreciate the precision and feedback for technique mastery.
Meanwhile, most Privia models employ two-sensor actions. These actions remain very playable while keeping costs down. The keys respond well across various playing styles. But some pianists may notice the two-sensor actions have slightly less fine dynamic control compared to Celvianos.
Yet strong sales of Privia models suggest most users are very satisfied with the keyboard feel. So Privia’s actions get the job done admirably, even if Celviano’s feel a tad more realistic.
Also Read: Is Casio AP-270 Better Than PX-870?
Features
Both Celviano and Privia lines offer numerous features to enhance the playing experience. Standout features include built-in rhythms, recording ability, metronome, transposition, adjustable reverb, and more. However, Celvianos tend to have even more options for customized piano performance.
For example, some Celviano models provide a simulated Hall Simulator for precise acoustic ambience. There are also 13 levels of touch sensitivity adjustment for a personalized responsive feel. Advanced Digital Signal Processing provides true-to-life resonance and soundboard modeling.
And special Virtual Technician settings let you tweak parameters like hammer response, lid position, and much more. So players who crave customizability may prefer exploring Celviano’s abundant features.
That said, Privia pianos deliver excellent feature sets in their own right. Privia instruments offer split and layer modes, MIDI recording, and up to 17 instrument tones. The user-friendly panel provides quick access to sounds, effects, metronome, and more.
Bluetooth connectivity on some models allows wireless MIDI, audio transfer, and app integration. So while Privias may not have quite as many tweaking options as Celvianos, the core features for practice and performance are well implemented.
Styling
In addition to sound and feel, the aesthetics and cabinet design are important factors when choosing a digital piano. And here Celviano and Privia take different styling approaches.
Celviano cabinets aim for a classic upright piano look with fine detailing and curved surfaces. Models like the AP-710 feature handsome vertical cabinets housing the inner speakers and piano mechanism. Sleek retractable stands add to the elegant furniture look. So Celviano’s styling nicely matches the refined sound and natural wood textures.
Privia models go for a more streamlined, minimalist appearance. The slim vertical cabinets suit Privia’s portable nature and smaller footprint. Clean edges and flat surfaces give Privias a distinctly modern profile. Some models like the PX-S1100 offer bold colors and fabric finishes.
So if you prefer a contemporary, fashionable look, Privias may have more visual appeal. But Celvianos offer richer wood textures for a traditional finish.
Price Considerations
Being Casio’s premium line, the Celviano series sits at the higher end of the price scale. Popular mid-range Celviano models like the AP-470 or AP-710 cost between $1,500-$2,500. This remains very reasonable pricing given the acoustic-like performance. On the other hand, capable Privia models like the PX-S1100 or PX-870 run from $700-$1,200.
So you can get flagship Privia instruments for about half the cost of comparable Celvianos. This makes Privias excellent values for shoppers watching their budgets.
That said, Celvianos deliver pristine piano experiences with few compromises. The superior sound, feel, and build justify Celviano’s premium pricing for pianists wanting to invest in their musical craft. Privias offer outstanding performance as well, just with few bells and whistles to keep costs reasonable.
So your playing needs and budget will determine if a Celviano or Privia suits you better. But within their respective price ranges, both series offer excellent musical value.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Casio Celviano digital pianos rank among the very best on the market. Their sublime piano tone, authentic actions, and useful features make Celvianos excellent instruments for intermediate to advanced players. Celvianos provide uncompromising realism that rivals much pricier digital and even acoustic pianos.
AP refers to Celviano digital pianos while PX designates Privia models. Celvianos aim for ultimate piano authenticity with lavish sounds and responsive actions. Privias retain excellent realism in more compact form factors at lower prices. Think of Celvianos as Casio’s top-tier pianos, with Privias just a small step below.
Casio designs and manufacturers all Celviano digital pianos at their headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Casio has produced Celviano models since 2003, with frequent upgrades in sound and action quality.
Absolutely, Privia keyboards earn consistent praise for their authentic feel, lush piano tones, and portable design. Musicians love how Privias bundle premium piano features into affordable packages. While a Celviano may satisfy more demanding pianists, Privias remain outstanding digital pianos for students to professionals.
The Bottom Line
Casio produces two industry-leading digital piano lines in the Celviano and Privia series. With refined concert grand tones and weighted actions, any pianist would benefit from these instruments. Celviano offers ultimate realism with lavish sound shaping and responsive keyboards.
Privia delivers excellent piano quality in more compact models for less money. So choose Celviano for top-of-the-line performance or Privia to save without sacrificing core features. Either way, your musical journey will unfold gracefully on these Casio digital pianos. Let your budget and priorities guide you to the perfect instrument.