As someone who has been playing digital pianos for many years, I understand the importance of finding the right instrument—something that not only feels and sounds great but is also functional for everyday practice, live performance, and casual jam sessions. In this review, I’ll be diving into the Casio CDP S360 Compact Digital Piano, exploring its key features, sound quality, playability, and overall value, while weighing the pros and cons. This way, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, you can make an informed decision about whether this piano is a suitable addition to your musical journey.
Overview of the Casio CDP S360 Compact Digital Piano
The Casio CDP S360 is a digital piano designed for those looking for a compact, portable, yet powerful instrument. Casio has consistently made strides in creating affordable digital pianos with quality features, and the CDP S360 is no exception. It features 88 fully weighted keys, a host of different tones and sounds, and a slim design that makes it perfect for musicians who need flexibility without sacrificing quality.
The Casio CDP S360 aims to provide a realistic piano experience at an affordable price, which makes it suitable for a variety of players—those looking for a practice piano at home, for students learning to play, or even for musicians needing something portable for gigs. With its scaled hammer action keys, it provides a weighted feel that closely resembles that of an acoustic piano. Moreover, the wealth of built-in sounds and rhythms makes it an attractive option for anyone who likes to experiment with different genres or needs a versatile performance instrument.
Key Features of the Casio CDP S360
1. Realistic Weighted Action
The Casio CDP S360 features the Scaled Hammer Action II keybed, which is a notable upgrade over earlier models in Casio’s CDP range. This action is designed to mimic the feel of an acoustic piano, where the lower keys are heavier, and the higher keys are lighter. For someone who has been playing for years, I found the action on the CDP S360 to be satisfying for its price range. It has enough resistance to provide the realistic feedback needed for building finger strength and improving technique, especially for those transitioning from an acoustic piano.
2. Compact and Portable Design
One of the main selling points of the CDP S360 is its compact design. At just over 10 kg (about 24 lbs) and with a depth of 232 mm (about 9.1 inches), it is incredibly portable for a full-sized, weighted-key digital piano. The slim profile makes it easy to carry around to gigs, rehearsals, or even simply move it from one room to another. For those living in smaller apartments or needing an unobtrusive setup, the CDP S360’s portability is a huge plus.
3. Sound Quality and Variety
The Casio CDP S360 is loaded with 700 tones, ranging from grand pianos to electric pianos, organs, strings, and even synthesizers. The primary grand piano sound is surprisingly dynamic and expressive, with a natural tone that captures the essence of an acoustic piano. While it might not compete with higher-end digital pianos that use advanced sampling technology, the sound is certainly good enough for practice, performance, and general enjoyment.
The variety of additional tones is fantastic for players who want to experiment with different sounds. The inclusion of 200 built-in rhythms also makes it a great tool for those interested in composing or arranging, as it provides plenty of accompaniment options to get creative with.
4. Connectivity and Integration
The CDP S360 includes a variety of connectivity options, making it versatile for both practice and performance:
- USB to Host: This feature allows you to connect the piano directly to your computer or tablet, which is ideal for use with DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) or learning apps. It also supports MIDI, making it a great option for those wanting to use the piano as a controller for music production.
- Line Out: With dedicated line outputs, you can easily connect the piano to an external amplifier or PA system for performances.
- Pedal Inputs: It comes with a sustain pedal, but it also has support for a three-pedal unit for players who want the full piano experience, including soft and sostenuto functions.
5. User Interface and Features
The user interface of the CDP S360 is fairly simple, with a small LCD screen and buttons that make navigating the various functions easy. Unlike more complex workstations, the streamlined interface means you spend less time figuring out how to get the sounds you want, and more time actually playing. The piano also includes dual-mode (layering two sounds) and split-mode (assigning different sounds to the left and right-hand side of the keyboard), which are perfect for experimenting with complex soundscapes or performing with varied tones.
Pros of the Casio CDP S360 Compact Digital Piano
1. Authentic Playing Feel
The Scaled Hammer Action II keys do an excellent job of mimicking the feel of a traditional acoustic piano. While the action may not be as refined as that found in more expensive models like those from Roland or Yamaha, it’s surprisingly good for its price range. The graded weight of the keys makes the CDP S360 a great tool for practicing proper piano technique, which is crucial for players looking to develop their skills.
2. Compact and Portable
At around 10 kg, the CDP S360 is one of the lightest 88-key, fully weighted digital pianos available. It is ideal for musicians who need something they can easily move without sacrificing the quality of having a full keyboard. Whether you need to transport it for gigs or simply want to store it away after use, its slim and lightweight design is a major plus.
3. Great Range of Sounds and Rhythms
With 700 tones and 200 rhythms, the Casio CDP S360 offers more versatility than many similarly priced digital pianos. Whether you’re looking to explore orchestral sounds, experiment with synth leads, or add rhythms to your compositions, there’s something here for everyone. This kind of variety is perfect for players who enjoy exploring different genres, or even for creating music at home.
4. Affordability
The Casio CDP S360 is priced very competitively, especially given its range of features. It provides a high level of quality in both playability and versatility, without costing as much as some of its more premium counterparts. This makes it a great option for beginners or even seasoned players who need a quality digital piano without breaking the bank. I feel that Casio are offering a lot here for your money.
5. Good Connectivity Options
The CDP S360 is equipped with a USB MIDI interface, which means it’s easy to connect to a computer for use with learning software or as part of a home recording studio. It also has line-out connections, allowing for easy integration into sound systems or PA setups—ideal for live performances. This level of connectivity provides great flexibility, making the CDP S360 suitable for a wide range of musical activities.
Cons of the Casio CDP S360 Compact Digital Piano
1. Key Action Could Be More Refined
While the Scaled Hammer Action II is very good for the price, it doesn’t quite match up to the higher-quality key actions available on more expensive digital pianos. For advanced players who are used to premium digital or acoustic pianos, the action might feel a bit less responsive or nuanced. It’s a great learning tool and works well for general playing, but those with a discerning touch may find it lacking in terms of sensitivity.
2. Limited Speaker Quality
The built-in speakers on the CDP S360 are serviceable, but they don’t deliver the level of power or depth that you might want for performance. The output is clear, but the 8-watt speakers are on the smaller side, which limits the depth of bass and dynamic range. For home practice, the speakers are adequate, but for larger rooms or live performance, an external amplifier or PA system will be necessary to really bring out the instrument’s potential.
3. Basic LCD Screen
The LCD screen on the CDP S360 is functional, but very basic. It provides only limited information, and while it’s fine for switching tones or adjusting settings, those looking for a more intuitive interface may find it a bit dated. It doesn’t offer touch functionality, and some more advanced features are not immediately obvious, requiring some manual reading to fully understand how to navigate them.
4. Plastic Build
To maintain its lightweight and affordable design, the Casio CDP S360 is made primarily of plastic. While it doesn’t feel overly cheap, it also lacks the premium build quality of more expensive models that often use metal accents or wooden elements. This isn’t necessarily a problem for everyone, but it may impact long-term durability if you plan on moving it around frequently.
5. No Bluetooth Connectivity
Unlike some other digital pianos in a similar price bracket, the CDP S360 does not feature Bluetooth MIDI or audio capabilities. Bluetooth connectivity is increasingly common and allows for easier integration with learning apps, tablets, and mobile devices. The lack of Bluetooth isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider if you value wireless functionality.
Who Should Consider Buying the Casio CDP S360?
The Casio CDP S360 is a fantastic option for a wide range of musicians. If you’re a beginner looking for a digital piano that will allow you to learn proper finger technique, the weighted keys and realistic feel of the CDP S360 are ideal. It’s also a great choice for intermediate players who need a versatile instrument with lots of different sounds to explore, while the connectivity options make it suitable for those getting into music production.
The compact size and portability make it perfect for musicians who need to travel with their piano, whether for lessons, gigs, or rehearsals. It’s also a great choice for music teachers or those who perform casually in small venues, thanks to its ease of transportation.
However, if you’re an advanced player looking for a truly refined key action and the most realistic piano feel, you may want to consider a higher-end digital piano. Similarly, if you’re performing professionally and need powerful speakers, you’ll likely need an external amplifier to make the most of this instrument.
Final Verdict: Casio CDP S360 Compact Digital Piano
The Casio CDP S360 delivers a lot of value for its price, combining a realistic key action, a wide variety of sounds, and a compact design. It’s a versatile and affordable digital piano that ticks many boxes, whether you’re just starting out or need a portable, full-sized keyboard for everyday use.
Pros Summary:
- Authentic Scaled Hammer Action for realistic playing experience.
- Lightweight and portable design.
- Versatile sound options with 700 tones and 200 rhythms.
- Competitive price for the features offered.
- Good connectivity options, including USB MIDI and line-out.
Cons Summary:
- Key action is not as refined as higher-end models.
- Built-in speakers are somewhat limited in power.
- Basic LCD screen and lack of Bluetooth connectivity.
- Plastic construction may feel less premium.
What’s in the box the features: 700 Tones including stereo grand piano, plus 200 Rhythms
128-note polyphony
Scaled, weighted hammer-action keyboard with simulated ebony and ivory textures
Slim design that weighs less than 25 pounds
Designed to work with the free Casio Music Space app for iOS and Android
Stereo speaker system plus headphone output for quiet practice
6-track MIDI recorder
Compatible with optional WU-BT10 Bluetooth MIDI & audio adapter
Optional battery power (AC adapter included)
Class compliant USB-MIDI port with no drivers or installation needed
Compatible with optional CS-46 matching wooden stand, SP-34 three-pedal unit, and CS-470P matching wooden stand (with three fixed pedals).
TIP- You can buy this as a bundle here, which includes ( Casio CDP-S360 88-Key Compact Digital Piano – Black Bundle with Adjustable Stand, Bench, Instructional Book, Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD, Online Piano Lessons, and Polishing Cloth)
For anyone seeking a solid, well-rounded digital piano that balances portability, versatility, and price, the Casio CDP S360 is an excellent choice. It’s a perfect instrument for casual players, students, and anyone who wants to enjoy a range of sounds and features without a hefty investment. While it may not have the premium features of some more expensive pianos, it certainly holds its own in providing a realistic and enjoyable playing experience.