What's the difference between the new Casio PX-860 digital piano and the now-discontinued Casio PX-850? Here is a breakdown of Casio's 2015 updates to their best-selling Privia PX-850 furniture-style digital piano!

Earlier this year, Casio released newly updated versions of their Privia digital pianos including their popular furniture-style PX-850. The new Casio Privia PX-860 digital piano builds upon the PX-850 to provide an excellent value for pianists who want the compact design and versatility of a digital piano without sacrificing the sound and playing experience of an acoustic grand.

PX-850 and PX-860 Comparison

Looking at the PX850 and PX860 side by side, you'll probably first notice that both models feature an almost identical upright furniture-style design -- complete with a powerful, integrated 20-Watt speaker system and speaker cabinets that open and close to simulate opening the lid of an acoustic grand piano. 

These pianos were both designed for intermediate to advanced players who desire the grand piano experience at an affordable price. Like the PX-850, the PX-860 features an advanced Tri Sensor Scaled Hammered Action II Keyboard which allows for realistic weighted action that replicates the expression and mechanical nuances of a real grand piano.

At 78 lbs, the PX-860 is more appropriate as a stationary digital piano for the home or studio. It is also a popular choice for educators and students thanks to a built-in metronome and 2-track recorder, dual headphone outputs (great for silent practice sessions), and "duet mode," which allows you to split the keyboard into equal ranges for to players to practice side by side. 

While these educational features were also included with the PX-850, the updated version also includes substantial upgrades to the instrument samples, and reverb effects system of its predecessor.

New Hall Simulator

One of the most standout features of the Casio PX-860 is a new digital effects system called Hall Simulator which creates simulated environments to play the piano based on acoustic measurements of real locations around the world. The Hall simulator adds additional presence, resonance and deepness with presets like Dutch Reformed Church, Berlin Hall Philharmonic, and French Cathedral. This gives the piano’s stereo acoustic sound a more spacious effect like a natural echo that you would here in a church or a large hall. 

Along with the Hall Simulator, Casio has added an expanded selection of vintage electric pianos and organ sounds to make the PX-860 more versatile than ever. 

New String Ensemble Tones

The PX-860's new and enhanced tones were taken from the Casio's pro level PX5S piano, including noticeably improved strings and electric piano sounds. These sounds can be played individually or layered with Casio's renowned Concert Grand Piano sounds to produce a multilayered performance (without the risk of dropping notes thanks to 256 note polyphony!) 

New Concert Play Mode

The PX860 also comes with a new Concert Play mode which includes a library of 10 classical songs recorded by a real orchestra made of professional musicians. The 10 songs feature CD-quality instrument recording of classical music and you can play along with these songs using one of the 18 built-in sounds, adjusting tempo according to your needs. Musical scores of the music are also included.

The PX-860 has taken all the best from the PX-850 and expanded on its overall value by adding great new features that will surely build upon the success and popularity of the Casio Privia series digital pianos. This powerful Casio piano puts a whole new world of musical styles and experiences at your fingertips. 

Casio PX-860 Piano Bundles

If you're considering getting a Casio PX-860, be sure to check out our PX-860 digital piano bundles. These hand-picked packages include essential accessories like piano benches and and instructional materials at a great discount. Plus we offer free shipping on all piano bundles!

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