1st Note

Casio

Casio AP-470 Review

Casio AP-470: a clear digital piano review for practice and comparison

88 Keys 43 kg Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II Intermediate

Scores

8.6 8.0 1.5 7.6 6.5 Beginner Night Practice Portability Touch Reality Value

Beginner

8.6

Night Practice

8.0

Portability

1.5

Touch Reality

7.6

Value

6.5

Where to Buy

MSRP

$1,700

Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.

These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.

How These Scores Were Calculated

Beginner

8.6
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 3.0
Lesson Function Yes +1.5
App Connectivity No +0
Recording Yes +1
Metronome Yes +0.5
Transpose Yes +0.3
Layer / Split Yes +0.3
Preset Songs 60 +1.5
Sound Variety 22 sounds +0.5

Night Practice

8.0
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 2.0
Headphone Jacks 2 +2
Headphone Type 6.3mm, 3.5mm +1.5
Headphone Optimization Yes +1.5
Key Action Quietness Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II +0
Volume Control Yes +1
Bluetooth Audio No +0

Portability

1.5
Factor This Piano Points
Base Score 5.0
Weight 43 kg -3
Width 1393 mm -0.5
Battery No +0
Foldable No +0
Key Count 88 keys +0

Touch Reality

7.6
Factor This Piano Points
Key Action Quality Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II (grade 6) +3.6
Key Count 88 keys +1.5
Polyphony 256 notes +1.5
Sound Modeling AiR Sound Source, Multi-dimensional Morphing +0.5
Key Surface ivory-feel +0.5

How was this calculated? — Read our methodology

Casio AP-470 review verdict

This Casio AP-470 review reads the published specifications from a comparison-first point of view: touch, sound, practice fit, value, and limits.

Casio AP-470 is best read as a console digital piano for players who already practise regularly. This review looks at weighted-key feel, sound, practice features, value, and realistic comparison points instead of treating the spec sheet as advertising copy.

Pros

  • Key count: 88 keys, a clear basis for digital piano comparison.
  • Touch: weighted hammer action, so the review stays focused on practice feel.
  • Quiet practice: Headphone practice support.
  • Connectivity: USB MIDI.
  • Use case: Its best fit is home practice.

Cons

  • Main limit: the need for maximum portability.
  • Furniture footprint should still be checked.
  • Nearby current models may offer a better match for some players.

Casio AP-470 is a console digital piano that makes most sense when its strengths are matched to the right practice situation. The useful points are 88 keys, weighted hammer action, 256-note polyphony, 40W speakers, and a weight of 43 kg. In a digital piano review, those details matter more than broad claims about being the best digital piano overall. For home practice, this model can be a sensible candidate if the layout and feature set match the way the instrument will actually be used. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. The fairest comparison is with models in the same price and use class, where touch, speakers, headphone practice, and connectivity can be judged side by side.

Casio AP-470 evaluation points

Casio AP-470 key action and touch

Casio AP-470 uses a weighted hammer action. For a digital piano with weighted keys, the important question is not only whether the keys are heavy, but whether they help steady daily practice. The ivory feel key surface is a useful comfort detail. The specification lists 256-note polyphony; that is enough for ordinary pieces, while more layered playing or heavy pedal use benefits from a higher number. This makes the key action a practical comparison point rather than a decorative specification.

Who the Casio AP-470 is for

Casio AP-470 is most relevant for players who already practise regularly. The main use case is home practice. Strengths: a more piano-like touch. Limits: the need for maximum portability. Buyers comparing digital pianos should also check the stand, pedal, headphone jack, app support, and local availability before deciding.

Casio AP-470 sound and speakers

Casio AP-470 offers 22 sounds and 40W speakers. That is the sound side of the review: enough variety for practice, but the real experience depends on speaker power, headphone use, and the room where it will be played. The headphone output supports quiet practice. For lessons, apps, or recording workflows, the useful connectivity is USB MIDI.

What to know before buying the Casio AP-470

Before buying Casio AP-470, compare it with nearby alternatives on touch, sound, portability, and value. The stand is included, which simplifies the purchase. A damper pedal is included, though some players may still want a fuller pedal unit. It is still worth comparing as a current buying candidate. For searchers looking for a Casio AP-470 review, the practical conclusion is to treat it as one candidate in a digital piano comparison, not as a universal answer for every player.

Demo Video

Source: Merriam Music Watch on YouTube ↗

Specifications

Keys 88
Key Action Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II
Polyphony 256 notes
Sounds 22
Weight 43 kg
Speakers 40W (×4)
Bluetooth No

Spec terms are explained in the glossary. Glossary →

Will it fit your space?

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Recommended Accessories

🪑

Stand

Stand included

A sturdy X-stand or furniture-style stand is essential if one isn't included.

🎧

Headphones

Closed-back headphones with good bass response make practice sessions more enjoyable.

🎹

Sustain Pedal

The included pedal is usually basic. A half-damper pedal upgrade is worthwhile for expressive playing.

💺

Bench

An adjustable-height bench helps maintain proper posture during long practice sessions.

Where to Buy

MSRP

$1,700

Retail prices change, so check current pricing at retailers.

These buttons open retailer search results and may include affiliate tracking where available. Stock and listing status can change without notice.

How It Compares

AP-470 vs DP 340G

The AP-470 scores higher in piano-like touch, while the DP 340G is stronger in quiet practice. The AP-470 costs $499 less. Choose the AP-470 if piano-like touch matters most.

Gewa DP 340G →

AP-470 vs YDP-165

the YDP-165 is stronger in beginner support. The AP-470 costs $99 less. Choose the YDP-165 if beginner-friendly features matters most.

Yamaha YDP-165 →

AP-470 vs PX-870

the PX-870 is stronger in portability and value for money. The PX-870 costs $501 less. Choose the PX-870 if portability matters most.

Casio PX-870 →

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What reviewers say online

A synthesis of recurring points from price-comparison sites, Amazon reviews, music-store staff videos and forum threads. Not a star-rating average — we read across multiple reviews and pulled out the points that came up repeatedly.

The Casio AP-470 is the core console model in the Celviano line. Across specialist reviews and retailer coverage, the recurring praise is for grand piano tone that punches above its price, a rich 40W four-speaker output, and a refined cabinet design. At the same time, reviewers repeatedly note the weaker non-piano voices, the lack of Bluetooth, and the difficulty of moving it once it is set up.

Praised most often

  • Grand piano tone that is strong for the price

    On the two grand piano voices (one brighter, one deeper), most reviewers say there is a genuine concert-grand quality and that the string and damper resonance adds depth to playing. It is widely regarded as strong for its price bracket.

  • Rich 40W four-speaker output

    The four speakers are described as loud, clear, and high quality, and reviewers welcome the way the sound fills the whole room.

  • Refined furniture-style design

    Even within its price range, many describe the look as upscale and among the most attractive, and it is favored as a piece to place in a living room.

  • Grippy ivory-feel keys

    On the simulated ebony and ivory key texture, owners note the practical benefit that fingers do not slip even when damp and that fast passages can be played with confidence.

Common cautions and criticisms

  • Non-piano voices trail rivals

    Several reviews point out that the electric piano, organ, and string voices are not on the level of Yamaha or Korg.

  • No Bluetooth

    The AP-470 itself has no Bluetooth. Some say wireless connectivity would have been convenient, and comparisons note that the successor AP-550 added it. Connection is via USB MIDI.

  • Key noise and lateral wobble can be noticeable

    Players who are particular about fine touch sometimes say the keys could be quieter and that a slight lateral wobble is noticeable.

  • Not easy to move once installed

    Because it is a heavy console, reviewers note the practical drawback that it is hard to move when rearranging a room once it is set up.

By source

  • Specialist review sites

    Outlets such as azpianoreviews and PianistsCompass mainly praise the value and rich speaker sound while calmly noting the somewhat dated design and the absence of Bluetooth.

  • Retailer reviews & videos

    Retailer reviews from Merriam Music, Sweetwater, and others highlight the practical balance of looks and sound for the price and call it a solid home console.

  • User forums (Piano World, etc.)

    Owner posts include satisfaction that it sounds like a real piano, alongside candid minor operational gripes such as low volume when recording.

Net take

Overall, the AP-470 holds a steady reputation in international reviews as a value-oriented furniture-style piano. Rich speaker sound, a refined design, and solid keys are the central strengths, making it a dependable choice as a console for the living room. If wireless Bluetooth connectivity or the quality of non-piano voices matters to you, the successor AP-550 or rival models in the same price range become realistic comparison candidates.

We do not compute a numeric star average. The points below are recurring themes we identified by reading across multiple reviews.

Sources & transparency

This page is written by the operator, who has run the piano-learning site Piano Juku since 2017, based on published manufacturer specifications. We are not a retailer or tied to any maker — every model is compared by the same criteria. About the operator

Last verified
Data referenced from
Manufacturer official

How the 5-axis scores are calculated

We do not aggregate user reviews or star ratings (see methodology for why).

Spot a mistake or have a question about what's on this page? Let us know and we'll review it.

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Casio AP-470