Roland
RD-08
$999
Roland's most affordable RD stage piano with speakers and PHA-4
6.1 Beginner 5.0 Night Practice 5.0 Portability 8.2 Touch Reality 7.4 Value
88 13.5 kg
Casio
Casio Privia PX-5S Review
Casio's stage workhorse — 370 sounds, no speakers, all business
88 Keys 11.2 kg tri sensor scaled hammer action ii Advanced
Where to Buy
MSRP
$999
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.
Scores
How These Scores Were Calculated
Beginner
5.6| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 3.0 |
| Lesson Function | No | +0 |
| App Connectivity | No | +0 |
| Recording | Yes | +1 |
| Metronome | Yes | +0.5 |
| Transpose | Yes | +0.3 |
| Layer / Split | Yes | +0.3 |
| Preset Songs | 0 | +0 |
| Sound Variety | 370 sounds | +0.5 |
Night Practice
5.0| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 2.0 |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 | +1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm | +1 |
| Headphone Optimization | No | +0 |
| Key Action Quietness | tri sensor scaled hammer action ii | +0 |
| Volume Control | Yes | +1 |
| Bluetooth Audio | No | +0 |
Portability
5.5| Factor | This Piano | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Base Score | — | 5.0 |
| Weight | 11.2 kg | +1 |
| Width | 1322 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 |
Our Verdict
The Privia PX-5S is Casio's answer for gigging musicians. No speakers, no furniture — just 88 weighted keys with ivory-feel surfaces, 370 sounds covering every genre, line outputs for PA systems, and an 11.2 kg body you can carry to the gig in one trip.
Pros
- • Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II with ivory-feel keys — stage-grade touch quality
- • 370 built-in sounds covering acoustic pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, synths, and more
- • 256-note polyphony — no note dropout during complex layered performances
- • Line out (1/4" L/R) for direct PA connection
- • Only 11.2 kg — remarkably light for a full 88-key stage piano
- • Four assignable zones for complex layer and split setups
- • USB MIDI for studio integration with DAWs
- • Multi-dimensional Morphing AiR for expressive, dynamic piano tones
Cons
- • No built-in speakers — completely silent without headphones or external amplification
- • No Bluetooth — all connections are wired
- • No lesson function or preset songs — this is a performance instrument, not a learning tool
- • No app connectivity
- • Released in 2013 — aging design compared to newer competitors
- • 6.3mm headphone jack only — need an adapter for standard earbuds
- • No damper pedal included — must be purchased separately
The Privia PX-5S fills a specific niche: it's a full 88-key stage piano with professional-grade key action, a massive sound library, and giggable portability at 11.2 kg. The lack of speakers is a feature, not a limitation — it means lower weight and better line-out signal for PA systems. The 370 sounds cover virtually any genre or venue. The main concern is its age — released in 2013, it lacks Bluetooth and modern connectivity. But if you need a dependable, affordable stage piano that you can carry with one hand and plug into any PA system, the PX-5S still delivers. It's a tool for working musicians, and it does its job well.
Technical Deep Dive
About the Key Action
The Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II is Casio's professional-grade action with three sensors per key, capturing the full range of dynamics from pianissimo to fortissimo with precision. The ivory-feel key surfaces provide grip during fast passages and sweaty performances. The graded weighting feels natural across the full 88-key range. For a stage piano at this weight, the action is impressively expressive — many competing models sacrifice key feel for portability, but the PX-5S manages to deliver both.
Who Is This Piano For?
You're a performing musician who needs a reliable, lightweight 88-key stage piano. You play in a band, at church, at weddings, or in a studio, and you need an instrument that connects to a PA system and covers multiple sounds — from grand piano to organ to synth pads. You value portability because you load your own gear. You don't need speakers because you're always plugging into something. The PX-5S is a working musician's tool, not a home practice instrument.
Demo Video
Video coming soon for this model
We embed videos from manufacturer official channels and trusted reviewers. As soon as a suitable demo or review is available, it will appear here.
Specifications
| Keys | 88 |
| Key Action | Tri Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Ii |
| Polyphony | 256 notes |
| Sounds | 370 |
| Weight | 11.2 kg |
| Speakers | — |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Key Surface | Ivory Feel |
| Sound Modeling | AiR Sound Source, Multi-dimensional Morphing |
| Headphone Jacks | 1 |
| Headphone Type | 6.3mm |
| Headphone Optimization | No |
| USB MIDI | Yes |
| Line Out | Yes |
| Lesson Function | No |
| App Connectivity | No |
| Recording | Yes |
| Metronome | Yes |
| Transpose | Yes |
| Layer / Split | Yes |
| Preset Songs | 0 |
| Battery | No |
| Foldable | No |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1322×232×128 mm |
| Stand Included | No |
| Pedal Included | No |
Recommended Accessories
🪑
Stand
Stand not included (sold separately)
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
$999
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
Privia PX-5S vs RD-08
The Privia PX-5S scores higher in Portability, while the RD-08 edges ahead in Beginner and Touch Reality. Choose the Privia PX-5S if you prioritize portability.
Roland RD-08 →Privia PX-5S vs JUNO-DS88
The Privia PX-5S scores higher in Portability and Touch Reality and Value, while the JUNO-DS88 edges ahead in Night Practice. Choose the Privia PX-5S if you prioritize portability.
Roland JUNO-DS88 →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Casio Privia PX-5S good for beginners?
It's decent for beginners. The Casio Privia PX-5S scores 5.6/10 on our Beginner scale — it covers the basics but may lack some advanced learning features found in higher-scoring models.
Does the Casio Privia PX-5S have Bluetooth?
No, the Casio Privia PX-5S does not have Bluetooth. You'll need a USB cable for app connectivity.
How heavy is the Casio Privia PX-5S?
The Casio Privia PX-5S weighs 11.2 kg (25 lbs). It scores 5.5/10 on our Portability scale. This is light enough to carry between rooms or to lessons.
Can I use headphones with the Casio Privia PX-5S?
Yes. The Casio Privia PX-5S has 1 headphone jack (6.3mm). It scores 5/10 on our Night Practice scale.
How many keys does the Casio Privia PX-5S have?
The Casio Privia PX-5S has a full 88-key keyboard, the same as an acoustic piano. This gives you the complete range for any piece of music.
Who is the Casio Privia PX-5S best for?
You're a performing musician who needs a reliable, lightweight 88-key stage piano. You play in a band, at church, at weddings, or in a studio, and you need an instrument that connects to a PA system and covers multiple sounds — from grand piano to organ to synth pads. You value portability because you load your own gear. You don't need speakers because you're always plugging into something. The PX-5S is a working musician's tool, not a home practice instrument.
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Roland
JUNO-DS88
$1,000
88-key synthesizer workstation with weighted ivory-touch keys
5.6 Beginner 5.5 Night Practice 4.5 Portability 5.3 Touch Reality 6.2 Value
88 15.9 kg