Casio SK-100 (1990)
A 49-key sampling synthesizer with 8-note polyphony and built-in speakers, released by Casio in 1990.
Overview
The Casio SK-100 is a synthesizer with sampling capabilities, designed for musicians interested in creating and modifying their own sounds. Released in 1990, it was the first in its series to expand the keyboard from 32 to 49 mini-sized keys, giving players a full four-octave range. It supports user sampling, performance recording, and includes a chord accompaniment system with pattern memory. Despite its compact size and lightweight design, it integrates a built-in amplifier and speakers, and can operate on both AC power and batteries.
Specifications
| Number of Keys | 49 |
| Key Weight | Synth |
| Key Size | Mini |
| Touch Sensitive | no |
| Aftertouch | no |
| Number of Voices | 12 |
| Polyphony | 8 |
| Sound Generation | PCM |
| Piano Sounds | yes |
| Real World Sounds | yes |
| Sounds Editable | yes |
| Accompaniments | yes |
| Recorder/Sequencer | yes |
| MIDI | no |
| USB | no |
| Tablet Connectivity | no |
| AC Power | yes |
| Batteries | yes |
| Speakers | yes |
| Audio Out | yes |
| Audio In | yes |
| Sustain Pedal | no |
| Soft Pedal | no |
| Expression Pedal | no |
Design
The SK-100 uses Casio's PCM wave-based synthesis for basic sampled sound playback and supports 8-bit sampling with a maximum sampling rate of 9 kHz. It can store two user samples and allows sampling from external audio via its line input. The unit has a built-in amplifier and speakers, and includes both audio in and out jacks for connecting to other devices. It is capable of running on AC power or batteries, making it portable for practice or performance.
Context
The Casio SK-100 is part of the SK family of instruments, which includes models like the SK-200, SK-2100, and SK-10. It was positioned as an accessible tool for sound creation, offering more keys and improved sampling over earlier models like the SK-1, though with minimal sampling features overall. It was released alongside other budget-friendly Casio synths aimed at hobbyists and entry-level musicians.
Market
A pre-owned Casio SK-100 was listed on eBay for $199.65 with $32.88 shipping and was being watched by 25 users. Some owners report difficulty finding replacement parts, such as black keys, and note that the model is considered very rare. While some users have modified units with circuit bending, others hesitate due to the scarcity and lack of service information.
eBay Listings
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