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, built for musicians who want to make and change their own sounds. Released in 1990, it was the first in its series to go from 32 to 49 mini-sized keys, which gives a full four-octave range. It supports user sampling and performance recording, and it has a chord accompaniment system with pattern memory. It is small and light, but it still has a built-in amplifier and speakers, and it runs on AC power or 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. Sampling is 8-bit, with a maximum sampling rate of 9 kHz. It stores two user samples and can sample external audio through its line input. Besides the built-in amplifier and speakers, it has audio in and out jacks for connecting other devices. AC or battery power makes it portable for practice or performance.
Context
The Casio SK-100 belongs to the SK family, which includes the SK-200, SK-2100, and SK-10. It was positioned as an accessible tool for sound creation. It has more keys and better sampling than earlier models like the SK-1, though the sampling features are minimal overall. It came out 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 trouble finding replacement parts, such as black keys, and say the model is considered very rare. Some users have circuit bent their units. Others hold off because the model is scarce and service information is hard to find.
Similar items on eBay
No exact Casio SK-100 listings are live right now — these searches show current Casio and similar vintage synth gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.