Where the Electronic Keyboard Began
For more than 45 years, Casiotone has played a defining role in how people across the UK discover music.
From first-time players in the early 1980s to modern beginners looking for a stylish, easy-to-use keyboard today, Casiotone has remained true to one clear mission: making music accessible to everyone.
As part of Casio’s musical instrument heritage, Casiotone represents the starting point for countless musicians — a gateway into learning piano and keyboard that continues to resonate with homes, schools, and creatives.
A world first: Casiotone CT-201
A New Kind of Keyboard
Casiotone was first introduced in 1980, the first keyboard designed for the home keyboard market. At a time when synthesisers were largely aimed at professional musicians, and were often expensive, complex, and impractical for everyday home use, Casio’s CT-201 was an instant success.
The original Casiotone keyboards were designed to be:
- Lightweight and portable.
- Affordable for families and beginners.
- Simple to use, with no prior musical knowledge required.
This philosophy aligned perfectly with the growing demand in the UK for accessible music education and home learning. Casiotone quickly became a popular choice for parents looking to introduce children to music, as well as adults eager to try playing the keyboard for the first time.
Casiotone in the UK: A 1980s Cultural Icon
During the 1980s, Casiotone keyboards became a familiar sight in British homes, schools, and youth clubs. Their compact size, built-in speakers, and instantly playable sounds made them ideal for everyday use with no additional equipment required.
This era saw the rise of synth-pop, electronic music, and home recording culture in the UK. Casiotone allowed aspiring musicians to experiment with melody, rhythm, and accompaniment at home, without the cost or complexity of studio gear. The Casiotone MT-40 in 1981 helped give rise to what is now known as the famous ‘Sleng Teng Rhythm’ which has been popular in much music since.
For many UK players, Casiotone wasn’t just their first keyboard — it was their first creative outlet.
Casiotone in the UK: A 1980s Cultural Icon
During the 1980s, Casiotone keyboards became a familiar sight in British homes, schools, and youth clubs. Their compact size, built-in speakers, and instantly playable sounds made them ideal for everyday use with no additional equipment required.
This era saw the rise of synth-pop, electronic music, and home recording culture in the UK. Casiotone allowed aspiring musicians to experiment with melody, rhythm, and accompaniment at home, without the cost or complexity of studio gear. The Casiotone MT-40 in 1981 helped give rise to what is now known as the famous ‘Sleng Teng Rhythm’ which has been popular in much music since.
For many UK players, Casiotone wasn’t just their first keyboard — it was their first creative outlet.
Casiotone in the UK: A 1980s Cultural Icon
During the 1980s, Casiotone keyboards became a familiar sight in British homes, schools, and youth clubs. Their compact size, built-in speakers, and instantly playable sounds made them ideal for everyday use with no additional equipment required.
This era saw the rise of synth-pop, electronic music, and home recording culture in the UK. Casiotone allowed aspiring musicians to experiment with melody, rhythm, and accompaniment at home, without the cost or complexity of studio gear. The Casiotone MT-40 in 1981 helped give rise to what is now known as the famous ‘Sleng Teng Rhythm’ which has been popular in much music since.
For many UK players, Casiotone wasn’t just their first keyboard — it was their first creative outlet.
The Perfect First Keyboard for Beginners
One of the reasons Casiotone has remained so relevant is its role as a beginner keyboard. Over the decades, it has consistently offered an approachable alternative to traditional acoustic pianos.
Key benefits that continue to define Casiotone include:
- Easy, intuitive controls.
- Instant sound with built-in speakers.
- Encouragement of play, exploration, and creativity.
Casiotone today: The CT-S410 keyboard
Whether used for early piano lessons, casual learning, or creative experimentation, Casiotone has long been considered one of the best entry-level keyboards for beginners in the UK.
Evolving with Technology, Staying True to Its Roots
While the core idea behind Casiotone has remained unchanged, the technology has evolved significantly. Modern Casiotone keyboards now feature improved digital sound quality, touch-sensitive keys, USB connectivity, and compatibility with learning apps — all designed to support today’s learners.
Despite these advances, the experience remains intentionally straightforward. Casiotone continues to prioritise ease of use, making it ideal for:
- Beginners learning piano at home
- Children starting music lessons
- Adults returning to music later in life
This balance between modern features and simplicity is what keeps Casiotone relevant in today’s digital-first world.
Modern Casiotone Design for UK Homes
In recent years, Casiotone has also evolved visually. Today’s models are designed to complement modern UK living spaces, with slim profiles and clean, understated aesthetics.
Rather than being hidden away, Casiotone keyboards are designed to be part of everyday life — ready to play at a moment’s notice. This lifestyle-led design reflects a broader shift in how people engage with music at home: more spontaneous, more personal, and more accessible.
Casiotone Within Casio’s Musical Heritage
Within Casio’s wider digital piano and keyboard range, Casiotone holds a special place. It represents the beginning of the musical journey — the first step before progressing to digital pianos or more advanced instruments.
Many UK musicians who now play professionally or semi-professionally began their journey with a Casiotone. That emotional connection, rooted in early discovery and creativity, continues to define the brand’s identity today.
Why Casiotone Still Matters Today
In an era dominated by screens and short-form content, hands-on creativity has never been more important. Casiotone offers a tangible, engaging way to learn piano and keyboard skills — without pressure or expectation.
It encourages experimentation, creativity, and enjoyment, reminding us that music doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful.
From its introduction in 1980 to its modern interpretations today, Casiotone remains one of the most accessible keyboards in the UK. It stands as proof that music truly is for everyone — and always has been.