Casio AP-710 Review

We rated this Clavinova an 8.5/10 because of its new updates, as well as its versatility, key feel, grand piano samples, and well-rounded learning tools. We took off just a point and a half because we feel the speakers could stand to be bigger for the price, which is fairly steep. Nevertheless, the AP-710 is a brilliantly designed robust home piano that serves nearly every age and skill level.

Casio AP-710 Overview

The Casio AP-710 is a triple-sensor 88-key hammer action keyboard/ digital upright piano that is geared toward players of all skill levels. Like the last Casio piano I reviewed, the AP-710 was created in collaboration with the renowned German piano manufacturer, Bechstein. 

This model is the current flagship of this line in the lower-tier Clavinova line, and it certainly shows. I would consider this piano to be mid-range. This instrument was released in 2020 and has a traditional look and feel to it. It also boasts several new features, like improved VRM for the piano sounds, and a new harpsichord.  So, let’s check out the AP-710 in-depth!

Features

Excellent Key Feel, Tri-Senor II

The Casio AP-710 has a second generation of triple sensors, meaning that the technology has been updated since. This model also has gorgeous, textured keys. Some piano reviews talk about how they don’t mind if the keys on new digitals aren’t textured but for me? If I’m going to pay nearly 3k for an instrument, textured keys are a must-have. Casio takes this a step further by making both the black and white keys not only textured but also, moisture-wicking. 

The AP-710 uses Casio’s scaled hammer action, which is weighty and consistent, and results in a stellar playing experience. 

3 Grand Piano Samples, New Key-Off

There are 3 grand piano samples on this digital upright: The Berlin Grand, Hamburg, and Vienna Grand. This particular type of Clanivova has longer samples than the ones before it, which makes the samples sound more real. It also has Casio’s stunning VRM technology (including damper resonances, and all those little clinks and clunks that add up to an acoustic playing experience).

Casio’s close collaboration with the aforementioned Bechstein resulted in a perfect recreation of the German makers’ D282 grand piano- but all three tones have a beautiful harmonic depth to them.  

Side note: The names of these pianos can’t use the brands Bechstein, Steinway, and Bosendorfer, but these makers are what the three samples are modeled after. 

AiR Engine with a New Tone

The AiR sound engine has 26 tones total, including a new harpsichord inside of this model. The AP-710 is known for its sound engine, with many players saying that it’s got one of the best quality AiR sound engines on the market. 

Specifications

• Weight: 105 pounds
• Dimensions:
• Height: 25.9”
• Width: 54.2”
• Length: 16.8”
• Effects: Reverbs, Chorus, DSP, and Brilliance 

Who is it suitable for?

This flagship Clavinova is suitable for almost anyone– The honed-in grand piano samples will serve upper intermediate to pro players well, whereas the learning features will help get a beginner to lower/mid intermediates playing more often. 

Needless to say, this is clearly a home piano, so it won’t serve traveling musicians very well. 

The AP-710 in Action

Check out this buyers guide and demo by Bonners Music to get a second opinion, as well as to hear the soundbank in action. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• It has features that will please a wide range of players 

• It has a new harpsichord, and a Bechstein-style piano sample (not all mid-range Clavinovas have this)

• The textured keys are moisture wicking
• The scaled hammer action keys have gen. 2 triple-sensors underneath
• The item balances a combination of ‘the basics’ and extras, making it an engaging instrument to interface with 

Cons

• The speakers could stand to be bigger/ more powerful for the price
• It has plastic key action

The AP-710 feels great but it still does feel like a plastic key instrument.  You can find pianos in this price range with hybrid resin-wood keys, or all-wood keys. Some customers have described this key feel as ‘bouncy’ and I can’t entirely disagree, especially if we are comparing the instrument to the maker’s GP line of Clavinovas.  And though the speakers sound wonderful, I feel they should’ve been 40 watts for the price. 

Comparable Instruments

• Casio GP-310

• Casio AP-470 
• Roland HP-702
• Yamaha CLP-735

Casio borrowed from both their “AP” and “GP” range instruments to make this in-between model. If you are looking for a similar, but higher-quality instrument, try Casio’s GP-310. This is a high-end hybrid digital with wood keys, but a similar setup. 

On the other hand, the AP-470 is a great comparable budget option. While it doesn’t have the Bechstein piano sample, it does have a smooth key feel and a solid setup, especially for intermediate players. 

This model is also sometimes compared to Roland and Yamaha’s models, like the HP-702 and CLP-735. I will mention that the CLP-735 has a more powerful speaker system, which I really valued personally. All three models are great, it just depends on your preference of maker, and what specs you are looking for inside a mid-range piano. 

Quick View 

Casio AP-710: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Casio AP-710 is a refreshing digital upright piano with several new features that easily makes it the king of the midrange Casios. 

Music quote of the week: 

“If you write great songs with meaning and emotion, they will last forever because songs are the key to everything. Songs will outlast the artist and they will go on forever if they are good.” -Elton John

8.5Expert Score

We rated this Clavinova an 8.5/10 because of its new updates, as well as its versatility, key feel, grand piano samples, and well-rounded learning tools. We took off just a point and a half because we feel the speakers could stand to be bigger for the price, which is fairly steep. Nevertheless, the AP-710 is a brilliantly designed robust home piano that serves nearly every age and skill level.

PROS

• It has features that will please a wide range of players
• It has a new harpsichord, and a Bechstein-style piano sample (not all mid-range Clavinovas have this)
• The textured keys are moisture wicking
• The scaled hammer action keys have gen. 2 triple-sensors underneath
• The item balances a combination of ‘the basics’ and extras, making it an engaging instrument to interface with

CONS

• The speakers could stand to be bigger/ more powerful for the price
• It has plastic key action