Casio GP-310 Review

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We rated the Casio GP-310 a full 10/10 because of its stunning grand piano samples, heavy and responsive wooden key action, and powerful, clear 6-speaker system. This advanced digital piano serves pro players really well. As a whole, the Casios GP line both looks and sounds great. Other notable features in the GP-310 include onboard orchestral recordings and pro-grade sampling quality. We also love the key feel of these Celviano here at BestPianoKeyboards. The GP pianos are very expensive, but you get what you pay for, and this model meets its target audience well. That’s why we gave it a full 10/10!

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We rated the Casio GP-310 a full 10/10 because of its stunning grand piano samples, heavy and responsive wooden key action, and powerful, clear 6-speaker system. This advanced digital piano serves pro players really well. As a whole, the Casios GP line both looks and sounds great. Other notable features in the GP-310 include onboard orchestral recordings and pro-grade sampling quality. We also love the key feel of these Celviano here at BestPianoKeyboards. The GP pianos are very expensive, but you get what you pay for, and this model meets its target audience well. That’s why we gave it a full 10/10!

Casio GP 310 Overview

Casio GP-310 review

 “(The instrument is) an astute combination of innovative and traditional elements that raise the bar for today’s hybrid pianos.” – Sweetwater.com 

Many players don’t think of a premium piano when they hear the brand name Casio, but I certainly do! The Casio GP line is a line of hybrid digital pianos with wooden keys and natural graded hammer action. The Casio GP-310 and GP-510 were both released at the same time, in late 2019, and both models are still going strong. 

The Casio GP-310 is a console-style hybrid grand piano with wooded keys and real hammers.

The Celviano piano line was the direct result of a collaboration with renowned acoustic piano makers C. Bechstein and Casio. Both models have a full-sized keyboard with graded hammer action, a 6-speaker amplification system, and excellent onboard digital signal processing. These instruments are clearly professional-grade digital pianos. This Celviano hybrid line of pianos is so stunning that it even premiered with the Berlin Philharmonic. Said symphony welcomed Casio Celviano to the stage with a performance of Mozart’s Concerto #23
You can read more about this premiere here! 

A Brief History of Celvianos

Celviano pianos themselves have been around since the fall of 2015 when they released a piano that sought to recreate the action of a grand piano within a digital hybrid. The Celviano line of instruments boasts the same exact built as Bechstein’s acoustic grands and is also made of identical materials. C. Bechstein is a German piano company that was originally founded by piano(forte) maker Charles Bechstein in the mid-1800s, in Berlin.

Bechsteins are rumored to have an even more stable scale than the world-famous Steinway grands.  You can learn more about the differences between Bechstein’s (acoustic) grands and Steinways in the article here. 

Now that you know far too much about the GP line and Celvianos, let’s delve into the Casio GP-310’s features!

Features 

3 Stunning Grand Pianos

The Casio GP-310 has 3 stunning grand piano samples including:

  • Berlin Grand 
  • Hamburg Grand
  • Vienna Grand

These grand piano sounds are just as good as those from the more well-known brands such as Yamaha. The samples were created in collaboration with C. Bechstein, a renowned instrument company that we mentioned above. All 3 pianos have 3 tonal variations, which gives you even more timbral colors to play with.

A Small but Quality Soundbank

Apart from the grand piano samples, the GP-310’s sound bank continues to impress. Some of the tones of this instrument include other keys such as organs and harpsichords, as well as electric pianos, and various pianos such as rock and jazz pianos. The non-keyboard sounds, which include strings and bass are quite good. The organ tones are the second most impressive. 

A Well-Rounded Music Library 

The Casio GP-310 has a lovely 60-song music library which includes songs like “Je Te Veux” and “The Entertainer” as well as must-know repertoire like “L’arabesque” and movement 1 of “Moonlight Sonata”. 

This model also has 15 additional songs inside Concert Play which allows you to play with an orchestral backtrack. 

Casios Natural Hammer Action: A Buttery Keyfeel

Casio’s natural hammer feel has real hammers inside which are made of a combination of synthetic material and resin. The Casio Celviano GP-310 Grand Hybrid’s keys are made with solid spruce, which is sourced from Austria. Because of the combination of the ‘real hammers’ and solid spruce keys, this digital piano has a unique, balanced high-quality feeling action. 

MIDI Recorder, Audio Recording

This model has two ways to record: the MIDI recorder (which has space for 1 song with 3) tracks, and the audio recorder (which requires a USB flash drive). The instrument also has playback- and I would certainly expect it to, given the price point!

A Powerful 6-Speaker System

The 6-speakers in the Celviano pack a powerful punch. There are three sets of 2 speakers, all in different sizes. The 6 total speakers have the following measurements: 

  • 6.3-inch speakers (x 2)
  • 3.9-inch speakers (x 2)
  • 2-inch speakers (x 2)

Two of six of these speakers are 3-way. The speaker power measures: 30W x 2 + 20W x 2. This speaker system was designed to have richer bass tones so that the sound is more balanced and powerful. I keep using the word powerful to describe the system because I can’t think of a better way to describe it! It is wonderful. Many hybrids I’ve tried have a 4-speaker sound system, but the more speakers the better. 

New EQ User Options 

Casio has redone the EQ user settings on the GP-310 and 510 in order to make the piano more options than ever before. 

Other Features: 

  • Split and layer function
  • 17 tunings, stretch tuning
  • 15-songs inside of concert play mode
  • FX such as brilliance, hall simulator
  • Headphone mode
  • Backup for settings
  • A stellar acoustic simulator 

Casio’s GP-310 has the features one would anticipate, such as split, layer, an optimized headphone mode, backing tracks, and multiple tunings
but it’s FX, EQ options, and acoustic simulations are especially impressive. 

Casio pianos have always excelled at acoustic simulations. The acoustic simulator inside of the Casio Celviano GP-310 Grand Hybrid includes string resonance, damper resonance, damper noise, a key-on action noise and key-off action noise, hammer response, and a lid simulator.

Side note: Acoustic piano simulator engines help recreate sounds and timbres that you would hear in a real acoustic piano. The bumps and clunks of the keys and hammers moving are an important part of the experience-…Especially if you are used to playing on acoustic grands rather than digital instruments. Casio’s Celvianos does a superb job of recreating the experience of playing a grand piano. 

Specifications

Casio GP-310 piano

  • Weight: 173 pounds
  • Dimensions: 
  • Height: 39.7 inches
  • Width: 56.4 inches
  • Depth: 19.2 inches

Who is it suitable for?

The Casio GP-310 is best suited for upper intermediate players, professional pianists, and those studying to be pro pianists. While some describe this instrument as mid-tier, I feel it is upper-mid-tier, leaning towards a professional grade. It goes without saying that this isn’t a suitable piano for on-the-go musicians or experimental artists. Although, if you wanted to record a more synthy/ non-traditional sounding piece, you can connect the instrument to a DAW and record on the piano with the different sounds in your workstation. 

The GP-310 In Action

For a better feel for the Casio GP-310, check out this all-playing, no-talking video by Kraft Music.

GP-310 Reviews

The Casio GP-310 has not been rated on Sweetwater or Guitar Center, so I had to do a deeper dive into the interwebs to find out the pros and cons from other pianists / those who had purchased this model. Here’s what I found: 

  • This instrument is rated 4.6 / 5 stars on Google’s user reviews
  • One customer on a Casio forum had an issue with the keys making an odd noise upon release
  • Customers love the variation in tone available on the GP-310, as well as the overall sound, touch and build
  • Other professional piano review sites rated the instrument anywhere from a 4/5 to a 5/5. It was often described as “professional”, “high-caliber”, “responsive” and smooth-feeling 

While I was reading through the forums and reviews, I didn’t find any deal breakers. It seems that the key noise issue isn’t a common issue, and was likely just a flawed model. 

Pros and Cons

Casio GP-310 piano review

Pros

  • This model is relatively new and offers more tonal variations in their samples than most hybrids out there
  • There is little to no key noise while playing
  • It offers a realistic playing experience overall
  • The speaker system is powerful and clear
  • The sounds are excellent, especially the grand piano samples
  • The built-in pedals feel smooth and support half-pedaling
  • The natural hammer feel and solid spruce keys are heavy, responsive and the same size as that of an acoustics 
  • Furthermore the keys are very balanced feeling
  • The hybrid style of instrument saves you time and money since it requires far less maintenance than an actual grand

Cons

  • Only one headphone jack
  • The instrument isn’t economical
  • The higher-tier model sounds better
  • This model isn’t widely available, especially online
  • Not many sounds for the price
  • No textured keytops

I was a bit bummed to discover that the GP-310 lacks textured keys given the high price. It also only has one headphone jack, so late-night duets aren’t going to be happening. It’s also worth noting that the GP-310 doesn’t have as clear of a speaker system, and its sounds are not the same as the GP510’s-they’re a bit less polished and lack that je-ne-sais-quoi when you compare their side to side.  Lastly, while the included sounds are still really, really good there are still less than 30 of them. 

Comparable Instruments

For a step-up model consider: Casio’s GP-510 or GP1000

Casio’s higher GP-510 model has 36 sounds as opposed to the 310 models’ 26. This model looks sleeker, and its tones sound far more polished. It costs about $1,500 more give or take.

 Another similar option is the GP1000, but it’s a bit harder to find. In fact, the ‘GP1000’ is a bit of a misnomer. This is a modified GP510 which is available only in Japan. It is nearly identical to the GP-510 but has only piano tones in the sound bank. 

For models of other brands try: Kawai’s NV5 or Yamaha’s CLP775 and their avant-grades

Kawais NV5’s and Yamaha’s Avante-Grands are significantly more expensive, at around $9,000+.  The CLP-775 is probably closest in price (at about $5,000) 

If the Casio GP-310 and the NV5 are way, way out of budget (which I totally get!), another option with a really great key feel for a much smaller price is the Roland FP line, such as the FP-30 or FP-50, which are both making big ripples in the music world. The FP-30 is only $700, and the FP-50 is about $1,300.  Both of these models have a nice heavy action that suits intermediate players splendidly. 

Casio GP-310 Quick View 

Keys 88 full-sized (wooden) natural grand hammer action keys
Touch sensitivity  Yes: 5 levels, off
Sounds 26 sounds / 3 grand piano tones 
Recording capabilities  MIDI recorder, Audio recorder 
Metronome Yes: With adjustable volume control
Polyphony  256 notes
Speakers Yes: 6-speaker system 
Headphones 1 standard headphone jack
Accessories Power adapter, Music rest, bench, and a hook for headphones 

Some seller include a score book as well

Price point  $4,299.99

Casio GP 310: Conclusion

In conclusion, the Casio GP 310 is a high-end digital piano that caters to top-tier pianists who are looking for a digital piano with authenticity. I was especially impressed with the richness and balance of the speakers. And while its no-nonsense setup with a minimalist soundbank isn’t for everyone, it does an amazing job at catering to its intended audience- Serious classical pianists. 

Music quote of the week:

 “I just want to get on stage and sing and be happy” -Ronnie Spector

10Expert Score
Casio GP-310 Review We rated the Casio GP-310 a full 10/10 because of its stunning grand piano samples, heavy and responsive wooden key action, and powerful, clear 6-speaker system. This advanced digital piano serves pro players really well. As a whole, the Casios GP line both looks and sounds great. Other notable features in the GP-310 include onboard orchestral recordings and pro-grade sampling quality. We also love the key feel of these Celviano here at BestPianoKeyboards. The GP pianos are very expensive, but you get what you pay for, and this model meets its target audience well. That’s why we gave it a full 10/10!
PROS
  • This model is relatively new and offers more tonal variations in their samples than most hybrids out there
  • There is little to no key noise while playing
  • It offers a realistic playing experience overall
  • The speaker system is powerful and clear
  • The sounds are excellent, especially the grand piano samples
  • The built-in pedals feel smooth and support half-pedaling
  • The natural hammer feel and solid spruce keys are heavy, responsive and the same size as that of an acoustics
  • Furthermore the keys are very balanced feeling
  • The hybrid style of instrument saves you time and money since it requires far less maintenance than an actual grand
CONS
  • Only one headphone jack
  • The instrument isn’t economical
  • The higher-tier model sounds better
  • This model isn’t widely available, especially online
  • Not many sounds for the price
  • No textured keytops

Videos: Casio GP-310 Review

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