The Casio HT-700

In this video series, I’m highlighting some cool synths from the 60’s-90’s, as detailed by the excellent YouTube channel 8-bit keys. Today, we have the Casio HT-700:

The sound of the Casio HT-700 (plus restoration details)

I mean, it doesn’t get much closer to the sounds of the 1980’s than this. Especially when it comes to those string sounds. This would be a great instrument for laying down some real thicc pads.

This is a bit more of a consumer toy-type instrument, in that you can’t program your unique original patches in from scratch. You’re stuck with the sounds it comes programmed with from the factory.

But, the current prices for this also do seem cheaper than a lot of the more professional instruments, currently running anywhere from under $100-$300+, depending on condition.

I wouldn’t pay $300 for this instrument, but if you could find one for under $200, it might be worth a go. With this being a cheaper quality instrument without a lot of professional-grade options included, I’m not sure I would expect this one to increase in value over time.

As always, please watch this video from the beginning! The detailed repair and restoration work done here is just as interesting as the sounds this instrument makes.