Casio SK-5 Synthesizer Information, Specifications and Resources

Author: Andy Merrett / Data Driven

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Casio SK-5

Overview

The Casio SK-5 is a synthesizer with sampling capabilities released in 1987. It is aimed at musicians wanting to create and modify their own sounds.

The SK-5 has 32 synth/organ style mini keys without touch sensitivity or aftertouch. It has four notes of polyphony. It has eight on board sounds including pianos and real world sounds, accompaniments and rhythms, and no pedals.

The SK-5 uses Casio's PCM, a classic wave-based synthesis offering basic sampled sound playback.

It has the ability to record and play back user performances. It has no built-in learning system. It has a built-in amplifier and speakers. It can run from both AC and battery power.

It's a part of the SK family of instruments.

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Disclosure

Check out the latest Casio instruments on Amazon

As the Casio SK-5 is 39 years old, you may find used models and spare parts on ebay.

Launched in 1987, the Casio SK-5 seems to share many of the features of the SK-1 but has an updated front panel which includes drum pads, plus extra sample areas. It still has the 32 mini keys, four note polyphony, 8 sounds and 10 rhythms. It seems as if up to 1.4 seconds of samples can be used but it depends how many of the four sample areas are used. Of course having four different sample areas (even for very short sounds) does increase its potential somewhat, especially as they can be played back on the pads.

Specifications

Form

Number of Keys: 32
Key Weight: Synth
Key Size: Mini
Touch Sensitive:
Aftertouch:

Sound

Number of Voices: 8
Polyphony: 4
Sound Generation: PCM
Piano Sounds:
Real World Sounds:
Sounds Editable:
Accompaniments:

Extra Features

Recorder/Sequencer:
Tutorials:

Communication

MIDI:
USB:
Tablet Connectivity:

Power

AC Power:
Batteries:

Audio

Speakers:
Audio Out:
Audio In:

Pedals

Sustain Pedal:
Soft Pedal:
Expression Pedal:

Release Info

Year: 1987
RRP: Unknown

Description

The Casio SK-5 seems to share many of the features of the SK-1 but has an updated front panel which includes drum pads, plus extra sample areas. It still has the 32 mini keys, four note polyphony, 8 sounds and 10 rhythms. It seems as if up to 1.4 seconds of samples can be used but it depends how many of the four sample areas are used. Of course having four different sample areas (even for very short sounds) does increase its potential somewhat, especially as they can be played back on the pads.

There is an audio output jack but sadly, no obvious audio input jack, meaning you’re relying again on the internal microphone for sound acquisition.

FAQ

What year was the Casio SK-5 launched?

This instrument was launched in 1987

What other models did Casio release in 1987?

What models did other manufacturers release in 1987?

What other synths were released at a similar time?

Have your own question about the Casio SK-5? Email us and we'll research it for you.

Resources

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Purchase Links

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More Info

Added: 2026-01-26 Updated: 2026-02-13 ID: 1276

Instruments from 1986 Instruments from 1987 Instruments from 1988 Instruments from the 1980s
32 key instruments mini sized key instruments Casio instruments
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