Released in 1985, the Casio SK-1 was one of the first samplers made for everyday consumers and has been a staple of lo-fi, experimental, and electronic music ever since. The appeal is simple: capture any sound through the built-in mic or line input, and play it back — looped, pitched, and shaped — across the 32-key mini keyboard. The 8-bit, 9.38 kHz engine is gritty by design, and that grittiness is exactly the point. Eight preset voices, additive synthesis, 13 envelope presets, auto-accompaniment rhythms, portamento, vibrato, and a basic sequencer round out the feature set.
This unit is fair condition — significant cosmetic wear throughout, consistent with age and use. The high E and F key caps are damaged but the keys play and function normally. All 32 keys and all functions are fully operational. Photos show the condition accurately; please review before purchasing.
- Make: Casio
- Model: SK-1
- Year: 1985
- Country of origin: Japan
- Keys: 32 mini-size keys, no velocity sensitivity
- Polyphony: 4 voices
- Sound engine: 8-bit PCM sampling, additive synthesis, PCM preset voices
- Sample rate: 9.38 kHz
- Sample time: up to 1.4 seconds
- Preset voices: piano, trumpet, human voice, pipe organ, brass ensemble, flute, synth drums, jazz organ
- Sampling input: built-in electret microphone, external mic/line input (1.5mm)
- Envelopes: 13 preset dynamic curves
- Sequencer: yes, basic real-time
- Rhythms: 11 auto-accompaniment rhythms
- Outputs: main out 1.5mm, built-in 1-watt mono speaker
- Power: DC 7.5V Center Negative or batteries
- Weight: 2 lbs 6 ounces
- Known issues: high F key cap broken — key plays normally
- Modifications: None
- Includes: None (Does not include power supply)
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
