description Casio Casiotone MT-40 Overview
The Casio Casiotone MT-40 is a compact electronic keyboard introduced in 1981 with miniature keys, preset sounds, automatic accompaniment, and built-in rhythm patterns. A bass-and-drum preset was used for Wayne Smith's song Under Mi Sleng Teng, helping establish the digitally produced Sleng Teng riddim in Jamaican music. The inexpensive consumer instrument consequently became closely associated with reggae and dancehall history.
help Casio Casiotone MT-40 FAQ
What famous reggae song used the Casio Casiotone MT-40?
The MT-40 was famously used by Wayne Smith to create the song 'Under Mi Sleng Teng' in 1985. The track's built-in bass-and-drum preset, often referred to as the 'Sleng Teng riddim,' revolutionized Jamaican dancehall music.
When was the Casio Casiotone MT-40 released?
Casio introduced the Casiotone MT-40 in 1981 as part of their early line of affordable home keyboards. It was designed for beginners and featured miniature keys to keep the instrument compact and inexpensive.
Does the Casio MT-40 have full-sized keys?
No, the MT-40 features mini keys rather than full-sized piano keys. Despite this, its unique sound engine and built-in rock rhythm pattern made it incredibly popular in professional recording studios.
How did the Casio MT-40 create its sounds?
The keyboard utilized a sound engine based on square wave synthesis to generate its instrumental voices and automatic accompaniment patterns. These primitive digital sounds became the defining characteristic of the early 1980s 'Casiotone' sound.
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