ScuzzBlog: Diaries May 2026
Entry 30th May 2026: Post 1: Amstrad Fidelity - CKX100 Computerphonic Keyboard.
Amstrad Fidelity - CKX100 Computerphonic Keyboard.
You may think this an odd addition to the collection, given that
I have no abilities when it comes to playing keyboards, but this
particular keyboard was made and sold by Amstrad. Not only
was it only sold in the UK but it represents the only musical
keyboard to have ever been manufactured by Amstrad. There was
never a second. Mr Sugar threw the towel in with his Fidelity
keyboard after this little gem was released in 1988.
Interestingly I was using an Amstrad keyboard every day in 1988.
However the keyboard then was to an Amstrad PCW9512.
OK back to the CKX100. First up this is a strange reference to
use given the normal format of Amstrad products. I assume that
the KX was given over for musical keyboards. As to the 100 I can
assume that 001 didn't sound very optimistic so start at 100. Dunno.
The name Fidelity is more easy to explain as Amstrad had purchased
the Fidelity brand to use with their HiFi so this keyboard has
more to do with HiFi I guess. Although the PlayRight refers to the
keyboard having 'CAH' Computer Aided Harmony. This is a really odd
play mode where you basically can play along with any note and the
keyboard modifies your entry to be in harmony.
Inside the keyboard it is all pretty barren with basically one major
chip doing all the work supported by a few others but nothing major.
The main chip was used on a number of keyboards in the day.
The keyboard has 28 different rhythm styles and just 10 voice styles.
These can be played in vibrato or sustain. You have the facility
to record and load data. The keyboard also has a midi interface.
Sad to say its a typical Amstrad product of the era, providing a
sprinkling of everything but not of a particularly high quality.
It represents Alan Sugar's policy of obtaining product from abroad
at a cheap price and rebadging and selling in the UK at an affordable
price.
The keyboard came with a very helpful user guide which I don't have
and a 9V negative polarity power supply. You can use the keyboard
with batteries.
The sound of the keyboard is just what you would expect. Barely of
a quality that you could perform with let alone generate professional
quality music. I really have no skills at playing such a thing so
wouldn't be able to demonstrate its qualities, but if the demo play
is anything to go buy I sense this to be more of a kiddies keyboard.
There is a tape that goes with the machine and I will keep my eye
out for that and the manual.
Whilst I seriously have no use for this, it was only twenty odd quid
and represents a moment in history for Amstrad and I do like my other
Amstrad computer products. So I guess it can stay, although storing
the thing is going to be a challenge.
PS When it came it had pen markings on the keys. So I purchased some
rubbing alcohol to clean it off. Just made the thing a bit smelly.
Yes we have a video ... !!
Amstrad Fidelity - CKX100 Computerphonic Keyboard.
The keyboard I was playing in 1988
I was using this keyboard from 1987-1993
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