This is a superb demo! I don't see anything wrong with it not being "exciting'. It's informative and depicts the sounds this thing can make nicely. well done man
Jack Pennoyer Thanks Jack, but I fully realize it takes a special appreciator of all things "synth" to sit through 20 minutes of sound demos (as I and apparently you have now done!)...just wanted to show what I think is a pretty cool keyboard...cheers!
I was a proud owner of a CZ-1 for a long time (I also had a CZ-101 and a CZ-1000) and I loved them. Very intuitive to program and the MIDI capabilities really brought them to life, especially the CZ-1 with it's velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. Being able to access a lot of additional parameters via a MIDI controller or DAW really expanded the capabilities of the synth. Totally regret selling mine :-(
Yeah, I'll probably end up selling mine one day just for the space they take up, and because I'm mostly happy with the software alternatives, but I really feel they were cool and unique synths for the time.
@@fishwigy Yeah, I do, and I had a second one I was keeping for spare parts, that I was able to get fixed. At some time I need to do a "Double CZ" video.
My first synth was a monophonic Yamaha CS-01. My first polyphonic synth was a CZ-1000 - when it was new on the market! I eventually sold that and a small PA system in the late 90s to fund my dream synth, the CZ-1 that I own to this day. Of all of the vintage kit I'm still running, the CZ-1 and Akai S950 are my absolute favourites. I used the CZ-1 as my main synth for years in the early 2000s in a pretty brutal metal band and it never let me down... and never allowed any guitarists to throw me any shade! So versatile, so user-friendly. I've never known another synth to be so easy to program while sounding so complex. I really hope that Casio jumps on the classic synth reissue bandwagon.
Yep, all my programming chops started with this synth too. Have to say I'm not holding my breath on that last one (a reissue). I was at Frankfurt Musikmesse in 2016, and I asked the reps there if Casio had any plans for a new Phase Distortion synth, or at least one that used the technology. They looked at me like I was nuts and said "uh...no...we just did the CZ app for iPad, and that's probably all we'll do". Of course that was a few years ago, right before Behringer heavily jumped on the clone wagon, and Korg started as well, so who knows what Casio thinks about the idea now. Bu-u-u-u-ut...now that I think about it, I think I asked them at NAMM in 2018 and they laughed then too. So no...probably not from Casio. Maybe somebody can lobby Behringer.
@@ProckGnosis In the late 80s or early 90s, Yamaha successfully sued Casio for patent infringement. Yamaha was able to convince the court that 'Phase Disortion synthesis' was just a renamed version of their 'FM synthesis', i.e. the physics & math behind Casio's synthhesis engine was no different than Yamaha's. Consequently, Casio had to stop production of their Phase Distortion synths, which left them with only their cheaper line to market (leading to the negative reputation Casio has today). I would think that Casio would have to pay hefty royalty fees if they resurrected the CZ & similar models, which would make it really difficult to make any sort of profit. IMHO, nobody should not hold their breath waiting for reissued phase distortion synths from Casio. 😞 cheers, Derek
@@derekbaker3279 I'd heard that as well, but I can't find ANY solid proof that was the case. I've also read that the patent for PD was different enough that it helped them avoid any patent lawsuits from Yamaha. Casio produced the CZs for at least 4 years, so if they did end production because of Yamaha, I doubt it really had much of an impact. ROMplers were starting to take off (Korg M1 for example) and both PD and PM/FM synths weren't so popular by the late 80s. Would love to get the solid backstory on that.
I've said it like 40 times, but this was such a cool synth...don't know why Casio can't bring back a more advanced version of this, with modern processing power. If they did it right, it would be wicked as hell...
Casio synths are capable for very warm and beautiful sounds. I have a ton of synths, but started with a casio. I somewhat have an elitist attitude about them now, and wouldn't play one on stage because of that flaw in the way I think. Some of the pads are thick and lush. Excellent video. It wasn't too long either. I'm writing this at 22 min 59 sec into it.
I get where you're coming from, but the biggest reasons I wouldn't use one on stage now (apart from that prominent "CASIO" for all to see) are 1) it's heavy to lug around, and 2) I'd worry about damaging it.
I recognized most of the patches (or sound character), since I own a CZ1000. You added reverb, very nice. Many 80's synths didn't have effects. I challenge guys to turn off Fx on their synths, and compare raw sound with this CZ1. Congratulations man. Greetings.
preis205 Ahhh...CZ-1000. That was my first. Was cheap, polyphonic, taught me something about programming sounds, and sounded decent enough for most of the 80’s pop rock our band was playing in the late 80s (and it gave me something to do other than just sing). Despite having a pretty good background in math, I had that thing about 10 years before I really started to understand how the sound engine worked. Just never really dug into “the science behind it” until then. Cheers!
The Casio CZ-1 does have a separate 64 presets along with the 64 user memories. To access the internal 64, just press the initialize button while selecting patches. There are also 64 operation memories and 64 additional memories with cartridge which can be accessed without having to load in the user banks.
Thanks PAD. You have proven yourself to be a TRUE synth geek with the patience to sit through this puppy! (assuming you even made it all the way through)
I like your playing. Great demo. You have a lucky life. Good looks. International. Smart. Talented. Synths. Beer. I bet you get plenty of love action. I'm so jealous I could cry.
Thanks. I'm sure many DON'T agree with you ('cause they've said so), but hey, too late...it's part of the format now. Problem is now that I'm back in the states, I'm having a harder time finding enough of a variety of beers that I like. There IS a decent variety, but I'm not an IPA fan, and it seems like every second craft brew I run across here is an f-in' IPA (no offense to IPA fans).
Since you don't seem to like it much I'll gladly buy it from you lol. You compared it to both analog and FM as being unfavorable. I say they're all great and am glad to have something that exists as another flavor. I sampled a cz101 flute and put it into a sound library that thousands upon thousands played, no one ever complained ;) Hearing the Cz with velocity is a trip and I will eventually get one of these. I think your playing is fine btw, and if you really like these sort of digital sounds you MUST check out the Yamaha fs1r, which IMO is the best sounding FM synth of all time.
Adam Seitzman Oh no...you misunderstood, or I wasn't clear. This rocks in its OWN way. No it's NOT as fat as a good analog, but it is a very decent synth and capable of its own niche for sounds. I made the video primarily to show people this thing sounds more-than-professional enough to use in recorded music. Not the #1 choice for hard EDM or techno, but more than capable. This will be one of "my final five keyboards" in my house for as long as its usable/repairable. And yes, have an FS1R, which rocks quite nicely in its own way. Cheers!
To me, based on what I hear, I would call this a "workhorse" synth. Nothing exceptional, nothing particularly attention grabbing, but nothing bad... Though I really liked the marimba. I wouldn't use if for any "crazier" sounds, but with some modifications on the basics, it sounds perfect. Thanks for the demo! This is an oft-referenced synth that I've never had any personal experience with.
I think you can actually do quite crazy sounds with the excessive 8 step envelopes for pitch, „filter“ and amp, plus noise and ring mod. I once did a nice „busy highway“ sound with my CZ 101.
How much did you pay for the cz1, if I may ask. I'm interested in buyng one myself, saw one running for 250 euros lately, made an offer then but someone else before me got it instead, sadly. Great demo by the way! and keep up the videos great videos.
Thomas Vogt Vielen Dank! I don't know about the current price on CZ-1's, but I paid around 200 euros/dollars both times that I bought one through Ebay. The 2nd CZ-1 I bought from someone near Dusseldorf (in 2004). It's the one I use today. Was in perfect shape, and only about 180 euros (I was VERY lucky, as I was still living in Europe, and they did not want to mail it anywhere). The first one cost more (about $200) but suffered some slight damage in shipping, and I never used it very much. I have kept it for spare parts. I would guess now that they are harder to find, 250 euros isn't a bad price, if the keyboard is still in pretty good shape.
I have a CZ-5000 and find myself editing the Fairy Tale presets as well. I wish this synth engine was velocity sensitive because programming complex arpeggios in MIDI would probably make its sounds really fly. It does have quite an ethereal sound.
Thank you very much for this video. I have been curious about the CZ's since I have CZ waveforms on my Casio XW-P1. This is a nice recording too, DI from the output. Is it a stereo pair output, or headphone out, or mono out? The effects are stereo or there is stereo panning of the oscillators?
You're welcome. It's a great sounding synth, I have to say. The CZ-1 has a stereo out, but each patch is only output in mono (unless it's running through the on-board chorus effect). This recording was mono line-in, and then with a bit of stereo reverb added. I have a XW-P1 and I was fairly disappointed by the CZ waveforms on it. What makes the CZ tone more unique is the way it sounds when the wave is distorting or being shaped. Unfortunately the sampled waves on the XW-P1 don't demonstrate that.
Yes, thank you, I agree, getting the sound you are with the CZ1 is difficult with the XWP1. Programming the XW-P1 is not much fun, and it has led me to the discipline that it is the last menu synth I will ever buy. A little menu is okay (DM12 or UltraNova), but I want all the knobs, buttons and faders. It has been very difficult getting good sound out of the XW-P1, for HexLayer it uses the same PCM voices as my Casio WK7600, which are very bad, and the 4 oscillators mono synth is difficult to get sweet spots with all the menu diving and 1000's of waves. But I do love the creativity of the XW-P1 with the: create your own arps, phrase sequencer and step sequencer. Since Casio included 5pinMIDI DIN's, the Casio remains in the center of my studio for controlling other synths. Wonderful chatting with a XWP1 owner, please excuse my long comment, I am just excited :)
Yeah, you have the exact same impression I have of the XW-P1...the sequencing is better than some synths that cost 4 times as much...but programming is much more difficult (especially for the monosynth) in some ways, and not deep enough in other ways.
Yeah, a lot of folks don't realize that Casio has created a few decent and decently programmable synths. Not everything Casio made had speakers, lol...
hi. i saw a used one. the screen not working and the sustain pedal. but the buttons to choose tones is working. is $75 a good price for the condition? is it easy fix?
+Jade Pascual Sorry, but I don't have any experience in fixing or getting a CZ fixed. I also haven't had time to get my CZ-5000 looked at that died. As long as the $75 CZ is still making noise (it's playable) that's a good sign. I would check some of the CZ forums. I thought I read a few posts from people who replaced the screen/display.
I thought I remembered reading someplace it was around $1200-1300. I got this one on Ebay for about 90 euros. It was a VERY lucky find, because it was in perfect condition. They didn't want to ship it, and it wasn't a big drive to go pick it up.
Excellent demo. But why did Casio make so many brass presets?. Wouldn't it have been better to make just one, and make other presets?. thank you for sharing. i know a lot more now.
Thanks. I'm guessing they made so many brass presets, because back when digital synths were still fairly new, they wanted to go with their strengths. A lot of folks back then wanted synths that sounded like real instruments, and the brass sounded a lot more real than it's piano or flute sounds. In general I think big, polyphonic brass sounds were kind of popular in the 80s.
All the most realistic bell, vibe, chime, or marimba like sounds on the CZ use the ring modulation. Not sure if that's good or bad news for you, but the bells, chimes, etc. do all sound pretty good on the CZ.
I got that last year some time and only recently started playing around with it a bit more. It's pretty spot-on sound-wise, but the programming interface could use a few tweaks to make it more like the synth. Still, not a bad option at all to get some classic 80's CZ sounds...
That is one I haven't heard before, but after some quick Googling, I can't argue there's a bit of resemblance. Also think that was the longest my hair has ever been (in this video).
@@NinoJoel None taken! The messy living room only meant I was keeping it real: just a guy in his house making videos and enjoying beer! Unless this was one of the rare videos where I didn't have a beer.
Sorry man...I've never had to reinstall the default sound bank. I'm sure there is a way to do a sysex dump, and this guy has a lot of resources (coffeeshopped.com/casio-cz-resources), but I've never done it before.
Hi, thanks for Your work. One question: it is said that CZ101 is better in clarity and power of sound ( eg. bass sounds...) even than its bigger brothers. Is that true? Maybe, due a chorus option not so hush on my CZ1) its output is weaker.....I would like to know more. Did You have any comparison experiences? What do You think about this? Thanks a lot for answering.
@littlebritain64 Thanks. Yeah, I've seen that discussed in quite a few forums, but I don't think there's a big difference. The CZ-1 has a velocity sensitive keyboard, so unless you're playing velocity value=127, some of the patches that use velocity may seem less loud or less bright. The CZ-101 may run hotter on the output (or so I've read, but not tested), but I've not see any significant differences between the 4 CZs I've owned (CZ-1000, two CZ-1s, and a CZ-5000). The CZ-1000 (basically a CZ-101 with full-size keys) I had did seem louder, but again, I think that was mostly because it wasn't velocity sensitive, and every key press got maximum programmed loudness.
@@ProckGnosis wow, thanks for answering so quickly and in such a detail!!👍 Yes, it really sounds so strange that a budget synth could be better than the top of the range. And that nobody noticed it since the beginning, slowing down the CZ-1 sellings in advantage of its more little brother. So, no need to purchase another CZ, since I also have a VZ-10.....😄. Thanks again, all the best!!
@@littlebritain64 Well, just to clarify, I don't think the CZ-101 is overall better than the CZ-1; it's just easier to use if you don't care about 1) velocity sensitive programming or 2) having the extra voices from the CZ-1. I can get a CZ-101 performance out of an CZ-1 (and then some), but I can't get a CZ-1 performance out of a CZ-101. Other than size considerations (the CZ-1 is BIG), I'd take the CZ-1 over the CZ-101.
I have Arturia V collection. I know people gonna say its computer generated sounds or analog has warmth. I dont care, i love my Arturia. So does my fans. Also, this is not my Artist account so dont come at me like "You dont have any music on your channel". 🙂
I think Arturia did a pretty good job. Because the CZ was a digital synth there are quite a few pretty good sounding software synths that can sound very much like a Casio CZ. Thor in Propellerhead Reason has a great sounding phase modulation (CZ) oscillator that I use all the time. I also have the CZ app for my iPad. They both sound great.
@@ProckGnosis sir, thanks for the reply. Im kinda new to synths and so to your channel. Love your videos and synths collection. I like juno and moog synth. What are your views on it? And do you have any videos on roland synths?
@@bhaveshtochabbra6853 Thanks. I can find something good about almost ANY synth, just because I'm a big synth fan. My advice is keep studying and learning how to use your Arturia soft synths. Once you become really comfortable using them, you will better understand how synths work, and you will better understand what hardware synths you might like (and why) BEFORE you spend any money on them. I've owned a few Roland synths, but the one Roland video I've done only discussed the organ engine for the Roland FA-06.
As long as the internal battery is still good, you can store the patches IN the synth (in the 64 memory locations). The problem is you have to write over the presets to do it.
Hey Sasa...the CZ-1 doesn't use samples. The wave forms are all calculated from algorithms, not digital samples. You can possibly program the CZ-1 to get a sound similar to an oboe or bassoon, but it won't sound as good as a well-recorded sample from the real instrument.
The CZ-1 and the CZ-5000 are almost the same, but the CZ-1 is velocity sensitive (keyboard and programming) and has aftertouch. The CZ-5000 has an onboard sequencer that the CZ-1 does not have, but no velocity-sensitive features.
Since the CZ-230s had the same phase-distortion synth engine, the "double reed" sound can be programmed into the CZ-1. I don't remember if it was one of the original presets.
Try running it through a nice analog filter...it might jazz it up a bit. See my CZ-1 running through the Dreadbox Erebus video if you haven't. Definitely sweetens up the sound...
Casio never did a good job marketing this type of gear, that wasn't for home use (no speakers), but that actually offered some pretty cool sounding synth programming for rock/pop/experimental music. I'm guessing the normal Casio-fans didn't buy it because it didn't have speakers and they had no interest in programming a synth, and the normal synth fans didn't buy it because they thought Casio only made keyboards with speakers for your living room. Of course I fell in a third category...synth fan who bought it because 1) I could program it a bit (I really learned the basics on this) and 2) I couldn't afford anything else at the time.
all the demos use reverb.....uggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Lol...what WAS he thinking...he actually played musical phrases and stuff too (albeit badly). NOBODY uses reverb when they're musically demonstrating a keyboard. : ) Had it been strictly an oscillator deep-dive analysis, yeah, I wouldn't have used reverb. But it wasn't. It was to demo the patches predominantly in a musical way, and most synths when used musically have reverb, hence the decision to add it.
Yeah...understand, and it was almost a coin flip NOT to add reverb, til I reasoned it out as described above. You can probably find some other, older videos without it, but then the audio quality usually isn't as good.
This is a superb demo! I don't see anything wrong with it not being "exciting'. It's informative and depicts the sounds this thing can make nicely. well done man
Jack Pennoyer Thanks Jack, but I fully realize it takes a special appreciator of all things "synth" to sit through 20 minutes of sound demos (as I and apparently you have now done!)...just wanted to show what I think is a pretty cool keyboard...cheers!
I was a proud owner of a CZ-1 for a long time (I also had a CZ-101 and a CZ-1000) and I loved them. Very intuitive to program and the MIDI capabilities really brought them to life, especially the CZ-1 with it's velocity sensitivity and aftertouch. Being able to access a lot of additional parameters via a MIDI controller or DAW really expanded the capabilities of the synth. Totally regret selling mine :-(
Yeah, I'll probably end up selling mine one day just for the space they take up, and because I'm mostly happy with the software alternatives, but I really feel they were cool and unique synths for the time.
@@ProckGnosis you still have it?
@@fishwigy Yeah, I do, and I had a second one I was keeping for spare parts, that I was able to get fixed. At some time I need to do a "Double CZ" video.
@@ProckGnosis I only have the software equivalent but I love the sound of it
My first synth was a monophonic Yamaha CS-01. My first polyphonic synth was a CZ-1000 - when it was new on the market! I eventually sold that and a small PA system in the late 90s to fund my dream synth, the CZ-1 that I own to this day.
Of all of the vintage kit I'm still running, the CZ-1 and Akai S950 are my absolute favourites.
I used the CZ-1 as my main synth for years in the early 2000s in a pretty brutal metal band and it never let me down... and never allowed any guitarists to throw me any shade!
So versatile, so user-friendly. I've never known another synth to be so easy to program while sounding so complex.
I really hope that Casio jumps on the classic synth reissue bandwagon.
Yep, all my programming chops started with this synth too.
Have to say I'm not holding my breath on that last one (a reissue). I was at Frankfurt Musikmesse in 2016, and I asked the reps there if Casio had any plans for a new Phase Distortion synth, or at least one that used the technology. They looked at me like I was nuts and said "uh...no...we just did the CZ app for iPad, and that's probably all we'll do".
Of course that was a few years ago, right before Behringer heavily jumped on the clone wagon, and Korg started as well, so who knows what Casio thinks about the idea now. Bu-u-u-u-ut...now that I think about it, I think I asked them at NAMM in 2018 and they laughed then too.
So no...probably not from Casio. Maybe somebody can lobby Behringer.
@@ProckGnosis In the late 80s or early 90s, Yamaha successfully sued Casio for patent infringement. Yamaha was able to convince the court that 'Phase Disortion synthesis' was just a renamed version of their 'FM synthesis', i.e. the physics & math behind Casio's synthhesis engine was no different than Yamaha's. Consequently, Casio had to stop production of their Phase Distortion synths, which left them with only their cheaper line to market (leading to the negative reputation Casio has today). I would think that Casio would have to pay hefty royalty fees if they resurrected the CZ & similar models, which would make it really difficult to make any sort of profit. IMHO, nobody should not hold their breath waiting for reissued phase distortion synths from Casio. 😞
cheers,
Derek
@@derekbaker3279 I'd heard that as well, but I can't find ANY solid proof that was the case. I've also read that the patent for PD was different enough that it helped them avoid any patent lawsuits from Yamaha. Casio produced the CZs for at least 4 years, so if they did end production because of Yamaha, I doubt it really had much of an impact. ROMplers were starting to take off (Korg M1 for example) and both PD and PM/FM synths weren't so popular by the late 80s.
Would love to get the solid backstory on that.
Nice consistent warmth, dry with enough heat to start a brush fire - I listened through ear buds the 1st time and didn't feel cheated.
Ahhh this took me back! I had one back in the day, loved it, just lacking memory, was my only gripe.
I've said it like 40 times, but this was such a cool synth...don't know why Casio can't bring back a more advanced version of this, with modern processing power. If they did it right, it would be wicked as hell...
Casio synths are capable for very warm and beautiful sounds. I have a ton of synths, but started with a casio. I somewhat have an elitist attitude about them now, and wouldn't play one on stage because of that flaw in the way I think. Some of the pads are thick and lush. Excellent video. It wasn't too long either. I'm writing this at 22 min 59 sec into it.
I get where you're coming from, but the biggest reasons I wouldn't use one on stage now (apart from that prominent "CASIO" for all to see) are 1) it's heavy to lug around, and 2) I'd worry about damaging it.
I love the CZ1 and CZ 1000, for those who are curious, I posted some experiences that I did on mine!
Thanks. More people need to appreciate the CZ synths. Maybe Casio will start making an updated version again.
I recognized most of the patches (or sound character), since I own a CZ1000. You added reverb, very nice. Many 80's synths didn't have effects. I challenge guys to turn off Fx on their synths, and compare raw sound with this CZ1. Congratulations man. Greetings.
preis205 Ahhh...CZ-1000. That was my first. Was cheap, polyphonic, taught me something about programming sounds, and sounded decent enough for most of the 80’s pop rock our band was playing in the late 80s (and it gave me something to do other than just sing). Despite having a pretty good background in math, I had that thing about 10 years before I really started to understand how the sound engine worked. Just never really dug into “the science behind it” until then. Cheers!
Awesome ! Love the sounds ... are they available thru sysex ?
Your original presets are very good! :)
Thanks...I admit when I go back and listen this, I still really like the sound of a lot of them. The CZ has a unique character.
The Casio CZ-1 does have a separate 64 presets along with the 64 user memories. To access the internal 64, just press the initialize button while selecting patches. There are also 64 operation memories and 64 additional memories with cartridge which can be accessed without having to load in the user banks.
Great tip!
Very nice synth and yet another great vid! Thanks for sharing! :)
Thanks PAD. You have proven yourself to be a TRUE synth geek with the patience to sit through this puppy! (assuming you even made it all the way through)
lol
To me PD sounds better/warmer than the comparable FM. Got two CZs now.
Cool...agree it does sound warmer than FM. As I've said in 20 other posts already, I'll likely shed a tear when my CZ finally dies beyond repair.
I like your playing. Great demo. You have a lucky life. Good looks. International. Smart. Talented. Synths. Beer. I bet you get plenty of love action. I'm so jealous I could cry.
Thanks again. Lol...uh...no. Happily married. But I'll let her know I could be out gettin' more action. : )
@@ProckGnosis always let em know
The complete package is important. I have a ton of software and several hardware synths and...not much else. ;)
damn bro you need to talk?
@@bigmichael2765, lol, it's all good. :)
08:10 that elec. bass 2 sounds really good
I agree. I think I like this synth more than when I got it.
Keep doing your monologues, they make the demo much more interesting. Also please keep doing beer of the day/demo.
Thanks. I'm sure many DON'T agree with you ('cause they've said so), but hey, too late...it's part of the format now. Problem is now that I'm back in the states, I'm having a harder time finding enough of a variety of beers that I like. There IS a decent variety, but I'm not an IPA fan, and it seems like every second craft brew I run across here is an f-in' IPA (no offense to IPA fans).
I was feeling it, ear candy man
Lol! Thanks. The thing definitely has some interesting sounds.
Since you don't seem to like it much I'll gladly buy it from you lol. You compared it to both analog and FM as being unfavorable. I say they're all great and am glad to have something that exists as another flavor. I sampled a cz101 flute and put it into a sound library that thousands upon thousands played, no one ever complained ;) Hearing the Cz with velocity is a trip and I will eventually get one of these. I think your playing is fine btw, and if you really like these sort of digital sounds you MUST check out the Yamaha fs1r, which IMO is the best sounding FM synth of all time.
Adam Seitzman Oh no...you misunderstood, or I wasn't clear. This rocks in its OWN way. No it's NOT as fat as a good analog, but it is a very decent synth and capable of its own niche for sounds. I made the video primarily to show people this thing sounds more-than-professional enough to use in recorded music. Not the #1 choice for hard EDM or techno, but more than capable. This will be one of "my final five keyboards" in my house for as long as its usable/repairable. And yes, have an FS1R, which rocks quite nicely in its own way. Cheers!
What is this bullshit about analogue? I bought a Korg ms 20 in 1978. It was the only synth I had. Its harsh and brittle and cold.
To me, based on what I hear, I would call this a "workhorse" synth. Nothing exceptional, nothing particularly attention grabbing, but nothing bad... Though I really liked the marimba.
I wouldn't use if for any "crazier" sounds, but with some modifications on the basics, it sounds perfect.
Thanks for the demo! This is an oft-referenced synth that I've never had any personal experience with.
I think you can actually do quite crazy sounds with the excessive 8 step envelopes for pitch, „filter“ and amp, plus noise and ring mod. I once did a nice „busy highway“ sound with my CZ 101.
I was listening back to my recorded noodling with this from 85, crazy is what this does best, but the presets are not useful for that.
its funny how .. they now sound so unique ... back in te day we couldn't afford an M1 OR Roland ...
True statement. And what seemed limited back then, turned into "something special" a few years later...
How much did you pay for the cz1, if I may ask. I'm interested in buyng one myself, saw one running for 250 euros lately, made an offer then but someone else before me got it instead, sadly. Great demo by the way! and keep up the videos great videos.
Thomas Vogt Vielen Dank! I don't know about the current price on CZ-1's, but I paid around 200 euros/dollars both times that I bought one through Ebay. The 2nd CZ-1 I bought from someone near Dusseldorf (in 2004). It's the one I use today. Was in perfect shape, and only about 180 euros (I was VERY lucky, as I was still living in Europe, and they did not want to mail it anywhere). The first one cost more (about $200) but suffered some slight damage in shipping, and I never used it very much. I have kept it for spare parts. I would guess now that they are harder to find, 250 euros isn't a bad price, if the keyboard is still in pretty good shape.
I have a CZ-5000 and find myself editing the Fairy Tale presets as well. I wish this synth engine was velocity sensitive because programming complex arpeggios in MIDI would probably make its sounds really fly. It does have quite an ethereal sound.
Yeah, with the CZ-1, it does help provide some dynamics that the CZ-5000 just doesn't provide. Still the CZ-5000 is a great sounding synth.
@@ProckGnosis ahh so the CZ-1 does have velocity? I was unsure, thanks for the info... now here’s me scoping out eBay and Reverb...crap!
@@ThoughtsEtcEtcEtc Yeah it does. And it definitely makes a difference.
Thank you very much for this video. I have been curious about the CZ's since I have CZ waveforms on my Casio XW-P1. This is a nice recording too, DI from the output. Is it a stereo pair output, or headphone out, or mono out? The effects are stereo or there is stereo panning of the oscillators?
You're welcome. It's a great sounding synth, I have to say. The CZ-1 has a stereo out, but each patch is only output in mono (unless it's running through the on-board chorus effect). This recording was mono line-in, and then with a bit of stereo reverb added.
I have a XW-P1 and I was fairly disappointed by the CZ waveforms on it. What makes the CZ tone more unique is the way it sounds when the wave is distorting or being shaped. Unfortunately the sampled waves on the XW-P1 don't demonstrate that.
Yes, thank you, I agree, getting the sound you are with the CZ1 is difficult with the XWP1. Programming the XW-P1 is not much fun, and it has led me to the discipline that it is the last menu synth I will ever buy. A little menu is okay (DM12 or UltraNova), but I want all the knobs, buttons and faders. It has been very difficult getting good sound out of the XW-P1, for HexLayer it uses the same PCM voices as my Casio WK7600, which are very bad, and the 4 oscillators mono synth is difficult to get sweet spots with all the menu diving and 1000's of waves. But I do love the creativity of the XW-P1 with the: create your own arps, phrase sequencer and step sequencer. Since Casio included 5pinMIDI DIN's, the Casio remains in the center of my studio for controlling other synths. Wonderful chatting with a XWP1 owner, please excuse my long comment, I am just excited :)
Yeah, you have the exact same impression I have of the XW-P1...the sequencing is better than some synths that cost 4 times as much...but programming is much more difficult (especially for the monosynth) in some ways, and not deep enough in other ways.
I'm pretty surprised at how good these patches sound. I mean, CASIO. Who'd've thunk it?
Yeah, a lot of folks don't realize that Casio has created a few decent and decently programmable synths. Not everything Casio made had speakers, lol...
hi. i saw a used one. the screen not working and the sustain pedal. but the buttons to choose tones is working. is $75 a good price for the condition? is it easy fix?
+Jade Pascual Sorry, but I don't have any experience in fixing or getting a CZ fixed. I also haven't had time to get my CZ-5000 looked at that died. As long as the $75 CZ is still making noise (it's playable) that's a good sign. I would check some of the CZ forums. I thought I read a few posts from people who replaced the screen/display.
CREEEPYPASTA INTRO!!!!!!
PRAAAGGGGGNOOOOOSSSISSS
CAN I EAT HARVEY BEAKS' HEAD?
This was a good sounding synth, I was using Roland Alpha Juno's at this time. Do you know the cost of this in 1986?
I thought I remembered reading someplace it was around $1200-1300. I got this one on Ebay for about 90 euros. It was a VERY lucky find, because it was in perfect condition. They didn't want to ship it, and it wasn't a big drive to go pick it up.
90 euro is very good! I bought a 3000 for 400 euro and it works only 98%.
@@reneotten2288 400 Euro, why so expensive? I picked up a mint 5000 for £100 and 3000 a few yrs later for not much more.
Thanks!
No problem! Glad it was informative and/or entertaining.
Excellent demo. But why did Casio make so many brass presets?. Wouldn't it have been better to make just one, and make other presets?. thank you for sharing. i know a lot more now.
Thanks. I'm guessing they made so many brass presets, because back when digital synths were still fairly new, they wanted to go with their strengths. A lot of folks back then wanted synths that sounded like real instruments, and the brass sounded a lot more real than it's piano or flute sounds. In general I think big, polyphonic brass sounds were kind of popular in the 80s.
Thank you that explains it. Great demo. Nothing wrong with brass.
A good machine.
Noob Question: Can Phase Distortion do FM-like sounds without Ring Modulation? How are the Marimba, Bell, and Piano sounds made?
All the most realistic bell, vibe, chime, or marimba like sounds on the CZ use the ring modulation. Not sure if that's good or bad news for you, but the bells, chimes, etc. do all sound pretty good on the CZ.
ProckGnosis I just got the Official Casio CZ iPad app, and I almost love it! It even has a multi keyboard mode!
I got that last year some time and only recently started playing around with it a bit more. It's pretty spot-on sound-wise, but the programming interface could use a few tweaks to make it more like the synth. Still, not a bad option at all to get some classic 80's CZ sounds...
looking like a young Rick Rubin
That is one I haven't heard before, but after some quick Googling, I can't argue there's a bit of resemblance. Also think that was the longest my hair has ever been (in this video).
Super random comment : But this dude looks like he is sitting in front of a greenscreen of a slightly messy livingroom xD
Now that you mention it...yeah, the living room was kind of messy... : )
@@ProckGnosis Seriusly no offense at all since my living room is messier but that "green screen" Look just made me grin
@@NinoJoel None taken! The messy living room only meant I was keeping it real: just a guy in his house making videos and enjoying beer! Unless this was one of the rare videos where I didn't have a beer.
hi i have a casio cz 1 and i just lose all soung bank how i cant fix that
Sorry man...I've never had to reinstall the default sound bank. I'm sure there is a way to do a sysex dump, and this guy has a lot of resources (coffeeshopped.com/casio-cz-resources), but I've never done it before.
That Jazz Organ 2 sounds almost like a Vox Conti. I was waiting for you to break out in some Doors.
Good catch. I never really liked that patch so much, but it would definitely work for some 60s keyboard tunes.
Hi, thanks for Your work. One question: it is said that CZ101 is better in clarity and power of sound ( eg. bass sounds...) even than its bigger brothers. Is that true? Maybe, due a chorus option not so hush on my CZ1) its output is weaker.....I would like to know more. Did You have any comparison experiences? What do You think about this? Thanks a lot for answering.
@littlebritain64 Thanks. Yeah, I've seen that discussed in quite a few forums, but I don't think there's a big difference. The CZ-1 has a velocity sensitive keyboard, so unless you're playing velocity value=127, some of the patches that use velocity may seem less loud or less bright. The CZ-101 may run hotter on the output (or so I've read, but not tested), but I've not see any significant differences between the 4 CZs I've owned (CZ-1000, two CZ-1s, and a CZ-5000). The CZ-1000 (basically a CZ-101 with full-size keys) I had did seem louder, but again, I think that was mostly because it wasn't velocity sensitive, and every key press got maximum programmed loudness.
@@ProckGnosis
wow, thanks for answering so quickly and in such a detail!!👍 Yes, it really sounds so strange that a budget synth could be better than the top of the range. And that nobody noticed it since the beginning, slowing down the CZ-1 sellings in advantage of its more little brother. So, no need to purchase another CZ, since I also have a VZ-10.....😄.
Thanks again, all the best!!
@@littlebritain64 Well, just to clarify, I don't think the CZ-101 is overall better than the CZ-1; it's just easier to use if you don't care about 1) velocity sensitive programming or 2) having the extra voices from the CZ-1. I can get a CZ-101 performance out of an CZ-1 (and then some), but I can't get a CZ-1 performance out of a CZ-101. Other than size considerations (the CZ-1 is BIG), I'd take the CZ-1 over the CZ-101.
@@ProckGnosis
Thanks again, pal!👍
Very good
Thanks much. I think you have to be a CZ fan to sit through too much of this though...
I have Arturia V collection. I know people gonna say its computer generated sounds or analog has warmth. I dont care, i love my Arturia. So does my fans. Also, this is not my Artist account so dont come at me like "You dont have any music on your channel". 🙂
I think Arturia did a pretty good job. Because the CZ was a digital synth there are quite a few pretty good sounding software synths that can sound very much like a Casio CZ. Thor in Propellerhead Reason has a great sounding phase modulation (CZ) oscillator that I use all the time. I also have the CZ app for my iPad. They both sound great.
@@ProckGnosis sir, thanks for the reply. Im kinda new to synths and so to your channel. Love your videos and synths collection. I like juno and moog synth. What are your views on it? And do you have any videos on roland synths?
@@bhaveshtochabbra6853 Thanks. I can find something good about almost ANY synth, just because I'm a big synth fan. My advice is keep studying and learning how to use your Arturia soft synths. Once you become really comfortable using them, you will better understand how synths work, and you will better understand what hardware synths you might like (and why) BEFORE you spend any money on them.
I've owned a few Roland synths, but the one Roland video I've done only discussed the organ engine for the Roland FA-06.
Chris runner’s synth c;
たしか このＣＺ－１ パネルデザインしたのは 立花ハジメ だったような？
知りません
Please, tell me, how to store patches into synth? I have no memory card!
As long as the internal battery is still good, you can store the patches IN the synth (in the 64 memory locations). The problem is you have to write over the presets to do it.
Does Casio CZ 1 have Double Reed samples?
Hey Sasa...the CZ-1 doesn't use samples. The wave forms are all calculated from algorithms, not digital samples. You can possibly program the CZ-1 to get a sound similar to an oboe or bassoon, but it won't sound as good as a well-recorded sample from the real instrument.
Thanks.Does have ''Double Reed ' ' tone as Cz 230s
Whats difference between CZ 1 and CZ 5000 ?
The CZ-1 and the CZ-5000 are almost the same, but the CZ-1 is velocity sensitive (keyboard and programming) and has aftertouch. The CZ-5000 has an onboard sequencer that the CZ-1 does not have, but no velocity-sensitive features.
Since the CZ-230s had the same phase-distortion synth engine, the "double reed" sound can be programmed into the CZ-1. I don't remember if it was one of the original presets.
I sold a CZ-5000 on eBay about four years ago. I hope that wasn’t mine that died on you!
Lol...no. I bought mine a few years before that. And I got it fixed last year. It works again!
Por favor quiero esos órganos .... se malogro la que tenia
¡Es un gran teclado! El sintetizador también suena genial.
@@ProckGnosis estoy interesados sobre todo en los sonidos e la cz 230s de casio ... es la primordial .... Tienes los sonidos en samples para venta?
@@kevinkenyohualiramos3292 Lo siento pero no vendo samples.
Well it sure sounds much better than my Casio CTK-100, which is the worst sounding synth in the history of mankind.
Try running it through a nice analog filter...it might jazz it up a bit. See my CZ-1 running through the Dreadbox Erebus video if you haven't. Definitely sweetens up the sound...
That's bvecause it wasn't a synth as we know it.
13:43 sounds like Razorblade Kisses by PWEI
Hmmm...don't know it.
19:11 sounds like a patch from the Korg M1
Interesting. Misschien hebben ze het gekopieerd of gesampeld
That's probably because the M1 patch uses a sampled PPG resonant wavetable.
Does it have midi?
Yes it does.
14:56
Why do casios get a whole bunch of crap talked about them
Casio never did a good job marketing this type of gear, that wasn't for home use (no speakers), but that actually offered some pretty cool sounding synth programming for rock/pop/experimental music.
I'm guessing the normal Casio-fans didn't buy it because it didn't have speakers and they had no interest in programming a synth, and the normal synth fans didn't buy it because they thought Casio only made keyboards with speakers for your living room. Of course I fell in a third category...synth fan who bought it because 1) I could program it a bit (I really learned the basics on this) and 2) I couldn't afford anything else at the time.
all the demos use reverb.....uggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg
Lol...what WAS he thinking...he actually played musical phrases and stuff too (albeit badly). NOBODY uses reverb when they're musically demonstrating a keyboard. : )
Had it been strictly an oscillator deep-dive analysis, yeah, I wouldn't have used reverb. But it wasn't. It was to demo the patches predominantly in a musical way, and most synths when used musically have reverb, hence the decision to add it.
+ProckGnosis I just wanted to hear the patches in raw form but cant seem to find any demo that does not use reverb.
Yeah...understand, and it was almost a coin flip NOT to add reverb, til I reasoned it out as described above. You can probably find some other, older videos without it, but then the audio quality usually isn't as good.
+ProckGnosis yea, anyways good video nonetheless
most of the demos i am doing are without reverb where possible.