In the 80's I had a CZ-1000 for like 2 years and then upgraded to a CZ-5000. It s a better unit in most ways but remember my disappointment realizing its sound quality was not as the CZ-1000. The signal path through the chorus unit, (even if turned off) made the sound "muffled". The CZ-1000 has much sharper and crispier sound which I liked for hard basses and such. As I'm into electronics I modified my CZ-5000 with a switch so I could bypass the whole chorus unit to get back to the CZ-1000 sound sharpness. I also added more internal memory giving 2 extra sound banks. That was the old days :)

@n8goulet

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. Casio must have fixed this issue with the CZ-1, because I didn't notice a difference between the sound of my CZ-1000 next to my CZ-1 I used for decades side by side. I loaded in my favorite patches from the CZ-101 to the CZ-1000 and then to the CZ-1. The 64 patches in my two CZ-1's were carefully selected from having gone through many banks on the CZ-101 and CZ-1000. Perhaps avoid the CZ-3000 / CZ-5000 models unless you find a great deal on one locally. The CZ-1 has the most features, so I so no reason to go with the 3000 or 5000 models. I did start with the CZ-101 originally when they were new in the mid 80s.

@darwiniandude

Жыл бұрын

Do you remember how you added additional internal banks?

@darwiniandude

Жыл бұрын

@@n8goulet 5000 has a pretty capable sequencer if that's of use to people these days, loses out on velocity and aftertouch of CZ-1 though.

Sounds like a lot of people had this as their first synth. It was mine at 16 in 1986. Sounded great through my brother’s DOD distortion pedal!

@streetbobade

Ай бұрын

Was my first synth, got mine in '87 its still in my studio, sounds beautiful through a nice reverb

CZ101 was my first synth and I still have it in storage. The way I understand it, the way PD synthesis differs from FM is that with PD the waveshaper varies the rate at which it reads a simple sine wave thus distorting the signal. The best analogy would be a vinyl record playing a sine wave but with the hole in the record being off center thus changing the nature of the sound. The more off center the hole the more distorted the sound.

@zibbezabba2491

2 жыл бұрын

Good analogy.

@asoundlab

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent analogy!

@user-rv8wb1nl1b

Жыл бұрын

and your anaology of FM is ?

Again, an instrument that resembles a huge calculator, but it's Casio appropriately enough. Personaly I never cared much for this series of synths in past years but am growing a new appreciation for them.

What a trip! This videos near and dear to me. The CZ-3000 was my very first synthesizer🎹

@streetbobade

Ай бұрын

Was my first synth too, got mine in '87 its still in my studio

@maxmatson1578

Ай бұрын

@@streetbobade awesome! a brother in arms👍 I got mine used for a steal of a price like $40 bucks from my friend who worked at my local Tower Records who was selling me some used gear of his to get started when I first started recording back in 2001 back when I got my first tascam 4-track he also sold me his alesis sr-16 drum machine and a little radio shack bucket brigade delay and I was off to the races!🎹🎚️🎧👌 I miss that keyboard and the drum machine and especially the little delay box..

I bought a CZ-5000 when I was 16 years old and it was my first real synthesizer. I found the PD synthesis actually very easy to understand and it teached me a lot about programming. And the 8-track sequencer was a nice feature as well and an integral part in my development as a young composer. My CZ-5000 hasn't been working for many years now, so it's great to see this video and hearing those familiar sounds again. And nice to see how the layout of the CZ-3000 differs from the CZ-5000 as it lacks the aforementioned sequencer.

My first synth!

The CZ-3000 was the best option for a schoolboy like me in late 1985 for an affordable synth with midi and multitimbral option via monomode. I´ve already had a C-64 computer and so after getting Steinberg´s Supertrack sequencing software it was like having a multitrack studio. The sound of the CZs ist very unique especially those resonant waves give it a flavour of its own.

The CZ-1 has velocity and aftertouch, and one of the best unweighted key beds I've played! Great video!

@n8goulet

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed. I've used mine as a MIDI controller also for sound modules & soft synths.

@Bananskuden

2 жыл бұрын

It also has backlight in the display, if I remember correctly.

@VintageSynthesizerSolutions

2 жыл бұрын

@@Bananskuden Yes, you are correct 👍

I have a CZ1 which I brought new in the mid 80's approx £800 which was my second synth after the CZ101. I've never been a fan of FM myself and love the warmth/tone of analogue and I would agree that this can be warmer and more analogue than the equivalent FM synths of the time. It is a quirky synth that I confess I don't play as much as I ought too, because it can really excel with its base synth tones and it can do pads well too. Obviously it can do a lot of digital stuff and make interesting sounds which you might not find elsewhere. Nice to know that it might one day creep back up to what I paid for it, but I'm not going to sell it.

Love this series, Zach!! Do the Casio HT-6000 if you can find one!!

Awesome vid as always, would love to see some more takes on these, I have a CZ-1 and I can't seem to lose connection with it, it has a place in my soul lol. Something new I learned the other day was the noise is actually controlled by Osc 2's volume so you can blend it in quite subtly, I stayed away from it for so long because I thought it was just obnoxious, but it can be very usable. The 8 stage envelopes on everything make the CZ's the most unique synth I've ever programmed, and you're right, they are extremely warm sounding digital synths, it has such a lush sine wave, which every waveform can shape into (sounding like a filter from saw to sine) and the DAC which has a very small amount of distortion. It can certainly hang with my Prophet 6 which is a 100% analog VCO VCA signal path. I'll have to make a video on my CZ soon.

@christdolphin69

9 ай бұрын

this rules, thanks for sharing

Just got a CZ5k down the street from your store for $120. Absolutely dying to put it through its paces-you've got my really psyched up for it.

@zibbezabba2491

2 жыл бұрын

Wow, that's a bargain. I had one many years ago, you're gonna love it.

@asoundlab

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a steal!

The most advanced version of the CZ's was the CZ-1. I would have reviewed the CZ-1 before the CZ-3000, unless you couldn't get a hold of one for review. The CZ-1000 has one advantage of being 100% compatible with software that originally only supported the CZ-101 as the CZ-1000 functions identical as the 101, only with full size keys and the membrane buttons instead of regular buttons to be more like the DX7. The CZ-101, CZ-1000 & CZ-1 all sound the same for all practical purposes and you can load patches between any of them, and the CZ-3000 & CZ-5000 too though one person mentioned the CZ-3000 only does banks and not individual patches.

Quite rare to still have the volume and chorus slider caps still attached !!

@Lamster66

Жыл бұрын

Or an on off switch that works

That was my first synth back in '87. Bought it from Sam Ash (had to phone them) for $400 with my first paycheck.

Bought my first CZ series (1000) synth in 1986 when I was 15. Loaned it to a friend five years later and never saw it again ... Found a CZ-3000 on FB Marketplace last year in excellent condition for $300. The push-button interface still sucks and programming is a huge pain in the ass but the sounds are amazing. Such an underrated synth.

@danielfuller2202

2 жыл бұрын

@@vjreimedia Better says who? And who cares anyway?

@nkogliaz

2 жыл бұрын

@@vjreimedia The Roland D5 is nowhere near the CZ, I own both of them (a CZ 3000 and a D5, and also a D50), the CZ absolutely destroys the D5 in everyway possible in tone, warmth, and sitting in a mix, it seems you either have never owned a CZ synth or just flat out don't know what you are talking about. 🤷

@Lamster66

Жыл бұрын

@@vjreimedia Roland D5 is Crap with a capital "C" I actually bought one off eBay for £5. repaired it and changed all the broken keys for D70 ones so they felt better.(semi weighted) But it just sounded like shite so I gave it away as I couldn't bring myself to charge someone for it the only thing more disappointing is a yamaha CS1x

How about you try out the Casio HT-6000? Love Casio synths from the 80s.

Casio CZ series of are all full of character. Having velocity is supposed to be the bizzness

One huge downside to the "big" CZs is the cartridge implementation: unlike with the CZ101 &CZ1000, a cartridge does not give you extra patch storage! You can only copy entire banks (plural!) from or to the cartridge. On the 101 & 1000, a cartridge doubles your available, storable patches...

@n8goulet

2 жыл бұрын

That's a bit misleading, because that must be an issue of the CZ-3000 & (maybe) CZ-5000. The CZ-1 does not have this problem (equally as big and more advanced than the others). I own two CZ-1's, and two CZ-1000's and I loaded my individual sounds right into my CZ-1. I owned a CZ-101 originally.

@Wacholder

2 жыл бұрын

@@n8goulet Yes, i think the CZ1 can do it. But the Cz3000 and Cz5000 can´t. A weird decision, really...

@n8goulet

2 жыл бұрын

Can anyone else confirm if their CZ-3000 or CZ-5000 has this issue? That would be a huge disadvantage. This may be yet another benefit of the CZ-1 vs those models.

@Wacholder

2 жыл бұрын

@@n8goulet The CZ5000 can´t access single patches from a cartridge, and i guess so can´t the CZ3000 according to the button layout...

@n8goulet

2 жыл бұрын

@@Wacholder It's strange no one on the CZ groups I'm on have mentioned this for many years.Though the CZ-1 clearly is the most advanced version with the most features, a couple people like the CZ-5000 because of the sequencer which only the 5000 has, but most agree the CZ-1 is the top model. This cartridge issue of the CZ-5000 would be a huge disadvantage. I wonder if this limitation is also affected by using computer software to load the sounds in too?

The sound at 11:27 can be heard in a song called "Emptiness" by Burzum.

Thank for covering this unique and fun synth. Now do Casio VZ-1 please and it’s even more strange form of synthesis iPD, I own a CZ-5k but the VZ-1 often steals the show even if it’s quite difficult to program by the onboard screen. Cheers!!!

@Lamster66

Жыл бұрын

Wasn't the VZ10m the same thing as the VZ1 just in 19" rack also the super cheap VZ8 which was also branded as Hohnor

@ryanbmd7988

Жыл бұрын

@@Lamster66 Yes, a rack version would be convenient but the all metal construction of the VZ-1 shocks folks that try and pick it up or are usually insanely surprised how well built it is for the Casio moniker. One downside is the lcd’s are very dark so most upgrade to a bright backlit but the square size makes it tricky. iPD synthesis is a neat obscure form to get into.

I've owned the Casio CZ-3000 Cosmo for quite some time now, one of my favorite synths, pure gold is hiding inside of this thing if you know how to program it, I will be releasing a how to video on my channel very soon on how to create the original Reese Bass that Kevin Saunderson programmed on a Casio CZ synth that inspired numerous Techno and Jungle / DnB tunes.

@patrikkozjak-lesicki8669

2 жыл бұрын

still waiting on this video dude :)

@arnoriva

7 ай бұрын

Do it please ❤

Finds the gnarliest patch ever made- continues to play Doogie Howser on repeat.

Just bought one this afternoon for the tiny sum of £50:00 . happy days .hrs of fun to come

@Lamster66

Жыл бұрын

Lol thats £20 more than I paid for mine Bargain! my best bargain was a DW6000 for £000 last year.

I recently bought a CZ-5000 on Ebay, but I discovered the sequencer on the unit is not working. I was wondering is this worth getting fixed? I heard it was a VERY basic sequencer, and I also have recently purchased an old Alesis MMT-8 Midi sequencer, which should work with the CZ-5000? Any thought/tips much appreciated!

@Huehn3rmann

2 жыл бұрын

Hey man, I have a CZ 5000 with a working sequencer and I can tell you... You're probably better off with your Alesis unit. The CZs sequencer is a pain to program. If I was in your place I wouldn't bother getting it fixed, unless you care for a 100% working unit.

@fretboardyoda

2 жыл бұрын

@@Huehn3rmann Hi Man, Thanks for the info, I enquired about getting the CZ-5000 fixed, but the electronics repair company here in Melbourne are backlogged with order’s, so no luck there. I’ll try the MMT-8 later today, hardware synths (for me) always sound more engaging, especially with analog effects! Cheers!

i love my cz1k, iin fact i think these synths dont have the place they deserve in the world of synth. Always thought that what misses is a 61 key kb, the chorus is cool, i can have it passing my stuff through the rs09... PD has nothing to do with fm. a modern version with control knobs, at least for the dcw (and 61 keys), would be such a great idea. i think a 3k would be a great compromise compared to 5k for a keyboardist (and it's a casio keybed, wich are/where great), the added features on the 5k arnt that interesting in 2024. that little spot on the side with the indications is perfet to put a pedal or two...

Important difference the 1000, unlike the much larger 3000, also has attachments to use as a keytar 😁☺️😂

@asoundlab

2 жыл бұрын

😂😂

my first synth... I would never buy it again but then... it was what I could afford.

Just a point FM synthersis is really PM Phase modulation, not frequency modulation eg DX7 is PM NOT FM. I cont think of any synth that's FM including a Synclavier

@tedraven9214

Жыл бұрын

You are mostly right, but actually, PM with sinus waves is exactly the same as FM. Since all the old PM synths use only sinus waves, they can be called FM synths with good conscience.

I'll stop you right there...yes. yes it's worth it.

Reply to all: VirtualCZ VST - the best programmer and librarian that you can imagine.

Casio have never got off the mark with their synths not because they were not any good. Unfortunately Casio have a brand that says cheap and they have never shrug it off. That's why their latest attempt has again failed. What they should have done was not used the name Casio and marketed it as some other name that describes electronica.

I should have bought a CZ1 3 months ago for 300 euros.

@tedraven9214

Жыл бұрын

Oh yes mate, you really should have bought it.

@effervescentelephant917

Жыл бұрын

@@tedraven9214 Got one this Friday for 400 euros! It will be arriving this week and it's the perfect pair for my DX7

@tedraven9214

Жыл бұрын

@@effervescentelephant917 Congratulations. The both will make a great couple.

To those hating on the playing and the pronunciation of CZ... Is everything OK? Are you safe? If so, please, blink once... If not, please blink twice and we will find a way to help you.

@Lamster66

Жыл бұрын

It's not that, you have to understand the people that say "Zee" instead of "Zed". A-lume-minum instead of Aluminium and Garbgage or trash Instead of Rubbish Are actually unable to speak their adopted language of "simplified English" they way it was intended. which tends to get the backs up, of those who's language it is!.

I have a chance at one of these right now I think it’s time to sell off a guitar

Give your channel a new name: "is it worth it?"

I still own a working 5000.....

How much are you making FFS?? They can't give you a badge and a headset yet?

There's really not much reason to buy one of these used. The Arturia CZ-V VST is excellent and sounds even better than the originals, as well as being more convenient to program and tweak. Also, Casio themselves sell an excellent iPad version. So, if you're tempted, I'd get a MIDI controller, a PC, Mac or iPad and an app instead. Overall cost is just a bit more and then you can add a DAW, additional effects, and other VSTs to really start making music 21st Century style. And I actually own a CZ-3000 and I like it. But I never use it because the Arturia and iPad apps have completely replaced it for me.

@dakoiaa

2 жыл бұрын

I humbly disagree... There's nothing like playing the real thing, the CZ series in particular.

@geoffk777

2 жыл бұрын

@@dakoiaa I actually feel this way about a lot of instruments, and I regard the current fad (and prices) for vintage instruments to be absolutely insane. But it's especially true on a digital instrument like the CZ, which has limited performance controls and knobs and which basically is just playing back software itself. Why should plying the original CZ software on the original (low-powered) hardware sound better than playing the same CZ software on a modern computer? It doesn't make any difference.

@cain5ynth

2 жыл бұрын

IMHO there still is a distinct difference in sound between the original and the plug-in. I got boht and the CZ is far better soundwise. But the VSTs are a quite good approximation and a great help in programming.

@geoffk777

2 жыл бұрын

@@cain5ynth It's possible that an identical patch will sound a little different between the VSTs and hardware, given things like DACs. But I personally don't think that the hardware generally sounds any *better* than the VSTs, and the differences are subtle enough to be largely ignored by most people. Like all digital synths, a CZ is basically a computer running a software program, so porting this same (or similar) software over to a modern computer usually works very well. It's much less difficult than emulating the quirks of an analog device like a MiniMoog or CS-80.

@dakoiaa

2 жыл бұрын

@@geoffk777 sorry but I humbly disagree again... there's a huge difference between a computer emulation (including some of the current keyboards incorporating VST-like architectures) modeling a given hardware implementation and the original machine from the 80's. Being better or not may be a matter of taste and today's VSTs really make wonders. However, besides personal taste, there's a whole experience in touching keys at the real machine that, for me, is unparalleled. Again, this is my own humble experience with the CZ in particular (a non VST-like) and other vintages.

Sounds like a string machine with the chorus

Off topic, and I doubt anyone will get this, but you look almost like a clone of intern David from the old Opie & Anthony show........

The bad playing is excruciating