Casio CZ-1000

It isn't hard once you understand but it uses crappy lcd display and membrane buttons and editing is a chore. The problem is that it is not clear at all how the parameters affect the sound, even when reading the manual. It is easy to use but not quite easy to understand how to get the type of sound you want because it is a wack machine to program.

8 voices but if you double up oscillators you only get 4 note poly. It only has ring modulation and 'noise' modulation, which does not sound like noise but it is quite an unusual effect that can sound tastefully bad. It has only midi in/out and can handle basic midi and can be edited over midi.

This thing excels at punchy percussive sounds and really weird sounds. The keyboard is not velocity sensitive. It has only an LFO for vibrato. It has something like a filter although it does not work like an analog filter very well. It has 8 stage envelopes but be prepared to spend some time because they are not intuitive to program.

The best thing about this is the lo-fi DACs, it has a very warm crunchy sound you can't get with a PC emulator. Otherwise you can buy a VST that can do everything this can and more, but it lacks the lo-fi warmth and aliasing of this unit. The aliasing can be pretty nasty at times.

It has enough features to still be useful in a rig today and it's lo-fi crunchy sound is excellent when put through distortion or into a guitar amp.

This thing does punchy percussive sounds like nothing else. Casio is known for making toy keyboards but when this was made it was actually an attempt at the professional market. The Casio name is what keeps these things price low but it can surprise you, and it is quite warm sounding.

It only a pitch bend, and if you set the range too high it will scream in digital pain quite nasty sound.

Forget the presets there are tons of patches available free find a midi librarian and upload them. You only get 16 patches to save your sounds on it.

It will run on batteries too, and it is very light. No velocity or aftertouch though.

Seems to last despite that it looks like a cheap POS

It's like 20+ years old good luck

I like it, I like the sound, it sounds quite warm and it is excellent for punchy basses and percussive sounds. It is can also make very strange sound effects which can be amusing but kind of useless unless you make experimental glitch hop trip shoe glazed donut hole pre post progressive punk hop or whatever.

As already mentioned in other review, aside from 2 or 3 presets, the rest are pretty naff. However, once you master the editing process you can come up with pretty amazing stuff with this synth.
I've been using this synth since 1986 and have just about explored every corner of the programming process and there are some very cool sounds to be gotten out of it. You can get all the classic fat bass sounds, some pretty cool pads and electro leads (especially with the ring mod). The vibrato section offers 4 wave types and you can get some cool fx from it.
The PD step by step process allows you to add phasing and texture to your sounds. You can create an echo/delay effect by carefully programming the DCW and DCA sections, although using a seperate delay pedal is quicker and easier.
Programming the synth isn't something you can do with ease immediately, and like with many digital sythns you have to do a trial and error process, however with patience the results are rewarding. The screen is small not the brightest, but not a major problem.

Just 4 or 8 note polyphony can be frustrating. This is reduced to mono if you use this synth to it's max 4 voice multi timbral midi capabilties. This synth fits in better as part of larger set up, using just one voice at a time.
You can mix 2 voices together. This is only available in mono, but can create a fat sound if used right.
The modulation effect is very useful and will tighten up a lead nicely, or can give a metalic edge. Portamento does what it says on the tin. The 'noise' effect can produce some nice retro percussion sounds if you mess around with the pitch editing functions.
There is room for a memory cardridge, but i've never ownd one. Probably the best option is to go on line and get some patch software that will allow you create and save your sounds and upload them at will.
The keys are awful and have no sensitivity. Let the computer play it. Midi connectivity is a basic in and out, but no THRU. The midi settings are easy to follow.

The best sounds on this synth are the bass, pads and fx. It does not replicate 'real' instruments at all well. The synth was made in the early to mid 80's and the sounds reflect this. Anyone making 80's/electro/synth pop will benefit from CZ 1000.

The memory is reliant on battery power and this can be a drag. There is nothing worse than spending ages programming some great voices and finding they've all gone because the memory power ran out. Make sure you refresh your batteries, or you will lose all your hard work.
The programming cursor keys are now failing on my synth. I've used this synth to death and it is very old, which explains why. There have been times when i've resorted to thumping the cursor in order to get it to work. That said, I still use it today after 20 years ownership.

No experience of this.

A great synth. They can be bought at a snip these days. The market price is now reflected by todays higher standards. I paid quite a quite a bit for mine back in the 80's. I would definitely replace it if I had to. I find modern low bugdet synths very thin compared to this synth. It's not as versatile as todays synths, but it offers a better quality sound and a unique sound.

I think the CZ-1000 is very easy to use. You turn on the power, select a sound and tweak it. Yes its that simple. But.....if you are new to the CZ series Phase Distortion can take a while to get used to.

The CZ-1000 boasts some interesting features. There is no arpeggiator or sequencer but the pitch bend range is fully variable and so is the portamento time. Its really nice to have poly-portamento on a cheap little synth. There is also a great sounding ring modulator on board and 4 modulation waves to choose from. There is also noise. The feature i am forever using is the guitar pegs. If you are a total 80's freak like me then you might want to sling on your CZ-1000 for an instant pose-and-play experience. I sling on my CZ-1000 live and run at the audience. Very cool.

I don't use the CZ-1000 under MIDI control as im a total purist. You can expand the internal memory (16 patches) with a RAM catrage. The polyphony is mostly 4 voice so be careful you don't run out of voices.

The sound of the CZ-1000 is unique and reminds me of one band - Erasure. If you like Erasure than i reccomend this synth. But the CZ-1000 is such an experimental machine. The filter is really warm sounding and the envelopes are just endless (8 stages!). The sound is classic 80's and similar to FM but fatter. This little synth can sound very analogue at times. It can also do all the metallic FM stuff. Very flexible synth.

I can rely on my CZ-1000. I gigg it every week and its fine.

You can still get adaptors and stuff like that from Casio but thats about it really.

Everyone should have a CZ-1000. Its so light and portable and sounds great. They are also dirt cheap too. I can't belive how great my ??50 Casio is. I much prefer it to the DX-7 and will never part with it.

Just a quick note about the memory on the CZ1000. For those of you who don't have the manual, you MUST have batteries in the CZ1000 for the memory to store patches. The manual indicates that you can get a year of life out of 6 D cells if you just use the batteries for memory and not running the keyboard without an adaptor.

Most likely your memory is not broken, just put some batteries in.

Editing is easy once you get to know this synth. The preset sounds are horrible BUTT!! once you edit this synth you can program some excellent sounds with the 8 stage envelope and ring modulation. The presets dont do this synth justice.

The polyphony is 8 note but cut down to 4 note when using 1+2 and 1+1 line select. There are no onboard effects but delay and reverb is possible through clever programming of the DCA. Ring Modulation is present on the CZ and with it you can create awsome metalic sounds. The portamento is also another great feature.

Ok lets get realistic here....When you first turn on the synth you are bombarded with crap presets which you would expect to hear at a child's nursery. The presets definately don't do this synth justice as when you start editing you find out that this synth can produce brilliant sounds. The sweep sounds are awsome, the pads are fantastic and with the ring modulation you can produce wacky SFX. The basses are also good. Shame about the polyphony.

I've had problems with the memory on my CZ. I have created fantastic sounds on it but after a while when I switch on, I lose them. Other than that I have no other problems.

Didn't use it

This is a unique, cool sounding synth and if it were stolen or burnt to a crisp I would have to buy another one. I wish it had better polyphony but thats the only complaint. Well worth looking at secondhand.

very simple to navigate.you can save all of your button pressing
to syx files,which is a good idea,because the memory is erratic.

not many voices,no velocity,cheapo, but tolerable action.
full midi control.no onboard fx.

it is static,but fm synthesis is not static at all.very unique sounding synth.great for electronic music and pop.

reliable, as long as you dont drop it, or let the batteries go bad.
used it on many gigs.

parts were available in its time, but scarce now.

I got another one for 50.00,used. I've been using the cz1000 for 20 years.This synth is very inspirational.Although a bit aggrivating at times,and cheaply made, it puts out beautiful sounds.Some of the
Japanese presets are goofy, but, it just adds to the charm.
THIS IS MY FAVORITE KEYBOARD IN THE WORLD.I also have a moog rogue,
and an ensoniq eps,and many vstis.

i bought this baby in 2002. the presets are crap and i think they hide the truth very well. It's a very cheap buy and the awfull presets make even cheaper. (the dealer i got it didn't even think it was a synth...)
I have experience in programing synths and it took me just one hour to figure it out. The envelopes are a little dificult because they are 8 stage (!!!). The tiny LCD screen doesn't help but after all tere arent many parametres and hidden windows. Just hit the membrane button of the parametre u want to alter and set the value. I tried the MIDIQUEST demo and thinks are a lot better.

The polyphony depends on the number of oscillators u use,8 with 1 osc, 2 with 4. No effects, no velocity sensitivity, no sequencer, just SOUNDS.

If u work a little hard u won' t believe what this babe can do. Cheap organ sounds,fuzzy synths, envolving pads, SFX, pop-corn hits. There is no "classic" filter but DCW can act like one. Osc 6-8 have built in resonance so u can make some resonant sounds. The BIG advantage are the 8-stage envelopes. Pitch, DCW (filter) and DCA have their own dedicated envelopes (seperate for each of the 2 oscillators). No other synth even much more expensive can beat that. I thought it wasn't such a great think but i really miss them in other synths. Imagine evolving pitches, sweeps, volumes in 2 different oscillators in different 8 stage timing......... There is vibrato (LFO dedicated to pitch) portamento a rong modulator and an awfull digital noise generator. It' s so great and so funny. It's a little noisy but for this price and age it's a 10!

I really don't know. One time it erased all it's memory but i'm not sure if it was my fault.

I never had a problem 'till now so....

I love it, if it was stollen i would certainly try to find another one. It's worth every euro and even more. I love it's cheap look, nobody thinks it can create sounds. They usually get very impressed. It looks innocent but if u find one take it home and let it amuse u. I own some other much more expensive synths and i use VSTi's. When i'm bored or tired i just turn it on, put an external delay or a phaser Boss pedal and i really enjoy making crazy sounds. Yes, i even use it with my music...

The presets has said are pretty bad. I never got a manaul with it when i bought it used. I've heard the computer patch editor online sometimes has bugs so i've been reluctant to use it. Email me if this wrong or there is a good one since I the internal memory isn't working on mine. Without all that it is still easy to program.

I wish it was velocity sensitive but it survives quit well w/o. I really wish i also had a memory cartridge for it cos as said. I was blown away by it having midi capabilities and being a casio. IT would absolutely be so cool of a synth with the memory working - help.

I like the synth bass sounds that it can produce and the other wierd noises. The organ is nice to but kinda unrealistic. Portamento and vibrato are definitely a nice addition. Good sounds for experimental or electronic bands.

I would rely on it if the MEMORY (internal) was working so All my efforts programming wouldn't be lost forever except if I immediately recorded it but than I'd only have that and couldn't play it.

Like I said I emailed them a month ago requesting a manual but haven't gotten it yet. I think I'll try mailing them now.

For the 10$ I paid for it at a thrift store (got a discount cos I worked there) It's a really impressive machine. If i don't find a way to fix the internal memory or save patches somehow I'd even consider paying up to 150$ which is alot coz I'm cheap. email me anyone at sagaciousmagnanimous@yahoo.com if you could help my memory problem.

Crap Presets but a doddle to turn the presets into monster retro cheapo sounds. Editing is easy if you can figure out the menu, takes more time than a new VA knobby syth but if you pick a preset that is in the ballpark of the sound you want, you will soon be mutating it into something cool. Hard to get bad sounds out of it. No manual with mine but any synth jocky will be ok. New players might find it difficult though.

Very basic. No frills.

Realistic cheesy moog leads and cheapo dirty organ sounds are the mainstay of this little synth. Better than the modern VA synths at a fraction of the price. Mix perfectly in a band situation as they really cut the mix. Very nice moby style lush synth strings are also possible. Moog style basses are ok but need eq to fatten them up. No 303 squelches though. Lots of bizarre noise also possible. Brilliant for 80s synth pop or new wave styles. Only synth our band needs....and we have a few others.

Its 20 years old and still working....in fact everything on the thing is still working....just dont let the batteries run down as it can lose your settings if you do.

no

Better than a Yamaha ANX1, Nord Lead and as good as a Waldorf Pulse. For retro cheese nutters only though. Never as good as a minimoog but what is? Secondhand bargain machine....but make sure all the bits work before buying.

This gear is gold, I can say this because I've had one for three years. The programming is quite easy to understand, and if you need great sounds than this can boost your sound creativity. The presets however is quite boring.

The polyphony is not so bad. The keyboard is quite noisy. It has a quite loud chunk when pressing down a key. Havn't tried the MIDI out, but looks quite boring.

The sound is not that realistic, it has no onboard effects but you can create reverb / delay with the DCA envelopes. Quite static sounds. If you want SID similar sounds than this is it for you.

It is very stable, Though the power supply is not the best it is quite good on stage.

No opinion

No doubt a great synth for newbies. The only thing I miss is velocity / aftertouch

Overall it's fairly easy to figure out, but programming can be a bit
tedious. Changing a parameter from 5 to 100 using only a '+' and a '-'
key, each one only incrementing by one is a little annoying at times.
It basics were not difficult to figure out without the manual, however.

Max of 8 note polyphony is not bad for its time, and while a little
pathetic for today's standards, is typically more then I need. Midi
is poor (no Through) and lacks velocity, aftertouch, and a mod wheel.
The pitch bender is not at all bad. It has a nice detuning circuit,
as well as a ringmod and noise modulator. Both are frequently helpfull.

Don't try natural or realistic sounds with it, but other then that
it's a great instrument. It makes some nice percussive noises, and
is particularly good at metallic clangs and bangs and other sounds
like hitting a car door with a sledgehammer. Makes some nice pads,
leads, and a limited amount of bass.

I haven't taken it out and around too much, but the case is some thick
plastic that has obviously taken a beating through the years while
everything inside is perfect. I did have one bad incident, while taking
it home from a pawnshop it took subzero weather in a car's trunk for
about an hour or so and didn't function right until it had warmed back
up to room temperature... turning it on for the first time had to be
the most discordant thing i've heard.

I haven't dealt with Casio at all concerning this device.

Excellent chunk of hardware and very usefull. Can do some great
sounds if you are willing to work with it for a long period of time.
It isn't a central instrument, but really helps add some kick to
a dull sounding track. I would most likely sell my family before I
sell this.

The presets aren't real exciting and the data entry is relatively painful until you learn it, but it is very logical once you get the hang of it. It actually allows you to create much more complex sounds than the usual sythesis systems of the time and in some respects it has some real unique features; Casio is the only company that ever did this particular type of synthesis and whoever thought it up had flexibility in mind - if it has a problem, it is that it is so flexible you can get really lost in the programming unless you take notes and pay careful attention (small LCD screen), but the effort is well worth it - especially if you have a sampler. Casio sent me a copy of the manual free of charge. No complaints there! It is very straight forward, but if you're not familiar with analog type synthesis systems you're in for a few headaches. Still, if you want something simple to play you wouldn't be looking at synths...I've had some trouble getting patch editors to work right, but there aren't a lot to choose from... but they do exist.

Polyphony depends on how many oscillators you use and whether you want to double up patches. It runs 8/4/1 depending on the complexity of the sound. There is a socket on the back for a memory expansion cartridge, but they are virtually impossible to find these days and the one company that used to make aftermarket versions quit as far as I know, but if you're reading this you have a better storage system already if you can get it working. I've had no luck with the DOS patch editors... The unit has portamento, vibrato and ring modulation. It can get some really great bell type tones. It's real basic compared to the modern synths, but that's not the point. This little unit makes some great sounds! It has awesome bass and presence - as a sound creating module alone it is worth the price. When I get really good patches I usually run them out to my Emax II - great possibilities. Another thing to keep in mind is that for sampling you really have 6 octaves of coverage since for a centered patch you can shift up and down an octave. Another point of note for techno/dance fans is that the CZ1000 has three different resonance waves built into the basic wave selection. You can mix and match and adjust the intensity of all the waveforms with ONE of the three (two resonance waves are out - I suspect because they might have created too much headroom together for the circuitry... but it's just a guess) resonance waves through the interface. So - 2 oscillators each capable of running two waves at a time, a 10 point envelope description (no simple ADSR here!)...detuning... I don't think anybody has yet maxed the possibilities of this thing... and you can stack two patches on top of each other (limited to mono play at that point, but my sampler doesn't care!). Bottom line - I think a lot of people rag on this machine because they never figured out what to do with it! And the sheer tone quality is amazing. Most people who hear it can't believe it... it makes a lot of much more expensive units sound flat (mind you they are a lot easier to use in many respects... and way more versatile in others, but the SOUND...) Somebody told me (I don't know if this is true...) that the CZ1000 is a digitally controlled analog. So, the sound generation is actually analog - if what I was told is right... which could explain the tonal difference which is pretty obvious when you listen to it...

Realistic instruments? Not likely! It does do good synthy brassy/stringy/bell sounds... This is NOT a unit for somebody who wants "real" instruments. For dance/techno or rock or even jazz (in the hands of somebody who knows what he is doing) it could be magic! There aren't any extras on this unit - it is a straight digital synth. What you play is sort of what you get. No velocity or aftertouch, so it's not a player's keyboard, but still excellent value for the sound. As a solo unit it can be great. The pitch wheel feels pretty good and give you a full octave of shift up or down. Less if you want...

It was made to be played live or why put the strap pegs on it? I wouldn't go dropping it or anything, but if you are reasonably careful it should be OK. I would treat any synth with a lot of babying, but my CZ was a mess when I got it and it works great. YOu have to make sure you have the right power supply, though. If the power is low it will cut off on you. Also, there is a power saver button meant to save your batteries when you aren't plugged into a wall... if that switch is on and you leave it for a bit it will shut itself down and any patch you were working on that isn't saved is history - beware! And whaever settings you had done before it shut down are nixed... so you might have to scramble...

I haven't had any problems, so I don't know, but they sent the catalog pretty fast and were very nice on the phone. Said they could still usually fix any problems that might occur...if I sent it to a legitimate dealer repair site.

I would definitely want another one if this one died or got lost... I'm fairly new to keyboards, but have been playing guitar with a lot of effects and stuff for 20 years. I wish I played better, but don't we all! I don't do live stuff, so the performanc questions are not really applicable to my experience. Like I said, I use it to create samples for my Emax II - excellent sampler! I bought the CZ because it was dirt cheap and I wasn't going to lose much if I didn't like it. I figured even if I didn't like it that much down the road, I would learn a lot from messing with it - definitely true. There is a long list of things I wish it had, but it doesn't. It is what it is... a damned cheap, great digital sound producing tool - with all the nuisance that button punching and multiple menus and a unique processing system can create. But look at the price! If you want the sounds bad enough to work for them and don't have a lot of cash - you can't go wrong with this. I don't know how to rate this stuff numerically... If you really want a sampler and get this you're going to feel really disappointed and massively irritated, but on the other hand this can do stuff most samplers can't... apples and oranges... Remember, too... you can create some really awful noises with anything this flexible! There's an art to it... Don't expect to program great sounds in five minutes. And if you can get the patch/MIDI working there are a lot of patches on the web for the downloading.

The 16 Presets are junk, but I'm very happy with the sounds I've added over the years.
You can edit patches from the front pannel. It's modeled after an analog synth. Use your computer to edit sounds on-screen if you prefer.

4 note polyphony for most sounds, 8 for others. The light keyboard action is excellent. Perfect for synth solos.
I'd highly recommend a reverb unit for use with this synth. I also use a phaser. There are 16 internal patches in ram, and I've added a card for another 64. It's midi features are basic, no ver/aftertouch.

With additional sounds, I'd give this synth an 11 for sound quality. Without, I'd give it a 5 at best..
The CZ synths are about the best quality digital synths made to sound like analog. I know it's hard to believe from Casio, but I've done a lot of research on my three CZ synths, and I've tested lots of synths.
I play mostly "70/80's Progressive Art Rock". Groups like Yes, ELP, Genesis, Styx, Kansas, etc. I can't say enough good things about this synth for allowing me to recreate most of the synth sounds used by these groups. I haven't been able to find anything better!!! I've tested the Nord Lead 2, OB-Matrix 6, Korg Prophecy, the new Yamahas, new analog sounding Roland. etc. If you want to play this type of music, you won't find a better synth for anywhere near the price. Or in my case at any price.
Whenever I see these types of groups play live in recent years, I always wonder why my CZ can often get these patches closer to the orginal than what they used!!
Without this synth, I would have had to buy a Mini-Moog, Polymoog, OB-Xa, Arp Pro Soloist & String Ensemble.
Examples: I have Van Halen's "Jump/1984" patches near perfect. Styx's "Fooling Yourself" OB-4 voice patches. Asia's "Time will Tell" patches Led Zepplin's synth solo patch for "All of my love", etc..
The tone mix & portamento features are very useful. I have some awesome solo pathes I've made from tone mix.

The CZ-1000 is very reliable. I've had both of mine for almost 10 years now. I gig with them often. On one of them I've had to replace the output jack.

I haven't had to deal with them. This synth is popular enough that I've been able to have all my questions answered over the Internet, and from my keyboard magazines (back when they made them).

I liked it enough that I bought a 2nd one, and in more recent years I also bought the top of the line model, the CZ-1. Ever since I've been attempting to find something I liked better (under $3000) and I've failed. Evey week I visit several music stores. I'm planning a trip to the New England Synth Museum.
I've been playing about 15 years. I also own a Korg M1 with the Plus One board added, A Roland "Vintage synth module", and a Yamaha FB-01 module.
I wish Casio would still make professional synths like these or that another other company would make something as good for my needs with more features.
I wish my CZ's had real knobs to turn instead of having to press buttons, portamento knob, Res. Filter, etc.. About the only thing I've liked about the more recent digital/analog sounding synths from Clavia (Nord Lead), Korg (Prophecy), Roland & Yamaha are these knobs, but if the orginal sound patch isn't what your looking for, what good are they?
I also wish my CZ's had giant stickers across them that said Moog, Oberheim, or Arp to better represent what they sound like/what I use mine for. The Casio name is a joke to most people. Once they hear me play mine at gigs, they are blown away.. That's a Casio????
I'm planning on having my own CZ Website/Mailing list in the future.

Presets are pretty bad, ok but heavy on cheese. The portamento is good, and there's a mono / poly mode. The bad part, editing is an extreme pain. Oh well, what did you expect on a digital synth? (though it can make good analog sounds)

It's got 8 envelopes, a DCO, DCW and DCA (similar to analog counterparts) and it can hold 16 patches past the 16 presets. The MIDI implimentation is strange and doesn't work well with Windows 95 due to drivers.

The instruments don't exactly sound real, this is a synth. =) It can seriously make some good sounds though and if you hunt around on the net you can find lots of good patches. The onboard stuff is cheese.

I've had no problems with it. It's got strap knobs on it so I'd use it at a gig, pretty reliable.

I would buy a higher model, but I would definitely recommend this synth. check my page for it: http://www.netcom.com/~bladez/Temple/

Very programmable for the price range. The presets sound cheesy, but you can get great sounds out of it without too much effort. Both manuals are basic, but get you there.

Four-voice polyphony with up to 4 DCO's per voice, ring & noise modulation, basic MIDI (no velocity, etc.).

It's entirely digital, but you can get some very organic sound out of it without much effort.

Seems OK in this category.

I emailed Casio for a manual & they called the next day to say they'd send one.

It's a great starter synth. I'd recommend it to anyone low on cash.