Casio CZ-3000

It can be a little annoying to create sounds on this, as the lcd screen is small and unlit, but other than that everything is pretty easy. I hear that there is an editor for it somewhere, but ive no real need of it.

Almost everythign you could want, except touch sense, sequencer and moog filters...
16/8/4/2/1 polyphony. the keyboard action is how i like synths to be - synthy like, not real as such. easy for glissandos.
the midi on this is quite nice, although i wouldnt use it as a controller.

I have 2 of these now, and you can get some HUGE rich sounds out of them with only a little tweaking.
I use it for prog rock stuff mainly but itl do for most stynthy music, but much good for real instruments though

Very nice, i would definatly rely on this. I have two of them now because i like them so much.
the only problem i have had is that the bottom e flat key broke at the hinge, but a 10minute job later it was back to normal.

For 90 pounds between the two, i dont think i could have done better.
Fantastic insdtruments, and perfect for my sort of music.

Compared to other pro synths, this is a breeze to program and to use. Got it without a manual, and I was still up and running in an hour. D

Has full MIDI capabilties, built in chorus that doubles as a flanger, and is fully programmable. Keys are full size, action is so-so, still usable. OVerall very nice.

If you're into techno or electronica, this beast is awesome. This ISN'T a sampler, it's a digital synth all the way. Think early Gary Numan, Human League, and the synth bands of the 80's. They just don't make 'em like this anymore. Definately a prize possession and I ain't a sellin' it cuz nothing today can match it.

It's built like a Sherman Tank.

This is most certainly going to remain in my studio. It actually blows the DX7 away, and they are of the same generation.

The CZ-3000 is not the easiest synth to use. The layout may resemble subtractive synthesis, but complex envelopes and the unusual "filter" complicate things a bit. The fact that there are no knobs and not even a data slider, only increase/decrease buttons means that instant gratification can't be expected from the synth.

Functional polyphony of the synth is 16 notes, but it is very likely that you're going to halve it by using two oscillators per voice. This is not a problem for monotimbral use, but if you decide to take advantage of bitimbrality, you may run out of voices.

The keyboard action on the CZ-3000 is apparently "bad", but it sutis me perfectly - so much so that I sold it in order to upgrade to the CZ-1, which I'm going to use as a MIDI controller, mostly because I know I can rely on it.

The CZ-3000 sports a built-in analogue chorus, which at extreme settings almost doubles as a flanger. It's not suitable for all sounds, but if you want the synth to sound more like an analogue, you can't go wrong.

There are practically no realistic instruments to be got out of the CZ-3000 (I like it all the better for it). Consequently, it's use is limited to genres where synthetic sounds are desirable. The band I'm in plays retro synthpop music (e-mail me at sartre@siol.net to hear our songs - there is lots of CZ-3000 sounds). Since the CZ-3000 has neither velocity nor aftertouch, you have to vitalise the sounds by means of the envelopes and the single LFO.

If Casio wanted to stand a chance in the professional market, the build quality had to be superb and fifteen years later, my CZ-3000 performed flawlessly at all times. Admittedly, I haven't been misusing it in any way, but the construction seems sturdy enough to take some rough handling. The CZ-3000 is a great gig instrument because it's so reliable and I think - foolishly, perhaps - that no back-up would be needed.

The people at Casio Slovenia are friendly enough, but the CZ-3000 is no longer supported and they couldn't help me with my inquiries (I needed a manual).

I just sold the CZ-3000 in order to buy a CZ-1. I have to be efficient and I need a great-sounding instrument (which the CZ-3000 is) combined with a decent MIDI controller (which the CZ-3000 isn't). I own lots of analogue and digital synths, mostly racked, and I find the CZ-3000 to be a unique addition to my rig. Sonically, it resembles Yamaha's FM sythesis, but since I don't particularly dig the FM programming, I think I'm going to replace all my FM synths with just the Casio. The great thing about it is that I can sound really harsh, really fat or really mellow. It can do great FM-style hard basses, nice piercing leads and decent strings. Once you get used to its awkward functionality and it's size, you can't imagine making music without it.

There is a program called Midi Editor 1.3 that I will be using. Go here: <a href="http://perso.magic.fr/llebot/welcome.htm">Midi Editor 1.3</a> Anyways, I find it very easy to use once you spend time with it. It's almost like a new friend that you want to get to know really well.

It's 8 polyphony multi-timbral keyboard. It provides extricate 2 oscillators for each voice or wave. The only effects it has is Portamento, Glide, Bend Pitch and Modulation Depth. There is a cartridge insertion at the back of the keyboard, it takes the EZ-CZ cards as well as the RAM-3 but they are really hard to find. The keboard has Midi in, out and thru and it makes it worthwhile having it as it is quite expandable. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a sequencer but add a sampler or a drum machine and your ready to roll and rock, hehe.

This keyboard has great realistic sounds. It offers quite the ambient, trance and even techno to the luxurios sounds. Sounds can be mainly offered to the Electronica department. The sounds vary as the user vicissitudes and treks through the synthesizer onboard and beyond. The keyboard has some great influencing touches as the sounds are being enveloped. There is no velocity and/or aftertouch but I made this inquisitable sound that made me think that there was.

I can definately depend on them, I have two CZ-3000, although everything breaks down sooner or later so I already have a backup. I would definately use it at a gig but I would only take one.

I found a company that has instructions and patches that are compatible with the keyboard. Here it is <a href" http://members.aol.com/patchman1/casioCZ.html">Patchman Music</a> Hope this site supports HTML.

I would rated overall 8.5. I would definately buy another one for myself if both of my keyboards would breakdown. I have been playing the keyboard in general for about 9 years now. I also own a DOD Milkbox Compressor that I attach to the synthesizer. I am also a local DJ here in Regina, Saskatchewan who needs some exposure. If you would like to hear me play I can definately arrange a demo mix for those who really want to hear me. Anyways, I love my keyboard, that is why I have two, :-). I compared it to the Juno 6 and 106 but I told myself that I want something different, and that was it. I wish it had more memeory but it doesn't bother me. This keyboard revolutinzed my way of producing, it is a definate asset to my composition needs. Check out my site <a href"http://ravegadgets.homestead.com/CasioCZ3000.html">My Site</a>

The presets on the 3000 are, for the most part, usable. I was not
looking for a realistic sounding keyboard though. All of the patch
editors I could find run only on Mac it seems. I got both the
manuals that originally came with it but I did not need them. If you
just look at the keyboard it is self-explanatory. Wish it had knobs
still. If you have ever used another synth you would get this.

8>4>1 key poly/monophony. The keyboard itself is kind of sluggish but
can be worked around. No aftertouch or anything like that. All of
the effects work at the push of a button. It can take a rom card that
is extremely hard to find and expensive. Not enough user setting room
I think. No sequencer.

About half of the presets can be made realistic with some modification.
I love the sounds I can get out of this keyboard. I can get all types
of other "brand-sounds" (e.g.- moog, nord, roland). You just have to
know what you are doing. It is good for dirty sounds but most notably
its NES sounds. Think new wave, industrial, techno.

It is very big. Very, very big. And heavy. It is a pain in the ass
to take anywhere but I do just because I love the sounds so much. It
is pretty reliable at a gig if you can find room to put it. My only
complaint is that it is too big to be a convenience of any sort. I
suggest a controller of some type for others. I hate controllers.

I bought one of casio's digital guitars a while back and they sent me
two manuals when I requested them. I am sure they would do the same
with this plus you can get them online anywhere as long as you do not
mind being ripped off. I do not know about parts though. I just hope
mine does not break.

I would have preferred to pay less but it was worth it still. I own a
Roland D-5, MC-303, Nord Lead 2, Casio PG-380 and DG-20 as well.
I rate this keyboard right up there with the Nord. If I were to lose it I
would buy a new one right away. It makes the best and widest range of
sounds out of all my instruments but it is an acquired taste. If you
have heard of a PC patch editor for this tell me.

Editing patches on this is a major bitch. If a patch editor exists it would be a godsend.
Factory patches are cheezy, but some of the synth brasses and strings seem to be useable.

8-voice polyphony, if i recall, typical synth action, 61 keys.
Built-in chorus effect helps to fatten up the semi-cheezy factory patches.
Accepts RAM cards in a port at the back of the unit.
Patches are compatible with all the Casio CZ-series (except CZ-1 patches will not play with velocity info)
MIDI in/out/thru, Doesn't send or receive velocity or pressure.
No sequencer.

Cheezy factory patches. We're talking Velveeta here folks. Some of the brasses and strings are useable, especially if chorused.
I have used this for rock and dance stuff.
the onboard chorus saves the factory patches from certain aural disaster.
No velocity or pressure.

If there is one good thing I can really say about the 3000, is unlike many other CAsio keyboards, its built like a tank. All plastic except for the bottom, but pretty sturdy nonetheless.
I have gigged with it, but its a bit on the heavy side for my tastes.

It's the 'Big Galoot' brother of the CZ-1, Looks similar but thats about where the similarity ends.
I probably wouldnt get another of these if were to go away.

i wish it had better factory patches and easier editing interface. More FX wouldn;t hurt either. Too bad the 'toy' Casios sound better than this does. :(