CASIO CZ-101 PD-Synthesizer (1984)

(c) 2015 vintage synthesizer demo by RetroSound
supported by UVI: bit.ly/retrosound-uvi
The CASIO CZ-101 Phase Distortion Synthesizer is from the year 1986. The sound character is typical for PD synthesis, a bit FM like but more warm.
This demo shows some self-made PD sounds.
CZ-101 spec:
8 voices; Oscillators: 2 per voice (DCO, DCW, DCA); Keyboard: 49 mini-keys without velocity and aftertouch; Memory: 16 preset, 16 user, 16 external cartridge; MIDI; Date: 1986
RetroSound synthesizer demo videos since 2007.
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[@retrosound72]

The CASIO CZ Synthesizer from the year 1984 is a very interesting synth. Here can you find the full CASIO CZ playlist with single sound demos, sound tutorials and one synth demo tracks. Enjoy. The CASIO CZ playlist ----> kzbin.info/aero/PLe08Lbpy8pPbVOueQikTUmJ4mH_RvubhF

[@jamiebell2164]

Found one of these in a junk store in Alabama. Had a gig in that town that night, and we were out goofing off before the show and I saw it. Somebody had lumped it in with the toy keyboards with built-in speakers. Since they couldn't hear the audio, they thought it was broken. Wrote the price on it in permanent marker (I think it was $9.98). HAD to take a chance on it. Took it to the gig and ran it through my rig. Worked PERFECTLY!

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@rachelar]

I love to hear these stories or urban myths. I won't bore you with my stories of how I found a DX7 ii and D50 on the street, actually true

[@jamiebell2164]

@@rachelar Mine is completely true. I have multiple witnesses.

[@SalimSivaad]

@@rachelar At the same time? You're lucky as Hell!

[@MikeyLikey95]

Dang! Nice one. In my home state too. How do people come across these types of magical finds I hear so much about?

[@earlygail]

My dad put one under the tree for Christmas 1984 when I was 9. One of the cooler things he did. I spent a year avidly programming patches from the book that came with it, having no idea what I was doing. WRITE!

[@G8tr1522]

wait, what??? it's programmable??

[@ElectroIllusion]

This Casio CZ-101 sounds surprisingly REALLY GOOD! Especially considering many people think it's just a "toy".

[@retrosound72]

Not a toy for sure :)

[@TheMrzucker21]

absolutely not a toy

[@sumchi3690]

If I hadn’t have thought that I would have bought one. Just the name.🥲

[@edwardbleau9936]

I used to have one of this Synths back in the 80's. When i owed an Atari ST Computer with midi in and out. What fun it was to play with, trying new sounds and saving them. I made my own 32 voice bank cartridge from scratch worked great. Glad to see there still around

[@TheNemesisProject]

I had one back in the 80s along with my Juno 106. The CZ101 was a great little board, probably the best they ever created

[@axs203]

This synth was used by so many bedroom musicians. It was all we could afford!

[@Tredecimus]

It was when I was 17 in 1986. The only synth out there that was affordable for me.

[@rachelar]

It's over priced now! Get a Cz1000 instead

[@dianamiino7391]

I still own the 101, still play the 101

[@JuanGuzman-op3hw]

@@Tredecimus how much was it b4

[@Tredecimus]

@@JuanGuzman-op3hw 739 Deutsche Mark (roughly 380 Euro)

[@yeasstt]

I have one of these in my room! It's such a unique sounding synth. Even similar FM synths sound completely different

[@retrosound72]

👍

[@meisherenow]

Anyone else remember getting very cool sounds out this as the batteries were running out?

[@retrosound72]

Yes. 🙌😁

[@RetroPlus]

Has such a crunchy and cool sound to it, Casio made some pretty cool synthesizers

[@belovedconsole]

I miss this, it was my first "real" synthesizer and I loved programming it after learning subtractive synthesis on the Commodore 64 (which had one less voice than this one's 4).

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@dystopia9742]

Is this one of the best Synthesizer ever made? Let's find out

[@waynesilverman3048]

My first keyboard was a casio w/k1000 or something I've still got in stuck in back room wardrobe at my dad's ,it's electronic General midi keyboard 2 voices 2 sequencers and the saw tooth and organ rotary was what I got out of it most and casinos synth strings are unique but theres two powerful synth sounds on the r hythum part and play 1 note chords with out drums and 1 was called world pop my guitar teacher loved the sound it was a dreamy direct sound it might of been in early house music techno and enka was on the casio which they used the same on the rhythm part but combining it with the saw Casio calling it techno .Is enka ,world pop on the casio in your video

[@harazharmr9885]

@1:49

[@mortiisweil6667]

@@harazharmr9885 Yeah but i always wonder if this is the same synthesizer he used on the hlidskjalf Album?

[@Sub_2_SKARGUT_on_Odysee]

A Burzum/Varg Vikernes fan I see.

[@theadventuresofjhwumki-ak7437]

I still have my CZ-101 and will never get rid of it.

[@susu-mi7kx]

hey I have one, i don't know what sysex is. does the midi to usb cable have to sysex capable.??

[@teemoleague907]

I like these sounds, they are so mellowlicious.

[@retrosound72]

thank you

[@magneto7930]

Casio seriously needs to make a comeback!

[@KurtFuller]

I love CZ´s synths. I own a CZ-5000 and I am considering to purchase another one or a CZ-1000/3000. They are so cheap... Very usefull for post-punk, new/dark wave and synthpop music. This thing can make great dark and lush pads/strings for this kind of music.

[@weareone6314]

Funny that Casio used a lot of these sounds in their later keyboards in the 90s

[@htsuji]

I bought a CZ-101 in 1984 and still have it. Even I don't use it nowadays, I have it as long as I'm alive.

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@alekostorru282]

Beautiful!! Great to play old school dungeon sinth. I love it 😊

[@retrosound72]

:))

[@SUNKINGME]

Thank you so much for these posts. I got my CZ 1000 in the late 80's and used it to imitate about every synth on the radio then (well as close as it could then). Used that same unit recently for synth bass on one song on a album I'm currently working on.

[@retrosound72]

***** :)

[@myklmusic]

I learned synthesis on one of these. This was a nice addition to my keyboards back then. I still love this thing.

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@BertGrink]

This synth proves that you can be tiny on the outside yet still be a giant inside. Or, as Action Hank would put it: "it's all about the inner beard"

[@retrosound72]

Agreed

[@railster]

beautiful demo. i loved my cz-5000 really easy to program and play with it. lovely, and truly warm

[@retrosound72]

+Railster Music thank you :)

[@jinggarcia]

thanks retrosound. the cz-101 was one of my first synths with mini keys. i still have it and never regretted buying it. and because of the 101, i started collecting small synths. (all because i have a small room) i also love listening to your projects. thanks for sharing all those synth sounds to us. :)

[@retrosound72]

:))

[@octofish]

Had one. I later upgraded to the CZ 1000 which is the same keyboard, but not miniature. I have the CZ1000 in my studio now, but it quit working some years ago. Only four voices. I loved it for the time. Thought I was in heaven.

[@t55a2]

Joe Horizon It has 8- note polyphony on single patches

[@joelbordayo7279]

Scored one of these for $25 at a thrift store about 5 years ago, not really knowing what to expect. Absolutely LOVE this synth and have used it on many recordings.

[@retrosound72]

:)))

[@malkytrance]

These sound way better than people give them credit for, i remember them well, very warm sounding i think, shame that phase distortion wasnt taken further.

[@retrosound72]

agree with you! big problem: the presets are most crap and show not the full potential of the PD synthesis

[@ChasD]

Casio did take PD a step further with the VZ-1, which used iPD (Interactive Phase Distortion). It was capable of some very complex sounds, but also added complexity in its programming with all the extra parameters. It wasn't as satisfying or as easy to program as a result.

[@cubdukat]

Allegedly Yamaha had a hand in PD's demise. They sued Casio, claiming that PD was too close to their method of FM synthesis, although supposedly John Chowning, the guy who created Yamaha's technique said that it was the other way around. Of course, by then it was too late. Casio got out the synth market altogether until a couple years ago.

[@Tazmanian_Ninja]

Look into Bitwig Studio 2.3 (in beta as I'm writing this): it has a new synth called Phase-4 - based on phase-distortion:)

[@travr1131]

OK, not what I expected at all! It sounds amazing!

[@SynthFelix]

Thanks for the video ! Based on this, I recently ordered my second - hand unit of the CZ-101.It will arrive tomorrow according to the parcel service... Can't wait to unbox it.

[@retrosound72]

Have fun.

[@stoneyboyd]

This is bringing back memories of a toy Casio that we had growing up. This is a lot nicer, but some of the sounds and patches sound JUST like that old toy Casio.

[@retrosound72]

Thank you for watching

[@DerekVinten]

My dad has this synthesizer when I was a boy I played it .He made a box for it put it in and it only has come out about 10 times looks like new still !its a mad world

[@guywilkinson]

A little plastic gem of a synth, i wanted one in the 90's. I am in shock! Retrosound doing Casio CZ demo!? Cooool thanks for sharing.

[@retrosound72]

yes sure the CZ-101 is real retro bliss. :) thank you!

[@D.Z.A.-kp8lf]

Keyboards from the 80s were the best because they were made with love and they were taken seriously when they were built

[@vlissblisskiss]

tf does this even mean lmao

[@vlissblisskiss]

@tinylilmatt you must not touch many professional synths lol they are incredibly tedious to keep alive

[@HipixOFFICIAL]

@@vlissblisskiss it's boomerposting

[@mantrabeeg]

@tinylilmatt any actual synthesizer user would tell you that modern synths are easier to keep alive. even people like kraftwerk doesn't use their old synths as often anymore

[@benoitlefevre9565]

For me 70's synths are the best, but I still love some of 80's keyboards like this Casio or the Roland D-50.

[@VacancyOfDisco]

I love the Casio CZ series, I found a cz5000 at a thrift store for $40 fully functional. That thing was a beast! In both sound and physical size. I need to pick up its little brother that you demoed here sometime. Much easier to lug around ;)

[@retrosound72]

very cheap. too cheap I think. ;)

[@thecoolestdad]

I used to have one of these keyboard/synths. I also had a Casio CZ 3000, a full size keyboard. I am a drummer. But in my band I used to set this 101 and my 3000 up behind me to the side of my floor toms. I layered them one on top of the other. On the 101 and the 3000, I played the intro to Mr. Crowley by Ozzy Osbourne. The 1010 played the lower bass notes and the 3000 played the chords. Then at the end, I turned around and picked up my sticks and clicked in the song and we rocked baby, we rocked! I wish I had both of Casios back.

[@wolfgang4468]

Just beautiful sounds ...

[@retrosound72]

Dankeschön

[@Neuronaluniverse]

Very happy yo hear again this sinth !!!

[@retrosound72]

:) thanks!

[@DonaldDingerson]

A great synth. I played mine throughout high school.

[@lenburke9756]

I miss my CZ 101 damn it still sounds just as rich and full as todays synths...Ty for the share

[@retrosound72]

thank you

[@psivewri]

Someone through one of those out near me! Definitely a good find!

[@alejandrobravo6617]

Los prisioneros, pateando piedras 1986

[@DollysplitBand]

Nearly landed myself one of these by chance, recently. It fell through, but now I can't leave it be; I need one!

[@retrosound72]

Very cool

[@PureAmbientDrone]

Fantastic little machines

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@zicoskywalker]

amazing synth,amazing video,thanks

[@retrosound72]

thank you!

[@roesummerz]

this video made me bought a cz 101 .. best investment !!! Thanks a lot !

[@retrosound72]

cool! thank you for the feedback. :)

[@brandontadday6288]

Holy shit. I NEED ONE. Straight up dungeon synth for days.

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@NPrescott]

I finally got my first CZ-1000 today!! These patches are amazing!

[@retrosound72]

thank you. much fun

[@valley_robot]

I really want one , I have a ht700 , very interesting synth engine but t has no patch storage, I have more modern gear but these old phase distortion synths are just cool

[@inanesilence]

Cool demo!!! I am thinking to buy this synth and your demos helps me!!

[@retrosound72]

+Óscar Yuste Romero cool! :)

[@inanesilence]

Definitely It was a great adquisition! :-)

[@bestrickie2]

Excellent performance and a fantastic old synth

[@retrosound72]

Thank you.

[@resofactor]

I picked up a Virtual CZ VST just for this. Had a CZ-5000 I had as a teen.

[@GeorgiosZaimis]

I really enjoy this retro-sound! It reminds me a lot the FM synthesis...

[@retrosound72]

thank you! :) the sound is between FM and analog

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

Makes me want to have another. Thor in Reason has PD OSC but they don't sound like this. This sound was all over my old albums in the 90's. What a synth.

[@retrosound72]

yes a great synth with fresh sound.

[@gnustep]

I used to have one. Man I miss that thing now

[@joeboygsxr]

Ahhhh that phase modulation goodness

[@retrosound72]

yes phase distortion madness :)

[@demonicsweaters]

I've owned the CZ-1, CZ-101, and the CZ-3000. Out of all of them, the 3000 was my favorite. It seemed to have the best crystal clear sound out of all of them. The CZ-101 was cool too because of it's size, and the CZ-1 was ridiculous, huge and weighed a ton. It also was much noisier than the other two.

[@scottbeckstead33]

Wow....this thing sounds incredible.

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@TecladistadoYoutubeRivaLima]

I love my 101!!!

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@principality543]

Woah just like my mininova- this was a ahead of its time....

[@baward]

Around the time of this synth, the Grandfather of analogue synths, Isao Tomita was being sponsored by Casio in a big way.

[@retrosound72]

+baward yes :)

[@alanbnmramirez393]

baward nsnjnksjsnksksmokk

[@tsitracommunications2884]

RIP, Tomita san. We'll miss you. We'll take it from here......

[@lew5142]

Ah I didn’t know that! In the days I had a CZ 101 I also loved listening to Tomita.

[@niZSonovski]

reminds me of the background music in the 80s movies film

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@Soundartprojekt]

Hi RetroSounds - thats great Retro Synthi Sounds of the 80 ziger - very warm Sounds - great - nice time

[@retrosound72]

thank you!

[@suu566]

Its so beautiful

[@retrosound72]

+Kʌno :))

[@ErikHawk]

Love this little beast!

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@AndrewTSq]

This was my first synth :-) And you got the cartridge!!. I remember i got drawings to build one cartridge of my own.. never did that.. But this is an underrated synth imho. and you managed to show how it sounded exactly!, nice =)

[@retrosound72]

:) thank you!

[@moogdome2562]

A much-overlooked synth classic. never knew they sounded this good but in the hands of a master.

[@juergens4169]

I loved this device! This was my first synthesizer. Bad: It was stolen one day from stage! The next one was the HT3000!

[@retrosound72]

stolen is really bad.

[@Luckyhat66]

This thing sounds SICK. I've had a Casio MT-40 for some time and I'm really looking to expand my Casio collection. I have to find one of these!

[@TransistorBased]

Luckyhat66 Go for the 3000. It's full size, double the polyphony, and has much-needed chorus

[@thevincentgonzalesplan]

This thing is amazing - I still have mine from the early 80's. It could do so much, way more than I can imagine. You should have demonstrated other sounds, like ocean waves, machine gun rattles and loud crashing snares. It was a true wave shaper.

[@geoffk777]

I love the phase distortion sounds of the CZ series. In some ways, it's even better than the more famous Yamaha FM sound. I have a CZ-2000 myself. But I rarely play it now, since Casio has released a perfect CZ emulation for iPad.

[@retrosound72]

And easy to program

[@alirzr5537]

I still have mine!

[@TheTux]

My first synth. I bought mine in 1990 and I still have it. They are starting to gain in value now too! :-)

[@retrosound72]

a good synth!

[@ChasD]

I bought mine in 1990 also! Still have it, still love it, and about 5 years back I also bought a CZ-1 as well - the Big Daddy of the CZ's! (y)

[@rpjmullin7689]

Still have a CZ1000 and SZ1 Sequencer.Also owned the CZ3000 and CZ5000 ..

[@retrosound72]

great

[@plunderpunk2]

Bought mine in '96, sold it to a friend '01, bought it back from said friend in '21 - ! Adore it. Very warm, easy to navigate - the sounds are timeless (not "retro").

[@retrosound72]

Thank you for your feedback

[@ConquestForDeath]

fuckin a' Burzum @1:55!!! killer

[@frankieseverin1157]

haha touring around the transcendal pillars of singularity

[@odaxne]

I was about to comment that !!!

[@katten838]

I wonder if its the very same synth he used on his early releases.

[@thebreathalyzer]

Great demo.

[@retrosound72]

thank you

[@synthartist69]

My dream synth in 1986 :)

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@NeilVanceNeilVance]

Ah! .. my 1st synth! I see you have the RA-3 cart that is almost fetching more money than the CZ-101 today! ... Great to hear those old internal presets again! thank you! (I must bring mine down from the attic!) :)

[@retrosound72]

thank you!

[@ChrisNova777]

ive wanted one of these for too long!!

[@retrosound72]

+Chris Nova777 ;)

[@MrBUESUM]

CASIO war auf diesem Gebiet seinerzeit sehr innovativ. 😎

[@retrosound72]

Absolut.🙌

[@DrKennyWang]

Strong Depeche Mode Violator vibes from this budget keyboard

[@retrosound72]

🎹💫

[@stateofdreams1]

Lovely sound for a synth that old.

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@eg3730]

my 1st) from Target, wow.. 1986

[@preis205]

Everything you touch becomes "gold", ah ah ah.

[@retrosound72]

+preis205 unfortunatety not ;)

[@nufrankz]

I NEED THIS.

[@retrosound72]

;)

[@JamesThompson-pz3kf]

The cartridges on these required new batteries after a while but the screws were always welded on there was a great PC utility for copying sounds on and off them called virtual cz

[@swaggypanda1808]

1:54 This effect is used on the Burzum song "Rundgang Um Die Transzendentale"..

[@retrosound72]

Ja stimmt

[@arnowillems]

This was my first Synth..... I used it with my C64....

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@ryanlarocca7312]

I just found one in the alley behind my house taking out the trash . Abandoned by a tweeker who didn't know how tweaked this can get

[@sopeachynetworks2822]

Thats perfect for my music!

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@octofish]

this was my first Synth

[@sabryan70]

Meraviglioso !!!!!!!!!!

[@user-sq5xv6dr1v]

Holy Cow! I want it.

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@oldirtyjosh]

This is candy for my 👂

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@ExpressoMechanicTV]

My first synth. Memories...

[@retrosound72]

:)

[@davids736]

I used to have one of these back in the day..... :o)

[@OIXEL]

Nice sound ;-)

[@retrosound72]

+Dj OIXEL :)

[@psyzmech9044]

Always dreamed of owning one of these as a kid but could never afford to

[@blandee]

My first ever synth !

[@retrosound72]

and my last synth ;)

[@SaccoBelmonte]

Hmmm is actually a very nice one. Good sounds.

[@retrosound72]

thank you

[@bermude8]

Good surprise !

[@retrosound72]

:)