Casio VZ-1 the forgotten answer to the DX-7

The Casio VZ-1 was released in 1988 after the successful CZ line and became Casio's flagship synthesizer, replacing the CZ-1 at the top end as an ansewr to the DX-7 from Yamaha. The VZ-1 takes a hybrid approach to its sound generation. Where the CZ line used Phase Distortion Synthesis and the Yamaha DX line used Phase Modulation (incorrectly advertised as FM), the VZ-1 uses Phase Distortion for ring modulation and waveform generation but true Frequency Modulation Synthesis to generate harmonics. It is very complicated to program. The results are quite metallic sounds, very nice for bells and for PPG wave similar tones, just without that nice resonance filter from the PPG. It has basically 8 operators and you can layer 8 saw waves and get wide stereo spread sounds. It definitaly has its own character and sounds different to the DX line and less warm then the CZ line. But it is much more versatile than the CZ synths. In this video I did not use any FX just to demonstrte the raw tone of the Caiso. When using a bit reverb or delay, it really shines and the synth can sound also quite modern and useful in present productions. It is a very underrated synth which you can find for less than 200 bucks.

[@TheCliffzone]

I had this thing for about 35 years. Still to me this is the most breathtaking and versatile synth ever. Nice sounds you've played.

[@adamshatwell]

My VZ-1 is still going strong, had it from new & the only thing i can never sell, very original sounds, wish i hadn't lost all my ROM cards, left them at a gig

[@KurtFuller]

Best synth from Casio

[@SuperMax_____0.0_____]

Nice playing, nice sounds 😊

[@philippezsiga1125]

I have a Cz1 and Vz1 they are much more warm sounding than the dx7 and keep this amazing , accoustic like , sensitivity/ response that only FM snd PD have . Add FX and it can blows away ANY synth .

[@anonymous_friend]

Same. 3 wheels is nice too!

[@travisguide4516]

Cool board haven’t heard one before

[@vintagesynths]

It’s quite rare. It came too late after DX-7 and D-50. People didn’t recognize it.

[@travisguide4516]

I see what you’re saying awesome 😎

[@user-abid69]

عندي هذا الاورغ لكن لم اعرف من ااين اختار الاصوات هل من الممكن ان تعمل فيديو من اين اختيار الاصوات

[@SynthMenKeyboards]

❤🇧🇷

[@pappysheart6710]

Is there a preset called "Seegod"? Awesome playing!

[@vintagesynths]

I don’t remember, I sold it. Thanks for your nice comment

[@producedbykemp691]

On the new Casio ct-s1000v there is a seegod preset

[@pappysheart6710]

@@producedbykemp691 awesome. Thanks! Do you have one? How do you like it?

[@producedbykemp691]

@@pappysheart6710 i returned it but it was fun. At least the vocal engine. But i think the instruments were trash. Doesnt sound good to me.

[@adamshatwell]

The first multi preset is 'God's Bathtub' which is huge, deep sounds, meant to highlight what the vz-1 is capable of

[@MediaMusik777]

There are no answers only questions in the endless sea of confusion , live your life poor or die rich and lonely , pick your poison