Casio VZ-10M - Exploring the Synth and Sounds

And here is a verrrry long video covering the Casio VZ-10M, including listening to a lot of patch examples, looking at how Casio implemented the phase modulation engine, and looking/listening to the basic waves and some phase-modulated waveforms available for programming.
Organization of the video is as follows:
00:00 - Casio VZ-10M ProckGnosis Theme Song (in 9/8)
00:30 - The Introduction
02:50 - Sound and Commentary
11:47 - How the VZ-10M Makes Noise (big explanation)
18:12 - More Sounds, Less Commentary
28:23 - Phase Modulation Analysis (M1 modulating M2 with different waves)
31:04 - Even More Sounds, Some Commentary
As I say in the video, the Casio VZ-10M has a lot of similarities to the Yamaha DX7, including the synth engine and how the modules are worked with like operators, but it also has some other tricks the DX7 doesn't. This includes having saw waves instead of just sine waves to phase modulate and phase modulate with, as well as being able to ring modulate the partner module.
The synth isn't great, but it is extremely interesting to work with, and it can produce some interesting sounds. When the big brother keyboard (VZ-1) was released in 1988, it was Casio's flagship synth. It's curious why Casio would have opted to produce something that, in so many ways, was similar to the already well-established DX7 and all the variants, and even sounded fairly similar.
I think it would have made more sense to release a "Super CZ" with 16 note polyphony, a phase-distortion engine, and the ability to layer, split, and fade similar to the VZ. It's possible even a "Super CZ" wouldn't have sold though, as it seems folks were just more fascinated by more realistic sounds like those offered by the Roland D-50 (released in 1987) and the Korg M1, also released in 1988 for about the same cost.
As I said in the opening of the video, I think the video could have been better organized, and better split over 2 videos, but I’m running short of time and figured it was better to just get it out.
--------Some great links with more VZ info--------:
casio.sallyandsteve.com/docume...
www.muzines.co.uk/articles/cas...
www.muzines.co.uk/articles/cas...
www.muzines.co.uk/articles/cas...
deepsonic.ch/deep/docs_manuals...
www.vintagesynth.com/casio/vz1...
www.deepsonic.ch/deep/htm/hohn...

[@ProckGnosis]

00:00 - Casio VZ-10M ProckGnosis Theme Song (in 9/8) 00:30 - The Introduction 02:50 - Sound and Commentary 11:47 - How the VZ-10M Makes Noise (big explanation) 18:12 - More Sounds, Less Commentary 28:23 - Phase Modulation Analysis (M1 modulating M2 with different waves) 31:04 - Even More Sounds, Some Commentary

[@TheCliffzone]

One can have the best synth in the world but a Casio VZ synth by no doubt is still a tough act to follow even till this day. Very interesting and great to see a video like this again on the VZ.

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks...yeah it's a shame that more companies aren't willing to go back and further explore cool synthesis ideas like this, but maybe with an improved user interface. There are a few options outside of Yamaha's Montage or MODX offerings (like that French company who demo'ed their "Essence" FM synth in rack form or Elektron's Digitone), but unfortunately, nowadays the masses tend to prefer the easier-to-understand subtractive synthesis approach, so that's what companies mostly cater to.

[@christ5826]

one of the best most deep incredible sounding most original unique synths ever made! thanks 🎉🎉

[@ecthroi]

thorough and plenty of explanation as well as examples. very much appreciate this!

[@ProckGnosis]

Cool...very glad it was sort of instructional as well just interesting.

[@celiacasanovas4164]

Thank you for this detailed video on this one of a kind synth! I just got a VZ-8M and this is just what I needed to understand it better.

[@ProckGnosis]

And thanks much for the feedback. Glad it was helpful.

[@benmoreau6899]

Thank you for the detailed animation of how modulating waves change the carrier signal, I thought that was really interesting!

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, if you mean the bit I got off of Wikipedia, I fully agree. It definitely helps you visualize how the two wave functions relate.

[@johansmolinski]

This is such an inspiring video with great explanations. I have had the VZ-1 for a few years but have not got into it really. The factory patches aren’t that good, but when you get to modify them or make your own, it becomes a different beast. I would love a tutorial video showing a few patch from scratch examples. Would be greatly helpful.

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks! I would love to do a "patch-from-scratch" tutorial, but finding the time to do it would be the hard part (it would be a bit longer and more complicated for sure). This video alone took a LOT of time...

[@cdwhiley]

@@ProckGnosis this video is AWESOME and I would loive it if you made more VZ-10m content man!

[@MarcWeertsMusic]

Yay, a new video! :-) Great demo and explanation of the synth, some surprisingly characterful sounds in there. Seems very hard to program though. Good to hear you're coming to Europe again!

[@ProckGnosis]

Bedankt Marc. It's difficult to program mostly because of the workflow (it's SLOW to program), not the concepts so much. I think had it been released in '83, most people would have preferred it to the DX7. Especially folks who were frustrated by the even SLOWER process of programming the DX7.

[@supermonkeycollider]

Haven't been by in a while - this new theme is THE GOODS!

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks! It's just a one-off using the VZ-10M...it will likely never be played again! But it was fun and challenging putting it together mostly because I couldn't get the feel of that 9/8 rhythm.

[@supermonkeycollider]

​@@ProckGnosis The funny thing about difficult playing odd rhythms is that as musicians, it's often all in our heads. For myself, once I got hip to how many popular songs used them, it was like a gateway opened. They're everywhere! Rush, Tool, Floyd, The Beatles, MGMT, Outkast.... not the deep cuts either.

[@nachom1971]

Love this unique synth. Great video.

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks. In my opinion it is its uniqueness that helps make it cool!

[@5argetech56]

My trusty VZ-1 will never die... still alive and well in 2019. VZ-10M with keyboard. Yes I will get a lot out of this... Thank You my Brother!

[@ProckGnosis]

Oh man...I've wanted a VZ-1 for a LONG time, just because I really liked the keyboard. But I had to settle for the VZ-10M for the smaller footprint in the music room. Glad to get the Casio VZ series some publicity even 30 years after it was released.

[@5argetech56]

@@ProckGnosis the keyboard it's no joke. The keys have lead weights underneath them for beautiful weighted action. And the darn thing weighs 26 1/2 lbs. The keys are velocity sensitive and have after touch😊😊

[@markuc999]

Very good explained ... thank You for excellent video, VZ is very underrated synth !

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks! I'm happy to get some information about it out to synth fans and give it a little more publicity.

[@trevorwoodley3897]

Damn! It sounds amazing.

[@chitlun]

I have the Hohner HS-2/E which is this in a silver box. How serendipitous that this vid came up in my feed and you’re moving to Germany, Hohner being a German company. I forgot I had the thing until this... I wonder if the screen still works 🤔. Great vid man, a new sub here, peace ✌️

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks much, and yeah, I would say it's worth getting it out and playing with it a bit. I always thought it was interesting that Hohner licensed and rebranded basically the whole synth. I'm curious why they decided to do it that way.

[@paulburkhart2619]

Great sounds and explanation, excellent video. Just snagged a VZ-1 at a garage sale for $60. 👻

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks and wow! VERY lucky find...that's a great price even if you were only using it as a controller.

[@droksbeel]

Man >:( i want a vz-1 for 60 bucks.

[@12opsynths]

I love hearing stories like that especially in the eBay age.

[@robertsyrett1992]

Yeah, don't let perfection be the enemy of your upload schedule. Edit: After making it to the end of a rather epic video I gotta say I was impressed! It's pretty plain to see now that phase distortion really is the same as FM Synthesis but with the ratios all set to 1. I really liked the oscilloscope footage, although the audio was kind of piercing. Should you do something similar in the future, it might be nice to turn the constant tones down a bit. Thanks for uploading :)

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks. Yeah...literally EVERY time I listened to the PM examples when editing, I would nudge the levels down a bit, but still not quite enough. That first one (the sine mod sine) is a skull vibrator for sure. I have to confess after working on the "explanation" part of the video, I kept having programming ideas pop into my head that I wanted to try out. Minus the drums and maybe one or two other patches, most of the self-programmed stuff was more than 10-15 years old. And back then I was mostly trying to make digital sound more analog, when I really should have just embraced the weirder stuff FM and PM can do.

[@robertsyrett1992]

@@ProckGnosis FM/PM is amazingly CPU efficient for how many different sounds you can make with it. We kind of take it for granted how cheesy the EP and Trumpet sounds are, but the cleverness behind those physical models is really kind of mindblowing once you delve into the mathematics of it. Comparing specs with the Digitone, the VZ-10M had a lot of horsepower. That said, I don't think I'll be trading in my Digitone anytime soon, the ability to quickly edit sounds with nice visual feedback is that important. Also, good luck with the move! I hope your gear and family travel safely and you can again enjoy the sunlight of a distant shore.

[@cfcreative1]

To me that is gorgeous sound.

[@ProckGnosis]

I definitely appreciate it a lot more now than when I first got the synth. At first I was disappointed it wasn't as flexible as the Casio CZ synths, but then once I understood the synthesis engine a bit more and what it could do, I really started to like it.

[@AgentsofRush]

Thanks for the doing a vid on this. I have one myself and got it about 10 years ago along with FM synths. Hooking this up and the Yamaha FS1R at the moment. So it's cool you explain stuff on here better :D

[@ProckGnosis]

My pleasure...it is a synth worth exploring. Yeah, I have an FS1R as well, and I might try to do a similar video with that, when I get some time.

[@AgentsofRush]

@@ProckGnosis have you seen the prices now for the FS1R :O

[@ProckGnosis]

@@AgentsofRush Oh yeah...I've seen them for 2 or 3 times what I paid for it.

[@AgentsofRush]

@@ProckGnosis I got mine for £200. Extra 0 and up on some of the sales now :O

[@ProckGnosis]

@@AgentsofRush Woah...didn't see they were going for THAT much. I paid $200 for mine.

[@aquaevitae]

The first digital synths from the 80's was much more capable to produce truly bizarre and sophisticated sounds than rompers in early 2000's. Luckily synth manufacturers have brought to the market in last decade more sophisticated products with several different synthesis, capable to produce vast variety different and truly awesome and bizarre sounds, like Korg Kronos, and Yamaha Montage. That was quite long, but very interesting, deep exploring video, also proves that an old synthesizers from the 80's are still very usable in 2020, and not anyhow obsolete...

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, for people who are willing to invest a little time programming and learning, there are plenty of old digital synths you can use to create some great sounds and great music. That's why I like exploring old synths like this: to show there was some great sounding technology even 25-30 years ago.

[@mpmattson]

In a way it's wonderful that the presets in the VZ series didn't really show it's true potential - it's kept the prices way down in the used market.

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, I agree. It's a special synth, but "special" in a way that's hard to understand or appreciate, and "hard to understand" doesn't always sell well for a company. All the better for folks wanting it used.

[@dshmechanic]

Agreed. NOW is the time to grab one of these, before Espen Kraft does a video on the VZ10M, and prices shoot through the roof. I learned this the hard way in early June of this year when I was in the market for an FS1R (BTW...at the end of the vid, you can see Prock has one, racked above the VZ), and Espen's late May 2020 video highlighting the true awesomness of this heretofor little known gem caused an immediate and drastic spike in second hand prices. Seemed like everyone (myself included) had to have one! I was very fortunate to snag mine, in very good condition, for $1,100, before prices reached where they are now. I'm sure there are still good deals to be had on the FS1R, but you're gonna have to do a little homework...and a little 'right place, right time' goes a long way too!

[@cdwhiley]

@@dshmechanic but there's that RAD FZ-1 and FZ-10m! I think it may be stronger due to analog filters. You dont even have to use a sample! Just use a sine or saw wave! :)

[@cdwhiley]

@@dshmechanic btwq i just bought a VZ-10m for $242 out the door. I am excited to try it. I wish there were more patches and a good editor available.

[@dshmechanic]

@@cdwhiley Agreed, Charles. One thing you can do to expand it a bit is grab an RC-100 ROM card for your VZ. It won't do anything as far as editing, but it does provide two banks of 64 IPD (Interactive Phase Distortion) sounds each , plus two banks of 64 LAYER/COMBINATION "PERFORMANCES" for any VZ Series CASIO synthesizer (VZ-1 , VZ10M , VZ8M as well as being compatible with the PG Range of CASIO Guitar Synthesizers: PG-380 , PG-310 , PG-300)

[@theaudioeng]

Great, thanks PG! must spend more time with my VZ-8M, inc. wind controller hook-up particular to this VZ version. Most unique 'purest, crystalline' synth I have in the racks - a keeper for that reason alone. Only thing that Casio missed out was a minimal FX engine say basic reverb/chorus would have topped it off, still we can all fix that right? 😎🎹👍🎶🍻

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, it really does the "crystalline" patches quite well. It makes what I call a great "complimentary synth". If I could only have one synth, this would be lower on the list, but if I could only have 3 synths, this would likely one of the 3 because it fills a such a unique niche.

[@SynthsandSounds]

oooh you got a VZ-10m! This is a big gap in my Casio Legacy collection! I got a '81 casiotone 701 recently, but I'd definitely love to get my hands on one of these!

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, they're still going for a reasonable price if you can find one. Vielleicht kannst du auch ein Hohner HS-2 in Deutschland finden. Die sind identisch.

[@SynthsandSounds]

@@ProckGnosis I'll keep my eyes open! Gute Überfahrt!

[@TuneHawk]

@@SynthsandSounds Check out these Facebook groups: facebook.com/groups/370365849972076/ : : : : : : facebook.com/groups/593331987770755/ VZ underappreciated. You can't always hear how brilliant is until it's part of a mix, very good for soundtracks.

[@mrstephenpariah]

@@SynthsandSounds Did you find one?

[@SynthsandSounds]

@@mrstephenpariah Not yet... There's always too much gear to aquire

[@danl9407]

This is the best video about VZ-10M and especially the ONLY video explaining so well the iPD synthesis. What software are you using to visualise the output in real time?!

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks much! As for the visualization, I'm not sure which part you're talking about. The frequency spectrum was just screen captured from Reason Studio's Spectrum EQ Window (Propellerhead), and the wave form came from a VST plugin Smartelectronix' s(M)exoscope, and then I edited them together in a separate clip that I added to the final video. Yeah, I'm not sure why Casio called it iPD, because it wasn't really phase distortion as implemented on the CZ synths. I did read somewhere that the core saw wave shapes in the VZ were formed with the phase distortion algorithm, but that everything else was basically phase modulation. I think it's time Casio released an updated CZ-VZ hybrid and make all the CZ and VZ fans happy. With the CPU power available now, it could be amazing.

[@cyborgmetropolis7652]

I just plugged in the VZ-8M I was gifted back in the 80's. It sounded like pop wedding band when I was modeling Depeche Mode/KMFDM/Skinny Puppy so it sat unused for decades. I'm trying to breath new life into old gear but I'm still having a hard time finding anything useful in the VZ presets. I can hear the potential but I don't want to spend the energy figuring out how to program it.

[@ProckGnosis]

Can't argue that "pain-to-program" is a real problem with the VZ-10M similar to the DX7. And worse still I imagine with the VZ-8M and the small display. So most folks just ended up using the DX7 presets, exactly because it was so hard to program well. Unfortunately for Casio, when the VZ-10M was released, people were already starting to get tired of the FM sound, which was/is a lot of what the VZ presets reminded folks of. I only really started to enjoy the VZ-10M when 1) I had other synths that scratched the itch for "fat analog" sounds, and 2) I slowly got my head around programming it a bit. And even THEN, it was still frustrating at times.

[@maxmatson1578]

The CZ 3000 was my very first synthesizer!🎹

[@ProckGnosis]

Great first synth in my opinion!

[@maxmatson1578]

@@ProckGnosis thank you!🙏 it was a bitch to program!😵 but I still wish I had it? second synth I had was the red sound "Darkstar xp2" my first synthesizer with knobs!🎹🎧💫😵👌😎👍

[@ProckGnosis]

My first was a CZ-1000, which I thought was easy enough to program. I used that a boatload. I had the first version of the Darkstar, which I really liked the sound of (reminded me of a Novation, had 8 voices and 5 part multitimbral!), but I found that more frustrating to program because you had to use the shift key all the time, and I would forget, and then mess up the parameter that I DIDN'T want to change. I ended up selling it, which I kind of miss as well.

[@maxmatson1578]

@@ProckGnosis the thing was my 3000 I don't know if the battery was dead or not but it couldn't save anyting! plus every time I try to manipulate the sound by pressing a button it would retrigger the sound.. so I couldn't do any kind of real time manipulation with it!😅 and it would annoying me!😵 but I was young, dumb, and didn't know anything about sympathizers at the time¿? still I made some cool sounds with it🎹🎧💫😎👍

[@maxmatson1578]

I love when I misspell sympathizers.. with synthesizers!😅😵🙊🙉🙈😎👌

[@JobimSynthMusic]

2:50 - any chance you could share or point me to the direction of that marimba-like patch at the left? it sounds very close to the Fairtyale preset from the CZ, which I really wanted to rebuild in my VZ10m. thanks

[@danl9407]

20 years ago bought one for 150£ and guess what... I could barely sell it, for the same amount, in 2016... fast forward to 2020 and it took me a year to find one and paid 400£ for it! This will never leave my studio

[@ProckGnosis]

Oh yeah...seems there are less and less "cheap used synths" nowadays to find those kinds of bargains. Even gear that isn't that popular doesn't depreciate like it used to...which is good for sellers, not so great for buyers, I have to say.

[@iamonfire501]

23:48 this patch sounds IDENTICAL to the DX7 bass patch imo

[@ProckGnosis]

They both basically use phase modulation, so there are quite a few similar sounds both synths can pull off. In some ways, the VZ-10M is a lot easier to use, but it's a little less flexible than a DX7, in my opinion

[@dusanvukasovic2525]

I just missed a chance to grab one VZ8M (100€), and I must say I'm glad because I did. It is definitely a precious gem, but I'm allready crazy enough with my other gear. No famous CZ portamento btw...

[@ProckGnosis]

I've never played with the VZ-8M. Given the smaller display, I think it would be MUCH harder to use and to program.

[@dusanvukasovic2525]

@@ProckGnosis From time to time I use to change few parameters on my TX81z, for programming I use editor. Guess it would be the same with VZs. Too often it sounds like a bagpipe, though.

[@fmagic2000able]

I think you might think differently how this synth sounds if its audio output was routed through a Strymon BigSky or NightSky reverb pedal - just a thought.

[@ProckGnosis]

Lol...first, I already like the sound of the VZ-10M all by itself (no effects needed). Second, a fart sounds great running through a BigSky.

[@5argetech56]

The entire sound library is on the internet. I have three original Cards US Collection RC-110, Hi-Power Collection RC-140, RC-100

[@ProckGnosis]

I need to download these to explore the programming ideas a bit.

[@danl9407]

Where? Link please…

[@MichaelMartinez-mr3uy]

Hi do you have any VZ-1 patches for sale/download? I just bought a VZ-1, I don't have time to develop patches, so looking for somewhere that has some for download or purchase.

[@ProckGnosis]

Sorry...no. I've never backed up my patches. There are some good free ones out there on forums though.

[@oazlast8844]

hi ,is this possible to connect to the keyboard ,Yamaha DX-11? THANKS

[@ProckGnosis]

As long as the DX-11 has midi out, you can use it to play this.

[@oazlast8844]

@@ProckGnosis thanks a lot

[@manuelsirotti9340]

Cool. Is also a sampler like a Fz-10m ?

[@ProckGnosis]

No, not any sampling available.

[@oazlast8844]

whether that thing can be connected to Yamaha DX-11 KEYBOARD ? THANKS

[@ProckGnosis]

As long as the MIDI-out on the DX-11 is working you can use it to play the VZ-10M.

[@oazlast8844]

@@ProckGnosis thanks

[@oazlast8844]

@@ProckGnosis one question sir, sorry about that ,,,whether there are sounds of accordion, trumpet, flute,and how many sounds does that thing have?

[@ProckGnosis]

@@oazlast8844 It depends on what sounds are programmed into the VZ-10M. There are a few presets that have flute or trumpet, but if you find a used VZ-10M it might not have any of those sounds. To be honest, I don't think the strengths of the VZ-10M are accordian, trumpet, or flute sounds. You can get a cheap ROM-sample-based module that does those types of sounds MUCH better.

[@LC2K00]

Can you do a tutorial on how to make a sound?

[@ProckGnosis]

Ok...thought I replied to this yesterday, but since there's nothing here, I guess not. Unfortunately, I won't likely be doing any "how you make a sound" tutorials on this synth. Between the video here (see 11:47) and the PDF for the manual, there are some pretty good explanations how the sound engine works and instructions how you can create a patch, but it also likely requires some basic understanding of synth programming. If you're fairly new to synth programming, this can be kind of difficult to follow, I admit.

[@ET2carbon]

Yeah I'm not sure I'm feeling it. It's got some digital distortion going on like an irritating soft clipping. It certainly sounds cheap not rich.

[@ProckGnosis]

It sounds 80s digital, and a bit thinner, like most of the FM or PM (phase modulation) digital synths of the time. People's mileage may vary on what they get out of it, no doubt, and it also heavily depends on how you use it. Wouldn't ever envision using this in a rock back, lol...

[@ramonpooser2434]

Who has a fix for the screen that goes out. This is the big problem.

[@xnonsuchx]

Better than the newest Casio synths, which are just a big snorefest to me!

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, Casio is targeting a different user group with most of their current stuff. The XW-P1 had some innovative ideas for the price, but instead of going further in that direction, they retreated (mostly) back to the home keyboard market. So it goes...

[@SHY5949]

Nice video. But have you sometimes drink Belgium beer? Duvel?

[@ProckGnosis]

Thanks and yeah...I drink Belgium beer whenever I can find it, and it's not too expensive. Have had quite a few Duvels, and I used to drink a lot of Grimbergen when I lived in Belgium.

[@ushnicyuvnikof2748]

I also have this image of you politely sipping a Cantillion while epicly laying down synth riffs.

[@marksieczko7766]

For 200 bucks it's a good deal. I'd get one.

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, it's a unique and interesting synth...definitely worth it for $200. For me, experimenting with programming it was almost more fun than playing it.

[@StefUllrichMusic]

Your speaking voice is somewhere in the James Hetfield category.

[@ProckGnosis]

Hab das schon gehört, aber ehrlich gesagt, hab ich das nie bemerkt. And btw, you have recorded some very nice music. Hard to believe you don't have more views and subscribers...keep up the great work. Cheers!

[@StefUllrichMusic]

@@ProckGnosis Thanks a lot! I'm not here for the big clicks really. I just park them on YT so I can send them out to potential clients. Where did you pick up your German skills? Flawless.

[@ProckGnosis]

@@StefUllrichMusic Lol...ich wohne in Deutschland. Sollte viel besser sprechen, aber...na ja...so geht's. If you need any voice over work for a project (eine Stimme die wie Hetfield klingt) keep me in mind, eh?

[@StefUllrichMusic]

@@ProckGnosis Synths, beer, Deutschland. You sure know how to streamline things. If you happen to be in Berlin, sollten wir mal irgendwann ein Bier trinken. Nach der verdammten Pandemie. I've been a synth/sampler geek since my teens and I also used to play in prog rock bands. You and I are a rare breed. Das Gespräch dürfte also nicht langweilig sein. Und Bier geht sowieso immer. Prost!

[@ProckGnosis]

@@StefUllrichMusic Vielleicht im September, wenn Superbooth geht. Hoffentlich wird alles nicht so locked-down sein.

[@SeverityOne]

Thanks for this video. I offered €209 on Ebay for a Hohner HS-2/E, which is the same thing but with a different brand and a silver finish. Somebody outbid me (€243) and I'm glad that I didn't offer more, because it wouldn't have been worth it.

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, as I said in the video, I would pay $200 for a used one in good condition, but probably not much more. There are MORE than enough VSTs that can get similar phase-modulation and FM types of sounds, but I've kind of grown fond of the interface on this, as clunky as it can be at times.

[@danl9407]

You wish you won that… stop crying!

[@SeverityOne]

@@danl9407 No, not really. I've been steadily expanding (pun not really intended) my collection of expanders (synth modules), and while the FM/PD hasn't been covered*, it's not something I miss. It's all about how much something is worth, and how muh you're willing to pay for it. Also prices are going down, quite possibly because of the looming economic crisis. I'm happy to wait. Regarding how much something is worth, the Yamaha FS1R and Ensoniq Fizmo are hugely overpriced because they're rare. They're rare because nobody bought them back then, and you have to ask yourself why that is. * Actually, I did get an FM module, a fully expanded Böhm Dynamic 12/24, at a really great price. But no sound comes out yet, so I need to figure out what's wrong with it. Maybe it's just a cable. It's a very interesting module, and because of its chorus, can sound like no FM you've ever heard before.

[@SeverityOne]

Newsflash: I eventually did get one (a Hohner HS-2/E) but for a bit less than €200. Immaculate condition except for the screen, for which I got a new backlight.

[@maccagrabme]

Casio had some of the ugliest synths and samplers I've ever seen but they sounded good. Wish they would re-release these as small boutiques like Roland.

[@ProckGnosis]

Yeah, I just don't know why Japanese keyboard/synth companies other than Korg just haven't shown any interest in updating some of the older ideas and technologies that still sound pretty damn good.

[@dshmechanic]

littlegee....Speaking of, have you (or anyone else for that matter) ever seen or remember the CASIO DM-100? It was a sampler keyboard, but what set it apart from the run of the mill garden variety Casio Keyboard was the fact it was a two manual (had two keyboards...smaller top one, and larger lower one) unit. I just picked one up, in great condition, but I paid a LOT for it due to its rarity. It's by no means a professional unit, but rather a cheesy department store consumer grade board that almost looks like the engineers at Casio were in between projects, and had way too much time (and spare MT240 parts and circuits) on their hands, and the DM-100 was the end result. From what I've read, not many were made, and it sold even worse, so I figured for $375, I couldn't go wrong...if only from an investment standpoint, LOL.

[@maccagrabme]

@@dshmechanic Never heard of it. Only owned a FZ10 sampler and CZ 5000 synth, FZ long gone and still have the CZ which is great.

[@cdwhiley]

I have a Yamaha TX816, TX216, TX802, TG33, TQ5, and RX5. Yet for some inexplicable reason I felt it necessary to buy a VZ-10M. My only excuse is it was less than $250 shipped to my door. I hope I dont regret it because I feel like a dummy lol.