Annelid's blog: "Ramblings,thoughts and assorted stuff"

So today, thanks to Craig's List and $20 I got me a Casio CZ-1000! Years and years ago I had the CZ-101 and sold it *you idiot! ...said in Ren voice from Ren and Stimpy* What's that you may (or may not ask)? From "vintage synth explorer" : "Coming from Casio you might assume entry-level and that just about sums up the CZ-1000. Fortunately it's become known for having a surprisingly good 8-stage envelope. It also uses Phase Distortion (PD) synthesis so it is quite capable of some cool digital/analog sounds! PD is Casio's own take on digital synthesis from the mid-eighties and is found in all of their CZ series. You basically modify digital waveforms (sine waves) to create various sounds. It can create wild new sounds, notably percussive sounds. But it's not too easy to program if you don't know much about waveform theory and design. Three sets of 8-stage envelope sections are used to modulate your sounds extensively. The first is used to modify the DCO pitches over time. Another 8-stage envelope section in the DCW is used to modify the Phase Angle over time (like filtering). Finally the DCA amplifier also has an 8-stage envelope to modify the volume of sounds over time. For further tweaking the CZ-1000 employs some surprisingly analog effects. Four types of Vibrato make up a simple LFO-type section with triangle, square, ramp up or down waveforms as well as rate, depth and delay settings. Portamento adds that classic glide effect from one note to the next. Double up on the oscillators with 4-note polyphony. Built-in noise and ring modulation. It's also MIDI equipped with 4 monophonic multitimbral parts. However, with only 32 patches (16 preset, 16 user) storage is a bit slim. The CZ-1000 is a CZ-101 with full sized keys." Not a bad pickup for $20. The condition of the synth is pretty decent shape for a keyboard that came out around 1986. A few minor dings and little scrapes. Oh, and 1 key doesn't work. I can either A: open the casio and see if i can solder the connector or B: live with it. I'm leaning towards the latter. See, My soldering skills are good but until I come across another CZ keyboard (and if I kill the 1000 and have a fall back one)...I'll let it be. So to recap out of 49 keys, I have 48 functional. :) I'm planning on making a youtube video showing off the Casio. I was using it before and running it through my bank of trusty effect pedals. With the BOSS synth bass pedals and the Ibanez echo/delay, this thing is HEAVENLY !