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Average Price: $350
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$500
$1501+
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Description
The Casio CZ-101 is a classic synthesizer that holds a special place in the hearts of vintage synth enthusiasts and modern musicians alike. Released in the mid-1980s, it introduced the world to Phase Distortion Synthesis, a unique method of sound generation that offers a distinctive timbral character compared to traditional analog or FM synthesis. This compact powerhouse features 49 mini-keys, making it both portable and versatile for live performances or studio sessions.
Despite its size, the CZ-101 is packed with functionality. It offers 8-voice polyphony, allowing you to layer complex sounds without dropping notes. The synthesizer includes a range of onboard controls, giving you the ability to tweak parameters on the fly and craft a wide variety of sounds, from lush pads to sharp leads. With its intuitive interface, musicians of all levels can easily navigate and program the synth to fit their musical needs. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, the CZ-101 provides a robust platform for creativity.
Key Features:
- Phase Distortion Synthesis for unique sound creation
- 49 mini-keys, perfect for portability and performance
- 8-voice polyphony for rich, layered sounds
- Onboard controls for real-time parameter adjustments
- Intuitive interface suitable for all skill levels
- Classic vintage sound with modern versatility
Product specs
| Brand | Casio |
| Model | CZ-101 49-Key Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1985 - 1988 |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Mini |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Casio CZ-101 use?
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The Casio CZ-101 uses phase distortion synthesis, which is unique to Casio's CZ series and allows for a wide range of digital sounds with complex harmonic structures.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Casio CZ-101 offer?
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The Casio CZ-101 offers 8 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play up to 8 notes simultaneously.
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Is the Casio CZ-101 compatible with MIDI?
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Yes, the Casio CZ-101 features MIDI Input and Output, enabling it to connect with other MIDI-compatible gear for expanded performance and recording possibilities.
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What is the key size of the Casio CZ-101, and how does it affect playability?
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The Casio CZ-101 has mini keys, which may require some adjustment for players used to full-sized keys but make it more portable and compact for on-the-go use.
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Can the Casio CZ-101 be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Casio CZ-101 can be used for live performances, especially given its portability and MIDI capabilities, though its mini keys might be a consideration for some performers.
Videos
RetroSound
CASIO CZ-101 PD-Synthesizer (1984)
Reviews
PROS
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Produces unique digital synth sounds, unlike any other synth
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Offers solid synth bass and 80s style synth sounds
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Capable of professional-level sound production for studios
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Supports SysEx patch loading for enhanced sound capabilities
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Fooling even experts with its realistic sound reproductions
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Phase Distortion Synthesis offers distinct sound from FM synths
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Straightforward to program with helpful diagrams
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Polyphonic, compact, and versatile without sound design limitations
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Runs on batteries, enhancing its portability
CONS
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Volatile memory loses programs if unplugged or batteries are low
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Limited MIDI implementation; nearly no parameter control via MIDI CCs
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Requires 6 D-cell batteries or a mod for preset saving
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Tone considered soft, may require EQ adjustment for sub frequencies
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Limited waveforms per digital oscillator, affecting sound shaping
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Some find it difficult to use and not intuitive
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Mini keys may be considered low quality by today's standards
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 24 Ratings
491
Unique synth, wish Casio still did entry level stuff like this
The tone is pretty soft even with harsh waves. Most of the Casio stuff seems to have sub frequencies filtered off, even if you have the octave set to those low notes. I used to bump up the eq below 100hz to get sub frequencies with this. This synth uses Phase Distortion Synthesis, which people compare to FM synths however it's different enough from a DX7 imo - you can choose different waveforms as opposed to only have sin waves but still have morphing sounds, turning a saw to a sin as a example.The softness lent well to ambient type sounds.
41029
cool early digital synth
this is a really cool entry level phase-distortion synth, the CZ series was Casio's answer to FM digital synths that took over the world in the mid 80s....... like a nastier dx7 that's easier to program.... for some reason I never use it though. For performance the keyboard just doesn't stack up to the DX line, even a chintzy 4 operator DX100 has a better keyboard in my opinion.... and the DX7mk2 just schools it. I don't know if the higher end of the CZ range is any better, but with all tis capable of I wish it were more fun to perform on or that it was just a desktop module.... the size and unplayability relegate it to very casual use these days like my ESQ1 which is equally unique sounding but chintzy.
236
Under-rated and far out
Good synth but tiny keyboard is not useful for a player. Programmer is interesting with the 8 stage envelopes- can shape sounds beyond other synths, but only in a limited way since just a few waveforms per digital oscillator are available. Still best bang for the buck out there.
Experimental CZ-101 track.
https://youtu.be/zgHFOBwzc3g
200
To FM or not to FM
I never heard this type of FM which Casio called Phase Distortion but it's niceeeee. Incredible versatile envelopes, resonant basses; 'THIS IS NOT A TOY!'
Artist usage
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"Zawinul did not stop at the Wurlitzer and Fender Rhodes electric pianos he used in the 1960s. By the late 1960s he was extending his sonic palette with effects like phase shifters, Echoplexes, wah-wahs and ring modulators, and when synthesizers came on the market he was among the first to buy one (the EMS Putney). The list of synthesizers he has used since then — among them the ARP 2600, Rhodes Chroma, Oberheim Four-voice and Eight-voice, ARP Quadra, Sequential Prophet 5 and Prophet T8, Korg Trident, Oberheim Xpander, Korg VC10 vocoder, Emu Emulator, Casio CZ101, Korg DW8000, DSS1, DSM1 and M1 — reads like a synth museum's treasure list."
"Yes, it's more or less a children's toy, but it starred as the tinkly piano noise and half the bass on 'Never Land'. A certain Californian lady ran off with the original unit, but forgot the manual, so she won't have got far (especially with a sack of potatoes down the back of her knickers)."
In the Loretta music video on YouTube, you can see Cameron playing a Casio CZ-101 at 0:43, at 1:20, and at 2:28. Notice the pitch bend wheel that is located on the top left of the synth and the strap knob on the bottom right which are features of the CZ-101.
In this photo you can appreciate that is playing a CZ101 as well an SK1 and using a Toneworks multipedal.
On the Reverb site Deb Demure talks about his guitars, pedals, amps, synths and softwares he uses in Drab Majesty
These synthesizers were used during the recording of "Pateando Piedras" album and in their live performances
Casio CZ-101 and CZ-1000 can be seen for example in the minutes 52:32, 58:05 1:01:14
Although he's far from a virtuoso keyboard player, Midge prefers to arrange and perform his own keyboard lines allowing him, "to get it just right." Apart from the aforementioned Yamaha PS6100 keyboard he previously used one of Yamaha's cheap-ish "Portasound things with one speaker and preset rhythms." While using the PS 6100 as a compositional tool (and more recently Casio's CZ101) most of his studio work is carried out on the Emulator II sampling keyboard. With samplers being used on everything from Frankie Goes To Hollywood to Bruce Springsteen (his 'snare' sound) Midge brings in the Emulator only when it has a specific task to fulfil.
In a photo featured on Gearslutz, Arthur Russell is seen using a Casio CZ-101 synthesizer.
"But by the time we were making our first record, we were using a lot of other things, like a Casio CZ-101. Great, great instrument. That was the portamento noise at the beginning of "Chess Piece Face." We were pretty heavily into the Casio scene at that time."
Peter Kember is confirmed to use the Casio CZ-101 synthesizer, as highlighted by Adam Douglas on Reverb.com. The article states, "Of course, he added vocals, some percussion, and digital synthesizers as well, of which he owns a lot, from a Casio CZ-101 through to a number of home-model Yamaha PSR units."
Album Usage
The Casio CZ-101 has been featured on the following albums:
Devil's Dance (2025 Remixes)
Cinthie (2025)
Everything (Radio Edit)
Cinthie (2022)
City Slicker
Ginger Root (2021)
803 Crystal Grooves 004
Cinthie (2020)
Believe You Me (Deluxe Edition)
Blancmange (2018)
Pateando Piedras
Los Prisioneros (2016)
State to State 2
808 State (2002)
Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?
Moby (1999)
Filosofem
Burzum (1996)
Everything Is Wrong
Moby (1995)
The Pod
Ween (1991)
Tango
Pedro Aznar & Charly García (1986)
They Might Be Giants
They Might Be Giants (1986)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Casio CZ-101, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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