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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)
CASIO CZ-101 PD-Synthesizer (1984)
RetroSound
Casio Keyboard CZ-101 (1986)
XippVid
FIVE MINUTES WITH CASIO CZ-101
sonicstate
Casio CZ-101 | How Does it Sound?
JAde Wii
Best of CASIO CZ-101 Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo
RetroSound
Casio CZ-101 - Polyphonic & Ambient Sounds
LFOstore
BOO-cast - Synth of the Month: Casio CZ-101
Battery Operated Orchestra
Casio CZ101 - Part 2 - making some sounds and dodgy midi
Bonzo Music
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
Add artist
"Every sound except the drums is coming from this amazing little keyboard I bought for $100 years ago and never used. Phase Distortion forever!"
"...it has great sound.." '...I used it on "My Melody" song'
The equipment responsible for Torn's unique guitar treatments live revolves around a Steinberger guitar and a collection of delays and effects - a Lexicon PCM70, PCM42, with 20 seconds of delay time, ADA and Ibanez harmonisers, a BBE Sonic Enhancer and a Microverb. At home in the 'States he has an E-mu Emax sampler, Casio CZ101, TX81Z, Alesis HR16 drum machine, a Macintosh running Performer 2.3 and Intelligent Music software and "all kinds of weird home-made things."
In the studio tour video titled "Bad Snacks studio tour #Novation," published by Novation on YouTube, Bad Snacks is shown using the Casio CZ-101 synthesizer. The synthesizer is visible on the rack to the left at approximately 0:05.
This article lists Jakko’s gear in his Silesia Sound Studios, including this one.
In terms of synths, Price’s favourites include his Clavia Nord Lead 3 (“I’ll go to the grave clutching that”) and the decidedly old–school Yamaha TX7 (module version of the DX7) and Casio CZ101.
IN ADDITION TO his work with electronic percussion devices, Erskine has jumped headfirst into the synth and MIDI fray. His home studio contains a Casio FZ1 and CZ101, a Roland Super JX, a Korg DW8000 and Poly 800, a recently MIDI'd Oberheim OBXa, a Yamaha DX100 and Yamaha RX5, PMC1 and TX816.
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A Casio CZ-101 was used on the track "Villains and Nerds," according to the liner notes for State to State 2.
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In this Instagram photo posted by Epworth, the Casio CZ-101 synthesizer can be seen.
Phil Oakey is listed as using the Casio CZ-101 synthesizer, as noted in the article on The-black-hit-of-space.
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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