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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
During a studio tour with Future Music Magazine, Steve Mac says [@ 11:40] about his Casio CZ-101:
“We used this on a track recently, and it was sort of like this really soft Rhodes sounding patch that I used it for. I also found an original rave organ on it. It's quite mad, you can pick up this machines now for next to nothing and you get some really interesting sounds from them. Don't be put off by the name Casio."
In the photo, Bratty is seen with the Casio CZ-101 synthesizer.
"Here is my main studio setup these days: Macintosh computer, Otari 8-track and Soundcraft mixer, Yamaha DX7II and TX81Z, Ensoniq EPS16+, Korg Wavestation, Sequential Prophet 5 and SixTrack, Casio CZ101, Lexicon reverbs, Eventide H3000, delays and other procesors, steel guitar, bamboo and clay flutes, percussion, etc. etc."
This article published in Electronics & Music Maker January mentions Tom Bailey using a Casio CZ-101.
Orgue Electronique is known to use the Casio CZ-101 synthesizer, as mentioned on Sternstudio's website. The CZ-101, a standout in Casio's CZ series, is appreciated for its unique Phase Distortion synthesis, which offers a distinct alternative to FM synthesis by altering the waveform's phase. Despite its compact size as the smaller sibling of the CZ-1000, the CZ-101 delivers a distinctive sound that has been influential in early Detroit techno, Chicago house, and mid-80s synthpop. With features like 8-voice polyphony, portamento, and noise/ring modulation, the CZ-101 creates sounds that are difficult to replicate with typical subtractive synthesizers, making it a valuable tool for artists like Orgue Electronique.
1:42 in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0dowYne5Po
"@skudge_elias_landberg New in the studio. Casio CZ-101 #new #inthestudio #casio #cz101 #casiocz101 #phasedistortion #digitalsynthesizer #winter #2016"
In the Sound on Sound article "Chris & Cosey: 2 Unlimited," the Casio CZ-101 is listed as part of Chris & Cosey's gear collection.
In the video in which Moonlight Matters is taking Future Music Magazine on a tour of his studio, at 1:09:51 he says "Right here I have a small Casio, you have to have a Casio, the CZ-101. It's a really small and cheap synth but it was used in a lot of revolutionary techno songs and early house songs. Very straightforward interface on modulation possibilities. So, again, a good starter synth and also great to use live".
Blancmange used a Casio CZ-101 in their album "Believe You Me," according to this article.
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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