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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
Although the main bulk of the keyboards were played by Pat Seymour, Feargal actually played keyboards on almost every track. A keen computer music enthusiast, he has a collection of keyboards including a Korg CX3, a recently acquired Emulator II, a Jupiter 8 and two Casios, the CZ101 and 5000.
In his LiveJournal entry titled "Creation Advent Calendar 6: Timelord," Momus mentions using the Casio CZ-101 synthesizer during the 1990s.
In the February 1986 issue of "Cole's Law" on Muzines, Blair Cowan is noted for using the Casio CZ-101 synthesizer among other instruments.
"Then there's a couple of cheesy synths. like a Yamaha DX100, which again for bass sounds is fantastic — cheap and cheerful, but very good and dirty. Finally there's a Casio CZ101, again for a couple of the basses and organ sounds, which we didn't use on any of the album stuff but for club stuff is really, really good."
Grit uses the Casio CZ-101, as evidenced by a tweet from neverlab featuring #woodworking on its flight case.
For nestling in one corner of the storage room, next to boxes of Shure SM58s (still his favourite mike in defiance of the engineer who makes him use one of the two Neumann 87s the studio has on loan) is an archetypal home recordist's set-up. A Casio CZ101 synth, Roland and Korg drum machines, a Yamaha QX7 sequencer, and a Fostex 250 Portastudio. The only outboard gear is an Accessit reverb — "too semi pro for Mick to pinch for the studio." Nearby rests the original TRB Fender P Bass and two guitars, a Fender Tele and a Squier copy. Typically, Tom prefers the sound of the copy.
In the YouTube video titled "Live At Home with Okay Kaya ('Studio Tour' and Acoustic Session)" by Arte TRACKS, Okay Kaya is seen playing a Casio CZ-101 at the 2:15 timestamp.
Chris' work area centres on a pair of Mac Quadras running Digidesign hardware and software; to his left is a Mackie 8-buss mixer, to his right a motley collection of synths including Yamaha DX7 and Casio CZ101.
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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