Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $452
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$500
$1501+
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Description
Step into the world of vintage synthesis with the Casio CZ-5000, a classic from the mid-1980s that continues to charm musicians with its rich, unique sounds. Known for its distinctive Phase Distortion synthesis, the CZ-5000 distinguishes itself from traditional analog synths, offering a digital twist that's distinctly Casio. This powerful synthesizer is equipped with a 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard, making it both a versatile and expressive tool for players of all skill levels.
The CZ-5000 is capable of producing a broad range of sounds, from warm, lush pads to punchy basses and intricate leads. It features 16-note polyphony and 32 programmable presets, giving you ample room for creativity. With its built-in 8-track sequencer, this synth allows musicians to compose entire pieces directly on the instrument, making it a fantastic choice for both live performances and studio work.
Despite its vintage status, the CZ-5000’s interface is intuitive, with straightforward controls and a clear LCD screen, ensuring that you spend more time playing and less time navigating menus. Whether you’re revisiting the retro sounds of the 80s or exploring new sonic territories, the Casio CZ-5000 provides a timeless sound palette that remains as relevant today as it was decades ago.
Key Features:
- 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard
- Phase Distortion synthesis
- 16-note polyphony
- 32 programmable presets
- Built-in 8-track sequencer
- User-friendly interface with clear LCD screen
- MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with modern setups
Product specs
| Brand | Casio |
| Model | CZ-5000 61-Key Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1985 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 16 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Casio CZ-5000 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Casio CZ-5000 is suitable for live performances, featuring a full-size 61-key keyboard and an 8-track sequencer for complex arrangements. Its robust build and MIDI capabilities also make it a reliable choice for stage use.
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What type of synthesis does the Casio CZ-5000 use?
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The Casio CZ-5000 utilizes Phase Distortion synthesis, which is similar in sound to FM synthesis but offers unique tonal capabilities and modulation options for creative sound design.
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How does the Casio CZ-5000 compare to the CZ-3000?
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The main difference is that the CZ-5000 includes an onboard 8-track sequencer, whereas the CZ-3000 does not. Both models share similar sound engines and programming methods, but the CZ-5000 offers more versatility for composition.
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Can the Casio CZ-5000 be integrated with modern MIDI setups?
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Yes, the Casio CZ-5000 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports, allowing it to be easily integrated into modern MIDI setups for both studio and live performance applications.
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What is the polyphony of the Casio CZ-5000?
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The Casio CZ-5000 offers 16-voice polyphony, enabling it to handle complex chords and layered sounds effectively without note dropout.
Videos
Satoshi & Makoto
CASIO CZ-5000 MY ORIGINAL PATCHES DEMO Part1
CASIO CZ-5000 MY ORIGINAL PATCHES DEMO Part1
Satoshi & Makoto
CASIO CZ-5000 Digital Synthesizer 1985 | HD DEMO
AnalogAudio1
The CASIO CZ-5000 Sequencer explained and played
Synths and Sounds
The Casio CZ-5000 Is A MIGHTY Synth!
Josh Is Making Music
CASIO CZ 5000 original demo sequencer and sounds - 1986
bleepbit
CASIO CZ-5000 (1985) Digital Synthesizer Part 2
Nacho Marty Meyer
Casio CZ-5000 - first session | Synths and Sounds
Synths and Sounds
Reviews
PROS
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Unique phase-distortion synthesis offers distinctive '80s tones
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8-track sequencer unique among the CZ range
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Easy to program, especially compared to other digital synths of the era
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Compatible with VirtualCZ, SysEx, and Patch Base for patch design and preset loading
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8-stage envelopes for detailed sound shaping
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2 oscillators per voice produce rich, interesting tones
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Great for pads, strings, and quirky sound effects
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Useful for both vintage and modern music production
CONS
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Not velocity-sensitive unlike the CZ-1
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Considered inferior to the CZ-1 in features, except in build quality
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio CZ-5000.
Setup and maintenance
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Users recommend using a 4-step process to emulate ADSR envelopes, simplifying the 8-stage envelope system for beginners.
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Use three AA batteries in the compartment to retain patches. Without them, custom patches will be lost when the power is turned off.
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Regular cleaning is crucial. Dust and grime in sliders can cause noise, highlighting the importance of proper maintenance for optimal sound quality.
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Missing slider caps may contribute to noise issues; keeping the synth clean and caps intact can reduce unwanted sounds.
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Ensure the Protect switch is set to "Off" before saving patches to memory; otherwise, changes won't be stored.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
Features and functionality
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To save patches on the CZ-5000, start from a factory preset, modify settings, then hold the "Write" button and select a memory location.
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The synth provides 8-stage envelopes for pitch, filter, and volume, offering flexibility beyond typical ADSR envelopes.
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The CZ-5000 allows for two independent "lines" per patch, enabling complex sound layering similar to having two synths in parallel.
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Value and pricing
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A CZ-5000 is often priced below $500; $710 is considered high without a power supply or battery cover.
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Software and compatibility
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The Patch Base app by CoffeeShopped can be used to interface with the CZ-5000, providing a visual editor and patch management via MIDI connection.
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Use cases and applications
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The CZ-5000 is sought after partly due to its use by artists like Satoshi and Makoto, contributing to its higher market value.
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Comparisons
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 19 Ratings
422
Bom, mas perde de longe para o CZ-1
Perto do CZ-1 é inferior em tudo, menos na construção (são iguais). Possui uma sonoridade única, bem característica dos synths da Casio na década de 80. Apesar da síntese Phase-Distortion, não ser tão popular como a síntese FM da família Yamaha DX, ela produzia sons bem interessantes, além de ser muito mais fácil de programar. Tive um, e hoje bate um pouco de saudosismo ao encontrar alguns vendendo na internet.
436
A must have synth for your collection!
Listen if you don't have a Casio CZ series synth in your collection, you're not about that synth life. Every producer should have a phase distortion synthesizer in their studio. Obviously I love my CZ-5000, what is there not to love? Beautiful big-sounding tones that are distinct to the '80s but timeless no matter what era...
133
Cool digital 80s synth with character
Phase-distortion digital synth - the sound is quite unique. 8-stage envelopes and 2 oscillators per voice and can produce a very interesting tones and voices.
655
I just use this as a controller lol
I don't know how this really is. I just use it as a controller lol
41010
I think its a phase distortion synth which was casio's answer to Yamaha's FM synthesis.... its a sound all its own, I think it has digitally controlled analog oscillators like a Yamaha.... easier to program than a DX7 though, do a google search and you will figure it out! its been a while or I would walk you through making some patches
Artist usage
Add artist
At the back of the album cover of the Rendez-vous album by Jean-Michel Jarre is a list of used instruments. In short:
Seiko DS 250, Synthex, Moog, Roland JX 8P, ARP 2600, Fairlight, Emulator II, Eminent, AKS, Lynn 9000, Memory Moog, Drumulator, Laser Harp, RMI, Seiko DS 320, OBX, DX 100, Matrisequencer, TR 808, Prophet, Casio CZ 5000, Baby Korg personal keyboard.
Mk.gee used the Casio CZ-5000 synthesizer, inspiring the title of one of his songs, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.
In an interview with Synth History, Alan Palomo of Neon Indian is seen playing the Casio CZ-5000, as evidenced by the accompanying image.
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In the left of this photo, Jorge González is seen using a Casio CZ-5000, which he employed for tracks such as "Muevan Las Industrias," "Por Favor," and "Exijo Ser Un Héroe."
In this old video (allegedly from 1988), the CZ-5000 can be seen in Uematsu's studio at around 2:45.
In this Instagram post Jeremy (Chrome Sparks) talks about his Casio CZ-5000. The post is from 8 October 2021.
He says, "It was a CZ-5000. A 5 or a 2, but I think it was the 5000. No samples, just straight-up parameters, getting down with the oscillators, and I found some magic."
(English translation) "When it comes to CASIO at this time, we cannot forget the name of Yukihiro Takahashi, a career drummer/vocalist for YMO and a symbolic artist of the era: in a tour article featured in the February 1986 issue, he reported the use of the special edition CZ-5000 (designed to hold sticks designed), as well as the Cosmo Synthesiser as a sound source for electronic drums, and the CASIO RZ-1 rhythm machine, which he himself provided samples for."
At 4:09 you can see his Casio CZ synth.
At 14:14 Jody is playing the Casio synth.
Album Usage
The Casio CZ-5000 has been featured on the following albums:
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-5000, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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