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Average Price: $900

High-end/Boutique

$249

$700+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The first 16-bit sampling synthesizer in Japan. The FZ-1 was the premier Casio synthesizer model at the time, providing 16-bit handling of all sampling—a technique in the spotlight at the time—to enable playback with high sound quality and satisfy the exacting demands of even pro musicians. It also featured a large graphical LCD display, enabling waveform editing and making adjustments possible for superior usability.

https://web.casio.com/emi/40th/history/fz-1.html

Product specs

Brand Casio
Model FZ-1 61-Key Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1986 - 1987
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 8 Voices

FAQs

What type of sound engine does the Casio FZ-1 Sampler use?

The Casio FZ-1 uses a digital sound engine with sampling capabilities, allowing you to capture and manipulate audio samples for creative sound design.

How many voices of polyphony does the Casio FZ-1 offer?

The Casio FZ-1 provides 8 voices of polyphony, enabling you to play multiple notes simultaneously for more complex musical compositions.

Does the Casio FZ-1 Sampler have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Casio FZ-1 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing it to interface with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and integration.

What is the keyboard action type of the Casio FZ-1?

The Casio FZ-1 has a synth action keyboard, which is designed for a responsive and flexible playing experience suitable for electronic music styles.

How many keys are on the Casio FZ-1 Sampler?

The Casio FZ-1 features a 61-key full-size keyboard, providing a broad range for performance and composition.

mylarmelodies

mylarmelodies

CASIO FZ-1 Sampler Demo

Video thumbnail for CASIO FZ-1 Sampler Demo by mylarmelodies

CASIO FZ-1 Sampler Demo

mylarmelodies

mylarmelodies

Video thumbnail for CASIO FZ-1 (1987) DEMO. SAMPLING/SYNTHESIS by Elmo Sexwhistle

CASIO FZ-1 (1987) DEMO. SAMPLING/SYNTHESIS

Elmo Sexwhistle

Elmo Sexwhistle

Video thumbnail for Is the Casio FZ-1 really as fat as a Jupiter-8? | Special Vintage Unit Ep.1 by Synths and Sounds

Is the Casio FZ-1 really as fat as a Jupiter-8? | Special Vintage Unit Ep.1

Synths and Sounds

Synths and Sounds

Video thumbnail for Under The Radar w/ Sam Willis (R&S): Part 2 - Casio FZ-1 by pointblank Music School

Under The Radar w/ Sam Willis (R&S): Part 2 - Casio FZ-1

pointblank Music School

pointblank Music School

Video thumbnail for Casio FZ-1 Synth Keyboard sampler Demo: HARSH :/ by Gearfacts

Casio FZ-1 Synth Keyboard sampler Demo: HARSH :/

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for RS056 Casio FZ-1: Ferris' new synth by rejected synths

RS056 Casio FZ-1: Ferris' new synth

rejected synths

rejected synths

Video thumbnail for Casio FZ-1 by Musicnectar

Casio FZ-1

Musicnectar

Musicnectar

Video thumbnail for Casio FZ-1 Overview Part 1 of 5 by Synthdude

Casio FZ-1 Overview Part 1 of 5

Synthdude

Synthdude

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio FZ-1 Sampler.

Features and functionality

  • The FZ-1 offers unique waveform drawing and multiple loop points, providing diverse sound manipulation options compared to typical samplers.

    Source
  • Sampling at 9KHz and setting the first loop as a short crossfade can create crunchy, aliasing sounds while maintaining pitch.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners frequently encounter issues with sticky and clacky keys, although the keybed is praised for its nice aftertouch.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The FZ-1 is noted for its more hi-fi sound and unique switched-capacitor analog filter, contrasting with the Akai's sample coloring capabilities.

    Source

User experience

  • Though the FZ-1 has more menus due to its features, users find it straightforward to use, contrary to its reputation for being complex.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The FZ-1 excels in producing sounds with motion over time through its multiple loops and multistage envelopes, offering rich sound modulation possibilities.

    Source
  • Sampling an oscillator from another synth and setting timed loops can create wavetable-like sounds with minimal timing changes.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners have acquired the FZ-1 for as low as $75, highlighting its affordability compared to its capabilities.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Cleaning key contacts with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip can remedy dead keys, a common maintenance tip shared by users.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • The HxC floppy emulator is recommended for reliable patch loading; it's almost plug-and-play with a few config files needed on the SD card.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Casio FZ-1 Sampling Keyboard (SOS Jun 87)

muzines.co.uk

The Casio FZ-1 sampler is hailed for breaking new ground as an affordable 16-bit sampling keyboard with a unique LCD for graphic editing, making it a standout in its class. Its professional-grade velocity and aftertouch-sensitive keyboard, coupled with ample polyphony, offer excellent playability. The onboard synthesizer features rival those of its competitors, promising flexibility and high-quality sound. However, the use of rare high-density disks and a slightly delayed volume slider response could be drawbacks for some. Overall, the FZ-1 impresses with its expansive sound library and innovative sampling capabilities, making it a worthy contender for professionals.

positive

Casio FZ1 (MT Jun 87)

muzines.co.uk

Casio's FZ-1 sampler is a game-changer, bringing 16-bit sampling to the masses at a competitive price. It boasts impressive features like a digital synthesizer, eight outputs, and a graphic display for easy editing. Its design favors straightforward usability, making it accessible for both pros and amateurs. The sound quality is stellar, especially for percussive samples, which decay naturally without noise. However, the small display can be a challenge, and selecting samples for editing could be more intuitive. These minor drawbacks don't overshadow its value, as software updates could address them. Overall, the FZ-1 is a must-have for musicians seeking advanced sampling technology without breaking the bank.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

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summedanddot

Casio FZ1 Sampler

found this one in a junk yard and got it for 10 dallors Casio FZ1 Sampler

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Peter Erskine uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Peter Erskine

Drummer

Weather Report

...
Verified via Muzines

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.

See how Graham Massey uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Graham Massey

Guitarist, Keyboardist

808 State

...
Verified via Soundonsound

"It was the sort of vibe we wanted to capture for 'Pacific State', so we sampled up some chords on a Juno 106 — when you put the chorus on it and put on loads of filter so that it's quite muted, you get that warm atmosphere, and we sampled that into a Casio FZ1 keyboard as a chord: one note on the keyboard would play that chord, and the same chord was played on a Roland D50 using the 'warm strings' preset. The pad sound was therefore a combination of those two things layered, with some additional filtering on the FZ1."

See how Freemasons uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Freemasons

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the MusicRadar Tech studio tour video, the Freemasons are shown using the Casio FZ-1 Sampler.

See how Pat Mastelotto uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Pat Mastelotto

Drummer

King Crimson

...
Verified via Chalkhills

Mastelotto isn't shy with electronics. He used "a fair amount of samples" for composite snare sounds, including three alone for "King for a Day," played on a Roland Octopad, and the overtone of "a very ringy Ludwig similar to a tube-lug snare" sampled on an Akai S900. The drummer and his tech Paul Mitchell bent the samples with a warp function "to a note that sounded good" for each track. Tabourine-shaker, congas, tablas and other oriental percussion came from Casio FZ-1 samplers. A Yamaha RX5 drum machine crops up on the fade of "Hold Me My Daddy"; elsewhere Mastelotto used an MX8 MIDI patch bay to increase the velocity of a LinnDrum fed into a Yamaha QX2 program. An old Simmons SD55's kicks and snares are on "Chalkhills and Children" and "Poor Skeleton Steps Out." There's a Pearl SC-40 on "Cynical Days" -- "similar to a tambourine but more of a bongo" -- and "Garden of Earthly Delights," "for a low kick that bends up like a tabla." "Garden" also employs a Roland TR727 drum loop. And Mastelotto still uses sticks: Pro-Mark 5Bs or 909s, "butt-end."

See how David Rosenthal uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

David Rosenthal

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Rainbow

...
Verified

David Rosenthal is confirmed to have used the Casio FZ-1 Sampler during the Heavy Nova tour with Robert Palmer in 1988-89, as evidenced by a photo from 1989 that is featured on his official website.

See how Jools Holland uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Jools Holland

Keyboardist

The The

...
Verified via Muzines

Jools Holland's equipment list, from the January 1993 issue of Music Technology:

(Helicon Mountain studios)

Instruments: Casio FZ1 Keyboard Sampler Casio FZ10M Sampler Module w/80-disk sound library Casio VZ1 Synth Hohner Clavinet Korg CX3 Organ w/Leslie 145 Cabinet Yamaha C5 Grand Piano Yamaha DX7 Synth

Recording: Atari 1040ST w/Steinberg Pro24 and C-Lab Creator sequencing software Fisher CD Player Revox PR99 two-track Saturn 824 24-track (Dolby SR on arrangement) Soundtracs Quartz 48-channel in-line desk (96 inputs on mixdown) Casio DA1 DAT Recorder Casio DA2 DAT Recorder XRI XR300 SMPTE Synchroniser

Effects: Drawmer Gate Drawmer Dual Compressor/Limiter Eventide Harmonizer Lexicon 480L Reverb Lexicon PCM70 Multi-effects Processor Roland SDE2000 Digital Delay SA PPE 240 Teac Graphic Equaliser Yamaha REV7 Reverb Yamaha R1000 Reverb Yamaha SPX90 (x2) Multi-effects Processor

Microphones: Neumann U87, AKG, Shure, PZM

See how Dan Forden uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Dan Forden

Composer

Cheer-Accident

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video, at 0:13 seconds into the video, you can see the distinctive blue directional pads of the Casio FZ-1 on the top of Dan's synth stand.

See how Kelly Bailey uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Kelly Bailey

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified

"I do almost all of my music work out of my studio at home. Ok, here goes: I use a pair of Adats, a Soundcraft Ghost for mixing, a bunch of outboard Symetrix and Lexicon processors for dynamics and effects, and an Eventide Ultraharmonizer DSP4000 for pre/post processing and vocal effects. For keyboards I use a mix of older and newer stuff. I have an old Prophet 5, a Casio FZ-1, a Roland MKS-50 with a programmer and an Oberheim Matrix 6. For newer gear, the Roland JP-8000, MC303, and the Novation BassStation are nice for creating new sounds quickly. I also have a little Korg 01/wR with a software programmer that can be coaxed into making some fat sounds (no analog filter tho). I'm pretty religious about not using presets, so I really favor the more programmable synths.

A lot of the recording and arrangement happens inside a PC; I run Logic Audio 2.5 for digital recording, post-processing and midi arrangement. I use an Audiomedia III card for digital transfers to and from a Tascam DA-30 dat. For guitar I use my trusty Les Paul through a Marshall half-stack, with an Oberheim Echoplex on the fx loop. "

See how Morgan Geist uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Morgan Geist

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Soundonsound

pictured in morgans studio in this sound on sound article.

See how Super DJ Dmitry uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Super DJ Dmitry

Music Producer, DJ

Deee-Lite

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen playing it at 3:00 in this music video

See how Alexander James Wright uses Casio FZ-1 Sampler

Alexander James Wright

Drummer, Composer

Fields of the Nephilim

...
Verified via Photo

"An interview reveals that Alexander James Wright uses a Casio FZ-1 Sampler."

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Casio FZ-1 Sampler, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
3
Roland Juno-106
Roland Juno-106 Synthesizers
3
Atari 1040 ST
Atari 1040 ST Computers & Peripherals
2
Akai MPC60
Akai MPC60 Production & Groove
2
Yamaha RX-5
Yamaha RX-5 Drum Machines
2
Emagic Logic Audio
Emagic Logic Audio Music Software
2
Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
2

1 alternative for Casio FZ-1 Sampler, curated by the Equipboard community.

Casio FZ-10M

$275.00

similar sound

The Casio FZ-10M is the rack mount version of their FZ1 sampler.

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