Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

> off topic, but this ~is~ where all of the casio geeks hang out....

Not really OT, as the AZ-1 is the official remote for the 
CZ series synthesizers. And has specific features to access all 
functions on the CZ's.

> anyone have any thing to say about the AZ-1?

Probably the best remote out there. Has the one of the best 
keyboards, with after-touch and velocity. The weight is perfect,
not too heavy like a Korg RK-100, or Yamaha KX-1. Not too light 
like the Roland AX-1. Two assignable wheels, one assignable slider,
two assignable switches. Transmits on two assignable MIDI channels,
seperate or combined.

> does it have full-size keys?

Yep, the Yamaha's are the only remotes I know of with small keys.
The KX-5 has short stubby keys, and the SHS-10 and SHS-200 have the 
mini keys like the CZ-101.

> how easy is it to transpose?

Has an octave up/down slider. No key transpose, but you can assign 
the wheel/slider to send a transpose message to the CZ's. Octave
slider located at bottom base of the neck/arm.

> how does it compare to more popular strap-on controllers?

The pitch bend wheel is very smooth. Unlike the Roland AXIS which 
has a dead spot around the center detent. Can send patchs 1-127, 
unlike the KX-1/KX-5/RK-100 that only send 1-64.
 Would be nice if it had a program up/down switch, like the RK/100.
AX-1. 
 The Lynx LN-4 is the only remote that can compare to the AZ-1 in
features.

> thanks...

 Don't forget to dissassemble the AZ-1 and put a custom paint job
on it. The pearl white finish is nice, but the large CASIO billboard
is just silly. Every remote from Japan had the billboard. What were
they thinking?
 
Pic of my AZ-1:
http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/Frontrow/4877/cz101.html

Terry (The Casio Kid)