Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

When I think of lineage and succession, products from Roland, E-Mu, and TwelveTone Systems come to mind.

Each developed gear (or software) continually over the span of years that built on and expanded the kind of gear (or software) that came before.

For example, if you trace the Cakewalk for MS-DOS to SONAR X-1 (or whatever its called) I think you will see a logical, step-wise progression in terms of functionality and sequential improvement, although the MS-DOS version and the X-1 version are totally different.

With both Roland and E-Mu, if you trace the various lines, I believe you can see similar step-wise progression and improvements (including some quantum leaps). Take for instance the Proteus/1 [and variations], E-Mu samplers based on the Proteus synth engine design, the Proteus 2000 line [and variations], and their software incarnations (Proteus X and Emulator X).

Indeed, with the _Z lines of Casios, I believe you can also see some succession and continuity, although it was rather short-lived compared to Roland, E-Mu, and Cakewalk.

However, with the new line of Casios, other than very general characteristics, I could be wrong, but I just don't see any succession or lineage--other than corporate ownership.

I see nothing wrong with Casio developing a new synthesizer, but let's be honest--it is a completely different thing from the previous lines of Casios. And that's OK with me. 

Steve

--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, "Simon Beck" <simon@...> wrote:
>
> I'm no mind-reader, but I sympathise with Gary, and I think I follow his logic. Here goes:
> 
> 1. The XW range are NOT "entertainer" keyboards (they have no auto-rhythm or easy-play features).
> 2. They are Casio's first major range of instruments since the VZ series to concentrate on creative sound editing.
> 3. They may not offer phase distortion synthesis, but the synth engines included go far beyond the sample-playback used on recent Casios - pulse width modulation, dynamic filters, portamento, true ADSR  etc.
> 4. And don't forget true MIDI ports, no speakers and an external input. This thing is a SYNTH.
> 
> At least that's how I see it.