Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

It seems you have worked out some of the problems for yourself- the 101 has proper facia buttons and is portable.The MIDI implementation on both is the same - they are essentially the same machine.
There is little difference in terms of sound - they are based on PD synthesis which distorts phase angle.The VZ is the professional version.

The manuals can be found:


http://templarseries.atspace.com/synths.html

Transfer of memory via midi is not as easier task as it might be - how to do it is on my CZ page.


http://templarseries.atspace.com/cz.html

Obviously the higher numbered models CZ1/1000/3000/VZ have greater implementation,some include sequencers.

To my mind the 101 keyboard is a bit "springy" which I am guessing is due to rubberised contacts - the 1000 has a better keyboard,but as you say the naff membrane.
Watch out for the 230s - someone on ebay described it as a "wolf in sheeps clothing" - which I'd tend to agree with. It has ROM voices to avoid the tedious programming,but 4 RAM slots which will accept CZ voices (96,97,98,99 last 4 slots) and a programmable drum machine/sequencer,and the nice buttons of the 101,plus a built in speaker,plus cassette storage backup.



________________________________
 From: mm47 <marcoballins@...>
To: CZsynth@yahoogroups.com 
Sent: Sunday, 4 November 2012, 23:56
Subject: [CZsynth] choice of a CZ synth
 

  
Hi all,

I'm new to this group!

I intend to buy a CZ soon (probably on ebay) as I started to love their sound (heard on some youtube videos).
I might also consider the VZ series, but only if it can exactly also reproduce the CZ-1000 sounds.

- Are there differences in terms of sound between the CZ models?
- How do they compare in terms of programming interface?
- How do they compare in terms of MIDI, and which has the most complete implementation?

MIDI implementation might be on key point in my choice as I heard they can cumbersome to program, and anyway was thinking that I could build a panel for CTRLR.org.
So, I'd choose the one which can be completely programmed via MIDI, or the one which has most of the parameters programmable.

I'm leaning towards the CZ-101 or the CZ-1000.
Of the CZ-101 I like the portability and the fact that it could fit on my desk :)
Of the CZ-1000 I like the 49 keyboard format, but not much (the feeling of) the membrane buttons (also, are they prone to break/malfunction?)

However my choice will be also depending on the MIDI implementation, and if I can program them from the computer....
so any information or advice is much appreciated.

Thanks.
Best,
Marco


 

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