Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

I have both a CZ1 (and a 101 and 3000, need to sell the 3000!), and
recently I purchased a VZ1. I find the CZ and VZ to be quite different
sounding, the CZ sounds more gritty and more 'analogue', whereas the VZ1
(from my first plays with it) sound more digital and 'cleaner', much more
akin to the DX7 and similar digital synths. I haven't delved into
programming the VZ yet, but the CZ looks to be MUCH easier to program and a
lot more hands on. From what I understand, the VZ can do more weird sounds
as it has the expanded IPD (interactive phase distortion) but it somehow
lost the rawness of the CZ range.

Choosing between them should be done after trying each, though VZ's a quite
rare. Any CZ will do for a trial as they all use the same basic sound
engine, though obviously the CZ1 is the 'daddy' of the CZ range with extra
patch memory, plus it's the only CZ to have velocity and after-touch.

The other thing worth mentioning is that neither are expensive to buy in
relation to other synths. I picked up my CZ1 for approx �120, and the VZ1
for only �70. For less than �200 you could have both! Go for a CZ3000/ 5000
and they go cheaper still. Ironically it's the baby CZ, the 101, the tends
to go for the most despite having the least features (it's compact size and
big sound helps with its value). With the VZ's, the rack versions (VZ8M and
VZ10m) tend to go for more than the VZ1 itself. Be warned also, that both
the VZ1 and CZ1 are big, heavy boards!

As mentioned the VZ1 is quite rare, and I find that the CZ1 is also the
rarest of the CZ range. As such, I'd suggest you buy either if one comes up
for sale at a good price, then if you don't like it you can always resell
as their prices appear quite stable. As long as you don't pay inflated
prices you'll likely get your money back at least.

Last thought, check out Youtube for demos of both. That will give you a
good idea of the character and general sound between the VZ and CZ.

Good luck!

Chas



On 26 February 2013 23:05, malpolska <allymac@neostrada.pl> wrote:

> **
>
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> First Post ..so Aloha!
>
> Looking to buy either (or both if I can get em! ;-)
>
> A CZ-1 or an VZ-1, if you had the choice, which board you pick up?, and
> your main reason for doing so would be great help/info & much
> appreciated..I plan to use soundquest for editing patches etc. if that
> helps?.
>
> many thanks & keep the tunes going.
>
> Music style for the purchase is Electronica/Club/Eighties Synth pop!.
>
>  
>


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