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My first “real” synthesizer, so it will always have a special place in my heart. I bought this used in a small Rome music store in 1987.
I upgraded to the wonderful world of “P.D.” (Phase Distortion) synthesis from my trusty Gem DSK-8, which my aunt bought for me (thank you, aunt!) on 5/22/1986 (still remember the day!), because even though the DSK-8 was capable of “realistic”, that is- pcm sounds, and even some mean weird sounds, I had occasion to play a Korg Poly-800 that belonged to a school mate, and fell in love with it.
A “real” synthesizer sounded so warm, full, interesting, and “polished”, as opposed to the “plastic-sounding” home keyboard I was used to.
So, for the modicum sum of 300,000 lire (back then the Euro was still in the dreams of some European functionaries) I became the proud owner of a Casio CZ-1000.
I spent many nights programming new sounds with it! I still have a notebook full of hand-written patches. I was totally in love with the CZ-1000, and literally fell asleep programming patches and recording the outcomes on my VestaFire 4-track cassette recorder!
I higly recommend reading the CZ-1000 (or CZ-101, it’s the same) manual if you are starting in the world of synthesizers!!! There are two books, and in the first there is an excellent explanation of how synthesis works, hands on examples, etc… it is how I learned!
The CZ series came after the mythical Yamaha DX7, so Phase Distortion sounds similar to FM, but does have a character of its own.
Don’t forget to check out the “Internal” presets! They are beautiful! To recall them, turn your unit upside down, and press the reset button with a toothpick or similar object: Ta-da, the Internal sounds are back.
The CZ is capable of a myriad of interesting sounds, the Factory and Internal sounds are only scratching the surface of what the PD synthesis can do…
I also have a couple of CZ patch books around, I have to find them…
Casio CZ-1000 audio demos
Note: I didn’t have my Indigo I/O with me when I recorded these samples, so I recorded through the laptop’s internal audio card. There is some background noise due to the laptop’s card, and also to the CZ-1000 – the AD/DA converters and the technology of the mid-80s weren’t so perfect yet.
Preset bank
Internal bank
Casio CZ-1000 specs
Year of release
1984
Polyphony
8-voice
Sound generation method
Phase Distortion (PD)
Preset memories
16 Preset, 16, Internal, plus optional on cartridge
This black beauty is one of the many semi-unknown Italian synthesizers of the ’80s. It is a typical digital/analog hybrid, sporting two DCOs, VCF, VCA, and two LFOs. The programming on this synth can be a little cumbersome – it was the era of knob-gone digital after all… so programming is similar to other synths of the time: a keypad to change the parameter, and two up-down buttons to alter the value of the parameter dialed. The parameter list and flow diagram are stenciled on a large graphic in the middle of the front panel.
Several keyboard modes are provided; you can split the keyboard, or layer two sounds (double). There’s even a very cool Unison button that makes for some excellent, fat sounds. The pitch and mod wheels are above the keyboard, and on top of each other, as opposed to a more traditional side-by-side – for this reason, the Bit One is a nice, compact five-octave synthesizer.
The Bit One is a “stereo” synth, providing Upper (left) and Lower (right) separate outputs. The notes will come out of each channel at random. I’m not sure if it is a problem with my machine in particular or if all Bit Ones are like this. Best to stay in mono (Upper) if you don’t like the resulting effect.
There are four two-character displays: (parameter) value, address (the parameter selected), Lower Prg and Upper Prg. A compare button is also provided.
Crumar Bit One audio demos
Crumar Bit One photos
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Crumar Bit One specs
great analog sound;
dynamic keyboard allows for nice expression;
unison mode;
two LFOs
Bottom line: If you want the “Sound of the ’80s”, this is a good choice.
Here’s a .pdf of the original Factory Preset Name List, kindly provided by Don Turnock – who used to sell Crumar synths in the ’80s- thank you very much, Don, for providing all of us with precious, rare information on this synth!
And here’s a .pdf of the original Factory Preset Name List of Version II and III of the Bit One, plus MIDI information on the Bit 01, also provided by Don Turnock – thank you, Don!
