Casio VZ1 User reviews -Page 1

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Average rating: 3.9 out of 5

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Byron a part-time user writes:

I has a Casio VZ1 back in the 80s and this deal was ahead if its time. Sure the presets are elementry to some, but they were awesome. With the right combimation of patches and the right variations with energy put into the chords and atmosphere this classic will take you to another world. I know, I been there! This awesome machine was involved in a van accident, knocked around and dropped by accident and it still performed. I regret a gave it away to some learning music student I knew. Tell me where I can get my hands on another one, and the price it will run these days. This is my time machine here! Thanks

Peace!

Byron

Rating: 5 out of 5 posted Thursday-Sep-10-2009 at 14:18

karlith a professional user from New Zealand writes:

I could say the same as everyone else... VZ1 is under rated, presets are crap and don't let you get a feel for what is inside etc...

The truth of this machine, as with any machine, is that it will be what you make it. If you spend time learning it and looking on the web for resources etc. You will begin to be amazed at how truely versatile and flexible this monster synth is. If you judge it on the presets, you will move on pretty quickly, feeling very uninspired. Check the web as there are hundreds of free patches out there.

My advice to anyone using this machine is put it through an effects processor. Sure the machine emulates reverb and flanging etc through programming but these use up polyphony esp when using long decays. A nice (even cheap) effects unit and a good set of patches and op memories will make this machine sound INSANE. Sweet and smooth or FAT and analog (just as fat and speaker crunching as my Roland JX-8P). No bull!

This wee machine is my secret weapon. Sure it is no match for any of the latest Mega Synths feature wise, but sonically, through a good effects unit, it has more character and life than most of the "up to date" motherships. This IS my fav vintage. I just wish it had realtime tweakable knobs and the ability to hold 1700 or more patches in memory.

(Vintage Synths in the studio the VZ1 competes with and kicks every time for synth, bass and effects patches.) Roland JX-8P, x2 Roland D50's, Korg T3, Korg Poly 800, Ensoniq ESQ1 (this is also an under rated machine but a bit low fi) Yamaha DX7s and Casio CZ500 (which the VZ1 can emulate or sound nothing like.)

If you want to hear it check out www.myspace.com/squeezerproject The VZ1 is used on every track.

Rating: 4 out of 5 posted Saturday-Jan-19-2008 at 14:44

Savolainen Juniori a hobbyist user from FINLAND writes:

I just have to comment that first review which was made with those user ratings there.. . . What he says about VZ1Â´s sounds sounds like he is talking about itÂ´s presets only.

This machine has a steep learning curve, so i understand that most users just use presets and maybe try just a little to edit sounds before giving up. But that is not enough. What is needed is to understand at least little about iPD to get something out of this monsters. Yeah, you heard me. VZ1 (Hohner HS2), VZ8 & VZ10 are incredible machines! Capable of really fat and freaky, absolutely monstrous sounds. Good for IDM and other underground electronic music, ambient too -just about anything, you name it. And guess what i paid for it? 9.99$. (With shipping+customs it was still cheap)

TIP:! This machines have international power supply, 110/240. Sellers were also those people who think that its capable only for those polite 80Â´s sounds..

Though they were "a bit" disappointed when they had to sell it with that price -mine is HS2 version, and maybe its rare name caused no one else not to search it @EBAY that time.

I also suggest midieditor to create and store sounds with it -i use UNISYN, old prog but still works in XP.

Rating: 5 out of 5 posted Friday-Nov-10-2006 at 17:12

Kees a professional user from Amsterdam writes:

This synth is much better sounding than the Yamaha ones. Once you get hold on the programming, wonders are happening. If you get hold on one, get it. Worth the buck.

Rating: 5 out of 5 posted Friday-Sep-29-2006 at 18:09

DAZ a hobbyist user from UK writes:

Yes,it's the year 2005! and I've only just got hold of this beauty. The OS is incredably easy if you have a basic understanding of FM,weirdly enough,i just sold my DX100,as I though it sucked..too much noise on the presets,but on the day I sold it..I was playing around and then found some great noises on it.. and was not happy to lose it,BUT..with the money I got a VZ AND three cards!!I find the OS very easy to use,love the graphic editing!! not delved into the possibilities yet,but some of the presets which have had a good slagging here are very useable..a couple of the bass patches inbuilt show that the VZ can,when twecked,,BLOW hard! I think its a forgotten classic..but the I'm old enough to have sold 303.808,etc..cos at the time ..they just did not make the noises we wanted..

Hindsight is a wonderful thing! this synth is FAB! and currently cheap..get one ASAP..it will return

Rating: 0 out of 5 posted Sunday-Jul-17-2005 at 20:57

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