The CZ-5000 expands the Casio CZ series further into the professional arena. Based on the CZ-101 and CZ-1000 synths, the CZ-5000 adds many new features while retaining the same sound and programming methods as the latter. The keyboard is expanded to a full 61 note or 5-octave length and is capable of being split for bass and treble sounds. There is a built-in 8 track sequencer which is great for storing ideas or creating patterns and sequences to edit in real-time. And finally the CZ-5000 has an expanded waveform memory for even more sounds and thicker sounds. It's like having two stacked CZ-1000 synths all at once!

Casio's CZ series of phase-distortion digital synths make for a unique sound. After all, there are 8-stage envelopes and 2 oscillators per voice for a thicker tone. Their sound is similar to the Yamaha DX synths but is much easier to program. The CZ-5000 may be at the pinnacle of Casio's synthesizer line, and it is still a great low-cost means of getting into vintage digital synth sounds today. The CZ-5000 is not analog and has no filters. But many still find it useful where strange synth sounds are needed such as industrial and electro types of music. It has been used by The Orb and Jean-Michel Jarre.

CHAVANNESV MILCENT

March 26, 2011 @ 10:14 pm

I'm in Brooklyn, New York. I Just bought a casio cz-500 synthesiser I turned it on and there is no sound. Is there a place I can take it for repair?

Luke

January 18, 2011 @ 3:44 am

I just bought one today for £40, sounds really nice! Does anyone know how to get into the internal sounds?

Analogue Crazy

December 16, 2010 @ 10:13 am

I have had mine for a few years now and i have to say, it keeps amazing me over and over again with its distinctive warm sounds. I think it's pretty easy to program; the only thing thats challenging are the 8 stage envelopes which can be very time consuming. They are wonderfully designed though in that you can use as many stages you want, by pressing the END button on the last step you want to use (that step then becomes release). Couple this outstanding envelope design with 8 unique and beautiful waveforms; and you've got one of the best cheap Digital Synths money can buy you. The real only drawbacks are: 1) It's a large and not very attractive looking instrument. 2) No level parameter on each DCO. 3) No performance memories, so it can only store ONE split and layer patch. 4) The sequencer is very primitive, and only useful as a compositional tool really.

Third Law

October 27, 2010 @ 4:48 pm

I bought this synth based on the "Used by Jean-Michel Jarre and The Orb" comment alone. Compared to something like the Yamaha DX-7, it's VERY digital sounding, but who cares? This thing is SUPER easy to program, which is cool if you're a quick worker and just wanna lay some stuff DOWN when it's on your mind. I especially like the dedicated Detune and Vibrato (LFO) buttons, which can be used to make some pretty phat Reese basses on the fly -- especially with that awesome 80s Stereo Chorus. May not be the most powerful or versatile synth (and definitely not gooey/warm/analog in the least) but this thing is FUN, and If you're not having fun with your music, don't bother!!!

Mr Derek

April 10, 2010 @ 7:33 am

I have owned many of the vintage synths ( from ARP to Roland, even Kawai ). In my opinion the CZ5000 absolutely rocks! It is easier to program than the DX/TX series from Yamaha, the envelopes are better and extremely smooth ( try setting a rise to a ridiculously long period! you will see ). Even though it does not have filters you will find that by pushing a few settings here and there and getting the envelopes to work against each other it all comes together. I have had mine for over 15 years and is still [beep] ing me in time and again. p.s. go find a memory card for one if you already have a "CZ".

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