The Casio FZ-1 is an impressive sampler/synthesizer keyboard from 1987. Its offerings at the time were very professional features. In an 8-voice polyphonic full 61-note keyboard synthesizer you get a 16-bit digital sampler with variable 9kHz to 36kHz sampling rates. 1MB of memory expandable to 2MB could provide a maximum time of almost 2 minutes sample time at 9kHz. Up to 64 samples can be held in memory and placed across the keyboard. Graphic editing on the big LCD screen provides intuitive and easier editing of your samples with tuning, truncating, looping and much more. It also has eight outputs and analog-like 8-stage filters (DCF) and envelopes (DCA).

FZ-10M

Surprisingly the FZ-1 also has a built-in synthesizer section. It uses digital synthesis employing both harmonic additive synthesis and waveform drawing. Basic waveforms available include sawtooth, square, pulse, double sine, saw/pulse, random waves and 48 harmonics. The FZ-10M (pictured above) is the rack-module version of the FZ-1 with 2MB internal memory and XLR inputs and outputs. Dated by today's standards, the FZ-1 is a neat piece of Casio history to own but could never replace your current sampler. With the look and features you'd expect from a vintage pro-sampler, this Casio has been used by Underworld, Kronos Quartet, Dee Lite, 2 Live Crew, and Kitaro.

The Hohner HS-1 is a German version of the Casio FZ-1. Only its case is light in color. This version has been used by Coldcut.

John

May 30, 2011 @ 1:16 am

Hi stefan, I have an FZ1 and I'd love to take those disks off your hand. I live in New York City and my email address is llj1022@gmail.com. Look forward to hearing from you.

John

Stefan Tiedje

May 5, 2011 @ 5:13 am

I still have a bunch of discs (more than 90). Most or all of them with my own sounds though. (From Didjeridus to Steelcello and bird sounds or spoken sentences. All kinds of interesting experimental sounds. As I don't have an FZ anymore, I can pass them on.
I'd happily send them for the cost of shipping. If you happen to be able to create computer readable backups for me I'd be even more happy...;-)

Stefan

andre

April 7, 2011 @ 7:34 am

Is there anyone out there who still has the original sounds - or sound patches at all ?
I did not find any ...
Would be great if someone could help me

HL

April 4, 2011 @ 6:09 pm

FZ1 and FZ10M used by Steve Reich in late 80s.

rich

December 13, 2010 @ 6:27 am

808 state have 2 of them in this classic clip

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp0iTqboaEI

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