sxc-1 default beat.

video upload by

"had to try this out because it's only available in japan but don't get used to sxc videos lmao."

via Casio Japan:

SXC-1の使い方【01～10】

video uploads by CASIO Japan

Click CC for subtitles.

Some pics via eBay

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ako - Basic Microwaving (4 track tape version) - recording w MT-50, MMT-8, CZ-1000, PSS-480, TR505

video upload by ako

"Here's a video of the recording of the B-side for my new single (links to all formats below). It was recorded on a Yamaha MT-50 four track tape recorder with a Casio CZ-1000 (bass, this is honestly the weirdest synth I own and I think this the only track I’ve released with it on bc it’s just so weird), Yamaha PSS-480 (lead, despite masquerading as toy this thing packs some serious heat) Yamaha DX21 (chord layer) and Roland TR505 (drums – this gets some stick from TR purists, but it has some really usable sounds and the sequencer is super nice). The track was sequenced with the frankly legendary Alesis MMT-8 (the only hardware MIDI sequencer I’ve ever enjoyed using). Synchronisation between tape and MIDI was achieved using a Yamaha YMC10 MIDI clock to tape-synch converter. Dub style delays used on the lead came from a RocLab DD3000 (pretty obscure unit, sounds nice if you tweak it just right); Reverb came from a Behringer DR600 (solid reverb pedal, even more solid price at ~£25) and chorus for the bass via a Boss CH-1 Super Chorus - my favourite chorus, to me it just sounds how chorus should sound (this one is a vintage ‘made in Japan’ model, so fully analogue compared to later digital CH-1 models, and just sounds super warm). It was mixed on MT-50 but also with a Peavey Unity Series 2000-16 (for submixes and sends etc.), this mixer has a flavour all of it’s own, certainly not high fidelity, but kinda gritty and warm… The track is out now for stream and download (links below), hope you folks dig the track 🙂"



Also on Spotify.

The Florian Schneider Collection to Be Auctioned at JULIEN*S November 19

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via JULIEN*S

"THE FLORIAN SCHNEIDER COLLECTION

Auction to be held at Musician's Hall of Fame & Museum, Nashville, on November 19

An incredible collection of more than 450 artifacts from the life and career of Florian Schneider, co-founder of the pioneer electronic band Kraftwerk."

Pics and videos featuring some of the gear below, and his Lederhosen for good measure (thanks greg!).

Update: the post has been fully updated with all the synth related gear. This may just well be the longest post to be featured on the site. I wanted to capture all the pics for all of the details including notes, scuffs, and of course serial numbers. It's an interesting look into what he used, the condition he keped his gear, in some cases, how he actually used his gear. Note the phonetics on the keys of the Casio CZ-101 and DX-100. Note the Midi Switch Box with a built-in speaker? What's that about? Note the camouflage key strap on the Korg RK-100 Remote Keyboard. Did he pick it out himself or did the keytar just come with it? Note the repeat midi controllers and the MIDI saxaphones. Wind was his primary instrument. You'll find a ton of the acoustic gear he used in the other listings. This is a fascinating insight into both what and how he used his gear.

Side note: there is no affiliate compensation for this post. The note at the top automatically shows for all posts with the Auction label.


Rack Mount Sennheiser VSM-201 Vocoder

Starting Bid $5,000

Estimate $20,000 - $40,000 USD

A late 1970s Sennheiser VSM 201 Vocoder with no serial number from the personal studio and collection of Florian Schneider of Kraftwerk (see images). While it’s said that only a few dozen of these Vocoders were produced, a few examples made it into the hands of forward-thinking musical artists including Herbie Hancock, Daft Punk, and of course, Kraftwerk, who used a VSM-201 like this on their albums Man Machine (1978) and Computerworld (1981). The VSM-201 has an intelligible sound that has not yet been bested by modern gear. Includes power cable. This VSM-201 has been removed from its wooden enclosure (which bears the serial number plate) and modified with a metal rack mount casing, presumably for live use. Requires 240v, IEC power cable not included.

Dimensions: 19 x 9 x 9 inches

Category: Kraftwerk, Equipment

Provenance: PROVENANCE From the Estate of Florian Schneider

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Liwaco LW-610 - Casio VL-1 VL-TONE Clone w/ Original Box

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"Made in Japan Liwaco LW-610 mini keyboard synth 80s.

Instrument de Musique Electronique!

I guess Liwaco is a French electronic gadgets/toy company, and they had comissioned Casio to do their own brand models, equal to original Casios but with different colour schemes and of course printed in French!!

This is the good old Casio VL-1 VL-TONE , only sexier (than it already is ) with the futuristic bordeaux colour and with French words spread all over :)

MINT MINT MINT!

No issues, works excellent, all OK.

Comes in original box and the users manual booklet (of course in French)"

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ALM Introduces CIZZLE - Casio CZ Style Digital 'Phase Distortion' VCO Eurorack Module

video upload by ALM TV

Update: 3rd video, pics, and details added below. Check with the dealers on the right for availability.

"The 'CIZZLE' is a dual digital 'phase distortion' VCO inspired by the classic Casio 'CZ' series synthesizers. It brings the specifics of 'CZ' style phase distortion (PD) synthesis into Eurorack with the inclusion of primary and secondary oscillator layering and detuning (with up to 8 voice chord generation), extended morphable PD wave generation algorithms, unique resonance wave generation, plus specific 'end of chain' ring modulation and noise modes that are key to the CZ sound.

The voices also feature built in VCAs and various modulation controls and inputs, a cv-able chord mode, tracking ability, triggered mode switching and can be output independently or mixed with stereo widening.

The 'CIZZLE' finally brings characteristic CZ style synthesis to Eurorack with a rich palette of sounds from mellow ambient tones, 90s Detroit Techno inspired chords, Reese style basses, and synth tones with unique faux resonance squelch."

Time Stamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:08 - Frequency Controls
4:20 - OSC A Controls
12:38 - OSC B Ring Mod
18:08 - OSC B Noise
23:30 - Chord Mode
28:57 - Patches - Acid Bassline
30:58 - Patches - Ambient Chords
32:46 - Patches - Beat
34:38 - Outro

Satoshi & Makoto Meet CIZZLE

video upload by ALM TV

"ALM / Busy Circuits invited artists Satoshi and Makoto, renowned Casio CZ synthesists, to the Clockface Modular shop and studio in Tokyo, Japan to try out the new ALM CIZZLE module. This short film documents the visit and provides a translated interview.

Satoshi and Makoto are a twin duo that received international acclaim in 2017 with the release of their debut album 'CZ-5000 Sounds and Sequences' on Safe Trip. In 2020, their follow up album "CZ-5000 Sounds and Sequences Vol. II” was released, solidifying their dedication to the Casio CZ synthesizer.

The new ALM CIZZLE is a dual digital 'phase distortion' VCO inspired by the classic Casio CZ series synthesizers. It brings the specifics of CZ style phase distortion (PD) synthesis into Eurorack with the inclusion of primary and secondary oscillator layering and detuning (with up to 8 voice chord generation), extended morphable PD wave generation algorithms, unique resonance wave generation, plus specific 'end of chain' ring modulation and noise modes that are key to the CZ sound. The CIZZLE is available now from fine ALM stockists worldwide.

Very specail thanks to Clockface Modular for hosting Satoshi & Makoto.
https://clockfacemodular.com

Satoshi & Makoto's Music:
https://nemutai.bandcamp.com"

Cizzle: a killer Casio CZ-style voice from ALM / Busy Circuits

video upload by Tom Churchill

"Cizzle is a Eurorack synth voice from ALM Busy Circuits based around Phase Distortion synthesis, which Casio pioneered in their CZ series back in the 1980s.

It contains two digital oscillators that would typically be combined and used as one voice, but you can also use them independently. Each oscillator can produce four-note chords and has its own VCA, so all you need is an envelope or two to start using this as a complete voice.

Buy at Signal Sounds:
https://www.signalsounds.com/ALM_Busy..."

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:43 Patch previews
02:10 What is phase distortion?
02:48 Cizzle overview
06:27 Deep house chords
09:34 Ring mod electro synth
12:34 Sweeping synth arpeggios
13:56 Jacking house loops
16:22 Two separate voices
18:12 Dual stepped modulation
20:16 Chord progression sequencing
23:06 Freaky techno loops



The ’CIZZLE’ is a dual digital ’phase distortion’ VCO inspired by the classic Casio ’CZ’ series synthesizers. It brings the specifics of ’CZ’ style phase distortion (PD) synthesis into Eurorack with the inclusion of primary and secondary oscillator layering and detuning (with up to 8-voice chord generation), extended morphable PD wave generation algorithms, unique resonance wave generation, plus specific ’end of chain’ ring modulation and noise modes that are key to the CZ sound.

The voices also feature built in VCAs and various modulation controls and inputs, a cv-able chord mode, tracking ability, triggered mode switching and can be output independently or mixed with stereo widening.

The ’CIZZLE’ finally brings characteristic CZ style synthesis to Eurorack with a rich palette of sounds from mellow ambient tones, 90s Detroit Techno inspired chords, Reese style basses, and synth tones with unique faux resonance squelch.

Feature List
→ Dual phase distortion VCO with direct and voltage controlled parameters.

→ Easy, quick and accurate tuning via an encoder control.

→ 9 morphing phase distortion ’Algorithms’ (Osc A) with direct and CV control.

→ PD Offset ’Shape’ with direct and CV control.

→ Unique CZ resonance waveform (Osc B) with direct and CV control.

→ Multiple Osc B modes; Rez, Ring Mod, and Noise based on classic CZ synthesis.

→ Mode switchable via direct and trigger control.

→ Optional Osc B frequency tracking of Osc A with offset.

→ Voltage controlled chord mode with inversion and up to 8 voices.

→ Dedicated oscillator output level VCAs.

→ Separate dual or mixed outputs with stereo widening effect.

→ Skiff friendly with reverse power protection.

→ 2 Year Warranty.

→ Made in England.

Ideal For

→ Flexible and precise primary digital voice duties in a Eurorack system.

→ Creating basslines, rich chords, drones, morphing tones, percussive hits etc.

→ Unique digital squelch.

Gretsch ED700 Electronic Drums module demo

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by

via this auction

"For sale an extremely rare analog Drum Machine a beautiful piece in the retro 80's style" sounds warm and organic! In the style of the famous vintage Rhythm Boxes, but with its own personality. 'Drum Machine Vintage 80' TR-808 TR-909 Syncussion SY-1 Sinsonics Simmons SDS Tama Techstar Analog Ultsound DS-4 Elektron Machinedrum Synthesizer Vermona"

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Vintage 1981 Casio CasioTone 101 Analog Keyboard Synthesizer w/ Extras

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

This one was spotted and sent in via Kurt. Pricey but immaculate. It's a preset keyboard but well used (see the listing description directly below). You can find demos in previous posts here.

"Designed and manufactured in Japan in 1981, the CasioTone 101 (CT-101) analog synthesizer is one of the most iconic keyboards of the 1980s. It’s been used both in the studio and on stage by The Human League, Blondie, Severed Heads, Goldie, Moby, Pulp, Devo, Talking Heads, the Cars, Deee-lite, Stevie Wonder, Beastie Boys, White Town, Autechre, Portishead, Bloodhound Gang, Blur, Beck, Fatboy Slim, and Nine Inch Nails, to name a few.

This one is in absolutely superb condition, inside and out. Included are the original pedals, music rest, AC cable, and hard case.

The keyboard has 49 full-size keys and is finished in satin black painted metal, has wooden sides, and a wood grain finish underneath the front of the keys.

It delivers classic 80s sounds, like its “Cosmic Tone” patch, which uses two oscillators tuned an octave apart, and as the keys are held down, the sound drops an octave as oscillator 1 fades up, and oscillator 2 fades down.

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Strange Synthesizers of Japan by Hiromichi Oohashi - Synth Book w/ CD

Hiromichi Oohashi wrote in to let us know about his new synth book featuring rare and somewhat strange synthesizers from Japan. The book features synths from his collection along with a CD of audio/music. You can find the book via the publisher Rittor Music (Japan) (published Nov.2021), and on Amazon JP here.

You can find a list of the synths featured by chapter further below.

Details on the book from Hiromichi Oohashi follow.

"This art book introduces many of Japanese most rare and strange electronic musical instruments (1960s~1980s) from author's private collection for long years.

Contains over 130 synthesizers, rhythm machines, organs, toy instruments, speech synths, etc most of these rare instruments will be the first public release. All color pages, lot of beautiful photo of these unique instruments with simple and detailed text, all photos and book design by author himself.

Contribution from Mark Mothersbaugh (DEVO)

Foreword by Eric Schneider (author of TOY INSTRUMENTS/MBP)

Attached CD has original music using these strange instruments so you can hear what these synth sounds like.

CD's music made by author's band KINO-MODERNO (world-renowned electronic music duo)



Hiromichi Oohashi is an artist born in Tokyo 1961
after studied art & design at Kuwazawa Design School in Tokyo
works as an artist and producer for Art, Design and Music
also known as collector of rare electronic musical instruments
in 1990 released groundbreaking [ VIDEO DRUG2/Phuture ] and get noticed
member of electronic music duo KINO-MODERNO since 1984
president of DAT PLANET PRODUKT"

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Poorness Studios Track with the Casio DG-1, Tanpura & Lell Drum Pedal

video upload by Poorness Studios

"I was looking at the last 3 instruments I acquired (an inexpensive box tanpura from India, a vintage Lell drum synth from the USSR, & a Casio DG-1 synth guitar from Japan) and realized it's a really odd combination. Just for the heck of it, I decided to make a track using these 3 instruments. This video is the result. Each of the 3 instruments used in this track has it's own demo video below."

Also see Poorness Studios' Cool Find: Casio DG-1 (1980's guitar synthesizer)

Casio PG-300 Turquioseburst Flame Electric Guitar with Midi and Synth Sounds SN 001541

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video by The Ruby Red. Oficina das Guitarras

via this auction

"Casio PG-300 pg300 electric guitar with midi pickup and midi out, also on board 64 synth sounds. Turquioseburst with flames on top. Basicly it is a very good Made in Japan - Fujigen strat. Modded with a Made in Germany Schaller rails pickup in neck, and a USA made Seymour Duncan Cool Rails pickup in bridge position. Full, detailed and genuine electric guitar sounds. PLUS at the tip of the mini toggle switch you can have guitar+midi or only midi sounds. All available at the Mix output, or you may also route the guitar and midi outputs separately(to different amps, different mixer channels for separate tone shaping and panning.). Or even have the midi pickup out by the midi DIN cable and drive any outboard gear you like. The synth unit works on a 9v battery, or an adapter (not included). Please watch my video to hear the sound and have a grasp of the performance of this beautiful guitar. Recently has been cleaned set-up and strung with Gibson Brite Wires 0942 strings. Midi pickup was calibrated according to the data on the manual also. Comes with a Cibeles brand hardcase which is in very good condition also. Tremelo arm and the papers that came with the Schaller pickup are included, too."

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Hammond Model HEK-1 Mini Organ Synth w/ Built-In Speakers & Cards?

Hammond HEK-2 & HEK_3 Ensemble Keyboard (Junior Hammonds) - Uploaded by Mike Bracchi

SN 05111856 via this auction

First one I've seen. I could find any demos for the HEK-1, but found the video above for the HEK-2 & HEK-3. Looks like these were geared towards kids. Below you'll find a pic of what appears to be some colored cards for it.

I did find the following from RocknRoll Vintage's Synth City who carried them:

"This is a fun mini organ that was only available in Japan, hence the printed Japanese text. Most of the sounds are like a modern beginner Casio keyboard, fairly high quality sample based sounds. However, the organ sounds are great and include the nice draw bars for interacting with the sounds! Unfortunately we can't read Japanese here and the extent of our testing was done by just trying all the buttons and sounds. As far as we know the unit is in perfect working order. The whole panel of buttons was taken apart and cleaned by our repair technician and is functioning very well."

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Sequential In The Spotlight Interview with Hinako Omori

You can find the interview on Sequential's website here.

"Hinako Omori is a musician with a love for synthesizers and anything that makes interesting sounds. Born in Yokohama, Japan she moved to London when she was three, where she is still based.

Initially training to be a sound engineer, she studied Music and Sound Recording at Surrey University then went on to work at record labels and distributors then at audio equipment manufacturer Focusrite/Novation. After session playing on the side, she leapt into music full time as a keyboard player and programmer – some of the artists Hinako has worked with include Georgia, Kate Tempest, KT Tunstall, James Bay, Jaakko Eino Kalevi, Ellie Goulding, and Fionn Regan.

Her move into creating her own music was instigated by her friend Hannah Peel, who asked her to remix of one of her tracks from her Mary Casio album. The track was included on Hannah’s own Mindfulness Mix on BBC Radio 1, and also played on BBC 6 Music and Radio 3.

The experience spurred her into creating her own musical journeys, combining ambientspace-synths with field recordings and her own ethereal vocals. Thematically, her music is influenced by the idea of space and infinity, floating into separate universes — everything being transparent and lucid, and the idea that nothing is permanent.

Alongside her teenage music-crush of The Knife, Hinako’s recent musical inspirations include Marie Davidson, Mark Pritchard, Katie Gately, Susan Sundfor and Tomoko Sauvage. Her debut single Voyage/Teleport is out now. Synth sounds evoke travelling to another realm in Voyage, and the feeling when you finally reach the other side in Teleport.

We chatted with Hinako about how she uses Sequential instruments in her music.

---
You can find previous posts featuring Sequential's Spotlight series here.

NISSIN C-16 CUP NOODLE Sampler/Synth KEYTAR

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"NISSIN C-16 CUP NOODLE Digital Sampling Synthesizer

it's a special Keytar edition of CASIO SK-1 sampler

made very limited quantity as prize item in '80s

so not sold in anywhere those days

it has special hand grip and CUP NOODLE, DIGITAL SYNTHESIZER Logo

function is same as famous CASIO SK-1.

it's very hard to find even in Japan nowadays "

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Casio SK-8 Sampling Keyboard Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This keyboard was made around 1987 in Japan, and it includes the original box, original manual, and keyboard."

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Cazio CZ App Currently Half Off for Casio's 35th Anniversary

If you've been holding off, now might be a good time to pick it up. It's on sale for $9.99. 10 bucks for a full fledged CZ.

iTunes: CZ App for iPad - CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.

""CASIO Music Apps Electronic Musical Instruments Business 35th Anniversary Sale" being held!

We are selling at a special price of 50% off!

It will be sold at the special price on December 31, 2015 from December 7, 2015 (Japan time) !

This app reproduces the functionality of Casio’s best-selling CZ-series models, such as the CZ-101 (first released in 1984), and also includes new functions.
Featuring a built-in 4-part PD (phase distortion) sound source, its 36
waveforms are capable of generating an extensive and diverse range of sounds. The created tones can also be played on MIDI-compatible instruments."

Casio VL-TONE VL-5 with Rhythm & Bar Code Reader, Original Box & Extras

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Up for sale a very rare and still boxed Casio VL-Tone VL-5 polyphonic mini keyboard with blip rhythm & barcode reader
You are unlikely to see another one of these in "as new" condition in Australia for quite a while.
All original parts are included:
- Casio VL-Tone VL-5 Keyboard (tested and working)
- MS1 barcode reader (tested and working)
- instruction manual
- bar code score book with 10 tunes ready to scan or play
- soft case (still in unopened wrapper)
- guarantee papers and other notices
- original box with polystyrene supports

All in excellent condition (some folding marks on paper booklets, but that's it!) and it WORKS PERFECTLY!

Main Features:

-37 button keys
-built-in small speaker (thin sounding, mounted in a resonance pot)
-polyphony 4 notes (2 notes during sequencer playback)
-10 preset sounds {flute, bagpipe, clarinet, violin, trumpet, pipe organ, harpsichord, piano, pretty, funny}
-"tone memory" 4 step switch to assign 4 of the preset sounds for quick access
-8 preset rhythms {waltz, march, rock, swing, samba, rhumba, slow rock, metronome}
-sustain button
-volume and "rhythm/ melody balance" sliders
tempo slider
-LCD (displays numbers of preset sound & rhythm and sequencer note numbers)
-semi- analogue sound generator. The digital envelopes (with audible zipper noise) are linear
-percussion consist of shift register noise for snare/ hihat and for the drums squarewave blips those have 3 pitches and 2 lengths. One sound is a long blip layered with noise. All percussion employ digital decay envelopes.
-complex multi- chip hardware:
CPU1= "NEC D910G 011, K2106K" (80 pin SMD),
CPU2= "HD43191A07, 2A 25" (80 pin SMD),
SRAM?= "NEC A19046-140, D444C, Japan" (20 pin DIL), 2x IC "LB1100, 1M3" (20 pin DIL), IC "LB1100, 1M4" (20 pin DIL)
-simple monophonic sequencer (240 notes, editor (insert & delete, rhythm start point), "one key play" to change note duration)
-jacks for AC- adapter, headphone, line out & barcode pen"

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CASIO KX-101 MINI SYNTHESIZER BOOMBOX GHETTO BLASTER RADIO Demo Video

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
Published on Jan 19, 2015 donaldroszz

via this auction

Advert below via this auction

"This boombox was made of excellent quality, MADE IN JAPAN. I Weighed it on scale and it is 12 lbs. So much quality put into this radio. Back in the day, this Item was purchased new in 1986 with a hefty price of $ 575.00 dollars, There were not very many sold, but the good thing is that the technology was ahead of its time and after all these years they are highly sought after. This Item was tested and it has an incredibly powerful Analog radio and Many keyboard recording functions that are complex. I do not have the manual but one can be obtained from casio for $4.99. Box does show wear such as scraps and scratches though no cracks or missing parts whats so ever. Radio switches work perfectly though will need a nice cleaning cause they crackle sometimes from years of dust. Keyboard, Tape Player, and Radio work Perfectly!"

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Casio SK-8 8-Bit 32key Digital Sampling Keyboard Synthesizer

Note: links to listings are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Casio SK-8 Lo-Fi Electronic Keyboard - 32-Keys ~ 8-Bit ~ Digital Synthesizer ~ Vintage 1987 / Made in Japan. Comes with Casio ROM-Pack 555 (Home Melodies)."

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Casio’s XW-P1 Performance Synthesizer wins Two Awards

"CASIO’S XW-P1 PERFORMANCE SYNTHESIZER KICKS OFF 2013 ON A HIGH NOTE WITH TWO INDUSTRYAWARDS
XW-P1 Receives Electronic Musician’s 2013 Editors’ Choice Award and The Music & Sound Retailer’s Best New Keyboard Award of 2012

DOVER, NJ (February 5, 2013) – Casio America, Inc. is proud to announce that its XW-P1 Performance Synthesizer is the recipient of two prestigious awards – Electronic Musician’s “2013 Editors’ Choice Awards for Affordable Synth Awesomeness” and The Music & Sound Retailer “Best Keyboard and Sound Module Award of 2012.”Both publications highlight the most innovative products and latest technological developments in the music industry.

“We are honored to announce at Winter NAMM, the show where last year our performance synthesizers came to life, that the XW-P1 has been presented with not one, but two prominent awards,” said Stephen Schmidt, vice president of Casio’s Electronic Musical Instruments Division. “Casio is thrilled with the response we have received over the past year throughout the music industry and we look forward to continuing to deliver electronic musical instruments that meet musicians’ wants and needs.”

For the past twenty years, Electronic Musician has been reviewing the year’s most innovative products in its Editors’ Choice Awards. Winners are selected by the magazine’s editors who research reviews, product releases, show reports and forum posts throughout the review period. Out of hundreds of potential nominees, Casio’s XW-P1 was one of 30 selected award winners and ultimately declared an “awesome” and “affordable” synthesizer. Editors from Electronic Musician noted, “Bold, original, clever, and definitely not ‘me-too’ synths, the XW showed that Casio is back in the synth game with a vengeance.”

Casio’s XW-P1 Synthesizer was also nominated for the Best Keyboard and Sound Module of 2012 by The Music & Sound Retailer. At Winter NAMM 2013, The Music & Sound Retailer announced that Casio had been declared an award winner. According to Dan Ferrisi, editor of The Music & Sound Retailer, “the Casio XW-P1 received the award due to the voting of the top music industry retailers making it a very prestigious award to receive.” For this award process, dealers and manufacturers vote for one another based on their respective categories. Casio’s XW-P1 received a great number of endorsements from dealers nationwide.

The XW-P1 Performance Synthesizer is now available at music dealers nationwide for an MSRP of $699.00. To view the XW-P1 review from Electronic Musician, please visit www.emusician.com. To view the XW-P1 review from The Music & Sound Retailer, please visit www.msretailer.com.

For additional information regarding Casio’s portfolio of electronic musical instruments, please visit www.casiomusicgear.com.

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com."

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone!!!  I hope 2012 treated you well and I wish you the best in 2013!

As I do each year, I thought I'd reflect a little on the past year.  These posts are always difficult to write, and I always wing them, so bear with me.  It's impossible to justify a whole year's worth of synth coverage in a single post.  The following is just a small bit of what comes to mind when looking back.  You'll find a top ten list of posts with the most page views followed by my picks for the year further below.  Apologies if I miss anything, and of course, if you have anything to add, feel free to leave a comment below.  I'm curious what you, the readers of the site, felt stood out in the world of synths this past year.

First, I want to begin this post with a HUGE THANK YOU!!!  If you are reading this it obviously means you have come to this site and some of you have been coming here for years! Thank you for sticking with me. This site is a journey I hope to continue for years to come. Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to showcase their synths, and thank you to those that share what they find! Thank you to those that link to the site and help spread the word on MATRIXSYNTH via Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and your own websites! And of course, THANK YOU to all the sponsors on the right who believe in the site enough to support it!

A nod to previous New Years posts, pictured to the left is the MATRIXSYNTH world domination map. :)  I always think it's worth taking a look at who's watching the site.  Synths are global and you are looking at a map of the readers of MATRIXSYNTH.  Everything you see in green represents a visit from that country.  The darker the green, the higher the number of visits.  This is just for the year, but for the life of the site, we still haven't gotten a single hit from North Korea!   I don't know what they have against synths!  ;)   You'll find the top 10 visits by country further below.

This is the eighth New Year the site has gone through!  The focus for the site this year has been the same as previous years, and I plan to keep it that way.  This site is about showcasing specific synths, not just synths in general, and not just news and press releases.  The focus is on the individual synths that have existed throughout history, the technology behind them, and the lives they lead with their odd owners, myself included.  :)  Yes it is about the gear, their makers, and their players.  It has always been my opinion that synths in general have a tendency to be undervalued. Compared to say collectible guitars, they are often discarded and devalued in favor of next year's model, next year's technology.  It has always been my opinion that every synth has something of value to offer,  something specific and something unique that gives it its character. I built this site to showcase that.  This site is about the history of synths as their history unfolds - videos and images of synths being played and used, by both those that make them and those that play them.  Vintage synths being offered in the second hand market, being exchanged from one sonic explorer to the next. It really is a wondrous thing. Think of the magic synthesizers bring into your world. That is what this site is ultimately about.  Some posts may not seem to make sense now, but they will in time, because they will be a look back in time. A day in the life of a particular synthesizer.  I love analog and I love digital. I love all synths and this site celebrates that.

And now for a little reflection on the year. This year we had a total of 16678 posts including this one.  That comes out to roughly 45.69 posts a day.  Not a single day of the year went without a post.  So what dominated the synth year?  Mobile, modulars and a few dedicated hardware synths.

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