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
"1010music samplers can automatically multisample other synths, complete with split zones and velocity layers. Here we show you how it's done on bento, our sampling production lab using vintage Roland Juno and Casio CZ-5000 synthesizers."
"Weeks ago I acquired a 1980's flagship synth: the Casio CZ-5000. Used by famous electronic musicians the world over, the CZ-5000 is a powerhouse of phase distortion goodness. In this video I explain how its unique Phase Distortion synthesis engine works, then demonstrate how to operate all of the controls to create and modify sounds. Lastly, I give an overview of some of the kinds of sounds this synth can create."
"The CZ-5000 is a digital synthesizer released by Casio Computer Co., Ltd. in 1985.
This year, 2025, marks its 40th anniversary. When we first got our hands on this instrument, we were still in middle school. Since then, we’ve created countless pieces of music using the CZ-5000. Sharing these works with the world has allowed us to connect with many people and receive their responses.
What this instrument has brought to us is truly significant. We intend to keep creating sounds and music with it for years to come. Thank you for 40 years, CZ-5000. Here’s to many more!
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
"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.
"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.
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.
"How to really understand programming the Casio CZ Series from the CZ-101 to the CZ-1
https://hyperfollow.com/scififunk/
This series demonstrates how the synth works at a detailed level. By the time you have watched them all, you will have a great idea of how all the parameters interact for making sounds.
The Casio CZ-101 was my very first poly synth bought way back in 1985."
00:00 CZ-101, CZ-1 Introduction to programming using the Virtual CZ plugin.
00:40 We start with most basic sound BUT with Velocity sensitivity, so the sound is alive as you play (tone movement).
01:51 Fine tuning movement. The built-in chorus, plus Chorus defined (technically).
02:56 More fine tuning movement. A manual chorus - using the Vibrato section.
03:41 Harmonic movement. Using a chord that doesn’t resolve. E.g. C Maj 7 flat 5.
04:22 Add a vintage reverb with a long tail and the sound comes alive.
05:17 Using Detune to add movement. Line 1 + Line 1 or Line 1 + Line 2.
07:25 Future lessons will use the Envelopes to add further movement.
00:00 Combining Sawtooth and Square Waves (keeping the same octave discussion) 01:00 Combining Sawtooth with the other waveforms inc. Resonance waveforms. 01:51 How resonance waveforms can work the same as a resonance slider. 04:11 Using resonance to sound a bit like a vocal sound (low-end frequencies). 06:01 54% is the magic number for performance vibrato (demo as well) 06:25 Stacking. Super Saw wave examples. 07:29 Ring modulation add complexity (or fuzziness) to a sound.
Casio CZ Synth PROGRAMMING. 3 of 4. “2 Osc FULL CONTROL”. (CZ 101, CZ 1000, CZ 5000, CZ 1)
00:00 How to have full control over 2 oscillators. Set up explained. 02:16 Start point. A tiny delay means it sounds like its being phased/flanged. 03:19 Lets hear how each combination of waveforms sound. 04:00 The threshold for hearing the same waveform on the other oscillator. 04:50 Using envelopes to smooth filter sweeps. 05:35 More combinations. 06:39 Pulse width discussion. Using Filter sweeps to hear the differences in waveforms)
00:00 How to have full control over 2 oscillators. Set up explained. 02:16 Start point. A tiny delay means it sounds like its being phased/flanged. 03:19 Lets hear how each combination of waveforms sound. 04:00 The threshold for hearing the same waveform on the other oscillator. 04:50 Using envelopes to smooth filter sweeps. 05:35 More combinations. 06:39 Pulse width discussion. Using Filter sweeps to hear the differences in waveforms)
"How to program the Casio CZ Series from the CZ-101 to the CZ-1
https://hyperfollow.com/scififunk/
A Step-by-step tutorial for programming the Casio CZ Series of Vintage Synthesizers. I explain what each Pot and Slider does on the synthesizer and how they interact to create sound.
PLEASE NOTE - Subsequent Casio Programming Tutorials will use Plug-in Boutiques Virtual Casio CZ VST plugin, as its so much quicker to program this way.
This series demonstrates how the synth works at a high level, enough to get you making sounds. For an in-depth look at programming the Synth as a whole. Please refer to my advanced programming series.
00:00 Key Follow. Change the sound as you play higher up the keyboard
01:58 Filter programming examples. Patience is required! (Better to program via Plugin Boutiques Virtual Casio CZ VST plugin).
05:14 Sharper sound example. (Taking chorus off, key follow off)
06:12 CZ-1 Name your sounds (pretty good for 1985/6)
06:50 Velocity key applies velocity sensitivity. (CZ-1 only) Examples shown. How to get your sound sharp.
08:30 Add waveforms together, Ring Modulator.
09:00 An old cliche: Get a sound close to what you want to achieve and start fiddling = quicker results.
Please watch the whole video to make sense of the chapters."
"How to program the Casio CZ Series from the CZ-101 to the CZ-1
https://hyperfollow.com/scififunk/
A Step-by-step tutorial for programming the Casio CZ Series of Vintage Synthesizers. I explain what each Pot and Slider does on the synthesizer and how they interact to create sound.
PLEASE NOTE - Subsequent Casio Progamming Tutorials will use Plug-in Boutiques Virtual Casio CZ VST plugin, as it#s so much quicker to program this way.
This series demonstrates how the synth works at a high level, enough to get you making sounds. For an in-depth look at programming the Synth as a whole. Please refer to my advanced programming series.
00:00 Example CASIO CZ programming session. Waveform sounds.
01:58 The 8 stage envelope.
03:08 Envelope visual examples.
Please watch the whole video to make sense of the chapters.
The Casio CZ-101 was my very first poly synth bought way back in 1985."
"How to program the Casio CZ Series from the CZ-101 to the CZ-1
https://hyperfollow.com/scififunk/
A Step-by-step tutorial for programming the Casio CZ Series of Vintage Synthesizers. I explain what each Pot and Slider does on the synthesizer and how they interact to create sound.
This series demonstrates how the synth works at a high level, enough to get you making sounds. For an in-depth look at programming the Synth as a whole. Please refer to my advanced programming series.
00:00 Introduction demo playing with settings that can easily be tweaked live. 03:30 All the CZ synths are basically the same architecture. The CZ-1 is the best model as it is velocity-sensitive. 04:16 Articles from the period explaining how to program the CZ-101. 04:58 The essence of Phase Distortion programming. 05:30 All 8 basic waveforms that start sound on a Casio CZ-101 etc. 06:50 How the synth sound chain hangs together (DCO, DCW, DCA) 07:48 Line select. How the oscillators work together. This is an important setting. 08:20 Noise and Ring modulator, plus detune, examples of using them with line select. Please watch the whole video to make sense of the chapters.
The Casio CZ-101 was my very first poly synth bought way back in 1985."
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"Tested in great working condition, one slider cap is unoriginal but fully functional. Also missing the rear battery compartment cover. Includes AC power.
Digital synthesizer based on Phase Distortion Synthesis, kind of similar the DX-7 FM Synthesis in terms of sound. Its a 16 voice synth that can be split into 2 parts, plus an 8 track sequencer. The voice structure is 2 oscillators, with a variety of standard and unusual waveforms including resonant waves that make up for the lack of filter. The waveforms get modulated by the 8 stage envelope generator (of which there are 3 for the pitch, waveform, and VCA) to create timbral changes. In addition to that there is a ring modulator, noise source, and chorus."
