Casio CZ-230S (1986)

A digital synthesizer using phase distortion synthesis, released as part of Casio's final wave of CZ-series instruments.

Overview

The Casio CZ-230S is a digital synthesizer released in 1986. It was one of the last models in the CZ family before production ended. It was made for musicians who wanted to create and modify their own sounds, and it is a less common variant with built-in drum patterns and a single internal speaker for home use. It has 49 mini-sized synth-action keys and runs on AC power or six D-cell batteries, so it was portable for its time. It was positioned as an entry-level instrument, but it still offers sound editing and uses phase distortion synthesis, the hallmark of the CZ series.

Specifications

Number of Keys	49
Key Weight	Synth
Key Size	Mini
Touch Sensitive	no
Aftertouch	no
Number of Voices	100
User Memory	20
Polyphony	8
Sound Generation	Phase Distortion
Oscillators	2 DCOs
Sounds Editable	yes
Accompaniments	yes
Recorder/Sequencer	no
MIDI	yes
USB	no
Tablet Connectivity	no
AC Power	yes
Batteries	yes
Battery Type	Six D size dry cells
Speakers	yes
Audio Out	yes
Audio In	no
Sustain Pedal	no
Soft Pedal	no
Expression Pedal	no
Weight	11.3kg

Design

The CZ-230S uses phase distortion synthesis, the technology that defined the Casio CZ series. It allows dynamic waveform shaping. Each voice has two DCOs, and the oscillators can modulate each other. The "S" in the model name denotes the single built-in speaker, so the unit can be played without external amplification. It supports sound editing, but it is not considered fully programmable in the traditional sense.

Context

The CZ-230S was released in 1986 as part of the final group of models in the CZ series, which spanned from 1984 to 1986. It shares waveforms with earlier models like the CZ-101. It is grouped with variants such as the CZ-2000S and CZ-2600S, which added drum accompaniments and built-in speakers. It was marketed toward entry-level users and home musicians. It was likely region-specific and not widely exported,

Market

If the CZ-230S sits disconnected from power for several days without batteries, it loses its RAM contents, including user-programmed sounds. Some users have reported problems with power adapters because of incorrect polarity, so replacements need care.

Similar items on eBay

No exact Casio CZ 230S listings are live right now — these searches show current Casio and similar vintage synth gear on eBay:

Search Casio CZ 230S on eBay Browse Casio synth gear on eBay

As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.