Decisions, decisions, decisions!!!!

I finally compared my MZ with my WK..
First let me say, value for the dollar ...it's hard to beat either one[Street prices $500-$650 for the MZ, if you can find one... and $175-$200 for the WK]..

There are a lot of sounds I like on the WK, namely the draw-bar organs, stereo piano and saxes...
When I compared them , happily I can duplicate any of the sounds on the MZ to sound like the WK, and actually make them sound better..

The MZ allows me to work with 4 partials[sounds], where the WK is one.

The MZ has 64 polyphony[ and does not seem to choke like the WK when it reaches the limits].

The WK offers more brass patches but are easily duplicated on the MZ..

There is one Choir string patch I like on the WK that I have not tried to duplicate yet...None of the vocal sounds can compare to Roland, so it is no big deal comparing the voices with the two Casio's.

I worked on a piano on the MZ[for a single minute] and came up with a great playable piano...Actually better than the WK..

The WK drumkits have an edge in variety[hip hop etc].

The rides have more of a bell sound where the MZ is the edge of the cymbal sound...What is ideal would be a combination based on velocity..I don't know if that is possible, but will try later..

In the plus department the MZ offers more versatility in selecting patches and rhythms. There are buttons and screens for every function.

The MZ has a real 17 track sequencer.

The MZ has real sliders .

The MZ has a better sequence playback and edit tools..

The MZ reads lyrics

The MZ has after touch

The MZ has assignable pedal and expression pedal inputs besides sustain.

The MZ has editable effects.

The MZ has Mic/effects input.

The MZ has an arpeggiator.

The MZ can layer two sounds on the right side of split and two to the left side.

The MZ has stereo inputs that can be routed thru effects or bypassed..

The MZ is 15 watts per side with better bass reflex speakers.

And here is a BIGGY..The MZ has built in conversion rhythm software to convert my Roland styles...Now I have my favorite G70 styles on board the Casio MZ2000

There are many more pluses to mention..


The pluses for the WK...76 keys and a light weight package...
A smart media card that is limited to 255 files..
There is a larger user section for patches on the WK..
but that is it...


I will keep the MZ2000..at 27 lbs , I can't think of a better keyboard for my smaller jobs..
When I incorporate a laptop , the MZ can do my BIG jobs too, but with just a keyboard...my go to keyboard is still my G1000[I do have to carry a small mixer for vocals though]...

If anyone is interested in a like new WK3000 in the factory box with manual and adapter.....Email me..I can make someone a happy camper$$$

Don't want the wk but if you ever get tired of the MZ let me know.......
AJ

Yeah I'm right behind AJ there.

Squeak

For all you Casio affectionatos...........
http://www.keyboardmuseum.com/pic/pic.html


http://www.synthmuseum.com/casio/caspt101.html


[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 12-27-2005).]

Fran,
If it is not too much hassle, and I realise it is nearing New Years' Eve, could you provide a midi file played both by the WK and the MZ, so we can compare the sounds?
Theodore

Theodore, the GM tones are pretty much the same on both models,,I doubt if there are any major differences with a SMF..

What is different is the ability to make more complex sounds on the MZ2000..Also the easier way of selected SMF's Tones and Rhythms go to the MZ..

I just A B'd the two models with the same SMF.....There is a big difference, the MZ sounds better..I figured it was the speakers, so I routed the WK into the stereo in of the MZ..The WK sounded better, but the quality sound from the MZ GM tones were still better...They seem punchier..I don't see any different changes in EQ between the two, so my guess is the MZ just has a better set of GM tones, or maybe a better output conversion..

Thanks a lot Fran.