You made me cry now. I remember exactly when I saw this at Berta Brasil Butik, a shop run by brazilians on 46th St in New York. It was circa 1980. I played Happy Birthday and got amazed by that "sophisticated toy". My dad saw that and decided to give it to me. I got so, but so happy! I learned how to play the demo song, which I think is a traditional folk song. I loved it. Maybe it is still in my father's house. I will try to find it.
I had a VL-1 as a child, and now have an OP-Z (which is probably about the same size as the VL-10). There is something irresistable about tiny form factor keyboards!
Won't lie, this channel made me search out and find a VL5 for my own. If I come across a VL1 in the wild I'll pick it up too but I think I'd skip on this. Nice video!
Love the storytelling and editing in your videos! I've only ever used digital plugin synths, so it's interesting to see how synths have evolved over time
Wow. Never knew this one existed. I've owned my VL-1 since I got it as a Christmas gift back in 1979 or 1980. I can't remember, but I definitely remember that demo song. I remember playing it ad nauseum, driving my sister and parents crazy. I also remember having one of those Casio calculators that played music (like the VL-80). Great video!
Ahhh Enola Gay, one of the first "hits" that I learned to play on my VL Tone/VL-1. I did not know that way of re-recording the notes lenght just pushing the "one key play" on REC mode, after 40 years you have discovered a new feature for me, thank you so much!!! Nice video as always!!! 👏👏👏
This thing. I used to play with the display model at Consumers Distributing in Merrick. The size blows my mind. I didn't buy one because the demo unit was easily falling apart. That may be why it's so rare! This one was meant to be a keychain!! Great video. Great restoration!
Oh this is fantastic! I could imagine this circuit-bent with a little Arduino controlling an analog filter stage and a little op-amp headphone amp hooked into one of those hilariously tiny Teenage Engineering mixers for a tiny goofy little show that can be kept in a back pocket. Lean into it, play some meme music, and I bet the audience would be entertained!
Great video as always, and an interesting little keyboard from Casio. From what I can gather from its feature set, the VL-10 looks to be a larger version of the VL-80 calculator with a couple of extra features. I guess technically that would make the VL-80 the smallest Casio keyboard ever made. And we could also accuse Teenage Engineering of ripping off both the VL-80 (Pocket Operators) and the VL-1 (OP-1)! Even the OP-Z looks to be styled similar to the VL-10. Casio were years ahead of their time, and it's long overdue for them to start producing feature packed micro keyboards again. Also ironically is that both the VL-80 and VL-10 can fetch much higher prices than the VL-1, yet the VL-1 has by far the most number of features and is far more usable as an instrument. Other than owning as a collector or historical item, I'd always choose the VL-1 over the VL-80 and VL-10. As always, thanks for the video - I really enjoyed it 👍
Thanks! Yes, the VL-1 is by far the best of the VL series. The lower price is mainly due to the fact that it is one of the most produced keyboards ever. The VL-10 is not only much rarer (although the original price was lower), it also appeals more to calculator collectors, which drives the price even higher.
I wonder, to add an audio jack, you might have to do a little primitive mixing to combine the two speaker signals, or use a stereo jack to capture rhythm and melody separately. Neat toy, and always excited to see another Keen On Keys video! I love the research you put into these--who knew there was a Casio Calculator/Alarm Clock/Cigarette lighter?
I was thinking similarly that it's possible to run the wire inside the casing (the thinner one, with removed brading) connected to the speakers, then it goes to that pocket turns there into braided one, goes outside of the casing for a couple of centimeters, and then it's terminated with the jack socket on the cable. I guess the intervention would be minimal and easy to remove and cover later, as it would be only drilling a tiniest hole for a cable.
This definitely seems like a CEO demand, “we gotta make the VL1 as small as we possibly can! Emphasise our calculator expertise!! I want to carry it in my suit pocket like a Game and Watch!” Also not sure if I just missed it in the comparison list, but I’m definitely getting 303 vibes from the sequencing and those keys. Not the sounds so much! You definitely took this further than I would’ve, such as the sequencing tricks. I’d have moved onto something with more tones before I ever discovered those.
Great to come across your video. I was in the last year of school when the VL-1 came out. Needless to say, it was confiscated on numerous occasions...& for playing 'Enola Gay' ironically. The VL-10 came out a bit later and by that time was using the CT1000P (an underrated machine fot its' time).
I had that exact same keyboard (Casio VL-Tone, not the VL-10) when I was twelve! I've been offered this keyboard for Christmas 1982, and I was soooo happy. And at that time it was used in a German hit song "Da da da Ich liebe dich nicht, du liebst mich nicht" always on air back then.
Oh wow I’ve still got mine, in a little silver pouch I bought at an airport going to Florida, couldn’t stop playing with it on the plane, my dad told me to turn it off until we got to the hotel 😂
The 80s really were the peak for Japanese electronics. Manufacturers were cashed up, and therefor very adventurous! I think Casio did this, just because they could! Its a shame that these weird and wonderful creations were "rationalized" after the Japanese economic bubble burst.
I don't have a Strymon reverb, but I did add a few effects to the track that you can hear during the teardown. The most prominent are filter and distortion on the drums.
thanx keen. very safe and cute presentation. to avoid this in future, what do you think about Casio PT-7? or Casio KX-101 (the Casio KX-100 already rejected by you). i know, they can be expensive. i'm asking about your opinion - can they bring something new. or your will to review.
Unfortunately, I haven't personally tried either model. They are so rare and overpriced, especially in Germany. But of course I would like to try them. Apart from its unique design, the PT-7 has a really nice and warm sound and 8-note polyphony. The KX-101 might not be that interesting sonically (it shares a lot of similarities with the PT-30), but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve, like a unison mode and a random stereo panning. The sequencer and the storage options also seem to be worth a look.
Really nice video as always! I think a single battery wasn't enough as the pitch drops when ever a snare sound is playing or if you play it for too long. And if I'm not mistaken, I think it's 2 semi-tones out of tune. But despite all these limitations, you did amazing music! I wonder if there exist a mini keyboard with a voice synthesizer or an lpc generator. Do you know of any?
Not as far as I know. But the Casio VA-10 and DJ-1 have some Voice effects like pitch shift. Yes, my VL-10 is also about 2 semitones too low. And its a shame that I haven't mentioned it, but I didn't realize it until the video was already finished.
I used to have One OF THESE! I Remember it has a METAL BODY, and it also functions as a CALCULATOR! CASIO just BLEW the T.E.-OPZ out if the water with this thing, , Nicely done Sir, Way too playBack that tempo speed!!!
I'm not sure if it's something you would cover since it isn't technically keys, but have you thought about a video focused on the Casio DG series? They're essentially mid-80s casio models shoved into a guitar-shaped case.
Pretty impressive technology for its time, but there certainly are some limitations. I also wonder if that battery is really adequate enough to power the keyboard, I could hear some warbling going on during the demo song when the percussion was playing. How new is the battery in that keyboard? Interesting design with the two piezo speakers for melody and percussion.
@@KeenOnKeys Maybe the :wobble" is caused by the fact that such a small battery just can't supply enough current for the keyboard. I mean, those batteries are really meant to power clocks and small remote controls and other similar devices. This keyboard also reminds me of those piano books you used to see back in the 90s, my sister and I both had them, little books with a piano keyboard and song scores printed in the books.
I need some help. I went on marketplace and got what says is a Casio at-40 it has the build of an my-40 but it has golden Arabic writing. It turns on but none of the switches do anything and there is no sound. I’m pretty sure the speaker does work but what are tips on how to fix this damn thing
HELP REQUESTED: Does anyone know if the VL-1 can be tuned. I realized that mine which I just bought is off by a third. The A key plays a C (off pitch). My VL-1 on the other hand is pitch perfect and has a tuning knob on the back.
Call me crazy, I think Casio should reinvest into the VL-TONE series. Now with improved IC's and electronics we could have some cool new synths that take the classic shape and form of the VL-1. Perhaps if Casio recreated the original VL-1, but added new things such as multiple ADSR instruments, longer (and more accurate) melody recordings, and even (my most desired upgrade) making the VL-1 polyphonic! If Casio could offer something like that with the original shape of the VL-1, I'd willingly pay good money for it! Anyone else on board?
What was that thing you were showing when you said the VL-10 sounded no better than a musical greeting card? Whatever that item was, its batteries were clearly very flat indeed, or there was a bad connection somewhere.
@@KeenOnKeys It sounded completely out of tune, that's the worst rendition of happy birthday I've ever heard in my life. Those square wave musical ICs really don't like operating on low voltage, at all.
You would think that Casio, with all their history and technical abilities to massproduce cheap little retro re-releases of these 80s Mini Instruments, would be already using a lot of Factory capacities to produce a new line to fill the demand that the retromarket cannot cover.... but nope... nothing so far. I bet Behringer would actually dare and release a clone of this series. Phone apps are not the same. And i do not blow 300+ for such a vintage instrument. ... Da Da Da
You made me cry now. I remember exactly when I saw this at Berta Brasil Butik, a shop run by brazilians on 46th St in New York. It was circa 1980. I played Happy Birthday and got amazed by that "sophisticated toy". My dad saw that and decided to give it to me. I got so, but so happy! I learned how to play the demo song, which I think is a traditional folk song. I loved it. Maybe it is still in my father's house. I will try to find it.
Thank you for rescuing and preserving this little gem.
I think you overlook the little hook on the end. The usefulness of this keyboard was that it could be worn on a lanyard.
You are right! That would have fit perfectly in the intro!
Very delicate work! I admire your skill and bravery to dismantle and clean!
I had a VL-1 as a child, and now have an OP-Z (which is probably about the same size as the VL-10). There is something irresistable about tiny form factor keyboards!
Won't lie, this channel made me search out and find a VL5 for my own. If I come across a VL1 in the wild I'll pick it up too but I think I'd skip on this. Nice video!
Love the storytelling and editing in your videos! I've only ever used digital plugin synths, so it's interesting to see how synths have evolved over time
Wow. Never knew this one existed. I've owned my VL-1 since I got it as a Christmas gift back in 1979 or 1980. I can't remember, but I definitely remember that demo song. I remember playing it ad nauseum, driving my sister and parents crazy. I also remember having one of those Casio calculators that played music (like the VL-80). Great video!
Must have been chirstmas 1981.
I love your review. And your voice is just so dramatic. Thumbs up👍👏
It's always a pleasure to watch a Keen On Keys video!
I have been waiting patiently, and finally keen on keys has dropped a new video. Cannot wait to watch this one later!!
Cheers from Sweden 🇸🇪
Oh wow i knew this device was small, but seeing it dwarfed by the already small VL-1 is shocking
I love your videos so much. Please don’t stop making them.
Ahhh Enola Gay, one of the first "hits" that I learned to play on my VL Tone/VL-1.
I did not know that way of re-recording the notes lenght just pushing the "one key play" on REC mode, after 40 years you have discovered a new feature for me, thank you so much!!!
Nice video as always!!! 👏👏👏
Haha I was wondering where's the intro theme, but now I see you wanted to give us the surprise 😂
At the end of a very long week of work this is JUST what I needed when I walked through the door and had dinner. Thank you.
Exceptional quality as always. Thanks for the new video!
... these are the voyages of a keen on keys, it's continuing mission to explore new circuits, new keyboards ...
Great video! I don't know that I'd have chosen super-glue, but to each their own :D !
I love my VL-1 but I will definitely spring for this if I get a chance! It looks so cool!
A triumphant return!
Brilliant- love your deep dive.
My friend had one of these. We could never play it like you 😊
When you started "Rock 1" I instinctively started singing "Da Da Da" :D
We all did ;)
This thing. I used to play with the display model at Consumers Distributing in Merrick. The size blows my mind. I didn't buy one because the demo unit was easily falling apart. That may be why it's so rare! This one was meant to be a keychain!! Great video. Great restoration!
Oh this is fantastic! I could imagine this circuit-bent with a little Arduino controlling an analog filter stage and a little op-amp headphone amp hooked into one of those hilariously tiny Teenage Engineering mixers for a tiny goofy little show that can be kept in a back pocket. Lean into it, play some meme music, and I bet the audience would be entertained!
What a charming little device.
Great work it looks superb
Great video as always, and an interesting little keyboard from Casio. From what I can gather from its feature set, the VL-10 looks to be a larger version of the VL-80 calculator with a couple of extra features. I guess technically that would make the VL-80 the smallest Casio keyboard ever made. And we could also accuse Teenage Engineering of ripping off both the VL-80 (Pocket Operators) and the VL-1 (OP-1)! Even the OP-Z looks to be styled similar to the VL-10. Casio were years ahead of their time, and it's long overdue for them to start producing feature packed micro keyboards again.
Also ironically is that both the VL-80 and VL-10 can fetch much higher prices than the VL-1, yet the VL-1 has by far the most number of features and is far more usable as an instrument. Other than owning as a collector or historical item, I'd always choose the VL-1 over the VL-80 and VL-10.
As always, thanks for the video - I really enjoyed it 👍
Thanks!
Yes, the VL-1 is by far the best of the VL series. The lower price is mainly due to the fact that it is one of the most produced keyboards ever. The VL-10 is not only much rarer (although the original price was lower), it also appeals more to calculator collectors, which drives the price even higher.
The live recording ability was genuinely surprising
Awww, that is so cute! Tone 2 would sound nice with a slower attack. I wonder how complicated the ADSR mod is to implement. Thanks for this!
I wonder, to add an audio jack, you might have to do a little primitive mixing to combine the two speaker signals, or use a stereo jack to capture rhythm and melody separately. Neat toy, and always excited to see another Keen On Keys video! I love the research you put into these--who knew there was a Casio Calculator/Alarm Clock/Cigarette lighter?
I was thinking similarly that it's possible to run the wire inside the casing (the thinner one, with removed brading) connected to the speakers, then it goes to that pocket turns there into braided one, goes outside of the casing for a couple of centimeters, and then it's terminated with the jack socket on the cable. I guess the intervention would be minimal and easy to remove and cover later, as it would be only drilling a tiniest hole for a cable.
Amazing as always! I love me a good Casio!
This definitely seems like a CEO demand, “we gotta make the VL1 as small as we possibly can! Emphasise our calculator expertise!! I want to carry it in my suit pocket like a Game and Watch!”
Also not sure if I just missed it in the comparison list, but I’m definitely getting 303 vibes from the sequencing and those keys. Not the sounds so much!
You definitely took this further than I would’ve, such as the sequencing tricks. I’d have moved onto something with more tones before I ever discovered those.
I lost it at the possessed happy birthday rose, I dare you to somehow make a song with that thing😅
Glitch&Bend Music at its best. :)
Great to come across your video.
I was in the last year of school when the VL-1 came out. Needless to say, it was confiscated on numerous occasions...& for playing 'Enola Gay' ironically.
The VL-10 came out a bit later and by that time was using the CT1000P (an underrated machine fot its' time).
Wow it really needed a good clean, the tones are a bit aggressive as you would expect from such a generator 😆
Another great video :)
I had that exact same keyboard (Casio VL-Tone, not the VL-10) when I was twelve!
I've been offered this keyboard for Christmas 1982, and I was soooo happy. And at that time it was used in a German hit song "Da da da Ich liebe dich nicht, du liebst mich nicht" always on air back then.
Oh wow I’ve still got mine, in a little silver pouch I bought at an airport going to Florida, couldn’t stop playing with it on the plane, my dad told me to turn it off until we got to the hotel 😂
Absolutely brilliant! Love how detailed this video is! Also, what the heck?! Why are the "keys" CDE-CDE on the left 😳😳
Thanks!
It only looks that way because the lowest note isn't an F like on many keyboards. So it's GAB-CDE
For an external output, you could extend some wires and lock them down with a dallop of hot glue inside the body.
Thankyou for the nightmare of hearing that demo tune again. 😫
Engage! Very interesting, you made it so, number 1.
The 80s really were the peak for Japanese electronics. Manufacturers were cashed up, and therefor very adventurous! I think Casio did this, just because they could!
Its a shame that these weird and wonderful creations were "rationalized" after the Japanese economic bubble burst.
Darn I thought this was a new release I’d only heard of the VL1
Have you tried this through a Strymon reverb? Something big and lush - might make some interesting tones? Nice restoration job too!
I don't have a Strymon reverb, but I did add a few effects to the track that you can hear during the teardown. The most prominent are filter and distortion on the drums.
Very nice
The sounds are haunting
thanx keen. very safe and cute presentation. to avoid this in future, what do you think about Casio PT-7? or Casio KX-101 (the Casio KX-100 already rejected by you). i know, they can be expensive. i'm asking about your opinion - can they bring something new. or your will to review.
Unfortunately, I haven't personally tried either model. They are so rare and overpriced, especially in Germany. But of course I would like to try them. Apart from its unique design, the PT-7 has a really nice and warm sound and 8-note polyphony. The KX-101 might not be that interesting sonically (it shares a lot of similarities with the PT-30), but it does have a few tricks up its sleeve, like a unison mode and a random stereo panning. The sequencer and the storage options also seem to be worth a look.
@@KeenOnKeys and SHARP GF-990 dear?
Vc pode fazer um review da casiotone ct-201 que é o primeiro teclado da casio? Saudações do Brasil e ótimo review 👍
Really nice video as always! I think a single battery wasn't enough as the pitch drops when ever a snare sound is playing or if you play it for too long. And if I'm not mistaken, I think it's 2 semi-tones out of tune. But despite all these limitations, you did amazing music! I wonder if there exist a mini keyboard with a voice synthesizer or an lpc generator. Do you know of any?
Not as far as I know. But the Casio VA-10 and DJ-1 have some Voice effects like pitch shift.
Yes, my VL-10 is also about 2 semitones too low. And its a shame that I haven't mentioned it, but I didn't realize it until the video was already finished.
@@KeenOnKeys Oh so the pitch issue is a known issue?
I used to have One OF THESE! I Remember it has a METAL BODY, and it also functions as a CALCULATOR! CASIO just BLEW the T.E.-OPZ out if the water with this thing, , Nicely done Sir, Way too playBack that tempo speed!!!
No pressure. 3 months.
I'm not sure if it's something you would cover since it isn't technically keys, but have you thought about a video focused on the Casio DG series? They're essentially mid-80s casio models shoved into a guitar-shaped case.
That's a funny looking OP-Z
That greeting card at the end sounded almost like a game boy.
Hello, thanks for the video, I have one just like it but I don't know why my notes start with the F# sound (the first white key). ??
Very coooool!
Pretty impressive technology for its time, but there certainly are some limitations. I also wonder if that battery is really adequate enough to power the keyboard, I could hear some warbling going on during the demo song when the percussion was playing. How new is the battery in that keyboard? Interesting design with the two piezo speakers for melody and percussion.
It indeed sounds a bit wobbly, but I have no idea where that comes from. The battery was new.
@@KeenOnKeys Maybe the :wobble" is caused by the fact that such a small battery just can't supply enough current for the keyboard. I mean, those batteries are really meant to power clocks and small remote controls and other similar devices. This keyboard also reminds me of those piano books you used to see back in the 90s, my sister and I both had them, little books with a piano keyboard and song scores printed in the books.
@@Lachlant1984 Yes, my first thought that these must have been inspired by the concept of VL-10. I had one as child as well in mid 90s.
I need some help. I went on marketplace and got what says is a Casio at-40 it has the build of an my-40 but it has golden Arabic writing. It turns on but none of the switches do anything and there is no sound. I’m pretty sure the speaker does work but what are tips on how to fix this damn thing
That Casio demo song common to some many of their models may as well be your channel theme song 😂
I remember seeing you use a Casio pt 1 in the VL 1 video, how come you haven't made a review on it yet?
Because it sounds exactly like the VL-1. But I'm thinking about using it in another kind of video.
@@KeenOnKeyswhat about the pt 20 in the Mt 40 video
HELP REQUESTED: Does anyone know if the VL-1 can be tuned. I realized that mine which I just bought is off by a third. The A key plays a C (off pitch). My VL-1 on the other hand is pitch perfect and has a tuning knob on the back.
Hello sir, can you make a casiotone ct-310 review video?
Also when i opened mine i was left with a little spring and I didn't know where it went back : )
So this is basically a somewhat good op-1
Rose review when??
Nice video!
That would be a short one. However I first need to find out if it is possible to change the battery.
@@KeenOnKeys It would be pretty funny though if it ends up being possible lol
Have nice day!
i have a few vl-1's . i had one in 1983 it was my fathers .
Can you review the meowsic?
8:48 I have a Casiotone ct 636, 61 full size keys yet it doesn't have a record mode
Call me crazy, I think Casio should reinvest into the VL-TONE series. Now with improved IC's and electronics we could have some cool new synths that take the classic shape and form of the VL-1. Perhaps if Casio recreated the original VL-1, but added new things such as multiple ADSR instruments, longer (and more accurate) melody recordings, and even (my most desired upgrade) making the VL-1 polyphonic!
If Casio could offer something like that with the original shape of the VL-1, I'd willingly pay good money for it!
Anyone else on board?
What was that thing you were showing when you said the VL-10 sounded no better than a musical greeting card? Whatever that item was, its batteries were clearly very flat indeed, or there was a bad connection somewhere.
It's an artificial rose that plays happy birthday. And yes, the battery was almost dead.
@@KeenOnKeys It sounded completely out of tune, that's the worst rendition of happy birthday I've ever heard in my life. Those square wave musical ICs really don't like operating on low voltage, at all.
All I could ever add to the comment section for this would be…”da da dah”
I think one of the "Rock" presents has to be the one that gave Sting the inspiration for "Spirits In The Material World."
i never thought of using glue i spent hours cutting double sided tape when mine came un stuck...if it comes apart again out will come the glue
Thinking of the Human League’s cover of Get Carter - for some reason.
Could be useful for a singer learning parts, or maybe for a few things composers or theory students would want to do.
I had one of these as a kid….had so much fun and annoyed my mom with it almost every day.
Our Casionova!!!
The Casio sa 80 has quite a few features you can play 2 tones at a time
He reviewed the sa50 with same tones
9:29 Can you tell me which song you played here?
Axel F. (Beverly Hills Cop)
Bro please review ctk 240/245😗
I really like your voice...
Did you manage to get a hold of the manual too?
Unfortunately not.
Aha, the nerdy VL-1's good-looking younger sister.
Good vid but the Star Trek theme wasn’t quite correct 😉
It could be deliberate to avoid a copyright strike from RUclips.
I had one like that but with square keys lol !!
Just add "VCO" on it and analog purists will claim that it's the best sound ever... Just kidding! Thanks for the video!
if only they sell those here
Rock 1 is that Da Da Da song! 🤣
I bought this one, after realizing it had the same rhythm used by TRIO in "DA DA DA (Ich liebe dich nicht, du liebst mich nicht)"
You would think that Casio, with all their history and technical abilities to massproduce cheap little retro re-releases of these 80s Mini Instruments, would be already using a lot of Factory capacities to produce a new line to fill the demand that the retromarket cannot cover.... but nope... nothing so far. I bet Behringer would actually dare and release a clone of this series. Phone apps are not the same. And i do not blow 300+ for such a vintage instrument.
... Da Da Da
A-lu-mi-ni-um.
Yes, that's british english. But in american english is "aluminum"
@@KeenOnKeys I know, but for non-Americans it is more usual to use the british variant.
By the way, feel free to use the variant you like. 🙂
@@KeenOnKeys Sorry, didn’t know you’re an American. 😉
Completely pointless but I still would like to have one.
♫ Tokaku konoyowa keisansa. Kazu to kazu tono karamiai.
Numbers
The rose BAHAHAHA
🙂👍
Calculator function with Algebraic entry is unusable! Reverse Polish Notation is the only way! (satire). Nice synth though.
:)
Da da da :-)
da-da-da...