Casio DH-100 digital horn demo
My newest offbeat instrument, from eBay. Casio started making these in 1984, and I don't know how long they continued, although I know there were more models (DH-200, 280, 500 and 800). It's not very sophisticated, although the breath pressure sensitivity is surprisingly good, so dynamics aren't bad at all. Note bending isn't an option, unfortunately, except with the "portamento" key, which really only works for fairly large intervals--and it's a little spacey at that. The little beeps you occasionally hear are me hitting the octave key by mistake. It's very touchy, and the spring doesn't have enough resistance. I need to figure out a way to make it springier, so the slightest touch of the thumb doesn't send the note up an octave. The "flute" voice is by far the least appealing. The keys are noisy, as you can hear, but the general sensitivity of them isn't as bad as you might think. The thing is surprisingly playable. There's a delayed automatic vibrato, that you can't turn off. You can, however, override it with your own vibrato.
August 16th, 2010 - 19:06
I got another one, some years before. I had to cut of the internal sound. But using it via midi its brilliant. Casio was only years to early! And people thought it was an playtoy. Marketing was terribel.
But honestly i prefere to play my Akai EWI4000 S
on youtube “Hardrada”
Greetings
August 16th, 2010 - 19:47
Wow, this looks like so much fun!
August 16th, 2010 - 20:33
In the 1980s Frank Schöbel played an instrument nearly like this in a show. Since this time I have never seen one. It would be very useful for home and school music. You need only one instrument and one fingering chart.
August 16th, 2010 - 21:22
nice one!
August 16th, 2010 - 21:27
@IHeartMySnes I think you can buy better sound patches for the 4000s. I’m not sure, but I think I’ve read about that.
August 16th, 2010 - 21:28
@ubizmo I guess most of the difference would be noticeable when your playing it, because just from this video, it doesn’t sound much different than my Akai 4000s (with the exception of the noisy keywork)
August 16th, 2010 - 22:10
@IHeartMySnes This isn’t in the same league as Akai and Yamaha, and in any case, Casio stopped making them about 20 years ago.
August 16th, 2010 - 22:14
I didn’t know too many different brands made things like this. I really had only ever heard of ones from Akai and Yamaha until just now.
August 16th, 2010 - 23:05
I’ve always wanted one of those, guess I’ll have to save up for one eventually.
August 16th, 2010 - 23:15
@ubizmo Nice grab!
August 17th, 2010 - 00:03
@LandofEternia There’s a no-breath mode, but you can’t get dynamics that way.
August 17th, 2010 - 00:12
@projectcrazy12 Not nearly as much breath needed as for a regular sax, but it does take some control. It responds well to changes in breath pressure, so dynamics are pretty good.
August 17th, 2010 - 00:17
do u have to blow like its the actual instrument or just a regular breath
August 17th, 2010 - 01:06
wow, sounds great in my opinion!
one question. do you actually have to breathe into it?
August 17th, 2010 - 01:14
@Octorockable Is there anything that doesn’t sound better than the otamatone?
August 17th, 2010 - 02:10
That is pretty freaking awesome! It certainly sounds better than the otamatone.
August 17th, 2010 - 02:43
Sounds cool!
August 17th, 2010 - 03:07
That’s cool, I was surprised.
August 17th, 2010 - 03:48
It was a big surprise!! because I bought AKAI EWI-USB the other day. and I just up load test movie like a you. you have a so many talent I think, and I like that!! I want to play some music with you some day some where.
August 17th, 2010 - 03:53
Does not sound to bad for the time it was made. I was pritty young in 1984, so I do not remember the music all that well mind you.
August 17th, 2010 - 04:39
That thing is cool as hell!!! Thanks for sharing!
And yes, it does sound like the ’80s (which makes me like it more). : P
August 17th, 2010 - 05:05
@sirhalos That’s my thought too. It’s a little weird to play but not nearly as awful as I expected.
August 17th, 2010 - 05:45
Sounds a lot better than I thought it would
August 17th, 2010 - 06:37
@moonsyne It’s irresistable!
August 17th, 2010 - 07:00
That looks like a lot of 80′s fun.