Casio High Tech Guitars ( MG-510, PG-380, DG-20, EG-5)

Started by Virtual Tone, February 12, 2008, 06:21:58 PM

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Virtual Tone

This one looks pretty cool!

Anybody have one?


Elantric

I have a black MG-510 Casio - it was made by Ibanez for Casio, its JJ Cale's favorite guitar.

Virtual Tone

#2


Do you know if the Casio pg380 midi pg 380 synth guitar will work with the VG-99?

vanceg

I have one, too.

These guitars output MIDI, and do not have a 13 pin or 24 pin output. However, I assume that one could be wired/hacked in.

Vance

Virtual Tone

#4
Quote from: sustainiac on February 12, 2008, 10:55:45 PM
I have a black MG-510 Casio - it was made by Ibanez for Casio, its JJ Cale's favorite guitar.

How are the replacement parts?  Easy or hard to get?


obiwanjacobi

#5
I own a Casio MG-510. It has a large cutout that houses the on-board midi processor.

My thoughts were to rip out the electronics and replace the panel that houses the switches (on the front) and the back panel that houses the jacks and convert it to a GK-3 compatible system. I would like to reuse the existing hex-pickup.

I found the schematics for the GK kit amplifier board and I am confident I could build something similar.

Has anyone attempted something like this?

Thanx,
Marc
Grtx, Marc

Elantric

#6
I'm sure its possible.

I have a MG-510 myself, but it remains fully functional. Its based upon an Ibanez RoadStar.and was built in the same building as the Roland G-505 Strats. ( Fuji-Gen) 


I do own a 1987 Casio MIDI Guitar, the MG-510 - and paid $1,100 for the instrument when new.
The guitars themselves were produced under contract for Casio by Fuji Gen Gakki, who also built the Roland and Ibanez MIDI guitars.

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/product/Casio/MG-510/10/1





The top of the line Casio PG-380 with internal polyphonic VZ synth sound engine was around $1,600 when new, these have all the electronics built inside the Guitar and were a technical marvel at the time. (1987)





Both were built in the Ibanez factory in Japan, and Casio designed the "guts"!

J.J Cale still uses his White Casio PG-380 as his main axe



http://matrixsynth.blogspot.com/2007/02/casio-pg-380-synth-guitar.html



Casio VZ Synth Page
http://www.sallyandsteve.dsl.pipex.com/casio/

More about early MIDI guitars here:
http://jpsongs.com/troubadortech/casmgtr.htm
« Last Edit: March 04, 2010, 10:13:37 PM by Elantric »




I have Casio MG-510 Service Manuals, and instructions for the popular "replace all electrolytic capacitors" mod.
 
http://www.servicecasio.com/web/download/manual/MG500_510.pdf

http://jpsongs.com/troubadortech/mgdipsw.htm



obiwanjacobi

It would have to be a non destructive conversion. I would want to restore it to its original state without any permanent damage.

I would be very interested in those MG-510 service manuals  :P
Grtx, Marc


obiwanjacobi

Thanx!

I did some more research and I ordered the parts to build a first prototype of the GK-3 amp board.
I'm also gonna build a new back cover / jack housing plate to house the 13-pin din jack and will also make a new plate for the top with the pot and switches. I'm thinking of 1 volume pot and 2 toggle switches (one for mode select and one momentary for sw1/2).

First its on to the breadboard to get it working and see if the hex-PU is compatible or if it needs tweaking.
Grtx, Marc

Elantric


GraemeJ

I have a (white) MG510 - same animal, but without the internal synth engine.

It's a really nice player and all the electronics still work fine (which is more than can be said for a lot of these instruments, many have the de-formed capacitor problem).  Considering the age of the design, it works surprisingly well and gives my GK3/Strat a good run for its money.

A guitar with a direct midi output has a lot going for it and I would like to use it more often, but working models are becoming rare and quite valuable, so I'm a little wary about using it live (I also have a Ztar and don't use it on gigs for the same reason). 

I still take it out for the odd gig though and the reaction from other (usually younger) players, who don't know about these things, is always interesting - "a Casio guitar, must be c**p!!!". Then I let them play it :) .   

Synth Nicolas

I have a chance to buy one of these. Is it worth it? is it up to par to this age? or doesn't it make any sense anymore? How is the 5 pin connection holding up?
gitaarles en basgitaarles in Weert
www.gitaarschoolweert.nl

GraemeJ

Quote from: Synth Nicolas on May 03, 2014, 11:22:32 PM
I have a chance to buy one of these. Is it worth it? is it up to par to this age? or doesn't it make any sense anymore? How is the 5 pin connection holding up?

I have one of these and it's remarkably good for its age. It still works perfectly and is regularly in use at home, but I am a little wary of gigging with it, solely because they are now quite rare and I wouldn't like to 'lose' it.  You might some odd looks when you turn up with a guitar with Casio emblazoned on the headstock but, in all honesty and disregarding the midi stuff, it's also a fine instrument in its own right.

However, you should be vary careful if you are thinking of buying one, as many have developed triggering problems over the years.  This can usually be solved by replacing the capacitors (the original ones tend to deform, particularly if the instrument is not in regular use).  This is not a job for the technically disadvantaged and is probably best left to someone used to working with electronic gear.

You ask if it is worth it, that rather depends on how much is being asked for it?

Brak(E)man

I have one too , bought -87 or so
works like a beaut. a good guitar
and I still use the midi at times
swimming with a hole in my body

I play Country music too, I'm just not sure which country it's from...

"The only thing worse than a guitar is a guitarist!"
- Lydia Lunch


Synth Nicolas

#16
Quote from:  GraemeJ on May 04, 2014, 12:51:25 AMYou ask if it is worth it, that rather depends on how much is being asked for it?

Capacitors have been changed/renewed. Asking price is about 950$. Can these be used with Roland GR synths and also to run soft synths? Is the 5 pin midi just as reliable as the 13 pins?
just finding out about this guitar, so sorry for the dummy questions.
gitaarles en basgitaarles in Weert
www.gitaarschoolweert.nl

obiwanjacobi

Price sounds a bit high.

These canNOT be used with the Roland GK synths (this topic is on converting a MG-510 to be able to do so).

The Roland GK interface (13-pin) relies on sending 6 separate audio signals (with additional control signals) to the 'processor'. The MG-510 has a Midi output (5-pin) that sends out digital note events (MIDI spec).

[2c]
Marc
Grtx, Marc

GraemeJ

Not sure about the US market, but the price sounds about right for the European one.

The whole point of this instrument is that you are not reliant on the Roland 13 pin system (which, although called 'midi¡ by Roland, is actually nothing of the sort and requires another bit of kit to convert the output of the guitar to real midi).  With the Casio, all the pitch to midi conversion is carried out within the instrument and all you have to do is plug it into the midi sound engine of your choice.

datsunrobbie

I'd check into a replacement body before I'd try to remove all the electonics from the MG-510. Keep an eye on ebay for pre-used RR strat pickguards, or get the GK-Kit here http://www.thomann.de/gb/roland_gk3kit_gitarre.htm for half of what it sells for everywhere else.

Guitarfetish has some very inexpensive bodies - and even cheaper ones in their clearance section
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Strat-Style-Bodies_c_75.html

Elantric

#20
The Casio MG510 will have more value left stock as is. These are collectible and all docs to keep them running are available.
It's easy to find more suitable instrument to install a GK-3.

We even have a Group buy special price on a new Fender / Roland GC1
https://www.vguitarforums.com/smf/index.php?topic=5279.0

Quote, or get the GK-Kit here http://www.thomann.de/gb/roland_gk3kit_gitarre.htm for half of what it sells for everywhere else.
Its true Thomann in Germany has the lowest cost Roland internal GK-KIT -GT-3

They even ship to USA
final price is $165.12 including shipping

GraemeJ

Quote from:  Elantric on May 05, 2014, 07:01:55 AM
The Casio MG510 will have more value left stock as is.

That was my thought as well. 

To my mind, he'll be turning a $1,000 instrument into a $250 one - which seems like a rather daft thing to do.

Elantric

#22
QuoteTo my mind, he'll be turning a $1,000 instrument into a $250 one - which seems like a rather daft thing to do.
agree 100%

Suggest MIDI Guitar newbies read and compare older MIDI Guitar technology info here

http://jpsongs.com/troubadortech/mgtr.htm

http://jpsongs.com/troubadortech/casmgtr.htm

http://home.epix.net/~joelc/midi_git.html

MrEd

Hello everyone,

I too own the Casio MG-510 and  had no idea that any documentation was available for it. I am just amazed with this forum. Over 20 years ago I traded a 4 track reel to reel recorder and an old mixer even for a used MG-510 with a hard shell case and a new Digitech RP1 at a music store. I have always liked this guitar and it's still in decent shape – everything works well.  A few years ago I replaced the 5 way switch and managed to either wire it backwards or install it backwards (it works) which is an easy fix but other than that I've had no problems with it.  I've never seen one with a tremolo bar. For many years I played it along with a Boss DS-330 general midi which was light weight and a very small foot print. The fact that you could play the guitar pups with the midi pu made for some amazing sound combos especially that many years ago. I used to get some very puzzled looks from audience members when playing. I now play it through a Roland JV 1080 along with the Digitech RP1 for some great sounds. I haven't heard any thing that could compare with the RP1 (great for recording) and I will never part with it.

I've had the GR-55 and the GC-1 for well over year now and I am so pleased with it and as I've said many times it has renewed my interest and joy with playing music. I am so appreciative for everyone's contributions in this forum especially Elantric and Gumtown.

I am considering the Godin xtSA as my next purchase not because I need it but because I enjoy this stuff so much and at 60 why not!

Sorry for the rambling – I sometimes get carried away.

Mike

Elantric

#24
Glad We could assist.

Ive either owned or serviced bulk of the MIDI guitars that were ever produced ( and I lost count of my Guitar collection I still own)

I'm lucky to still own a few  legendary pieces in my "tool crib" - which is actually in an industrial warehouse, today - no longer worried about if my Guitar Rig clashes with the  Drapes or the French Provincial decor ;)

In a prior life, I was one of the "goto guys" in LA for Servicing - even had ads in the LA Recycler back in 1981 as "The Mod Doctor"   - my service manual collection is endless and includes my 1968 Heathkit Fuzz Box I built age 13



(Third party link for Heathkit Fuzz here
http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?action=printpage;topic=99037.0