Casio DG-20: Iconic 80s Digital Guitar Synth

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Casio DG-20 Digital Guitar Synth

The Casio DG-20 Digital Guitar was released by Casio in 1987 as one of the first commercially available guitar synthesizers aimed at mainstream musicians. Up until that point, most guitar synthesizers were incredibly expensive, complex pieces of equipment made by companies like Roland and only accessible to professional guitarists. The DG-20 changed the game by offering an affordable digital guitar with built-in synth sounds for under $500.

What made the DG-20 unique was its integration of synthesizer sounds into the playing experience of a standard electric guitar. Using Casio’s proprietary Hexophonic Pickup System, the DG-20 could translate the nuances of a guitar player’s technique into MIDI data and trigger a variety of synthesized and electronic sounds. This opened up a whole new world of tones and textures that before were only possible with dedicated synthesizers.

The DG-20 also stood out for its iconic metallic gray body design, which was sleek and futuristic compared to the standard wood finish of most guitars. The angular styling, large side panels with bold DG-20 logo printing, and chrome hardware embodied the cutting-edge technology and digital aesthetic of the 1980s. For many musicians, the DG-20’s distinctive look was just as memorable as its sounds.

Features and Specifications of the Casio DG-20

The Casio DG-20 has several innovative features that made it stand out as a digital guitar synthesizer in the 1980s. Most significantly, it was one of the first affordable guitar synths with MIDI compatibility. This allowed it to interface with other MIDI devices like synthesizers and drum machines, greatly expanding the creative possibilities.

In terms of controls, the DG-20 has a 5-way selector switch to choose between different synthesized sounds like square waves and sawtooth waves. It also has knobs for adjusting parameters like filter cutoff frequency, resonance, attack, and decay. This gives the player a good amount of sonic versatility without being overly complex.

The DG-20 has a full 24 frets and 6 strings, allowing for traditional electric guitar playing techniques. However, it uses a hexaphonic pickup which can sense what note is being played on each individual string. This is what allows the onboard synthesizer to recreate the correct pitch and timbre for each note.

One unique aspect of playing the Casio DG-20 is that it can be set to either Guitar Mode or Synth Mode. In Guitar Mode, it behaves like a normal electric guitar that can be plugged into an amp. But in Synth Mode, the synthesizer takes over completely to generate the sounds. The player can toggle between these modes to utilize both traditional guitar tones and synthesized tones.

Overall, the Casio DG-20 packed an impressive array of features into an early digital guitar, while still retaining a traditional 6-string design familiar to guitarists. These capabilities combined to make the DG-20 a truly groundbreaking instrument in the mid-1980s music technology landscape.

The Sounds of the Casio DG-20

The Casio DG-20 is capable of producing a wide variety of synthesized sounds thanks to its hexaphonic pickup and onboard synthesizer technology. Some of the iconic waveforms it can generate include:

Square waves – These sharp, pulsating tones were a staple of 80s synthesizers. On the DG-20, the square waves have an aggressive, cutting presence perfect for funky rhythms and leads.
Sawtooth waves – Adding animation and movement, the sawtooth waveforms produce a buzzy, retro vibe. The DG-20’s saw waves are thick and full, great for arpeggiated sequences.
Pulse width modulation – By modulating the pulse width, the DG-20 can create sounds that dynamically sweep and shift. This animation helps bring motion and interest to synth pads and textures.

To hear the DG-20’s diverse tones in action, check out these audio and video demos:

The DG-20’s sounds compare well to other iconic synthesizers of the 1980s. For example, its punchy square waves have a similar vibe to the Roland TB-303 bass synth. And its animated sawtooth waves are reminiscent of the warm, evolving pads of the Yamaha DX7. Even today, the DG-20 holds its own with its instantly recognizable digital tones.

Notable Casio DG-20 Users and Appearances

The Casio DG-20 has been used by various high profile guitarists over the years. Most notably, Japanese guitarist Ichika Nito has become famous for his virtuoso skills and creative use of the DG-20. Nito has released many YouTube videos and live performances showing off the synth’s capabilities and unique tones. In interviews, he has praised the expressiveness of the DG-20, saying "The Casio DG-20 guitar synthesizer gives me so much freedom to create any sound I want. I can express my musical ideas in ways no other guitar allows."

Other famous users of the Casio DG-20 include Andy Summers of The Police, who used the synth guitar on songs like "Mother" and "Miss Gradenko." Thomas Dolby also played the DG-20 on his hit 80s song "She Blinded Me With Science." Dolby remarked that "The DG-20 allowed me to bring crazy synth sounds into my guitar playing. It was affordable but still sounded futuristic, which fit the vibe of my music."

While not as widely used as other guitars, the Casio DG-20 has still left its mark across famous albums and songs of the 80s and beyond thanks to its versatility and distinctive tones. For guitarists looking to add unique synth textures to their playing, the DG-20 offers an iconic tool to achieve this.

DG-20 vs Other Digital Guitars

The Casio DG-20 was one of the first mass-produced and relatively affordable digital guitar synthesizers of its time. Released in 1987, it competed with other pioneering digital guitars of the 1980s like the Steinberger GM System and SynthAxe. While not as advanced as some competitors, the DG-20 stood out for its balance of functionality, sound quality, and accessible price point.

Compared to other digital guitars of the 80s, the DG-20 had both advantages and limitations. On the plus side, it was compatible with MIDI, allowing it to interface with other synths and instruments. The hexaphonic pickup and modeling technology enabled a good variety of synthesized and electric guitar tones. However, the DG-20 was limited to just a few basic synthesized waveforms – nowhere near the amount of sounds as later modeling instruments. It also lacked some features like pitch bend and modulation wheels.

Despite its limitations, the Casio DG-20 developed a cult following that continues today. For guitarists getting into digital synthesis and modeling in the late 80s, it offered an affordable gateway. The metallic gray body also gave the DG-20 a uniquely futuristic look and feel. While it did not sound or play exactly like an analog guitar, it had its own distinct tone. This quirky character, paired with its iconic 80s aesthetic, helps explain why the DG-20 continues to have fans and collectors today. Musicians still prize it for its history, sound, and vibe.

Buying a Casio DG-20 Today

The Casio DG-20 has become a sought after vintage digital guitar over the years, with musicians and collectors alike eager to get their hands on one. Prices have steadily risen as supply dwindles, but deals can still be found if you know where to look.

When buying a used DG-20, the most important things to inspect are the condition of the electronics and whether any modifications have been made. Problems with the hex pickup, pitch controller, or synthesizer module can be difficult and expensive to repair, so aim for the best condition example you can afford. Also be wary of DG-20s that have been converted into other instruments or had non-standard parts added.

Online marketplaces like Reverb, eBay, and Craigslist are good places to find DG-20s for sale. Reverb tends to have the highest prices but most thoroughly inspected instruments. eBay auctions can yield deals but require close examination of photos for damage. Local Craigslist listings are hit or miss but occasionally turn up units priced to sell fast.

There are also some well known vintage guitar dealers that specialize in finding and restoring Casio DG-20s. Retro Instruments and Ishibashi Music Center in Japan, and Chicago Music Exchange in the US frequently have DG-20 stock available. Expect to pay premium prices from these renowned sellers, but you can trust their ratings and return policies.

With some persistence, you can likely find a good condition Casio DG-20 for $800-1200 USD. Mint condition and limited color examples have sold for as much as $2000 though, so condition and rarity impact pricing significantly. Set search alerts and be ready to buy when the right DG-20 becomes available.

Maintaining and Repairing a Casio DG-20

Keeping your Casio DG-20 in good working order requires some periodic maintenance and upkeep. Here are some tips for keeping your DG-20 playing and sounding its best:

Change the strings regularly – Guitar strings lose their brightness and start to oxidize over time. Every few months, consider putting on a fresh set of strings to restore the DG-20’s tone and playability. Look for lighter gauge strings that are specially made for synthesizer pickup guitars.
Clean the frets and fretboard – Grime, skin oils, and gunk can build up on the frets and fretboard. Every so often, clean the frets with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth. Use a specialty fretboard cleaner and conditioner to keep the fretboard wood nourished.
Check connections and cables – Since the DG-20 relies on electronic components, inspect all the connections periodically for corrosion, loose wires, cracked solder joints or frayed cables. Faulty connections are a common cause of issues.
Inspect the hex pickup – The hexaphonic pickup on the DG-20 translates your playing into synthesizer tones. Check that the pickup isn’t cracked or damaged. Adjust the pickup height if the synth tracking seems off.
Update the firmware – Casio may periodically release firmware updates for the DG-20 to fix bugs or improve functionality. Check their website to see if any updates are available.
Test buttons and knobs – Make sure all the buttons and knobs are functioning. Scratchy pots or faulty buttons can be cleaned or replaced.

If major issues arise, the DG-20 may require professional electronics repair. Common problems include:

Power supply issues
Faulty hex pickup
Bad solder joints
Failed buttons or knobs
CPU/logic board failures

Replacement parts can be difficult to source since the DG-20 is a vintage instrument. Check sites like Reverb and eBay for used spare parts pulled from other DG-20 units. Aftermarket companies also make replacement knobs, buttons, and some electronics. With care and maintenance, a Casio DG-20 can provide decades of synth guitar playing.

Modern Alternatives to the Casio DG-20

While the vintage Casio DG-20 still has a cult following today, there are a number of modern digital guitar options that capture a similar spirit. Brands like Line 6, Fender, and Gibson now offer digital modeling guitars with many more features and greater versatility than the original DG-20.

The Line 6 Variax series is one of the most popular digital guitar lines today. Models like the Variax Standard and Variax Shuriken provide a wide range of guitar and amp models, advanced tuning functionality, and deep customization options. They allow guitarists to mimic everything from classic electric guitars to exotic instruments like sitars and mandolins. The Variax guitars start at around $500, significantly more than a vintage DG-20.

Fender also offers digital guitars like the Fender Acoustasonic Telecaster which combines traditional electric guitar tones with acoustic and synth voices. There are a variety of model types to shape your sound via an onboard control knob. While not as advanced as the Variax, Fender’s digital lineup provides an accessible entry point to digitally enhanced guitar playing. Models start at around $900.

Gibson has the Dark Fire digital guitar which offers chord recognition and tuning assistance features alongside amp/effects modeling. There is a robotic tuning mechanism for quick alternate tunings. The Dark Fire aims to augment traditional Gibson tones rather than offer exotic synth sounds. It originally retailed for over $2,500 but can now be found used for around $1,500.

While these modern instruments are amazing in their own right, the Casio DG-20 still stands apart for its iconic metallic aesthetic and quirky 80s digital synth tones. For guitarists looking for a vintage, straightforward digital guitar, the DG-20 has enduring appeal. But those wanting more advanced functionality and versatility may prefer a newer digital guitar model. The choice ultimately comes down to musical needs and budget. Either way, the DG-20 paved the way for today’s digital guitars.

Conclusion

The Casio DG-20 stands as an iconic piece of music history, showcasing the exciting potential of digital guitar synthesis in the 1980s. With its metallic gray body and hexaphonic pickup, the DG-20 opened up new creative possibilities by combining synthesized sounds with traditional guitar playing techniques.

Throughout its history, the DG-20 has been embraced by famous guitarists like Ichika Nito for its expressive synthesized tones. It became known for its signature square, saw, and pulse waves which gave it a distinctive voice. While limited compared to modern digital guitars, the DG-20 still impresses with its affordability and cult following.

For guitarists and synthesizer enthusiasts, the DG-20 represents a groundbreaking chapter in music technology. Its iconic status is cemented by its appearances on classic 80s songs and its uniquely retro-futuristic aesthetic. Even with the passage of time, the DG-20’s spirit lives on thanks to a devoted community.

The Casio DG-20 is more than just a vintage curio – it’s an instrument begging to be explored. Its quirky sounds and influential role in music history make seeking out a DG-20 a rewarding experience. For anyone fascinated by the meeting of guitars and synthesizers, the DG-20 is a must-try piece of history.