FANTASTIC! I was a 15 year old at a music school in the UK when I got a cassette of the Thriller album and it blew my mind. I had a Casio (403 I think🤔) and was convinced that the frog sound was used in the breakdown section of Thriller. All my friends laughed and said "There's no way Michael would let them use a Casio keyboard on his album!" 😂 Thanks for proving me right...even if you are 40 years too late!!😅 Awesome chan. 👍🏻😎
i am probably a bit older than you, but also from the UK, and the bass player of the first band i was in had this keyboard, which we would fool about with, none of us were MJ fans (Hawkwind was our cup of tea) and we thought this sound was utterly ridiculous, and not worth using. Well you live and learn don't you!
A weird, strange sound for sure but the magic is in Greg Phillinganes’ groove. Just two staccato beats on the same note was all he needed to inject a killer groove and vibe. Sometimes less is more.
And such a simple, but amazingly funky pocket. I've heard tons of cover bands do "Thriller" and the drummer, who thinks they're "too good" to play simple grooves, always seems to want to double their kick drum rhythm with the "frog bass" part. Then I start to cringe and facepalm. 🤦♂🤦♂🤦♂
Absolutely. Funnily enough, the "frog groove" was always almost my favorite part of the song. 😅And as always, the "time feel" of the player is what makes the groove. Especially in this case, since he's playing to a drum machine. He's slightly laid back, kind of jazzy. Also, the guitar (David Williams?) really helps in gluing the groove together.
Now I never thought of it as a ‘frog’ sound. I always thought of it more as a ‘telephone’ sound but would never have guessed it was a Casio CT401 😮. Thanks for sharing! Truly insightful.
That "goofy Casio sound" made the Thriller section much more groovier, infectious, pulsating and so danceable, IMO like All Time Classics as Moroder's "I Feel Love". Thanks Anthony for sharing another gem. And specially thanks Steven, it shows how genuine he enjoyed then and now when both laugh making the sound.
It sounds so futuristic in the song because of the way it's placed in the mix. It sounds like the frog sound and the normal bass are one sound from a single source, although we now certainly know they aren't. The good mixing is a very important aspect to this sound feeling so good in the song.
@@jimbotron70 so much about techno is repurposing sounds that were originally made for other purposes. The TB-303 was made as a bass practice tool, but failed at that task, and a few years later the techno scene started realizing its usefulness playing the role of a rhythm guitar. The 808 tried to emulate the muted acoustic drums of the late 70s etc, and so many classical synths were originally made to simulate orchestral strings or woodwind instruments, but techno producers found they had different sweetspots if you highlighted the parts of the sounds that sounded alien rather than 'naturalistic'. Play that FM flute two octaves down and it suddenly has this weird buzzy character etc.
Even though Casio as a company has got a reputation of being a manufacturer of cheap beginner Keyboard, they have certainly had their moments in popular music. Not only was one of their keyboards used in thriller, but one was also used in a lot of dance hall tracks as well, and one of their synthesizers used by Kevin Saunderson was also responsible for the famous Reese bass sound, which birthed DNB and all the other sub-genres after that.
Once there was a Japanese nerd's website from the early to late 2000s (even featured in American Keyboards magazine) called "sealed's deep synthesis page". He explained that Casio started with additive synthesis very early. In 1982 they even had their first fully programmable additive synth on the market called CASIO 1000P that used sine waves BUT "Sealed" also explained that CASIO often used pulse instead of sine waves for additive results. To my ears that frog sound reminds very much of a certain wave I know from semi-pro HT- series using additive PW synthesis. Anyway CASIIO HT-6000 was by far the best sounding "table hooter" of all in 1989 with polyphonic VCFs full (subtractive) programmabilty not only of their 4-DCO main- but also of their 2-DCO accomp tones, progrmmable patterns & certainly programnable drum machine.
As a kid I had a Casio MT-60 which had the same "frog" and "funny" tones, so I assume it had the same engine and rhythm section as the earlier CT-401, only that it seemed to be marketed as a cheaper budget model. Back then for me, "frog" was a funny novelty sort of tone that I'd use to give myself a chuckle or to make friends laugh, and then move on to a more usable lead tone, but in the context of Thriller (especially the horror themed video), it really does add a layer of tension, uneasiness and bite (pun intended) to the bass sound, making it almost alien in nature, as if a monster is about to awaken. Talk about thinking outside the box. (By the way, to help with the search, look for Casio / Casiotone keyboards from between 1981 and 1982 that use vowel-consonant synthesis, as these likely share the same engine and/or tones, for example the CT-101 and CT-403).
Fantastic! As a synth nerd who grew up listening to Michael Jackson, and 'Thriller' in particular, I find your videos fascinating. The "Frog Bass" is so unique. Thanks for sharing.
Totally awesome!!! It's amazing how many professional recordings were graced by a lowly Casio - Michael Jackson, Salt-N-Pepa and Depeche Mode to name a few!
@@philippezsiga1125 Casio's seem to be unsung heroes: they're bright, plucky, quirky and they cut through. I bought my CZ-101 waaaaay back in 1985 and I still love it. I was so good at programming it that I'd challenge my friends to make any kind of sound and I'd duplicate it on the CZ. Vince Clark is from another planet - have you seen his studio?.. it's totally AWESOME!!!!!
The frog part always made me think that those who composed the song were geniuses. It was also one of the most exciting choreographic parts in the video. God bless that frog 🐸
Such a cool series of videos. You can have all the gear in the world and none of it is a replacement for a good idea. What a great lesson to share with the world.
The 80's had such a digital yet highly organic sound. Early analog synths from that era in the hands of talented musicians created some of the most iconic sounds like the frog bass. Love it!
This is why most great studios and artists have a cache of old weird equipment! Great explaination. I always loved finding the 'good' sounds on a 'bad' synth. Had a few gifted to me as a result, and half were yamaha fm preset synths, later used on a few Jungle/DnB and Rap/Hip-Hop tracks. Tips: Don't write off crap synths. The first place to look, like in this example, are the extremes where things get weird. On the old 'soundblaster' yamahas, this was done by setting the pitch down an octave and abusing the brass and organ sounds. Pick one with lots of feedback and overtones, then pitch down until nice. There was also a hack for unsion mode on most of em if you go searching forums and service manuals.
Been trying to figure out this sound since i was 15…this is the best & worse revelation of my entire existence so far…but thank you for this, really made my day
That breakdown was always my favorite about the thriller video. Would have been nice to hear that entire layered bass re-created. Maybe another video? With the frog sound. So good!
I think the PYT Synth and Voice is also boggling everyone’s Mind great vids never thought I would ever get an answer on any of these sounds your work and sharing it is massively appreciated you’re a legend man!
Thats a great title- waaay beyond clickbait. It makes me feel intensively curious about what this will be about- But Anthony, MJ, frog bass- I'm definitely triggered in a good way!
Yeah, I agree! I think I know what part he's referring to as well. There is a bit of a re-bit sound on there. Its just like one repeating note every measure- re-bit, re-bit, re-bit 🐸
Hmm, I'm guessing it could be 1) an analog synth (most likely), 2) FM synth (or some other additive) maybe through an analog filter, 3) a guitar through a synth filter or a wah/funky guitar pedal.
Interesting video! Missed those days when everyone was trying to sound different and were looking for that new sound! Seems like today everyone wants to sound like everyone else unfortunately.
Just goes to show how brilliant and eternal that recording is...these videos are AMAZING! And I'm the cynical guy walking in going, "What is this shit and crap?", lol, with a heavy eye of suspicion. As far as I'm concerned these videos are what I have waited decades for.
Sometimes standing out against the (high quality) body of the track is best achieved with something lo-fi. Quincy probably understood this before most.
Delightful. A real treat to see the two of you cracking up over what is clearly a silly sound… while respecting the creative genius that thought to use it on the recording. Well done!
My grandma gave me her Casio 301 back in the 90s and even though Im primarily a guitarist ive always appreciated it as a quirky and fun (and heavy) creative tool. Its fun to have stuff like that as rut busters.
Thank you so much for answering one of the most asked questions about Thriller! Absolutely fantastic stuff once again, that sound is so legendary! 🙂Finally we know now.
The best channel about music production and gear!!! I do all my productions with vintage synthesizers and drum machines... but I still love my vintage Castitone!
This is really cool! Hearing the sound isolated it sounds quite different from hearing it in the mix! By itself it almost sounds like something you'd hear coming out of the Nintendo Entertainment System. In the mix, it sounds fuller somehow, at least to my memory. Such a fantastic album, and whoever did the mixing did a wonderful job. It's really cool how such an odd little sound fit so well and added to the atmosphere and mood of the song! 👍
Another great video. Not only fascinating, but well communicated and informative, from someone with a very pleasant personality and who knows what they are talking about. I am unfortunately old enough to remember when all these synths and keyboards first appeared. That makes it all the more interesting, as it brings back memories of my youth where I would spend hours in music shops trying out all the latest instruments. I miss those days, but not as much as I miss Michael Jackson who I hope is looking down on us with a smile. His music has stood the test of time.
Unreal insight here and it’s always a pleasure to have you share your well of experience with us! It’s incredible the amount of thought that went into the arrangements and production of these iconic tracks!
yes.... yes... Finally the answer, thank you Anthony for opening the casket on this particular sound, I always loved that base stab sound answering the funky guitar lick ever since I was a kid listening to my dads thriller cassette in my walkman all summer back in 1983. A few weeks ago I caught on to you're channel and started to recreate some sounds you mentioned on my B2600 and visited the album again. Always suspected an extra layer on the base but could never quite pin point if it was a vocoder sample or some unique quirky synth stab or sample.. now I can finally relax knowing where this minuscule yet so remarkable sound bite came from. Geniuses, you lot, thx. Now which sampler will have the honour of the snatch. Gotta make something with that little monster Hahahaaaahahaaha
I like the idea of adding extra elements to the song as you move through it. Guess it makes the song a start to end journey, rather than trapped in a verse chorus revolving door
A while back I decided to try to emulate this sound. I used a Moog Sub Phatty, because it had some preset that sounded very close. After tweaking I actually got very, very close if not nailing it. The Sub Phatty has a different kind of tone vs. a Minimoog or "normal" analog synth - I feel like that's why I was able to find the sound on it, as opposed to a 2600 or Minimoog. It has a sharp edged sound that cuts through. Fun to finally know how the original sound came about!
Just wide smiles! Who would have thought the mysterious sound of a synthetic frog on bass would have made such a difference in the feel of a Halloween classic. All I could think of was that budweiser frog dancing to thriller😂❤
OMG thanks for unvieling the frog bass! I commented in one of your previouse video's about the frog bass and I am glad you took the time to show us. I have a Casio CZ-101 and am going to try and see if I could program the frog bass. I would have never guessed it was a Casio.
This is the definition of a "useful" sound cause back then producers had no problem to use whatever to get the best results for the final result, so instructive for all of us today dear sir cause we think that buying expensive gear will make us sound better while the key is useful sounds and of course great orchestrations
Great stuff guys! I did Trance and EDM remixes for several labels around 1998 to 2002 and one thing I learned was it's about the quality of the sounds and something fresh. So much in Pop music today has bubbled up from underground dance/electronic music. I can remember searching and tweaking for hours to get one little sound effect or part.
Anthony, thank you so much for the history on this musical masterpiece! I’m sure I’m not alone when I say how appreciative it is to hear firsthand how this iconic music was created. Looking forward to so much more, as well as any lessons and tips =)
OMG... It took so long to play anything other than that one note using the frog sound. It was driving me insane watching them just sit there. OBVIOUSLY We want to hear what it sounds like. Thank God he finally did.
Oh this is a nice one! I've always imagined that it might be a Casiotone CT-202. There are a couple more early Casios that has that 'frog' sound tho. Vowel-consonant synthesis for sure!
This was clever 😊 Man i really like this stuff and it is so educational. Thank you sir for making these. I am such an synth nerd and constantly gassing toward new gear 😅
FANTASTIC!
I was a 15 year old at a music school in the UK when I got a cassette of the Thriller album and it blew my mind. I had a Casio (403 I think🤔) and was convinced that the frog sound was used in the breakdown section of Thriller. All my friends laughed and said "There's no way Michael would let them use a Casio keyboard on his album!" 😂
Thanks for proving me right...even if you are 40 years too late!!😅
Awesome chan. 👍🏻😎
Hahahaha. I suggest that you find those friends and show them this video 😅
@@siletamus2016 yes. i hope he records their reaction lol
@@siletamus2016
Good idea! 😆👍🏻
i am probably a bit older than you, but also from the UK, and the bass player of the first band i was in had this keyboard, which we would fool about with, none of us were MJ fans (Hawkwind was our cup of tea) and we thought this sound was utterly ridiculous, and not worth using. Well you live and learn don't you!
Anthony is really opening the vault on this channel. This is truly arcane and I love it.
Yea this is my favorite channel currently
That sound changed the whole direction of the song.
From something you listened too to something you got up and couldn’t not dance too.
A weird, strange sound for sure but the magic is in Greg Phillinganes’ groove. Just two staccato beats on the same note was all he needed to inject a killer groove and vibe. Sometimes less is more.
And such a simple, but amazingly funky pocket. I've heard tons of cover bands do "Thriller" and the drummer, who thinks they're "too good" to play simple grooves, always seems to want to double their kick drum rhythm with the "frog bass" part. Then I start to cringe and facepalm. 🤦♂🤦♂🤦♂
Absolutely. Funnily enough, the "frog groove" was always almost my favorite part of the song. 😅And as always, the "time feel" of the player is what makes the groove. Especially in this case, since he's playing to a drum machine. He's slightly laid back, kind of jazzy. Also, the guitar (David Williams?) really helps in gluing the groove together.
Good point. The placement and the syncopation is just brilliant.
The music has its own space and the frog bass and the beat is the foundation.
Steven really enjoying the berrp berrp 😆
Incredible that my favorite sound of Thriller stems from such a humble device.
Now I never thought of it as a ‘frog’ sound. I always thought of it more as a ‘telephone’ sound but would never have guessed it was a Casio CT401 😮. Thanks for sharing! Truly insightful.
I loved hearing the frogish chords!
That "goofy Casio sound" made the Thriller section much more groovier, infectious, pulsating and so danceable, IMO like All Time Classics as Moroder's "I Feel Love". Thanks Anthony for sharing another gem. And specially thanks Steven, it shows how genuine he enjoyed then and now when both laugh making the sound.
That sound was surprisingly futuristic and "techno" for an old fashioned keyboard
It sounds so futuristic in the song because of the way it's placed in the mix. It sounds like the frog sound and the normal bass are one sound from a single source, although we now certainly know they aren't. The good mixing is a very important aspect to this sound feeling so good in the song.
@@olli2591 I wouldn't expect a techno preset from a dance hall keyboard...
@@jimbotron70 so much about techno is repurposing sounds that were originally made for other purposes. The TB-303 was made as a bass practice tool, but failed at that task, and a few years later the techno scene started realizing its usefulness playing the role of a rhythm guitar. The 808 tried to emulate the muted acoustic drums of the late 70s etc, and so many classical synths were originally made to simulate orchestral strings or woodwind instruments, but techno producers found they had different sweetspots if you highlighted the parts of the sounds that sounded alien rather than 'naturalistic'. Play that FM flute two octaves down and it suddenly has this weird buzzy character etc.
@@fisk0 Yes, techno producers were the best recyclers-upcyclers ever!
Even though Casio as a company has got a reputation of being a manufacturer
of cheap beginner Keyboard, they have certainly had their moments in popular music.
Not only was one of their keyboards used in thriller, but one was also used in a lot of
dance hall tracks as well, and one of their synthesizers used by Kevin Saunderson
was also responsible for the famous Reese bass sound, which birthed DNB and all the
other sub-genres after that.
That takes some real dedication to be able to consistently play the notes out of time.
Once there was a Japanese nerd's website from the early to late 2000s (even featured in American Keyboards magazine) called "sealed's deep synthesis page". He explained that Casio started with additive synthesis very early. In 1982 they even had their first fully programmable additive synth on the market called CASIO 1000P that used sine waves BUT "Sealed" also explained that CASIO often used pulse instead of sine waves for additive results. To my ears that frog sound reminds very much of a certain wave I know from semi-pro HT- series using additive PW synthesis. Anyway CASIIO HT-6000 was by far the best sounding "table hooter" of all in 1989 with polyphonic VCFs full (subtractive) programmabilty not only of their 4-DCO main- but also of their 2-DCO accomp tones, progrmmable patterns & certainly programnable drum machine.
Terrific. Before this video there were just rumors, now here’s the facts 👍👍👍 thank you so much!!!
As a kid I had a Casio MT-60 which had the same "frog" and "funny" tones, so I assume it had the same engine and rhythm section as the earlier CT-401, only that it seemed to be marketed as a cheaper budget model. Back then for me, "frog" was a funny novelty sort of tone that I'd use to give myself a chuckle or to make friends laugh, and then move on to a more usable lead tone, but in the context of Thriller (especially the horror themed video), it really does add a layer of tension, uneasiness and bite (pun intended) to the bass sound, making it almost alien in nature, as if a monster is about to awaken. Talk about thinking outside the box. (By the way, to help with the search, look for Casio / Casiotone keyboards from between 1981 and 1982 that use vowel-consonant synthesis, as these likely share the same engine and/or tones, for example the CT-101 and CT-403).
Fantastic! As a synth nerd who grew up listening to Michael Jackson, and 'Thriller' in particular, I find your videos fascinating. The "Frog Bass" is so unique. Thanks for sharing.
casio had a big impact on pop music in the 80s. not many people know this
Totally awesome!!! It's amazing how many professional recordings were graced by a lowly Casio - Michael Jackson, Salt-N-Pepa and Depeche Mode to name a few!
Interesting. Do you know which song(s) Depeche Mode used Casio kbs on?
@@pedromiguel6011 sure, here you can see Martin labeled his Casio MT-30 as a "FAIRLITE" czcams.com/video/nTX5ce8Ls04/video.html
Vince Clark during Erasure period used to stack 4 or 6 casio cz but didn’t know DM used them?!?!
@@philippezsiga1125 Casio's seem to be unsung heroes: they're bright, plucky, quirky and they cut through. I bought my CZ-101 waaaaay back in 1985 and I still love it. I was so good at programming it that I'd challenge my friends to make any kind of sound and I'd duplicate it on the CZ. Vince Clark is from another planet - have you seen his studio?.. it's totally AWESOME!!!!!
The frog part always made me think that those who composed the song were geniuses. It was also one of the most exciting choreographic parts in the video. God bless that frog 🐸
Such a cool series of videos. You can have all the gear in the world and none of it is a replacement for a good idea. What a great lesson to share with the world.
THANK YOU Anthony. The one us synth nerds have been waiting for
The 80's had such a digital yet highly organic sound. Early analog synths from that era in the hands of talented musicians created some of the most iconic sounds like the frog bass. Love it!
This is why most great studios and artists have a cache of old weird equipment!
Great explaination. I always loved finding the 'good' sounds on a 'bad' synth. Had a few gifted to me as a result, and half were yamaha fm preset synths, later used on a few Jungle/DnB and Rap/Hip-Hop tracks.
Tips: Don't write off crap synths. The first place to look, like in this example, are the extremes where things get weird. On the old 'soundblaster' yamahas, this was done by setting the pitch down an octave and abusing the brass and organ sounds. Pick one with lots of feedback and overtones, then pitch down until nice. There was also a hack for unsion mode on most of em if you go searching forums and service manuals.
Been trying to figure out this sound since i was 15…this is the best & worse revelation of my entire existence so far…but thank you for this, really made my day
I would never guessed a Casio keyboard!
I tone always reminded me of the Roland mono synths.
Amazing, not in a million years i would have guess this was a "frog" preset sound. Thought this was a kind of chopped up stutter sound. 🙂
I always thought it was a cross modulated analog synth sound.
And yes you can make it that way.
@@mitchelstephen7536 yeah exactly totally thought it was from an ob.
I've been curious about this for a while!! Get your CT-401 while you still can!
That breakdown was always my favorite about the thriller video. Would have been nice to hear that entire layered bass re-created. Maybe another video? With the frog sound. So good!
I think the PYT Synth and Voice is also boggling everyone’s Mind great vids never thought I would ever get an answer on any of these sounds your work and sharing it is massively appreciated you’re a legend man!
And now, after this video, the Casio CT401's price is going to skyrocket on the 2nd hand markets xD
Looks like you were having great fun making this video. Made me smile, don't think my vl tone has the frog sound. Thanks again.
Flavor loved it find the music where it is ❤
And Casio prices just went up even more... only joking. Fab video as always, keep up the good work :)
Thats a great title- waaay beyond clickbait. It makes me feel intensively curious about what this will be about- But Anthony, MJ, frog bass- I'm definitely triggered in a good way!
Yeah, I agree! I think I know what part he's referring to as well. There is a bit of a re-bit sound on there. Its just like one repeating note every measure- re-bit, re-bit, re-bit 🐸
@@lundsweden Yes, it will be that. The sound you hear throughout the whole breakdown section. I often wondered how it was made
Hmm, I'm guessing it could be 1) an analog synth (most likely), 2) FM synth (or some other additive) maybe through an analog filter, 3) a guitar through a synth filter or a wah/funky guitar pedal.
Anthony you spent a considerable amount of time for this photomontage 😅
@@lundsweden I reckon it's using oscillator sync
Casio frog sound! Thanks for this video and interesting background to the sound design. Amazing!
Great insight into the clever layering of the Quincy-style orchestration into a pop context a la bass and contra bassoon and frog, synth bass.
Thank you Maestro Anthony for this important lesson!!
Interesting video! Missed those days when everyone was trying to sound different and were looking for that new sound! Seems like today everyone wants to sound like everyone else unfortunately.
SO TRUE
Ive never ever thought of it as a frog sound , and im a huge mj fan . I probably listen to thriller more then 800 times . Amazing
Just goes to show how brilliant and eternal that recording is...these videos are AMAZING! And I'm the cynical guy walking in going, "What is this shit and crap?", lol, with a heavy eye of suspicion. As far as I'm concerned these videos are what I have waited decades for.
My friend collects 80s Casios and we started a project which is based on that sound. Never had so much fun in any band before!!
Sometimes standing out against the (high quality) body of the track is best achieved with something lo-fi.
Quincy probably understood this before most.
Sooo cooool ! 😋 "....or since...!" 🤣
Delightful. A real treat to see the two of you cracking up over what is clearly a silly sound… while respecting the creative genius that thought to use it on the recording.
Well done!
Congratulations on 40.5 k 🎊🎊🎊
Thank you so much 😀
Awesome!
My very first synthesizers was CASIO VL- Tone, which made 'Trio -Da Da Da' a Hit and a VZ-1. :)
I'm always surprised how many top 10 hits were made using Casio keyboards. Thanks!
My grandma gave me her Casio 301 back in the 90s and even though Im primarily a guitarist ive always appreciated it as a quirky and fun (and heavy) creative tool. Its fun to have stuff like that as rut busters.
2:59 Those few seconds between "was" and "is" felt like hours.
This is probably my favorite channel
This channel itself is surreal.
A simple funny thing! hahahah... thanks again for these, they are great.
Still looking forward to the Starman files :)
Thank you so much for answering one of the most asked questions about Thriller! Absolutely fantastic stuff once again, that sound is so legendary! 🙂Finally we know now.
I just LOVE this channel. Thank you again for putting this together!!!
Another excellent video, where we learn a lot on Thriller production !!! Thanks a lot Anthony and your team for these videos !
Increíble. Literalmente hoy estuve buscando cómo programar este sonido. You're a genius. Thanks a lot.
Yes! I’ve been secretly hoping you would touch upon the frog bass sound. Awesome! Thank you so much for taking us along ❤
The best channel about music production and gear!!!
I do all my productions with vintage synthesizers and drum machines... but I still love my vintage Castitone!
Funny, I made a comment on that sound a week or two ago... But I would never had guessed in a thousand years it would come from a toy synth !
interesting very historic!
Yes!!! The frog sound!!! awesome, thank you
thanks yet again anthony, you're the boss
This is really cool! Hearing the sound isolated it sounds quite different from hearing it in the mix! By itself it almost sounds like something you'd hear coming out of the Nintendo Entertainment System. In the mix, it sounds fuller somehow, at least to my memory. Such a fantastic album, and whoever did the mixing did a wonderful job. It's really cool how such an odd little sound fit so well and added to the atmosphere and mood of the song! 👍
Some chorus must have been inserted+ EQ.
Wow ! Amazing story !!
Another great video. Not only fascinating, but well communicated and informative, from someone with a very pleasant personality and who knows what they are talking about. I am unfortunately old enough to remember when all these synths and keyboards first appeared. That makes it all the more interesting, as it brings back memories of my youth where I would spend hours in music shops trying out all the latest instruments. I miss those days, but not as much as I miss Michael Jackson who I hope is looking down on us with a smile. His music has stood the test of time.
always fun to hear these anecdotes
I had one and loved it. I remember jumping out of my chair when I heard frog preset on the Thriller album.
Nthing like starting your day with Anthony and some frog sounds 😅✌
Unreal insight here and it’s always a pleasure to have you share your well of experience with us! It’s incredible the amount of thought that went into the arrangements and production of these iconic tracks!
THANK YOU!!! Finally someone confirmed what I have ben saying for decades. I had the 401. And used that sound.
IT IS A CT-401, it’s just the bass layered that makes it sound different
I love it! So hilarious and genius to use this sound. Legendary insight on what really happens sometimes and makes great art! Great job Anthony!
The insights are very inspiring. Thank you! :)
Top notch display from Bruce Swedien to be able to mix this in so well for the end product that guy was a legend engineer
yes.... yes... Finally the answer, thank you Anthony for opening the casket on this particular sound, I always loved that base stab sound answering the funky guitar lick ever since I was a kid listening to my dads thriller cassette in my walkman all summer back in 1983. A few weeks ago I caught on to you're channel and started to recreate some sounds you mentioned on my B2600 and visited the album again. Always suspected an extra layer on the base but could never quite pin point if it was a vocoder sample or some unique quirky synth stab or sample.. now I can finally relax knowing where this minuscule yet so remarkable sound bite came from. Geniuses, you lot, thx. Now which sampler will have the honour of the snatch. Gotta make something with that little monster Hahahaaaahahaaha
I like the idea of adding extra elements to the song as you move through it. Guess it makes the song a start to end journey, rather than trapped in a verse chorus revolving door
The magic of Quincy Jones.
A while back I decided to try to emulate this sound. I used a Moog Sub Phatty, because it had some preset that sounded very close. After tweaking I actually got very, very close if not nailing it. The Sub Phatty has a different kind of tone vs. a Minimoog or "normal" analog synth - I feel like that's why I was able to find the sound on it, as opposed to a 2600 or Minimoog. It has a sharp edged sound that cuts through. Fun to finally know how the original sound came about!
Proceeds to search and listen to "Thriller" Instrumental Extended Mix...What a groove!
Just wide smiles!
Who would have thought the mysterious sound of a synthetic frog on bass would have made such a difference in the feel of a Halloween classic.
All I could think of was that budweiser frog dancing to thriller😂❤
The best sound on the song.
OMG thanks for unvieling the frog bass! I commented in one of your previouse video's about the frog bass and I am glad you took the time to show us. I have a Casio CZ-101 and am going to try and see if I could program the frog bass. I would have never guessed it was a Casio.
This is the definition of a "useful" sound cause back then producers had no problem to use whatever to get the best results for the final result, so instructive for all of us today dear sir cause we think that buying expensive gear will make us sound better while the key is useful sounds and of course great orchestrations
Dear Anthony, thank you so much for this one! 🙏
Great stuff guys! I did Trance and EDM remixes for several labels around 1998 to 2002 and one thing I learned was it's about the quality of the sounds and something fresh. So much in Pop music today has bubbled up from underground dance/electronic music. I can remember searching and tweaking for hours to get one little sound effect or part.
Anthony, thank you so much for the history on this musical masterpiece! I’m sure I’m not alone when I say how appreciative it is to hear firsthand how this iconic music was created. Looking forward to so much more, as well as any lessons and tips =)
I always focus on this particular sound when this song plays. I’ve always found it a very intriguing piece of audio. Thanks fot posting this video!
awesome
OMG... It took so long to play anything other than that one note using the frog sound. It was driving me insane watching them just sit there. OBVIOUSLY We want to hear what it sounds like. Thank God he finally did.
Love it!
Thank you for sharing these wonderful videos. The ORIGINAL presets, awesome!!
ive wondered for YEARSSSSSSSSSSSS!!! thank you both soo much
Awesome I have a casio also with frog sounds lol brown wood too but smaller
This. Is. AMAZING!
Oh this is a nice one! I've always imagined that it might be a Casiotone CT-202. There are a couple more early Casios that has that 'frog' sound tho. Vowel-consonant synthesis for sure!
It’s in fact a CT-401
very cool! i have that one too..... first Casiotone with auto chord, you gotta have that one right! ;)
@@brettlemmingsu see? It was a 401
yeah, lovely isn't it!? 😉
Great Video , I love Casio Keyboards
Those stories are amazing and pieces of great music history
All these years wondering what that was and I was _not_ expecting this! More gold, thank you for sharing!
Jackson waa god, in his, times.. Now we can learn why
You are documenting history on such a visceral level. They say history doesn’t repeat itself, but sometimes you want to see it!
This was clever 😊 Man i really like this stuff and it is so educational. Thank you sir for making these. I am such an synth nerd and constantly gassing toward new gear 😅
It would appear that the Frog is all the way through on one of the thriller demos (post starlight)
This is so cool!