The Casio DH-100 MIDI Wind Controller, was sold in around the mid 1980s. Besides being one of the first EWIs (electronic wind instruments), this instrument is unique in a number of other respects. First up, there is of course its shape. To this day it remains one of the only—if not the only—EWI that is shaped like a saxophone.

Source: eBay.com

Secondly, there is the fact that it is fully self-contained. In the words of wind controller specialists, Patchman Music:

Unlike other wind controllers, the DH-100 can be powered via batteries, has a built-in sound generator, amplifier, and speaker, so you can play it in a parade or on the beach! It features built-in sounds as well as a MIDI OUT jack which allows you to expressively control MIDI synths. It also has a built-in synth featuring SIX sounds: saxophone, trumpet, synth-reed, oboe, clarinet, and flute. There is a built-in speaker with volume control.

There are switches to select the sound, transpose (2 octaves), and a Breath switch which allows you to play the horn without needing to blow into it if desired. There are also connections for headphones, MIDI OUT, and an AC adaptor (AC adaptor not included). The DH-100 also runs on five “AA” batteries making wireless a possibility using a standard wireless guitar system. There is a power-on LED indicator…

The DH-100 is a rather expressive MIDI controller. It transmits the full range of aftertouch data in response to your breath. It transmits variable velocity in response to how hard you attack a note. It transmits program changes 0 through 5 when you select the various tones with the tone button. It also transmits Portamento Switch (CC#65) when you press the Portamento key. This is a great way to get into the wonderful world of wind controllers.

  Source: eBay.com

Casio brought out a number of different models of the DH Series. The most commonly seen by far is the 100. The 200 is the next most common, with the only difference being its colour. The body colour of the DH-200 is black, but it has silver keys.

Casio DH-200
   Source: patchmanmusic.com  Used with permission

A common problem with these EWIs was that eventually they started to produce a high pitched squeal. Many an owner put their instrument away, or sold them at a garage sale, because of this problem. There is a fix for this problem available however, and there are a couple of shops that specialize in the repair.

There are also shops, like Patchman Music, where you can still buy original Casio EWI accessories and replacement parts like fingering charts, the how to get started books, mouthpieces, AC adapters, and carrying cases.

 

Source: patchmanmusic.com  Used with permission

Source: patchmanmusic.com  Used with permission

While some people may not like these early harbingers of the electronic wind instrument sound, others really do seem to love their Casio EWIs. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, there’s no denying these little guys had a rather unique place in saxophonic history.