[JaggedNZ]

I suspect TE wanted to outright replace the OP-1 with the OP-z, but the OP-z is not a direct replacement(?) and its initial marketing seemed to me to suggest it is/was going to be a very different device.

For the music hackers out there I'd recommend checking out the Critter and Guitari Organelle M as a more budget (<$500us) and FOSS friendly alternative. The new organelle M has a Raspberry PI compute module under the hood.

[mntmoss]

Seconding the Organelle as the OP-1 alternative. I haven't got one, but I have definitely considered pulling the trigger.

(The "ultra-budget portable" option is to get a Casio SA and a digital FX pedal. Combine that with a line-in to a DAW setup, and a lo-fi instrumental album is totally within reach.)

[forsakenkraken]

What kind (make and model) of digital FX pedal would you recommend? Also any suggestions on DAW software?