Akai AX73

$111.00 to $900.00 Price Tier: Standard

3.0 (5)

3 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Page last updated Jun 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated March 24, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$900.00 4 available Used

View Deal

$111.00

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Average Price: $506

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Akai AX73 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Akai AX73". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.

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Description

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Product specs

Brand	Akai
Model	AX 73
Finish	Gray
Year	1980s
Made In	Japan
Categories	Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Analog
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	73 Keys
Polyphony	6 Voices

FAQs

Is the Akai AX73 a polyphonic synthesizer?: Yes, the Akai AX73 is a polyphonic synthesizer with 6 voices, allowing you to play six notes simultaneously.
What type of synthesis does the Akai AX73 use?: The Akai AX73 utilizes analog synthesis, providing a rich and warm sound characteristic of vintage synthesizers.
How many keys does the Akai AX73 have?: The Akai AX73 features a 73-key full-size keyboard, offering an extended range for more versatile playability.
Does the Akai AX73 have MIDI capabilities?: Yes, the Akai AX73 is equipped with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing for integration with other MIDI-compatible instruments and devices.
What is the keyboard action type of the Akai AX73?: The Akai AX73 has a synth action keyboard, which is lighter and faster, suitable for quick and expressive playing styles.

Videos

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Doctor Mix

The Synthesizer That Got Away: Akai AX-73

Doctor Mix

Synthesizer Mysteries: Akai AX73

Doctor Mix

Akai's AX73 // Modern Features, Vintage Sounds // 1986 Seems Dope

Jorb

AKAI AX73 Analog Synthesizer Video Demo Ad Infinitum

gstormelectro

Akai AX73 Sounddemo - Polyphoner Analogsynthesizer von 1986

Tastronauten

Synthesizer Show & Tell: Akai AX-73

Learson Peak

Akai AX73 - The White Analog | Short edit reupload

Espen Kraft

AKAI AX73 Demo | No Talking |

DKS SYNTH LAB

Reviews

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Critic Reviews

Akai AX73 | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Akai AX73 is a hidden gem in the world of synthesizers, boasting a six-voice analog architecture that rivals its more famous peers. Its unique sound capabilities, including multiple playing modes and MIDI integration, make it a versatile tool for modern music production. While it excels in delivering rich, warm tones suitable for various genres, some users have reported reliability issues, particularly with polyphony. However, for those willing to embrace its quirks, the AX73 offers a rewarding sonic palette that stands out in both live and studio settings. This underrated synth deserves more recognition, making it a worthy addition for any serious musician.

positive

Full Review

Akai AX-73 Synthesizer Review

defectivenation.co.uk

The Akai AX-73 offers a unique sound profile with its vintage VCO architecture, but it struggles with thinness in its base sound, particularly when using a single oscillator. While the autotune feature is a practical solution for tuning issues, it can be a hassle in live settings. Despite its affordable price point, the lack of a robust interface and reliance on incremental adjustments can frustrate users. Although it has potential in dual and unison modes for thicker tones, many may find the overall sound lacks the character of its more famous counterparts like the Roland Juno 106. In the end, while it can produce some useful sounds, its limitations and less favorable comparisons keep it from being a must-have in any serious synth collection.

negative

Full Review

Akai Arrive! (IT Nov 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Akai AX73 synthesizer shines with its expansive six-octave keyboard and solid build quality, making it an attractive option for both beginners and seasoned players. Despite its single oscillator per voice, the AX73 compensates with a robust filter section and impressive sound programming capabilities. However, the digital access control system can be cumbersome, and the lack of an internal arpeggiator might disappoint some users. Additionally, while it excels at sample manipulation when paired with Akai's samplers, it cannot layer its internal voices. Overall, the AX73 offers a compelling blend of affordability and functionality, ensuring it stands out in the competitive synth market.

positive

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3.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

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m4ntr0n1c

417

over 7 years ago

Raw analog sounds

Great synth when working with what it CAN DO, because some might argue rthat it is unflexible. Once you open that section of possibilities, it's easy to see there are some really awesome sounds possible from it. Expressiveness is not that great because of the options it has, but otherwise it does have some great possibilities, so for those who get easily deceived or can't program a patch, this one is easy to program and use.

Roles:

Keyboardist Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Electronica Experimental

Artist usage

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Legowelt

Music Producer

Verified via Legowelt

5 June 2015 – Enter the AKAI AX-23, a one off smaller handcrafted ‘artisan’ version of the AX73 synthesiser from Japan ca. 1986. Basically, someone just sawed off two octaves and made it smaller.

The original keyboard spans 6 frickin’octaves (!!!) making it a huge heavy board, which kind of contrasts with the very simple synthesis engine inside . It is an analog 1 VCO, six voice, polysynth, nothing luxurious or extra can be found in the enormous case: no arpeggiator, no chord memory, no sequencer just a very spartanic 1 VCO synth.

It figures that most of the inside of this synth is empty so sawing off half of it is actually easy to do I guess.

It was originally sold to me as an “AX-49” because it had 49 keys instead of the AX-73′ 73 keys. But I don’t like the number 49 that much so I just called it 23 instead. Twenty-Three is the cosmic number of Chaos and I am sure with a lot of calculations the number 23 will make sense in this matter (73 – 49 = 24…uh that doesn’t work but 73 = ( 7+3 ) = 10 + 49 (4+9) = 13 and 10 + 13 is 23 psychotic gematria always works in the end.

Roberto Burgos

Singer, Guitarist

Sweet Trip

Verified via Photo

"Sweet Trip supplies (aka my low tech unsophisticated equipt checklist for Halica, alura, VDC,live or recording)"

Chris & Cosey

Verified via Soundonsound

In the Sound on Sound article titled "Chris & Cosey: 2 Unlimited," it's noted that Chris & Cosey use the Akai AX73 synthesizer, listed third in their gear list.