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Average Price: $599
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Description
The Korg CX-3 Organ brings the classic sound of vintage organs into the modern era with a design that's both faithful and innovative. Crafted to meet the demands of today's musicians, the CX-3 offers 61 waterfall keys that replicate the feel of traditional organ keyboards, ensuring a seamless transition for seasoned players. This organ is equipped with Korg's proprietary tonewheel generator, which delivers authentic organ sounds with precision and clarity, making it a standout choice for both studio recording and live performances.
The CX-3 features nine drawbars and a wide variety of preset sounds, allowing for a deep customization of your tone. Built-in effects such as chorus and reverb add an extra layer of depth, while the intuitive interface ensures that sound adjustments can be made on the fly without missing a beat. Whether you’re looking to recreate the soulful sounds of the '60s or push boundaries with modern soundscapes, the CX-3 is more than capable.
The organ is also equipped with MIDI capabilities, offering seamless integration into your existing setup. The lightweight design makes it perfect for gigging musicians who need a reliable and versatile instrument.
Key Features:
- 61 waterfall keys for an authentic playing experience
- Proprietary tonewheel generator for rich, classic organ sounds
- Nine drawbars and extensive presets for personalized sound
- Built-in effects including chorus and reverb
- MIDI connectivity for versatile integration
- Lightweight design suitable for live performances
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | CX-3 Digital Tonewheel Organ |
| Finish | Wood |
| Year | 1990s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Organs |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
FAQs
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What type of sound engine does the Korg CX-3 Organ use?
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The Korg CX-3 Organ utilizes a digital tonewheel sound engine, which emulates classic organ sounds with great authenticity.
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How many keys does the Korg CX-3 Organ have?
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The Korg CX-3 Organ features 61 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a traditional organ playing experience.
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Is the Korg CX-3 Organ suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Korg CX-3 Organ is well-suited for live performances, offering versatile organ sounds and easy control with its touch drawbars.
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Does the Korg CX-3 Organ have built-in effects?
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The Korg CX-3 Organ includes built-in effects such as reverb and chorus, enhancing its sound versatility for different musical styles.
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What are the main features of the Korg CX-3 Organ's control interface?
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The Korg CX-3 Organ features touch drawbars for dynamic harmonic control, along with a user-friendly interface for quick sound adjustments.
Videos
piano4joy - Alexander Nagel
KORG CX-3 (old model) Hammond B3 "clonewheel" sound demo
KORG CX-3 (old model) Hammond B3 "clonewheel" sound demo
piano4joy - Alexander Nagel
e-flat test Strymon LEX with Korg CX-3 Vintage Organ
Attaporn Xuto
Korg CX3 Keyboard Organ
ThePianoforever
Korg CX-3 Organ, Hammond A-100 (A-102 , B3, C3) Leslie 147
autarkus11
Korg CX-3 and Rotosphere MkII
Attaporn Xuto
Reviews
PROS
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Emulates Hammond organ vibe affordably and portably
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Well-constructed and light, facilitating transport
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Offers amazingly versatile analog and digital sounds
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Waterfall keybed provides an authentic playing experience
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Presets are easily tweakable, enhancing creative expression
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Onboard synthesized Leslie sound adds realism
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MIDI capability allows expansion with a second keyboard
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Sound quality remains impressive decades after release
CONS
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Early digital versions had keybed and software issues
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Internal rotating speaker effect doesn’t match a real Leslie's quality
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg CX-3 Organ.
Features and functionality
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The built-in Leslie effect on the Korg CX-3 is often criticized for sounding more like a flanger rather than providing a genuine Leslie sound.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Owners note that the keyboard isn't waterfall and can feel fragile, with sluggish plastic key response that may require repairs over time.
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White noise and low volume output have been noted in first edition CX-3s, suggesting potential issues that might require troubleshooting or maintenance in older units.
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Mods and upgrades
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Users suggest pairing the CX-3 with external Leslie simulators like the Strymon Lex or EHX Lester for improved sound quality.
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It's been suggested to use the CX-3's flat top for adding a small MIDI keyboard like a Micron to create a dual keyboard setup, offering increased functionality.
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Comparisons
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The Korg CX-3 lacks the chorus/vibrato circuit found in some other organs, which owners miss for certain tonal effects.
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Owners have debated the tonal warmth of older models versus newer ones, with some finding older models muddy and preferring newer ones when paired with external simulators like the Strymon Lex.
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The CX-3's tone wheels are praised as superior to other models like the Roland Rhodes VK1000, though the latter offers key transpose features.
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User experience
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Despite being over 30 years old, some users report minimal electronic issues, though physical repairs like cabinet rebuilding are common.
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Some owners have successfully used the CX-3 with a Boss Blues Driver and Dimebag wah pedal for additional tonal versatility, producing a unique, funky sound.
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Value and pricing
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At $300, the CX-3 is considered a steal, providing a unique organ flavor despite its limitations compared to modern models like the Mojo 61.
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A used Korg CX-3 can be found for prices ranging from $750 to $900, which is considered a good deal compared to newer alternatives.
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For guitarists seeking keyboard sounds, the CX-3 at $700 is highlighted as a more affordable alternative to pricier models like the Nord Electro.
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Use cases and applications
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For beginner to intermediate players transitioning from piano to organ, the CX-3 serves as a solid intermediate/pro organ substitute without the need for a Leslie.
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It's mentioned that the CX-3 can sustain over 3000 shows, indicating its reliability for frequent gigging despite its age.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 11 Ratings
612
The Hammond B3 sound in a compact keyboard
In the 1980's, I wanted an organ that sounded like "an organ", not a cheesy replica. Synthesizers and other electronic keyboards offered organ sounds and patches, but they just didn't cut it. ...enter the Korg CX-3 and BX-3 organs, which both sound just like a real Hammond. Unfortunately, the electronic rotating speaker effect they employed internally didn't sound like a real Leslie rotating speaker, but was usable. That being said, the CX-3 when actually hooked-up to a real Leslie rotating speaker sounds indestinguishable from a Hammond, and continues to be a great organ 3 decades later, ...definitely one of Korg's enduring products.
Artist usage
Add artist
During this concert of John Zorn's Moonchild project, Medeski plays a Korg CX-3 (see, e.g., at 1:58). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aRUPa1O6XU
For the uplifting, rearranged Christmas concerts, MacNeil had used a basic system of keyboards that has also benefited from re-arrangement and from a desire to play what's right rather than display what's expected. There were five keyboards: a Korg CX3 organ, a Yamaha electric grand, an Oberheim OB8, a JP8, and the inevitable DX7.
"Getting back to my live keyboard set-up, I also use an Emulator II, DX7, Jupiter 8 and a Korg CX-3. I do all my own keyboard mixing on stage and just send the PA a stereo mix of my sound because I like to keep control of what's going on. Effects-wise, I use a few digital reverbs and a couple of digital delays, that's all really. I don't use any MIDI facility on the road."
David Rosenthal is confirmed to use a Korg CX-3 Organ, as detailed in a photo from Keyboard Magazine showing him at the helm of his keyboard rig, which includes the Korg CX-3 feeding an offstage Leslie alongside other equipment.
Live with Black Mountain, Jeremy plays a Korg CX-3 for organ sounds.
On tour with Dungen Gustav Ejstes is often seen using the Korg CX-3, instead of a real Hammond organ, with numerous guitar pedals on top of it. Ejstes often alternate between the electric piano and the organ on the live sets, but as seen on this video the piano parts are here completely replaced with organ sounds instead.
Chris Ross is known for using the Korg CX-3 Organ, which has become a signature element in his performances. This is evident in a Getty Images photo of him performing live with Wolfmother, showcasing the organ on stage. His use of the Korg CX-3 has inspired fans to explore similar gear, including the black finger compressor and the old deluxe memory man for their distinct sound.
Showed up in a list of Ryo Okumoto’s gear on the Spock’s Beard official website.
In this photo, which shows Hultquist at his studio, the Korg CX-3 organ is visible.
Gunnar Mathias Michaeli used the Korg CX-3 Organ during The Final Countdown Tour at Solnahallen in 1986, specifically for organ parts in songs such as "Danger on the Track," "Rock the Night," and "Dance the Night Away." This is evidenced in a video of the performance uploaded by Triv on YouTube, titled "The Final Countdown Tour - Europe at Solnahallen, Sweden 1986."
In this video of Caravan playing the song Nine Feet Underground live in 1991 Keyboardist, Dave Sinclair can be seen playing a Korg CX3 at 5:54.
In addition to the M50, I’ve got a couple of microKORGs [synthesizer/vocoder], a microX [TRITON-powered synthesizer], my old TR TRITON-engine workstation, my CX3 (which I use with TMV) and my TRITON [Workstation/Synthesizer]. I like to rotate the synths in and out over the course of the tour to keep things from getting too stale. I rely on the TR for my clav sound.
-from i.korg.com
Album Usage
The Korg CX-3 Organ has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Korg CX-3 Organ, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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