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Average Price: $699

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Description

Experience the rich and layered sound of the Korg Delta, a legendary string synthesizer from the 1980s. This masterpiece offers a dynamic blend of string and synth sections, each with distinct functions and controls. Unleash your creativity with its powerful 24 dB/octave low pass filter and immerse yourself in its sonic depth with full 49-key polyphony on its string section. The Korg Delta also features an innovative joystick for real-time control, an ADSR and LFO based modulation system, and a noise generator, making it a versatile addition to your musical arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Versatile synthesizer with distinct string and synth sections
  • Powerful 24 dB/octave low pass filter
  • Full 49-key polyphony on string section
  • Unique joystick for real-time control
  • ADSR and LFO based modulation system
  • Noise generator for added sonic depth
  • Produced between 1979 and 1983

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Delta
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 49 Voices

FAQs

Is the Korg Delta a polyphonic synthesizer?

Yes, the Korg Delta is a paraphonic synthesizer with 49 voices, meaning it can play multiple notes simultaneously, making it suitable for creating rich, layered sounds.

What type of synthesis does the Korg Delta use?

The Korg Delta employs analog synthesis, offering classic analog warmth and character, ideal for vintage sound enthusiasts.

How many keys does the Korg Delta have, and what is their action type?

The Korg Delta features 49 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive playing experience for musicians.

What are the standout features of the Korg Delta's sound engine?

The Korg Delta is known for its lush string sounds and versatile synthesizer section, allowing for a wide range of sonic possibilities from classic string ensembles to unique synthesized textures.

Is the Korg Delta suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Delta's full-size keys and robust analog sound make it a great choice for live performances, particularly for those seeking a vintage sound aesthetic.

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

I Found A KORG DELTA Synthesizer In Pieces

Video thumbnail for I Found A KORG DELTA Synthesizer In Pieces by LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

I Found A KORG DELTA Synthesizer In Pieces

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER

Video thumbnail for KORG DELTA Demo & Review [English Captions] by musictrackjp

KORG DELTA Demo & Review [English Captions]

musictrackjp

musictrackjp

Video thumbnail for Synthesizer Show & Tell | Korg Delta by Learson Peak

Synthesizer Show & Tell | Korg Delta

Learson Peak

Learson Peak

Video thumbnail for Have You Ever Heard The Korg Delta? by Learson Peak

Have You Ever Heard The Korg Delta?

Learson Peak

Learson Peak

Video thumbnail for Beautiful Strings on the Korg Delta by BellaBell

Beautiful Strings on the Korg Delta

BellaBell

BellaBell

Video thumbnail for Korg Delta - Big Cinematic Sound by LFOstore

Korg Delta - Big Cinematic Sound

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for Korg Delta - Ambient Colours by LFOstore

Korg Delta - Ambient Colours

LFOstore

LFOstore

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg Delta.

Features and functionality

  • Known for its distinctive "string" sound and excellent bass tones, capable of creating growling or humming effects.

    Source
  • Offers basic sounds like organ tones and something close to electric piano with tweaking, allowing for real-time adjustments like swells and sweeps.

    Source

User experience

  • Considered a simple synth with no presets, requiring users to manually build sounds from scratch, appealing to those who enjoy hands-on sound design.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Described as a "baby paraphonic Trident," suggesting a more compact and simplified version of the larger Korg Trident.

    Source
  • Some users have noted that the Korg Delta shares some filter design similarities with the Korg 800 DV.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Utilized by the group Broadcast as a "secret weapon," indicating its effectiveness in producing unique sounds for recording or live performances.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The AMI S10430 divider chips are essential but discontinued; replacements can be found second-hand, and using IC sockets is recommended for easy future swaps.

    Source
  • Filter issues may stem from four capacitors around the filter circuit, which are known to cause problems.

    Source
  • Dry joints on potentiometers can cause erratic behavior; checking and resoldering these joints may resolve issues.

    Source
  • Regular cleaning with Deoxit D100L on contacts, ribbon cable terminals, and pots can significantly improve performance.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners note that while spacious inside, care must be taken with the side plastic and internal wood panel to avoid damage.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • S10430 chips can cost between $40 and $80, affecting repair costs and overall value considerations.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Delta | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Korg Delta impresses as an analog semi-polyphonic synth/string machine, delivering high-quality retro synth strings and robust bass tones that are a joy for synth enthusiasts. Its dual-section design, with separate audio outputs and controls for Strings and Synth, offers versatility despite limited sound range compared to its peers. The intuitive joystick for modulation adds an extra layer of expressivity. However, it lacks modern conveniences like memory storage and MIDI, which may deter some users. Its solid build, designed for road use, ensures durability. Overall, the Korg Delta is a gem for those seeking vintage charm at an affordable price.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mk.gee uses Korg Delta

Mk.gee

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this gear check Youtube video Mk.gee reveals that the Korg Delta is used when playing live in Dijon's touring band. It can be seen at 13:38.

I use it for bass and some string stuff.

See how The Real Mike Dean uses Korg Delta

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post by The Real Mike Dean, a Korg Delta is visible as the middle synthesizer on the wall stand to the left, part of his studio setup.

See how Tony Banks uses Korg Delta

Tony Banks

Singer, Keyboardist

Genesis

...
Verified via Getty Images

The Korg Delta is the top keyboard behind him. The Delta is sat on top of a Roland RS-202.

See how Olafur Arnalds uses Korg Delta

Olafur Arnalds

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is my string machine corner, with the Delta and the Jen"

See how Mount Kimbie uses Korg Delta

Mount Kimbie

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 1:44, Dominic Maker can be seen using Korg Delta.

See how Broadcast uses Korg Delta

Broadcast

...
Verified via YouTube

Roj Stevens is seen playing a Korg Delta in this live version of "Unchanging Window/Chord Simple" on Jools Holland.

See how Minoru Mukaiya uses Korg Delta

Minoru Mukaiya

Keyboardist

Casiopea

...
Verified via YouTube

The Delta is used to perform the main melody in this video.

See how Weyes Blood uses Korg Delta

Weyes Blood

Keyboardist, Guitarist

...
Verified via reddit

During a Reddit AMA, a user asked what Natalie's favorite synthesizer or piece of musical equipment was, and she replied with the following:

"I love the arp odyssey... very crunchy and angular, unearthly sounds. Hard to choose an absolute favorite piece of music equipment, but of what I own, I love my korg delta string synth. brings me to heaven."

See how Phil Oakey uses Korg Delta

Phil Oakey

Singer, Keyboardist

The Human League

...
Verified via The-black-hit-of-space

Phil Oakey is listed as using the Korg Delta synthesizer, as noted in the August 12, 1978, edition of Sounds, featured on The-black-hit-of-space.

See how John Medeski uses Korg Delta

John Medeski

Keyboardist

Medeski Martin & Wood

...
Verified via Synth History

In an interview with Synth History, John Medeski mentions using a Korg Triton on the soundtrack for The Curse, highlighting its contribution to the project.

C

Candida Doyle

Singer, Keyboardist

Pulp

...
Verified

Candida Doyle is noted for using a Korg Delta, as referenced in a tour program.

See how Mike Score uses Korg Delta

Mike Score

Singer, Guitarist

A Flock of Seagulls

...
Verified via YouTube

Mike can be seen playing a Korg Delta DL-50 at 0:49.

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 Delta, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Yamaha DX7
Yamaha DX7 Synthesizers
3
Korg MS-20
Korg MS-20 Synthesizers
3
Roland JX-8P
Roland JX-8P Synthesizers
2
Korg MS-10
Korg MS-10 Synthesizers
2
Korg MiniKorg-700s
2
Roland RE-201 Space Echo
Roland RE-201 Space Echo Effects Processors
1
Korg Trident
Korg Trident Synthesizers
1

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