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Korg M1

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$24.26 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (40)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Korg M1

4 community setups

40 wishlisted

156 saved

Page last updated Jun 08, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (23)

$24.26 39 available Used

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Average Price: $24

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Korg M1 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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Introducing the Korg M1, a timeless classic in the world of digital synthesizers. Manufactured between 1988 to 1995, this 61-key synth workstation is celebrated for its pioneering combination of subtractive synthesis with sampled waveforms and acoustic instruments. The M1's versatility stems from an in-built MIDI sequencer and a capacity for 16 voices of polyphony, making it an enduring favorite among musicians around the globe.

Key Features: - 61-key synth music workstation - MIDI sequencer included - Features 16 voices of polyphony - Uses subtractive synthesis on sampled waveforms and acoustic instruments - Manufactured between 1988 to 1995

Product specs

Brand	Korg
Model	M1 61-Key Synth Music Workstation
Finish	Black
Year	1990s
Made In	Japan
Categories	Keyboard Synths, Workstation Keyboards
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Polyphony	16 Voices

FAQs

Is the Korg M1 a digital or analog synthesizer?: The Korg M1 is a digital synthesizer, known for its high-quality PCM-based synthesis system and digital multi-effects, which contributed to its unique and influential sound.
How many keys does the Korg M1 have and what is the key action like?: The Korg M1 features 61 full-size keys with a synth action, providing a responsive and dynamic playing experience suitable for a variety of music styles.
What type of polyphony does the Korg M1 offer?: The Korg M1 offers 16-voice polyphony, allowing for complex chordal passages and layered sounds without note dropouts.
Does the Korg M1 have MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Korg M1 is equipped with MIDI Input, Output, and Through, making it compatible with other MIDI-enabled devices for expanded control and integration.
What standout features does the Korg M1's sound engine offer?: The Korg M1's sound engine is renowned for its realistic acoustic and digital sounds, including iconic presets like the "Universe" and "Piano" patches, which have been widely used in various music genres.

Videos

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Doctor Mix

Korg M1 Synthesizer: Famous Sounds

Doctor Mix

Korg M1 piano and organ | Famous sounds and songs

Woody Piano Shack

Korg M1 Demo I No Talking

Alphacode Synth Demos & Custom Sound Banks

Korg M1 Unboxing & Jam

Doctor Mix

Korg M1 Famous Songs and Sounds

Nicolas Melis

The Korg M1 - Putting it all Together

Johnny Morgan Synth Dreams

Korg M1 (Review Full) Test Sounds

Tiago Mallen

Korg M1: The Best Selling Synth of All Time | WHY?!

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Reviews

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PROS

Unique, warm, and fat sound quality
Joystick for expressive performance
Solid build, portable for gigging or travel
Classic, recognizable sounds featured in 80s/90s media
Versatile for various music styles and bands
Easy sound creation and onboard sequencer
Durable with solid resale value
Supports expansion with additional sample cards

CONS

Sounds can feel a bit dated
Lacks USB connectivity; relies on MIDI cables
Factory patches, while classic, may limit creativity
Internal battery replacement is cumbersome
Keys are semi-weighted, not fully weighted

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg M1.

Comparisons

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The M3R is a budget-friendly alternative, retaining the M1's organ and piano sounds, and supports M1 waveform cards.
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The M1 keybed is more durable than the Triton's, despite both using the Yamaha FS keybed model.
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Newer Korg models like the Triton offer M1 sounds plus enhanced polyphony and easier programming, making them a more versatile choice for live performances.
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Considered more of a ROMpler than a traditional synth, with limited sound design compared to newer models.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners appreciate the M1's keybed for its feel, making it superior to modern controllers under $500 for playability.
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The M1 is praised for its superior key feel compared to modern MIDI controllers, enhancing stage presence and performance quality.
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Popular in house music for its legendary organ sounds, notably used in hits like "Show Me Love."
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Features and functionality

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The M1's spring-loaded joystick transmits CC#2, offering unique modulation options but can't be left static like a modwheel.
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The M1's LCD screen is noted for being cryptic, making it challenging for users accustomed to more intuitive interfaces.
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Lacks resonant filters and uses 2 oscillators, which limits sound design compared to Roland D50 and Yamaha SY55.
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Setup and maintenance

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The M1 battery is conveniently placed in a holder on the main circuit board, simplifying replacement.
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Internal battery replacement is simple; users report needing to change it approximately every decade.
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The M1R's clock battery failure can lead to loss of custom patches, highlighting the importance of maintaining battery health for patch preservation.
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Build quality

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Korg M1's Yamaha FS keybed is praised for its durability and aftertouch, comparable to high-end Yamahas like the DX7.
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Membrane buttons can require extra force over time, but MIDI Designer app can substitute for failing buttons.
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Software and compatibility

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The M1 plugin includes all expansion cards, offering a comprehensive sound library for home use without the maintenance needs of the hardware.
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Owners find the M1 plugin valuable due to additional sounds and percussion kits, offering more versatility than the hardware.
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User experience

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Known for reliability, with many long-term users still utilizing it as their main keyboard from the early '90s to now.
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Critic Reviews

Korg M1 (Retrozone)

soundonsound.com

The Korg M1 is celebrated as a groundbreaking digital synth workstation, lauded for its innovative Sample + Synthesis technology, robust sound library, and versatile onboard effects. Its 16-bit PCM tones and drum samples set new standards in the industry, while its built-in sequencer was functional, albeit limited by today's standards. Despite the non-resonant filters and some polyphony constraints, the M1's rich, harmonically complex sounds and user-friendly modulation options made it a favorite. Its success story is a testament to its well-rounded feature set and the creative genius of its development team.

positive

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 40 Ratings

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monoriderz

156

almost 2 years ago

Chceš dělat house? Pak potřebuješ M1

Korg M1 znamená typické house piano a organ, které v 90tých letech proslavili tento nástroj. Nebo to bylo tak, že tento nástroj proslavil žánr house music? Je to opravdu velký, těžký kus nábytku, ale pro ten pocit to rozhodně stojí. Tento nástroj mám v mém nahrávacím studiu Sunteem records.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Pop Electronica

redvoid

204

over 7 years ago

one of the best Romplers of all time, and a solid keyboard for gigging musicians

I played in tons of bands in tons of styles with this thing for many years. Though the sounds are a bit dated, they are also all classics. In the end the factory set, no matter how much you normally hate factory patches are on every record you own from the 80s and 90s, every TV or Movie soundtrack, and every ad for 30+ years. The keyboard still feels better than most dedicated MIDI controllers. I am more of a synthesis first guy these days, so it doesn't get much use, but it still has solid resale value, so anytime I want out, some gigging musician will gladly buy it from me. Only the Roland D50 has this level of desirability in the rompler space.

phil_isix

751

over 10 years ago

I love it, Vintage and so easy to play (This one is Extended set)

Great synth in music 's story. Sold in all the world at about than 30 billions. Easy to create sounds. one sequencer !!!!!! Old sounds but great sounds of basses and pianos. They were neither on 24 nor 32 bits but, very good and well thought strong machine for to cross time away ..... I always like the touch and after touch of this keyboard (same as the Yamaha DX7), so you can't fill board by playing and playing. Very hard built and you can still find cards for new samples. Thank's to Korg. Indeed

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Pop Folk, World, & Country