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Average Price: $24
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$500
$1501+
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Description
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
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Is the Korg M1 a digital or analog synthesizer?
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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.
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How many keys does the Korg M1 have and what is the key action like?
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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.
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What type of polyphony does the Korg M1 offer?
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The Korg M1 offers 16-voice polyphony, allowing for complex chordal passages and layered sounds without note dropouts.
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Does the Korg M1 have MIDI connectivity?
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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.
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What standout features does the Korg M1's sound engine offer?
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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
Doctor Mix
Korg M1 Synthesizer: Famous Sounds
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
PROS
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Unique, warm, and fat sound quality
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Joystick for expressive performance
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Solid build, portable for gigging or travel
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Classic, recognizable sounds featured in 80s/90s media
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Versatile for various music styles and bands
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Easy sound creation and onboard sequencer
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Durable with solid resale value
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Supports expansion with additional sample cards
CONS
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Sounds can feel a bit dated
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Lacks USB connectivity; relies on MIDI cables
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Factory patches, while classic, may limit creativity
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Internal battery replacement is cumbersome
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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."
Source
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.
Source
Build quality
Software and compatibility
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 40 Ratings
156
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.
204
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.
751
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
146
Artist usage
Add artist
STRUMENTI E VINTAGE KEYBOARDS Pianoforte YAMAHA C3 CONSERVATORY mezza coda (Disklavier) Piano elettrico FENDER RHODES 88 tasti Piano Digitale YAMAHA P-60 HAMMOND B3 – HAMMOND C3 – HAMMOND T-500 – LESLIE 122 – LESLIE 147 Basso elettrico GIBSON RIPPER Chitarra elettrica GRETSCH BATTERIA PEARL con rullante LUDWIG e piatti PAISTE e ZILDJIAN CONGAS – PERCUSSIONI di vario genere VINTAGE KEYBOARDS MINIMOOG KURZWEIL K250 KURZWEIL RMX 250 KORG M1 KORG Trinity ROLAND D50 Linear Synthesizer ROLAND D550 Linear Synthesizer YAMAHA DX7 FDII ENSONIQ SQ80 Analog Sinthesizer ROLAND D-110 ROLAND U-110 EMULATOR III EMULATOR III XP 2 EMULATOR IV E6400 OBERHEIM Matrix 1000 KAWAI K1m BOSS Drums Machine YAMAHA RX5 Drums Machine
(All from the website)
At 15 minutes and 18 seconds into the video, Rick Seratte is visibly using a Korg M1 during a live performance with Shadow King, as seen on the lower tier of his keyboard stand.
At 2 minutes and 18 seconds into the YouTube live video "Rox Diamond - Live In Japan 1992 (Full HD Remaster)" by Vince Distefano's Hard Rock & Heavy Metal Vault, Philip Wolfe is seen using a Korg M1.
At 3 minutes and 55 seconds into Nelson's "After the Rain" music video, Paul Mirkovich is seen using a Korg M1. This can be verified in the official music video available on NelsonVEVO's YouTube channel.
Mark Stanway is seen using the Korg M1 synthesizer live with Magnum at the 2 minute and 29 second mark of the YouTube video "Magnum - Sacred Hour (Birmingham Town Hall, 1992)" provided by Music On TV1.
At the 1 minute and 15 seconds mark of the "Running Wild" performance from Royal Hunt's live DVD "1996," André Andersen is seen using a Korg M1. This footage is available on the Royal Hunt YouTube channel.
Composer Chris Hülsbeck confirmed in a Reddit AMA that he used the Korg M1 for his Amiga R-Type composition. He stated, "Yes, the Amiga R-Type was my first tune using samples made with the Korg M1, which inspired me to do a different composition than on the C64. That's why it's a bit more film soundtrack like."
In the video titled "Blue Murder - Live on Mtv's Big Al Show w/Weird Al Yankovic, 1989," at the 3 minute and 17 second mark, Nik Green is visibly using a Korg M1 synthesizer during the performance with Blue Murder. This footage was uploaded by Dig This on YouTube and features the band performing their song "Billy" on Mtv's Big Al Show.
At the 22-second mark in the YouTube video titled "Axel Rudi Pell live | Rockpalast | 2018" by WDR Rockpalast, Ferdy Doernberg is visibly using a Korg M1 synthesizer during a live performance.
Andy Nye is confirmed to use a Korg M1 synthesizer, as seen in the photo available on Equipboard.
"I worked as an employee twice for Elite, the 1st time 1985-1986 and the 2nd time around 1989-1990. The 1st time I was removed as an employee and taken on as a freelance musician earning a fixed fee per project, this cost them less but gave me the freedom to work for other people as well. I was taken on again in 1989 or there abouts, and things were much better, they got me some decent kit including an AKAI S950 sampler and a Korg M1 keyboard a long with Notator on the Atari ST. I produced music for Amiga, PC, Atari ST and NES machines. Later on Elite decided they were going to start publishing their own games and this required a lot of money. To this end they streamlined the company and made redundant a large portion of the staff, including me." - Mark Cooksey
Album Usage
The Korg M1 has been featured on the following albums:
Gentō
Steve Rothery & Thorsten Quaeschning (2025)
The Unreleased Remastered Demos
Giuffria (2025)
Fire
Saraya (2025)
Death & Sex (CX40 Version)
The Cassandra Complex (2024)
The Plague
The Cassandra Complex (2022)
Say Cheese (Remix)
Teddy Riley & KiDi (2020)
![Korg M1 as heard on Delicate Sound of Thunder (2019 Remix) [Live] by Pink Floyd (2020)](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/3124/delicate-sound-of-thunder-2019-remix-live.jpg)
Delicate Sound of Thunder (2019 Remix) [Live]
Pink Floyd (2020)
Hardware (Wetware 2019 Remaster)
The Cassandra Complex (2019)
Software (Wetware 2019 Remaster)
The Cassandra Complex (2019)
Only Diamonds Cut Diamonds
Vegyn (2019)
Synthwaves
Ulrich Schnauss & Thorsten Quaeschning (2017)
Doctor Who: Survival (Original Television Soundtrack)
Dominic Glynn (2017)
This Is What You Came For
Calvin Harris & Rihanna (2016)
Front By Front
Front 242 (2014)
![Korg M1 as heard on The Flying Opera (Around The World In Twenty Days) [Live] by Avantasia (2011)](https://images.equipboard.com/uploads/album/image/26655/the-flying-opera-around-the-world-in-twenty-days-live.jpg)
The Flying Opera (Around The World In Twenty Days) [Live]
Avantasia (2011)
Heaven
Yanou & DJ Sammy (2002)
1996
Royal Hunt (1996)
Show Me Love
Laidback Luke & Steve Angello & Robin Stone & Robin S. (1993)
Sex & Death
The Cassandra Complex (1993)
Land of Broken Hearts
Royal Hunt (1992)
Tubular Bells II
Mike Oldfield (1992)
Beyond the Wall of Sleep
The Cassandra Complex (1992)
Screamadelica
Primal Scream (1991)
Innuendo
Queen (1991)
Sugar Tax
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1991)
The War Against Sleep
The Cassandra Complex (1991)
Filosofía Barata y Zapatos de Goma
Charly García (1990)
Cyberpunx
The Cassandra Complex (1990)
Vogue
Madonna & Madonna (1990)
Como Conseguir Chicas
Charly García (1989)
Danger Danger
Danger Danger (1989)
Delicate Sound of Thunder (Live)
Pink Floyd (1988)
Silk + Steel
Giuffria (1986)
Giuffria
Giuffria (1984)
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 M1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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Similar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Korg M1, curated by the Equipboard community.
This is Korg's official software emulation of the M1. This plugin comes bundled with nearly every ROM expansion card ever available for M1, giving you a vast library of '90s sounds right out of the gate.
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