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Average Price: $328
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Description
Meet the Korg MS-10, a spectacular monophonic semi-modular synthesizer that commands respect within its category. Often seen as the MS-20's compact sibling, this instrument proudly flaunts the same low-pass filter found in the pioneering MS20's first generation. Despite its modest size, the MS-10 is far from basic. Its semi-modular patching system, a key feature of the MS-20, permits you to modify the signal flow, thereby unlocking an array of sound and routing options uncommonly found in analogue mono-synths of its era.
Key Features:
- Compact monophonic semi-modular synthesizer
- Features low-pass filter identical to the first generation MS20
- Equipped with one VCO, LFO, and VCA
- Semi-modular patching system allows redirection of signal flow
- Offers wide range of sound and routing possibilities
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | MS-10 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1970s |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 32 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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Is the Korg MS-10 suitable for creating bass sounds?
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Yes, the Korg MS-10 is highly regarded for its ability to produce deep, rich bass sounds, thanks to its monophonic analog design and versatile patch panel.
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What kind of synthesis does the Korg MS-10 use?
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The Korg MS-10 employs analog subtractive synthesis, which allows users to shape sounds using its VCO, VCF, VCA, and EG components.
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How many keys does the Korg MS-10 have, and what is their size?
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The Korg MS-10 features 32 full-size keys, providing a comfortable playing experience for synthesizer enthusiasts.
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Is the Korg MS-10 polyphonic?
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No, the Korg MS-10 is a monophonic synthesizer, meaning it can only play one note at a time, which is ideal for lead lines and bass sounds.
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Does the Korg MS-10 have a patch panel?
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Yes, the Korg MS-10 includes a patch panel, which allows for a wide range of sound modulation and experimentation by rerouting signal paths.
Videos
LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER
The KORG MS10 IS THE BEST SYNTH.. better than the MS20 (in my opinion :O.).
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional bass quality, powerful and deep
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Unique sonic range: fat, rich, textured, punchy
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Pulse-width modulation offers distinct sounds
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Versatile: produces everything from screaming leads to solid sub tones
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Semi-modular with a fun, clunky patch bay
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Strong personality in LFO and filter sounds
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Easy to use, even for beginners
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Durable for live performances
CONS
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Only one oscillator, limiting sound complexity
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Lack of memory for sound storage
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Requires high-quality recording gear to capture full sound fidelity
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg MS-10.
Comparisons
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The MS-10 has a simpler patchbay than the MS-20 Mini, making it potentially less overwhelming for beginners learning synthesis basics.
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The MS-20 Mini is preferred by some over vintage models due to its built-in MIDI adapter and comparable sound quality.
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The Behringer K-2 clone is noted for having both filter revisions, offering a more versatile sound than the MS-20 Mini.
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Features and functionality
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The MS-10's PWM is highlighted for its ability to modulate any patch freely, unlike the MS-20's more limited modulation options.
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Connecting the keyboard CV out to Cutoff Frequency and cranking the resonance provides a powerful bass sound, with the cutoff dial acting as the master tune.
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The MS-20 full-size reissue provides better keys and lower noise levels compared to the MS-20 Mini, though at a significantly higher price.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners note that integrating Eurorack requires a conversion from Korg's Hz/Volt CV to Volt/Octave, a vital consideration for expansion.
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Setup and maintenance
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Vintage MS-10 units may require upkeep, such as knob repairs and addressing drift, which can be challenging for those unskilled in electronics.
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Use cases and applications
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The MS-20 Mini is capable of drum synthesis, offering additional versatility compared to the MS-10.
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The MS-10 is highly praised for its powerful and punchy sound compared to the MS-20, making it ideal for users seeking a robust audio experience.
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The MS-20 is praised for its feedback potential, allowing unique sound creation when the phones are patched through the ESP back into the filter or oscillator FM.
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User experience
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The MS-10's filters are frequently described as "beasts," suggesting a strong and aggressive tonal character that can enhance electronic music styles.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 29 Ratings
492
Toughest filter!
This was my first professional analog synth. I got the MS10 back in 2017 as a gift , and I use it at almost any chance I get because of it's ability to link the lfo selection the the pwm on the patchbay (something the MS20 lacks) , and its tough growling korg 35 filter . It's got the classic korg sound , it can make a wide variety of sounds even with a single oscillator , and it's extremely easy to use . If your looking for a reasonably priced retro monosynth the korg MS10 is the way to go !
58
One of the best
One of the best synth I know. It can do deep bass lines, screaming leads, effects, and it's really great if you use the patch bay. The LFO, the filter have a strong personality. Even if there's only one VCO, it's huge! I will never sell it. Its the one I used on my "Ghost planet" album.
Big Brother
Think Dr. Who and/or Dr. Dre. For some reason this synth is a Go See The Doctor firm favorite. Also blessed by Dr. Stevie Wonder when he played North Sea Jazz and borrowed my MS10 and 20..
1963
Korg MS-10
One of my favorite synths of all time because its fast to work wioth and it sounds amazing
Under-powered by today's standards, but still shines
Gigged with one for 10 years. Wouldn't trade it for the world.
Artist usage
Add artist
In the Ableton blog titled "Dusty Kid on III and Live," Dusty Kid is shown using the Korg MS-10, linked to Ableton Live.
Ms 10 Korg con terminación en madera en el Instagram Oficial de Las Luces Primeras
Matthias Schuster uses the Korg MS-10 synthesizer in his studio, as noted on the Geisterfahrer Studios page, documenting his work from 1979 to 2011.
At 34m40s in a February 12, 2021 interview with "My First Band Podcast", Duncan Sheik states that he had an MS-10 in middle school.
I went to this school called Eaglebrook. [...] I was there for 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. And that's when I started acquiring [...] I had a Korg MS10 monophobic synthesizer. That, I wish I still had.
"I normally use an [Korg] MS10, I've got two of them. They've got a great low end.”
Korg MS-10 and Roland 808 Acid Meditation.
"Daydreaming...while working in studio of course. There's no better way to sort through the filing cabinet of my mind than to get creative and make music. This is my meditation...featuring the Korg MS-10 semi modular synth and Roland 808 drum machine."
During the 1990s, Iñaki Vázquez acquired two Korg MS-10 synthesizers, which were not utilized by his band during that decade and were later stolen, as mentioned in the YouTube video "Iñaki Vazquez en Focusrite Studio Tour - Episodio 1" by Focusrite Group Latam.
Korg MS-10 is listed on the Okolitza Studio website. Additionally, the synthesizer is visible in an Instagram photo taken by Paweł 'Drak' Grzegorczyk, a musician from the band Hunter.
In this October 24, 2023 interview for Ableton.com, Brady Keehn of Sextile (who performs solo as Panther Modern) discusses the importance of his Korg MS-10:
Ableton: Push clearly incorporates more electronic elements into your sound. I understand the Korg MS-10 helped instigate this change?
Panther Modern: I always say that I’m not really a musician. I can’t put two hands on a keyboard or solo on a guitar, but I do know how to record. I’m kind of inspired by Brian Eno, who would also admit to not being a virtuoso musician but uses the studio as an instrument. On the first two records, I used VSTs, a Korg Polysix and a Yamaha DX-7, but the MS-10 has a very beefy and particular sound that I was drawn to. When I first came across it I couldn’t play it as well as I’d have liked, so I used Ableton as the brain, sending sounds out to a sequencer and using those to sequence the MS-10. That was the first time I started sequencing basslines and other sounds in time with other instruments, which opened up a whole new door, and we’ve been working in dance music ever since.
You can see his MS-10 in action in this TikTok post from August 2023.
Album Usage
The Korg MS-10 has been featured on the following albums:
Insects (Remember When)
Viviankrist (2020)
III
Dusty Kid (2016)
Water Park (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Dirty Beaches & Dirty Beaches (2013)
In Rainbows
Radiohead (2007)
To Record Only Water For Ten Days (U.S. Version)
John Frusciante (2001)
Eple
Röyksopp & Röyksopp (2001)
69 Love Songs
The Magnetic Fields (1999)
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 MS-10, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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