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Description
Dive into the world of analog music creation with the Korg MS-20, a full-sized synthesizer that embodies Korg's rich history and commitment to quality. This iconic synthesizer, first released in the late '70s, has made its mark on the music industry, influencing generations of artists with its distinctive sound.
Back by popular demand, Korg has reproduced the MS-20, staying true to its original design and analog circuitry. This full-sized reissue is not just a testament to the past, but a bridge to the future, carrying on the MS-20's unique sound for a new generation to discover and explore.
The MS-20 stands out with its 2VCO / 2VCA / 2VCF / 2EG / 1LFO structure, providing a wide range of sound creation possibilities. It also offers two types of filters: early model and late model, giving you the flexibility to tailor your sound to your exact specifications.
Available in limited quantities, this reissue comes in four different powder-coated color variations, adding a vibrant touch to your music setup.
Key Features:
- Full-sized MS-20 made by KORG
- Available in four different color variations with a powder-coated finish
- Provides two types of filter: early model and late model
- Faithful reproduction of the original analog circuitry
- 2VCO / 2VCA / 2VCF / 2EG / 1LFO structure
- External Signal Processor (ESP) to process an external signal
- Patching system provides an extremely high degree of sound creation freedom
- MIDI IN connector and USB port included
- Comes with an AC adaptor
- Package finish and included manual replicate the original in every detail
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | MS-20 |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1970s |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 37 Keys |
| Polyphony | 1 Voice |
FAQs
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Is the Korg MS-20 suitable for beginners in synthesizers?
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The Korg MS-20 is a great choice for beginners interested in analog synthesis due to its straightforward layout and hands-on patching capabilities. However, it may require some learning to fully understand its patching options and sound design potential.
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What type of synthesis does the Korg MS-20 use?
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The Korg MS-20 is an analog synthesizer that utilizes subtractive synthesis, offering rich, warm tones and a classic sound palette that has been popular since its original release in 1978.
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Does the Korg MS-20 have built-in effects?
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The Korg MS-20 does not have built-in effects. It focuses on pure analog synthesis with its dual oscillators and iconic filters, which can be further processed with external effects.
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Can the Korg MS-20 be used for live performances?
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Yes, the Korg MS-20 is well-suited for live performances, offering a robust build and intuitive interface that allows for dynamic sound manipulation on stage.
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How does the Korg MS-20 handle sound modulation?
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The Korg MS-20 features a flexible patch panel that allows users to create complex modulation routings, offering a wide range of sound design possibilities beyond its standard controls.
Videos
Doctor Mix
The Original Korg MS-20 In Action
The Original Korg MS-20 In Action
Doctor Mix
The Korg MS-20 Synthesizer Is Back & Better Than Ever Before!
Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech
Korg MS20 - In Depth Review
Andertons Synths, Keys and Tech
What's So Great About the Korg MS-20?
Reverb
KORG MS-20, complete in depth guide tutorial. Including patch bay
XNB
The Legendary Korg MS-20
murderousmaths
Reviews
PROS
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Vintage units offer superior look, feel, and sound
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Versatile for bass layering and leads in retro tracks
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Capable of producing thick sounds comparable to Moog
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Allows duophonic play with minimal patching
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Offers dirty, character-rich sound with fat low ends
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Can function as a complex signal processor
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Unique for creating cinematic sounding arpeggios
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Favored by legends like Stevie Wonder for performances
CONS
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Reissues may lack the appeal of original units
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Might require heavy post-processing to achieve desired sound
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Flexibility may appear limited despite vast options
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Learning curve for those unacquainted with synthesis
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg MS-20.
Features and functionality
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The MS-20 Mini includes MIDI, making it easier to sequence with modern equipment like the MC707, despite its vintage design.
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The MS-20's patch bay allows for unique configurations, such as patching EG1 to re-trigger itself and using the ESP for feedback modulation.
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The MS-20's unique tone-to-CV functionality can interpret incoming audio signals to generate notes, though the accuracy of note interpretation can vary.
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The MS-20's filter design is praised for its ability to produce an "aggressive distortion scream/growl" when resonance is increased, contributing to its distinctive sound.
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The MS-20's patch bay uses 1/4" jacks, while the MS-20 Mini and K-2 use 1/8" (Eurorack style), impacting connectivity with other gear.
Source
Build quality
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Some owners report dissatisfaction with the keybed, describing it as feeling cheap, though the internal build quality is considered better.
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Use cases and applications
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External audio input allows the MS-20 Mini to modify external audio sources like guitars, adding versatility beyond typical synth capabilities.
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Owners describe the MS-20 as a capable tool for creating aggressive sounds, like techno/gabba kick drums, when LFO is set to saw tooth with full pitch and filter modulation.
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It's noted that the MS-20 can achieve lush ethereal tones when properly tamed, demonstrating its versatility beyond aggressive sound design.
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The MS-20 is praised for creating harsh noise, sound effects, and fat bass sounds, aligning well with industrial and doomy music styles.
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User experience
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The MS-20 Mini is noted for its unique personality and ability to produce a diverse range of sounds, from aggressive industrial to mellow tones.
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The MS-20 is known for its distinctive resonant highpass and lowpass filters, creating sounds that some describe as wild and almost unstable, requiring caution to avoid speaker damage.
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Owners find that the MS-20 lacks patch memory, which can be a limitation, but it facilitates hands-on learning of sound design for those new to synthesis.
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Comparisons
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The MS-20 Mini is sonically identical to the original MS-20, offering a similar experience at a lower cost, though the smaller form factor may not suit everyone.
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Some users perceive the classic and reissue full-size MS-20 as more aggressive and bright compared to the MS-20 Mini and Behringer K-2.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 13 Reviews and 91 Ratings
284
Its an MS 20... (mini) whats not to love?
yes. an original ms 20 would be choice but i love my ms 20 mini.bass layering is great with it. the growl u can dial in with it is so rad. i also use it for alot of leads for my retro electronic tracks. i use this thing lot of different jobs.
145
Nice classic, modular synth
This one is a classic. Loving the fact that you can modulate for hours, and that every extra cable or knob twist gives that tiny bit extra. However, I must admit that I rarely ever use this in production sessions. The low end sounds pretty nice, but generally, I feel like you would rely on post processing too heavily in order to get the sound you desire.
471
Filthy Analog
This is a great synth, very dirty, lotta options lotta routes to go to get a lot of character, and can produce some fat low ends. What I like to do the most with this synth though is run midi into it with a arp sequence and route it into it a analog delay with short time, the results for me are ussually a really dark gritty cinematic sounding arp great for build ups, or gluing a groove all together.
182
A deep, powerful, and slightly noisy synthesizer.
An extremely aggressive sounding synthesizer that doubles as a complex signal processor. It can do so much but always seems to sound up front and in focus, so it's flexibility isn't as deep as it may seem on paper. The original MS-20 was my first analog synthesizer.
Bigger Brother
Leads, Basslines, Space Blips. This synth has it all. Most memorable for me is when Stevie Wonder borrowed this and it's little brother for his North Sea Jazz performance in Rotterdam. It's like this synth is blessed by one of my heroes!
1963
Korg MS-20
Sadly mine is in pieces right now but when I get it back together its gonna be amazing....I hope.
41029
it will be, I used to regularly record at a studio with an MS20 in the control room and we used the filters, envelopes and LFO for all sorts of shit even though that band didn't use any synths in its music. It was su much fun patching those vintage Korg effects into the console and giving bass or guitar the 'synth' treatment!
1963
I used to have three Mini Moogs in the studio. One was hooked up just for distorting and filters.
Artist usage
Add artist
42:03 into this video a Korg MS-20 is visible in Matador's home studio above the Roland SH-101.
In a YouTube short video posted by Overmono, one of the members is seen playing the bass line for the track "Blow Out" using the Korg MS-20. The video is captioned, "we finished the first version of this an hour before our set at @Coachella…Blow Out out now 😮💨."
Is Modular an area you'd like to explore?
"I'm not getting into that. The closest thing I've got to modular, or semi-modular, is the Korg MS20 and the ARP 2600 - but that's how it's going to stay. Modular doesn't serve a big purpose for the music I'm making because it's not really blippy kind of stuff, but it's nice to have those machines and get some weird sequences out of them."
In a tweet by Benn Jordan, also known as The Flashbulb, he shares an image of his setup that includes the Korg MS-20 synthesizer, highlighting its place among his gear collection.
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A korg MS-20 here, seems to me to be the original one from the size.
At 2:03, James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco talks about his Korg MS-20, saying "It's an old synthesizer, it's pretty basic but good work-horse synth. We just like it because we know our way around it really quick, so we can easily get things out of it."
The item can be seen 0:38 into this video, in the studio of Rone, in July 2015, just over the NORD Lead 4. To me, this is the Original KORG MS-20, not the MS-20 Mini because, as you can see on the picture below, the original MS-20 needs 6.35 jack cable http://www.polynominal.com/Korg-mini-ms-20/korg-ms20-vs-mini-ms20.jpg. And in the video we can see the the holes do not correspond to 3.5 jack cable inserts (3.5 jack patch cable are used for the MS-20 Mini).
Paul Humphreys can be seen using a Korg MS-20 in OMD's music video for Enola Gay.
….So stellte ich mir meine eigene Sammlung zusammen, die wirklich auf meinen Sound und meine Arbeitsweise abgestimmt ist. Meine Favoriten sind sicherlich der Moog Voyager, Jupiter, Solina, MS20 und mein Eurorack-Modular- System. Vieles ist Phasenbestimmt, was in meinem Fall sehr für den Prophet, JD800, Z1 etc… gilt. In diesem Moment finde ich z.B. die Mutable Instruments Module unfassbar gut.
This analog synthesizer can be seen at 50:00 into this video.
Korg MS-20 is included in the list of synths at Daniel Miller's home studio.
Album Usage
The Korg MS-20 has been featured on the following albums:
Thousand Leaves (Live)
Masahiko Satoh (2025)
Ulterior Motives (The Lost Album)
Christopher Saint Booth (2024)
Blow Out
Overmono (2023)
The Curse (Music from the Showtime Original Series)
John Medeski (2023)
The Painter
William Orbit (2022)
Joshua
French 79 (2019)
Voice in the Silence
MUTEMATH & Paul Meany (2018)
Chemistry Lessons Volume 1
Chris Carter (2018)
I See You
The xx (2017)
Cryosleep
Kurt Uenala (2017)
Delta
Mount Kimbie (2017)
Doom (Original Game Soundtrack)
Mick Gordon (2016)
Transmission
Death in Vegas (2016)
Creatures
Rone (2015)
Mirage Extended
Saycet (2015)
Mirage
Saycet (2015)
Inji
La Priest (2015)
Drones
Muse (2015)
The Nest
Kammarheit (2015)
Spiritual Energy
Eloy Fritsch (2014)
Light & Sound
Luke Million (2014)
Howlin
Jagwar Ma (2013)
Mala
Devendra Banhart (2013)
Need In Me
Flashmob (2012)
Good & Evil
Tally Hall (2011)
The Button
Thomas Gold (2010)
The Dissociatives
The Dissociatives (2004)
Never, Never, Land
UNKLE (2003)
Engines of Creation
Joe Satriani (2000)
Lovely Head
Goldfrapp (2000)
Time Machines
Coil (1998)
Homework
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1997)
Da Funk
Daft Punk & Daft Punk (1995)
Hello America (2019 Remaster)
The Cassandra Complex (1986)
Organisation
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1980)
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-20, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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