Photo of Korg MS2000 and more gear in a studio, DJ, and synths

Photo of Korg MS2000 and more gear in a studio and synths

Korg MS2000

$325.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (49)

7 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Korg MS2000

3 community setups

38 wishlisted

106 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (5)

$325.00 13 available Used

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Average Price: $325

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Korg MS2000 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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The Korg MS2000 is a timeless piece of musical ingenuity, blending the classic allure of vintage synths with the versatility of modern technology. As a virtual analog synthesizer, it captures the essence of Korg's legendary MS-series while offering a rich palette of sounds to explore. With meticulously designed analog-style knobs and controls, the MS2000 invites musicians to dive deep into sound design, shaping tones that range from the nostalgic warmth of the past to the experimental edge of the future.

This synth is not just about nostalgia; it's a powerhouse of creativity. Its 44 velocity-sensitive keys and 4-voice polyphony ensure you have ample room to express your musical ideas, whether composing new tracks or performing live. The MS2000 is also equipped with comprehensive MIDI connectivity (In/Out/Thru), allowing seamless integration into any setup, be it in the studio or on stage. Its dual audio inputs and mono/stereo outputs further enhance its utility, ensuring your sound is as expansive as your imagination.

Join the ranks of notable artists like Trent Reznor and Depeche Mode who have harnessed the MS2000's potential to craft iconic sounds. Whether you're a seasoned synthesist or a curious newcomer, the Korg MS2000 is a versatile companion on your musical journey.

Key Features:

44 velocity-sensitive keys
4-voice polyphony
MIDI In/Out/Thru for seamless integration
2 audio inputs for versatile sound processing
Mono/stereo output for flexible audio routing

Product specs

Brand	Korg
Model	MS2000
Finish	Blue
Year	2000s
Made In	Japan
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	44 Keys
Polyphony	4 Voices

FAQs

How many voices of polyphony does the Korg MS2000 offer?: The Korg MS2000 offers 4 voices of polyphony, which allows you to play up to four notes simultaneously. This can be expanded to 8 voices when linked with another MS2000 unit via MIDI.
What type of synthesis does the Korg MS2000 use?: The Korg MS2000 utilizes virtual analog synthesis, emulating classic analog sounds with digital technology. This approach provides a wide range of sound possibilities while maintaining the warmth and character of analog synths.
How many keys does the Korg MS2000 keyboard have?: The Korg MS2000 features a 44-key keyboard with full-size keys, offering a comfortable playing experience for synthesizer enthusiasts and keyboardists.
Does the Korg MS2000 have MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Korg MS2000 is equipped with MIDI input, output, and through ports, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
Can the Korg MS2000 be used as a vocoder?: Yes, the Korg MS2000 includes a built-in vocoder, enabling you to create classic vocoder effects by processing external audio signals through the synthesizer's sound engine.

Videos

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AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Korg MS2000

AudioPilz

DeepDive: Synth Edition - Korg MS2000, Review And Guide

My Deep Guide

Korg MS2000 | Is It Worth It?

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Korg MS2000 Synthesizer Factory Demo Songs

Sound Programming

KORG MS2000 - Does it Metroid Prime tho?

Vulture Culture

Korg MS2000: The "Metroid Prime" Synth

Josh Is Making Music

The Korg MS2000: A Synth with a History and a Future

Ian Dixon

Reviews

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PROS

Knob per function design allows easy sound tweaking
Versatile sound creation, from rich analog-like to digital tones
Features like the arpeggiator and sequencer are highly praised
Offers inspiring playability within an affordable price range
Vocoder adds powerful vocal synthesis capabilities
Built-in effects like delay and modulation enhance sound design
Robust build quality, except for flimsy knobs
Excels in creating funky basses and solo sounds with Moog-like vibes
Real-time tweakability superior to the MicroKorg

CONS

Sequencer may not stay in sync with the internal clock
Sound character perceived as too "digital" for some
Limited polyphony can be restrictive

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg MS2000.

Software and compatibility

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Third-party apps are available that allow users to manage patches on the MS2000 via a computer, reducing the need for menu diving.
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Build quality

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The casing is metal, but some users replace the small, flimsy knobs for a better tactile experience.
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Some owners have experienced weak soldering on power and MIDI connectors, which may require resoldering to ensure durability.
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Features and functionality

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The MS2000B's sequencer can drift out of sync with an external MIDI clock, which may affect users needing precise timing.
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The MS2000B is bitimbral, allowing for two patches to play simultaneously, like a monophonic bass and a three-voice lead.
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The MS2000's mod sequencer is highlighted for its depth and uniqueness, allowing intricate sound manipulation and creativity.
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The MS2000's aliasing in filters can detract from its ability to produce warm, analog-like sounds unless carefully managed.
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Users note the synth's ability to produce great pads and trance sounds, thanks to its rich filter and delay effects.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's noted that the power jack is touchy due to direct soldering, so careful handling or reinforcement may be necessary.
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The MIDI timing drift issue with the arpeggiator can sometimes be mitigated by adjusting key sync settings.
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Earlier MS2000 models may have DSP chip issues, so checking for updates or later versions is advised.
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Comparisons

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The MS2000B's DWGS sounds are praised for their unique character, though the digital tone can be less present compared to analog synths.
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The Korg MS2000 is often compared to the Microkorg, with the MS2000 favored for its knob-per-function interface, making it easier to use live.
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Use cases and applications

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The synth excels in recreating digital sounds from bands like Genghis Tron and Horse The Band, making it suitable for experimental and electronic genres.
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While the MS2000 is effective for bass sounds, its 4-voice polyphony can be limiting for keyboard players accustomed to fuller polyphonic capabilities.
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The synth is praised for its vocoder and ability to process external audio, making it versatile in sound design.
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User experience

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Despite its size, the MS2000's user-friendly layout and extensive controls make it preferable over the smaller Microkorg for those who dislike menu diving.
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Value and pricing

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The MS2000 typically sells around $500, but some owners suggest offering $300 due to older listings remaining unsold on platforms like eBay.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 7 Reviews and 49 Ratings

5 star

4 star

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1 star

k_g_b_

363

over 7 years ago

Big Blue Bucket of Sync Issues

The synth engine sounds really good, perhaps lacking a bit of "oomph" where the vintage analogs have it, but there is a nice, crispy high-end sheen that I find very musical. The filter is nice and crazy, just like you'd hope a Korg filter would be. The built-in effects, while there are only two, are awesome and fun to use. The delay makes that satisfying laser-gun sound when you twist the "time" setting, and the modulation effect is capable of all kinds of chorus and flange effects. What I really don't like about the MS-2000 is the fact that the sequencer does not stay in sync with the synth's internal clock. When you run a sequence, everything starts out peachy, but after a while it starts to lag behind the clock. This is especially noticeable when you run an arpeggio alongside a motion sequence, because the arpeggiator stays locked to the internal clock just fine. I don't think this is a bug that Korg intends to fix, because the MS-2000 is nearly twenty years old at this point, so I guess that's just the way it is. Meh.

traumaad

284

over 6 years ago

Virtual Analog.. don't shy away from it because of that.

This thing packs a wollop. this the synth i use to try to get those moog vibey funk solos and snappy, funk basses with some balls. its got creammyness to it if u dial in the envelope, filter, kbd, cutoff, eg, etc--the mod sequencer for ambient stuff, pads, various fx, etc is pretty money.. but, you know... if you need a weapon of mass distortion: its there for ya too

moogbadger

3982

over 10 years ago

Getting on a bit now...

Released in the early Noughties, this is one of the first analogue modelling synths. As such, it's getting old now, but where it scores over the MicroKorg (which this is, essentially) is in its sheer real-time tweakability - very little is hidden away from the user, it's pretty much one knob-per-function. Plus, apart from the flimsy knobs, it's built like a tank. It sounds pretty 'digital' though - don't expect it to sound like an MS 20.

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Pop

jimmarchi1

41029

10 years ago over 10 years ago

I stillw ant one of these because its analog simulation sounds so bitty and fake. Its become a sound all of its own!

deepsignalstudios

493

over 9 years ago

Late 90's physical modeling in 2000

It is one of the greats of the late 90's analog physical modeling synths along with the Nord Lead, Access Virus, Roland JP-8000, and Yamaha AN1X even though it was from 2000. It has a similar sound to each of these but can also sound different from each one.

Roles:

Composer Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Electronic Techno Ambient

jhon_shepherd

407

over 6 years ago

MS2000B

Korg did an amazing job with getting right on board with the birth of the Virtual Analog synths of the late 90s early 2000s. This thing competed with Nord and come out on top. I mean you've knobs, Virtual patches, multi oscillators and a decent sysex editor if you've the microkorg.