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Description

The Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P is a classic piece of musical history that delivers a distinctive, rich sound palette for both studio and live performances. This modular synthesizer is renowned for its true polyphonic capabilities, allowing musicians to unleash their creativity with a full range of expressive possibilities. As an integral part of the evolving music scene since its inception, the Polyphonic Ensemble P brings together vintage charm with modern usability.

Featuring a thoughtfully designed interface, the Ensemble P invites both seasoned synth enthusiasts and newcomers to explore its depth without being overwhelmed. Its polyphonic nature sets it apart from monophonic counterparts, enabling complex chord structures and textural layering. The synthesizer is equipped with a range of modulation options, providing flexibility and the ability to sculpt intricate soundscapes.

With its authentic sound engine and intuitive controls, the Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P is perfect for musicians who seek to create lush, evolving tones or to replicate the iconic sounds of the past. It seamlessly integrates into existing setups, offering a robust foundation for both experimental and traditional compositions.

Key Features:

  • True polyphonic capabilities for rich, complex sound creation
  • Vintage sound engine with modern usability
  • Intuitive interface for easy operation and sound sculpting
  • Wide range of modulation options for expressive performance
  • Seamless integration into both modern and vintage setups
  • Ideal for creating lush, evolving tones and iconic retro sounds

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Poly Ensemble P 60-Key Polyphonic Orchestral Synthesizer
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 61 Keys
Polyphony 60 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P use?

The Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P is an analog synthesizer, which means it generates sound using analog circuits and components, providing a warm, rich tonal quality typical of vintage synths.

How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P have?

The Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P offers 60 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex chords and layered sounds without note dropouts.

What is the keyboard action like on the Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P?

The Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P features a synth action keyboard, which is lighter and faster than weighted keys, making it ideal for quick playing and synthesizer-style performance.

Is the Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P suitable for orchestral sounds?

Yes, the Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P is designed as an orchestral synthesizer, capable of producing a variety of ensemble sounds that emulate strings, brass, and more.

How does the sound of the Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P compare to modern synthesizers?

The Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P offers a classic analog sound that is warm and expressive, often preferred by enthusiasts for its vintage character compared to the cleaner, more precise sounds of modern digital synthesizers.

Learson Peak

Learson Peak

Synthesizer Show & Tell | Korg Poly-Ensemble P | Part 1

Video thumbnail for Synthesizer Show & Tell | Korg Poly-Ensemble P | Part 1 by Learson Peak

Synthesizer Show & Tell | Korg Poly-Ensemble P | Part 1

Learson Peak

Learson Peak

Video thumbnail for KORG Poly Ensemble P by Matt Wright Music

KORG Poly Ensemble P

Matt Wright Music

Matt Wright Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The PE-1000 is known for its unique sound that occupies higher frequencies, making it potentially beneficial if you want to avoid clashing with lower synths.

    Source
  • The PE-1000 features a full 60-note polyphonic voice system without using a divide-down method, offering square and sawtooth waveforms for sound creation.

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  • The PE-1000's unique "control" setting functions as a fully-fledged synth, providing diverse waveform options that aren't common in many other vintage polysynths.

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Comparisons

  • The Korg PolySix is noted for its versatility and ability to produce soft pads, in contrast to the more niche sound of the PE-1000.

    Source
  • The Polymoog has a voice card per key similar to the PE-1000, though it lacks the "pitch expand" control feature found in the latter.

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  • Vintage string machines and certain organs like Eminence, Elka, and older Yamaha models offer similar polyphony to the PE-1000, but often rely on divide-down technology.

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Use cases and applications

  • Beach House used the PE-1000 in their earlier albums, contributing to a less thick sound compared to their later work.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $799 CAD, the PE-1000 is considered a good deal due to its rarity, and could be resold at a profit if in good condition.

    Source

User experience

  • It's noted that the PE-1000 is relatively heavy, which could be a consideration if planning to use it for gigs.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Martin L. Gore uses Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P

Martin L. Gore

Singer, Guitarist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via reverb.com

Martin L. Gore, a founding member of Depeche Mode, owned a Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P-1000, which was sold on Reverb.com in 2019 for charity. This item was part of his private collection, and its sale included a signed and embossed Certificate of Authenticity from Gore himself.

See how Kerri Maclellan uses Korg Polyphonic Ensemble P

Kerri Maclellan

Keyboardist

Alvvays

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Live on KEXP" at 23:58, you can see the words "Korg Poly Ensemble" on Kerri's rig.

There are 4 knobs to the left of the presets, which rules out the Korg PE - 1000 & 2000.

The Korg Poly Ensemble P matches the knob layout.

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 Polyphonic Ensemble P, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Dr Scientist Reverberator
Dr Scientist Reverberator Reverb Effects Pedals
1
Boss DM-2 Delay
Boss DM-2 Delay Delay Effects Pedals
1

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