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Average Price: $71
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Description
Meet the Korg PolySix, a six-voice analog synthesizer designed to rival the Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 and similar to the Roland Juno 6. It stands out with its single VCO and sub-oscillator per voice, allowing you to shape and thicken your sound with a variety of effects. From chorus to phase, and even ensemble effects like bucket-brigade-based delay, each effect brings a unique touch to your music. The PolySix comes with a 32-patch memory and a versatile arpeggiator, controllable with octave, latch, and up/down controls. Trusted by acclaimed musicians like Geoff Downes and Keith Emerson, this vintage synth is a force to be reckoned with.
Key Features:
- Six-voice analog polyphony
- Single VCO and sub-oscillator per voice
- Variety of effects including chorus, phase, and bucket-brigade-based delay
- 32-patch memory
- Versatile arpeggiator with octave, latch, and up/down controls
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | PolySix |
| Finish | Navy Blue |
| Year | 1980s |
| 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 | 6 Voices |
FAQs
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What are the standout features of the Korg PolySix's sound engine?
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The Korg PolySix features a rich analog sound engine with six-voice polyphony, a built-in chorus, phaser, and ensemble effects, which contribute to its lush, warm sound. Its arpeggiator and programmable memory make it versatile for both live performance and studio use.
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Is the Korg PolySix suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Korg PolySix is well-suited for live performances due to its 61 full-size keys, robust build, and easy-to-use interface. Its programmable memory allows quick access to presets, making it convenient for dynamic stage use.
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Does the Korg PolySix have MIDI connectivity?
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The original Korg PolySix does not have built-in MIDI connectivity. However, there are third-party modifications available that can add MIDI functionality to the PolySix.
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How does the Korg PolySix compare to other analog synthesizers from the 1980s?
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The Korg PolySix is known for its warm analog sound and built-in effects, which set it apart from other synthesizers of its era. It offers six-voice polyphony and programmable presets, making it more versatile compared to some other synths like the Roland Juno-6, which lacks memory storage.
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Can the Korg PolySix be used for modern music production?
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Absolutely, the Korg PolySix's classic analog sound and effects make it a valuable tool for modern music production, providing vintage warmth and character that can complement contemporary digital instruments.
Videos
AnalogAudio1
KORG POLYSIX Analog Synthesizer 1981 | NEW PATCHES | HD DEMO
KORG POLYSIX Analog Synthesizer 1981 | NEW PATCHES | HD DEMO
AnalogAudio1
KORG Polysix - Gear of the Week (Junkie XL)
Junkie XL
KORG Polysix Demo & Review
musictrackjp
KORG Polysix // A Vintage Bargain? // Walkthrough and Demo
Starsky Carr
KORG POLYSIX - Synth Review, Sounds & Demo
synth4ever
KORG Polysix - sounds only
Franz Kreimer Keys
Synth Stuff Ep. 40 - Korg Polysix
tritonrecordings
Korg Polysix: creator of crisp analog pads
Fuzz City Records
Best of Korg Polysix Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo
RetroSound
Reviews
PROS
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Unique, rich sound distinct from competitors
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Exceptional for creating fat bass sounds and snappy retro arp basses
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Built-in effects (chorus, phaser, ensemble) add character
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Raw and powerful in unison mode
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SSM filters provide a creamy texture to the sound
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Sub oscillator effectively thickens the sound
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Modulation options offer versatility
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Maintains relevance with modern music styles
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Software version available for modern setups
CONS
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Prone to technical issues due to age, e.g., battery leaks
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Voice chip failures can result in costly repairs
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No stereo outputs limit sound field options
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Some find its architecture and capabilities limited
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Can get noisy and hissy if not serviced properly
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg PolySix.
Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
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The PolySix is prone to battery leakage that can damage the circuit board, but replacement options like the KIWISix upgrade are available.
Source -
Battery replacement with a holder is crucial; check for any prior leakage that could corrode the board and affect functionality.
Source -
Spare parts like photocouplers can be hard to find, although repairs are generally straightforward once parts are sourced.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Tubbutec modifications can further expand the sound design capabilities of the Korg PolySix beyond the basic setup.
Source -
Synthtronics and KiwiSix offer modern replacements for PSU and CPU boards; these upgrades can improve reliability and performance.
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Various MIDI retrofits are available, enhancing functionality, although some users prefer the internal arpeggiator synced with a DAW.
Source
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
Software and compatibility
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While the hardware PolySix is superior for its moody polyphonic sounds, the VST version offers advantages like stereo output and velocity sensitivity for bass sounds.
Source
Build quality
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The Polysix has a fragile particle board case and a less durable keybed; expect to service these parts over time.
Source
Value and pricing
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At $900, a fully functional Polysix with a replaced battery is considered a reasonable deal, with broken units sometimes selling for more.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 7 Reviews and 36 Ratings
40997
I think I prefer this to the juno 6 and 60
I was never impressed with the polysix until I got one home, but I didn't spend a lot of time with them and mainly did bass sounds. WHOA WRONG. This is like John Carpenter city.... I don't think he used one but everything it does is like a carpenter flick. Real horrorshow. The chorus is cool, the ensemble is wooly and lush.... the phaser is pure horror movie. Okay back this up. Architechture is a juno 6 basically. But it ahs VCOs.... but no high pass... but the modulation is chorus, phaser or string machine ensemble, OTA and BBD stuff, wicked. Dark and moody Also, no simultaneous waveforms, just Saw, Square (adjustable PW) andPWN with its own LFO dedicated. Yup. But no ADSR modulation. Bummer. But still. The SSM oscillators and fitler are midrangey and not upper midrange prophet turn, lower midrange nastiness. And there's this wicked sub oscillator. Divide down 1 or 2 octaves. And and and.... Its simple but capable of snappy plucky, huge strings, pads of weirdness and you name it. anyway. Good synth. I have the kiwi6 mod on mine. I find it to be less abrasive and far more ush than a juno, though less punchy. Don't let anyone say the envelop is less snappy. Its fast and tight. Its deceptive because of the swirly free running VCOs versus retriggering DCOs.
On day 3 I'm giving this another star. Damn does it sound good.
26711
What aspect of the design/internals do you suspect makes it so ARP-y? Maybe you don't think it sounds ARP-like at all, but when I think John Carpenter, I think of ARP (and maybe Oberheim?)
40997
Its very ARPish. Like a polyphonic japanese Arp Axxe? I suspect the SSM filter chips and generally dark character (it can get bright but not with the BBD effects engaged and you WANTthem), they're not NEEDED all the time but you just want them) make it feel late period ARPish... at times it reminds me of my solus with the orange graphics! But I also say john carpenter because there's a lot of analog effects on some of those mixes and the behavior of the effects on the polysix is NOT subtle like a juno. Its how you would set them up forHalloween 2.... in a good way. The chorus can be subtle but the ensemble and phaser are over the damn top all the time. I think the rate/depth knob turns the depth up as the rate goes down.
26711
glad to hear the 40 year old BBD ensemble/chorus ISN'T subtle... you probably have 30 different options for subtle BBD chorus in your studio already, probably move valuable to have 1-button full on string (machine) cheese.
40997
totally, I have so much stuff its silly... Im currently tooling around a demo recording with lexicon delay and TC reverb in parallel but who kows in the end? I like stuff that does THIS... I don't have to go to the patch bay. I do THIS, like it or lump it!
284
Sadly i use this for a huge percentage of my synthwave arp basses
Sadly i use this for a huge percentage of my synthwave arp basses. well.... this and my Korg Arp Odyssey. frankly i use them for the snappy basses for more than just synthwave. it just happens to lend its self to beautifully to retrowave/synthwave/darkwave or what ever u want to label that sh*t lol --- right. -- i mentioned sadly. Sadly??? you ask?... well, because it's capable of so much more! i've made some creamy old school brass sounds on it which i have utilized for a couple tracks. honestly, i tend to use it a lot for arp basses because like i said: the envelope is pretty snappy. retro arp basses are pretty choice with it. (which i really love my polysix (mine has midi retro fit)
3982
No shame at all in using this as a bass synth, it's exactly what a lot of people did use for bass in the early 80s...for the very reasons you've mentioned....
327
A great old one
The Polysix could look as very limited today, but its structure and quality is near unsurpassed. SSM filters are more creamy than the CEM ones, the sub osc with 1 or 2 octaves effectively thickens the sound, it is modulated by four true LFOs (VCO/VCF/VCA, PWM, Arpeggiator, Effects) and the Effect section sports a three-BBD delay line like the Solina or ARP Omni. A great old one.
257
Nice warm, dark, sound
This is a really nice synth, better than the JUNO's to me, but these are a nightmare when they start getting old, battery board in particular can go bad and send the whole synth into meltdown. Has a phat modular 70's sound, think Vangelis circa 1978. Can get very noisy and hissy if not serviced properly.
40997
??
11068
You can free download it here https://yadi.sk/d/dE1suQ563NsvLA and play as keyboard simulator (not advertising)
3982
Huh?
A little better than the Juno 106.
It reminds me of the Juno 106 but a little beefier.
40997
I think the poly6 and 800 definitely hang with the comaprable Junos, sadly even the 800 is starting to be known
424
Classic aggressive analog synth
I have it from the 80ties and still an aggressive synth. Not so big like a Prophet 5 but very interesting. It has now some noise problems about the years. Now I use the original software version from Korg.
Artist usage
Add artist
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A Korg PolySix can be seen in this 2011 instagram picture. "3 favourites"
Korg's PolySix synth can be spotted in Chromeo's studio arsenal.
Korg PolySix - not much used. I love it though. I only bought it for one sound. There's this one sound that you will hear a lot. In my stuff on "For Now I Am Winter", like kind of an ambient wave, and also in a lot of Kiasmos songs.
You can see a Korg Polysix on a keyboard shelve behind him at 1:56.
Keith Emerson is confirmed to use the Korg PolySix, as evidenced by a photo of Korg advertisement.
In this video you can see a Korg Polysix on a keyboard stand all the way in the back together with the Korg SB-100 and a Roland SH-101.
"The Jupiter 8 gives me the automatic delayed vibrato that I prefer to the modulation wheel type, for instance on the Prophet. The Poly Six's chorus, on ensemble setting, beefs up the effects and gives a nice fat sound, particularly on chords. The System 100M is useful for discovering unique sounds."
"As for hardware synths, Rjd2âs Clavia Nord Lead Electro, Korg Polysix, Yamaha CS-80 and SY-2, ARP Pro Soloist, and Moog Minimoog provide color to his beat-pulsing tunes. The âsynth roomâ holds an ARP 2600, Moog Polymoog, Sequential Circuits Prophet 5 and Prophet T8, Rhodes Chroma, Oberheim Matrix 12 and Oberheim OB-Xa, Roland Juno-60, Elka Rhapsody 490 String Machine, and Elka Synthex."
Seen at 0:16 in this Wall Street Journal interview ("70s...")
Album Usage
The Korg PolySix has been featured on the following albums:
The Curse (Music from the Showtime Original Series)
John Medeski (2023)
Living on Video
Trans-X (2019)
Temple Of I & I
Thievery Corporation (2017)
Fixion
Trentemøller (2016)
IV
BADBADNOTGOOD (2016)
Preoccupations
Preoccupations (2016)
For Now I Am Winter
Olafur Arnalds (2013)
Beams
Matthew Dear (2012)
Black City
Matthew Dear (2010)
You Put A Smell On Me
Matthew Dear (2010)
Living in a Magazine
Zoot Woman (2001)
Living In A Magazine
Zoot Woman (2001)
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 PolySix, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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