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Average Price: $16,500
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Description
The Korg PS-3100 stands as a testament to the ingenuity of early analog synthesizers. Renowned for its polyphonic architecture, this vintage gem offers a unique sonic palette that has captivated musicians and sound designers alike. With its distinctive 48-note polyphony, the PS-3100 allows for complex chord structures and evolving textures that are hard to replicate with modern synths.
A key feature of the PS-3100 is its modular design, which provides unparalleled flexibility. Musicians can shape their sound with a variety of patch points and modulation options, making it a favorite for those who love to experiment. Its three voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) per voice deliver a rich harmonic spectrum, while the built-in resonators add depth and character to your creations.
The intuitive control panel of the PS-3100, with its wealth of knobs and sliders, invites hands-on interaction, fostering a deep connection between the musician and the machine. Whether you're crafting lush pads or intricate leads, this synthesizer offers a tactile experience that is both rewarding and inspiring.
Key Features:
- 48-note polyphonic architecture
- Modular design with extensive patch points
- Three voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) per voice
- Built-in resonators for added depth
- Intuitive control panel with hands-on interaction
- Versatile sound shaping capabilities
Product specs
| Brand | Korg |
| Model | PS-3100 Polyphonic Synthesizer |
| Finish | Wood |
| Year | 1977 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Analog |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Polyphony | 48 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Korg PS-3100 synthesizer polyphonic or monophonic?
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The Korg PS-3100 is a polyphonic synthesizer, offering 48 voices of polyphony, which allows for rich, full chords and complex sound textures.
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What type of synthesis does the Korg PS-3100 use?
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The Korg PS-3100 utilizes analog synthesis, providing warm, classic analog tones that are highly sought after by synthesizer enthusiasts.
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How many keys does the Korg PS-3100 have, and what is the key size?
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The Korg PS-3100 features 49 full-size keys, offering a standard keyboard feel with synth action, suitable for expressive playing.
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What are the standout features of the Korg PS-3100's sound engine?
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The PS-3100's sound engine is notable for its unique patching system and resonators, which allow for complex modulation and rich tonal variations.
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Is the Korg PS-3100 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Korg PS-3100 is suitable for live performances, thanks to its polyphonic capabilities and robust build, though its vintage nature may require careful handling.
Videos
smem
Obscure Objects Ep. 1: The Korg PS-3100.
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg PS-3100.
Features and functionality
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The PS-3100 is a true polyphonic semi-modular synth with 12 oscillators and 48 voices, utilizing an octave divider for full polyphony.
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Each key is equipped with its own envelope generator, VCA, and VCF, offering unique sound-shaping capabilities compared to paraphonic designs.
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The PS-3100's 'sound modulator' might output a single sound if faulty, despite functional input and plug connections, indicating potential internal circuitry issues.
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The Korg PS-3100 uniquely boasts one VCO per key, unlike most polysynths which share oscillators across voices.
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True polyphonic architecture ensures each note has an independent signal path, differentiating it from paraphonic designs that share components.
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Comparisons
Value and pricing
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The PS-3100 can command prices over $10,000 in working condition, making it a highly valuable find.
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Setup and maintenance
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Finding repair services for vintage synths like the PS-3100 can be challenging, but enthusiasts often offer help in specialized forums.
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The 'card slots' holding voice and filter cards often crack over time, leading to connection issues, and original parts are difficult to find for replacement.
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Manuals, including complete circuit diagrams, are critical resources. Locating these can be a valuable asset in troubleshooting and restoration efforts.
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The PS-3100 requires regular maintenance due to complex circuitry and the aging of components, such as matched transistor pairs in VCFs.
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Software and compatibility
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Users recommend Full Bucket's free VST emulation of the PS-3100, 3200, and 3300 for those who cannot access the hardware.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Kraftwerk has utilized the Korg PS-3100 synthesizer in their music production, as detailed in the Kraftwerk FAQ.
Sakamoto discusses using the synth as part of his 1978 work "Memories of Nazca" "I mostly used a Korg PS-3100 for the recording. I loved this equipment back in the day—I even used it on the first YMO album. It was a pretty expensive synth, but I just went for it. Somehow these Korg and Roland circuits sound more Japanese compared to the Moog or ARP synths, even though in theory they are the same. You can hear what I’m talking about on the YMO pieces ‘Simoon’ and ‘Firecracker.’ From the second album, Solid State Survivor, our sound became sharper, but the first album really contained a lot of exotic sounds which all came from the Korg."
Mentioned at 21:40 in the video. "It's pretty much the only actual polyphonic synth ever made cause it has an oscillator for every key."
In this review of Keith Emerson's 1981 album "Honky", Background Magazine notes where the album was recorded and what musical gear Emerson used on it:
"Honky was recorded in the Bahamas and 'honky' is what the local children called Keith while he was there! The pictures inside the booklet show that Emerson's stay there was primarily a holiday, so this album was recorded in a relaxed, carefree spirit. For this record Emerson used the following instruments: Yamaha CP30, MiniMoog, Hammond C3, Korg 3100 & 3300, Steinway concert grand model D, Yamaha grand and a vocoder. [...]
On Night School, he credits a Korg PS-3100 (which appears on the album cover), an Emulator II, and a finicky MemoryMoog for helping him capture many of the sounds that appear on the record.
In this instagram story by Jeremy (Chrome Sparks) you can see him using the Korg PS-3100, which he also confirms with the added text.
Album Usage
The Korg PS-3100 has been featured on the following albums:
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 PS-3100, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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