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Description

Dive into a realm of sonic exploration with the Korg T1, a synthesizer that seamlessly blends advanced technology with intuitive playability. Designed for musicians who crave both versatility and precision, the T1 offers a comprehensive suite of features to inspire creativity across genres. At the heart of this synthesizer is its 61-key keyboard that provides a natural feel, allowing for expressive performances whether you're on stage or in the studio.

The Korg T1 stands out with its cutting-edge sound engine, delivering a wide array of high-quality voices and effects. Its robust interface is equipped with user-friendly controls, making it easy to navigate through its extensive library of sounds. This synthesizer is perfect for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians, offering ample customization options to shape your unique sound.

With its MIDI compatibility, the Korg T1 integrates effortlessly into any setup, allowing for expanded functionality and creative possibilities. Whether you're composing, performing, or recording, the T1 is the ideal tool to elevate your musical projects.

Key Features:

  • 61-key keyboard with natural touch response
  • Advanced sound engine with a wide range of high-quality voices
  • User-friendly interface with intuitive controls
  • Extensive library of customizable sounds and effects
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other gear
  • Suitable for both live performances and studio work
Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Korg T1/T2/T3 Series (Teste Sounds) by Tiago Mallen - Factory Sounds #korg

Video thumbnail for Korg T1/T2/T3 Series (Teste Sounds) by Tiago Mallen - Factory Sounds #korg by Tiago Mallen

Korg T1/T2/T3 Series (Teste Sounds) by Tiago Mallen - Factory Sounds #korg

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for Korg T1/T2/T3 Series (Factory Sounds) #korg #vintagekey #review by Tiago Mallen

Korg T1/T2/T3 Series (Factory Sounds) #korg #vintagekey #review

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for KORG T1 with YAMAHA C7 Sound by Osamu Sahara

KORG T1 with YAMAHA C7 Sound

Osamu Sahara

Osamu Sahara

Video thumbnail for LIVE - KORG T SERIES (T1-T2-T3) com TIAGO MALLEN (FILHO DO M1 E PAI DO 01W/FD)  #raro #korg by Tiago Mallen

LIVE - KORG T SERIES (T1-T2-T3) com TIAGO MALLEN (FILHO DO M1 E PAI DO 01W/FD) #raro #korg

Tiago Mallen

Tiago Mallen

Video thumbnail for KORG T-1 Keyboard- America the Beautiful by wyotexas USA Ron Reel

KORG T-1 Keyboard- America the Beautiful

wyotexas USA Ron Reel

wyotexas USA Ron Reel

Video thumbnail for The Korg T1 Demo Songs by The Music Tech Guy UK

The Korg T1 Demo Songs

The Music Tech Guy UK

The Music Tech Guy UK

Video thumbnail for Korg T1 - The basics by The Music Tech Guy UK

Korg T1 - The basics

The Music Tech Guy UK

The Music Tech Guy UK

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg T1.

Build quality

  • The Korg T1 weighs around 80 lbs, making it cumbersome to transport and necessitating a sturdy stand, like a Z-type or double-x stand.

    Source
  • The Korg T1 shares Yamaha KX88 keyboard mechanics, known for their reliability, with the Korg 01/WproX.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners must learn to replace the backup battery and use SysEX for factory reinstalls and preset management.

    Source
  • Owners mention that replacing the T1's backup battery requires unscrewing the bottom, with specific attention to which screws to leave untouched.

    Source
  • A common issue is the power supply hum, which can indicate the need for a PSU rebuild or tightening the transformer to eliminate mechanical noise.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The T1 includes a built-in sequencer, MIDI inputs/outputs, and compatible pedals, allowing it to function as a standalone unit with just electricity.

    Source
  • The T1 includes 2x the sample ROM and patch storage of the M1, significantly enhancing its sound library with 100 new presets, especially in chromatic instruments.

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  • To use the T1 as a MIDI controller, ensure it sends messages on the correct MIDI channel by consulting the manual.

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Comparisons

  • Despite its vintage charm, the T1's sounds may feel outdated compared to modern VSTs, particularly for pianos and orchestral samples.

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Use cases and applications

  • The T1 is excellent for playing 90s dance and new age/soundtrack music, and it can function as a master sequencer for other gear.

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  • A MIDI Thru box is recommended for setups with multiple devices, allowing shared use of 16 MIDI channels.

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Value and pricing

  • At 100€, the T1 is considered a bargain, especially as it typically sells for much more, provided it has no major functional issues.

    Source
  • Despite being a high-end model at launch, the T1 is now considered a bargain, with some owners purchasing it for as low as $189 to $249.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users suggest using a USB-to-MIDI interface like Roland UM-One MK2 to connect the T1 to Logic Pro X for MIDI control.

    Source
  • The T1 is multitimbral, capable of handling up to 8 instruments over 8 MIDI channels, sharing effects and polyphony.

    Source
  • A dock or adapter may be required to connect the T1's MIDI output to a Mac, such as via a USB-C port.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg T1 (MT Dec 89)

muzines.co.uk

The Korg T1 is a synthesizer marvel, boasting an impressive 88-key wooden weighted keyboard and a comprehensive sound library that elevates it above the M1. While its hefty 35kg weight makes it a burden to transport, the T1's sonic flexibility, thanks to its expandable sample memory, is a major selling point. Despite lacking advancements in effects processors or voice counts, the T1 shines with its superior sample options and MIDI capabilities. However, its sky-high price and competition from rivals like Ensoniq's VFX-SD and Yamaha's SY77 may deter some buyers. A prestigious choice for those seeking advanced features and a luxurious build.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Vangelis uses Korg T1

Vangelis

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Aphrodite's Child

...
Verified via YouTube

The Korg T1 has been used as Vangelis's master keyboard for many years. In the video titled "VANGELIS - Chariots Of Fire from Mythodea [Live] HD Remastered," at 00:35, the Korg T1 can be seen on the bottom tier of his keyboard rig.

See how Rick Wakeman uses Korg T1

Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Discogs

Rick Wakeman used the Korg T1 during the early 90s, he used it to compose the 1991 album "The Classical Connection". Wakeman also used the keyboard live, the item can be seen 8:11 into this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgd3eo-0v98

See how Klaus Schulze uses Korg T1

Klaus Schulze

Guitarist, Bassist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Muzines

List of equipment used by Klaus Schulze, from the February 1993 issue of Sound on Sound:

4x Akai S1000PB (32MB) 2x Akai S1000KB (32MB) Akai S900 Akai S612 Akai S7000 Moog Modular CIII 2x Moog MiniMoog Studio Electronics MIDIMini Mellotron Yamaha CS80 Yamaha CP70 Yamaha TX81Z Yamaha SY99 Korg M1 Korg M1 EX Korg T1 Korg T3 Korg DVP1 Roland U110 Roland U220 Roland D50 Roland S50 sampler & monitor Roland Planet S & editor Roland Super Jupiter & editor 2 Roland TR505 Roland Octopad Roland JD800 Roland Super JX10 4x Hohner HS2/E sampler 5x Hohner HS1/E sampler Hohner HS1KB sampler Waldorf Microwave GDS computer synth Misc. Crumar keyboards Fairlight CMI Series II SCI Prophet 2000 SCI Prophet 2002 Emu Proteus/2 Emu Proteus/3 World Emu Emulator II Kurzweil K1000 Kawai K4 EMS Synthi A PPG Wave 2.2 Linn 9000 4x Oberheim DPX1 Yamaha RY30 drum machine Sonor timpanies and octo toms Paiste gongs and cymbals Martin 12-string guitar

See how Paul Haslinger uses Korg T1

Paul Haslinger

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Muzines

What are your favourite keyboards?

"The Roland A50 and A80. And I've started to like the Korg T1. They are all as good or as bad as you want to make them. One of the main problems I have is with the concept of pianists trying to play master keyboards which simulate a wooden piano. Keyboards have nothing to do with pianos! What's interesting now is how the body design of keyboards is changing. The contours of the [human] body will be better catered for and studies in posture relating to typewriting will be applied. All of this will affect the whole music industry. You will see unusual controllers, not just flat or two dimensional things, coming on to the market."

See how Oliver Wakeman uses Korg T1

Oliver Wakeman

Keyboardist

Yes

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 1 minute and 11 seconds mark of the YouTube video titled "Oliver Wakeman - Three Broken Threads / Wall Of Water - Live in Poland," provided by user BrunoSamppa, Oliver Wakeman is visibly using a Korg T1 on stage.

See how Billy Powell uses Korg T1

Billy Powell

Keyboardist

Lynyrd Skynyrd

...
Verified via Music Player Network

Billy Powell is confirmed to use the Korg T1, as evidenced by a photo featured in Keyboard magazine approximately 10 years ago. The image depicted him onstage with the instrument positioned at an angle on top of a white B3, as recalled by a user on the Music Player Network forum in the discussion titled "Lynyrd Skynyrd and the White Hammond."

See how Scott Warren uses Korg T1

Scott Warren

Keyboardist

Dio

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 7 seconds into the YouTube video titled "Dio - Inferno In Sofia '98 (Full Concert)" by IntoTheFire2025, Scott Warren can be seen using a Korg T1 synthesizer while performing live with Dio during the song "Rainbow in the Dark."

See how Mota Siina uses Korg T1

Mota Siina

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

He posted on Instagram when he got the keyboard on May 6th of 2015 with the caption

貰いました。(I got it) And is seen in use in his studio in several other photos taken afterwards

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 T1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Akai S1000
Akai S1000 Audio Samplers
2
E-Mu Emulator II
E-Mu Emulator II Synthesizers
1
Akai S1000KB
Akai S1000KB Audio Samplers
1
Korg T3
Korg T3 Synthesizers
1
Yamaha CS-80
Yamaha CS-80 Synthesizers
1
Moog Modular III-C
Moog Modular III-C Modular Synthesizers
1
E-MU PROTEUS 3 ETHNIC SOUND module
E-MU PROTEUS 3 ETHNIC SOUND module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module
E-Mu Proteus 2 Orchestral module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1

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