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Description

Dive into a world where vintage meets versatility with the Korg Trident MkII, a classic that stands the test of time. Sporting a trio of independent sound sections for Strings, Brass, and Synth, this synthesizer offers unparalleled creative freedom. With its enhanced memory, you can store up to 32 patches, making your favorite sounds readily accessible. Whether you're crafting ethereal soundscapes or punchy brass sections, the Trident MkII's onboard effects, including delay vibrato and flanger, add that extra layer of sonic goodness. Ideal for studio recording or live performance, this synthesizer brings a touch of the '80s nostalgia without compromising on modern needs.

Key Features:

  • 61 keys and 8 voice polyphony for expansive musical exploration
  • Independent Strings, Brass, and Synth sections for complex sound layering
  • Doubled patch memory with 32 patches for storing custom sounds
  • Onboard delay vibrato and flanger effects for enhanced sound modulation
  • CV Inputs for filter cutoff and trigger, ensuring versatile connectivity
  • Expression Inputs for each section volume and overall volume control
  • Mono discrete section outputs and mono overall mix outputs (high and low) for flexible audio routing

Product specs

Brand Korg
Model Trident MkII
Finish Black
Year 1982
Categories Analog Synths, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Analog
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action
Number of Keys 61 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

What are the main sections of the Korg Trident MkII synthesizer?

The Korg Trident MkII features three main sections: a polyphonic section with two VCOs, a String section, and a Brass section, allowing for a wide range of sound creation and layering capabilities.

Is the Korg Trident MkII polyphonic or monophonic?

The Korg Trident MkII is a polyphonic synthesizer with 8 voices, enabling it to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, complex sound textures.

What type of keys does the Korg Trident MkII have?

The Korg Trident MkII is equipped with a full-size, synth-action keyboard featuring 61 keys, providing a responsive playing experience suitable for various styles.

How does the Korg Trident MkII differ from other Korg synths like the M1?

Unlike the digital Korg M1, the Trident MkII is an analog synthesizer known for its warm, classic sound, featuring distinct polyphonic, string, and brass sections for versatile sound design.

What year was the Korg Trident MkII released?

The Korg Trident MkII was released in 1982, building on the original Trident model with enhancements like increased memory and improved modulation capabilities.

SynthMania

SynthMania

Korg Trident mkII noodling

Video thumbnail for Korg Trident mkII noodling by SynthMania

Korg Trident mkII noodling

SynthMania

SynthMania

Video thumbnail for Korg Trident MkII Demo by Vintage Synthesizer Museum

Korg Trident MkII Demo

Vintage Synthesizer Museum

Vintage Synthesizer Museum

Video thumbnail for Andrei Tudor & Korg Trident MKII (1982) by MCMUSICALDISTRIBUTOR

Andrei Tudor & Korg Trident MKII (1982)

MCMUSICALDISTRIBUTOR

MCMUSICALDISTRIBUTOR

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • The Trident MkII often suffers from voice tuning issues; check the tuning pots on KLM-379 for VCO 1 and VCO 2 to resolve out-of-tune voices.

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  • Voice misfiring and whines in the synth section can be linked to cutoff CV issues, potentially caused by failing multiplexers on KLM-381.

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  • Battery leakage is a common issue; check for corrosion on the accordion-shaped blue battery located on the top part of the synth.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Installing missing decoupling caps on SSM chips can reduce synth section noise; Vishay 0.1 uF, 50VDC ceramic caps are recommended for this modification.

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  • Replacing faulty SSM-2044 chips with SSI2144 reproductions maintains functionality and can modernize the synth, though it may slightly alter tonal warmth.

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Features and functionality

  • Brass and string sections may produce an octave lower pitch due to tuning errors or resonance adjustments; check VCF settings on KLM-403 for sub-octave issues.

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Build quality

  • The Trident MkII's front panel can be opened by unscrewing it without removing any other parts, making internal inspection easier.

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Value and pricing

  • Non-working units typically sell for around half the price of functional ones, but research is advised to maximize potential sale value.

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User experience

  • Owners with electronics experience suggest attempting repairs if possible, as the synth is highly valued and can outperform many modern alternatives.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rick Wakeman uses Korg Trident MkII

Rick Wakeman

Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via reverb.com

One from 1979 was listed on Reverb.com in June 2020, appearing as number three in Wakeman's top five synths in this July 14, 2020 Music Radar interview. It was purchased by Eric Hilton of Thievery Corporation.

“As well as becoming friends with Bob Moog, I developed a great relationship with Korg during the ‘70s. Back then, there was no such thing as sponsorship. If I wanted a synth, I had to buy it. But the Japanese companies were the first to realise the value of artist promotion. If people saw me playing a Korg synth and they liked the sound, they were going to buy one.

“I was flown out to Japan by the big boss of Korg, Kato San. What an amazing man! He said, ‘Rick, I want you to try all our keyboards. Take them on tour with you’. I was due to start a massive tour of South America and told him that spares might be a problem in the wilds of Argentina. ‘I’ll sort that,’ says Kato San. He flew three of every Korg machine out to South America for me. Ironically, none of them ever broke down.

“The Trident is another synth that’s been all over my music at one time or another, but I always layer it up with other sounds. I do that with all the synths. I don’t like the idea of someone listening to a track and thinking, ‘That’s preset C92’. I like to tweak and play around. The joystick was a useful function… pitch, vibrato and all that. Very plain sounds would suddenly take on a whole new character.”

See how Eric Hilton uses Korg Trident MkII

Eric Hilton

Music Producer

Thievery Corporation

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this July 29, 2021 Instagram post. It formerly belonged to Rick Wakeman of Yes.

Thank you to legendary Rick Wakeman of @yesofficial for parting with your well-traveled Korg Trident. I will put it to good use.

There will indeed be some distinctively prog-rock and 70’s analogue moments on my upcoming LP Ceremony - 8/20/21.

Album Usage

The Korg Trident MkII 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.

1 alternative for Korg Trident MkII, curated by the Equipboard community.

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