Korg Trident

$3,777.71 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (4)

2 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Korg Trident MkII

$103.01

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8 wishlisted

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (3)

$3,777.71 8 available Used

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Average Price: $3,778

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Korg Trident is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Experience the magic of retro synthesis with the Korg Trident, a timeless piece of music history. First crafted in 1980, this 8-voice polyphonic synthesizer offers an unmatched nostalgic tone that has touched the hearts of musicians for decades. The Trident boasts independent sections for Strings, Brass, and Synth, allowing you to split sections across the 61-note keyboard. Complementing its unique sound palette, the Korg Trident is fitted with onboard delay vibrato and flanger effects, adding depth and color to your musical creations.

Key Features:

8 voice polyphony, capable of playing eight notes simultaneously
61-note keyboard, providing a wide range of octave options
Independent sections for Strings, Brass, and Synth, offering a unique trio of sound categories
Onboard delay vibrato and flanger effects, adding distinctive tonal variations
CV Inputs for filter cutoff and trigger, allowing for advanced sound modulation
Expression Inputs for each section volume and overall volume, providing detailed volume control
Mono discrete section outputs and mono overall mix outputs (high and low), ensuring versatile connectivity options

Product specs

Brand	Korg
Model	Trident
Finish	Black
Year	1980
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 type of synthesis does the Korg Trident use?: The Korg Trident is an analog synthesizer, known for its rich and warm sound characteristic of vintage analog gear.
How many voices of polyphony does the Korg Trident have?: The Korg Trident offers 8 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex chordal textures and layered soundscapes.
What is the keyboard action of the Korg Trident?: The Korg Trident features a synth action keyboard with 61 full-size keys, providing a smooth and responsive playing experience.
Is the Korg Trident suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Korg Trident is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and versatile sound capabilities, making it a favorite among live musicians.
What are the standout features of the Korg Trident's sound engine?: The Korg Trident's sound engine is notable for its lush analog strings, powerful brass sounds, and a dedicated synthesizer section, offering a wide range of sonic possibilities.

Videos

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WilliamSalmela

Farewell Trident (Korg Trident Mk I)

WilliamSalmela

KORG TRIDENT - Synth Review, Sounds & Demo | Vintage Analog Synthesizer

synth4ever

Korg Trident - 1980 Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

Perfect Circuit

Is It Worth It?: Korg Trident

Alamo Music Sound Lab

Korg Trident

rimela

Korg Trident - like you never heard it

Henry Hurt

Reviews

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PROS

MKI version acclaimed for superior sound
8 voice poly synth offers rich layering
Exceptional string sounds surpassing Yamaha SK and Moog Opus
Unique brass section with its own paraphonic filter
Outperforms modern analog poly synths in sound quality
Tri-timbral capability with top-notch in-synth Flanger effect
Versatile with beautiful strings and two oscillator synth for various sounds
Preferred choice for brasses and synth chords
Can be midified for modern connectivity

CONS

Patch memory limited to the synth section only
Memory does not retain split sections or settings
Midi implementation does not support split settings

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

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Owners report the Korg Trident often suffers from battery leak issues, requiring repairs and thorough cleaning to restore functionality.
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Features and functionality

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The synth contains SSM filters and 3 independent sections (synth, brass, strings), which can be mixed for intricate soundscapes and rich, emotional tones.
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MKI lacks real-time synth parameter editing in patch mode, while MKII allows it, enhancing live performance flexibility.
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MKII offers more keyboard tracking options in the synth section (5 vs 3), providing greater expressive potential.
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MKII is described as having a better PSU and heat sink, potentially increasing reliability and lifespan.
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Comparisons

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The Korg Trident is likened to the Arp Quadra for its multi-section design, offering similar versatility in sound layering.
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MKII is noted for using the same exploding battery as the Polysix, highlighting a shared maintenance issue.
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Sound differences between MKI and MKII are attributed to filter implementation rather than VCO differences, offering distinct tonal characteristics.
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Use cases and applications

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The flanger effect is highlighted for creating cosmic, space-like soundscapes, elevating the Trident's potential for ambient music.
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Value and pricing

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Vintage market trends show a significant price increase for the Trident, with prices reportedly doubling over recent years due to limited availability.
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User experience

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Despite limited modulation capabilities, the Trident is praised for its warm, organic sound, making it a favorite among synth enthusiasts seeking emotional depth.
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Critic Reviews

Korg Trident

soundonsound.com

The Korg Trident is a unique vintage synth combining strings, polysynth, and brass sections, appreciated for its rich, layered sounds and versatility. While it excels at creating lush pads and phased strings, the absence of MIDI and occasional tuning quirks may deter some users. Its bulky design also poses challenges, but for those seeking a distinctive sonic palette, the Trident offers rewarding depth. Finding one in good condition can be a lengthy process, yet it remains an intriguing choice for synth enthusiasts willing to explore its capabilities.

neutral

Full Review

Korg Trident - a classic 8-voice string synthesizer - GreatSynthesizers

greatsynthesizers.com

The Korg Trident is a classic 8-voice string synthesizer that, despite initially seeming uninspiring, reveals a vintage charm with its luxurious simplicity and strong character. Its flanger effect is a standout feature, adding depth to the otherwise limited sound palette. The Trident's strength lies in its clear design and nostalgic appeal, though it lacks modern synthesis features and flexibility. The Brass section is notably limited and the overall technology feels dated, but it delivers warm, vintage orchestral sounds that delight purists and those seeking simplicity in a complex tech world. While the MKII version offers some enhancements, the original Trident remains a plug-and-play favorite for those who appreciate its unique, old-school vibe. Overall, the Trident is positively regarded as a piece of synth history, ideal for creating distinct, vintage soundscapes.

positive

Full Review