Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (25)
$149.99 $129.98 $20.01 · All time low
Guitar Center
4.0 (3)
$149.99 $129.98 $20.01 · All time low
Reverb
5.0 (35)
$131.17 New
$77.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$129.98
B&H
4.3 (3)
$129.98
Thomann
4.6 (229)
$129.00 $125.00 $4.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£119.99
Vintage King
3.0 (1)
$159.99

Average Price: $127

Budget/Beginner

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Korg Volca Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unveiling the Korg Volca Bass Analogue Bass Machine - a potent and dynamic tool for electronic music creation, performing an encore to the legacy of the famous monotron, monotribe, and MS-20 Mini analog synthesizers. This genuine analogue device offers a plethora of fat, full-bodied sounds that are exclusive to analog synthesizers, for a sound quality that remains unreplicated by digital simulations. With a structure that is simplicity itself, the Volca Bass carries a solid, unmistakable presence, perfect for injecting vitality into various music genres, be it acid house or something else entirely.

The Volca Bass is not just a synthesizer, it's a versatile groovebox that provides a broad spectrum of bass lines. From aggressive tones that hold their own against drums, to fat sounds that reinforce rhythm, and funk-infused notes that create compelling grooves - the Volca Bass has got you covered.

Equipped with a sequencing/recording capacity for intuitive performance creation, it can also sync with your favourite DAW software or MIDI keyboard via MIDI In. Battery operation and built-in speakers offer the convenience of playing anytime, anywhere. You can even use multiple Volca units in tandem through the vintage-style sync in/out. This is the future of analog synthesizers - injecting raw, authentic analog power into your performance or studio setup.

Key Features:

  • True-analog synthesizer for fat, dynamic sounds
  • Versatile groovebox that provides a wide spectrum of bass lines
  • Built-in sequencing/recording capacity for intuitive performance creation
  • Syncs with DAW software or MIDI keyboard via MIDI In
  • Portable with battery operation and built-in speakers
  • Multiple Volca units can be used in tandem via vintage-style sync in/out
  • Step sequencer distilled from the Electribe for "free form" bass loops
  • Ideal for various music genres, including acid house.

Owner's manual

Korg Volca Bass User Manual

Product specs

Type Bass Synthesizer with Sequencer
Sequencer 1-track
Analog Outputs 1 x 1/8" (Headphones)
MIDI I/O In
Power Source 6 x AA (AC Adapter Optional)
Height 7.61"
Width 1.82"
Depth 4.54"

FAQs

Is the Korg Volca Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Korg Volca Bass is well-suited for live performances with its compact size and intuitive control interface. Its built-in sequencer allows for dynamic bass line creation and real-time manipulation, making it a popular choice for electronic musicians on stage.

Can the Korg Volca Bass be powered by batteries?

Yes, the Korg Volca Bass can be powered by 6 AA batteries, making it highly portable for on-the-go music creation. An AC adapter can also be used if preferred.

Does the Korg Volca Bass have MIDI connectivity?

The Korg Volca Bass features a MIDI input, allowing it to be easily integrated into a larger setup with other MIDI-compatible devices, making it versatile for studio and live use.

What type of sound can I expect from the Korg Volca Bass?

The Korg Volca Bass delivers rich, analog bass sounds, ideal for genres like techno, house, and electro. Its three oscillators can be layered for complex textures or used independently for varied bass timbres.

How does the sequencer on the Korg Volca Bass work?

The Korg Volca Bass includes a single-track sequencer that allows for up to 16 steps per pattern. Users can program notes and rhythms directly on the device, offering hands-on control over bass line creation.

KORG INC.

KORG INC.

Introducing KORG volca bass

Video thumbnail for Introducing KORG volca bass by KORG INC.

Introducing KORG volca bass

KORG INC.

KORG INC.

Video thumbnail for Korg Volca Bass Demo Retro by New Saga

Korg Volca Bass Demo Retro

New Saga

New Saga

Video thumbnail for KORG volca kick - ANALOGUE KICK GENERATOR by Korg

KORG volca kick - ANALOGUE KICK GENERATOR

Korg

Korg

Video thumbnail for Korg Volca Bass - SonicLAB Review by sonicstate

Korg Volca Bass - SonicLAB Review

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - The Bass by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - The Bass

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for The KORG VOLCA BASS complete guide walkthrough tutorial by XNB

The KORG VOLCA BASS complete guide walkthrough tutorial

XNB

XNB

Video thumbnail for KORG VOLCA NUBASS ANALOGUE BASS SYNTHESIZER by Absolute Music

KORG VOLCA NUBASS ANALOGUE BASS SYNTHESIZER

Absolute Music

Absolute Music

Video thumbnail for RS043 Korg Volca Bass: Pandora's Bass Box by rejected synths

RS043 Korg Volca Bass: Pandora's Bass Box

rejected synths

rejected synths

Video thumbnail for Volca Bass overview - Analogue bass in the palm of your hand by Korg UK

Volca Bass overview - Analogue bass in the palm of your hand

Korg UK

Korg UK

Video thumbnail for Get started with the Korg Volca Bass - your first five minutes by Korg UK

Get started with the Korg Volca Bass - your first five minutes

Korg UK

Korg UK

Reviews

PROS

  • 3 independent oscillators for rich sound synthesis

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use sequencer, great for beginners

  • Compact and portable design, battery-operated for on-the-go creation

  • Offers paraphonic capabilities for more complex sequences

  • Can produce a wide range of sounds, from classic analog bass to lead synth tones

  • Great value for an analog synth, offering solid performance at a low cost

  • Compatible with MIDI controllers for expanded musicality

  • Versatile sound generation, capable of creating acid, techno, and ambient sounds

  • Sequencer steps, slides, and mutes offer creative rhythm programming

  • Can function well with external effects for enhanced sound

CONS

  • Limited memory for storing function parameters, affecting live performance

  • Built feels cheap and plastic, potentially affecting durability

  • LFO Rate above 3 o'clock considered unusable by some users

  • Output can be noisy, possibly requiring external noise reduction

  • Limited to 16-step sequences without external MIDI control

  • Small knobs can hinder precise parameter adjustments

  • Built-in speaker and battery operation not useful for all users

  • No pattern chaining, limiting live performance capabilities

  • Touch keyboard is described as nearly unusable for serious play

  • Phase issues when using multiple oscillators can affect sound consistency

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The filter is self-resonating, allowing unique sound manipulations beyond standard use.

    Source
  • LFO can modulate multiple parameters simultaneously, adding depth to sound design.

    Source
  • Volca Bass allows sequencing of three independent oscillators separately, offering unique monophonic sequences despite the 16-step limitation.

    Source
  • The internal sequencer can control oscillators 2 and 3, while incoming MIDI can only sequence oscillator 1, limiting external sequencing options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Pairing with pedals like dirt, chorus, reverb, or delay enhances its sound, blending well with various effects.

    Source
  • The Volca Bass excels in creating acidic siren squelches and is favored for creative ramblings over specific melodies.

    Source
  • The Volca Bass can approximate a Fender Precision Bass sound with an artificial keyboard attack and glissando, especially when using a filter envelope pedal for an auto-wah effect.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find the sequencer excellent for acid-style music, but limited for other genres due to its one-bar, 16-step lock.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding external distortion or overdrive pedals can enrich the Volca Bass's sound, compensating for its naturally thin output.

    Source
  • Achieving a specific auto-wah sound similar to a bass guitar may require pairing the Volca Bass with a Q Tron pedal or an envelope filter for enhanced tonal flexibility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Unlike the Volca FM, the Volca Bass cannot adjust sequencer tempo to 1/2 or 1/4, limiting flexibility in composition.

    Source
  • The sound range of Volca Bass is similar to Volca Keys, with both capable of replicating each other's sounds easily.

    Source
  • Dreadbox Typhon is suggested as an upgrade over the Volca Bass, integrating features similar to Volca Bass and NTS-1 with more modulation options and a 32-step sequencer.

    Source
  • The Moog Werkstatt is suggested as a closer match to the Moog Minitaur sound than the Volca Bass if paired with a Keystep.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Korg Volca Bass review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Korg Volca Bass is a small yet powerful analogue synth that punches well above its weight. Praised for its impressive sound quality comparable to pricier models, this compact device is perfect for musicians on the go, with its battery power option and robust build. While its affordability and features make it a standout, it does have limitations, such as the inability to automate filter cutoff/resonance and a low output level that can amplify background noise. Despite these drawbacks, its versatility and value make it a strong contender in the market, likely to sell in droves.

positive

Korg Volca Beats, Bass & Keys

soundonsound.com

Korg's Volca Bass is a compact, affordable synth that brings a unique and lively sound to the table, thanks to its distinct three-VCO setup and classic Korg filter. While it lacks some features like motion control and dynamic accenting, the Volca Bass shines with its rich, detuned tones and versatile sequencer. Its portability and MIDI capabilities make it a compelling choice for on-the-go musicians or those looking to add a touch of analog warmth to their setup. Despite minor limitations, the Volca Bass offers excellent value and creative potential for its price.

positive

Review: Volca Bass : Ask.Audio

ask.audio
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 29 Reviews and 210 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ecco_aqua

Bass Monster

Insane value, when connected to a pa and controlled over midi with a keyboard, it can be very minimoog like if programmed correctly. build quality is very questionable but thats why its so cheap

carlbnl

Huge for its small size.

This tiny machine keeps amazing me, it has more up its sleeve than initially thought.

noize_guerilla_subalot

It looks familiar and can sound familiar to a synth we all know which ends on ..03.

I don't like this synth that much. It's sound is good for it's size. But I myself prefer the Korg Volca Keys for leads and Bass. Filter is quite resonant and you can easily make some nice ACID BASSLINES. It really shines if you use a distortion with it and some delay/reverb let's it shine.

bradflora

Fun fun fun

The Volca Bass is a really simple, fun way to assemble bass loops to jam around. I like mine a lot.

hardwaretechno

ACID SYNTH

I love my volca bass . Its sound unique , massive cut off . ACID like ;)

ben_emiliano

muy bueno

de lo mejor en cuanto a un sintetizador de pequeño .

Y

Pretty good little synth

Can't make more than a few simple bass sounds but it has a really nice filter and trust me, this thing is not operable without a midi keyboard, the touch keyboard is useless.

alfa_trax

Analogue Bass Machine

Analogue Bass Machine, midi in, sync in out, built in sequencer

juan_ignacio_berninzoni

Best Volca (so far)

Don't use it like a TB303 because it is not. Just a tip: play it with a short MIDI keyboard.

jimmarchi1

I had one briefly and found it to be 303ish enough, but I don't really need a 303, so out she went... when playing her as a module she didn't do anything my old roland rack can't do better

fibrofeline

Korg Volca Bass

Is this the same listing as this one?

https://equipboard.com/items/korg-volca-bass--2

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Richie Hawtin uses Korg Volca Bass

Richie Hawtin

Music Producer

Sven Väth & Richie Hawtin

...
Verified via Photo

"Messy @ibizagranhotel DJ setup testing & preparing music for my yearly full-on @cocoon_official @amnesiaibiza set tomorrow" Hawtin writesin this picture where a Volva Bass can be seen at the bottom.

See how Sub Focus uses Korg Volca Bass

Sub Focus

Music Producer

Sub Focus & Danny Wheeler

...
Verified via Photo

The Volca Bass Analogue Bass Machine can be seen at the bottom desk right next to the Volca Beats

See how Mord Fustang uses Korg Volca Bass

Mord Fustang

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, it can be clearly seen that Mord Fustang uses a Korg Volca Bass Machine Synthesizer, along with it's twin, the Volca Loop Synth.

See how Celldweller uses Korg Volca Bass

Celldweller

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At 6:08 in the video in which Celldweller shows off his studio to Future Music Magazine he shows where the devices are and then says "Here are the Volcas, I'm sure many people are familiar with these already. Again, fairly inexpensive. I think Korg is on their game because they're kinda bringing hardware back, they're bringing analog back, for those of us that are kind of a little burnt on the digital sound". He also says that the second device is, indeed, the mechine for the bass lines a little bit later in the video.

See how Shpongle (Simon Posford) uses Korg Volca Bass

Shpongle (Simon Posford)

DJ

Shpongle

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo shared on Shpongle's Instagram, the Korg Volca Bass can be seen as part of his live setup.

See how Mathew Jonson uses Korg Volca Bass

Mathew Jonson

Music Producer

Cobblestone Jazz

...
Verified via YouTube

The Canadian techno mastermind reveals how his live set works at the 2014 Red Bull Music Academy in Tokyo.

See how Leftfield uses Korg Volca Bass

Leftfield

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

In this video clip, Neil Barnes can be seen playing with his Korg Volca Bass synth. He says, "Jamming with Volca Bass. Phat little fella... that's the bass!"

See how Eric Avery uses Korg Volca Bass

Eric Avery

Bassist

Jane's Addiction

...
Verified via Photo

Korg Volca Bass can be seen on top of the rack in this photo from Eric's official IG.

See how Amir Derakh uses Korg Volca Bass

Amir Derakh

Guitarist

Orgy

...
Verified via Facebook

Amir Derakh is shown using the Korg Volca Bass in a photo on his Facebook page, highlighting his use of this synthesizer.

See how DJ ANNA uses Korg Volca Bass

DJ ANNA

...
Verified via Photo

On August 19, 2015, DJ ANNA shared a photo of her new Korg Volca Bass synthesizer, expressing excitement for her fresh inspirations and new musical journey.

See how AMULETS uses Korg Volca Bass

AMULETS

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Amuletsmusic

"A small photo tour of the Amulets studio."

See how Brad Laner uses Korg Volca Bass

Brad Laner

Singer, Guitarist

Medicine

...
Verified

In this Vine clip posted to Twitter, Laner has a small electronic setup that includes a Volca Bass machine.

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 Volca Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Arturia Keystep MIDI Keyboard Controllers
5
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5
Korg Volca FM
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4
Roland AIRA TR-8
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3
Ableton Live
Ableton Live DAW Software
3

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