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Description
The Korg X-911 guitar synthesizer is a small monophonic synthesizer that was released in 1980 that was made specifically to be controlled by the audio-input from an electric guitar. However, it is not limited to guitars, and it works well with audio-input from other types of transducers (acoustic guitar, violin, wind instrument). The X-911 has no keyboard nor MIDI jacks, but actually has a standard 1/4" jack input that drives a "pitch-to-control voltage (CV/Trigger)" converter, as well as CV/Trigger outputs. The pitch to CV-input and CV-out features (by themselves), make it quite a useful little toy.
The front panel is divided conveniently into semi-preset traditional sounds, called "Instrument", and more adventurous sounds with the nomenclature "Synthe". The Instrument sounds are named Electric Bass, Tuba, Trumpet, Dist. Guitar, Violin and Flute. The Synthe sounds are designated as graphical waveform icons (Pulse, Ramp, Square). Every voicing has adjustable parameters, with most of the Instrument sounds having a filter control, except for the Violin, which has an envelope control. The synth sounds all have envelope controls (attack and decay). The two sections may be overlaid or used separately, with control via the central balance slider. Many features such as Portamento, Interval, Hold etc. are foot switchable via inputs on the front panel. Naturally, the all important Voltage Controlled Filter is in residence, as is a Portamento control. Velocity Response/Touch Sensitivity is controlled by a 3-way switch.
Videos
David Morley
Korg X-911 Guitar Synthesizer
Korg X-911 Guitar Synthesizer
David Morley
Korg X911 guitar synthesizer and SQ 10 sequencer
DJjondent
korg X-911 Demo
VintageSynthShop
KORG X911 ANALOG GUITAR SYNTH FOR SALE IN LONDON
Mark Jenkins
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Korg X-911 Guitar Synthesizer.
Software and compatibility
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The Keystep must be configured to send Hz/v from its CV output, adjustable via Arturia’s MIDI Control Center software, for compatibility with the X-911.
Source
Features and functionality
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The X-911 was originally designed to track from strings, which might cause a sluggish response when used with keyboards.
Source
3.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
612
The "Pitch-Converter" Synth back in the Day
I think I bought one of these used for $50 in 1983, and it was one of the best things I ever bought. It was the only affordable "pitch-to-CV" (control voltage) converter on the market back then, let alone being a synthesizer, and because it also had CV output jacks, you could hook it up to other synthesizers that had CV input jacks and use the X-911 to play other synthesizers. Primarily a "presets" synth, the internal synth sounds on the X-911 were not so great, but it had a lot of cool features such as adjustable portamento.
I am a saxophone player, and I used it with a transducer (pickup) on my tenor sax mouthpiece which allowed the CV input on the X-911 to follow my pitch and playing flawlessly. I used it to try to create a trumpet-sound one-octave above the note I was playing on the sax, to try to create the illusion of a horn section. It worked, and it was the best you could do in the early '80s.
Artist usage
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Wheeler posted multiple photographs of his pedalboard on his Instagram with the caption "I’ve been rebuilding this spaceship over the last few months. Anyone want to go to outer space?". One of the pedals that are part of his pedal collection is the Korg X-911.
In an Instagram post by world's end girlfriend, the artist is shown using the Korg X-911 Guitar Synthesizer. This post, authored by world's end girlfriend, features the caption: "Once upon a time, there was a Bedroom Techno... 昔々、あるところにベッドルーム・テクノってのがありまして..." and visually confirms the use of the synthesizer.
Steve reckons he's "gone through synths and things" and come back to the guitar, promising that the next KajaGooGoo album will have a funkier six string sound, mainly thanks to the introduction of the Squier.
"I had one of those little Korg Guitar synths to start with, the X911. I got all these stupid tin whistle sounds out of it and some bass guitar sounds that didn't have any body." Better not say that too close to Heaven 17. Bass player John Wilson swears by his Korg.
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 X-911 Guitar Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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