All user reviews of 4/5 for the Korg Ms-20

Monophonic
3 octaves physical
100% Analog (no memory, no MIDI ...)
2 VCO, VCF, VCA + Full Patch bay

UTILIZATION

Once integrated the logic of "production" sounds, it does not stop fiddling with the buttons more!
To remember the sounds, there are leaves (yes paper) that represent the front of the instrument, simply fill the position of each button above for a given sound ... vintage to perfection.

SOUNDS

Do not expect the perfect Imitiation existing acoustic instrument can sometimes say that a sound approach known. I use this synth to produce electronic sound, adding the delay with an external effect are obtained super-tips, bass, techno sounds, effects (shooting lazer, drops of water etc. etc.). The BIG advantage is that all parameters are accessible in real time while you play ... just turn the knobs filters etc. ... big advantage over some machines or digital one reaches one parameter at a time. No wonder the new machines are left with more and more sliders frontage

OVERALL OPINION

I use this synth for 31 years! and it still works perfectly! I have many machines and the only one ever tempt me to part is the MS20!

This is a research synthesizer (sound) monodic with possibilities of patching. No presets, no possibility to memorize anything (have a pen and paper manufacture or punched cards).

UTILIZATION

Operation is both simple and complex. Simple because all the settings are the eyes (no menu implausible), but it is necessary to understand the operating principles of synthesizers to get out some chose.Le manual is essential (except the experience of sound synthesis), can be download from Korg.

This synthesizer is used only if on stage to make punch cards (from memory there is a model in the doc) on which there settings and patching, then just stack them in the order pieces and then it pops gradually as (I did it for several years).

SOUNDS

The possibilities are endless in its shade near the generators are old and are not capable of the same dynamics as the recent, the envelopes are not as sophisticated as some current (no slope). and the keyboard is not dynamic (ie we forget the Velocity).
Outside these limits all is permitted even to use the guitar synthesizer.

I moderate the note because in comparing the current synthesizer, it is necessarily behind.

OVERALL OPINION

This synthesizer is quite Dement even today by its total freedom it provides. Obviously if you are looking for neat sounds you hear everywhere is certainly easier.

This synthesizer is mythical, the evidence he is one of four models that Korg has reproduced in app ($ 39)

Small semi modular synth and patchable,
mono only,
with 2 oscillators,
and an excellent low pass filter and high pass.

No presets or memories, one must set yourself every time.

UTILIZATION

There was a manual, but analog synthesis has to be learned by trying and in accordance with the concept of the signal,

construction is not so easy if we recreate the stamps from the beginning and requires a good knowledge and good knowledge of each module,

patch the game is perhaps the most complex because it is possible to route signals différemments with other results.

SOUNDS

Not sound realistic, even if we can get closer with the analog and meticulous research, or examples from the manual.
But a synth like this is designed to create sounds and effects of new and original.

The style of music is clearly electro, experimental or acid or hovering.
Ideal for leads, bass, sweeps, stamps evolving atmospheres and strange effects
like any monophonic synth.

To the left of the keyboard is a modulation wheel to be patched to the effects of pitch (frequency of the height of the oscillator) or modulation of the filter, etc. ... a small buttons can also have effects, it must be connected as I recall.

No expression on the keyboard that is too old, the volume remains the one set at the start.

OVERALL OPINION

I got the original several times years ago (80-90), also the new format USB clone which sold at the beginning with the legacy collection.

The original is very particular and thorough knowledge and application of research time stamp or special effects.
The advantage with clone USB is that little store in the computer the result of such research, which is not possible with the original vintage.

For the latter we must also thoroughly check the working condition because it was created in the early 80's and electronics requires the care, repair or overhaul. Checked the knob and all the buttons

A nice little synth but complex requires a lot of dedication and time.
Shame about the lack of memories, which brings it closer to the concept of modular large, and this one is a small, but still quite complex.
Remains the best solution is to say the software, but have the USB controller is not obvious, because I think it does produce more.
A search for occas on AudioFanzine example ...

Quote: It's really here where the bat was injured and that's the reason I post this notice. Before you actually depart with your money, know that this machine is virtually unusable live. Or you set a sound and you do not touch it anymore! The slightest error in the pitch and it sounds completely wrong. In short, a bitch....
Sometimes people talk about things that he does not know well, in BLONDIE live there was a 20 ms and in many new wave groups of 80s, I even use my MS 20 live for 9 years!

UTILIZATION

A great synth almost as well that a large modular (why Korg has released a not so terrible USB version and not a re-edition polyphonic with present and memory genre SIEL Opera 6 has made everyone agree)

SOUNDS

We do everything with a 20 ms just patch it

OVERALL OPINION

10 years already that I have the beast I have to find a boyfriend (korg sq 10) so all of a sudden I'm looking for 50 ms so that they can have fun together with their little cousin Korg CX3!

3 octaves.

UTILIZATION

the manual is essential for a beginner.

SOUNDS

It has analogue characteristics, but with his own signature.

OVERALL OPINION

The MS20 is the best gift my father gave to the 16 year old teenager 16 that I was ... 3800 francs back in 1980 it represented a healthy sum! I did not know very well exactly what was a synthesizer, and the MS20 introduced me to this world of such beautiful electronic instruments. Of course this is not a MOOG, it has no punching power to lead or bass. But it's a great synth that can draw fascinating sounds, for anyone who will lean on. Ah, I've spent hours trying to route signals through the "patch bay"! It deserves to qualify as a "Learning" synth, but it also has specific sonic qualities that make it recognizable. It's a real boy wizard, the MS20! Like all analogies, it works wonders as soon as it assists some reverb or delays, so do not be disappointed at first by its "dry" side a bit, if you listen to with no effect. It was in the belly! No wonder it is still sought after today ... on the other hand, its going second hand price seems excessive.

we are here with a monophonic 3 octaves synth that back in the days was called  a research synth.... Wow Mr professor!
At same time as this can make you smile, this as such, says it all.

UTILIZATION

For those who are lucky enough to have a copy or original, the manual comes with leaf patches made with the found sounds such as game arrow and the result is not always convincing, it was necessary to use a little imagination in 1980, to find a piano sound at the time, but hey it was not for that either.
This machine has just a huge sound, it's pure analog snores bass ... to try it is a good experience. When I compose and I'm missing powerful color, it is there, quietly, to give grain and it works in the mix. We play this machine as a guitar, triturated (attention to the speakers as still there are frequencies that are very very very low) and it sometimes takes us where we do not send it, but it's really instinctive, very nice.

SOUNDS

As soon as we managed to set it the analog is a pure pleasure for those who love the sound, it's intuitive and very typical. Keyboard is solid and pleasant, a little patch .... ... experimental.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had synths for over 20 years and this machine is in the studio from a friend who got rid of it for 500 francs (€ 75) to buy a DX7 ... I had the nose at the time. It is a machine to treasure, I've never had a problem with it.
Try it, do yourself a favor if you can. Do not buy without trying .An MS20 likes it or not, and given the weight of the market price is not a trivial purchase. The fingers work the sound and the ear will do the rest, it's an experience ... very pleasant and very musical.

modular and repatchable as you wish
Monophonic
no connection

UTILIZATION

Not so simple compared to today's beasts,
You need to understand subtractive synthesis and some basic electronics will be a plus!
If you know of solder jack, you can make cables in Y for more possibility still (eg to send a signal on 2 inputs).

Clearly this is something for connoisseurs- if you are not, you will not make it.
Of course, no memory, no midi, nothing like what makes the beloved charming (?) keyboards of today. 

SOUNDS

Much interest is in modularity, the ability to tweak the cabling in all directions to find the sounds.
Searching carefully you can create great sounds with many harmonics.
If not for the musicality, bof! the monophony no longer amuses me.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought one in 1979, I do not know the price of a new one at the time and then after 3 years I made the mistake of selling it to buy I do not know what other beast!

2 days ago my daughter brings me a borrowed one from a friend. A MS20, 1982 that slept in an attic for over 20 years and saw the dust ...
After cleaning I reconnect it and I find myself 31 years ago.
The sounds are really good although a little cold compared to a Nord Rack, so it is a bit tight.

When I see the prices of second hands, really I want to  scream with laughter, for 800 euro (Audiofanzine argus) run to buy something else (a prophet 5) for 200 euro it's worth it!