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Synthesizer Manufacturers

Korg

Korg is a Japanese company that was founded in 1962 by Tsutomu Katoh and Tadashi Osanai. The company began as a manufacturer of electronic tuners for guitars and other instruments, but quickly expanded into other areas of the music industry.

In the 1970s, Korg began to develop and produce synthesizers. Their first synthesizer was the Korg 700, released in 1973, which was an analog synthesizer that used a voltage-controlled oscillator.

In 1978, Korg released the MS-20 (pictured), a semi-modular analog synthesizer that was known for its distinctive sound and versatility. The MS-20 quickly became a popular choice among musicians, and was used by a wide range of artists, from pop and rock to electronic and experimental.

In 1985, Korg released the DW-8000, a digital synthesizer that combined wavetable and frequency modulation synthesis. The DW-8000 was known for its unique synthesis method and its ability to produce a wide range of sounds.

In 1988, Korg released the M1, a digital synthesizer that was known for its realistic instrument sounds and ease of use. The M1 became one of the best-selling synthesizers of all time and was used by a wide range of musicians, from pop and rock to electronic and film music.

In the 1990s, Korg continued to produce a wide range of synthesizers, including the T-series, Z-series, and Trinity. The T-series, introduced in 1991, was a line of workstation synthesizers that combined synthesis, sequencing, and sampling capabilities. The Z-series, introduced in 1995, was a line of synthesizers that featured powerful synthesis and sampling capabilities. The Trinity, introduced in 1995, was a flagship workstation synthesizer that featured advanced synthesis and sequencing capabilities.

In 1999, Korg released the Triton, a workstation synthesizer that was known for its advanced synthesis capabilities, wide range of sounds, and user-friendly interface. The Triton was used by a wide range of musicians, from pop and rock to electronic and film music.

In 2002, Korg released the MicroKorg, a compact synthesizer and vocoder that was known for its portability and versatility. The MicroKorg quickly became a popular choice among musicians and was used in a wide range of musical genres.

In 2011, Korg released the Kronos, a flagship workstation synthesizer that featured advanced synthesis and sequencing capabilities, a wide range of sounds, and a user-friendly interface.

In recent years, Korg has continued to produce a wide range of synthesizers, such as the Minilogue, Monologue and the Volca series, which are portable, affordable and easy-to-use.

Throughout its history, Korg has been known for producing high-quality synthesizers that are used by a wide range of musicians. The company has also been recognized for its innovation and commitment to quality and reliability.

Important Korg Models:

  1. Korg MS-20: A semi-modular analog synthesizer first released in 1978, known for its distinctive sound and versatility.
  2. Korg DW-8000: A digital synthesizer released in 1985, known for its unique synthesis method that combined wavetable and frequency modulation synthesis.
  3. Korg M1: A digital synthesizer released in 1988, known for its realistic instrument sounds and ease of use.
  4. Korg Triton: A workstation synthesizer released in 1999, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities and wide range of sounds.
  5. Korg MicroKorg: A compact synthesizer and vocoder released in 2002, known for its portability and versatility.
  6. Korg Kronos: A flagship workstation synthesizer released in 2011, known for its advanced synthesis capabilities, wide range of sounds and user-friendly interface.
  7. Korg Minilogue: A polyphonic analog synthesizer first released in 2016, known for its affordable price and warm, vintage sound.
  8. Korg Monologue: A monophonic analog synthesizer released in 2016, known for its compact size, affordability, and powerful sound.
  9. Korg Volca series: A line of portable, affordable and easy-to-use synthesizers, drum machines and grooveboxes released in 2012, known for their retro-style sound and design.

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