Korg-MS20 Synthesizer

If you're even interested in the Korg-MS20 it's safe to assume you're not a synth day tripper. The Korg MS20 is an old school monophonic synthesizer, so if you're looking for a synth you can play like a standard keyboard, this is not the device for you. If you're looking for smooth, unique and customizable analog sound for lead or bass lines, look no further.

As far as analog monophonic devices go, this one is more versitle than most and even more so for one this size. The Korg MS20 is a Noah's ark, feature two of about anything you want. It offers two VCOs, two VCFs that run in series, and two envelop generators. So, once you get into tone creation, you're going to find that you have a lot of options. Frankly, half the fun of these old synths is just getting in there and trying to see what you can create.

 

Now, that being said, there is a learning curve. This is not a "plug and play" device. If you don't know the the difference between a VCO and a LFO, it might be a bit of a long day for you. Though, unlike a lot of modern digital synths, there are no menus and sub-menus to navigate. It's all laid out on the front panel which allows for easy tweeking. This really makes it easy to see practical applications of the different options.

It's compact size might not seem special compared to modern digital synthesizers, but as far as analog goes it's pretty compact. It also seems to be very dependable and rugged, making it ideal for live use.

So, whether you're looking to make a jump from digital to analog or looking for a nice compact synth for the road or studio, the Korg MS20 is a great example of a vintage workhorse.