In more exciting news from NAMM for synth collectors & lovers, KORG is set to revive one of the rarest and most sought-after synthesizers in music history—the KORG PS-3300.
The PS-3300 FS, a faithful full-scale reissue of the original PS-3300, originally designed by legendary Korg engineer Fumio Mieda and produced in extremely limited quantities from 1977 to 1981, is making a triumphant comeback. KORG will have an un-playable prototype at this year’s NAMM show which we can only guess is in preparation for a full production run!
One thing I should state from the outset. This thing is going to be expensive. Does that mean it’s a useless re-issue that no one is going to buy? No, not by a long shot. In my opinion, re-issues on this scale are important for companies like KORG to re-enforce the history of electronic instrument design and place it in front of new generations of musicians and artists.
“Bringing back to life these legendary machines is not only a process of reproducing circuits and sounds but also of learning and embracing the essence of the philosophy and development of synthesizers.
Through this project I was able to relive the history of Korg and a critical moment in the evolution of our synthesizers. This was an extremely valuable experience that provided an opportunity for Korg’s philosophy and technology to be carried on to future generations.”
– Yoshihito Yamada, Chief Engineer of KORG Analog Synthesizers
Guided by original designer Fumio Mieda, expect high standards from the KORG team and meticulous crafting, utilizing bespoke components. The reissue boasts 49 keys, offering one additional key compared to the original, and an impressive 49-voice analog polyphony. Comprising three synthesizer units and a mixer & utility section, it delivers 147 synth voices of raw analog power. That. Is. Crazy!
New features include a microtuning knob, a panel memory function with 256 slots, and modernized
USB/MIDI jacks for contemporary music use. The PS-3300 FS also incorporates a dedicated Librarian app for easy preset management. While this is clearly a collector’s item and may not be attainable for everyone, it also serves to preserves the essence of the original while introducing it to a new generation of musicians, producers, sound designers, and synth enthusiasts.
For enthusiasts eager to experience the revival firsthand, a non-playable prototype will be showcased at the KORG USA Booth during NAMM 2024. The anticipated price for the PS-3300 FS is set at US$13,000, with production slated for late 2024 on a made-to-order basis. This reissue marks another impactful announcement for KORG’s engineering team, renowned for successfully revitalizing iconic machines like the MS-20, ARP ODYSSEY, miniKORG 700FS, and ARP 2600.
About the PS-3300 FS
- 49 keys / 49 voice analog polyphony (the original model had 48 keys / voices)
- 3 Layers: The PS-3300 consists of three synthesizer units (PSU-3301) and a mixer & utility section (PSU-3302)
- Three independent oscillators, plus multiple filters, envelopes and amplifiers for every note on its keyboard, for a total of 147 synth voices of raw analog power
- Microtuning knob x12 on each PSU-3301 unit
- New panel memory function (16 programs per bank and 16 banks = 256 slots)
- Modernized for contemporary music use with the inclusion of USB / MIDI jacks, and a dedicated Librarian app for easy preset management
- Semi-modular
- 3-Band Resonator: Three frequency bands can be emphasized, a feature unique to the PS-3300 (original was a Cadmium sulfide circuit, but it was replaced with modern components for safety and to comply with regulations)
- Keyboard unit (PS-3010) included
A non-playable prototype will be displayed at the KORG USA Booth at NAMM 2024
KORG USA booth is situated in Hall C 7003
Anticipated Price: US$13,000
Production: Made to order, late 2024
