Ahead of the 2021 NAMM Show, Korg has reintroduced the miniKORG 700, originally introduced in 1973.
The miniKORG 700 was the company’s first mass-produced analog monosynth.
The miniKORG 700 FS is a complete reissue of the two-oscillator “S” model, right down to the “traveler” (filter), spring reverb x/y joystick, USB and five-pin MIDI, arpeggiator, CV/Gate, and program programmability.
It was developed in conjunction with the original designer, Fumio Mieda. The miniKORG 700 FS offers added functionality, including an arpeggiator, spring reverb and aftertouch. The limited-edition reissue will also come with a custom case.
Here’s what they have to say about it:
“Our wish is for customers to experience the beauty and awesomeness of the authentic analog sound through the miniKORG 700FS designed by the KORG analog engineers, under the supervision of Fumio Mieda, who designed the original circuitry, ensuring that the elements that go beyond the circuit schematics would be faithfully represented.”
Synthesist Kitaro shares his thoughts on it (with English Closed Captions):
Pricing and Availability
The miniKorg 700 FS is priced €1999; availability is TBA. See the Korg site for details.
Wow. Unexpected and really tasty. Always loved the 700s sound.
Now THAT’s unexpected!
I wonder if these will sell out instantly like the 2600 FS?
They forgot to add Midi-out?
I had the single oscillator model for years. It was only a 2 stage envelope, no velocity sense, and I fangled the master pitch control to work like a pitch bend. I’m pleased to see a new version.
1999€ according to synthanatomy
Wallwart PSU.. my old 700S had a nice compartment for the power cord.
It makes it easier to safety certify. Mains voltage on the interior leads to higher engineering costs.
…also a good place to keep you “stash.” 😉
This is going to be like the ARP 2600 FS – talking 2000 euros over on Synthanatomy – so that’s over $3000 AUD. What’s to bet its a very limited production run, which will sell out immediately. It’s Kitaro’s synth – so it will be highly sought after. Wait 12 months for the ‘mini’ version to emerge?
If it’s the same situation as the 2600 FS then the waiting list will be filled at Namm. Which is a particularly shitty way to fill orders for a limited edition synth if you ask me
yes Korg, doing good things.
Good choice, Behringer won’t clone this one.
This reissue thing is getting out of control. It’s like GM suddenly deciding to roll out an authentic reproduction of a baby blue 1980 Chevrolet Citation, complete with 85 HP 4-cylinder engine, 8-track tape player and sticky vinyl seats. Why do we need to revisit synths from 1973? Most were underwhelming then, they’re just incredibly limited now.
+1
Maybe because… People who never had a chance to use them still want to use them? or maybe people who used to own them once upon a time want to use them again? Maybe because its not as big of a deal as owning a massive, gas guzzling car that you need a large amount of space to house? Maybe because this synth has been used by so many great artists in some of the greatest pop songs ever that the thought of owning one is an inspiration to lots of other musicians and artists
Just to name a few reasons. If you ask me the only issue here is that it’s a limited edition run and they should be making more of them
i was hoping for an 800dv so I can retire my original one, still cool
syeK eht woleb slortnoC
Missed the opportunity moving the controls to the empty space above the keys.
A Pity becasue it sounds great and unique!
Aftertouch. This has aftertouch. Why is it that aftertouch has to be so rare??? Yes, this synth is all inputs, and I, too, wish that there were MIDI out and CV out. But why is such an essential feature like aftertouch left out of so many synths? Aftertouch should be standard.
After reading Korg’s site, the controls-on-the-front makes some sense. It was to be placed on top of another keyboard, like an organ or electric piano. So when sitting at that keyboard, the position of the 700S controls makes sense, because if the controls were above the keyboard, then it would be hard to reach them.
Definitely did not see this coming.
Kitaro makes a good point about bonding with its voice. Its an odd fish thing, like Jens Johansson using a Polysix for years. I like the 2 oscillators & general sweet sound of it, but not $3000 worth. Thumbs up for the smart enhancements, though.
For the sake of authenticity, you should have to buy it from a mail order catalog for £7.76 a week over 36 weeks.
Wow! My very first synth (sold it a long time ago). Sounded wonderful (true ring mod bell sounds). Did not have so many parameters, but the faders and switches allowed for quick and accurate real time control. But for that price, I would have preferred a 800 DV reissue…
It sounds like they have encoders on the pots and slider – see discussion of memory on their site. Growing on me….
Ordered… and paid for (phew)