Korg MS-20 FS Now Available In Four Colors

Korg today announced that its MS-20 FS (full-size) Monophonic Synthesizer is now available, pre-assembled, in four colors.

The MS-20 is a 37-key classic analog monosynth, with patch bay and external signal processor, originally released in 1978. The MS-20 FS reissues the original with some new features, including MIDI IN and USB.

The MS-20 FS was previously available in 2014 in small numbers as a kit. This full-size reissue consists of limited numbers of the four different powder-coated color variations (green, white, blue, black).

Korg describes the reissue as a “genuine MS-20 made by KORG, faithful to the original in every way.”

Features:

  • Full-sized 37-note (3-octave) MS-20 keyboard made by KORG
  • Four different color variations in a powder-coated finish (green, white, blue, black)
  • Provides two types of MS-20 filter: early model and late model
  • Faithfully reproduces the analog circuitry of the original
  • 2VCO / 2VCA / 2VCF / 2EG / 1LFO structure
  • External Signal Processor (ESP) to process an external signal
  • Patching system provides an extremely high degree of sound creation
  • MIDI IN connector and USB port for keyboard and DAW MIDI connectivity
  • AC adaptor
  • The original is reproduced in every detail, including the package finish, owner’s manual and settings chart

Pricing and Availability

All four KORG MS-20 FS models are now available with U.S. MAP pricing of $1399.99.

48 thoughts on “Korg MS-20 FS Now Available In Four Colors”

  8. What’s funny to me is: this version is expensive because it’s by the “original manufacturer”, but the creator of the MS20 currently works at Behringer ( Hiroaki Nishijima, inventor of the Korg MS-20 ). I just find that ironic, that it’s all about the brand in this case.

    1. $1400 is not expensive for a full-size classic analog monosynth design.

      When it comes to classic monosynths, the top 3 are probably the Minimoog, the MS-20 and the Pro-One, and to get a beast like this for $1400 would have been a wet dream a couple of years ago.

      Behringer’s K-2 isn’t really that cheap at $400, when Korg’s larger MS-20 MIni is bigger, offers more features and a keyboard for $120 more.

      In the end, you get what you pay for, and Behringer’s knockoffs are good for what they are, but they can’t compare to a classic full-size beast.

      1. Imho, both Korg and Behringer’s reproductions aren’t totally faithful: I recently resold my MS-20 mini, but looking back I should’ve bought the K-2. I mean, I can’t distinguish between a reissue Moog Model D and a Behringer’s D in a blind test video, but I can definitely spot the mini or the K-2. I wonder why it’s so hard to copy the MS-20’s architecture.

      2. Yes indeed. $1400 for this is cheap, $400 for the K-2 is not cheap. Following that logic, $600 for a Behringer 2600 is not cheap, and $1800 for a Korg 2600mini is cheap. That’s because the Korg 2600 is smaller, has less functions and is made with the same quality components.

        Who do you think you are fooling?

        1. Mike

          “Behringer’s K-2 isn’t really that cheap at $400.”

          How is stating an obvious fact like that controversial?

          Consider the $400 Novation Bass Station 2 – it’s a crapload more synth than what you get from Behringer for the same money.

          For about the same price as the Behringer K-2, Novation gives you a synth with full MIDI CC control, patch memory, microtonal tuning support, per-note control over synth parameters and a lot more powerful synth engine. Plus a keyboard!

          You could go down the list of Behringer’s knockoff modules and NONE of them offer ANY of those features.

          Behringer fools you into thinking you’re getting a bargain by knocking off rare vintage synths, which aren’t valuable because they have magic pixie dust in them, they’re valuable because they are rare vintage synths.

          And a lot of rare old synths aren’t even exceptionally great synths.

          When Behringer’s knocking off synths like the Wasp and the PolySix, they’re not copying top-tier gear anymore, they’re making stripped-down copies of the cheap synths that beginners had to settle for in the 80s.

          If you want to buy into the idea that a cheap knockoff of a rare old synth is a great bargain, then bless your heart.

          But damn, you can get WAY more synth for your money so easily.

      3. I purchased an MS-20 in 1978 for $800; with inflation, that would be the equivalent of $3,200 in 2021 dollars. So, $1400 is not bad at all.

          1. The circuit board of an analog synth – regardless of whether or not it’s made with SMT like all modern synths – is not where your money goes.

            It is literally the cheapest part of a synth. That’s why Korg can make a good sounding analog synth for $150.

            Electronics costs have gone down to almost nothing. But the cost of everything else that goes into building a good synth have gone up.

  9. What’s with all of the color crybabies? If you want it orange, pink, etc just use a can of spray paint. Although, salmon pinkish-orange will likely need to be ordered as a custom color.

    1. It’s called having a laugh. Maybe you’ve heard of it?

      FWIW, I like traditional black synths, but the green and blue options look great.

    2. Salmon pink-orange would be Fender’s Shell Pink. I want one in Fiesta Red. Most guitar colors are just car paint.

  12. I can’t believe i’m so tempted to buy one of these. Totally can’t afford it and it sounds just as clunky as my actually clunky MS20 mini. I do love the raucous wheezer don’t get me wrong. It’s just when I see the high res photos (especially the shiny blue powder coat), it’s like they reached in and pulled some lever in my brain. Ready to take out a payday loan.

  14. The white one looks immaculate. I must think twice about it, for this price, but it is great for those who must have the full-sized, authentic beast rather than the smaller one.

  15. To think it was $600US NIB in December 1982. And the build-it-yourself desktop module reissue was $1050US as a repacked retailer return, in perfect condition. Please accept my hollow laughter.

    1. I invite you to look at the inflation corrected price you mentioned and then laugh at yourself in nervous embarrassment.

  18. i tried the mini, it was one one the worst built synths i’ve ever used, cheap, wobbly knobs, odd feeling key bed. sent it back. my Minilogue XD on the other hand has a fantastic built quality, i’m not sure where the disconnect is.

  19. I bought one and I love it so far, the sound and build is great. Went with the classic black version as none of the new colours really clicked with me.

  22. You would think that with this new FS version they’d have implemented an easier method to switch between filter revisions, like they did with the DIY module version which was an improvement over the first FS version. What a stupid and backward design for a 2021 synth…

  28. The excellent Korg MS-20 mini was scaled down to 86% from the original.
    It currently retails at €579 (even though I paid €499 at the time)
    579 + 14% = 661
    661 is 47% of 1399.99
    Therefore, at this retail price the thing should be at least twice as big as the original.
    Just sayin 8)

      1. The build on the MS-20 FS is very nice – probably better than the original in many ways. The mini version’s build is more like the microKorg and other budget synths.

        I’ve been very impressed with their full-size reissues.

        The Korg ARP 2600 is flipping gorgeous. You’re paying more, OBVIOUSLY, to get a nicely made, full-size reissue of the original. But it really is like getting a brand new, tricked-out 2600.

  30. I like the white so I just might…

    (though if my other half sees it, there’ll be a fight so I’d better keep it out of sight or just play it at night).

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