The Really old korg Synthesizer Site

The Really old Korg Synthesizer site

MIDI-fying an old Korg synthesizer in 2 steps

A really old Korg synthesizer doesn´t have any inputs at all. Well, the Korg 770 has an external signal input, but that´s not very useful. What we need here is sockets for CV and Gate input (VCO control voltage and trig signal).

The easiest way to do that is to send the synth to Kenton or Analogue Solutions and let them do the job. I have done business with both and had no problems at all. A warning from Kenton: "Please bear in mind that, if you are an overseas customer, it is virtually impossible to get the synth to us in one piece"

Kenton offers cv/gate/filter kits for MiniKorg 700s and Korg 770. I have bought one of each myself and they are very easy to install. Instructions are very easy to follow step by step. All you need is a soldering iron, a wire cutter, a drill, and screw drivers. If you are unfamiliar with soldering, let your local radio/TV repair-man do the job.

2. Now when your synth have inputs for CV/Gate it´s controllable... but not directly from your MIDI keyboard. You need something that can convert the MIDI signals to CV/Gate. Kenton has several different units that fits here. ProSolo is the one I use with my synths. Easy and reliable. Again, instructions are easy to follow.

Repairing a really old Korg synthesizer

I have never encountered a really old Korg that haven´t been able to repair. Mostly all I had to do was to replace a burnt-out fuse. In some models You have to use a soldering iron to replace the fuse. If you aren´t familiar with analog circuits I recommend you to let a radio/TV repair man do the job. Try to find one that has been in the business since at least the 70´s. They are usually very good at repairing old analog things and they thinks odd things like really old Korg synthesizers are fun to dive into...