Korg Poly-61
Released in 1983, the Poly-61 was a pre-midi synth, while the Poly-61M in 1984 was a Midi version of the same instrument. The Poly-61 is not a heavily favored or collectable vintage synth but a decent little synth none the less. Simple, but somewhat tedious to program, it was one of the first synths to employ the one parameter at a time "data-entry" concept of the early to mid 80's that later became so fashionable on synths such as the Yamaha DX7, Korg DW-8000/M1, Roland D-50, later Sequential synths such as the Prophet-VS and most other synths of that time frame. It also introduced the world to the now well known Korg pitchbend/modulation joystick. One could also call it the big brother to the Poly-800. Also features an arpeggiator.
Average Advertised Price:
$150 to $300
Jetboy's Humble Opinion Of Worth:
$200 should do it, although they usually are priced a bit higher.
Jetboy's Review: Another color to a keyboardist's synth palette, ok maybe not a very bright color, but sometimes it's good to have a little grey in the picture to shade some of the prettier colors. It's all in how you use it (and it is very easy to use).
Paul Kondig at Pkondig@fred.net,a Poly-61 owner writes: "It may not be the most sought after but is a good buy for analog hounds on a limited budget. It is a good keyboard to learn the basics of analog syntesis on and people are encouraged by it's ease of use." -Paul would like email from others interested in the Poly-61 or having questions regarding it.
Andreas at grunie@t-online.de paints the canvas with the following verbal colors: The poly61 is still an easy way to produce old fashiones sounds as on van Halenīs "jump", but it would be used more, if it would stand more than 1 session without electric problems (it resets all the time while the analog section works). Who could help???
Lohr at Eyematrix@prodigy.net shatters our perceptions on the meaning of life and Korg keyboards: The poly-61, an analog synth nobody wants or cares about it seems hence fourth the low price ($150-$300). it has no midi but it a GREAT synth to sample from! check out the arpeggiator its wild. the sounds arent too bad either, obviously ive heard better but as far as analog poly synths go this things great. i tend to program chunky thick strange sci-fi sounds with it. and the construction quality seems pretty good considering its and old korg (i have ALOT of trouble with older korg equiptment).. i have no idea whats wrong with andreas's resetting prob. sorry man.
More Reviews
Poly-61review: I like this synth, not as much as my Midi'ed Poly 6, but I need a power supply diagram for it. Finding a Poly 61m diagram is now turning into a lifelong mission!!!! If anyone could supply me with one I would be eternally grateful! thanx
name: fredfrederix
email address: fredfrederix@erols.com
Poly-61review: I HAVE A POLY 61M AND I LOVE THAT S.O.B. I ONLY HATE HOW THE MIDI IS SO BASIC. I GOT MINE FOR $99
name: KORG HEAD
Poly-61review: I found mine in the garbage. It made some really odd sounds before I endeavored to fix it; it was more interesting when it was broke.
name: Don Juan
email address: RhubarbRed@aol.com
Poly-61review: Is it still worth 100$ if half the keys don't work? I would buy it to play life in a psychedelic kinda band, but not if it can't be fixed... The keys do work however, if you push them a little to the sides. Should i buy this crap?
name: Roel
email address: roelrules@yahoo.com
Poly-61review: I got my Poly-61 (my first analog) for $35 in a classified ad. The key contacts were filthy, but after a little brushing up it works perfectly! I still don't know how to save patches, but the myriad presets provide plenty to build off of. A couple nice sounds, but more odd noises and such which are fun if not always useful. But whenever I start to find fault with it, I remember that it has a joystick and realize just how awesome that is.
name: Fulton Pyser
