We’ve just had wind that KORG is soon to be reviving the iconic PS-3300 analog synth in a full size unit.
The original PS-3300 is a legendary and ultra-rare synthesizer designed by legendary Korg engineer Fumio Mieda and produced by Korg in very limited numbers from 1977 to 1981.
It has been reincarnated by the same engineering team which brought back the MS-20, ARP ODYSSEY, miniKORG 700 FS and ARP 2600.
It will only be available in the KORG USA shop and further details are still to be confirmed.
Yoshihito Yamada, Chief Engineer of Korg Analogue Synthesizers, said: “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.”
Features
- 49 keys / 49 voice analogue 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 analogue 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 emphasised, 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
Background
The Korg PS-3300 analog polyphonic synthesizer was released in 1977. It is one of the most complex and powerful synthesizers ever made, known for its fully polyphonic architecture and rich, organic sound.
Key features include full polyphonic operation — meaning every key has its own independent oscillator, filter, and envelope. This is achieved by three interconnected PS-3100 synth modules, each with 48 voices — three independent synth sections, a resonator section, patch panel, and built-in ensemble effect.
The PS-3300 is praised for its thick, evolving, and almost orchestral sound, making it ideal for ambient, experimental, and cinematic music. It was used by synth pioneers like Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, and Keith Emerson.
Only around 50 units were ever made, making it one of the rarest synthesizers in the world. Large and expensive, it was impractical for most musicians to use.
