KIJIMI – RSF Polykobol II Clone Made In Japan

The CS-80 Clone DECKARD’S DREAM has been on everyone’s lips for some time. Now there’s a new synthesizer in the portfolio of the Japanese manufacturer Black Corporation: KIJIMI. It’s a clone of the legendary RSF Polykobol II synthesizer. KIJIMI will be presented at the SuperBooth 2018 for the first time. And we hope the whole story isn’t a late April Fool’s joke …

However, the name seems a little strange. Instead of “kijimi” we’d read “K | J | M |”. Like “Kobol | Japan | Module |” or something similar. The announcement of the Polykobol II replica immediately caused a stir. Olivier Grall – synthesizer collector, RSF expert and owner of two Polykobol II – is in doubt wheather such an unique vintage instrument can actually be offered as a “clone” (or as a replica, who cares). The original Polykobol II is characterized by many very special components and circuits.

Nevertheless: 8 analog voices with CEM3340 VCOs and SSM2240 VCFs, plus two LFOs with lots of modulation destinations – that doesn’t sound too bad. Even though we can’t expect a Polykobol II in rack format, the concept of this new analog synthesizer could be exciting. All the more so, as – as with Deckard’s Dream – an additional expander with CV inputs is to be expected. And then there’s the polyphonic aftertouch feature. Something the original RSF does not offer.

So, all in all, KIJIMI could turn out to be an interesting, good sounding and elaborate analog rack synthesizer.

More information shall be available after SuperBooth 2018.
We are curious …