Now the time has come! KORG dares to relaunch one of the biggest polyphonic analog synthesizers ever. The PS-3300 FS is a replica of the original synth from 1977, this time with memories, MIDI, USB, a “modern” connection cable to the keyboard, one voltage processor instead of two (space has been made up for the MIDI sockets), and a XLR-output (substituting the 2nd jack output).
Apart from that, the exterior is exactly the same as the original PS-3300. The keyboard ranges from C to C (original F to E). It features AT and has 49 keys – “one” key more than the vintage model.
This vintage Korg PS-3300 was produced from 1977 to around 1981 in a small edition of around 50 units. Essentially consisting of 3 units of the Korg PS-3100, the PS-3300 had a sound as powerful as its price.
Only a few well-heeled musicians (Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, Klaus Schulze …) could afford the PS-3300. And in this respect, not much has changed to this day, as the used market price of an original PS-3300 is currently around 80,000 euros again.
So it’s good to hear that the PS-3300 FS is estimated at a new price of USD 13,000. Of course, it will not have the truly authentic sound of the vintage model. Even the MS-20 FS, ARP 2600 FS and yes, in short, “all” replicas do not have the exact tonal quality of the old instruments.
But on the other hand, you have to consider the enormous achievement that Korg has accomplished here. After all, the PS-3300 FS “is” a fully polyphonic, analogue instrument with 3 synthesizer sections per voice, with an original appearance and (almost) unchanged PS-3010 keyboard.
Here is the presentation of the PS-3300 FS, with explanations and “some” sound …
… and musically more sophisticated sounds in this video:
Listening to the PS-3300 FS via YouTube, the characteristics of the resonators and filters appear somewhat different. But the wide frequency range of the main LFOs (MG1 on each section) and the important extra-long envelope times seem to have found their way into the new instrument.
With this in mind, we are looking forward to the KORG PS-3300 FS, which is due to be launched at the end of 2024 …
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Further info: www.korg.co.uk
Gonna call BS here. ‘All replicas do not have the exact tonal qualities of the vintage originals’. I disagree. I own the Korg MS20, 2600, Odyssey reissues, all FS and have owned or played original versions of each. If there are any difference and I say IF, it’s the case of the vintage unit being in a less than perfect condition, and let’s face it, with the old gear there is always something a bit wrong. Give me a modern Minimoog model d any day of the week over an original. Heck, even some of the Behringers are a dead set tonal copy, take the Monopoly for example. As for the Sequential Prophet 10, and OBX8, Tom Oberheim 2 voice, they are wonderful. Own them all. I’m old, I have played the originals over the years. Keep your originals. We are in a golden age!
Jason of Neuropa 2024-03-01
Gonna call BS here. ‘All replicas do not have the exact tonal qualities of the vintage originals’
As someone who has owned an original ARP 2600 & Odyssey and have owned the KARP odyssey replica and have played on the KARP 2600FS, I can say they defiantly do not sound the same as there vintage counterparts, its personal opinion weather nor not that justifies the crazy second hand prices of the originals, I have also owned both PS3100 & PS 3200 in the past and from the YouTube demos, I can hear that the KORG PS3300 reissue does sound different in tone to the vintage ones I used to own, but I hear you – reliability is very underestimated.
Well – thing is… when it comes to sound. It is actually the old vintage analouge synths that are not totally «up to spec». And the reason for this is the fact that electronic components – especially capacitors – gets worn out. During the aging sound changes – so if you make a new one to original spec – it will show some different properties. One can dial in a tad different values to make them sound alike – but they will always sound a tad different. I don’t think one should worry about this. A new synth will last you for decades.