Korg SV-1: Bringing Back Vintage

korg-sv-1Realistically produced decades of electro-mechanical and digital sound fused with vibrant acoustic sound, makes it a vintage music lover’s dream to play the Korg SV1, which is available in both a 73-key model and an 88-key version. That, plus the retro-chic look and feel makes this instrument short of nothing but vintage excellence.

 
 

Korg SV1 Review

The Korg SV1 is equipped with the finest graded-hammer action (RH3) keyboard for both the 73-key and 88-key versions of the piano. It also offers eight tuning schemes that response to keyboard styles including equal, grand piano stretch, electric piano stretch, electric grand, upright stretch, detuned and two user-definable types (configurable using the editor/librarian software).

 

Indulge in Retro Sounds

Built with the Korg RX or Real eXperience Technology, the Korg SV-1 offers a multitude of 36 sounds ranging from vintage electronic to funky to classic to traditional acoustic, each sound crafted as realistically as possible. Examples of available sounds:

  • Acoustic piano sounds which include: 3 way stereo versions of grand pianos, intimate upright piano, mono piano for mini gigs, late ‘70s-mid 80’s Japanese electro-acoustic variation, Korg’s signature and rocking SG-1D, plus other mixed sounds
  • Electric piano sounds which include: velocity switched “tine” versions, classic “reed” based model sounds, vintage analog “electra” sounds, plus two Japanese mid-80’s digital sounds
  • Organs which include: the classic tonewheel model, British and Italian combo organs, and the signature American tube-driven console organ.
  • Clavs, tape-based analog strings, choir and analog synth sounds

These sounds can be further enhanced with amps and effects namely: the equalizes, pre fx, amp model, modulation fx, reverb/delay and the limiter. All of these features make this piano an instrument which caters to extreme sound detail.

 

This video demos the Korg SV1:

 

Korg SV-1 Spec Chart:

#1
Korg SV-1
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General
Weight

73-key = 38.5 lbs
88-key = 45.3 lbs

Height6.1 in.
Depth13.66 in.
Width

73-key = 45 in.
88-key = 53.3 in.

Main Features
# of Keys73 or 88
Weighted Keys
Weighted Keys: Weighted keys mimic the keys of an acoustic piano. They will be lighter on the lower notes, heavier on the higher ones
Touch Sensitivity
Touch Sensitivity: Touch sensitivity means the harder or softer a key is pressed, the louder or softer the sound will be. Conversely, a piano with no sensitivity will have the same degree of loudness no matter how hard the keys are pressed.
Built-In Speakers
Built-In Speakers: For pianos without speakers, either a pair of headphones must be used, or amplified speakers must be connected via the line-out jack
No
Polyphony
Polyphony: The number of notes or sounds the piano can play simultaneously
80-notes
# of Voices
# of Voices: Voices are the different types of pianos or other musical instruments (such as harp, organ, etc) that the piano can play
36
Reverb Effects
Reverb Effects: Echo effects that can simulate playing the piano in different venues, such as a hall or an auditorium
Built-in Songs
Built-in Recorder
Built-in Recorder: Does the device have built-in storage to save songs? If not, the piano can still save songs to a computer using either a MIDI or USB port
Metronome
Available ColorsBlack with red/brown trim
Connections
USB Port
MIDI Connector
Headphone Jack
Line-Out Jack
Accessories
Footswitch Included
Power Supply Included
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Korg SV-1

 

Take Control

A Korg SV1 review is not complete without the mention of it being user-friendly. The front panel makes for an easy-to-use and quick control interface, avoiding confusing menus and multiple button presses. Rotary knobs are illuminated with LEDs for easier spotting. Plus, 8 car radio-style buttons are available for instant recall of 8 favorite sounds and settings. These features provide for a smoother transition when performing with a Korg SV1 onstage. The piano is also equipped with balanced XLR and ¼” outputs, left and right inputs, MIDI in and out jacks, USB MIDI Port, and 3 pedal connections: Damper, Pedal 1, and Pedal 2.

 

Customer Feedback

“Great Instrument for the price.”

“…worth every penny.”

“I highly recommend it over anything else you’re thinking of getting.”

“Incredible sound and very, very accessible hardware-only interface…”

“You can change the sound in many ways within a second by turning a knob. That’s a big plus for me.”

 

Vintage Decadence

Owner reviews rave about the piano’s vintage stand out appeal with its curvaceous façade, retro-inspired buttons and finishes available in Metallic Red with Charcoal ends for the 73-key version and Carbon Gray with Metallic Copper ends for the 88-key version.

What’s missing from the SV1 is that it has no modulation wheels or pitch bend and no splitting and layering. But apart from that it is a well-defined, performance-oriented instrument capable of reminiscing hit-making vintage sounds; making owners more than enthusiastic on giving a positive Korg SV-1 review.

korg-sv1(some links here are sponsored affiliate links. The owner makes commission if you buy after clicking these links. The owner is not a bona fide user of this product, but has thoroughly researched it and provided his personal opinion only)