Korg M-500SP Micro-Preset
This is the more sought-after version of the Micro-Preset with the built-in speaker underneath. In superb working order and excellent condition; complete with VERY stylish brown leatherette holdall.
It is great condition for a synth that's almost 40 years old (they were made from 1977-80): the 'wooden' casing is in good order overall and all pots/sliders work as they should (please see detailed photos).
On the face of it, this is a simple little preset synth, but it is capable of a wide range of classic sounds and is very expressive - it's a really enjoyable synth to play, and very easy to achieve great results. Contains the classic Korg35 filter chips that were used in the MS series synths, and certainly this can sound very like an MS-10. Experimentation can yield surprising results (particularly that you can press two preset buttons at once to mix the sounds) - the two Synthe buttons allow further tonal shaping using the manual filter and modulation depth controls. The repeat button is very cool: a very inspirational synth to play.
OMD used it extensively, as did Human League - add a little delay/reverb/phasing and this little synth can sound very big.
For sales in UK/EU the price will include VAT. VAT-free sales are possible to businesses and individuals in the EU (outside the UK) with a valid VAT Number - please get in touch if you wish to buy this way.
- It is a 100v Japanese model and will run fine on North American mains 115/120v without a transformer (we run all our tests using 120v power); however, a step-down transformer is recommended for extended use.
- A step-down transformer is required in the UK/EU.
- We do not recommend using cheap generic Chinese mains transformers and can supply a high quality UK-made unit if required.
Below are a couple of YouTube clips that demonstrate what this synth can do (with thanks to the uploaders); they aren't using the built-in speaker for these demos, and some effects have been added.
Controls are: