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Korg has announced a new synthesizer, the miniKorg 700FS that is a modern nod to past innovation.

Korg goes back to its roots (miniKorg 700) with the miniKorg 700FS, a new version of its first analogue synth. The miniKorg 700 released in 1973 was Korg’s first mass-produced analogue synth, and now after almost 50 years later, it is back. The new miniKorg 700FS is actually a revival of the MiniKorg 700S, which was launched in 1974 and added more functionality, but make no mistake, this is Korg going right back to its synth roots.

Unique ‘sub keyboard’ can be used for phat leads and basses.

Looking back, the miniKorg 700 was a simple and slightly unusual instrument, and the same could be said of this new version, which was designed in collaboration with Fumio Mieda, the creator of the original. A good number of the controls are positioned below the keyboard on the front panel, the theory being that this makes them easy to access when the synth is positioned on top of a main keyboard such as an organ or electric piano. This is because the miniKorg 700 was originally conceived as a sub keyboard – one that might be used for additional lead or bass sounds during a performance. The FS can be used in the same way. While the original miniKorg 700 was a single oscillator monosynth, the S model added a second oscillator, and this is included in the FS version as well. As such, you can create even phatter, detuned sounds. Like the S, the FS has a ring modulator, too.

The miniKorg 700FS features that are completely new include a spring reverb effect, a joystick for pitchbend and modulation, and aftertouch on the 37-note keyboard, an arpeggiator, while connectivity includes a USB port, MIDI IN and a CV/Gate In jack. A memory button enables you to store your favourite patches.

Perhaps, you are already be familiar with the filter circuit from the miniKorg 700, as it was included in the Volca Keys and Volca Bass. The filter can be tweaked using the unique Traveler controller; this consists of two sliders sitting below the keyboard for adjusting the cut-off frequency. The upper one controls the low-pass filter and the lower one takes care of the high-pass filter.

Befitting the vintage feel and look, the miniKorg 700FS comes with a luxurious looking hard case, to enable you to keep it safe when it is out on the road.

Find out more on the Korg website. A price and release date are still to be confirmed.

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Hammond SK PRO Stage Keyboard – 61 keys

The SK Pro represents the latest generation of organ-focused, do-it-all keyboards from Hammond. The Hammond SK Pro stage keyboard is not just an organ, it is also a synthesizer; – Piano and Ensemble sections also included.

The Hammond SK Pro features 61– and 73-keys versions, a comprehensive organ section also (among many other things) a dedicated monosynth.

The new Hammond stage keyboard powered by a physical modelling engine, this offers six different oscillator configurations, along with filter and amplitude controls. Hammond says that this provides players with the sounds and hands-on feel of a real analogue synth. The organ is powered by the Modeled Tone Wheel 1 (MTW1) engine from the Hammond XK-5 organ, and there is a new digital Leslie speaker emulation. In addition, the keyboard includes a Virtual Multi-Contact function that is designed to give you the feel of a real Hammond. The Piano/Ensemble section features new sampled grand and electric piano sounds, and all sounds are fully editable.

Each section has both factory and user patches, and you can also create combinations that feature tones from any or all of the sections. These can be assigned to Favourites buttons for instant access. All sections have access to effects, too – overdrive and two types of DSP multi-effects.

The new instrument is what makes Hammond is famous for but the SK Pro is noteworthy for being the first portable Hammond to also feature a dedicated monosynth.

The Hammond SK Pro 61 and 73 keys versions  is currently unavailable.

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Yamaha YC73

Yamaha YC88

Yamaha has announced the larger versions of the YC61 offer drawbars, FM synthesis and much more. A year on from the launch of the YC61 stage keyboard, Yamaha has added two larger siblings to the range, the YC73 and YC88. Alright, you are unable to gig with them right now – for obvious reasons – but Yamaha certainly look up to the job when you are ready to venture out again.

The Yamaha YC73 features 73 balanced keys and is very much an all-rounder when it comes to performance, while the 88-note YC88 is meant for players who prioritize the touch and feel of an acoustic piano. There are Natural Wood keys with triple-sensor action, synthetic ebony and ivory key tops.

As with the YC61, the new models are loaded with vintage keyboard tones, and offer drawbar control for organ players. The organ sound engine is powered by Yamaha Virtual Circuit Modeling (VCM) technology, which promises to recreate an organ behaviour right down to component level. The same technology is used for the rotary speaker effect. There are nine drawbars, and you also have control over the percussion and vibrato/chorus and you can customize the key click and leakage, too, and the organ section also includes FM synthesis.

In addition, there are also two Keys sections, with Yamaha AWM technology being used to power acoustic and electric pianos, strings, brass, analogue-style synth sounds and more – FM synthesis is included here, as well. And, there are two easily-tweakable effect sections here also. You can split the Organ and Keys sections across the keyboard or plug in another MIDI keyboard to take control of one of them, which would be useful on stage.

OK, you can still opt for the Yamaha YC61, too – this includes the semi-weighted waterfall action that is preferred by organ players.

Both the YC73 and YC88 will be available from next week.

Yamaha YC88

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