AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Korg General Synthesizers 2026
The top pick is Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog Synthesizer ($301). Korg Volca Beats Analogue Rhythm Machine gives you the most for the money at $147. Korg Wavestate 37-Key Wave Sequencing Synthesizer leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 30 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 1, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog Synthesizer
Monologue Silver · Korg
61 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
The Monologue Silver is a fantastic little analog powerhouse. It's incredibly fun for basslines, leads, and sound design, especially if you're into gritty, raw sounds. Perfect for producers, electronic musicians, or anyone wanting a focused, hands-on analog experience without a huge investment.
Pros
- Solid metal chassis provides a reassuring, robust feel.
- The sequencer is surprisingly deep for a monophonic synth.
- Excellent value for an all-analog, subtractive synthesizer.
Cons
- Limited polyphony restricts layering and complex arrangements.
- The 25-key keyboard feels cramped for extended playing sessions.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$301 now$301€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg MicroKORG 2 37-Key Synthesizer / Vocoder
microKORG · Korg
50 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.2 kg
The microKORG is a quirky, fun little synth that’s been a mainstay for years. It’s a great grab-and-go option for electronic musicians, beatmakers, or anyone wanting to experiment with vocoding – it's a real character builder and surprisingly capable for its size.
Pros
- Excellent value for a versatile, portable synth
- Unique vocoder offers creative vocal processing
- Touch-sensitive mini keys inspire expressive playing
Cons
- Mini keys limit playing comfort for extended sessions
- Limited polyphony restricts complex chord voicings
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$446 now$446€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg Minilogue XD Polyphonic Analogue Synthesizer
Minilogue · Korg
39 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.8 kg
The Minilogue is a surprisingly capable and fun analog synth, perfect for bedroom producers, sound designers, and anyone wanting a portable, hands-on experience. Its accessible price and intuitive sequencer make it easy to dive in, while the voice mode unlocks some truly unique sonic textures. It's a great entry point into analog synthesis.
Pros
- Robust aluminum control panel feels premium and durable.
- Rubberized knobs offer excellent tactile feedback and grip.
- Voice mode provides unique sonic sculpting possibilities.
Cons
- 37 slim keys can feel cramped for players with larger hands.
- Limited modulation options compared to higher-end synths.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$531 now$531€475 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg KROSS 2 61 61-Key Synthesizer Workstation
Kross 2-61 · Korg
34 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight3.8 kg
- Keys61 keys
The Kross 2-61 is a fantastic grab-and-go solution for keyboardists needing a wide palette of sounds. It’s a great choice for gigging musicians, songwriters, or anyone needing a versatile and portable instrument—just be aware of the compromises inherent in its compact design.
Pros
- Impressive 120-voice polyphony unlocks lush, layered sounds.
- The integrated effects engine provides surprisingly usable and creative textures.
- Lightweight design (3.8 kg) makes it incredibly portable for gigging musicians.
Cons
- 61-key action feels somewhat compromised compared to full-sized keyboards.
- Limited editing capabilities compared to more dedicated workstation synthesizers.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$744 now$744€666 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg Multi / Poly 37-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer
multi/poly · Korg
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight3.5 kg
- Key actionSemi-weighted keys
The Korg multi/poly is a seriously powerful sound design tool. It’s got a ton of sonic potential thanks to its flexible architecture and modulation options, making it ideal for experimental musicians, soundtrack composers, or anyone wanting to build complex, evolving patches. Just be prepared for a steeper learning curve than some simpler synths.
Pros
- Exceptional flexibility with oscillator routing and modulation options.
- Dual filter design delivers a wide range of tonal possibilities, from aggressive to smooth.
- Motion Sequencing 2.0 allows for dynamic and evolving soundscapes.
Cons
- 37 semi-weighted keys lack the feel of a full-sized, weighted action.
- The sheer number of parameters can be overwhelming for beginners.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 2.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$926 · Aug 17$903 now$903€808 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg MicroKORG 2 37-Key Synthesizer / Vocoder
microKORG 2 · Korg
50 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.1 kg
The microKORG 2 is a fantastic, compact synthesizer that's surprisingly deep. It's perfect for bedroom producers, electronic musicians, or anyone wanting a portable, fun sound design tool – just be prepared for those mini keys! It's a great entry point into synth sounds and offers a lot of creative potential for its size.
Pros
- Excellent value for a modern, versatile synthesizer.
- Improved keybed offers a more playable, responsive experience.
- The dual engine allows for surprisingly complex sound design.
Cons
- Mini keys are cramped; not ideal for fast, complex playing.
- Limited polyphony can be restrictive in dense arrangements.
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Korg MS-20 Mini Semi-Modular Analog Synthesizer
MS-20 mini · Korg
31 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight4.8 kg
The MS-20 mini is a fantastic way to get that classic, gritty Korg sound without needing to hunt down a vintage unit. It’s surprisingly versatile for a monophonic synth, especially with the ESP and patching, making it a great choice for sound designers, experimental musicians, and anyone wanting to explore raw, analogue character.
Pros
- Excellent recreation of the original MS-20’s aggressive, raw sound
- Self-oscillating filter offers unique, distorted textures easily
- The ESP provides creative external signal processing capabilities
Cons
- Mini keys can be challenging for players with larger hands
- Monophonic nature limits its use for complex, layered sounds
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$613 now$613€549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg Modwave mkii 37-Key Wavetable Synthesizer
Modwave MKII · Korg
29 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.9 kg
The Modwave MKII is a seriously fun and capable synth. It’s perfect for sound designers, electronic musicians, or anyone wanting a fresh take on wavetable synthesis with intuitive performance options. The Motion Sequencing and KAOSS Physics really set it apart – it's a joy to experiment with.
Pros
- Excellent wavetable engine delivers uniquely evolving textures.
- KAOSS Physics offers truly novel, expressive performance control.
- Motion Sequencing 2.0 enables intricate, evolving soundscapes easily.
Cons
- 37-key layout limits playing versatility for some users.
- Modulation matrix, while powerful, has a learning curve.
62AudioFu
Index↓ 2.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$655 · Aug 17$638 now$638€571 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Korg Wavestate 37-Key Wave Sequencing Synthesizer
Wavestate SE · Korg
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight8.6 kg
The Wavestate SE is a seriously cool synthesizer offering a fresh take on sound design. Its wave sequencing engine is unlike anything else out there, perfect for experimental musicians and sound designers who want to create evolving, textural soundscapes. It's a premium-priced instrument, but the sonic possibilities are truly expansive.
Pros
- Metal-coated knobs offer satisfying tactile control and durability
- Wave Sequencing 2.0 provides uniquely evolving, complex textures
- Vector joystick enables expressive, real-time morphing of sounds
Cons
- 61-key action may feel cramped for seasoned keyboardists
- Wave sequencing engine has a learning curve for immediate mastery
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,317 now$1,317€1,179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The Volca Bass is a seriously fun little bass machine. It's perfect for electronic musicians, beatmakers, or anyone wanting a portable, analog bass sound without a massive investment. It’s surprisingly capable for its size and price point, though don’t expect a full-featured studio workstation.
Pros
- Analog oscillators deliver warm, punchy bass tones.
- Compact size makes it incredibly portable for music creation.
- Step sequencer and Active Step provide rhythmic experimentation.
Cons
- Limited polyphony restricts complex layering possibilities.
- Miniature controls can be fiddly for larger hands.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$147 now$147€132 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 30 general synthesizers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Korg miniKORG 700sm 37-Key Analog SynthesizerminiKORG 700Sm · Korg59↓ 1.1%$1,351€1,209$1,351€1,209Check ↗
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Korg Wavestate MkII 37-Key Wave Sequencing SynthesizerWavestate MkII · Korg58Stable$633€567$633€567Check ↗
- 13
Korg Volca Kick Analog Bass / Kick GeneratorVolca Kick · Korg57Stable$160€143$160€143Check ↗
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Korg Opsix mkii 37-Key Altered FM Synthesizeropsix MKII · Korg55Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 15
Korg Volca Nubass Vacuum Tube SynthesizerVolca Nubass · Korg52Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
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Korg Volca Modular Micro Modular SynthesizerVolca Modular · Korg52Stable$170€152$170€152Check ↗
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Korg Volca FM2 Digital FM Synthesizer/SequencerVolca FM2 · Korg52Stable$172€154$172€154Check ↗
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Korg Kross 2-88MBKorg52Stable$1,161€1,039$1,161€1,039Check ↗
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Korg MicroKORG Crystal 37-Key Synthesizer/VocodermicroKORG Crystal · Korg51Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
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Korg Monotron Delay Ribbon SynthesizerMonotron Delay · Korg49Stable$50€45$50€45Check ↗
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Korg Monotron Duo Ribbon SynthesizerMonotron Duo · Korg48Stable$48€43$48€43Check ↗
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Korg RK-100S 2 BlackKorg · 2 finishes47Stable$773€692$773€692Check ↗
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Korg Volca Keys Analog Loop SynthVolca Keys · Korg46Stable$151€135$151€135Check ↗
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Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog SynthesizerMonologue Blue Case Set · Korg41Stable$346€310$346€310Check ↗
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Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog SynthesizerMonologue Silver Case Set · Korg41Stable$351€314$351€314Check ↗
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Korg Monologue Monophonic Analog SynthesizerMonologue BK Case Set · Korg41Stable$368€329$368€329Check ↗
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Korg MicroKORG 2 37-Key Synthesizer/VocoderMicrokorg Case Bundle · Korg40Stable$625€559$625€559Check ↗
- 28
Korg Minilogue XD Polyphonic Analogue SynthesizerMinilogue XD Case Bundle · Korg38Stable$814€729$814€729Check ↗
- 29
Korg Volca Beats Analogue Rhythm MachineVolca Bass Bundle · Korg36Stable$185€166$185€166Check ↗
- 30
Korg Volca Keys Analog Loop SynthVolca Keys Bundle · Korg28Stable$189€169$189€169Check ↗
General Synthesizers by the numbers
Measured across all 246 models we track, not a sample.
Median $446 — half of all general synthesizers here cost less.
median of 187 models · 1.12 kg–15 kg
most common · 41 models
median of 22 models · 25–88
How to choose the best general synthesizers
Tone Character
Korg's signature often leans towards a brighter, more immediate sound than some of their competitors. It's not always a harsh brightness, though - more of a 'present' quality that helps instruments cut through, especially useful for pads and leads in a busy arrangement. Some models have that distinct 'Korg honk' in the midrange, which can be killer for funky sounds.
Keybed & Action
This is a big one. Korg's keybeds can be a bit of a mixed bag. Some are surprisingly responsive, offering a good level of articulation, while others feel a little mushy and lack the nuance you'd want for expressive playing. Always try before you buy if possible - the action is crucial for getting the most out of any synth.
Modulation
Korg's modulation options are usually solid, though sometimes a little less intuitive than other brands. You'll find LFOs, envelope generators, and often some decent onboard effects, but digging into the deeper modulation routings can take some time and experimentation. It's not as immediate as a Juno, but it's there if you're willing to learn it.
Build Quality
Let's be honest, Korg's build quality hasn't always been their strong suit. You'll find a lot of plastic in their enclosures, which keeps the price down, but it also means they can feel a little less robust than some of the more expensive competition. It's usually fine for gigging, but treat them with a little extra care.
Sound Engine Flexibility
Korg's general synths often blend analog-style emulations with digital capabilities. This gives you a wide range of sonic possibilities, from warm, vintage-inspired tones to more modern, crystalline sounds. It's about finding the sweet spot where those two worlds meet.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at Korg synths - smart move. They've been quietly churning out workhorses for decades, often overlooked in the Roland vs. Yamaha debate, but offering a unique flavor. Korg's general synths aren't about flashy gimmicks; they're about delivering reliable sounds and a playable feel that'll serve you well from the bedroom to the stage, even if some of the build feels a little... plasticky. Let's dive into what makes them tick.
Don't expect bombproof construction; Korg prioritizes bang-for-your-buck. Look for models with aftertouch if you want expressive control - it's a game-changer for pads and strings. The older Korg workstations can be a steal, but be prepared to spend some time learning their often-complex menus.
And seriously, try the keybed before you commit - that's the biggest potential dealbreaker.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 35 general synthesizers from the Thomann catalogue (of 246 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are Korg synths easy to program?
It depends. Some models, like the Korg Minilogue, are relatively straightforward. Others, particularly the older workstations, can be a labyrinth of menus. Be prepared to invest some time in learning the workflow.
Do Korg synths have good effects?
The onboard effects are generally decent, often providing a usable chorus, reverb, and delay. They won't replace a dedicated effects chain, but they're convenient for quick fixes and adding some polish to your sounds.
Are Korg synths good for beginners?
Absolutely. The Korg Minilogue and Korg Volca series are fantastic entry points, offering a lot of value for the price. They're forgiving and encourage experimentation.
How do Korg synths compare to Roland or Yamaha?
Korg often has a brighter, more immediate tone than Roland, and sometimes more digital flexibility than Yamaha. It's a different flavor - try them all and see what resonates with your ears.
Are Korg synths reliable for live performance?
Generally yes, but be mindful of the plastic build. Treat them with reasonable care, and you shouldn't have any major issues. Having a backup power supply is always a good idea for any gig.
